Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1869-04-09
Oh. MUDD AT HOME.
visit of n Newspaper Correspondent
10 His Residence Ina Charles 60.
Inte resting InfeeYieH. &C.

The New York Herald has letter from
a correspondent, who gives an interesting
account of visit to Charles county, Md,
sud an alledged interview with DR.. Mudd
who was convicted of completely in the
Assassination of President Lincoln, and
sentenced for life to the Dry Tortugas. but
recently pardoned by Presidsn Johnson.
After descr bing the country through which
be passed as terra iacognitG quite suitably
selected BY Booth a. the route Of his digit,
be reiates his approach TO the domicile Of
DR.. Mudd, where the aspect Of the country
BECAME beautiful, yet secluded, and pro-
eeeds:
We knocked for admission at the same
door that Booth did after his six hours
ride-it took US right-and we're promptly
answered by pale and serious-looking gen.
tlemaE, who, in answer 20 my enquiry il be
we're Dr.. Mudd, replied. "That's my
name" 1t was gratifying, after so long a
Journey, to Hnd the man you sought directly
on hand, and apparently prepared to furnish
you with the amplest stores Of information
regarding his eonh1etioa with Booth, SC.
Having stated the object Of our visit-that
the Herald felt an interest in learning some
particulars Of his experience in the Dry
Tortugas, and his reeollections Of the as ..
tremelv serious, and he answered that Of all
things be wished 10 avoid it was newspaper
publicity, simply because nothing was ever
nriuted in connection with his lame that
did not misrepresent him.
!" A burned child breads the fire." he eK-
claimed, aud tays reason to be suspi-
eious OF every One. Il was ia this way that
Booth came TO my house, representing him,
self As being on a journey from Richmond
70 Wahsingt0n, aud that bis horse fell on
him, fraetnring his leg aud otherwise inju-
ring bim. Six months or 50 frOm now, when
NV mind Is more settled, and when under.
stand what changes have taken place in
public opinion regarding ne, | shall be pre-
pared To speak freely and fully OR these
matters YOU are apZious 70 know about. At
present, for the reason stated, | would rather
not say anything"
Having, however, convinced the Doctor
that IL was with no motive 20 misTepresen OF
hi statement that We paid him this visit,
and that between Booths case and ours
there was no analogy, be Invited US to pass
the evening at bis house and postpone our
return 10 Washington till the morning.
The ID ietor says he is thirty-fye years Of
are married in 1850; built the house 10
which he now lives after his marriage
owned a we'll stocked farm Of about thirty
acres. and was in the enjoyment OF pretty
extensive practice up to the time Of his
I arrest in 1865. The world went well and
smoothly with him previous 10 that unhappy
/ event.
In the prime Of his years, looking prema-
| turely Old and earewurDs there are few In
deed who could gage oh the wreck and
ravsge in the face Of this man before the N
without feeling sentiment Of sympathy
ana eommiseration. II have come home, y
aid me Doctor sorrowfully, "tO hnd nothing
left me bat my house and family. No
money. no provisions, no crops 10 the ground
ana no clear way before me where to derive
the means Of support in my present 60.
6aebled condition. There was no deception
here. Ia the seanty furniture Of the house
and In the pale, sal cOuntenanee et the
snaAker. there was evidence enough Of p0oi
and altered fortune. IL was now evening
rrowipr rapidly dark. A big DIRE bazec
on the ample hearth, and Mrs. Mudd, Al
Intelligent and hands0me lady, with Que o
bsr children. Joined the Doctor and our
.slves in the eaa versAtiOn over that memo
rabIs April morning after the aSiasainAtlon
md YOU see Booth, Mrs. Mudd :" VI
ipauErd With feeling OF intense Interest u
hear her reply.
sXes," she replied g | sa" himself 40,
Harold after they entered this Par'or. Boot
stretched himself out on that sofa tner
and Harold stooped down to whisper some
thing 10 him."
uHow ala Booth la0s :"
avery bad. He seemed as though Q
bsdbeen drinking very hard his eyes wer
rrdtnd sNollrn, and bis hair 10 disorder.
sD,d be appear tn suffer much 2"
sNot after he had laid down on the sofa
+. fset. n seemed as II hardly anything wa
vro with them"