Mary Elizabeth Surratt - "Please Don't Let Me Fall!": 5 (Lincoln Assassination) - Softcover

James, Sidney St

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1393669166 ISBN 13: 9781393669166

Publisher: Beebop Publishing Group, 2020

Synopsis

MARY ELIZABETH SURRATT

BOOK 5

THE LINCOLN ASSASSINATION SERIES

The trial of Mary Elizabeth Jenkins Surratt in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at the end of the Civil War after Robert E. Lee's surrender, came to a dramatic conclusion on July 7, 1865. Andrew Johnson did not declare, however, an end to the War Between the States until August 1866.

In 1851, Mary Jenkins Surratt and her husband John stood outside their home and watched as it burned to the ground in Maryland. They elected not to rebuild the home, and, instead, built a home in combination with a tavern for weary travelers to partake in drink, near Mary's parent's place, a small area called Surrattsville.

John Surratt, Sr. died in 1862. Mary moved with her daughter Anna in 1864 to their Washington City location she and John purchased in 1853. This location plays a vital role in the many meetings held by Booth, John Surratt, Jr., and others.

On April 11th, Mary traveled with Louis Weichmann to her tavern in Surrattsville she had leased to John Lloyd. They passed Lloyd on the road to Uniontown, and from testimony given by Louis Weichmann, Mary told Lloyd the "shooting irons" would be needed soon. This was associated with other testimony given in the trial about rifles that were hidden at the tavern by some Booth conspirators.

The fifth book in this series will allow the reader to determine for themselves if, in fact, Mary Surratt should have received the penalty handed down to her at the completion of the trial. In numerous novels on this subject, some say Mary Surratt is guilty as sin. Many say Mary Surratt was only in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it was the United States Government out for revenge… out for blood.

In the trial of Mary Elizabeth Jenkins Surratt, a military tribunal, rather than a civilian court, was chosen as the prosecutorial venue. Why? Because the government officials at the time thought it might be more lenient in regards to the evidence allowing the court to get to the bottom of what they perceived as a vast conspiracy.

From all indications, enough preliminary witnesses mentioned Mary Surratt's participation as responsible for providing the nest that hatched the egg, her boarding house in Washington City.  

One thing in the proceedings that appeared suspicious was on the night she was arrested, she denied having ever seen Lewis Thornton Powell when he appeared at her boarding house. According to numerous witnesses in the trial, Lewis had been there on multiple occasions to meet with her son and others. Was Mary lying, or was it just too dark when she was asked if she recognized him in front of the boarding house.

Mary Surratt was on trial with seven men. Her attorneys were John Clampitt and Frederick Aiken. In prison, Lewis Powell continued to tell anyone who would listen that keeping Mary shackled and in prison was wrong as she had nothing to do with the assassination of the President.

Testimony given by John Lloyd and Louis Weichmann weighed heavily in the Military Commission's final decision.

During the trial, Mary dressed in total black. Her head was covered in a black bonnet. The expressions on her face were barely recognizable hidden behind the netting of her silk veil.

This court case, in its entirety for Mary Surratt, is depicted in this novel, the fifth novel in the Lincoln Assassination Series.  The reader will have the opportunity to determine from the evidence and the testimony of the witnesses whether or not Mary Elizabeth Surratt should be hung or be turned free.

About this title

About the Author

Step into the world of Sidney St. James, a master of the written word whose enthralling tales blend imagination and history into an extraordinary tapestry of creative nonfiction. St. James weaves captivating narratives that transport readers to distant eras, revealing untold stories and breathing life into forgotten characters with a pen that dances across the pages.

Growing up surrounded by books and immersed in the tales of the past, he developed a keen eye for historical details and an uncanny ability to breathe life into bygone eras.

Drawing inspiration from the annals of time, St. James embarked on a literary journey that would captivate the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. With meticulous research and vivid imagination, he skillfully resurrects forgotten events, peeling back the layers of time to expose the untold truths that lay dormant in history's shadows.

Each stroke of his pen creates a portal, transporting readers to ancient civilizations, turbulent revolutions, and untamed frontiers. Through his meticulously crafted prose, the past springs to life as battles thunder, intrigues unfold, and heroes and heroines emerge from the forgotten corners of time.

His works have transcended mere entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the literary world. He has garnered critical acclaim, topping bestseller lists and captivating readers across continents. St. James invites us to traverse the corridors of time with each new release, immersing ourselves in familiar and foreign worlds where history blends seamlessly with imagination.

Beyond his literary achievements, St. James is known for his unwavering commitment to historical accuracy. His exhaustive research and attention to detail lend authenticity to his narratives, allowing readers to embark on an immersive and genuine journey. Through his creative nonfiction, he breathes fresh life into the past, igniting a love for history within his readers and reminding us that our collective past is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

As Sidney St. James' pen becomes a time machine, transporting us to distant and familiar realms, bridging the gap between the past and present. With each turn of the page, St. James invites us to unlock the secrets of history, awed and inspired by the extraordinary lives that came before us.

Edition details

• Publisher: Beebop Publishing Group
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1393669166
• ISBN 13: 9781393669166
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320