Kenneth J. Zanca

This is an interesting book on the response of Catholics to the trial and execution of Mary Surratt, convicted of involvement in the plot to assassinate Lincoln. Zanca recounts in brief the life and trial of Mary Surratt, and then surveys reactions from the Catholic press in the United States, the Vatican, and various theologians and priests. He finds that they had a variety of reactions, both to the assassination itself and to her. Priests who knew her personally and supported her during her ordeal spoke up for her, but for the most part reaction was muted. One of her defenders was ordered by his bishop to cease speaking out on the matter.… (mehr)