Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1865-07-19
THE CONSPIRATORS!
ATzERODT's FULL CONFESSION.

BALTIMORE, July 9-The Ane,lcan has
received a special report of the confession of
Atzerodt, which was prepared by one who
has known him since his arrest. The de-
tails of the plot to abduct and murder the
President, which are set forth below, were
given to the author by Altered himself but
a short time before his death.
George Andrew Atzerodt was born in the
Kingdom of Prussia, in 1885, and came to
America, with his parents, in 1874. They
arrived in Baltimore, at which place he re-
sided with his family, for about one year,
when with his parents he removed to West
moreland county, Virginia. His father farm
ed, and carried on his business THAT of
blacksmith at the Court house. Atzerodt
was placed as apprentice to the coach max
ing business at the Courthouse, where he
learned the painting branch, and remained
until 1856, when he went to Washington,
and worked for Young, and also for NJ Der
mott, well known coach-makers. In 1857
he Joined his brotf er In the coach maker
business at Port Tobacco. This continued
for four years, when the firm was dissolved.
After this he carried on painting in Port
Tobacco, until last fall he met with j ohm H.
Surratt and man named Hurloni. Surratt
induced him to join in the conspiracy of abb
Quoting the President. From Atzerodt s
knowledge of men and the country in the
vicinity of Port Tobacco, and in fact of
all the counties bordering on the Potomac,
he gave to the consplrltorS valuable as
sistance He was well acquainted with Har-
rold, whom he was not long in finding out,
and who was also engaged in the conspiracy.
Surratt went several times to Port Tobacco,
and often sent to Atzerodt to come to Wash
ington, where he was known to as many as
in Port Tobacco, and was looked upon as
very weak minded man, in fact as very
brainless and silly fellow.
Surratt introduced Atzerodt to Booth,
who feasted him and furnished him with
money and horse, the horses being hired in
the name of Surratt, who appeared to be
the principal in the absence of Booth. The
first meeting Of all the conspirators actively
engaged was at a saloon on Pennsylvania
avenue, called ''Getters." Gautiers p At
this meeting O. Laughlin, Arnold, Surratt,
Booth and Atzerodt were present. The first
attempt to abduct the President was to be
on the Seventh street read, about the Mid
die of March. They expected the Presi-
dent to visit a camp. O'Laughlin, Arnold,
PAYNE, Surratt, Booth and Atzerodt were
present. Harold left in the buggy with the
carbines for T. B. The plan was to sieze
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
Oldfelds, to the Potomac river, in the Vi
cinity OF Nanjemoy Greek, where they had a
boat waiting with men to carry over the
party-the boat was capable of carrying tif-
teen men-a large fat-bottomed batteau,
painted lead color which had been bought
for the purpose by Booth from two men
named Brauner and Swoot. This plan fail
ed the President not coming as they desired.
Harold went the next morning to Wash
ington, and all things renamed quiet tor
some time after this Booth went North,
Arnold and O'LaughIin to Baltimore.
Paine and Arnold left also for New York
A man named Howell was about this time
arrested which alarmed Surratt, and
he left with Mrs Schlatter for the North
This was about the 1st of April. The next
plan was to visit the theatre on the night
the President was expected to be there. 1t
was arranged that Surratt and Booth were
to go to the box. Arnold, o Laughlln and
Payne were to act some important part In
getting him out, Harold and Atzerodt 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 buggys and hor-
ses was to be used. A rope which was pre-
pared and to be at Keyd' $, was to be stretched
across the road to impede the cavalry in the
pursuit.
The route this time was the same as be-
fore except that they were to cross the East
ern Branch Bridge. This whole affair fail
ed, and Booth said it is all up, and spoke
of going to Richmond and opening theatre
and promised Atzerodt employment IN some
capacity. Atzerodt was waiting for Booth
to arrange his going to Richmond when the
affair was renewed again. He had taken a
room at the Kirkwood House. Harold
called on him and left his knife, pistol and
coat in the room and told him Booth wanted
to see him at the Herndon House. to which
place he repaired with Harold. This was IN
the evening, about six o clock, and he there
met Booth and Payne. Booth said you
must kill johnson. Atzerodt demurred,
when Booth applied, Harold has more
courage he will do it ; go get your horses
what will become of you anyhow" Atze-
rodt and Harold went down Ninth street to-
gether, and Atzerodt said we must not dis
turb johnson" Harold laughed and want
ed the key Of the room, 1t was refused by
Atzerodt, who expressed himself fearful that
harm would be done Mr.. johnson. Harold
left to 90 to see Booth, ami Atzerodt went to
the OYSTER Bay Harold came after and
said Booth wanted to see him. Atzerodt
did not see Booth after leaving him at the
Herndon House, and he roamed about the
streets all night, and first heard of the muir
der about half past ten clock, while pas
sing mn the avenue. The cavalry were
rushing by at the time, in pursuit. He
threw away his knife that night, and parted
with his pistol next morning, to friend III
Georgetown. Atzerodr had nothing to say
at any of the former meetings: He knew