Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-07-25
The Booth Letter.

John Matthews, the only person who is
able to give any information in regard to
the letter written by j. Wilkes Booth,
aud addressed to the editor of the Ma
tiona blntelligeacer. Mr.. Matthews was
a witness in the Surratt trial, but was not
permitted by the court to testify in
regard to the letter alluded to. As state
ments have been publicly made in refer
ence to Mr.. Matthews connection with
this letter, he asks the publication of this
communication in justification of himself
and truth:
WASHINGTON. July II, 1867.
EpIroRs INTELLIGENcER: Much has
been said in the public prints in regard
to the missing letter of John Wilkes
Booth. As | am the person to whom
this letter was intrusted, know its con-
tents and the circumstances attending it's
delivery into my hands better than any
person now living.
1t was on the afternoon of Good Fri
day, April Ia, 1865, at about four o clock
that met John Wilkes Booth ION horse
back on Pennsylvania avenue, at the
triangular Enclosure between Thirteenth
and. Fourteenth streets. We met, shook
hands and passed the compliments OF
the day. 1t so happened that the officers
of General Lees army had just passed
up in body. | asked Booth, Johnny,
have you seen Lees officers just brought
in ?" He replied, Yes, Johnny, l
have" then placing his hand upon his
forehead, exclaimed, Great God, have
no longer a countrys Observing his
paleness, nervousness and agitation, |
remarked, "John, how nervous you are
what is the matter 2''to which he replied,
"Oh, no, it is nothing" and continued
with, Johnny, have little favor to
ask of you, will you grant it p why
certainly, Johnny" l replied; what is
| it?' He then stated Perhaps may
leave town tonight, and l have letter
here which | desire to be published in
the National IntelIigencer; please attend
to it for me, unless see you before ten
o'clock tomorrow; in that case l will
see to it myself"
At that moment observed General
Grant riding by in an open carriage,
carrying also his baggage. Seeing this,
| called Mr.. Booths attention to him,
and said, "Why, Johnny, there goes
Grant. thought be was coming to the
theater this evening with the President "
"Where 2" he exclaimed | pointed to
the carriage he looked towards it,
grasped my hand tightly, and galloped
down the avenue after the carriage.
That was the last time met him until
| saw him on the stage of Ford Theater
on the memorable night of the l4th Of
April.
Time passed on. Many persons who
knew Booth or had ever seen him were
arrested and sent to prison. The secret
of the letter was confded to few conf
Dental friends only; but when | saw
that the editors of the National Intelli.
qencer were suspected of having sup
pressed the document, and were interro-
gated in regard to it in the penitentiary
trial, considered it my duty to assume
all responsibility in the matter by ex-
planning the whole affair to the proprie-
tors of said paper. Accordingly, / did
so. | did call at the Office of the paper.
and stated all the facts to them, as stated
above.
To-day, in court, after answering a
few direct questions, | endeavored TO
make an explanation of the matter,
which was objected to by the prosecution,
and refused by Judge Fisher.
The New York Herald, who first pro
cured the news from the Judiciary Com.
mittee Of my having been before them,
and what testimony / had given, has
spoken Of seeresy of manner, and an
observation. IF something should
oeccr during the might" etc, on the part
of Wilkes Booth. | desire to state all
that did occur at that interview, and to
say, also, that the letter was given with
no secresy of manner, ner was there any
remark made about anything that might
occur during the night
Now for the contents OF the letter. IL
was written on a sheet of commercial
note paper, covering three pages The
first two pages were written in the spirit
and style sf the Philadelphia letter, and
it was only at the conc uding paragraph
that anything was said bearing upon
what had transpired, which was TO this
effect, and in these words;
4" For a long time ! have devoted my
energies, my time and money to the ac-
oomplishment of certain end. have
been disappointed. The moment hai
now arrived when / must change ny
plans. Many will blame me for what
am about to do but posterity, am sure
will justify me.
" Men who love their country bettei
than gold or life. =,
John w. Booth, Payne, Harold
Atzerott" Respectfully,
Torr0 MarrurWg