Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1894-06-17
NIGH UNTO DEATH.
A Renaissance of a Startling and
Dramatic Event of the War.


This was ON tho Nth OF April 1865, and but
few hours before Lincoln was assassinated.
Surratt was n commercial traveller or passed.
for such; he certainly had business with
some Elmira merchants and 1t was In store
that l was introduced to him. He was
slender, wel-drcssed young fellow, with good
manners, and II he had any leanings to tho
South, or felt any chagrin over tho recent
collapse of the Confederacy. ho kept it to
himself.
The following day, Saturday, the 18th, tho
whole country was Mortified at the cruel
murder of tho President, and 1t was known
throughout the length and breadth of the
land that Mrs. surratt was arrested AS one of
tho conspirators, and that warrant was out
for her son, John II.
That the young man in Elmirn had no
direct connection with the murder OF MIR,
Lincoln and the attempted murder of his
cabinet was very evident, yet that he was as
ISOLATED with the consplrators became a cer-
tainty when he suddenly vanished, without
leaving behind him trace, 80 that for two
years, while glimpses were had of him hero
and there, ho remained undiscovered. Had
he been captured at that timo he would have
hanged with his mother, or neither would
have hanged; but so incensed were the peo-
pie at the time that 1t does not seem possible
that he could have been cleared in 'G5 when
he came so near to conviction in 81, after
time had appeased the wrath Of tho people
and an impartial trial was possible.
1t will be remembered by those who recall
surratt's trial before Judge Fisher in WASH
inston that he confessed that as soon as he
learned of what had been done by the con-
spirators he lod to Canada without cent
in has pocket, so that much OF the Journey
had to DO made on foot. From Canada he
made his way to Europe, and being Catho-
lie he succeeded In reaching Rome. whore he
enlisted in the corps known as the 'Papal
Zouaycs," and while in this service ho was
discovered by tho United States detectives.
extradited and brought home for trial.
On the trial 1t was pretty clearly shown
that snrratt, II not a fellow-conspirator at
least associated with Booth Paine and the
others and that during the war he acted MS
spy aud secret courier of the Confederacy,
successfully carrying messages between
Richmond and the Southern Commissioners
in Canada, and that his mercantile business
was assumed merely as n blind to disguise
among some of tho ancient Greeks, was en-
tirely legitimate so long as it remained unde-
tected. These facts with his flight told
strongly against surratt on tho trial, and it
is very certain that tho evidence would have
convicted him two years before; but his
Hight, while confirming his guilt ut tho time.
really saved him, for though the war scars
were still unhealed, and the storm OF years
had not settled Into calm, men wero in a po-
sition to be influenced by evidence rather
than prejudice.
was not surprised to find that twenty
nino years had wrought So great a change In
John II. Surratt, that though his face was
strongly photographed in my memory when
last saw him in EimiH, that should not
nave known him. He IL still a well preserved
man In middle life, with the ease OF manner
and the courtesy that distinguished him as n
young man OF twonty-four or five. He did
not remember me, nor did 1 expect It his
mind was not In a state at thut time to retain
the recollection OF a casual acquaintance.
introduced myself and explained WHY
was curious TO see him again; but instead of
avoiding the topic which 1 had doubts about
broaching, with frank, open manner he
paved the way himself. But felt still that
TINS pale, quiet man had much in reserve
which with sealed lips he will carry with him
to the grave. Indeed, still wonder that the
man is alive and so active; one OF weaker
stun would have gone down long since under
tho burden OF anxiety aud mental torture
which he bore 50 long and with such nd
mirnble nerve.
you want to know how escaped from
Elmira,' said Mr.. surratt, in response to nv
question. ''Well, there is not much to tell.
All the facts came out on the trial, and are.
think, in the main, accurate
Did you have much difficulty in getting
away?" asked.
Mr.. surratt responded: "Not so much
dliheulty, perhaps, as anxiety. 1t was not
khoWn at the time, ia not known now, and SO
am very sure 1t never will be known, what a
great number of people there were in tho
North who either secretly or openly sym
pathi2ad with tho Confederaey. Long before
my flight from Elmira had discovered this
and knew pretty well whore to find friends.
While acting as an agent for tho Confederate
Government had no difficulty in travelling
through tho North wherever and whenever
pleased. The greatest drawback to my flight
was tho want OF means, and this in itself
should convince any one that was in no way
prepared for the tragedy enacted in Washing
ton on the very day was in Elminl."
Did you not have companion in your
hight from Elmira to Canada?" / asked.
"fes," was the response, ''for part Of tho
distance. The man has not been identified
and oil know about him is that he was
equally poor with myself. 1t matters not
where mot him but We reached st. Adams.
VI, together, and walked to Franklin, on the
other side OF the line. Once in Canada, 1
succeeded in getting funds-how, it is not
necessary to describe; but you may remem-
per That the confcdemcy had its agents in
that country, with plenty OF money. 1t has
been charged against me that knew my
mother was in serious danger, and that by
returning to Washington might have saved
her This most solcmnly deny. knowing
mat she was entirely innocent Of any connec-
ton with tho so-eallod conspiracy, though
her sympathies were undeniably with the
confederacy, could not imagine that she
was in any danger. did not then dream OF
The Intense bitterness and prejudice that was
manifested IN her trial, and felt sure that
II she were tried she would DO acquitted.
Whom | did hear Of my mother's sentence, I