Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-05-12
THE ASSASSIN BOOTH.

ietteu IN tue uethllb VI tue capture ana uehth
of the assassin Booth. The accounts have
been as various as the writer's have been nu-
merous. The following, contained in special
dispatch to the New York Times Of Saturday,
seems more reliable than any other that has
come to our notice. 1t is the statement Of 1t.
l.. B. Baker, who is said to be man Of in
telligence and very close observer, and who
was present at the time Of capture and with
Booth continuously from the time be was shot
until he died.
Information having been received that two
persons answering to the description of Booth
and his accompice Harold. we're concealed
on the premises Of Henry Garrett about three
miles from Port Royal, the party in pursuit,
having arrived in the vicinity of CARROTS
house, moved cautiously up aud surrounded
it. The account continues
The old man, Garrett. came out Of the
kitchen door and asked, What's this 2" He
was directed to light a candle and be would
be told be went in to obey the order, and,
in the meantime. Col. Conger stationed
small guard near the barn. Baker went into
the house, and the old man soon Joined him
with candle Baker caught him by the
shoulder, holding pistol near his head, say
ing, " want to know where these two men
are that we're here this afternoon" The old
man said be didn't know. Baker said "They
are here, and if you don't bring them, I'll
blow your brains out" The old man said
they had gone to the woods in the afternoon
when the cavalry passed meaning Bakers
party.l Baker again threatened to take Gar
retts life. At this moment ConRer returned.
At the same moment CARROTS son, who sp-
pesred TO have been listening outside, entered
the room, dressed in confederate uniform.
The son said, " Father, we had better tell
them all Conger presented a pistol to
young Gar etts head and threatened to shoot
MIN If he did not speak the truth. Young
Garrett then offered to conduct the parties to
the barn wnere he said they were concealed.
AS they approached the barn they met another
son Of Garrett, also dressed in confederate
uniform. The whole cavalry force had now
surrounded the barn. Baker told young Gar
rett he must now go ia and bring out the
arms of those men and deliver them over. He
hesitated, bat finally said he would do il. He
took the keys end unlocked the door. The
barn was an old fashioned Suilding, thirty by
forty feet, nearly empty had in it some
straw, hay, and farming utensils Garrett
went IN and soon returned, saying they re-
fused to give up their arms, and had threat
ened to shoot him, and he rad therefore come
out. He locked the doors and gave the keys
TO Baker. Conger, Baker and Doherty held
conference, and concluded to make Booth and
Harold do one OF two things either put their
srms in the hands of Garrett On whose Gus
tody they were found and surrender, or they
would fire the barn and the thing would end
in a bonfire and shooting match.
Baker was to make these propositions.
Baker wet up and addressed the parties in
the barn, stating what he had concluded to
do, telling them be had come to take them
prisoners, and would treat them as prisoners,
and would give them five minutes to con-
slider.
A voice from the inside, which afterward
was found to be Booths" Who are you,
and what do you want of me :"
Baker-We want you, and intend to take
you.
Booth-This is hard case. 1t may be
that am to be taken by my friends.
after some further conversation, he seemed
to be convinced that he was surrounded, and
said
"Give me chance for my life. am a
cripple, with but one leg. Withdraw your
men one hundred yards, aud I'll come out
and fight you.
Baker-We did not come to fight you, but
to take you prisoner. You must give up Your
arms and surrender.
Booth asked time TO consider, which was
granted. low conversation was heard going
on between Booth and his companion We
could distinguish Booths voice saying, " Go
away from me, you id coward leave me
now, will you, you id coward"
While this was going on, the cavalry were
dismounted and the horses taken out of reach
OF the contemplated firing.
Booth then called out, Captain, who are
you' | could have picked off half dozen of
your men while we were talking, and could
have had half dozen good shots at YOU
Baker-Ihen give up your arms and sur
render. We have come TO take you, not to
fight you.
Booth-I will never surrender. shall
never be taken alive.
Baker-If you don't Immediately surrender
we will Immediately set FIRE to the barn.
Booth-Well, my brave boys, prepare
strelcher for me.
A short pause ensued and further low toned
conversation was had inside of the barn.
Booth directly said "There is man here
that wants to surrender"
Baksr-"Then let him hand out his arms
and come out"
Another conversation took place inside, in
which Harold seemed to be trying to get
his arms from Booth, who was heard to say
Go away from me don't want anything
to do with you"
Harold then came to the door and asked
to be let out.
Baker went to the door and told him No,
hand out your arms"
Harold replied, " have no arms"
Baker said, d" You have. You brought
carbine in the ferry boat. Hand out the car
bine and one pistol and you come out.
Booth-He had no arms. They are all
mine. Upon my word as gentleman he has
no arms. They all belong to me-
Baker opened the door a short distance,
and Harold put out both hands. Baker
took hold OF them, brought Harold out and
handed him over to Doherty, and Immediate
ly shut the door and locked it.
(inl DOnUar m ha aida If tho har