The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1867-01-01

Sunatt, landed he was disguised.
Mr.. Welding writes to Mr.. Seward unde
date of september 80, 1865, tat Surrat
had arrived at Liverpool; and again on the
10th of October that Minister Adams haC
instructed him that he did not consider il
desirable with their present evidence Of
identity and completely, to apply for war
rant for the arrest of the supposed Surratt
1t is further stated that in his conversation
with the affiiant Surratt declared his belief
that he would live long enough to give a
good account of Mr.. johnson.
Acting Secretary of State, Hunter,under
date of October Is, 1865 saws in consulta-
tion with the Secretary of War and Judge
Holt it Was thought advisable that no ac-
tlon should be taken in regard to the ar
rest of the supposed John II. Surratt at
present.
Consul General Potter, at Canada,on Oc-
tober 18th, 1865 informs Secretary Seward
that Surratt left Three Rivers some time
in September, for Liverpool, and adds that
he was secreteI at Three Rivers by Cath
Ollie priest, with whom he lived
Minister King, at Rome, writes to Sec
retary Seward, April 23d, 1866, that Sur
ratt recently enlisted in the PapaI Zouaves,
at Sezzse. Mr.. Kings informant recog-
nized him, and Surratt admitted he was
right in his conjecture. Surratt acknowl-
edged his participation in the plot against
President Lincoin's life, aud declared that
jeff DAVIS had melted and was privy to it.
The informant further said that Surrat,
seemed to be well supplied with motley
and appealed to him oot to betray his Sc
cret. The informant expressed an earnest
desire that If tn7 steps were taken towards
retaining Surratt as criminal, he should
not be known in the matter.
Secretary Stanton, May 10th, 1866,
says: The report W S referred to Judge
Advocate Holt who recommended not to
prosecute without due concession, verified
by oath
Secretary Seward, May 2Sth, 1866, sug-
gests that as we have no treaty with the
Papa government, special agent be sent
to Rome to demand the surrender of Sur
raft.
Minister King TO Secretary Seward June
23d, 1866, says he communicated with his
informant the day beforehand received from
HIM the accompanying document. He had
at the same time long conversation with
him which tended to confirm his belief in
the truth of his statements. He repeated
TO him Surratt's confessing completely in
the murd. Ter of President Lincoln, and the
admission of his mothers guilty participa
ton in the same plot.
The informant was formerly engaged as
a schoolmaster in small village in Mary
land, called Texas, and proposes to return
to the United States and give evidence.
He wishes his name concealed because the
publication of it would endanger his life.
1t Is stated in his swo. n statement that
Surratt remarked in New York, he propos
ed to fly when the deed was done.
Minister King to Secretary Seward, Aug.
s. 1866, says he communicated to Cardinal
Antoneli the information which was sent
hlm. His emlnence was greatly interested
by it, and intimated that if our government
desired the surrender of the criminal, there
would probably be no difficulty.
Secretary Seward to Minister King, Oct.
l6, 1866, directs him to employ conf
dental person to compare the photograph
with the original, and TO visit Velletri for
that purpose and to pay the informant a
sum of money, amount not named, for the
information given upon the subject.
Secretary Seward further instructs Mr..
King to seek an interview with Cardinal
Antonelli, and to ask his Holiness whether,
in the absence of an extradition treaty, he
would give Surratt up, or whether, in the
event OF the rearrest being denied, he
would enter into an extradition treaty, and
also requesting that Surratt be not dis
charged until further advised.
Minister King to Secretary Seward, dat
ed Rome, November %, says he has had
an interview with the Cardinal Antonelli,
who frankly replied he would give up Sur
ratt on proper indictment and proof at
Tue request OF the department OF State.
Mr.. King, under date of November 10th,
says the Cardinal informed him that Sur
ratt or Watson had been arrested by his
orders, but while on the way to Rome es-
capped from the guard of six men. The
Cardinal expresses great regret at the es-
cape.
All the orders of the Papal government
for the arrest are inclosed with this CORES
pendence.
Minister King and Captain Fox, at Lis
bon, Nov. II, teIegraphed Minister Harvey
to direct Admiral Goldsborough to send
one of his ships to Ciyita Vecchia.
Minister Marsh to Secretary Seward, from
Florence Nov. 18th. says he had seen the
Minister of Foreign Affairs, and asked him
if he thought the Italian government would
Surratt to the United States if