The true story of Mary Surratt, a shadowy figure behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the first woman executed by the federal government.

"Devoted body and soul to the cause" -- Creating a life, building the nest -- Rebels, spies, and couriers -- Keeper of the nest -- The assassin's accomplice -- A shrewd witness -- The "materfamilias" of the criminals -- The case for the defense -- The verdict : swift and deadly -- Scenes at the scaffold -- American tragedy or American justice?.