The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1869-01-28


Wilkes Booth wished to see US both a
Gotier's saloon, on the avenpe. l was
for the first time introduced to him, but
forget his name We walked Up togeth-
er. Michael O'Laugl lin this un'lr own
and myself were ushered il to the presence
Of j. Wilkes Booth, who introduced me to
John Surratt. Atzerodt, alias Port Tobl-
eco; -, alias Moseby, making in al sew
en- persons. j. Wilkes Booth had sent
word to Michael O'Laughlin to bring me
up ina good humor (still always in the
dark) Then commenced the plan for
seizing the President Each Lis part
to perform. First, l was to rush into
the private box and seize the President,
whilst Atzerodt, alias Port Toblcco, al d
j. Wilkes Booth were to handcuif him and
lower him on the stage, whilst Nose
by was to catch him and hold him till we
got down. Surrstt and the unknown
were to be on the other side Of the Eas-
tern Branch bridge to facilitate escape
1t was afterwards changed to Mosehy and
Booth to catch him in the box aud to
lower him to me on the stage. O'Laugh-
lin aud unknown were to put the lights
out, and Surratt and Atzerodt, GiidS Port
Tobacco, to be on the other side of the
bridge. l was opposed to the whole pro.
ceeding, and said it could not be accom-
plished. If ever, which was an imposi
bilty, we could get him out Of the box
and to the bridge, we would be stopped
by the sentinel 'Shoot the sentinel,
said Booth. | said that would not do,
for if an alarm was given there the whole
thing was up, and, as for me, wanted
the shadow of a chance for escape and
success Michael O'Lalshlin wanted to
argue the same way, whcreupon J. Wilkes
Booth said, "You fad fault with every
thing concerned about IT," said no;
'that | wanted to have chance, as | in
tended to have it; that he could be the
leader of the party, but not my execu-
toner Whereupon j. Wilkes Booth re-
marked, in stern, commanding and an
CRY voice, ''Do you know you are liable
to be shot remember your oath " | told
him the plan CIR basis had changed, and
a compact on the part of one broken is
broken by all, If you feel inclined to
shoot me you have no further to go, |
shall defend myself This, if remember
Alright, was on Friday, or may be Thurs
day night, when [ said, Gentlemen, if
this is not accomplished this week | for
ever withdraw from it. [ stayed up till
about 6 or o'clock next morning, Fri
day or Saturday. and then went to bed
| renaired in doors until Il, when |
arose and went to get my breakfast
Michael OLaughlin and myself roomed
together, both arose at the same time, and
were always: in a measure, together
Went to bed that evening about ! o.
clock This day that went bed so ear
j. we met about 2 or thereabouts told
me | spoke angrily the night of meeting;
said I had been drinking. told him
no; was in my sober senses, and meant
every word | said ;if not accomp mplished this
week l withdraw. Next day the thing
was to be accomplished on the Seventh
street road and failed. On Sunday l
stayed in Washington, and CO Monday or
Tuesday I returned to the city of BaIti-
more, and thence to Hookstown. j.
Wilkes Booth in the meant 1e went to
New York, and returned to Baltimore
during the week, on Saturday, | think.
He said he wished to see me on cry UT,
eut business, aud my father sent for me.
l came from the country, and he had
gone to Washington, whsreupon l wrote
him the letter which was found in his
trunk. The Richmond authorities, as far
as know, knew nothing Of his conspir-
acy. The letter was written after my re-
turn to the country, after finding he could
not wait to sec me in Baltimore. During
the week | came to the city and met Mr..
Michael O'Laughlin, who asked me to
90 to Washington with him to finally ar
range his affairs. / went in the morning
Friday, [ think-and retured the same
evening home, having cut loose forever
from it. Next day received letter
from j. w. Wharton, at Fortress Monroe,
giving me employment. Went to the
country, got my clothing, and on Satur-
day, the lst day Of April, left Baltimore
for Fortress Monroe, at which place |
have remained, never corresponding with
Booth or seeing him from the above nam
ed date to the present writing. The
groundwork was to kidnap the President
without violence He never to me said
that he would kill him. Father than
this | know nothing, and am innocent OF
having taken any active part in the dark
deed committed.
SAMUEL B. ARNOLD.