The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-03-10
j. WILKES BOOTHS SON.
Harry Lacy is Reported to Be the
Man.

man.
A Pittsburg Leader reporter called on
Mr.. Josheph Arthur, the author of the ''Still
Alarm" and asked him to confirm story
which had come to the reporters ears from
Baltimore, which sought to establish the
fact that the relationship of father and son
existed between John Wilkes Booth and
Harry Lacy Mr.. Arthur was evasive. but
when told by the reporter that the story
would be published. he admitted that gen
tleman in Baltimore, between whom and
Wilkes Booth strong friendship had ex-
listed, had shown him remarkable letter in
Wilkes Booths handwriting, which, if gen
uine, leaves little doubt that Harry Lacy,
of "A Still Alarm" is a legitimate son of
Booth. The gentleman in question invited
Mr.. Arthur t. his rooms, and opened some
wine, and, under its influence, he told Mr..
Arthur the following remarkable story:
"WilkeS Booth married Gland sstinely
beautiful society girl, the daughter of a scion
of Maryland's aristocracy. Booths erratic
nature and unpopular profession were alike
distasteful to the parents and relatives of
the girl, who, through their daughter, ex-
acted a promise from Booth neve. to reveal
the marriage. This promise he religiously
kept from even his own family, who to this
day know nothing of the marriage, fact
known TO none but Booths friend. who was
present at the nuptials, and for the first
time told the story to Mr.. Arthur. A baby
was born and the mother died shortly after
ward. The aristocratc family, anxious to
sever all connection with Booth, declined to
receive the child Booth then placed the
infant in charge of lady of
high social standing in Baltimore
But, her health failing, she was forced to ask
Booth to place the boy in other hands He
then wrote the letter TO his friend, which
was by him read to Mr.. Arthur and fully
identified as Booths handwriting. The let
ter was sent from Chicago, Booth then be-
ing on starring tour. 1t implored his
friend to take charge of his boy baby, which
the friend agreed to do. During the time
the boy renamed with the friend, Booth
paid handsomely and made frequent visits
to Baltimore, often jumping hundreds of
miles to remain single day with the child,
upon whom he lavished wealth of affec-
tion. The boy when old enough was placed
in school by the friend, and at the time of
Booths death was about 10 years of age, but
unconscious of the real relationship bet ean
himself and Lincoln's slayer. This had
been kept from BIN faithfully by his friend,
who told the boy (whO often wondered at
Booths devoted attentions that Booth ad
mired him because he was the son of his
good friend. That boy. at the age of fif esn
ran away, and that boy is no one more than
ndi ~ lacy. ~ ny, compare Iue TWO men,
their nervous, fiery temperament, the wild
expression of the eyes, the shape of the two
heads, covered with the same short chestnut
colorei curlS. the refined mold of the feat
ures, the pallid hue Of the skin, the little
figure, quick gait, the voices. Let any
person who knew Booth talk to Lacy
five minutes aud he will be convinced
that what tell is a verify. Ask Lacy
for the history of his past life, aud mark his
rati nn mo ippff
Mr.. Arthur says there is no doubt in his
mind that the letter was written by Booth
and is genuine, as the friend had dozens OF
others aud many tokens of Booths est eem.
Said Mr.. Arthur in conclusion: The
very next day the gentleman regretted his
narrative, and called upon Inc and begged
me not to make public what he had told the
night before, nor would but for your de-
termination to publish The story as it came
to me i'll Baltimore"