The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1870-12-31
SURRATT,S CONFESSION.

Revelations of the Plot to Abduct Pres
fdent Lfncoln-A Rebel Rough Rider
First Acquaintance With John
Wilkes Booth-The Ramiications Of
the Plot-The Flight to Canada.
John H, Surratt, one of the alleged
conspirators in the plot which resulted
in the assassination of President Lin
coin, made what he claims is full con-
fession or statement, on the night OF
the 9Th, in the shape of a lecture dellv
cred in the Courthouse at Rockville,
MARYLAND, little town sixteen miles
from Washington. After some prellm-
mary remarks as to his experiences in
court rooms and the cause of his ap-
pearing in the lecture field, which he
was frank enough to say was want of
friends, he said
At the breaking out of the war was
a student at st. Charles College, in
Maryland, but did not remain long
there after that important event. left
in July, 1861, and, returning home,
commenced to take an active part in the
stirring events of that period. I was
more than IS years of age, and was
mostly engaged N sending information
regarding the movements of the United
States army stationed in Washington
and elsewhere, and carrying dispatches
to the Confederate boats on the Poto-
mac. We had regular established
line from Washington to the Potomac,
and being the only unmarried man on
the route had most of the hard riding
to do. Uaughter). devised
various ways to carry the de-
spatches. Sometimes in the heel of my
boots; sometimes between the planks
of the buggy. I confess that never in
my life did come across a more stupid
set of detectives than those generally
employed by the United States Gov
eminent. They seemed to have no idea
how to search men. In 1864 my family
left Maryland and moved to Washing
ton, where 1 took more active part in
the stirring events of the period. It
seemed as if / could not do too much
OF run too great risk. In the fall of
1864 | was introduced to John Wilkes
Booth, who | was given to understand,
wished to know something about the
main avenues leading from Washington
to the Potomac. We met several times,
but as he seemed to be very reticent
with regard to his purposes, and
very anxious to get all the information
ont of me he could. / refused to tell
him anything at all At last [ said to
him, at is useless for you, Mr.. Booth,
to seek any information from me until
| know who you are and what are your
Intentions" He hesitated some time,
but finally said he would make known
his views to me provided Would prom
Use secrecy. Ireplied: I" I will do moth
ing of the kind. You know well [ am
Southern man. If you cannot trust
me we will separate" He then said:
81 will conhde my plans to you, but
before doing so ! will make known g
you the motives that actuate me- In
the Northern prisons are many thou
sands of our men whom the =. 8. govern
ment refuse TO exchange. You know as
well as | the efforts that have been made
to bring about that much desired
exchange Aside from the great suffer
ing they are compelled to undergo, we
are sadly in want of them as soldiers.
We cannot spare one man, whereas the
United States government is willing to
let their own soldiers remain in our
prisons because she has no need of the
men. | have q proposition to submit
to YOU, which, [ think, If we can carry
change" There was a long and omi-
nous silence, which I at last was com
PEELED to break by asking, ''Well, sir,
what IS your proposition 2" He sat
quiet for an instant, and then, before
answering me, arose and looked
under the bed, into the ward
robe, in the doorway and the
passage, and then said: eve will
have to be careful, walls have ears p
He then drew his chair close to me, and
in IA whisper said: cit is to kidnap
President Lincoln, and carry him off to
Richmond" ''Kidnap President Lin
coin - l said. I confess that I stood
aghast at the proposition, and looked
upon it as a foolhardv undertaking; to
think of successfully Selling Mr.. Lin
coin in the capital of the United States,
surrounded by thousands of his sold
iers, and CARRYING him off to Richmond,
looked to me like a foolish idea. [ told
him as much. He went on to tell with
what facility he could be seized in va
rious places in and about Washington
As, for example, in his various
rides to and from the Soldiers Home
his summer residence. He entered in
10 minute details of the proposed cap
true, and even the various parts to bt
performed by the actors in the perform
ance 1 was amazed, Thunderstorm
aud in fact | might also say frightened
at the unparalleled audacity of tn,
scheme. After two days reflection
told him / WAS willing to try it. 1 be
heved it practicable at that time, though
now regard it as a foolhardy under
taking
Ihope you will not blame me for 60
ing thus far. | honestly thought al
exchange of prisoners could be brough
about could we have once obtained pos
session of Mr.. Lincoln's person. Ant
now reverse the case. Where is Their
young man in the North with on
spark of patriotism in his heart VIII,
would not have with enthusiastic ardo
joined in any undertaking for the cap
ture of Jefferson Davis and brough
him to Washington. There is not on
who would not have done so. And s.
was led on by a sincere desire to as
sist the South in gaining her independ
ence. L had no hesitation in taking par
IN anything honorable that might ten,
towards the accomplishment of that oh
ject tremendous applause.) Such
thing as the assassination of Mr.. Lin
coin [ never heard spoken of by any @
the party. Never. (Sensation.) Upol
one occasion, [ remember, we had call
ed n meeting in Washington for tn
purpose of discussing matters in gene