Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1865-07-20
The Assassination Plot--COnfes.
sion OF AtzerOtt.

The Baltimore american has received a
special report of the confession of Atzerott,
which was prepared by one who has known
him since his arrest. The details of the
plot to abduct and murder the President
we're given by Atzerott short time before
his death, and cover some points not before
stated.
George Andrew Atzorott was born in the
kingdom of Prussia in 1885, and came to
this country with his parents in 1874. He
arrived at Baltimore, in which place he re-
sidco with his family for about one year,
when. with his parents, he moved to West !
moreland county, Va. His father farmed
and carried on his business, that of black
smith, at the Court House. Atzerott was
placed as an appretcc to the coach. making
business at the Court House, where he
learned the painting branch. He remained
at the Court House until 1885, when he
went to Washington and worked for Young,
and also for Mr.. Dermott, well known
coachmakers.
In 1857 hc joinel his brother in hecoach- |
making business at Port Tobacco. This
continued for four years, when the firm was
dissolved. After this he carried ON paint |
ing in Port Tobacco until last fall, when he
went with John II. Surratt and man named
Herline. Surratt induced him to join in
the conspiracy for abducting the President.
=
try in the vicinity of Port Tobacco, and in
fact, of all the counties bordering on the
Potomac, gave to the conspirators valuable
assistant. He was well acquainted with
Harold, whom he was not long in finding
out, and who was also engaged in the con
spiracy. Surratt went several times to
Port Tobacco, and often sent to- Atzerott to
come to Washington, where he was known
tomany as well as in Port Tobacco, and
looked upon as very weak-mluded man
in fact, was regarded as very harmless and
silly fellow.
Surratt introduced Atzerott to Booth,
who ieasted him aud furnished him with
horses, the horse being held in the name of
Surratt, who appeared to be the principal
in the absence of Booth. The first meeting
of all the consplators actually engaged was
at a saloon in Pennsylvania avenue, called
Geteer's. At this meeting o Laughlin,
Arnold, Booth, Surratt Harold and At
Zerott were present. The first attempt to
abduct the President was to be on the Sew
cnth street road. This was to be about the
middle of March, when they expected the
President 90 visit II camp. q Laughlin,
Arnold, Payne, Surratt, Boothand Nzrrott
were present. Harold left with the buggy
with the carbincs for I. b. 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 L. B. by way
Of Long Old Field to the Potomac river, in
the vicinity Of NorgOmey creek where they
had a boat waiting with men to carry over
the party. The boat was capable Of carry
ing fifteen men, and was large flat bot
toned battcau, painted lead color, which
had been bought for the purpose by Booth
from two men named Branner and Smoot
This plan failed, the President not com.
ing as desired Harold went next morning
to Washington. All things remained quiet
for some time after this Booth went
North, Arnold and o Laughlin to Balti-
more Payne, or Wood, left also 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 first Of April. The next plan was
to visit the theater on the night the Presi-
dent was expected to be there 1t was ar
ranged that Surratt and Booth were to go
to the box Arnold, o Laughlin and Payne
were to act some important part in getting
him out; Harold and Atzerott were to
have charge of the horses f; 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
prepared and to be at kcyd's, was to be
stretched across the road to impede the cav
airy in the pursuit. The route at this time
was the same as before except that they
were to cross the Eastern Branch bridge.
The whole affair failed, and Booth said
''lt is all up, and spoke of going to Rich
mond and opening IA theatre, and promised
AtzcrOtt employment III it in some capacity
Atzerott was waiting for Booth to arrang,
his going to Richmond When the aIIai
was renewed again he had taken room u
the Kirkwood House Harold called on
him and left his knife, pistol and coat il
the room, and told him Booth wished It
see him ut the llerndon House, to whicl
place he repaired IN company with Harold
This was IN the evening about six o clock
We there met Booth aud Payne. Boot
told AtIerott, "You must kill Johnson -
AtzcrOtt demurrcd, when Booth replied
Harold has more courage he will do it
go get your horses what will become G
you anyhow AtzcrOtt and Harold wen
down Ninth street together. AtzerOtt sal
to Harold, "Wc must not disturb Mr.
johnson. Harold laughed, and wantc
the key Of the room 1t was refused b.
Atzcrott, who expressed himself as fearful
that harm would be done Mr.. johnson -
Harold left to go and see Booth, and At
zerott went to the Oyster Bay. Ilarrol
came after him, and said Booth wanted t
see him. Atacrott did not return to th
kirkwood House that night
One of Booths plans to obtain an en-
trance TO the Secretary of State house wa
an invention which, if successful, woul
have involved others in his foul acts II
had made the acquaintance of woman
strong Southern feelings, living not ia
from the Secretary ) house. who was to max
the acquaintance of servant who was
be introduced to Booth, and by this mean
he would learn something of the location {
the rooms, &c. As far as known, it failed
Booth was well acquainted with Nude
and had had letters of Introduction to hin
Booth told Atlcrott, about two weeks J.,
fore the murder, that he mad sent provision
and liquor to DR.. Mudd's house for th
supply of the party on their way to Rr
mond with the President
Booth told Atzcrott that Surratt was
the city At2erott did not see Booth aft,
leaving him at the llcrndon House and /
roamcd about the streets nearly all nigh
and lrt heard Of the murder about ha
past ten o clock, while passing up the av,
nue., The cavalry were rushing 10y at Il
time in pursuit lie threw away his kn
that night, and parted with his pistol ne,