Evening Star Newspaper, December 7, 1870, Page 1

ee a cae re “THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY, Sunday exeepted, At The Star Bulldings, | Corner Pennsylvania ay. and 11th st, | BY THB EVENING STAR NEWSPAPER COMPANY. ——— ce For Mac ae 3.00: One Year, $8 00. re are sent from the office longer than paid for, THE WEEKLY STAH—poblished om ¥riday morning—$1 50 a year. Ivtrrvat Revex7 The receipts from this source to-day were $220,304.64. Tre Paxsiorst, during the session of Cot gress, will devote two hours every morning— from 10 to 12 ock—to the reception of Sena- tors and Members. This morning he was called Spam by Senators Cameron, Nye, Stewart, Fow- 2B, McDonald, and Corbett; and Representa- ss, Assassiay tves Maynard, Piteh, Myers, smd Stevenson. TaRy CoMMITTER will ed betove the holidays. A bh were perfected at the last session are rea be reported as s00n as the committee is called. Among them are the Dill to repeal eight hetr law and the bill to re- peal the tenure of office act. Tax Kovez Jep probad'y not be wambér of bills wh Wue Ferty-Srcomp Coxoress To Meer Marca Forrts.—Tte House Judiciary Com- Trittee at the inst scesion agreed to report a dil! "repealing the act ¢f January 22d 187, which provides that the Fort and each succeeding shoul meét at noon, on the 4th of Ty after the adjoarnment of Congress. The determination the preceeding however, of tc committee, will probably be re- con: idered, ané they may agree te let the act of January I*f7 etand, so that the next session will mect immediately at the close of this. AT TEE = of repndlican Senators yes- Yerday, tho resolution of, Mr. Cameron, pro- viding for the appointment of a committee to inquire y action is necessary to promote the interests of the republican party, led to a spirited “Giseussion between Messrs. Sumner, ‘Trombuil, Wilson andothers. It was postponed until the meeting to-morrow, when it will be again considered, and it is expected a lively de- Date willensue. The resolution is regarded as an attompt to reconcile the difficulties between Senators Drake and Schurz, of Missouri; Comk- Ting €ad Fenton, of New York, and others. ‘Tax Prorosep CHuances tN THE SSRATE Commi TTEzs.—The Senate committee to re-ar- range the standing committees of that body not baving finished that duty, the Senate adjourned to-day at twenty minutes past 12 0’elock. It is understood, however, that the committeee will be re-arranged by to-morrow and a report made te the caucus. No material changes will be made, majority having voted not to remove- Senator Schurz from any of the committees ‘where objection was made tohim. A few un- important changes will be made, where Sen- ators have requested it themselves. some de- airing to be relieved from one committee or pat upon another. Socrety MaTtgrs.—We learn that ex-Post master General King and family will continue this season the series of Saturday nigtt “ Lit- erary Keunions” which were so attractive last winter. Something like the famous Wistar par- ties of Philadelphia, before these degenera’ fons of last season afforded a so- ¢ial gathering piace for people of thought, cul- tivation, and e, where there was no gre: formality and a good dea! of enjoyment. cultivating, as serving to make the city attrac as the capital of the nation should Mr. King may be followed by other citizens. Navat Onvers To-pay.—Master Wm. M. Paul ordered to the receiving Ship Ohio, at Boston. First Assistant Engineer Rudolph T. Bennett and Boatswain Philip J. Miller ordered to the Guerriere. Assistant Paymaster W Stevenson detached from the receiving eh Vermont and ordered to the Guerriere. First Assistant Engineer L. W. Robinson detached from the Philadeiphia navy yard and ordered to the Nipsic. Boatswain Wm. Long detached from the Guerriere and granted sick leave. The orders of First Assistant Engineer A. Adamson to the Nipsic have been revoked. and he will remain on duty at the Philadelphia navy yard. ‘Tee Disteict 1 Coxer Mr. Patterson introduced in the Senate this morning a bill to incorporate the Washington City Dime Savings po Bapk. paming a corporators Jobn | berts, D.W. Bliss. Thomas ©. Connolly, L. G. Hine, Jobo K. Elvans, John T. Johnson, i. H. Welch, Kobert ening Reuben B.C Ben. F. French, George © L. Tullock, B. H. Warner and H. sum not less than one dime m: Ordered to be printed. the Senate this morning, Vice President Colfax presented a communication from Altred Jones, late trustee schools for this city, asking that he be asilowed to present his accounts as treasurer, with the papers, and to give any explanation required. to accompany any report of the present Board of Trustees that may be made covering hi term ot office, or reviewing any of his official | acts. sania _ Antonio Pelletier Ag He is Arrested With 811.4 Possessi tective in New York City on Saturday in the act of negotiating a sale of £11,000 worth of stolen bonds, had tinction as an adventurer as to make hi bension upon a criminal charge an event of more then ordinary interest. Pelletier will be remembered by