Delaware State journal and statesman., 1866-12-14
0777777777I-
THE ARREST OF sURRATT.

In answer to n resolution of inquiry, the
President on Monday sent to the House OF
Representatives the correspondence relative
to the arrest OF John H. Surratt. From the
correspondence il appears that as far back
as September 22d, of 1885, Mr. Wilding, the
American Consul at Liverpool, informed
Secretary Seward that Surratt was expected
to arrive in that city, and enclosed the affi-
davit of party whose name is not made
known, a contidant of Surratt's, detailing
the latter's voyage from Canada, and his
confession on the way, referring to his en-
ployment by the Rebel government to con-
vey information from Washington to Rich
mond, and the plan to kidnap and carry off
President Lincoln. To this party he repre-
sented that he first heard Of the assassina.
tion at 81. GATHERINGS, in Canada
On the Both of the same month Mr.. Wild
ing announces the arrival of Surratt in Liy.
erpool, but states that Minister Adams ad-
vised that no arrest be made at that time
under the evidence of completely and identity
then had, and reports Surratt as saving that
"he hoped TO live long enough yet to give
an account of President Johnson"
Upon the Both of the following month,
Mr.. Hunter, Assistant Secretary of State,
writes Mr.. Wilding that Secretary Stanton
and Judge Advocate Holt did not think it
advisable, at that time, to take steps for Sur.
rats arrest.
Mr., King, Minister to Rome, under date
of April 23, 1866, informs Secretary Seward
of the fact of Surratt having enlisted in the
Papal Zouaves and that lie had aeknowl
edged his participation in the plot against
Mr.. LincOln's life, and that sit was under.
stood" that jeff Davis chad melted and was
privy to the plot"
On the nth of May, 1896, Mr. Seward
laid before Mr.. Stanton Mr.. Kings letter,
who promptly replied that he had referred
the same to Judge Advocate General Holt,
who advised all necessary and proper steps
to be taken for the apprehension OF the
criminal.
On the 2sth of May, 1866, Mr.. Seward
suggested to Mr. Stanton the despatch OF q
special agent to Rome to demand the sur
render Of Surratt, in the absence of an ex.
tradition treaty with the Papal Government.
On the l4th of July Mr.. King forwarded
to Secretary Seward sworn statement
against Surratt, made by a party who had
conversed with him, and who had taught
school at Texas, Baltimore County, Mary.
land, to the effect that "Surratt had fully
confessed his own completely, and admitted
his mothers guilt of participation.
Mr.. King writes again on the I'd of No.
vember that Cardinal Antonelli had intimat.
ed his Willingness to surrender Surratt upon
a proper indictment and proof, at the request
Of the United States, il the latter would do
likewise under parallel circumstances Eiph,
days atterward Cardinal Autoneli informed
Mr.. King of the arrest of Surratt Cor Wat.
sonl and his subsequent escape and flight,
and enclosed tho papers in connection there
with. Ton days subsequently, Mr.. Marsh
writes TO Mr. Seward that the Italian Gov,
ernment would probably surrender Surra,i
upon the condition that the United States
authorities would not inflct the death
penalty upon him.
At Naples, Consul Howard received in
telllgence that SurTatt, under the name oil
Walters, had proceeded in the regular steam
er from that point to Alexandra, Egypt
and thereupon Mr.. King telegraphed United
States Consul Hale, at Alexandria, to arres
him upon his arrival, and on the Cd instant
Mr. Seward received dispatch from Consu