On this date: April 17th, 1865

Lewis Powell was arrested at Mary Surratt’s boardinghouse on H street.  After wandering around D.C. since the night of the assassination, Powell had the dreadfully unlucky timing of showing up at Mrs. Surratt’s just as detectives were searching the place with orders to arrest the household.  When attempting to explain his arrival at the house at such a late hour, he claimed he had been hired by Mrs. Surratt to dig a gutter.  Even with a pick axe in hand and a torn off sleeve as a cap, his ruse was unconvincing and he was arrested.

From a friend, with thanks.