many citizens of Wa-hingtor, as he figured here extensively during the war. giaiming to bave a large interest in oi! lands in Pennsylvania. He lived in style at the hotels, and was something of a ladies’ man. He first to general notice, however, in 1566, by pu ing an immense quantity of oi! lands in est Virginia. to pay tor which he was very soon found to have no means. The important aire he assumed a3 be set about buying appar- ently the entire State of West Virginia, and the sudden and iguominious jeollapse of ‘his vast projects when it was found that he had no cap- ital to back them, was the subject of amusing comment where be was known. Pelletier turped up again in the West Indies as an al- leged pirate, having obtained command of a vessel which the Haytien government found reason to ct _as a privateer. His vessel was seized and he was thrown into prison. He was ultimately released. and, althouch a na- tive of one of the West "Indian islands, claimed Indemnity from the H: ytien gov- erpment a+ & paturalized American citizen. He fled ac! in the State Department on this account for about 160,000, the amoant of his alleged damages in person and property, and eupported his claim in a pamphlet which he circulated widely about Washington. He settled op a farm near this city for awhile, but the quiet life of a farmer and the monotonous busi- ness of prosecuting a hopeless claim could not afford sufficient field for a genius like his, and he went north. It to be in what way, if it all, be was connected with the mys- terious robbery of $75,000 worth of United States bonds from Cuban Treasurer, at the St. George Hotel, in New York, last August, or how be came into possession of them afterwards. The ‘New York papers say that Pelletier, on being conducted to his cell at the Tombs, somewhat loftily demanded that he should be provided with carpeted apartments, and be otherwise treated with more than ordinary consideration. He stoutly claimed that he was a secret agent in the employ of Secretary Boutwell, and, at the moment of bis arrest, was so bold, strenuous, maintaining that he was not a to be taken into custody, that with a less able and exper:enced officer he wouid probably have succeed | ‘Thomas Sampson, the de Brokers, successtul detective officers in the 2 +see- 7" Mrs. Jeese Barsel] and her two little cbildren were murdered by two Indians in Cali- country. 7 General Jordan has been arrested in New York on the charge of out a Ou ex- in )ber last, enlisting men in eo reece, | Snes ee * A| feature of Washington life like this is worth | to be hoped that the example of | d treasurer of colored | ao he Loening Star. _ | vou. s6—Ne. 5,533. Se ee ee A REMARKABLE LECTURE! JOHN H. SURRATT TELLS HIS STORY. Vivid Narrative—History of the * Vauetion Piet—Surratt’s © raters Threaten to Sa Sarratt Dtd Net Come, Mis Mother. “What, go twenty miles Yor an item?” Well you'd have thought so ifen had seen the Stak reporter making the @uft tly last night en the Rockville turnpike. and this is what called the Stax reporter to Rockville last nigkt—the followieg announcement in the Kecaville paper Lecture by John H. 8 On Turstay « SURRATT iw Bhs in Phos Failure tts and from thence: my by or: dives to Elica. and hat w there—His bear- ing ol the Assassination His sme ape hack 1 forts of Detex Me them—B Canad dobn H. Surratt—everybody knows who he is, and of his alleged connection with the conspir- acy of 1865, his escape, capture, and subsequent trisl and discharge in this city, over a year since. Since then he has spent a portion of his time in Lower Maryland, been in the commis- sion business in Baltimore, and now has turned up a school teacher in Rockville, where he has availed himeelf of leisare hours to prepare, the ig os of a lecture, a history of the events which brought him so prominently before the ablic. The lecture took place in the court- jouse, ® quaint old building, but roomy and comfortable. The village looked deserted of everything save horses and empty vebicles of all kinds, from a BULKY TO A CORD WOOP WAGON, the occupants of which had passed into the court room, the scene of the lecture. A curious spectacle presented within. The bar was occupied bythe ladies in large numbers, while without and high up around the walls, on criers’ bench, Xc., men and boys held every available spot. At 7 o'clock Surratt entered and passed up the side platform in unceremo- nious style to the judge’sdesk. He was unat- tended, wore a mixed grey suit,and with the exception of having grown much stouter, looks the same as during bis trial here. He bas rather a mild and pleasant face, and a decided- ly intellectual head; and does not look like the sort of stufl for a performer of desperate deeds. ON HIS ENTRANCE the Rockville Cornet Band in attendance struck up a lively air. Surratt then threw of iis overcoat, revealing a manuscript book, which be drew trom under his arm and laid openon thedesk before him. He referred to it but lit- tle, however, baving his lecture well in his memory. Without avy introduction he