The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-07-19

From tho National Inteltigencer of 1te 1851.
Inc Iollowing communication has been sent
10 us by MT: John Matthews, the only person
VINO is able to give any information in regard
TO the letter written by j. Wilkes Booth, and
addressed TO the editor of the National Inteui-
genceT. Mr.. Matthews was q witness in the
Surratt trial, but was not permitted by the
Court TO testify in regard TO the letter alluded
TO. AS statements have been publicly made in
reference To Mr.. Matthew'S connection with
this letter, he asks the publication of this COM
munication in Justification of himself and
WAsHINeToN, July II, 1867 Editors InteIstoencerY-
SenLemen-Much has been said in the public prints
AS am the person to whom this letter was entrusted
It's delivery into my hands better than any person
II was on the afternoon of Good Friday, April H.
1866, at O'Clock, that met John Wilkes Booth (on
horseback) on Pennsylvania avenue, at the trangu
lar enclosure between Thirteenth and Fourteenth
streets, We met, shook hands. and passed the COM
Of General Lees army had just passed up body.
GERS Just brought in ?" lie replied, Yes Johnny 1
haye; then placing his hand upon his forehead, ex-
Observing his paleness nervousness and agitation
matter p TO which he replied "oh, no it's nothing"
and continued with Johnny, have little favor to
ohSn 9sE psG FTahns Is Hs hsn h9eG saaas
etter here which % desire 10 be published S IN the
Ndtondt Inteutgencer; please attend TO IL for me,
case 1 will see to it myself"
ing this, called Mr. BOOTHS attention 20 him, and
coming to the theatre this evening with the
President" "Where2 he exclaimed. L pointed to
the carriages he looked towards It, grasped my hand
tightly, and galloped down the avenue arler the
riage. This the last time met him un Til saw
him the stage OF Ford's theatre the memorable
night of the l4th of April.
Time passed on. Many persons who knew Booth,
had seen him, were arrested and sent to prison
The secret OF the latter was conhded to q few conf
Dental friends ony but when saw that the editors
of the National ItegenceT were suspected OF having
suppressed the document, and were interrogated in
regard TO IL at the penitentiary trial. considered 1t
my duty all responsibility In the matter by
explaining the whole affair to the propretorS of said
paper. Accordingly did so. did call at the office
above. .. =.
To day, in Court, after answering a few direct
questions, 1 endeaVored to make an explanation of
the matter which objected TO by the prosecution,
and refused by Judge Fisher.
The New York Herald, who first procured the news
from the Judiciary Committee OF my having been
before them, and what testimony had given, has
spoken of secresy of manner, and an observation,
iii something should occur during the night etc.. on
part OF Wilkes Booth. desire to state all that
that Interview, and to say, Also that the
letter was given with secrecy Of manner, nor was
there any remark made about anything that might
occur during the night
Now for the contents OF the letter. III was written
on q sheet Of commercial note paper covering three
The first two pages were written In the spirit
and style the Philadelphia letter and lt only at
the concluding paragraph that anything was said
bearing upon what had transplred winch was 10 this
effect and in these words-
UFOr a long time have devoted my energies, my
time and money TO the accomplishment OF q certain
end. / have been disappointed The moment has
now arrived when must change my plans Many
will blame nue. for what l about to do; but pos
terity, I am sure, will justify me.
"Men who love their country better than gold or
life. "JOHN ". BOOTH,
"HAROLD,
"ATZEROTT."
k.A