The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-06-01
Booths Diary.

| 10 the mutllatlOn OF the assassin Booth 8 Diary,
has finally led the War Department to accede
to the repeated demand OF the press for its pub
lication 1t seems to contain mainly rhapsodi-
cal justification by Booth of his own conduct
The first half dozen of lines, however, bear out
the most important charge made by Butler, to
the effect that, if Booths diary had been adj
mitted in evidence at the trial of Mrs Surratt,
it would have established her innocence of any
completely in the conspiracy to asssssinate Pre-
sident Lincoln, for it shows that assassination
was no part of the plan of the conspirators un-
til the day the deed was consummated-a day
on which Mrs. s. had no communication with
them. 1t is true, the diary would not have
been legal evidence, neither was half the other
evidence admitted by the military court that
tried Mrs. s. such as would have baen received
in court of law. When the passions and pre-
jndices of the day have passed away, posterity
will approve the charge of Gen. Butler, that
Mrs. Surratt died an innocent wOman-at least.
that she was hung on evidence that would not
nave convicted a chicken thief in court of
law.
April 10 and H. Friday, the ides-Until to-
day nothing was ever thought Of sacrificing to
our countrys wrong. For six months we had
worked to capture, but our cause being almost
lost something decisive and great must be done;
but its failure was owing to Others who did not
strike for their country with heart.
struck boldly, and not as the papers say 1
walked with firm step through thousands of
frian do and OF hut Ill
A Colonel was at his side shouted SIC senper
before fired. In jumping broke my leg I
passed all his pickets rode sixty miles that night
with the bone of my leg tearing the flesh at every
jump.
can never repent it, though we hated to kill
Our country owed all her troubles to him, and
God simply made me the instrument of his pun.
ishment. The country is not in April, 1866,
what it was This forced union is not what /
have loved / care not what becomes of me- |
have no desire to outive my country.
This night before the deed, wrote long ar.
ticle, and meant it for one of the editors of the
National Inteatge'lcer, in which / fully set forth
our reasons for our proceeding
Friday, 2l.-After being hunted like a dog
through swamps and woods, and last night being
chased by gunboats till was forced to return,
wet cold, and starving, with every mans hand
against Inc, am here in despair And why p
for doing what Brutus honored for for
doing what made Tell hero. And vet, 1,
for striking down greater tyrant than they ever
knew, am looked upon as q common cut-throat
My action was purer than either of theirs. One
hcred to be great; the other had not only his
countrys but his own wrongs to avenge. hoped
for no gains, knew no private wrong. l struck
for my country, and that alone country that
groaned beneath this tyranny, and prayed for
this end. yet now behold the cold hand they
extend to me. God cannot pardon me if have
done wrong yet cannot see my wrong, except
in serving degenerate people
The little, the very little, L. want behind to
clear my name, the Governme8 will not allow
to be printed. SO ends all.
For my country l have given all that makes
life sweet and holy; have brought misery upon
my family, and am sure there is no pardon in
heaven for me, since man condemns me so. have
not 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.
Tonight will once more try the river with
intent to cross though l have greater desire,
and almost mind, to return to Washington, and
in measure clear my name, which feel l can
do.
do not repent the blow struck 1 may be-
fore my God, but not to man. l think l have
done well, though 1 am branded with the mark
of Cain upon me. when, if the world knew my
heart, that one blow would have made me great,
though did desire mo greatness. Tonight
try to escape these bloodhounds once more.
Who can read his fate? Gods will be done
have too great a soul to die like a criminal o,
may he spare me that, and let me die bravely l
bless the entire world. have never hated or
wronged any one. This last was not wrong,
unless God deems it SO, and it is with him to
damn or bless me- And for this brave bow who
often prays-yes, before and since-with true
and sincere heart, was it crime in him. If SO,
why can he pray the same? I do not wish to
shed drop of blood, but must fight the course
tits all that's left me-" Upon piece of paper
found in the diary, and supposed to have been
torn from it, is written the fOllowing.l my
Dear w. [piece torn q forgive me, but / have
some little pride. cannot blame you for want
of hospitality You know your own affairs l
was Sick tired, with broken limb, and in need
of medical advice. ! would not have turned
dog from my door in such plight. However
you were kind enough to give us something to
eat, for which not only thank you, but on ac-
count of the rebuke and manner in which to
[piece torn out. 1t is not the substance, but tho
way in which assistance is extended that makes
one too happy in the acceptance thereof. Be
kind enough to accept the inclosed IS, although
hard to spare for what we have received
Most respectfully, your obedient servant
g.
1t is probable that other leaves were cut out by
Booth, although what became of his commune
cation to the Intelhgencer, is an unsolved pro-
blem.