S U R XI A T T.
A REMARKABLE LECTURE.
A Vivid Narrative History of the
Abduction Plot Surratt's Exp:
tience with "Wilkee Booth
Why he did not Come to
the Belief of his Mother.
Tuesday evening John II. Sarratt delivered at
Kockville, Md., an address, giving his version of
Lis connection with John Wilkes Booth and the
Lincoln conspirators, lie spoke as lollows:
Ladies and gentlemen: Upon entering that
door a lew moments ago the impression on my
mind was so strong an to vividly recall scenes of
three years ago. I am not unacquainted with
court-room audiences. (Sensaltoii.) I have
rtood before them before; true, not in the char
acter of a lecturer, hut as a prisoner at the bar,
arraigned for the high
CKIMK OF MURDER.
In contracting the two positions I must con
fers I felt more at ease as the prisoner at the bar
than I do as a lecturer. Then I felt confident of
tuccese; now I do not. Then I had gentlemen
of knowu ability to do ail my talking for ma;
now, unfortunately, I have to do it for myself,
and J feel illy capable of performing the task;
f till I hope j-ou will all judge me kindly. I am
not here to surprise you by any oratorical effort
not at all but only to tell a simple tale. I
feel that some explanation, perhaps, indeed, an
apology, is due you for my appearance here this
evening. In presenting this lecture before the
public I do it no spirit of self-justification. In
a trial of sixty-one days I made my defense to
ihe world, and I have no need or desire to re
hearse it; nor do I appear for self-glorification.
Un the contrary, I dislike notoriety, and leave
my solitude and obscurity unwillingly. Neither
is it an itching for notoriety or fame. My object
is merely to present a simple narrative of events
ns they occurred. I stand hero through the
force of that which has obliged mmy other
men to do things quite as distasteful pecuniary
iiecesslty,- for the supply of which no more
available channel presented itself. This is a
reason easily appreciated. Bo you will take it
kindly, I trust, and the ground we will have to
go over together will guarantee sufficient inte
rest to repay your kind attention. In this my
first lecture I will speak of my introduction to
J. Wilkes Booth, his plan its failure our final
separation my trip from Richmond, and thence
to Canada then my orders to Elmira what
w as done there the first intimation I had of .
MR. LINCOLN'8 DEATH,
my return to Canada and concealment there,
and final departure for Europe. At the break
ing out of the war I was a student at St. Charles
College, in Marylaud, but did not remain long
there after that important event. I left in
July, lsiil, and rcturniug home commenced to
take an active part in the stirring events of that
period. I was not more than eighteen years of
age, and was mostly engaged in sending in
formation regarding the movements of the
United States army stationed in Washington
and elsewhere, and earryiug dispatches to the
Confederate boats on the I'otomac. We had a
regnlar established line from Washington to the
Potomac, and I being the only unmarried mau
on the route, I had most of the hard riding to
d. (Langhter.) I devised various ways to carry
the despatches sometimes in the heel of my
boots, sometimes between the planks of the
buggy. I confess that never in my life did I
come across a more
BTITID SET OF DETECTIVES
than those generally employed by the United
States (iovernment. They seemed to have no
idea whatever how to search men. In 1864 my
family left Maryland and moved to Washing
ton, where I took a still more active part in the
stirring events of that period. It was
A FASCINATING LIFE TO ME.
It seemed as If I could not do too much or run
too treat a risk.
In the fall of 1884 I was Introduced to John
WilKes Booth, who, I was given to understand,
wished to know something about the main ave
nues leading from Washington to the Potomac.
We met several times, but as he seemed to be
very reticent with regard to his purposes, and
very anxious to get all the information out of
me he could, I refused to tell him anything at
nil. At last 1 said to him, "It is useless for you,
Mr. Booth, to seek any Information from me
at all; I know who you are and what are your
intentions." He hesitated some time, but
finally said he would make known his views to
nie provided I would promUe secrecy. I replied
"1 will do nothing of the kind. You know well
I am a Southern man. If yon cannot trust me
we will separate." lie then said: "I will confide
my plans to you; but before doing bo I will
make known to you the motives that actuate
me. In the Northern prisons are many thou
sands of our men whom the United States Gov
ernment refuse to exchange. You know as well
as I the efforts that have been made to bring
about that much desired exchange. Aside from
the great suffering they are compelled to un
dergo, we are sadly in want of them as soldiers.
We cannot spare one man, whereas the Uuited
States Government is willing to let their own
soldiers remain in our prisons because she has
no need of the men. i have a proposition to
submit to you, which I think if we can carry
out will bring about the desired exchanged'
There was a long and
OMINOUS SILENCE
which I at last was compelled to break by ask
ing, "Well, sir, what is your proposition ?" He
sat quiet for an instant, and then, before an
swering me, arose and looked under the bed,
into the wardrobe, in the doorway and the pas
sage, and then said: "We will have to be care
ful; walls have ears." He then drew his chair
close to me and in a whisper said,
"IT 18 TO KIDNAP PRESIDENT LINCOLN
and carry him off to Richmond." "Kidnap
President Lincoln!" I said. I confess that I
stood aghast at the proposition, and looked upon
it as a foolhardy undertaking. To think of suc
cessfully seizing Mr. Lincoln in the capital of
the United States, surrounded by thousands of
bis soldiers, ana carrying him on to Richmond,
looked to me like a foolish idea. I told him as
much. He went on to tell with what facility he
could be-seized in various places in and about
Washington, as lor example in hi various
rides to and from the Soldier' Home, his sum
mer residence. He entered into the minute
details of the proposed capture, and even the
various parts to be performed by the actors in
the performance. I was amazed thunder
struck ar.i in fact, I might also say, frightened
at the
UNPARALLELED AUDACITY
of this scheme. After two days' reflection I
told him 1 was willing to try it. I believed it
practicable at that time, though 1 now regard
it as a foolhardy undertaking. I hope you will
not blame me for going thus far. I honestly
thought an exchange of prisoners could be
brought about could we have once obtained
possession of Mr. Lincoln's person. And now
reverse the case. Where is there a younj; man
in the North with one spark of pa'trlotUm In
his heart who would not have with
enthusiastic ardor joined in any under
taking for the capture of Jefferson Davis aud
brought him to Washington? There is not one
who would not have done so. And so I was led
on by a sincere desire to assist the South in
f;alnine her independence. I had no haitutiou
n taking part in anything honorable that might
tend toward the accomplishment of that
object. (Tremendous applause.) Snob
a thing as the assassination of Mr. Lincoln I
Bever heard spoken of by any party. Keoer !