was oi, speakitig very rapidly but distinctly for an hour and aquarter. He has a good voice and easy delivery, to which he occasionally added great warmth of ‘feeling, particularly when he reter- redto his mother, and his alleged desertion ot | ber im ber darkest hour. THE LECTURE. ile spoke as follows: | Ladies and gentlemen:—Upon entering that | door a few moments ago the impression on my mind was so strong as to vividly recall scenes of | three years ago. [am not unacquainted with court-room audiences. [Sensation] ! hare tood before them before; true, not in the cu: | acter of a lecturer, but as a prisoner at tue bar, arraigned for the high CRIME OF MURDER. | Iu contrasting the two positions 1 must confess | I felt more ease as the prisoner at the bar | ido asalecturer. Then I felt contident Then I had gentle: all my talking for me. to do it tor myseit, and i tunately, | bi: unf | reel ily capable of performing the task; still J | hope you will all j ki here to surprise you by | not at all—but only to teil a simple tale. I feel | that some explanation, perhaps, indeed, an apology, is due you for my appearance here In presenting this lecture betore Ido it in no spirit of selt-justitication. lof sixty-one days I made my defense id, and I have uo need or desire to re- hearse it: nor do { appear for self-glorification. | On the contrary, | dislike notoriety, and leave my solitude amd obscurity unwillingly. Neither is | tam itebing for notoriety orfame. My object is | merely to present a simple narrative of events as they occurred. [ stand here through the force of that which has obliged many other men | to do things quite as distasteful—pecuniary ne cessity, for the supply of which Lo more avail- able Channel presented itself. ‘This is a reason | easily appreciated. So you will take it kindly, | | trast, aud the ground we will have to x0 over | together will guarantee sufficient interest to re- | pay your kind attention. In this my first leo- tare 1 will speak of my Booth, plap—its failure—our tion—my trip from Richmond, and thence to | Canada—then my orders to Elmira—what wa- | done there—the first intimation ! had ot MR. LINCOLN’S DEATH, my return to Can: id concealment there, aud nal departure for Europe. At the break ing out of the war | wasa student at St. Charlie: College. in Maryland, but did not remain long there after that importantevent. {leftin-luly. ist}, and returning home commenced to take ap active part in the stirring events of that pe- riod. I was not more than eighteen vears of age, and was mostly engaged in sending infor- mation regarding the movements of the United States army stationed in Washington and else- where, and carrying dispatches to the Confed- erate boats on the Potomac. Wehad a regular established line from Washington to the Po- tomac, and I being the only unmarried man on the route, I bad most of the bard riding to do. Laughter.) 1 devised various ways to carry the atches—sometimes in the heel of my boots, sometimes between the planks of the buggy. I confess that never im my life did I come across @ more STUPID SET OF DETECTIVES than those generally employed by the U.S. ernment. They seemed to have no ide: ever how to search men. In 1864 my fam’ Maryland and moved to Washington, w took a still more active part in the stirring events of that period. was A FASCINATING LIFE TO ME. ¢ 1 could not do too much or run too great a risk. In the fall ot 184 | was introduced to John Wilkes Booth, who, | was given to understand, wished to know something about the mainave- rues leading from Washington to the Potomac. We, met several times, but as he seemed to be very reticent with to his purposes, and very anxious to get al! the information out of me be could. I refused to tell him anything at all. At last I said to him, “ It is useless for you, Mr. Booth, to seek any information me at all; I know who you are and what are your intentions.” He ‘hesitated some time, but ; Snally said he would make known his views to me provided I srould prownise secrecy Lrepligu Py will do nothing of the kind, You know well a ve Southern man. If you c: trust me i se] ~” He then will confide my plans to you; but before doing so | will make known to you the motives actuate me. In the Northern prisons are many thou- sands of our inen whom the United States gov- ernment refuse to exchange. Yon know as well as the efforts that have heen made to bring about that much desiredexchange. Aside from the great suttering they are compelled to un- dergo, we are sadly in want of them as soldiers. We cannot e One man, whereas the United States government is willing to let their own soldiers remain in our prisons because she has th roposition to submit to ye i, which I think if we ean carry out wi ng about desir hi There was a lot and _ SS oe OMINOUS SILENCE which I at last was pelled to break ing, “well, sir, what is bed sat quiet for an WASHINGTON, D. C.. WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 7, 1870. ast at the proposition, and looked upon it as Shotoray dertaking. ‘To think