Old Capitol Prison

[BettyO]

No problem, Roger!

I'm on the track of something else --

Now, for those who are unfamiliar with Colonel (later, Major General) John F. Hartranft. He was the military commandant of the Old Arsenal Prison during the incarceration and trial of the Lincoln Conspirators. General Hartranft was later in life the Governor of his native Pennsylvania. Early in life, he was an engineering student, but after graduating tired of engineering and switched to law and business. In 1854 he married Sallie Douglas Sebring. They had six children, three of whom died in infancy.

Young Hartranft as an engineering student in 1856 ( Front Left holding sextant)



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Hartranft photographed at the Hanging



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The Letter Books are of importance because they are a day by day record of the care of the prisoners - including what they ate, recording when they were shaved and barbered, what cells they were in, including their personal effects and even their laundry lists!