(ScDsatiOH.) Upon one occasion, 1 remember,
we called a meeting in Washington for the pur
pose of diaeu.-siug matters in geueral, as we had
understood that the (iovernment had received
informstion that there was a plot of some kind
1 on hand, 'lbey bad even commenced to build a
Atccisde atd fcates on tie nary yard bridge;
gates opening towards the sonth,as though they
expected danger from within, and not from
without. At this meeting I explained the con
struction of the gates, etc., and stated that I
was confident the Government bad wind of our
movement, and that the best thing we eonld do
would be to throw up the whole project. Every
one seemed to coincide in my opinion, except
Booth, who sat silent and abstracted. ' Arising
at last and bringing down his fist upon the table,
he said: "Well, gentlemen, if the worst conn
to the worst, 1 shall
KNOW WHAT TO DO."
Some hard words and even threats then passed
between him and some of the party. Four of
us then arose, one spying. "If I understand
yon to lntimats anything more than the capture
of Mr. Lincoln, I, for one, will bid you good bye."
Every one erpreesed the same opinion. We all
arose and commenced putting our hats on. Booth
perceiving, probably, that ho had gone too far,
asked pardon, saying that he "had drank too
much champague." After some ditllculty
everything was amicably arranged, and we
separated at 5 o'clock in the morning. Days,
weeks, and months passed by without an oppor
tunity presenting ituclf for us to attempt the
capture. We seldom saw one another, owing to
the manv rumors afloat that a conspiracy of
some kind was being concocted in Washlnrtou.
We had all arrangements perfected from Wash-
ton for the purpose. Boats were in readiness
to carry us across the river. One day we re
ceived information that the President would
visit the Seventh Street Hospital for the pur
pose of being present at an entertainment to be
given for the bene tit of the wounded soldiers.
The report only reached us about three-quarters
of an hour before the time appointed, but so
perfect was our communication taut we were
Instantly in our saddles on the way to the hos
pital. This was between 1 and 2 o'clock in the
afternoon. It was our intention to
SEIZE THE CARRIAGE,
which was drawn by a splendid pair of horses,
and to have one of our men mount the box and
drive direct for southern Maryland via Ben-
ning's Bridge. We felt confident that all the
cavalrV in the city could never overhaul us.
We were all mounted on swift horses, besides
having a thorough knowledge of the country, it
being determined to abandon the carriage after
passing the city limits, upon the
SUDDENNESS OF THE BLOW
and the celerity of our movements we depended
for success. By the time the alarm could have
been given and horses saddled, we would have
been on our way through southern Maryland
towards the Potomac river, lo our great dis
appointment, however, the President was not
.v...-,. i.,.. t .v.- a. ....... n... r..:i r-
Chase, if I mistake not. We Ud not disturb
him, as we wanted a bigger chase (laughter)
than he could have afforded us. It was certainly
a bitter disappointment, but yet 1 think a most
fortunate one for us. It was our last attempt,
we sooh alter this became convinced that we
could not remain much longer undiscovered,
and that we must abandon our enterprise
Accordingly, a separation finally took place,
and I never after saw any of the party except
one, and that was when I was on my way from
Richmond to Canada on business of quite a dif
ferent nature about which, presently. Sueh is
the story of
OUR ABDUCTION TLOT.
Rash, perhaps foolish, but honorable I main
tain iu its means and ends; actuated by such
motives as would under similar circumstances
be a sufliclent inducement to thousands of South
era young men to have embarked in a similar
enterprise. Shortly after our abandonment of
the abduction scheme, some despatches came to
me wnien l was compelled to see through to
Richmond. They were foreign ones, aud had
no reference whatever to this affair. I accord
ingly left home for Richmond, and arrived there
sateiy on the triday evening before the evacm
tion of that city. On my arrival I went to the
Spotswood Hotel, where I was told that Mr
Benjamin, the then Secretary of War of the
Confederate States, wanted to see mo. I accord
ingly sought his presence. Ho asked me if I
would carry some despatches to Canada for him
I replied "yes." That evening he gave mo the
despatches and 200 In gold with which to pay
my way to Canada. That was the only tmney
1 ever received from the Confederate Govern
ment or any of Its agents. It may be well to
remark here that this scheme ot abduction was
concocted without the knowledge or the assist
ance of
THE CONFEDERATE GOVERNMENT
in any shape or foi m. Booth and I often con
suited together as to whether it would not be
well to acquaint the authorities in Richmond
with our plan, as we were sadly In want of
money, our expenses being very heavy. In fact
the question arose among us as to whether,
AFTER GETTING MR. LINCOLN,
if we succeeded in our plan, tho Confederate
authorities would not surrender us to the United
States again, because of doing this thing with
out their knowledge or consent. But we never
acquainted them with the plan, and they never
had auythiuur in the wide world to do with it.
In fact, we were jealous of our undertaking and
wanted no outside help, i nave not made this
statement to defend the officers of the Confede
rate Government. They are perfectly able to
defend themselves. What I have done myself I
am not ashamed to let the world know. I left
Richmond on Saturday morning before the
evacuation ot that place, and reached Wash
ington the following Monday, at 4 o'clock P.
M., April 3, 1SC5. As toon as I reached the
Maryland shore I understood that the detec
tives knew of my trip South and were on the
lookout for me. I had been South several times
before for
THE BECKBT SERVICE,
but bad never been caught. At that time I was
carrying the despatches Mr. Benjamin gave me.
in a book entitled "The Life of John Brown."
DurlDg my trip, and while reading that book, I
learned, to my utter amazement, that
JOHN BROWN
was a martyr, sitting at the right hand of God.
