Why was Mary Surratt not photographed after her arrest?

[John E.]

Lots to cover here!

1. Sketches of the Penitentiary were not allowed to be published without the consent and permission of General's Hartranft and Hancock. Early on during the trial (May 17), an artist who was given a pass by General Hunter, was found sketching the courtroom. General Hartranft told him that the sketch, per their rules, was not to be published without proper consent. General Hartranft reported the incident to General Hancock. As we all know, two sketches of the courtroom plus at least one each of the exterior and interior of the penitentiary building were eventually published.

2. Seldom are photographs allowed in courtrooms - even today. Some judges consider photography to be a distraction and disruption to the court and ban them from being used. This is why sketches are still prevalent today when it comes to newspapers and other media reporting on court proceedings.

3. Conrad may have been confined at the Old Capitol Prison but he was never held with the conspirators in the Arsenal Penitentiary.

John