The Conspirator

On April 14, 1865, five days after Robert E. Lee's surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, celebrations take place among Union supporters, including Frederick Aiken. The nation is still recovering from the war's end as the events of Lincoln's assassination unfold. The night is marked by a somber mood as the country grapples with the aftermath of victory.

John Wilkes Booth sneaks into President Lincoln's box during a performance of Our American Cousin and shoots him in the back of the head. Booth then stabs diplomat Henry Rathbone and escapes into Maryland shouting, 'Sic Semper Tyrannis!' The crowd and witnesses, including Aiken, watch horror-stricken as Lincoln is carried away unconscious.

Early the next morning, President Lincoln is declared dead after being taken to a nearby boarding house. Vice President Andrew Johnson is sworn in as the new President, marking a pivotal transition in leadership during a turbulent time.

Secretary of War Edwin Stanton orders the arrest of suspected conspirators, including Mary Surratt. Booth and David Herold evade capture for several days before being located, leading to a siege in a barn where Booth is ultimately shot and killed while trying to threaten soldiers.

Mary Surratt, accused of conspiracy, is defended by her attorney Reverdy Johnson while being investigated alongside other suspects. The trial gains attention as witnesses like Louis J. Weichmann testify about her connections and possible involvement in the conspiracy.

At trial, testimonies reveal Mary Surratt’s links to Booth and other conspirators, including alleged possession of binoculars and firearms. These accusations build a case against her, leading to her indictment and the anticipation of a verdict.

Aiken attempts to gather evidence to defend Mary, but faces challenges as testimonies accuse her of involvement. The controversial defense causes Aiken to question her guilt, but public opinion and court decisions seem to favor her conviction.

On July 6, 1865, Mary Surratt, along with Powell, Herold, and Atzerodt, is found guilty and sentenced to death, while others like Mudd and Spangler receive prison sentences. Despite Aiken's efforts, Mary is executed by hanging, ending the trial proceedings.

Sixteen months after the executions, Aiken visits John Surratt, who was captured abroad and is incarcerated. John expresses gratitude for Aiken’s kindness toward his mother, and declines her rosary, hinting at ongoing estrangement or guilt.

A year later, the Supreme Court rules that citizens are entitled to civilian trials, not military tribunals. John Surratt’s case remains unresolved as the jury cannot reach a verdict, leading to his release and the end of the conspiracy trial outcomes.

After the trial, Aiken leaves the law and becomes the first City Editor of The Washington Post. His career shifts from legal defense to journalism, reflecting a new chapter following the turbulent aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination.