The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-04-28

what had transpired. He at once ap.
peared to comprehend the great events OF
the past night. Instead of having the effect
to depress him, it seemed to nerve him to
meet bis own Affections, and his symptoms
have been encouraging and hopeful all day.
| .-.His Mistress Attempts 10 Commit
| Suicide.
The Euening Star says Col. Ingraham,
Provost Marshal of the defences north of
the Potomac, is engaged in taking testi-
mony to-day, all of which fixes the assas-
sination on J. Wilkes Booth. Judge Allen,
of the Supreme Court of the District of
Columbia, and Justice Miller are also en-
gagged to-day at the police headquarters on
Tenth street, in taking the testimony of a
large number of witnesses.
Lieut.. Tyrell. of Col. Ingraham's staff,
last night proceeded to the National Hotel,
where Booth had been stopping, and took
possession of bis trunk, in which was
found Colonels military dress coat, two
pairs of handouts, ten boxes OF cartridges,
and package of letters, all of which are
now in the possession of the military au-
thorities. One of these letters, bearing
the date of Hookstown, Nd, seems to i'm
plicate Booth. The writer speaks of "the
mysterious affair in which you are en-
gagged" and urges Booth to proceed to
Richmond and ascertain the views of the
authorities there upon the subject. The
writer of the letter endeavors to persuade
Booth from carrying his designs into exc
cution at that time, for the reason, as the
writer alleges, that the government had its
suspicious aroused. The writer of the let
ter seems to have been implicated with
Booth in the "mysterious affair referred
to, as he informs Booth in the letter that
he would prefer to express bis views YER
bally, and then he goes on to say that he
was out of money, had no clothes, and
would be compelled to leave home, as his
family were DESTROYS that he should dis
solve his connection with Booth. This
letter is written on note paper, in a small,
neat hand, and simply bears the signature
of "Sam."
The letter signed Sam, dated Howard
county, Maryland, which was found in
Booths trunk, refers to an attack to be
made on the President and Cabinet on the
4th Of March, and advises a postponement
Of the assassination until the views of the
Richmond conspirators could be ascer-
tanned. The writer also urges Booth to
be cautious, as the suspicious of the WASH
ington authorities had been excited, and
they were prepared to defeat any attempt
of the kind on that day. The author of
the letter, in conclusion, tells Booth to 20
to Richmond and ascertain how such &C
ton would be regarded by the rebel gov
eminent.
A. careful examination of letters and
documents left behind by the assassin
Booth, establishes, beyond doubt, the fact
that deep laid plot existed for a long
period, to capture the President and Sec
retaries Seward and Stanton, who were to
be carried to Richmond, there to be held
as prisoners until our government con-
sented to recognize the independence OF
the confederacy. In case the scheme OF
capture failed they were to be assassinated.
Among the documents discovered is a
memorandum of articles deemed necessary
by the assassins to successfully carry out
their project. The list includes three pairs
of handouts and three gags. Two pairs
of handouts, as already stated, were found
among Booths effects. It is believed that
a number of wealthy rebel citizens OF this
city and adjoining counties of Maryland
are implicated in the bloody affair.
The extra EateNigencer says, From the
evidence obtained, it is highly probable
that the man who stabbed Mr.. Seward and
his son is John Surratt, of Prince George
county, Maryland. The horse he rode was
hired at MAYORS stable, on 14th street.
Surratt is young man, with light hai1
and goatee. His father is said to have
been postmaster of Prince George county
About IL O'Clock last night two men
crossed the Anacosta bridge, one of whom
gave his name as Booth, and the other az
Smith. The latter is believed to be John
Surratt. Last night riderless horse was
found, which has been identified by the
proprietor of one of the stables previously
mentioned as having been hired from his
establishment. Accounts are conflicting
as to whether Booth crossed the Bridge on
horseback or on foot, but as it is believed
that he rode across, it is presumed that he
had exchanged his horse.
A boat was at once sent down the Poto-
mac to notify the gunboats on the river OF
the awful crime, in order that all possible
means should be taken for the arrest of the
perpetrators. The most ample precautions
nave been taken, and it is not believed
that the culprits will long succeed in evad-
Ing the overtaking arm Of Justice.
The Star has the following: Ella Tnrn-
er, mistress of John w. Booth. attemnted
to commit suicide this forenoon by TAKING
chloroform. at II O'Clock some of the