The union Democrat., 1870-08-13
A FAMILY PICTURE.

Booth loved her for her worth, virtue puri-
ty and goodness. But he was reputed gay
man of the world, and she feared to trust her
heart and destinies into his keeping, though
we have reason to believe she greatly admir-
ed him. And her father, looking to the hap
piness of his daughter, as he thought, was
not quite willing the alliance Booth desired
should be formed. But for the gifted genius
he had n liking and an admiration. One
night in Washington. after Beall was doom
ed. John Wilkes Booth and John p. Hale.
called on G. w. Mclean, of Cincinnati, who
was then in Washington. They wanted
Mclean to go with them to find Gel. John
w. Forney. and. with him in company call
upon Lincoln. Mclean was unusually init
mate with Lincoln, and had more influence
with him than any other Western Democrat.
And he was cheek and jowl with Forney.
Mclean was to vouch for Booth, with Hale
and Forney to join in asking Executive Glenn
ency for Beall. 1t was past midnight when
the carriage containing Hale, Booth and Nc
Lean left the hotel where the latter was stop
ping, and was driven to Forney's residence.
Forney was in bed, under the influence of
liquor. After some little talk and explana-
tions he arose, bnthed his head in ice-water,
made hastv toilet, and took a seat in the
White House, reaching there about two
o'clock in the morning. They were admitted
past the guards, and found President Lincoln
in his room, not vet retired. Then came an
EXPLANATION of the visit. President Lincoln
sat by the side of Senator Hale and listened
| to tho particulars. Booth then and there
told that once he was in scheme to abduct
the President. not injure him. but to aid in
| the release of certain friends, who could not
| be exchanged. He told that all that was of
| the past, so far as he was concerned. And
then he asked for the reprieve Of Beall,
promising on his honor as man to ever
after be as good friend to Mr. Lincoln as
| man could be to one who had rendered
| such favor-to warn the President. if it ev-
i er came to his knowledge that bis life was in
danger, and to hold himself personally respon-
sible for the good behavior of Beall ever after
1t was question of life or death. Beall was
doomed. No power save the Executive could
save him from the penalty decreed Booth
| pleaded with all the impassioned eloquence
of his nature, and thousands upon thousands
know what that was. Senator Hale asked
the pardon of Beall as favor to himself and
his family. Forney asked for the reasons
| then and there given. as did Mclean, and
the reasons wo can give at the proper time.
Booth told the President of their lCng-estab-
lished friendship-of his love for the brave.
adventurous spirit-of his love for the young
man who was doing for his people in the
South just what = patriot in the North would
have done for the cause and the people dear
| to him.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN WAS GREATLY MOVED.
even to tears, and gave to Booth his word of
honor as man, that Beall should be pardon
ed. Then there was joy and happiness in
that room. Booth kissed the hand Of the Pres
ident, and thanked him with fearful eyes aad
choked voice, even after his friends bad ta-
ken their hats to leave the presence of the
Chief Magistrate of the nation, who had pro-
missed. and whose promise was by Booth re-
llied upon. But alcs for human promises
Beali was hanged. The President did not
keep his word-did not pardon him. Seward,
the infamous tyrant and Secretary ee State,
whose tinkling bell sent his letters to bastiles,
said it would not do-that Lincoln's duty to
the Republican party demanded the execu-
ton of Beall to keep tinted the sentiment of
the North for such blood. Lincoln said Beall
must be pardoned, for he had promised it.
Seward said he must not be pardoned, or
there would be strange revealments. And SO
the President weakened. withheld his pardon
. and Beall suffered for his patriotic devotion
with his life. When Booth learned that