Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-11

seldom met Booth. For the first time
my situation dawned upon me and began
to be felt deeply Here I was without
any kind Of employment, wandering from
place 20 place in my idleness, making fire.
qucnt visits to Baltimore, watched, no
doubt. and my footsteps logged by the
government detectives and spies, who in
various ways sought 10 obtain some clue
as to my business and how engaged.
This became insupportable, as l felt
every eye was watching my movements,
thereby making my position very inse-
cure.
After the Presidential election Booth
worked cnergctically in the affair, and
had completed all his arrangements, so
he informed OLaughlin and myself. He
was always busy and in motion, hay
ing very limited time to hold CONVEX
sation. I was unaware. even at this late
date, that there wereE Any others. beyond
those spoken Of before, who were con-
nected with the affair.
Prisoners were now being exchanged,
ard the purpose for which each had
bound himself to the other and for which
months of labor and time had been
expended. had been accomplished. Yet
he still insisted upon carrying out the
abduction. Patriotism had converged into
'leartless ambition on his part, and |
looked upon him as a mailman, and re-
solved, if the project were not speedily
executed to sever ms connection with
him.
Mr.. Arnold next recites at length, as
detailed III his sworn statement before
Gleason. in 1867, of the meeting of the
consp:rators at Golfers saloon, and there
meeting for the first time Lewis Payne,
George A. Atzerodt, and David E. Her
old who, with Arnold. Booth, O'LaugE-
lin, and Surratt. mace up the party OF
consrirators that gathered in the private
parIor Of the saloon to discuss the alb
duction. Arnold says at this point that
when Booth outlined the plans that his
audience was seemingly. carried away
with his visionary ideas. Some few re-
marks of an Objectionable character
started lengthy discussion. The fact
that the suspicion of the government
had seemingly been aroused from the
fact that double stockades were being
erected at the bridge crossing the East
crn Branch, on the Prince Georges side
of the river, which made the undertaking
more difficult. even II success crowned
the efforts at the theatre, vas talked
over. and Arnold advanced the idea of
the utter impra ctica bility of the whole
plan.
SPELLBOUND BY. BOOTH.
He then says: I stood not alone, yet
none seemed to consider it in its proper
light, they being completely spellbound
by the uttcrances which would follow
After arguing to great length. in fact
until the subject became exhausted and
before any reasonable decision could be
arrived at or rendered, il eliminated IN
very exciting and violent controversy
between Booth and myself the others
silently looking OH when Booth, in his
rasIiness and madness, finding that he
could not swerve me from my purpose
and firm stand taken IN the manner OF
its accomplishment, tfrea tened to shoot
me- or words to that effect.
At this time it looked very much as
If the meeting would be dissolved with
serious consequences attending it, as two
stubborn natures -haa-met. and one CT
us decided a character as, the other when
deenling the position assumed as right.
However, it was finally settled and COM
promised without resortinS to shooting,
after which in The presence of the entire
company, I stated my determination and
firm resolve to sever my connection with
the affair in case it was not carried out
during the week, stating, also, Gentle
men, you have naught to fear from ME.
in the matter, as l never would betray
YOU
The resolve to attempt to carry off the
President from the hospital or ercamp
ment on Seventh street, where the chief
executive failed to appear after the con-
Spira tors had arrived on the scene on
no, seback is dealt With again by Ar
! nod at this point. The plan was TO take
~ SO
seated within it, drive it around by way
of Bladensbrrg. thence through the low
er counties in the direction of Port To-
bacco, cross the river at or near that
point, and thence onward to Ricn-
mOnG.
A Q-JNOTIC. UNDERTAKING.
Commenting on this plan. Mr.. Arnold
| says: The most QuiXotic and visionary
| undertaking that ever entered sane
mans brain. looked upon him as de-
mented, but made no objection, stating
| that we would be ready at the appointed
time. OF all the ideas existing in 4 mans
| brain. this was the most foollardy ever
advanced. and we concluded that it was
done to try the nerve OF his associates.
| We looked upon him as a mailman, yet
could offer 40 objection. from the fac.
that we mad given our word to assist him
| in it during the week.
OLaughlin. Payne, and Arnold rode
| part of the way to the city in company.
and Booth and Surratt went on out the
road. What became Of Atzerodt I am
unable to state. and Herold was not pres
ent, he having been sent to T. B.. or
Surrattsville with Booths horse and bug
sy. conveying the box containing the
two carbines and other minor articles.
About 8 O'clock that same evening
O'Laushlin and myself met Booth and
Surratt back Of the National Hotel, at
the livery stable. where our horses had
been placed at livery, and from that day
never saw John H. Surratt until l met
him clerk at the Norfolk line of steam
ers in Baltimore. some ten years ago.
The interval allotted for carrying out
the scheme expired. and O.Laughiin and
myself severed all connection with Booth
and his confederates. and. in fact, the
general idea Of the entire party was that
the project was entirely abandoned, and
we returned to our respective homes in
Baltimore on March 20. 1865.
sTILLGANOTHER APPEAL.
But a few days had elapsed before
Booth was again soliciting my assistance
to which Z paid not the slightest atten-i
ton. On March g. 1855. as he returned.
from GsE York 70 the city Of EWashink-