of puccess= a faly yo bee Linevin in the capitalof the United Stal rrounded by thousandsof his to'diers, and carrying him off to Richmond looked to me like a foolish idea. I teld him as much. He went on to tell with what facility he could be seized in various places in and about Washington. As for example in his various rides to and from the Soldiers’ Home, his sum- mer residence. He entered imtothe minute de- tails ot the proposed capture, and even the var- ious parts to be performed by the actors in the performance. I was amazed—thunderstruck— and in fact, I might aleo say, frightened at the UNPARALLELED AUDACITY ef this scheme. After two days’ reflection I told im I was willing to try I believed it prac- teable at that time, though | now regard it as a foolhardy undertaking. 1 hope you will not Dlame me for going thts far. I honestly thought an exchange of priveners could be brorght about conld we have once obtained possession ot Mr. Lincoln's person. And now reverse the case. Where is there a young man in the North With one spark of patriotism in his heart who would not have with enthusiastic ardor joined in any undertaking for the capture of Jefferson Davis and brought bim to Washington? There is not one who would not have done so. And so 1 was led on bya sincere desire to assist the South in gaining her independence. I had no hesitation in taking part in anything honorable that might tend towards the accomplishment of that object. [Tremendous applause.) Such a th a@s the assassination ot Mr. i I never spoken of by ’ reese Upon one occasion, | remember, we had cal! a meeting in Washington for the purpose of cussing matters in general, as we had under. stood that the government had received infor- ion that there was a plot of some kind on had even commenced to build a stockade and gates on the navy yard bridge; gates opening towards the south as though tbey expected danger from within,and not {rom witti- out. At this meeting | explained the construc. tion of the gates, &c., and stated that I was con- fident the government had wind of our move- ment, and that the best thing we could do would be toihrow up the whole project. very 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 comes tothe worst, I shall KNOW WHAT TO Do.” Some hard words and even threats then pass- ed between him and some of tlie part: Pour of us then arose, one saying: “if | understand you to intimate anything more than the capture of Mr. Lincoln I for one will bid you good bye.” Every one expressed the same opinion. We all aroreand commenced puttingour hatson. Booth perceiving probably that he had gone too far, asked pardon saying that he “had drank too much champagne.” After some difficulty everything was amicably arranged and we sep” arated at 5 o'clock in the morning. Days, weeks and months passed by without an oppor- tunity Dea ved itself for us to attempt the cap- ture. We seldom saw one another owing to the many rumors afloat that a conspiracy of some kind was being concocted in Washington. We had all arrangements perfected from Washing- ton for the purpoee. Boats were in readi- hess to carry us across the river. One day we received intormation that the President would visit the Seventh Street Hospital for the pur- pose of being present at an entertainment to be given for the benetit of the wounded soliliars. The report only reaches! us about three quarters of an honr before the time appointed, but 99 perfect was our communication that we wer instantlv in our saddyes on the way to the pital. This was between one and two o'clock in the afternoon. It was our intention to SEI7E 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 Benning’s bridge. We felt contident that all the cavairy in the city could never overhau! us. We were all mounted on switt horses, besi:les having a thorough knowledge of the country. it being determined to abandon the carriage atter passing the city limits. Upon the SUDDENNESS OF THE HLOW and the celerity of our movements we depended for success. By the time the alarm couid have been givenand horses saddled, we would have been on our way through southern Maryland towards the Potomac river. ‘Toour great disap- pointment, however,the President was not there but one of the government officials— Mr. Chase, it mistake not. We did not distarb him, as we wanted a bigger chase (laughter) than he could have afforded us. It was certainly a bitter disappointment, but vet | think a most fortunat: Itwas our last attempt. We soon one tor us. atter this became convinced that we could not remain much longer undiscovered, and that we must abandon our enterprise. Accordin separation finally took place, and I neve: r saw any of the party except one, and that was when | was on my way trom Kichmond to Can ada on business of quite a different nature— about which, presentiy. Such is the story of OUR ABDUCTION PLOT, Rash, perhaps toolish, but honorable I main- tain im ite means and ends; actuated by such motives as would under sinailar circumstances be a sufticient inducement to thousand of