(Uproarious laughter.) I succeeded in reaching
wasmngton saieiy, and in passing up Seventh
street met one of our party, who inquired what
bad become of Booth. I told him where I had
been; that I was then on my way to Canada,
and that I had not seen or heard anything ot
Booth since our separation. In view of the faot
that Richmond bad fallen, and that all hopes of
the aoouction oi me rresiaent naa oeen given
up, I advised him to go home and go to work.
That was
v TUB LAST TIME
I saw any of the party. I went to a hotel and
stopped over that night, as a detective had been
to my house inquiring of the servant my where
abouts, in the early tram next morntnz. l ues
day, April 4. 1805, I left for New York, and that
was the last time I ever was in Washington
until brought there by the United States Gov
ernment a captive in irons,
Ail REPORTS TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITH
STANDING.
The United States, as you will remember.
tried to prove my presence in Washington on
me lath ot April, the day on which Mr. Lincoln
met his death. Upon arriving in New York, I
CALLED AT BOOTH'S HOUSE,
and was told by the servant that be had left
that morniBg suddenly, on the ground of going
to Boston to luihi an engagement at the theatre.
In the evening of the same day I took the cars
for Montreal, arriving there the next day. I
put np at the St. Lawrence Hotel, registering
uiyseu as
"JOHN HARRISON,
such being my two first names. Shortly after
wards I saw General Edward G. Lee, to whom
the despatches were directed, and delivered
them to him. Those despatches we tried to in
troduce as evidence on my trial, Wut his Honor
Judge Fisher ruled them out, despite of the fact
that the Government bad tried to prove that
they had relation to the conspiracy to kill Mr.
Lincoln, lbey were only accounts of soma
mouey transactions nothing more or less. A
week or so after my arrival there, General Lee
came to my room, and told me he had
A PLAN ON FOOT
to release the Confederate prisoners then In El
mira, N. Y. He said he bad tent mauy parties
there, fcut they always got frightened, and ooly
hall xrcuted their orders, lie asked me H i
would go there and take a sketch of the prison,
find "lit the number ot prisoners, also minor
detnV in regard to the number of soldiers on
i. cannon, small arms, etc. 1 readily ac
ccm d these new labors, owing to the fact that
I etiiid not return to Washington lor tear oi tne
detectives. The news of the evacuation ot
Richmond did not seem to disturb the General
much in his plan, as he doubtless thought then
that the Conledcracy wanted men more than
ever, no one dreaming that it was virtually at
nn end. I was much amused at one expression
made use of by an ex-Reb with regard to tho
suddenness of Its demise: "Dn tho thing, it
didn't even flicker, but went right out."
(Laughter and applause.) In accordance with
General Lee's order, I went to Elmira, arriving
there on Wednesday, two days before Mr. Lin
coln's death, and "registered at the Bralnard
House, as usual, as "John Harrison." Tho fol
lowing day I went to work, and made a complete
sketch of the prison and surroundings. About
10 o'clock on Friday night I retired, little thiuk
lug that on that night
A BLOW WOULD BE STRUCK
which would forever blast my hopes and make
me a wanderer in a foreign land. I slept the
bight through, and came down the next morn
iut little dreaming of the storm then brewing
around my bend. When 1 took my seat at the
table about 0 o'clock A. M. a rrentlumau to my
left remarked. "Have von heard the news ?
"No, I've not," I replied. "What is it?"
"Why
PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND SECRET ART 8EWARD
IIAVK BEEN ASSASSINATED.
I really put so little faith In what the man said
that 1 made a remark that it was too early in
the morning to get off such jokes as that. "It s
so," he said; at the same time drawing out a
paper and showing it to me. Sure enough there
I saw an account of what he told me, but as no
names were mentioned it never occurred to me
for an instant that it could have been Booth or
any of the party, for the simple reason that I
had never beard anything regarding assassina
tion spoken oi during my intercourse with
them. I had good reason to believe that there
was
ANOTHER CONSPIRACT AFLOAT IN WASHINGTON.
In fact, we all knew it. One evening, as I
was partially lying down in the reading-room
of tho Metropolitan Hotel, two or three gentle
men came iu and looked around as if to mase
sure that no one was around. They then conv
meuced to talk about what had been done,, the
best means for the expedition, etc. It being
about dusk, and no gas light, and partially con
cealed behind a writing desk, 1 was an unwill
iug listener to what occurred. I told Booth of
this alterward, and be said he bad heard some
thing to the same effect. It only made us all
the more eager to carry out our plans at an
early day for fear some one should get ahead ot
us. we didn t know what they were after
exactly, but we were well satisfied that their
object was very much the same as ours. Arising
from the table, i thought over who the party
could be, for at that time no names had beeu
telegraphed. I was pretty sure it was none of
THE OLD PARTY.
I approached the telegraph office in the main
hail ot tne hotel tor the
purpose of ascertain! g
if J. Wrilkes Booth was in New York. I picked
up a blank and wrote "John Wilkes booth.
giving the number of the house. I hesitated a
moment and then tore the paper up and then
wrote one
"j. w. B.,
with directiocs, which I was led to do from the
fact that during our whole connection we rarely
wrote or telegraphed under our proper name,
but always in such a manner that no one could
understand but ourselves. One way of Booth's
was to send letters to me uuder cover to my
quondam triena,
LOUIS J. WEICHMAN.
Doubtless you all know who Louis J. Welch
man is. lbey were sent to him because he
knew of the plot to abduct President Lincoln
I proclaim it here and before the world that
Louis J. Weichman was a party to the plan to
abduct President Lincoln. He had been told all
about it, and was constantly importuning me
to let him become an active member, l re
fused, for the simple reason that I told him he
could
NEITHER RIDE A HORSE NOR SHOOT A PISTOL,
which was a fact. (Laughter.) These were two
NECESSARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
for us. My refusal nettled him some; so he
went off, as it afterwards appeared by his testi
mony, and told some Governmeut clerk that he
had a vague idea that there was a plan of some-
kind on hand to abduct President Lincoln.
This he says himself: that he could have spotted
every mau ou the par'y. Why didn't he do it ?
Booth sometimes was rather suspicious of him,
and asked me if I thought he could be trusted.
