East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1865-07-19
Atzerott,s Confession.


The tAmer,csa has received o special
report Of the confession of Azerott,
which was prepared by one who has
known him since his arrest. The de-
tails of the plot as to the assassination
of the President, which are set forth.
He says, J. III. Surratt induced him
to join in the conspiracy for abducting
the President. Atzerott's knowledge
OF the men and country in the vicinity
Of Port Tobacco, and in fact of all
counties bordering on the Potomac,
gave the conspirators valuable assis-
tant. He was well acquainted with
Harold, whom he was not long in
finding ont, and who was also engaged
in the conspiracy. Surratt went sew
eral times to Port Tobacco and often
sent to Atzerott to come to Washing
ton. He was known to many in Port
Tobacco, and was looked upon as a
very weak minded man, and regarded
as being. harmless silly fellow. Sur
raft introduced Atzerott to Booth, who
toasted him and furnished him with
horses, they were held in Surratt's
name, who appeared to be the princi-
pal in tho a6sarca of Bonth The
first meeting of all the conspirators
was held at saloon on Pennsylvania
Avenue, at this meeting O'Laughlin,
Arnold, Booth, Surratt, Harold and
Atzerott, were present. The attempt
to abduct the President was to be
made on the 9TH road. This was to
be about the middle of the month
when they expected the President to
visit the camp. O'I.aughlin, Arnold,
Surratt, Booth, and Atzerott were
present; Harold left with carbines,
for the plan was TO seize the coach,
Surratt to Jump ON thebox and make
for Long Bridge, by way Of long
island falls to Potomac, and vicinity
of Norgoney's creek, where. boats
waited, with men, TO carry over the
party. The boat was capable Of car
rying fifteen men, alarge fat@bottom-
ed batteau, painted lead color. which
had been bought for the purpose by
Booth, from a man named Brewer j.
Smeath. This plan failed. The Pres
ident did not come as they desired
Harold went theD next morning TO
Washington. All remained quiet for
some time. He went North, and
Arnold, OIaughlin, Balts and Payne,
to 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 18th of April. In the next
plan, it was arranged that Surratt and
Booth were to go to the box. Arnold,
OLaughlin and Payne were to act
some important part in getting him
out. .Earrold and Atzerott were to
have, charge of the horses, and an
actor was to be secured to put out tho
gas, Booth. represented that the, best
assistant he had was an actor. in this
place. nnsggies and horses were to
be seized, and a rope was to be at
Keys to be stretched across the road
to impede the cavalry. Tho route at
this time was to belthe same as before,
excsft that ithey were to cross ethe
Southern Branch Bridge. This affair
failed and Booth said it is all up now,
and spoke of going to Richmond and
Opening theatre, sDd promised Atz-
erptt employment in some eapaclty.-
Atzerott was waiting for Booth, to ar
range his going to Richmond when
the affair was renewed again. He had
taken q room at the Kerkwood House.
Harold called on him and left pis-
tol and coat in the room, and told him
Booth wished to see him at the Helm
don House, to which place he repaired,
in company,with Harold !, this was
in. the evening; we there met Booth
and Payne. Booth told Atzerott you
must kill Johnson. Atzerott demurred
when Booth. replied that Harold
had more courage. He will do IT..
Go and get your horses, what will be-
come of you anyhow? Atzerott and
Harold went down on the 9th togeth-
er. Atzerott said to Harold, we must
not disturb Mr.. johnson. Harold
laughed and wanted the key to the
room. It was refused by Atzerott
who Expressed his fear as TO how 1t
might be done. went to Oyster Bay,
/ Harold came after me and said Booth
wanted to sec johnson, Atzerott did
not return to the Kirkwood House
that night, Booth told Atzerott that
Surran was IN the city also, i did
not see Booth after I left him at the
Heindon House. Heroamed the streets
nearly all night He FIRST heard OF