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.

[BettyO]

I perfectly agree!

[Eva Elisabeth]

What approximately were the defense attorneys paid, and by whom? (I seem to recall Ford e.g. supported Spangler??)

[BettyO]

Eva -

I'm supposing that since Doster, the attorney for Powell and Atzerodt, was court appointed for Powell that Doster was paid by the Federal Government in his case. I believe that he was acquired by Atzerodt's family ( It's hell getting old! I can't remember....) but if he was contacted by family, then the family paid Doster. Johnson's and then Aiken's services was acquired by the Surratt family and Stone was acquired by the Herold family, so unless the attorneys were court- appointed, then it was up to the families (or whoever contacted them for their services) to pay the attorney fees.

[Eva Elisabeth]

Many thanks, Betty!!

[Susan Higginbotham]

There was an article in the January 1988 Surratt Courier, reprinted in the Surratt Society's publication "The Lincoln Assassination from the Pages of the Surratt Courier" which indicates that according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Aiken and Clampitt ultimately were paid $1,000 for their services to Mrs. Surratt, after initially receiving a promissory note from her for $3,000. Reverdy Johnson didn't take a fee.