New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-06-27
THE MURDER OF LINCOLN.
JoHN MATrHEWss STORY.

GEORGE b. CORKHILL SUPPLIES SOME STATEMENTS
ABOUT JOHN WILKES BooIH's ACT-MR. NAT
TnRws REPLIES.
TO the Editor Of The Tribune
SIR: Some moath5 ago | agreed TO write an arti-
Gle for one Of the monthly magazines on tho assas-
sinatiOn Of President Lincoln. and l am certain
have in my possession facts never before given to
the public. l have the original confessions Of
Payne, the statements II Atzerot aud Harold, be-
sides the personal details derived from persons who
were then familiar with facts they were afraid to
disclose.
see that Dir. john Matthew'S, who played
the part of Attorney CoyC IN Z" The American
Cousin" at the theatre tbe mfht of the great
tragedy, is out in a abatement concerning package
he received from Booth OF the day Of the assassna
ton It may be that Dir. Matthews is now giving
the exact facts, but on tho DIST of April 1865, he
sworo TO q statement in which gre the following
interrogation and answer
"Question-When dill you last see Boothi
Auswer--A daY OF two before tho transaction"
Afterward. on the trial Of John H. Surratt, he was
placed on the stand as witness for Surratt, and Mr.
Bradley the counsel for SuTrstt said in open court
he intended to prove By Mr. Matthews that the con-
tents of that letter were IN agreement between four
conspirators to murler, neither Of whom was Oh
trial. Tho Court ruled the testimony out, and de-
given, because the object might have beon to screen
some Of the parties 10 the conspiracy by getting up
this agreement Mr.. Matthews was severely
handled in the examination b. eX-Attomey-O
Pierrcpont one Of the counsel for the Government
on the Surratt trial and during the examination he
asked permission 20 give the conversation between
him and Booth al the time no received
the package, which the Court refused. but,
after some discussion between Mr. Pierre
pont and w. Mc.r,ck, b. was allowed
20 state, which he did, that the paper was not
handed him with any or Of secrecy, Mr.. Matthew's
story about Booth shooting his Olooded mare, and
warming himself on thai April day by her dying
heat contains more romonce than truth. That the
murder Of the President was not tho original idea
of the cOnsprators Is probably true, but that they
were ready for murder AZ any time the result fully
demonstrates: and an mistaken in the facts now
in my possession if shall not be able 10 convince
any uupreudced reader that the evidence, fully
developed by the most careful examination, shows
that the judicial punishment Of these consprators
one or all without exception, was fully justified.
have a. high a regard Tor the personal feelings Of
the living relatives Of John Wikcs Booth rs any one
else. but cannot think that a regard for them
should prevent a complete and accurate history Of
this fearful crime being written, even II It should
revive unpleasant subjects; aud | take advantage
Of this letter to you TO say that have other in
tercst than TO write a line OF history. | shall feel
personally obliged 80 any for any information
that will aid me III this direction very respectfully
GEORGE Il. CORXHILL.
Eashiagion, jane Is, 1873.
The above letter. containing some interest
ing points bearing the present discussion OF the cir
cumsancrs connected with President Lneolns assas-
s.naion was received yesterday. John Matthews the
- raatfa al q =
found last evening NJ No. Union-squaro. when 0rs
apuroached upon the subject he refused 20 say any
thing whatever. but after being urged by personal
friend 20 va his views upon the letter. he reluctantly
answered few questions.
That portion Of the lettor relating TO an be
tween four couspraors murder tho President, Mr.
Matthews denounced rs a " sensational romance"
drawn from the imagination OF the writer. The state
tncpt left by John Wilkes Booth whcs Mr. Matthews IA
alleged 20 have DESTROYED signed by four persons
B90s r oSs rzcrot Mr. Matthews STATED. only
acted a. witnesses. n the murder was premed-
rated Booth the only person who eontem.
plated H. Booths statement, was written on sheet Of
commercial note paper. covering three PAGES u was
AID bearing upon assassnaton which well as Mr.
Matthews recoiect, Was IA ulese WOIds'
nv time and money the accomplishment Of certain
end / have been disappointed. The moment has NOW
blame me Tor what about do 6u posteriiy, am
sure WI iustiiy me" lh p9ragEapn was Pun Yl,
fHOruecr, of july ls, 1867
ON the surratt trial. Mr. Matthews continued.
- Was given permission % recall the conversation
between myself and Booth, when ne handed me
INC papers IN regard 10 my stating that the dOcu.
r,epfa vcre not given 20 me with any air OF
secrecy may have sad 80. don't recoect that they
we've received them from Booth IN open day ght IN
crowded thUroughfare. Now have said all mar avn
going TO say uuOn this subject II necessary Win 60
and take on affidavit 90 that effect. Tbs affair mas made
inc ton yelrs older than really am, and an not gOhs
~ be bothered with 10 any longer MI COrkhi 10 DIS
letter inquiries FOR any Information that will aid him TO
vrite TIE lull particulars OF this tragedy. Let me say
that be can Got none from am done win IL con
elndrd the actor with an emphatic knock on the
table Al. - ,,...,.. -,
M was subsequently learned that MI Mathews, on
eycra occasions during the past week, had c0nyerseu
about Inc Lincoln assassination with an acquahtahce,
From MIN few iacts connected WIN the traEsuy VIZ
learned This gentleman sta Ted that according 10 MT
Matthew's story, Frederick Aiken, member OF the
theatrical profession. told nun haltuew9 tna' n9
tborou0Lbrcd mare on which Booth escaped was shot
nv her rider In the swamps Virginia His object ~
Eiil,ng mia horse was 10 provide shelter TOT hmsen
80 nat lie cold Tns be found In the horses warm
body,