Military Units at the Arsenal on July 7, 1865

[John E.]

(07-07-2014 12:48 PM)Susan Higginbotham Wrote:  

(07-07-2014 06:46 AM)BettyO Wrote:  Supposedly, Annie Surratt watched at a window in the upper part of the prison and then fainted dead away when they put the noose around her mother's neck. She was watching from the room of one of the trial recorders. I forget his name, but will try and find the article.

It was Doster who recorded Annie's watching from the window (see pg. 276).

Another person who served as one of Hartranft's aids/clerks (Alfred C. Gibson) claimed that Annie was in his room on the 3rd floor watching the execution.

Gibson also claimed:

1. He wrote the prisoners names on vials that HE placed in the pine boxes with the condemned. (Watts claimed to have done this as well and Capt. Rath backed him up on it).

2. Stood front and center just feet away from the gallows during the execution. (If so, how did he know Annie was in his room and fainted?)

3. Pitched quoits with the prisoners. (Maybe)

4. Wrote Hartranft's notes that were sent on to the War Department for Hancock's review. (Maybe)

5. Told Gen. Grant that he could not smoke his cigar in the penitentiary building. (Makes for a good story. Maybe it happened)

I personally don't believe a word he said, even though some of it may actually have happened. He seemed to be nothing but a braggart who served on the periphery and placed himself in the action for notoriety's sake. He certainly wasn't alone.