Mary Surratt:
My husband died a drunk, Mr. Aiken, and left me loads of debt. I had to support my family, so I rented rooms to boarders. Those men were customers, nothing more.
Frederick Aiken:
And you never considered their allegiances?
Mary Surratt:
I didn't ask about their allegiances.
Frederick Aiken:
What about yours, ma'am?
Mary Surratt:
I'm a Southerner. I'm a Catholic and a devoted mother above all else. But I am no assassin.
Frederick Aiken:
Your freedom is gonna require greater assurances than that.
Mary Surratt:
Then you tell me what I should say to those generals.
Frederick Aiken:
Oh, you can't say a thing. You're prohibited from testifying in your own defense. Perhaps your son could speak for you. Any idea where he's hiding?
Mary Surratt:
No, I don't.
Frederick Aiken:
All right. Is there anyone who will give your version of events?
Mary Surratt:
You mean the truth?
Frederick Aiken:
Well, obviously the government believes your version is not the truth.
Mary Surratt:
Based on what?
Frederick Aiken:
Their not releasing their list of witnesses or the evidence they'll use against you.
Mary Surratt:
And can they do that?
Frederick Aiken:
This kind of proceeding, they can do to you whatever they want.
Mary Surratt:
Well, then what difference does that make? Those generals have made up their minds. I can tell by the way they look at me.
Frederick Aiken:
The way they look at you?
Mary Surratt:
Just the same way you're looking at me.
