Lincoln Assassination Conspirators: Their Confinement and Execution April 30

The Lincoln Assassination Conspirators: Their Confinement and Execution, As Recorded in the Letterbook of John Frederick Hartranft - Book talk with editor Harold Holzer

  • Sunday, April 30, 2023

  • 2:00 PM 3:50 PM

  • Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center105 Seminary St Pennsburg PA (map)

We welcome author Harold Holzer, one of the country's leading authorities on Abraham Lincoln and the political culture of the Civil War era, who edited of J. F. Hartranft’s Letterbook with Lincoln scholar Edward Steers, Jr., in partnership with the National Archives.

Although little recognized today, John Frederick Hartranft (1830-1889) did make his mark in the history of the Commonwealth and the nation as governor and as general. Born near Norristown, Montgomery County, he attended college, practiced law, and in 1861 entered the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil War. His dedication to the military was unswerving. He was commissioned colonel of the 51st Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, in 1861 and promoted to brigadier general of volunteers three years later. He was promoted the following year to brevet major general.

On April 28, 1865, Hartranft was appointed Commander of the United States Arsenal, Washington, D.C., while it was being used as a military prison. It was a day and an appointment he would never forget. After President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, Secretary of War Edwin M Stanton made Hartranft responsible for the incarceration and treatment of prisoners – seven men and one woman – found guilty in the conspiracy to assassinate the president, Vice President Andrew Johnson, General Ulysses S. Grant, and Secretary of State William H. Seward. On July 7, 1865, Hartranft personally escorted four conspirators who were con­demned to death on the gallows in the prison yard.

Hartranft kept a detailed account of his experience commanding the Washington Arsenal while the co-conspirators to assassinate Lincoln were in captivity.

Seating is limited. Tickets $10, $8 now with early bird special through February 28, 2023 See pay link here

This program is supported in part by The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation of New York.

Photo: Gen. John F. Hartranft and staff, responsible for securing the conspirators at the Arsenal. United States Washington D.C, 1865. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2018667113/.