Washington, D.C. Gen. John F. Hartranft And Staff, Responsible For Securing The Conspirators At The Arsenal (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Title Washington, D.C. Gen. John F. Hartranft and Staff General John F. Hartranft served as a major general in the Union Army during the U.S. Civil War, particularly noted for his role in securing the conspirators at the Arsenal in Washington, D.C. In April 1865, following President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, John Wilkes Booth and several co-conspirators were apprehended while planning to kidnap Vice President Andrew Johnson and assassinate Secretary of State William Seward. Hartranft was tasked with ensuring the safety of these conspirators during their trial, known as the Trial of the Conspirators, which began in Washington, D.C., on May 10, 1865. He commanded a force consisting of U.S. soldiers and Marines that encircled the Old Capitol Prison, where the prisoners were being held, and maintained security throughout the proceedings. Notable among Hartranft's actions during this time was his successful effort to prevent attempts by the conspirators to escape or be rescued. On April 26, 1865, Lewis Powell (also known as Lewis Paine) attempted an assassination on Secretary of State Seward but failed due to the quick intervention of guards under Hartranft's command. After the trial concluded and the conspirators were sentenced, Hartranft continued his military career, serving in various roles until his retirement from the U.S. Army in 1890. His service during the Civil War, specifically his role in securing the conspirators at the Arsenal, remains a significant part of his legacy.