The Trial Today: June 13

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

• There was more debate over one of the dubious letters entered into evidence
• A break was taken so that Lewis Powell could be examined by a physician to judge his mental health
• Samuel Arnold visited with his father in the courtroom
• Two people formerly enslaved by Mrs. Surratt testified on her behalf
• Frederick Aiken cross-examined John M. Lloyd, one of the government’s main witnesses against Mrs. Surratt
• Maj. Eckert, Chief of the War Department Telegraph office, took the stand for a fifth day, the most of any witness
• Edman Spangler’s defense was reopened by Thomas Ewing as he recalled one of Spangler’s coworkers, John DeBonay
• Frederick Aiken announced his case for Mrs. Surratt was complete

The June 13, 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.