Said I, ' Certainly he can. Weichman is
A SOUTHERN MAN,"
and I always believed it until I had good reason
to believe otherwise, because be had furulshed
information lor the Confederate Government,
besides allowing me
ACCESS TO THE GOVERNMENT RECORDS
after office hours. I have very little to say of
Louis J. Weichman. But I do pronounce him
a base-born perjurer; a murderer of the meanest
hue: Give me a man who cau
STRIKE hIS VICTIM DEAD,
but save me from a man who, through perjury.
win cause tne a emu or an innocent person
Double murderer::! lieu possesses no worse
fiend than a character of that kind. (Applause.)
Away with such a character. I leave hiuo. iu the
PIT OF INFAMY,
which he has dug for himself, a prey to the
lights of his guilty conscience. (Applause.)
1 telegraphed Booth thus: .
"J. W. B., la New York:
"If you are in New York telegraph me.
"John Harrison, Elmira. N. Y."
The operator, after looking over it, said, "Is
It J. W. B.?" to which I replied. "Yes." He
evidently wanted the whole name, aud had
scarcely finished telegraphing when a door
right near the office, and opening on the street,
was pnshed open, and 1 heard some one say,
"Yes, there are three or four brothers of them,
John, Junius Brutus, Edwin, and J. Wilkes
Booth." The whole truth flashed on me in an
instant, and I said to myself,
"MY GOD! WHAT HAVE I DONE?
The despatch was still -lying before me, and I
reached over and took it up for the purpose of
destroying it, but the operator stretched forth
his hand and said, "We must file all tele-
f ranis." My first impulse was to tear it up, but
pitched it back and walked out. The town
was in the greatest uproar, flag: at half m ist.
bells tolling, etc., etc. Still I did not think that
I was in danger, and determined to go immedi
ately to Baltimore to find out the particulars of
the tragedy. But here I wish to say a few words.
concerning the
register or the brainard house
When my counsel, by my own direction, went
to seek that register, it could not be found. Our
inability to produce it on the trial naturally
cast a suspicion over our aiun. d or weeks,
months, did we sees: to nud its whereabouts,
but to no purpose. Every man who was con
nected with the hotel was hunted up aud ques
tioned. Every register of the hotel before and
after the one which ought to contain my
name was lo be found, but the most important
one of all was gone. New the question is what
became of that register? The United States
Government, by one of its witnesses. Doctor
McMillan, knew iu November, 1S05, that I was
in Elmira at the time of the assassination. They
knew it, and lbey naturally traced me thereto
find out what 1 was doing. That some of the
Government emissaries abstracted that register
I firmly believe, or perhaps it is stored away in
some of the other Government vaults, uuder
charge or
. SOME JUDGE HIGH IN PESITION,
but this is only a surmise of mine. But the cir
cumstance unolvt-s a mystery of villainy which
the All-leering God will yet bring to light. The
(kspt h 1 teut to Booth aNo from Elmira It was
impossible to find. We hid tne operator at
acLir-LTU-n dunii ' my trial, but ho said the
original was gone, thoughfhe had a copy of it.
in leiegrapn otltres they are compelled to keep
all det patches filed. Of course we could not
offer this copy in evidence, because the original
aione would oe accepted, and that bad ocon
made away with. So sure was the Government
that they bad destroyed all evidence of my so
journ in Elmira, that In getting me in Washing
ton In time for Mr. Lincoln's death they brought
me oy viay oi .ew xork city, but so completely
were they foiled in this that in their rebutting
testimony they saw the almoin te necessity of
bavlDg me go by way of Elmira, and they
changed their tactics accordingly. That was
enough to damn my case in any man s mind.
This is a strange fact, but nevertheless true that
the Government having In its possession this
hotel register as well as my despatch to Booth,
and knowing moreover by one of its witnesses
that 1 was in ilmlra, yet tried to prove that 1
was in Washington on the night of Mr. Lln
coli'.'s death, giving orders and commanding in
general, as they were pleased to say. ihe gen
tlemen in Elmira, by whom I proved my alibi,
were men of the highest standing and Integrity,
whose testimony the Uuited States Governmeut
could not and dare not attempt to impeach. I
leil iMmira with tne intention ot going to Mam-
more. 1 really did not comprehend at that lime
the danger I was in. As there was no train
troing south that evening I concluded to go to
Canaudaigua, and from there to Baltimore, by
way of Elmira and New York, upon arriving
at Canadalgua on Saturday eveniug, I learned
to my ntter disappointment th it no train lctt
there until the Monday following, so 1 took a
room at the WcbBter llouse, registering myself
as
"JOHN nARRISON."
The next day I went to church, I remember
it being Easter Sunday. I can hero safely say
that the I nlted States Government had not the
remotest idea that I stopped anywhere after I
leit Elmira. 1 bey thought, when l lett there, i
went straight through to Canada. It was a very
lortunate thine; for me that l could not leave
Canandalgua. Now mark, ladles aud gentle
men, if tou please, my name was signed mid
way of the hotel register, with six other parties
before and after. There was no doubt as to the
genuineuess of my signature, because the very
experts brought by the United Slates to swear
to my signatures in other instances, swore also
that that was my handwriting. After an this
the register was ruled out by Judge Fisher, bo
cause he was well aware if he admitted it my
CBse was at an end. I could not be in two places
at once, though they tried to make me so. Listen
to his reason for so ruling: "The prisoner
might have stepped down from Canada to can
andalgua duriot; his ccncealment and siirned
bis name there lor the purpose ot protecting
himself in the future." It was a likely idea
that the proprietor of a hotel would leave a
blank line in the register for my especial bene
fit. Need 1 say that the ruling was a most in
famous one, and ought to damn the judge who
bo ruled as a villain in the miuds of every honest
and upright man. (Loud and prolonged ap
fdause.) Had Judge Fisher been one of the
awyers for the prosecution, he could not have
worked harder against me than he did. But,
thanks to him, he did me moro good than harm,
ills unprincipled and vindictive character was
too'apparent to every one In tho court-room.
I could not help smiling at the time to think of
the great shrewdness and foresight he accorded
me by that decision. At times, really, duriug
my trial, I could scarce recognize any vestige
of my former self. Sometimes 1 would ask my
self, "Am I the same Individual ? Am I really
the same John H. Snrratt?" When that regis
ter was produced In Court, the Hon. Judge
Pierrepout. the leadine counsel for the United
States, became exceedingly nervous, espoclally
when Mr. Bradley relused to snow it to him,
and he tore up several pieces of paper in his
TREMBLING FINGERS.
