Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-05-20
THE CONSPIRACY TRIALS.
Proceedings This Morning.
THE PRISONERS.

The Court for the trial Of the conspirators
did not assemble until IL O'Clock this morning,
rs yesterday they adjourned until this hour.
Among the spectators last evening were Mrs.
Southworth, the novelist, and Mons. Leroy
and De Pond, Of the French Legation.
The prisoners we re brought in previous to
the opening of the court, and appear much as
usual, but somewhat dropping from the great
heat Of the room. The windows are all raised
SO far as the castings will admit, and the door
behind the prisoners leading to their cells is
also thrown wide open to afford whatever OF
fresh air may be obtained from that rather un-
promising quarter. Two or three glittering
bayonets at the open door, however, give init
nation that no faint hope of escape need be
entertained by any prison er from this temper.
AIRY raising of the bolts.
A mild-looking, middle -aged gentleman in
spectacles, with rose bud in his button. hole,
and who sits placidly reading the morning
paper near Mrs. Surratt, would hardly be
taken for the jaiior but for the huge key dang
ling at his waist. He keeps watchful eye,
however, to the LETT as he reads; and presently
as Herold-who is apt to indulge in all sorts
OF sprawling, slack.twisted attitudes-slides
down upon his knees as if to whisper between
the rails to a gentleman seated below him, the
jailor admonishes him to take his seat, which
Herold does with his never. failing grin
The prisoners, as we have already stated
are confined in the range Of cells formerly oc-
cupied in penitentiary times by female prison.
ers. They are secured there much as they ap.
pear In the Court room, with the exception that
In their cells they are required to wear close
fitting padded cap, with eye holes and breath
Ing holes, designed to keep them from attempt
ing suicide as Payne did on the monitor, by
buttipg his head against his prison walls
There are 81 cells in this (female) department
n mr. tha
In adjoining cells, but are scattered through
the different tiefs The prisoners are properly
cared for and fed, an attendant being
constantly on duty at each cell. In
the case of Mrs. Surratt the prison diet
has been varied somew hat, to the extent of al.
lowing her toast, &c, when she has been ill
She spends most Of her time reading PRAYER
book. Herold's mood is mercurial, sometimes
exuberantly buoyant, and sometimes as much
depressed. Mudd pays considerable attention
to his personal appearance and is particular
AS TO cleanliness ofbody. Like Mrs. Surratt he
occupies much Of his time in reading religious
books. Atzerodtis stold and uncommunicative
Tor the most part. O'Laughfin conducts him.
Self quietly; seems to feel his situation the
most deeply of any of the prisoners, and walks
mis- cell much OF Il e time. Payne displays the
same cool audacity invariably, whether in his
cell or in the court room; and exhibits not I'M.
frequently that sort OF devil may care reckless
spirit Of good humor that springs from high
physical condition. When spoken to he replies
with of-hand bluffness, using barely enough
words to convey an answer, and is equally
costive of speech in making known his wishes
Who and what is this man Payne is the great
mystery Of the day. There have been various
reports concerning him and his antecedents but
1t Is believed that all are at sea concerning
him. and it is doubtful II his real name is
Payne Arnold appears In his cell as in the
court room, quiet and pleasant, and gives his |
attendants little trouble. Spangler, despite his
1ugubrious face, is said to be uniformly light |
hearted and exceedingly laxative. dis appe. |
lite Ii superb, ana when the ordinary ample |
prison allowance Is given him, and he
is asked il that Is enough, ne signifies that
ne can manage little more. He has already
learned to distinguish the voices Of the differ
emit guards, and calls to them as they pass
seeming to feel inclined for conversation TO
break the loneliness OF his confinement
Openin. Of the Court.
The Court was opened at IL O'Clock, and the
reading OF yesterdays evidence commenced
and the reading is ia progrsss as we go to press
with this edition.