Johnson's Pardon

[L Verge]

You are certainly correct, Maddie. Judging from the reporters' descriptions of the conspirators day after day, there wasn't a decent looking one among them. Shortly after Surratt House opened, we ran across one account that described Mary Surratt as a "verago." We had to research that word - only to find out that it is the equivalent of an amazon woman - a large woman with mannish traits, etc.

My personal opinion is that they would all have cleaned up nicely under regular circumstances.

One more strike against Spangler, also, was the fact that he had known Booth for quite some time - both in the theater, but also having been one of the men who worked for James Gifford in building Tudor Hall. Prior friendships at that time were tantamount to being guilty and having to prove one's innocence.