Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-09-05
S}Iisfellanepns 4eadina.
Is BOOTH ALIVE3

., =. Is BOOTH ALIVE Z .....
The following most extraordinary letter has been
transcribed for the Louisville Journal, by the Hon.
T. Fernandez of Havana, from the original in
possession of the Hon. Stephen Maxwell, Profes-
sor of Theology, who has consented to its pubGca-
ton. Professor Maxwell, was, when last heard
from, August 5th, 1867, at the Inglaterra Hotel,
Havana. He is warm personal friend of the
learned writer Professor Frazer. a ~
a BOMBAY, BRITISH INDIA, May 30, 1867.
Hon. Stephen AaS,oeA, s. TIP, Hauana, Lsland
IL Of GuJa:: m a..'T~~r ~'.' .si
DEAR SIR Since your departure strange in
cident has occurred in this city, something similar
in its nature to the affair that created 30 much ex
citsment in Calcutta some months ago, though in
this case the amount at issue is four times greater
than in the other. Having promised you that /
would make diligent enquiry about the ship Bird
of the Ocean and her commander, it luckily 30
happened thatI was spared the trouble of extend
ing my inquiries beyond this city, by the arrival of
the ship in question, at this port on the 26th Of
March. i.s:t .sl'Lr'. ~ -,,H "
The bird of the Ocean having become noto-
rious, through the agency of her communicable
celebrated Captain W. Martin Tolbert-in conse-
quence of having practically captured several mer-
chant vessels in the South Pacific and Indian
Oceans aSit has been alleged, attracted no little
attention upon entering Bombay harbor Her pa
pers were subjected to rigid examination by the
custom house authorities, but no flaw could be
found in them, she having creditabe clearance for
Singapore, and manifest, embracing full list Of
cargo, duly authenticated. Her cargo consisted Of
general merchandise, on consignment to the house
of Lenard & Co., which she commenced dischar-
ging on the second day after entering port
81 Itook advantage Of an opportunity Of visiting
her on the day subsequent to her arrival, in COM
pany with Captain Parker, of the Ship Sea Gull,
Captain Hunt, of the Tyrol, and Col. Ferguson,
the last named gentleman being acquainted with
Captain Tolbert. We were cordially received on
board by that noted individual, of whom 1, had
heard so much, but never met till now; and, from
his affabe manners and genial conversation, could
scarcely realize that the man confronting me was
the celebrated character whose daring deeds have
oftimes produced such furor and excitement in
the East Indies. The very embodiment of grace
and politeness, excessively lavish in manifestations
of hospitality, and brim full of dry humor my first
impressions could not be otherwise than favorable
for, to my amazement, discovered in him evi-
denees of the refined gentleman instead OF the
"blood-thirsty pirate which the Times Of India"
has been pleased to term him.
In compliance with the request of Col. Fergu-
son, Captain Tolbert narrated the particulars of
the manner in which he won the wager in Calcut-
ta-''that Booth was alive and in reply to re-
mark ventured by Captain Hunt, as follows swell,
Captain, I must say you did humbug the Calcutta
folks pretty badly, really, it was shame J" Hum
bugged them there was no humbug about it, sir !
T fuifffut my part Of the c0fitract and furnished
proof that Booth was alivel Why do you term it
q humbug? I desire an explanation sir!" The
following conversation then ensued, which (having
taken down on the spot) give rerbatin, ct Rerat-
sm:: 'The reason why call it by that name is
simply this do not believe that Booth is alive,
nor that if your opponent had seen proper to have
contested the matter, fair decision would have
given it in your favor" Whereupon, Captain
Tolbert becoming somewhat excited, remarked:
Captain Hunt, if I am not mistaken in you, you
are man who will back any assertion you may
make with your money; am correct?' To this
Hunt replied: II believe lam, sir, if know my
SELF" "Well, then, sir, if you believe Booth is
not alive, how many pounds would you be willing
to back that belief with; otherwise, what do you
value your opinion at ?" II value my opinion
very highly, Captain, but that is not saying that
would risk bet on thing unless thought had
some chance for fair shake!'' ''Please name
your own conditions and the amountyou wish to
put up; you shall be accommodated in each. =
taThe only manner in which should be willing to
stake anything upon the matter in dispute, would
be this: must see Booth with my own eyes, and
have an opportunity of conversing with and ques-
tioning him in order to satisfy myself whether he
is alive or not, as it so happens know him quite
intimately and could not be deceived If the per-
son whom you allege to be Booth should prove to
be a humbug, the money at stake will be mine;
but if recognize in him the genuine John Wilkes
Booth, it will be yours. know Booth 50 well
that could not fail to identify him at first sight,
even through his disguise If he should wear one.
IF you will grant me this liberty would be willing
to draw q draft in favor of the winner, for two
thousand pounds sterling at thirty, sixty or ninety
days sight" ''Your proposition is accepted pro-
vided that you have no objections to going before
Magistrate and taking an oath Of eternal secrecy,
the nature of which shall then and there make
known to you." 'Having no desire to profit by
giving information to the United States Govern
ment of his whereabouts, in case he is alive, have
no objection to taking an oath of secrecy so far as
divulging Booths place of residence is concerned.
Firmly believing that he is not alive, my only OBJ
ject is to fully satisfy myself of the fact If Hose
shall have sufficient sense to hold my tongue, and
if 7 win. of course I will do the same In either
case my curiosity shall have been fully satisfied.
Is that satisfactory" 81 will take you at your
word, Captain. But hold perhaps it would be
better to have all this in black and white, as we
are strangers to each other whereupon, having
Gained Hunts assent, Captain Tolbert hastily drew
up an article, specifying the terms Of agreement,
to which both Hunt and himself signed their
names, requesting the remainder of the party pres
ent to witness it, and then gave it to COL Fergu-
son, requesting him to keep it until the question
was. decided. Tolbert then said "Let US now
proceed to Magistrates Office and have the other
articles drawn up at once"
Everything being in readiness, we, all above,
started ashore few minutes after the spirited con-
yersation transpired, Captain Tolbert going in his
own boat, IA handsome little gig, with which his
ship was supplied). Wewere not longin reaching
the quay, and, being invited by the two Captains
~ II ~ -. i