south- erm young men to have embarked in a similar enterprise. Shortly after our abandonment et the abduction scheme, some dispatches came to me which I was coimpelled to see througe to Richmond. They were foreigu ones, and had uo reference whatever to thix afiair. "I accord- ingly left bome for Ktichmond, and arrived there sately on the Friday evening before the evacua- tion ‘of that city. On my arrival { went to Spotswood Hotel, where | was t that Mr, Bepjamin, the then Secretary of War of the Confederate States wanted tosee me. | aecord- ingly sought his presence. He asked me if [ would carry some dispatches to Canada for him. I replied **yes at evening he gave me the dispatches and $200 in gold with which to pay my way to Canada. That was the only money | ever received from the Contederate government or any of its agents. It may be well to remark here that this scheme of abduction was con- cocted without the knowledge or the assistance of THE @ONVEDERATE SOVERNMENT inary shape or form. Sooth and 1 otten com- sulted together as to whether it would not be well to acquaint the authoriti with our plan, a® we were sa money, our expenses being very heavy. the question arose among us as to whether, APTER GETTING MR. LINCOLN, if we succeeded in our plan, the 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 anything in the wide world to do with it. dn fact, we were jealous of our undertaking and wanted no outside help. 1 have not made this statement to defend the oiticers of the Confed- erate government. ‘They are pertectly able to defend themselves. What | have done myself J am not ashamed to let the world know. | letc Richmond on Saturday morning before the evacuation of that place, and reached Washing- ton the tollowing Monday at 4 o'clock p.m, April 3d, 1865. s soon as I reached the Mary- jand shore 1 understood that the detectives knew of my trip South and were on the lookout they had relation to the conspiracy to kill Mr. Linceln. They were bed accounts of some money trangactions—nothing more or less. A week or so after my arrival there, General Lee came te my room, and told me he had A. PLAN ON FOOT to release the Confederate prisoners then in Elmira, N.Y. He said he had sent many par- ties there, but they always got frightened, and only half executed their orders. He asked me a if would go there and take a sketch of the prison, find out the number of prisoners, also minor ‘details in regard to the number of sol- diers on guard, cannon, small arms, &:. [ readily accepted these new labors, owing to the fact that I could not retarn to Washington tor fear of the detectives. The news of the evacu- ation of Richmond did not seem to disturb the General much in bis plan, as he doubtless thought then that the Contederacy wanted men more than ever, no one dreaming that it was virtually atanend. | was much amused atone expression made use of by an ex-reb with re- gard to the suddenness of its demise :— D—n the thing, it didn’t even flicker, but went right out.” [Laughter and applause.) In accord- ance with Gen. Lee's order, I went to Eimira, arriving there on Wednesday, two days before Mr. Lincoln’s death, and registered at the Brainard House,as usual, as‘ John Harrison.” ‘The following day | went to wor! complete sketch of the prison ings. About ten o'clock on Fri tired, little thinking that on that A BLOW WOULD BE BTRUCK which would forever blast my hopes, and make me a wanderer in a foreign land. I slept the night through, and came down the next morn- ing little dreaming of the storm then brewing around my head. When I took my seat at the table about 9 o'clock a. m.,a gentleman to my fave vou heard the news?” “What is i 1 replied. NA D SECRETAR SSASSINATE I really putso little faith in what the man said that I wade aremark that it was too early in the morning to get ol!such jokes asthat. “It's £0," he said: at (be same time drawing outa pa- per andshowing it to me. Sure enough there I Saw an account of what he told me, but asno names were mentioned, it never occurred to me for an instant thatit could have been Booth or any of the party, for the simple reason that [ lsd never heard anything regarding assassina- tion spoken of during my intercourse with them. 1 had good reason to believe that there was ADOTHER CONSPIRACY AFLOAT IN WASHINGTON, In fact we all knew it. One evening, as I was paiGally lying down im the reading-room of the Netropolitan Hotel, two or three gentlemen came in and looked around as if to make sure that no one was around. They then commenced to talk about what had been done, the best means for the expedition, &c. It being about dusk, and no e light, and partially concealed bebind a writing desk, | was an unwilling list- ener of what occurred. I told Booth of this after- ward, and he said he had heard something to the same effect. It only made us all the more eager to carry out our pians at an early day tor fear some ove should get ahead of 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 been telegraphed. 