On July 7th, 1865, 158 years ago today, Alexander Gardner recorded a number of photographs of the gallows before, during, and after the execution of the Lincoln conspirators.

 On July 7th, 1865, 158 years ago today, Alexander Gardner recorded a number of photographs of the gallows before, during, and after the execution of the Lincoln conspirators. Of all the poignant images taken that day, one stands out to me as particularly intriguing. The photo was taken right after the hanging while the motionless bodies were still swinging at the end of the ropes. The crowd of witnesses and soldiers had begun to disperse, but one small observer appeared to be transfixed as he continued to stare at the bodies of Mary Surratt and Lewis Payne (Powell). Below, I posted a crop from the photograph focusing on the boy and the insert is a highly magnified close up. The question arises, how did such a young boy become a witness to this historic execution? Some research claims he was a 15-year-old who joined the 16th NY Cavalry and when it was discovered he was too young to enlist, was made a "regimental mascot" for the unit. Apparently, he accompanied this unit to the execution and became a part of history himself, as we see in the photograph.

One connection to Gettysburg, Lewis Payne seen hanging next to Mary Surratt, fought at Gettysburg and was captured.