IIe"evidently saw what a pitiful case he had,
and how he had been made the dupe of his pre
cious, worthy friend, Edwin M. Stanton. At
the time of my trial the proprietor of the Web
rter llouse, in Canandaigua, could not find the
cash book of the hotel, in which there should
have been an entry In favor of "John Harrison
Tor bo much cash, w hen he returned to uanan
daigua, my trial being then ended, he wrote
Mr. Bradley that he had found the cash book,
and sent it to him. it was then too late: my
trial was over. If we had had that cash book
at the time of my trial it would have been
proved beyond a doubt that I was in Canan-
dalei a. and not in Washington city
On Monday, when I was leaving Canandalgua,
I bought some New York papers. In looking
over them, mv eve lit on the following para
graph, which I have never forgot, and don't
think I ever will. It runs thus: "The asassia
of Secretary Seward is said to be John H. Sur
ratt. a notorious secessionist of .Southern Mary
land. His rame. with that of J. Wilkes Booth,
will forever lead the infamous roll of assassins."
I could scarcely believe my senses. I gazed
noon mv name, the letters of which seemed
sometimes to grow as large as mountains and
then to dwindle away to nothing. So much for
mv former connection with him, I thought.
After fully realizing the state of the case, I con
eluded to change my course ana
GO DIRECT TO CANADA.
I left Canandalgua on Monday 13 M., going to
Albany, arriving there on Tuesday morning in
time for breakfast. When I stepped on the
platform at the depot at St. Albans I noticed
that one of " the detectives scanned
every one, head and foot, myself
as well as the rest. Before leaving
Montreal for Elmira I provided myself with
AN OXFORD CUT JACKET
and a round-top hat, peculiar to Canada at that
time. I knew my trip to Elmira would be a
dangerous one, and I wished to pass myself oil
as a Canadian, and I succeeded in bo doing, as
was proved by my witness in Elmira. I be
lieve that costume guarded me safely through
St. Albans. I went In with others, and moved
around with the detectives standing there most
of the time looking at us. Of course, I was
obliged to talk as loud as anybody about the
late tragedy. After having a hearty meal 1
lighted a cigar and walked uptown. One of the
detectives approached me, stared me directly
in the face, aud 1 looked him quietly back, in
a few moments I was speeding on my way to
Montreal, w here I arrived at 3 o clock lu the
afternoon, going agaiu to the St. Lawrence
Hotel. Soon after I called on a friend, to whom
I explained my former connection with Booth,
and told him I was afraid the United States
Government would suspect me of complicity la
the plot of assassination, lie advised me to
MAKE MYSELF SCARCE.
I immediately went to the hotel, got my
things, and repaired to the room of a friend.
hen my friend's tea-time came I would not go
to the table with him, but remained in the room.
The ladies wanted to know why he didn't bring
his friend to tea with him. He replied that I
didn't want anv. One of the ladies remarked,
I expect you have got Booth in there,"
(Laughter.) "Perhaps so," he answered,
laucbinalv. That was rather close guessing,
(Laughter.) At nightfall 1 went to the house of
one who aiterwaras proved to oe a most ae
voted friend. There I remained until the even
ing of the next day, when I was driven out in a
carriage witu two geuuemen, strangers to me.
One day 1 walked out ana l saw
WEICHMAN ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MB.
He bad little idea I was so near. One night
about 11 o'clock my friend, iu whose house I
was, came to me and said, in a smiling way:
"The detectives have oltered me 40,(XK) if 1
will tell them where you are." "Very well,"
said 1: "give me one-half, and let them know
They suspected this gentleman of protecting
me, and they had really made him the offer.
One day. about 12 o'clock, I was told that they
were going to search the bouse, and that I must
leave Immediately, which I did. They searched
it before more ing. I his gentleman was a poor
man, with a large family, and yet money could
not buy blm. (Applause.) I remained with
this gentleman uutil I left Montreal, wUhin a
week or so afterwards. Ihe detectives were
now hunting me very closely, and would havj
doubtless succeeded in capturluif me, bad It not
been for a blunder on the part t
MT riUENO WEICnMAN.
lie had. It appears, started the detective on
tl nibiii: track by telling th-m that
I had left the house of Mr. Porterfleld
In company with some others, and was going
north of Montreal. Soon that section was
swarming with detectives. I was not with that
party, but about the same time I too left Mon
treal in a hack, going some eight or nine miles
down the St. Lawrence river, crossing that
stream in a small canoe. I was attired as a
huntsman. At 3 o'clock Wednesday morning
we arrived at our destination, a small town
ljirg south of Montreal. Ve entered the
village very quietly, hoping no oue wsuld
see us.
It has been asserted over and over again, and
for the purpose of damning me in the estima
tion ot every honest man, that I
DESERTED II Eli WHO GAVE ME BIRTH
In the direst hour of her need. Truly would I
have merited the execration of every man had
such been the case. But such was not the cae.
When I left Montreal thero was no cause for
unenslness on my part, and upon my arrival la
the country I wrote to my friends in Montreal
to keep me posted in regard to the approaching
trial, and to send me the newspapers regularly
I received letters from them frequently, in all
of which they assured me there was no cause
nf onvlatv. that It vraa nnW a ni.ttni- r.f tti,
and It would all be well. After a while papers
did not como so regularly, and those that did
spoke very encouragingly, a little while after
wards, w hen they csme,
SENTENCES WERE MUTILATED WITH INK AND
PEN.
I protested ngatnst such action, and for some
time I received no papers at all. I became verv
uneasy, and wrote for publication an article
signed by myself, which I seut to Montreal to
be forwarded for publication in the New York
World, it is needless to say it never went.
