Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-07-07

passer by was attracted to the spot, while the
residents of the neighborhood sat quietly at
their doors and windows watching the move
ments of those who approached the house In
which the conspiracy was concocted. During
the evening not less than 500 persons visited
the spot. sd
The house is large three-story and attic
brick. with the street front painted lead color,
and has two entrances on HI street, one being
on the lower story or ground fisor and the other
on the second floor by means of a high porch
from the pavement. Several beautiful shade
trees in front of the house (Which is of modern
build, of fine interior and exterior appearance)
completely hides it from the view of passers-by
on the opposite side Of the street. Since the ar
rest of Mrs. Surratt this house has been the
centre of interest in the northern part of the
city, and hundreds ofpersons who have passed
II, either Intentionally or Internationally, have
stopped and gazed upon it with curiosity, While
those parties living in the vicinity have been
kept busy in answering the questions Of per-
sons from q distance eager to obtain all infor-
nation possible relative to Mrs. Surratt her
family and the house in which sue resided
INCIDENTS AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
About half-past o'clock this morning, Miss
Surratt, accompanied by female friend, again
visited the White House. having been there last
evening for the purpose of obtaining an inter-
view with the President President Johnson
having given orders that he would receive no
one to-day, the doorkeeper stopped Miss Sur
raft at the foot of the steps leading up to the
Presidents Office, and would not permit her to
proceed farther. She then asked permission to
see General Muzzy, the Presidents military
secretary, who promptly answered the sum-
mons, and came down stairs where Miss Sur
raft was standing. AS soon as the General
made his appearance Miss S. threw herself
upon her knees before him, and catching him
by the coat, with loud sobs and streaming eyes,
implored him to assist her in obtaining a hear
ing with the President. Gen. MuZZy, in as
tender manner as possible, informed Miss
Surratt that he could not comply with her re-
quest, as President Johnson's orders were i'm
perative, and he would receive no one
Upon Gen. Muzzy returning to his Office,
Miss s. threw herself upon the stair steps
where she remained a considerable length of
time sobbing aloud in the greatest anguish,
protesting her mothers innocence, and implor-
ing every one who came near her to intercede
in her mothers behalf. While thus weeping,
she declared her mother was too good and kind
to be guilty Of the enormous crime of which
she was convicted, and asserted that if her
mother was put TO death she wished to die also.
those who witnessed 1t, including a number of
hardy soldiers, were moved to tears. Miss S.,
having become Quoted, gave vent to her feel
ing in silent tears, and was finally persuaded
to take a seat in the East Room, where she re-
manned for several hours, jumping up from her
seat each time the front door of the mansion
was opened, evidently in hopes Of seeing some
one enter who could be of service to her in OBJ
tanning the desired interview with the Presi-
dent. or that they were bearers Of good news to
her.
Two of Herold's sisters, dressed in full
mourning, and heavily yelled, made their ap-
pearance at the White House shortly after Miss
Surratt, for the purpose of interceding with the
President in behalf of their brother. Failing
to see the President, they addressed q note to
Mrs. John son, and expressed a hope that she
would not turn deaf ear to their pE,atlings
Mrs. johnson being quite sick it was deemed
eXpedient by the ushers not to deliver the
note. when, as last expedient, the ladies asked
permission TO forward a note to Mrs. Patterson,
the Presidents daughter, which privilegerwas
not granted as Mrs. P. is also quite indspesed
day. The Misses Herold, although feeling
greatly concerned for their doomed brother,
showed but little outward signs of grief which
was deep and silent, and it was impossible 10
tell the anguish going on within their hearts.
AN ATTEMPT TO STAY THE EXECU-
At an early hour this morning Mr.. Aiken,
one of the counsel fer Mary E. Surratt, applied
to Judge Wyiie, of the Supreme Court of this
District, for writ Of habeas corpus to stay her
execution to-day.
1t was granted, and directed to Major Cen
eral Hancock t. produce her in court at 10 a.
m. to-day.
Shortly after 10 a. m. the Marshal made
return that General II. had refused to obey the
writ, &c.
At noon Gen. Hancock, accompanied by At.
torney General Speed, appeared in court, and
the case was taken up, the return read, &c 1t
embraced Gen. Hancockrs reply in writing
stating that the President had suspended the
power of the writ in this case, as he had done
in several previous cases, by virrne of the law
of Congress authorizing him to do; and di-
recting him 20 make no obedience TO the order
of the court, for which reason he declined so
to do. --tf-r -z-as... ...
His reply was accompanied by various mill
tary orders in the case, embracing the Presi-
dents action in the premises.
The Court, in few remarks, explained that
the military authorities having taken the case
out of its hands, 1t had no power TO proceed
further in it,
Attorney General Speed addressed the Court
briefly in explanation of the action of the gov
eminent ia the premises, showing that the sus.
pension OF the writ of habeas corpus was alb
solutely necessary in time of war for the
preservation of the pubiic liberties and the life
of the Government iH.time Of peace, and en-
forced with power and effect the right of the
military authority to, protect the life of the |
f the army and navy by
and through its own courts in such times. /
He declared that the Government had given
the case anxious. consideration, and had di-
rected that the writ should not be com.
piled with only after mature and patriotic de.
liberation. He also expressed his confidence
that Judge Wylie had been guided in the mat.
ter only by sincera- convictions of duty.
The Court responded to his. remarks, in
further explanation of the necessity resting
upon it to take no further action, &c.
We shall nnhlish in q later edition To da,. oil