Why did Mary Surratt lie about knowing Powell Why should she have told the truth?

Mary Surratt likely lied about knowing John Wilkes Booth and his accomplice, Lewis Powell, to protect herself and her family from the repercussions of their involvement in the assassination plot against President Lincoln. By denying knowledge of Powell, she aimed to distance herself from the conspiracy and avoid being implicated in the crime. Telling the truth might have provided her with a stronger defense, potentially revealing her limited involvement and the lack of direct evidence against her. However, in a highly charged political atmosphere, her honesty could have also led to harsher consequences.