Trial of John Y. Beall as a Spy and a Guerrillero, by Military Commission

Description

Trial of John Y. Beall as a Spy and Guerrillero… is an artifact of a military tribunal that was, at its time, a national cause célèbres.

The transcripts and exhibits of the infamous trial of Beall as a spy and of “violation of the laws of war.” Beall was taken for seizing steamers on Lake Erie and plotting to set free the Confederate prisoners on Johnson’s Island, at Sandusky Bay. In defense, Beall attempted to show he was in regular Confederate service, but he was condemned to death. Many prominent men pressed for commutation, but Lincoln declined to act.

A legend holds that John Wilkes Booth was a childhood friend of Beall, and murdered President Lincoln as revenge for Beall’s death. Beall and Booth probably met at the execution of John Brown in 1859, but they were not childhood friends and Booth certainly never met Lincoln to advocate for Beall.

Front wrapper loose but with only minimal chipping; lightly toned; else very good.

Trial of John Y. Beall as a Spy and Guerrillero, by Military Commission. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1865. 94(2)p. printed wraps, (Howes B-276).