Hanging Mary by Susan Higginbotham
On April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the leader of the Union Army, Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant.
One of the bloodiest wars in history was over.
The joyous celebration was tragically marred six days later when a dashing, charismatic actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.
What most people don't know is the pivotal part a woman by the name of Mary Surratt played in allowing John Wilkes Booth to carry out his hideous plot. That's where this fascinating story begins. It's a true tale of a Confederate sympathizer who unwittingly paid the ultimate price for aiding and abetting a man who used her to carry out a devious plan.
Mary opens a boarding house after her abusive, alcoholic husband dies. She carefully chooses those individuals with upstanding character to be part of the household, so she is naturally concerned when son Johnny brings home a parade of characters, some being quite unsavory. Mary's well aware of the fact that her son is a courier for the Confederacy, making clandestine "runs" and shielding spies, all for the good of "the cause". She often chooses to look the other way. But when affable Johnny introduces the famous, incredibly charming John Wilkes Booth to the delighted tenants, Mary approves, welcoming him into their home.. He and other Southern loyalists begin to make frequent visits, gradually embroiling Mary in covert plans that eventually result in the horrifying event at Ford's Theater on April 15, 1865.
The questions remain. Was Mary really a conspirator with Booth and his cronies? Could Mary have prevented the assassination of the President?
Mary's portrayal as a loving mother may explain her unyielding allegiance to her sons over her own survival. Oldest son, Isaac, is fighting for the Confederacy. Johnny is putting himself in increasing danger. Mary conveniently hides facts from the authorities, believing the smooth, assuring words of a talented actor. Even when Johnny flees in her darkest hour, Mary steadfastly stands by her son, sacrificing all in the name of love.
With extraordinary research to back all claims, the author adds her own fictional bits and pieces to a compelling story that's hard to put down. She vividly captures the fervor of a divided country beginning to heal after the Civil War.
Mary Surratt was the first female to be executed by the United States Federal Government.
Look at the facts, read the riveting story, and decide if her death was justified.
On April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the leader of the Union Army, Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant.One of the bloodiest wars in history was over.
The joyous celebration was tragically marred six days later when a dashing, charismatic actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.
What most people don't know is the pivotal part a woman by the name of Mary Surratt played in allowing John Wilkes Booth to carry out his hideous plot. That's where this fascinating story begins. It's a true tale of a Confederate sympathizer who unwittingly paid the ultimate price for aiding and abetting a man who used her to carry out a devious plan.
Mary opens a boarding house after her abusive, alcoholic husband dies. She carefully chooses those individuals with upstanding character to be part of the household, so she is naturally concerned when son Johnny brings home a parade of characters, some being quite unsavory. Mary's well aware of the fact that her son is a courier for the Confederacy, making clandestine "runs" and shielding spies, all for the good of "the cause". She often chooses to look the other way. But when affable Johnny introduces the famous, incredibly charming John Wilkes Booth to the delighted tenants, Mary approves, welcoming him into their home.. He and other Southern loyalists begin to make frequent visits, gradually embroiling Mary in covert plans that eventually result in the horrifying event at Ford's Theater on April 15, 1865.
The questions remain. Was Mary really a conspirator with Booth and his cronies? Could Mary have prevented the assassination of the President?
Mary's portrayal as a loving mother may explain her unyielding allegiance to her sons over her own survival. Oldest son, Isaac, is fighting for the Confederacy. Johnny is putting himself in increasing danger. Mary conveniently hides facts from the authorities, believing the smooth, assuring words of a talented actor. Even when Johnny flees in her darkest hour, Mary steadfastly stands by her son, sacrificing all in the name of love.
With extraordinary research to back all claims, the author adds her own fictional bits and pieces to a compelling story that's hard to put down. She vividly captures the fervor of a divided country beginning to heal after the Civil War.
Mary Surratt was the first female to be executed by the United States Federal Government.
Look at the facts, read the riveting story, and decide if her death was justified.
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