Things continued in this way for some time,
until I could stand the suspense no longor. I
determined to send a messenger to Washington
for that purpose, and secured the services of an
intelligent and educated gentleman. I started
him off immediately, I paying all expenses. I
gave him a letter to a friend of mine in Wash
ington, with instructions to say to him to put
himself In communication with the counsel for
the defense, and to make a correct report to
me as to how the case stood; if there was a.iv
danger; and also, to communicate with mo if
my presence was necessary, and inform me
without delay; with an urgent request that he
would see and inquire for himself how matters
stood. He left me, and God alone knows the
suspense and anxiety of my mind during tho
days ot bis absence. 1 imagined and thought
all kinds ot things; yet i was powerless to act,
at last ne returned, and so bright and cheerful
was his countenance that I confess one-half of
my fears were dispelled. He represented
EVERYTHING AS PROGRESSING WELL,
and brought me this message trom the gen
tleman in Washington to whom 1 had seut
him:
"Be under no apprehension as to any serious
consequences. Remain perfectly quiet, as auy
action on your part would only tend to make
matters woree. it you can be or any service to
us we will let you know; but keep quiet.
ihese were the instructions! received from
my friend in w ashington, in whom I felt the
utmost reliance, and who I thought would never
deceive me. lie also sent me copies of the
Rational Intelligencer, containing evidence for
the defense. I certainly felt greatly relieved,
though not entirely satisfied. This news reached
me some time in the latter part of June, just
before the party ot gentlemen of whom 1 have
spoken arrived. They, too, assured me there
was no cause for tear. What else could I do
but accept these unwavering assurances ? Even
had l thought otherwise, l could not have taken
any action resulting in good.
Just on the eve of my departure to join aparty
of gentlemen on a hunting excursion, while I
was waiting at the hotel for the train, the pro
prietor hanaca me a paper, and said:
"READ THAT ABOUT THE CONSPIRATORS.
Little did the man know who I was, or how
closely that paragraph bore upon me or mine.
That paper informed me that on a day which
was then present, ana at an hour which had
then come and gone, the most hellish of deeds
was to be enacted, it had been determined
upon and carried out even before I had intima
tion that there was any danger, it would be
folly for me to attempt to describe my feelings,
After gazing at the paper for some time. I
dropped it on the floor, turning on my heel, and
going directly to the house where I had been
stopping before. When I entered the room, I
found my friend sitting there. As soon as he
saw me,
HE TURNED DEADLY PALE,
but never uttered a word. I said, "You doubt
less thought you were acting a friend tho part
of a friend towards me, but you have deceived
me. I may forgive you, but I can never forget
it."
"We all thought it for the best, Charley." he
commenced to Bay, but 1 did not stay to hear
more. 1 went to my room, remained there
until dark, and then signified my intention to
leave the place immediately. I felt reckless as
to what should become of me.
After visiting Quebec and other places, with
the reward of ii,iH)0 hanging over my bead, l
did not think it safe to remain there, an J so I
concluded to seek an asylum in foreign lands,
I had nothing now to bind me to this country,
save an only sister, and I know she would
never want tor kind friends or a good home,
For myself, it mattered little There I went, so
that 1 could roam once more a iree man. i
then went on a venture, and now, ladles and
gettlemeu, I go forth ou a venture. Gladly
wonld 1 have remained hidden among the mul
titude, but the stern necessities arising from
the blasting of my earthly prospects have forced
me to leave my solitude, and stand before the
public gaze as the historian of my own life,
One mitigation to its distastefulness in this and
my first attempt, however, is the kindness with
which I have been received, and the patience
with which I have been listened to, for which
I return you, ladies and gentlemen, my sincere
and heartfelt thanks. Applause.;
RAILROAD LINE.
"VTEW JERSEY SOUTHERN RAILROAD LINE.
IN NEW ROUTE
BETWEEN NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA
V LA lAIHli ilHAnUU.
An ACCOMMODATION TRAIN in the morning
AN EXPRESS TRAIN
In the Afternooon from each end of the route.
THE EXPRESS TRAIN
will be furnished with
SPLENDID PALACE CARS.
NO CHANOE OF CARS
BETWEEN PHILADKLPUIA AND SANDY HOOK.
ASK FOR TICKETS VIA P EMBERTON AND
LONU BKANC'U.
ON AND AFTER MONDAY, Jul 4, 1870,
trains will run as follows:
I.KAVK NEW YORK.
from Pier No. 88 NORTH River, foot of Murray street
at 6-49 A. M. Accommodation and 4 a P.M. Ex.
Prel LEAVE PHILADELPHIA.
from foot of WALNUT Street, at 7-00 A. M. Acoom-
mouation and J-80 P. M. Express.
The NARRAGANSETTT STEAM811LP COMPANY!
Magniticeut Steamers "Plymouth Rock" and "Jesse
ltoyt" have been tilted npexpressly for this business,
the former with unequalled aaoomviodations, and Will
make the connection between rnew xora ana eanay
Hook.
PassenKers by this route can be served with
BREAKFAST or DINNER on the EUROPEAN
PLAN in a Htvle ummrpanned by any lintel in America.
it or.. ht.twt.MU PhlladelDhia and New orl 13-uO
" " Long Branch... 850
For particulars as to connections for TOM'S
RIVER, RtD BANK, and all way stations, see the
Traveller'"" and "Appieton s uuiaea,
8T c. L. KIMBALL, Superintendent
T EST JERSEY RAILROAD P.
FALL AND WINTER ARRANOEMENT.
COMMENCING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19.18T0.
Triiius will leave riiuaaeipnia as lollows 1 i roin
foot of Market street (upper ferry),
6-16 A. M, Pabseuger for Jtrldecoa, 8!em,
Swedesboro, Yloelacc, idiiiviiia, and way stauoua.
11 46 A M . Woodbury Accommodation.
8 it P. M., Pasttenpxrlor Cap May, Mulviile, and
way statioD oeiowuiassuoro
8 SO P. M., Passenger for Brldgeton, Salem,
K,liboro. and wsv stations.
D-80 P. M., Aecoiniuodatiou lor Woodbury, G!ass
Lo, iBNtoii, bdJ interrm-diste ''iw
Vrotoli Train leav rmnn dsiiy. at H M. -
VtULLAM J. SLYYELL, Supurluuiident.
RAILROAD LINES.
P
1LADELPHIA AND READING RAILROAD
Depot, THIRTEENTH and CALLOWHILL Slraete.
i ntu ruriDcr notice trains win Leave ana Arrive
as folows:
TRAINS I.KAVK. A.M., TRAINS ARRIVE. A.M.
