Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1870-12-20
JOHN II. SURRATT.


Inc W aShl1gtOn correspondent o.
the Chicago Times occupies about &
column aud half of that paper with
q report of lecture delivered Wed.
nesday night, at Rockville, Maryland
q few miles from Washington, by John
III. Surratt, one Of the alleged con.
spirators in the plot TO assassinate
President Lincoln, in which he made
what purports to be full confession
or statement, Of his knowledge of the
matter, claiming that he was only
prlvy TO plot for abduction. He
assigns pecunary necessity" for the
supply of which no more available
channel presented itself, as his reason
for thus coming before the public
lie contesses that he was a traitor,
and says he was "mostly engaged in
sending information regarding the
movements of the United States army
stationed in Washington and else.
where, and carrying dispatches to
tho Confederate boats on the Poto-
mac" In no other country but ours
so soon after an attempt to break up
the government and deprive it of its
head, could a man, almost under the
shadow of the capitol, so unblushing-
ly stand up and unmolested proclaim
himself 4 traitor and a spy, and par
ticipant in q scheme for abducting the
President. He thus relates his inter-
view with John Wilkes Booth, when
the scheme ofabduction was first pro-
posed in the fall Of 1864 and defends
his action
Booth said "You know as well
as | the efforts that have been made
to bring about that much desired ex-
change Of prisoners. Aside from the
general suffering 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, be-
cause it has no need Of the men |
have a proposition to submit to you,
which, | think, if we carry out, will
bring about the desired exchange" -
There was long and ominous silence,
which | at last, was compelled to
break, by asking. "WelI sir, what is
your proposition ?" He sat quiet for
an instant; then, before answering
me, arose and looked under the bed
into the wardrobe; in the doorway
and the passage, ana then said 1--WE
will have 10 be careful. Walls have
ears He then drew his chair close
to me, and in whisper said. 1t is
to kidnap President Lincoln, and
carry him off to Richmond /" "Kid-
nap President Lincoln !" | said. |
confess that stood aghast at the pro-
position, and looked upon it as fool
hardly undertaking. To think of
successfully selling Mr.. Lincoln in
the Capital of the United States, sur
rounded by thousands OF his soldiers,
and carrying HIM off to Richmond,
looked to me like foolish idea. /
told him as much. He went on to
tell with what facility be could be
seized IN various places in and about
Washington, as for example, in his
various rides to and from the Soldiers
Home, his summer residence. He
entered into the minute details Of the
proposed capture, and even the var
lous parts to be performed by the ac-
tors in the performance. | was
| amazed -thunderstruck land, in fact,
| might also say frightened, at the un-
paralieled audacity of this scheme
After two days reflection | told him
was willing to try it, | believed it
practicable at that time, though |
now regard il as & foolhardy under
taking. l hope you will not blame
me for going thus far | honestly
thought an exchange of prisoners
could be brought about could we have
once obtained possession of Mr. Lin
coins person, and now reverse the
case. Where is there a young man
ip the North, with one spark Of pat
riOtism in his heart, who would not
have, with enthusiastic ardor, joined
in any undertaking for tho capture
OF Jefferson Davis, and brought him
to Washington Therei is not one who
would not have done so and so |
was led on by a sincere desire to as
sist the South in gaining herindepend-
ence. ! had no hesitation in taking
part in anything honorable that
might tend toward the accomplish
ment of that object Tremendous
applause. Such a thing as the assas-
sination Mr. Lincoln never heard
spoken Of by any the party never
Sensation.
Afterwards, Surratt came to the
conclusion that the government had
wind that something was on foot and
gave his opinion that it was best to
throw up the whole project, His ac-
count continues
Every one seemed to coincide in
my opinion except Booth, who sat
silent and distracted. Arising at last,
aud bringing down his fist upon The
table, be said, "Well, gentleman, if
the worst comes to the worst, shall
know what to do"
Some hard words and even threats.
then passed between him and some
Of the party. Four Of us then arose,
one saying: Ii | understand you to
intimate anything more than the cap
ture Of Mr.. Lincoln, !, for one, win
bid you good bye" Every one ex-
pressed the same opinion. We all
arose and commenced putting our
hats on. Booth perceived, probably,
that he had gone too far; asked pardon
saying that he had drank too much
champagne After some difficulty
everything was amicably arranged.
and we separated at 5 o'clock in the
morning Days weeks and months
passed by, without an opportunity
presenting itselffor us to attempt the
capture. We had all arrangements
perfected. Boats were in readiness
to carry US across the river. One
day, we received information that
the President would visit the Seventh
street hospital for the purpose OF be-
ing present at an entertainment to
L