Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-12-12
ST.. ROW, Editor AND PROPRIETOR.
Arrest of John q. Surratt.

Our readers will doubtless remember that
John Fl. Surratt, who was implicated in
the assassination of President Lincoln, made
his escape, and that his whereabouts have
remained well concealed ever since The
evidence taken before the Military Com
mission in June, 1865, proved that he was
one of the principal. conspirators. 1t was
at the house of his mother that the meet
ings were held; he made frequent journeys
to Richmond Booth was his constant COM
panion: Dr. Mudd concealed him in the
woods near his house Payne consulted
with him; and Atzerodt confessed that he
was induced by Surratt to join the conspiracy.
Up to the Sd of April none of the princi-
pals were so frequently seen, yet on the af-
ternoon of the 14th he was seen for the last
time, booted and spurre1, ready for his es-
cape From that time the very existence
of John Surratt was mystery; it was be-
lieyed that he was either dead, or having
revealed the names of his associates in
crime, had been permitted to escape. 1t
was noted that no reward was offered for
his arrest. And as time passed on, John
Surratt was nearly forgotten, when the other
day came the electrifying news that he had
been arrested by the American Consult Gen
eral in Egypt
OF his wandelings, little is known. 1t is
said that he was recognized on a Liverpool
steamer shortly after the murder. Then
came the rumor that he was serving as
private soldier in the Pope's Guards at
Rome. We know now that he had been a
soldier in the Papal Zouaves at Veroli, and
served under the name of John Watson.
The fact became known to Mr. Rufus King,
our Minister at Rome, who telegraphed to
our Government, and was instructed to Sc
cure his arrest. Mr.. King conferred with
Cardiral Antonelli, who issued an order for
his seizure. Surratt was taken; he was
imprisoned; and on removal from jail,
guarded by five soldiers, broke from their
hands, jumped, it is said. over precipice
more than 100 feet high, and escaped into
the Italian territory. Mr.. Marsh, our Min
lister at Florence, obtained telegraphic instruc-
tions from the Italian Government to have
all the seaports of Italy watched to prevent
his escape. He was soon supposed to have
embarked in steamer for Malta, and dis
patch to the island arrived too late to de-
tain him; another was sent to Alexandria,
and when Surratt stepped upon the shores
of Egypt, he was seized by the strong. far
reaching arm of America United States
detectives, it is said, have watched him since
October. But long before this he must
have been overtaken by speedier, surer foe.
Fear was ever at his back; from remorse he
could hardly escape, for even if he could
forget the crime he had committed, how
could he ever cease to see the phantom of
his mother on the gallows? Coward all the
world believed him, since the day when he
fed and left her to suffer; coward. it was
said, she held him, and in her last moments
refused to hear his name
New revelations are expected from the
trial of Surratt. In this the public may,
however, be disappointed; but there can
be no doubt that, if he could be induced to
confess, he could give correct account of
the assassination of Mr. Lincoln.
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