True Crime in The Civil War

[RJNorton]

(09-04-2018 06:18 AM)AussieMick Wrote:  The point about Lloyd for me is that he had a vested interest in giving evidence against Surratt. If he had not done so there was a possibility (probability?) that he would be in the dock with them all. He had 2 options : give evidence or risk the noose.
Of course it could be that he was telling the truth ... but I think a modern day lawyer on behalf of Surratt would have pressed him on all points and how much pressure had been brought to bear on him by investigators, and the fact that the only reason he wasnt in the dock was because he was now making Surratt's case look as bad possible. The "shooting irons" quote ? As her lawyer said, we only have his word for it that those words were spoken.

I understand the points you make, Michael. I thought you might be interested in a thread from many years ago. I asked the forum what might have happened with Mary if John Lloyd had never testified at all.

That thread is here.