The Trial Today: June 3

Here’s a sample of what occurred on this day in the Lincoln conspiracy trial:

• George Atzerodt’s attorney attempted to call President Johnson to testify about the non-attempt on his life, but had to settle for the ex-governor of Wisconsin instead
• Some of the officers in charge of the conspirators during their imprisonment testified about Lewis Powell’s mental and physical state
• Dr. Mudd’s defense presented witnesses to contradict the idea that David Herold waited for Dr. Mudd when the doctor visited Bryantown on April 15th
• Over the objection of the defense, the prosecution brought forth a new witness against Dr. Mudd, George Atzerodt, and Michael O’Laughlen
• A witness for Mary Surratt testified about her poor eyesight, in hopes of explaining why she claimed not to have known Lewis Powell when he was arrested at her house
• The commission finally learns Lewis Powell’s true name, they having known him as Lewis Payne up until this point

The June 3, 1865 entry for the trial of the Lincoln assassination conspirators is now released and has more information. Please click here to access it. You can also access it through The Trial homepage.

Throughout May and June of 2020, I am publishing a day by day chronology of the trial of the Lincoln assassination conspirators. This includes almost daily posts announcing the release of what happened at the conspiracy trial 155 years ago. For more information about the creation of this project please click here.