Conspirators' Hanging

On July 7, 1865, four people were hanged at what is now Fort McNair in Southwest Washington, DC: George Atzerodt, David Herold, Lewis Powell, and Mary Surratt. Here's what Julia Wilbur had to say:

July 6, 1865

The conspirators have been sentenced. Payne, Harold, Atzerott, and Mrs. Surratt [all spellings in the original] are to be hung to morrow. O'Laughlin, Mudd & Arnold to be imprisoned for life at hard labor, & Spangler to state prison for 6 yrs.

July 7, 1865

About 1 p.m., the executions took place in the Penitentiary Yard. A large number of people witnessed them. They were buried within a few feet of the gallows. It is all dreadful, but I think people will breathe more freely now. They are convinced that Government means to punish those who deserve it...