May 20th 1865
The Trial of the assassins is now in progress at the old Penitentiary (near the Arsenal) where rooms have been fitted up for the Court which is a Military Commission. Genl David Hunter is President and Joseph Holt Judge Advocate. The Court is trying eight persons who are accused of being actors in the Murder, and attack on Mr Seward, or of complicity with the assassins. Mrs Suratt, Paine, Azterot, Herold, Spangler, Saml Arnold, Dr Saml Mudd, and one other, McLaughlin. The trial is public and the proceedings are reported and published in the papers every day. The trial commenced a week ago and the testimony of the Witnesses is of absorbing interest to the whole country. The Prisoners have the best of Counsel and will have a fair trial. J Wilkes Booth the assassinator of the President was Shot before capture and lived but a few hours. It was not far from Port Royal, V.A. Herold was taken then. The “Army of the Potomac” and Genl Shermans Army and in fact all the Soldiers that could be readily got together are now assembling here for a Grand Review which is to take place next week Tuesday and Wednesday, 23rd and 24th Ints. Some thirty Major Genls are now in the City and Brigadiers without number. President Andrew Johnson two or three weeks ago offered a reward of $100,000 for the capture of Jefferson Davis. (He is implicated in the conspiracy to assassinate the President). He was captured by some Cavalry about a week ago in Georgia and is now confined at Fortress Monroe. It is expected that His trial will come off soon. Gov Vance of N.C. is now a prisoner in this City. None of Jeff Davis Cabinet have as yet been captured except the PM Genl Reagan. They are seeking safty in flight.