Band at the execution

[STS Lincolnite]

While I agree that keeping the bodies of the conspirators from the families in order to serve as a deterrent of sorts and "closure for the nation" is partially correct, I have always thought they had other reasons as well. I don't think they were necessarily out to stick it to the families of the conspirators or deprive them in some way (though that was a result). From their perspective (whether right or wrong), the wishes of the families of convicted assassins were simply not the primary concern.

They (I guess meaning the Government - most likely under the direction of Stanton) didn't want the conspirators remains/graves, placed where the public would have access, to become places of reverence for people who agreed with their actions. A "mecca" of sorts where people would go and pay homage. They didn't feel the crimes they committed warranted that type of respect and certainly felt this would be an affront to the memory of Abraham Lincoln. As I'm sure we all remember, a internationally notorious terrorist was recently found and eliminated - his body disposed of at sea with the same stated rationale.