Read's. Allent'nWny T'80 Tottstown aceom.... 1
liarrlsD'gAl'ottse Kx 816 Kead'g Pottsfe Ac.lO'SO
lhila. l'ottseWay I p.m.
Train H'80 Harrtsb'garottB'eRx 100
p. m. l'hlla. A rottsv'e W.
Harrisb'Bfcrotts'eEx 8 30 Train 4 M
I'oiistown Accommo. 4-ooillftrri8bitfcaotta'e Ex T'OO
Head's, rottsv'e Ac. 4-4ftjiiarristfr, Potisvllie,
ON Sl'NPATS.
A. M.
, 81K)
r. m.
and Allentown Ac. 910
To Reading....
ON SUNDAYS. A.M.
From Pottsvllle UBS
P. M. 1
From Readlnir 'si-
To rottsville 8-ir
Ttie Sunday trains connect with similar trains on
the FerKloroen and Cotclirookdalo Railroads.
ForDowninstown and nolnts on Chester Valley
Railroad, take 7 so a m., iu-80 noon, and 4 p. in.
tor ctlw't)Ksvllle and nolnts on Per-kloiuan Rail-
rond, take 1-80 a. m. 12-80 noon, and. 4 p. m.
Fnr Mt. rieasaut and pnlma on Colebrookdale
Railroad take 7'80 a. m. and 4-00 p. ra.
N. Y. EXPKESS FOR FITT81U Rt A"D WEST.
Trains leave New vork at 9-nu a. m. aud B-oo n.
in., passlns Reading at 1'6. and 10-03 p. m.. conneot
lns at Harrisburg with Pennsylvania and Northern
rentrai trains ror umcago, Cincinnati, l'lttsbu
jjainmore, wiiiianisnori, etc.
biet'pinir cars accompany these trains throurh b
tween jersey city and I'lttsnurg witnout change.
Trains for New York leave Harrlsburg at 8 1
8-h. and H-45 a. ni., and 8-M p. m.
Additional train leaves New York for Ilarrisours
at 18 o'clock noon.
For particulars gee Guide Books, which can be ob
tained at jm. mi cnesnuc street, ana at all stations,
without ctiarse.
Season, School, Mileage, and Commutation Tickets
at reduced rates to be had of 8. llradford, TreasurerJ
ao. w. fourin street, rniianoipnia, or ut. a
Nicoll9. General "Superintendent, Readlnir.
m-rket cars. me xiurieentn and ruteentn, ami
liace and v ine streets, connecting with other lines
run ciose to tne uepot,
T 1 A 1 , .... . . .,, , t . n
irnire Kxnress. Orders left at l)innt or at Nn. QM S.V
iourin street.
UEKMANTOWN AND NORRISTOWN BRANCH.
Depot. Ninth and Green. v
Trains leave forUerraantown at 6. 7.8. 8tf. 9-05. 1
10, 11, 12 A. M. ; 1, 2. S 30, 8 18, 8-45, 4-05, 4-80, 6'05, J
r-40, e, o-3(i, i, a, v, iuho, n, la p. m. ueave tier-
muntown, 6, 6 K5, 7-80, 8, 8-20, 9, 9)tf, 10, 11, is a. 4
m. ; i, x, o, o'ow, , , o, o-ou, o, o on, l, e, v, IB, lip.
in. The 8-80 and V o down trains, 8-30, 8-45, and 5-45
up trains, will not stop on the Uermantown branch,
(in Sundays, leave at 9-15 a. m. ; 2, 4 05 7, 10-45 p. m.
Leave uermantown, s-io a. m. ; l, 8, e, v-43 p. m.
i'asseDserH irkiuk tne u ra, v a. m., and 690
p. n. trains from Uermantown. will make close
connection with the trains for New York at Inter
section Station.
Ciiksntt Hill Railroad. Leave at , 8, 10, n
a. ni. : 2-80, 8 45, 5 45, 7, 9 and 11 p. m. Leave Ches-
nut Hill at 7-10, 8, 9-10, 11-40 a.m.; 1-40, 3-40,6 40,
c 4ii, B-4u, iu-4u p. iu. un Mislays, leave 9-is
a. m .; 2 and 7 p. in. Leave Chesnut Hill at 7-S0J
a. in.; ix-fo, o-4o, h-x.t p. m.
Fou Conshohocken and Nohristown. Leave at
6. 7-.10. 9. 11-05 a. ni. : 180. 3. 4. B. 6 30. 6-15 8-05. 10.
11-45 p.m. Leave Norrlstowu at 6-aO, 6-25.7, 7-45,
8-50, 11 a. m. ; 1-30, 8, 4-30, 6-15, 8, 9-30 p. m. On Hun- 1
nays, leave at a. m. ; 2-ao, , ro p. m. .Leave Nor
rlstown at 7 a. in. ; l, 6-30, 9 p. ra.
FokManatvnk Leave at 6. 7-30, 9. 11-05 a. m.:
1-30,3,4,6, 6 30, B-1B, 8 05, 10, 11-45 p. ra. Leave
Manayunh at 8, r.5, 7-30, 8 10, 9-20, 11-30 a.m.;f,
8-30, 6, c-45, 8-80, 10 p. m. On Sundays, leave at 9 a.
ni. ; 2-ao, 4, cau p. m. Leave fliaoayunt at rao a. m. ;
1-30, 61C, 9 80 p.m.
or Plymouth Leave at o p. m. Leave ny
mouth at 6-45 a. m.
Tha 7Mft a m train trnm Vnrrtatnwn will tint afnri
at Mairee'B, Potts' Landing, Domino, or Schur's Lane. V
1'asHengers taking tne 7-12, vv: a. m., and e-30
p. m. trains from JNintti and ureen streets win
make close connections with the trains for New
York at Intersection Station.
The 8-30 a. ra., 12-30 and 5 p. m. trains rrom New
York stop at Intersection Station. 11
NORTH PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD
THE SHORT MIDDLE ROUTE TO THE
LEHIGH AND WYOMING VALLEYS, NORTH.
JVKJN PENNSYLVANIA, SOH1H1SK1X ANU IN.
