Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1867-03-02
sRRAIGNnENr OF John n suERArf

VI JUN X
On Saturday, at one o'clock, John fl
Surratt was brought into the crimins,
court, Justice Fisher presiding. TIL
courtroom was crowded, by members q
the bar and citizens vino had learned Q
the intention to arraign Surratt.
The prisoner, who has changed hi'
Zouave suit for a genteel citizens suit q
black cloth, was escorted from the jai
bv Marshal G0oding and Assistant Phil
lips, and on arriving IN b courtroom
wss seated in the prisoners dock. EveTS
eve was fixed upon SuTratt, who bO1t
himself with marked reserve, evidently
impressed with his situation.
While the audience was engaged ln
scanning the prisoner, Sanford COnoveFt
one of the leading witnesses in the con
spiracy case, was brought into court 10 IL
sentenced for perjury, OF which he stand
convicted. COuOver occupied the SAM
bench with SUrFatt, sitting side by sldf
both apparently confused, ConOver be-
traying an indignant smile
District Attorney Darlington AM
uouuced to the court that the last grand
iurv had found an indictment agaius.
John H. Surratt, charging him with
murder; that the prisoner had been APT
pretended, and was now in c0uTt ] n ori
der that ne might plead thereto and Sc
lect his counsel. He would state 10 the
court that he would be ready to try the
case at an early day.
Mr.. r. T. Merrick stated that the
prisoner was ready 10 plead, but would
suggest that II was not consistent With
the dignity Of the court that be should ID
~arraiEned in manacl5s.
Judge Fisher promptly ordered thai
the mauacles be taken of, which wal
done and that the prisoner be brought
nearer to the clerks desk, so that ht
could distinctly hear the clerk read thf
indictment.
Surratt was accordingly placed neat
the district attorneys seat, his couuse-
occupying seats near him.
Mr.. i. J. Middleton, the clerk Of t.
court, then said TO the prisoner, "Juhi,
H. Surratt, stand up.n He immediate. \
arose, and the clerk proceeded 10 read
the indictment, which is quite long, and
details the circumstances Of the assassin
nation Of President Lincoln. During the
reading Surratt stood erect and almost
mntiOnless, looking directly 81 the clerk.
When his mothers name was mentioned
for the first time he showed some signs
Of emotion, but instantly checked il.
At the close of the reading the clerk
asked, "Whst say you, are you guilty as
indicted, or not guilty ~
The Not guilty lin a low
but distinct tone.
The cleTk-"How viii you be tried ?
The prisoner-"By my country
The clerk May God send you a safe
deliveranCe.h
The prisoner took his seat. and in a few
moments wa taken 20 the prisoners
box.
Mr.. Bradley, ST., asked if the district
attOrneylcOuid fix a day for the trial. To
which the latter replied that ne was
anxious 10 60 10 trial al an early day
but could not now name a day.
The court remarked that the next term
of the court would commence on Mon
day week.
Mr.. Bradley said that he would confer
with the district attorney with a view OF
fixing a day, to which the court as
scented.
The district attorney asked that the
prisoner be remauded to Jail, and in a
few moments the marshal aud his depu-
ties, with the prisoner, left the court
room for the jail, followed by a crowd to
the door, and some attempted 10 follow
him 10 the Jail, but u or two policemen
from the seventh precinct ordered them
back.
Surratt Is about twenty-four years of
age, has light hair, light eyes, fair com
pleXiOn, and regular features. His nose
is aquiline, and chin small. The general
expression Of his face is that OF mildnesS,
and he is far from being the individual
in personal appearance that many have
supposed him 10 be.-NutiORuL Latcis-
n|#.L