The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1865-07-14
11tSerOtt's Confession.
BOOTH DID ALL THE PLANNING;

1tSerOtt's Confession.
BOOTH DID ALL THE PLANNING.
The Baltimore american publishes
special report of the confession of Atze-
rott, which was prepared by one who has
known him since his arrest The details
of the plot to abduct and murder the
President, which are set forth, were given
the author by Atzerott but short time
before his death:
George Andrew Atzerott was born in
Prussia in 1885 and came to this country
with his parents in 1914. He resided at
Baltimore with his family for about one
year, when they moved to Westmoreland
county, Va His father farmed and car
ried on his business, that of blacksmith.
at the Court House. AtzerOtt was placed
"a an apprentice to the coachmaking bust
ness at the Court House, where he learned
the painting branch. lie remained there
until 1856, when he went to Washington
and worked for Young. also for Mr. Der
mott, well known coachmakers. In 1857
he Joined his brother in the coachmaking
business at Port Tobacco, Md This
continued for four years when the firm
was dissolved After this he carried on
painting in Port Tobacco until last fall
when he went with John III. Surratt and
Il man named IIurliere Surratt induced
him to Join in the conspiracy for abduct-
inc the President Atzerott'S knowledge
of men and the country in the vicinity of
Port Tobacco. and in fact all the counties
bordering on the Potomac. rendered him
a valuable assistant He was well ac-
quainted with Harold. whom he was not
long in finding out, and who was also en-
gagged in the conspiracy. Surratt went
several times to Port Tobacco and often
sent to Atzerott to come to Washington
where he was known to many, Is in Port
Tobacco. and looked upon as very weak
minded and silly fellow.
Surratt introduced Atzorott to Booth.
who Toasted him and furnished him with
horses. the horses being held in the name
of Surratt, who appeared TO be the prin-
cipal in the absence of Booth The first
meeting of all the conSpirators actually
engaged was at a saloon in Pennsylvania
avenue. called Geteers. At this meeting.
OLaughlin, Arnold. Booth. Surratt, Har-
old and Atzerott were present. The first
attempt to abduct the President was to be
on the Seventh street road This was to
be about the middle of March. when they
expected the President TO visit camp.
The plan was to seize the coach of the
President, Surratt to jump on the box. As
he was considered the best driver. and
make for I. Il. by way of Long Old fields
TO the Potomac river, in the vicinity of
Nargomey creek, where they had boat
waiting with men to carry over the party
The boat was capable of CARRYING fifteen
men, and had been bought for the purpose
by Booth from two men named Brauner
and Smoot. This plan failed, the Presi-
dent not coming as they desired Harold
went, next morning, to Washington. All
things remained quiet for some time after
this. Booth went north, Arnold and
OLaughlin to Baltimore, Payne left for
New York. A man named Howell was
about this time arrested. This alarmed
Surratt, and he left with Mrs Slater for
the north. This was about the lst of
April.
The next plan was to visit the theater
on the night the President was expected
to be there. 1t was arranged that Surratt
and Booth were to 90 to the box. Arnold.
O'Laughlin and Payne We're. to act some
important part in getting him out, Harold
and Atzerott were to have charge of the
horses, and an actor was to be secured to
put out the gas. Booth represented that
the best assistant he had was an actor.
In this plan buggies and horses were to be
used, and rope which was prepared and
was to be stretched across the road to i'm
pede the cavalry in the pursuit. The
route at this time was the same as before,
except that they were to cross the Eastern
Branch bridge. This whole affair failed.
and Booth said, 1t is all up and spoke
of going to Richmond and opening a thea
ter, and promised Atzerott employment in
it in some capacity.
Atzerott was was waiting for Booth to
arrange his going to Richmond, when the
affair was renewed again. He had taken
room at the Kirkwood House. Harold
called on him and left his knife, pistol and
coat in the room, and told him Booth
wished to see him at the Herndon House,
to which. place he repaired in company
with Harold. This was in the evening
about 6 o'clock. He there met Booth
and Payne. Booth told Atzerott, You
must kill Johnson Atzerott demurred,
when Booth replied, Harold has more
courage; he will do it; 60 get your
horses; what will become of you any
how?' Atzerott and Harold went down
Ninth street together. Atzerott said to
Harold, I'VE must not disturb Mr.. John
son. Harold laughed and wanted the