TiRIOR NEW YORK, BUFFALO, OORRY,
ROCHESTER, THE OKEAT LAKES, AND TUB
UOM1NION OF CANADA.
WLNTJ R ARRANGEMENT.
Takes eflect November '21, 1870.
Fifteen Dally Trains leave fassenKr Depot,
eorner of Berks and Amerloaa streets (Sundays
excepted), as follows:
7 00 A.M.. (Accommodation) for Fort Washing,
ton.
At T-88 A.M. (Express), for Bethlehem, Easton, Al
lentown, Mauoh Chunk, WllkeBbarre, Williams
port, Mahanoy City, Hatleton, Plttstou, To wand a,
waverley.Elmira, and In connection with the ERIE
RAIL. WAY for Butlalo, Nlasara Falls, Rochester,
Cleveland, Chicago, San Franolsoo, and all points
in the Great Wsst
I'it A. M. (Accommodation) for Doylestown.
9 46 A. M, (Express) for Bethlehem, Ewton, Al
lentown, Maucu Chunk, WllllamRport, Mahanoy
City, WllkesDarre, Plttston, Soranton, Uaoketts
tov n, Schooley'i Mountain, and N. J. Central and
Morris and Isaex Railroads.
11 A. M. (Accommodation) for Fort Washington
1-16 and 6-30 and 8 16 P. M., for Ablngton.
.... n w , . ... t f . O-.V.I V ... C....A. II
lentown, Mauch Chunk, Mahanoy City, Wilkes-S
barre. Plttston, and Hatleton. , I
a 80 P. M. (Acoommodatlon) for Doylestown. i
At o mi I . u. (ceiuieuem acouuiuiuuuliuu; iur
Bethlehem, Easton, Allentown, Coplay, and;
Maucu Chunk.
4 )4 P. M. (Mall) for Doylestown.
6-00 P. M. tor ilethlebem, Easton, Allentown,
and Mauch Chunk.
6 '20 P. M. (Acoommodatlon) for Lansdale.
1180 P, M. (Acoommodatlon) for Fort Washing
ton. The Fifth and Sixth streets, Seoond and Third
streets, and Union Lines City cars run to the
TRAINS ARRIVE IN PHILADELPHIA FROM
Bethlehem at 66, and 10 86 A. M.; 3 16, 6 06, and
8 26 P. M.
Doylestown at 8-26 A M., 4 40 and 6 86 P. M.
Lansdale at 780 A. M.
Fort WashlDftton at a-20 and 11-20 A. M., 810 P.M.
Ablngton at '2 86, 6 . and 9 86 P. M.
ON SUNDAYS.
Philadelphia for Bethlehem at 9 80 A. M.
Philadelphia tor Loylestown at 2 uO P. M.
Doylestown tor Philadelphia at 7 A. fit.
Bethlehem for Philadelphia at 4 00 P. M.
Tickets sold and bamfago euecked through to
Srinclpal points at Mann's North Pennsylvania
iaggage Express Offloe, No. 106 S. Fifth street.
Nov. '21, 1870. ELLIS CLARK, Agent.
TiHILADELPHIA AND ERIE RAILROAD.
X WINTER TIME TABL.K.
On and after MONDAY. December 6, 1870, the
trail t en the Philadelphia and rlo Railroad will
ran ai follown
WIdTWIXOi
MAIL TRAIN leaves Philadelphia
" Willlanisport
arrives at Erie
ERIE EXP"EbS leaves Philadelphia
9 49 P. M,
7 26 A.M.,
i'4e p. m.
12 40 P.M.
8 60 P.M.
wiii'amnpor
" arrives .t Erie
ELMIR- WAIL leaves Philadelphia
" " WiHlamsport
u arrives at Look Haven
AHTWAKO.
MAIL, TRAIN leaves trie
T-40 A. M.
9-3 A. M.
P. M.
T 60 P. AL,
W 00 A. M,
10 06 P. M.
6 60 A. M.
900 P.M.
WiHlamsport
arrives at Philadelphia
ERIE EXPRESS leaves Erie
WiHlamsport
arrives at Philadelphia
f.JM IRA MALL leaves Lost Haven .
" Wtlll.msi.ort
8 36 A. M.
6 80 P. M.
8-00 A.M.
V '26 A. M.
" arrives at Philadelphia 6 80 P. M.
BUFFALO EXP. leaves WillUmspert 13 86 A. M.
mspert 13 86 A.M.
- 1 60 A. M.
ladelphta 8-40 A. M.
stlon, east and wast, I
i bound trains ana; 1
at lrvlneton wltkV
Milton
arrives at Philadelphia
Express, Mall, and Accommodation
evoneot at Corrv. and aU west boa
Mall and Accommodation east at lrvlneton Wlta
OU Creek and Allegheny Rivar Railroad.
WM. A. BALDWIN,
General Superintendent.
THE PHILADELPHIA AND BALTIMORE CEN
TRAL RAILROAD.
CHANGE Otf HOURS.
On and after MONDAY, October 3, 1670, trains
will run as lollows:
Leave Philadelphia from Depot of P. W. fc B. R. R.,
corner of BROAD Street and WASHINGTON Ave
nue: For Port Deposit at T A. M. and 4-30 P. M.
For Oxford at 7 A. M., 4-30 P. M.t and 7 P. M.
For Oxford on Satardaya only, at 8-30 P. M.1
For Chadd'B Foid and Chtster.Creek Railroad, at
7 A. M., 10 A. M., 4-80 P. M. aud 1 P. AL Satur
days uuly, at 8 -so P. M.
Train leaving Philadelphia at T A M., connects at
Port Deposit with train for Baltimore.
Trams having Philadelphia at 10 A. M. and 4-30
P. M. coauect at Cliadd'a For Junction with the
Wilmington sno Reading Railroad.
Tralua for Philadelphia:
Li ave Port Deposit at 9 "25 A. M. and 45 P.M.,
on arrival of trains from Baltimore.
oxford ats-oband 10-86 A. M. and 6-30P. M. Suo
dava at 6-aO 1. M. only.
t Ford at 7V A. M. 11-f8A M.. 8 53 P.M.,
and 649 P. M. SunriNvs at t t p. hi. ouly.
HENRY n OOD, Meueral buperintenleaU