Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1910-02-18

Manassas, w. w. Smallweod. liy.
lag near Manassas, has 10 his nos
session smal. section Of the ropa
and soafiold, used in the execution Of
john Brown. These rare relics are now
on exhibition in Manassas, accom- pa
MED by a sworn affidavit as to their
true identity.
Mr.. Smallwoed has, alss q copy of n
letter written by Jehn Wilkes Booth a
few hours before he assasrinated Abra-
ham Lincoln. This letter was pub
lished few days after Lincoln's as
sassination, but the papers, containing
1t were promptly censored by the Fed
eral government.
A lady friend OF 4 Fredcricksburg
man copied the letters from one of the
inserdie'ed publications, and, after de-
stroying the newspaper, gave the copy
to friend after having placed upon
the back Of 1t the following inscrip-
tiou; "Thc United States government
had detectives scattered over the
South, as well as the North, immesi.
ately after the assassination of Lin
coin, and friend OF our family eau
toned me 10 say netbing ABOUT The
letter fer fear Of arrest for having II in
my possession
In this letter, Booth says "kigh, or
wrong, God judge me, not man, for
be nay motive good or bad, Of ono
thing l am surc--the lasting condem-
natlen of the North. l love peace
more than life have loved the Union
beyond expression. For four years 4
have waited, hoped and prayed for
the dark cloud to break and for . re-
storation of our former sunshine.
To wait longer would be crime; all
hope fer peace ls dead. My prayers
have proved as idle az my hopes. God .
will be dsne, / so TO see and share the
bitter.
/ have ever held the South WAS right.
The nomination Of Abraha Lincoln
four years age, spoke plainly of war
upon southern rights and Institutions 8,
and his election proved 1t. sWait an
over act, yes till you are bound and
plundered. What folly, the South was
wise. who thinks Of arguments OF pa
tienoe when the fil.gsr of an enemy
press tho trigger.
This country was formed by the
white man, not for the black, aud
locking upon African slavery from the
same standpoint held by the noble
trainers Of our constitution, for ore
have ever considered Il enc Of the
greatest blessings, both for shemsel yes
and Us, God ever bestowed on favor.
cd nation. But this IL no Atime fol
words. write in haste.
| ~ know how foolish shall hs
deemed for undertaking such step Al
this--whsre on ole side have many
friends and everything to make me
happy, where my profession, alone
has gained me an income OF more tina 4
$40, zoo a year, and where my great
personal ambition, in nay professio Il
has such great field for labor. On
the other hand, iths South has never
| bestowed upon nae one kind words
place where ! have no friends except
b meath the sod; place where must
either become private soldier or Q
beggar.
$40 give up the former for the latter
besides my mothers and sisters, WHOM
lovsd SO dearly, though they SO wide
ly differ from me in my opinion
seems insane, bat God is my judge. /
love justice more than 1 do country
that djsowns 1t; more than fame OIL
wealth; mors-Heaven pardon me il
wrong-than = happy home.o
Mr. Smallwood prizes these relics
highly and has refused tempting offers
for them.