Weekly Trinity journal., 1867-01-19
WEEKLY TRINITY JOURNAL.
The Arrest OF surratt.


The Arrest of Surratt.
The Washington correspondence of the Chi
cago Tribune, December 10th, gives the official
correspondeuce sent to the House in relation to
the arrest of John H. Surratt. 1t establishes
conclusively that the Government" has been
advised of Surratt's whereabouts since last May,
and that the assassin passed some time at Three
Rivers, in Canada, Immediately after the assas-
sination of Linloln, where he was protected by
the Catholic nomination--though probably
unaware of his completely. Thence he went to
Londonderry Ireland, and thence to Rome.
where he enlisted in the Papal Zouaves, and
served until arrested. He passed under the
names of Wasson alias Macarty, wore dyed hair
and whiskers, and was we'll supplied with
money The story of his Identification and
arrest in Italy is quite interesting, and give it
as detailed by the correspondent of the Tribune !:
1t appears that on the 22d of April, man
whose name is also withheld, called on Mr.. King
and stated that he had known Surratt in Wash
ington and Maryland, and that he was then
under the name of John Wasson, serving in the
Papal Zouaves. The Minister was surprised,
and at first could hardly believe the story. The
informant closely questioned, however, and
Mr. King finally concluded that he telling
the truth. The report sent to Mr.. Seward
and long correspondence between Messrs Sew
ard, Hale, Stanton and King followed. The full
statement of the witness was taken down, show
ing that be had been a school teacher in Prince
George county, Maryland; that he knew Surratt
Weichman, Mrs Surratt, and others of that
circle and that he well il Formed relative to
all Surratts affairs. He said Surratt had told
him of the conspiracy; had admitted his mothers
guilt had expressed satisfaction at Lincoln 5
murder had given him to understand that Davis
implicated, and had expressed his purpose
to return 10 New York in year or two A pho
tograph Of Surratt was sent from this county,
and Mr. King employed discreet person to COM
pare his features with those of the Papal soldier
and the identity of Surratt, then passing as
Wasson, was thus fully established.
Two three interviews had taken place be-
tween Mr.. King and Cardinal Antonelli and the
Cardinal was fully informed of Mr. Kings
knowledge, suspicions and plans. We have no
Extradition Treaty with the Pope, and could not
therefore demand Surratt. Orders were, how
ever, given by the Cardinal while the inyestga-
ton going on, that neither the criminal nor
the witness, who was also in the Papal service,
should be discharged without specific direction.
Mr. King, by Mr.. Seward's instructions, asked
if Surratt would be delivered up on the proper
indictment and proof, and he promptly
answered in the affirmative. The Cardinal seems
from the beginning to have most promptly sec
ondcd the efforts of our Government in the mat
ter, and he himself ordered the arrest of Surratt
as soon rs his identity had been established full
ly, and the necessary legal steps had been taken.
The fact of his arrest and escape from guard
of 81 men is already known. The orders of the
Papal authorities, and the regular reports Of the
Papal military officers touching the matter, are
included in the correspondence. The Cardinal
expressed great regret 1T Surratts escape. The
most vigilant efforts were at once resorted to for
his re-arrest. He was traced to a hospital at
Sara, and thence to Naples. passing in the latter
city under the name of Walters. He escaped
from Naples before he could be arrested. The
authorities knew he had taken the steamer for
Alexandria, and the necessary information and
suggestions were at sent to Consul General
Hale. Assistant Naval Secretary Fox had reach
ed Rome about this time and he and Mr. King
sent word to Admiral Goldsborough, through
Minister Harvey at Lisbon to dispatch of his
vessels of war into the Eastern Mediterranean.
Mr.. Hale effected Surratt's arrest as soon as
the vessel on which he sailed from Naples reach !
ed Alexandria, and at once advised Mr.. Seward. |
Orders were sent to Admiral GoldSborough, by |
Secretary WelIes, and Mr.. IIale's course was ap-
proved By the Secretary of State, who directed +!
him to deliver Surratt to the Captain of our war
vessel.
1t is expected he will soon be on his way to
this country. The person who gave information
that he was in the Papal service has been re- !
leased from that body, and will also come to
this country as witness against Surratt. Some
comment Is made among those who have seen |
the correspondence, by one remark made by |
Surratt on his arrival in England. 1t was that |
he hoped to live long enough to be able to give
good account of President Johnson. EVERYBODY |
is asking what this observation meant