South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1882-01-20
LlNCOLN'S MARTYRDOM.
Cause OF the Presidents Murder-au Unwritten
Chapter of History.

Chapter of history.
In recent conversation with New
York correspondent Col. John w. For
ney, related the following incidents of
the murder of President Lincoln:
Among the chosen frieuds Of John
Wilkes Booths boyhood wSs a dashing,
chiyalrous young msn of the name of
John Y. Beal, whose home was in the
beautiful Shenandoah Valley not far
from Winchester. When the war broke
out, BeGl who was fauatical Secessi ion.
lst, went TO Canada, and from ttere
Joined party OF Soa!herners engaged in
carr ing on an irregular kind of war
fare on the Northern lakes against the
Union. Their chief object was TO re-
lease Confederate prisoners OF war
quartered on Johnson's Island, near
Sandusky, OHIO. but they also set fire
TO ships and public buildings, and even
took measures to send infected clothing
into the North for the purpose OF spread
ing pesti!ence. Finally, Z number Of
item were captured, and 40 the rest dis
persed. Among the unforluna,es who
fell into the hands Of the enrcged North
erners was young Bcal. He was brought
before coprt-marlial and convicted OF
sn attempt to wreck q passenger train
near Buffalo. Tie sentence was death
by the rope.
One afternoon, while Bcal was under
sentence Vi death, there alighted from
carriage two men, who walked into the
room occupied by Washington Mclean,
OF tie Cincinnati Enquirer. who was ct
thai time IN Washington in tue interests
OF his business. The visitors were Sen.
atoC Eugene Eaie, OF New Han pshire,
and John Wilkes Booth. Booth was
anxious to save tic life Of his friend
Bea!, snd bad Interested tie Senator IN
his behalf. They importured Mclean
10 go with them u tue president--Gs L
Democrat, Gs friend OF Booth. as n
nan who exercised influence over Sir.
LiGcoln-and TO youch with Mr. Hale
for any promises Booth might make in
return for this great favor 10 him. Az
ter pgotracted interview, Hr. Mclean
decided that the best plan would be for
biz. to Erst write 10 the President, beg
giEg for Begia pardon. Should letter
not have tie desired effect, Mr.. Mclean
promised TO intsrcede personally with
Mr.. Lincoln. Before lis visitors left.
however, he advised them 10 enlist the
sympathos OF Colonel John w. FUrney
Oh BesPs behalf.
Booth was not slow in following the
advice. Not being personally acquain
ted with the gallant colonel. he Visited
one OF the latter's friends Colonel Lee.
an old Washington resident. Through
Colonel Lee and Nr. Thaddeus Stevens.
then the Republican leader of Pennsvl-
yaBia, Colonel Forney was induced to
address an earnest letter u bis friend.
the President. inploring bim TO eyer
else his clemency for the convicted
man.
Several doys passed, but neither Col.
onel Forney's nor Washington Me.
Leans letters were answered. The
date fixed for Tie execution vas rapidly
approaching, and Booth grew alarmed.
Once more 10 company with Senator
Hale he Knocked at Washington Aic-
Leans door. The latter declared him.
self ready 70 fulfill bis ptomise. 1t was
81 hour or more past midnight when
Hale, Mclean. and Booth we're driven
TO the White House. The guard. II
AcLean's request, admitted tue car.
riage TO Tue grounds. NJ Lincoln was
called from bis sleep, and there IN the
dead o. night he sat and li.teuai 70 the
prayers Of Booth and the endorsements
OF those who came with bin - ask The
favor Of Executive clemenoy.
This Interview lasted until four in Tie
morning. IL was one &C tears, prayer.
aud petition. There vas not dry eve
ga the room "a Booth kuelt W the feet
Of Lincoln, ClGspcd his knees with bis
hands and begged Li4 70 spare The life
Of Den-n personal friend, who, in
serving tho ones be- loved had come TO
the door Of death.
Booth t5ld all. lie told how, long
before, IN 60 of passion 20 do some
bold deed 30 joined 30 conspiracy TO
k.dGlp tAo Pre- .dcut and 20 hold him
80 hostage Tor the release Of ceytain
military priaeusrJ who were Booths
friends. cod who b was tboasL5 gsre 70
be slot. lie told of Tao meetings taey
had held at tLo house of Ars. Susr1tt,
and that OIL of that p,au had falleu 90
che ground iOpg before. lie offered hi4
services 40 any time. aud ia any place
or capacity. freo Of cost Gad fearless Of
TIE eminent gentlemen
who we're there Joined with BIN ia tho
rcquest tina. The praycr o. Booth he
granted, aad that Bcsl should be pars
Goucl
AZ last President Lincoln, with tears
streaming down bis face, took Booth by
The ha.ts, babe him rise aaj stand like