The best of 2013

[Thomas Thorne]

As far as I know Stanton never met with any of the conspirators. We know he interrogated at least one witness,Louis J Weichmann before the trial whom he harbored suspicions about his role in the conspiracy. There were civilian spectators including ladies who were present at the trial. The most famous of the ladies may have been Mrs Elizabeth Custer, who accompanied her husband, Gen. George Armstrong Custer. I am unaware of any other VIP-with the possible exception of Tad Lincoln-who appeared as a spectator but I can't believe the Custers were the only ones. I am a bit dubious about the Tad Lincoln story. Stanton did not testify at trial. It was Gen. Grant whose testimony established a key part of the government's case,that Washington DC was a fortified military camp.
Tom