The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-10

watched, as far as practicable, the move
ments OF Lincoln. being cautious not TO
draw the attention nor arouse the suspi-
cions Of the numerous herdes OF detectives
and spies who at that time thronged every
thoroughfare OF the city OF Washington
Mr.. Lincoln during the month of January
paid several visits TO the theater. and had
it been Rooth's intention TO have assas-
slnated him at this time he could have ac-
eomplished ii with the same ease then that
he did at a later period In fact many in
stances presented themselves. afar from
the intercourse of a crowded city or the
alter. when he could have done so. and per-
haps none would have been able TO have
discovered whose hand IL was that struck
the blow.
WAS A MoNoMANIAC.
After detailing his first meeting with
John II. Surratt. Mr.. Arnold says:
j. Wilkes Booth. If l may be allowed to
pass opinion. might have been justly
termed a monomaniac on the subject. Each
day he was becoming impressed more with
the idea of attempting the abduction from
the theater and nothing that could be adj
vanced upon our part. tending to establish
its utter impracticability, had the slightest
weight or influence towards removing his
erroneous impressions. 1t seemed to be his
only thought by day and, from his con-
versation. his frequent dreams by night.
Ambition the curse of the world, was
fast becoming the leading star In his des-
tiny, destroying in its onward march the
better feelings of his nature. Nervous irri-
liability displayed itself on numerous oc-
casions. in quick and short responses when
information was asked; more especially so
when combating against his mode of pro-
cedure. From this time his determina-
ton TO carry out his plan of abduction at
the theater grew stronger upon him daily.
until it absorbed every other thought of his
mind and naught could be brought TO bear
to move change him from this newly
contemplated manner of carrying IL out.
To me it seemed like the height of mad
ness and would but lead to the sacrifice OF
US all. without obtaining the object for
which we combined together. The bravest
heart, surrounded by foes, looks eagerly
around for some opening of escape before
he commences action. Thus it was with
me. conscious of the fact that failure would
be followed by arrest by the government
of the United States, trial before military
tribunal on the specific charge of being
spies, which would more than probably con-
this was brought TO bear upon him. and
conversed over without producing the
slightest effect in changing his resolve.
OPPORTUNITIES WASTED.
On two occasions most favorable oppor-
tunities presented themselves which. IL
Booth had energetically moved In the
| premises had desire other than at
tempting it at the theater, am perfectly
| cessful beyond a doubt. These were oc-
| casions before / had become acquainted
| with the fact that others than Surratt and
| ourselves, already spoken of were con-
| nected in the enterprise. The President
| passed over the Eastern Branch bridge ac-
companied only by his coachman and sin
| gle guest within the carriage. To what
| point he went beyond was not known. his
movements having been overlooked only so
far as to ascertain the fact that he had
passed over the river.
Information was Immediately conveyed
| to Booth of these occurrences. He paid but
slight attention to the matter on account.
/ as he said, of the pressure of business at
| the time. and thus the only and the most
| favorable opportunities were permitted TO
| pass by without, ii may be truly spoken.
1
| him. 1t became impossible under these cir
cumstances to feel like continuing in the
affair when inaction and inattention were
becoming the ruling elements, delay tend
ing to cause our positions daily to become
more insecure.
The month of January had passed and as
yet nothing had been accomplished. Feb
ruary ushered itself in only TO be a repeti-
4 Is
through riotous living and dissipation. was
compelled to visit the city of New York
for the purpose of replenishing his squan-
| dered means. His absence continued near
| ly the entire month, caused by the great
| difficulty experienced in borrowing money
His visit did not extend beyond the city OF
New York. neither did he go for any other
purpose than that above stated. which fact
was made known to me on his return to
Washington on or about the 18th day OF
February, 1866.
During my whole connection with Booth
there was but one visit made to Canada by
him, this occurring at or about the time OF
the st. Adams raid, in which he was not
concerned. his visit there being. before
stated, for the purpose of shipping his
wardrobe by way of Nassau to the Con-
federate States.
In his visit to New York in the month OF
February he tried to induce man by the
name of Samuel Chester to engage in the
enterprise, he being, as Booth said, under
obligations to him. The part allotted for
him to perform was the turning off OF the
gas on the night in question, so that in the
darkness enveloping the house and con-
fusion created therefrom the abduction
could be made success. Many things
combining caused him to fail in this. cbes-
ter would take no part in it. and Booth de-
termined to attempt ii without the assist
ance of any others other than those al
ready connected with the affair.
ITO be Continued Tomorrow