Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1867-05-31
An Interesting Relic.
EXTRACTS FROM BOOTHS DIARY.

EAihACIS FKOM BOOlh y DAARhs
The following copy in pencil writing
was found in the diary taken from J.Wilkes
Booth
.Tiamo, April 18th and 14th. Friday.
the ldes. a.
Until to-day nothing was ever thought Of
sacrificing TO our country's wrong. For
six months we had worked to capture, but
our powers being almost lort, someth ga
decisive and great must be done. but its
failure was owing to others who did not
strike for their country with heart. l
struck bcldly and not as the papers say.
walked with firm steps through thousands
of his friends nor slapped. hut pushed on.
A colonel was at his side. shouted sis
scmper before fired. lD jumping broke
my leg.
passed all his pickcts and rode sixty
miles that night with the bone of my leg
tearing the flesh at every jump. em
never repent it, though We hated to kill.
Our country owed all its troubles to him.
and God simply made me tho instrument
of His purpose. The country is not what
it was.
The forced union is not what have ever
loved. care not what becomes Of me.
have no desire to outlive my country.
This night bears the deed. wrote lCDg
article and left it for one of the editors VI
the National lutelligcncer, in which fully
set forth our reasons for our nr0ceedings.
Friday, 2lst.
After being hunted like dog. through
swamps and woods, and last night being
chased by gun boats until was forced to
return, wet. cold and starving, with every
mans hand against me. am here in de-
spar, and why for doing what Brutus
was honored for, what made Tell hero,
and yet l, for striking down greater one
than they ever knew. am looked upon as q
common cut throat My action was purer
than either of one hoped to be
great, the OF only his country.
but his own wroA
l hoped for no gain knew no private
wrong ; l struck for my country and that
alone. A country that grovelcd beneath
this tyranny and prayed for this end, and
yet now behold the cold hand they extend
to me. God cannot pardon ne if ! have
done wrong. yet connot see my wrong
except in serving degenerate people.
The little, the very little left behind to
clear my name, the Government will not
allow to be printed. So ends all.
For my country have given up all that
makes life sweet and holy, brought misery
upon my family, and am sure there is no
pardon i'll heaven for me since man con.
demns me so. l have only heard Of what
has been done except what did myself.
and it fills me with horror. God try and
forgive me. and bless my mother. TO-
night will once more try the river with
the intent to cross through.
l. have great desire, and almost
mind to return to Washington. and in
measure clear my name, which feel
can do. don't repent the blow struck;
| may before my God. but not to man.
| think have done well, though ] am
abandoned with the curse of Cam upon
me, when if the world knew my heart.
that one blow would have made me great,
although did not desire greatness.
To night try to escape these blood
hounds once more. Who, can read
his fate Gods will be done. have too
great soul to die like criminal. On.
may he spare me that and lot me die brave
| ly. bless the entire world. Have new.
er hated or wronged any ohe.
This last was not wrong unless God
deems it 50, and it is with him to damn or
bless me. For this brave boy who often
prays, yes. before and since, with true
and sincere heart, was it a crime in him
If so why can he pray the same ? l 90
not wish to shed drop of blood, but
must light the course, it is all that Is lois
me.
Upon a piece Of paper fornd in the
diary and supposed to have been torn from
it, is written the following =
My dear Piece tom ut Forgive me-.
but | have some little pride. ! cannot
blame you for want of hospitality. You
know your own affairs. was sick, tired
with "a broken limb and in need of medl-
cal advice, and could not have turned
dog t.om my door in such plight; howev-
er, you were kind enough to give us some-
thing to eat. for which do not only thank
yoa, but on account Of the rebuke and
manner in which to-[ Piece torn out
1t is not the substance. but the way in
which kindness s extended that makes mo
happy in the acceptance thcreof.-Be kind
enough to accept the enclosed five dollars.
although hard to spare, for what we have
received. Must respectfully, your OBJ
serv't. u