1 was pretty sure it was none ot THE OLD PARTY. I approached the telegraph office inthe main hall of the hotel for the purpose of ascertaining if J Wilkes Booth was in New York. I picked up a blank and wrote “John Wilkes Booth,” giving the number of the house. I hesitated a mo- ment, and then tore the paper up, and then wrote one SEWARD with directions, which I was led to do from the tact that during our whole connection we rarely wrote or telegraphed under our proper names, but always in such a manner that no one could understand but ourselves. One way of Booth’s Was to send letters to me under cover to my quondam friend, ° LOUIS 1. WEICHMAN. know who Louis J. Weich- hey were sent to him because he knew e plot to abduct President Lincoln. I pro- claim it here and before the world that Louis J. Weichman was a party to the plan to abduct President Lincoln. Hé bad been told all about ; and was constantly importuning me to let come an active member. 1 retused, for mple reason that I told him he could \THER RIDE A HORSE NOR SHOOT a PIaTor, which was a fact. (Laughter.) These were two NECESSARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS for us. My refusal nettled him some; so he went owt, a> it afterwards appeared by his testimony, and told some government clerk that he had vague idea that there was a plan of some kind on band to abduct President Lincoln. This he ays himselt: that be could have spotted every man on the party. Why didn’t he doit’ sooth sometimes was rather suspicious of bim, and Asked me it I thought he could be trusted. Said 1, “Certainly he can. Weichman is A SOUTHERN MAN," and I always believed it until I iad good reason to believe otherwise, because he had furnished information for the Contederate government, besides allowing me ACCESS TO THE GOVERNMENT RECORDS after office hours. I bave very little to say of Louis J. Weichman. But I do pronounce bim # base-born perjurer; a murderer of the mean- est hue! Give ine a man who can STRIKE RIS VICTIM DEAD, but save me from aman who, through perjury, will canse the death of an innocent person. Double murderer!!! Hell possesses no worse fiend than a character of that kind. | Applause.) Away with such a character. I leave him in the rit OF INFAMY, which he has dug tor himself, a prey to the lights of his guilty conscience. [Appiause. | { telegraphed Booth thus : “J. W.B., in New For! “If you are in New York tele; “JouN Harnisos, Ein ‘The operator, after looking over itd. W. B.2" to which I rephed, “Yes. evidently wanted the whole name, and had searcely finished telegraphing when a door right near the office, and opening on the street, was pushed open, and I heard some one say, “Vex, there are three or four brothers of them, upius Brutus, Edwin, and J. Wilkes ‘The whole truth flashed on me in an instant, and I said to myself, “MY GoD! WHAT HAVE I DON ‘The dispatch 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- rams.” Bly first impulse was te tear it up, but pitched it back and walked oi. The town Was in the greatest uproar, fa; halt mast, bells tolling, &e., &c. Still I did not think that J was in danger, and determined to go immedi- ately to Baltimore to find out the particalars of the tragedy. But here | wish to say afew words concerning the REGISTER OF THE RRAINARD 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 natu- rally cast & suspicton over our alibi. For weeks, months, did we seek to find its where- abouts, but to no pur) . Every man who was connected with the hotel was hunted up and questioned. Every register of the hotel before for me. 1 had been South several times before | and after the one which ought to contain for name was to be found, but the most im: nt ‘THE SECRET SERVICE. one of all was gone. ‘Now the question is what but bad never been —— At that time [ was | became of that register? The U.S. govern. carrying the dispatches Benjamin gave me; | ment, by one of its witnesses, Doctor McMillan. ina entitled “The lite of John Brown.” | knew in November, 1865, that I was im Elmira During my trip, and while reading that book, ! | at the time of the assassination. They knew it. learned, to my utter amazement, that and they naturally traced me there fo tind out JOHN BROWN what I was doing. That some of the govern- was @ martyr sitting at the right hand ot God. in reaching had become I told him where I had been; that I was then on ba Pele f to Canada, and that I had not seen or anything of Booth since Ce fire yoo Lo view of the that Richmond fallen, and that all hopes e abduction of the President had been given advised him to go home and go to work, was ‘THE LAST TIME the party. I went to a hotel and stopped over that night, as a detecti ment emissaries abstracted that register I firmiv believe, or perhaps it is stored away in some of the ether governmont vaults, under charge of SOME JUDGE HIGH IN POSITI but this is only a surmise of mine. But the hich the ail Seeing God will yet bring fo ight wi be dispatch I santo Booth aso fro: Eisrs it was impossible to 4 at Wi ton duri: yA} origin: one thou: I legraph ces an 7 ite} filed. offer thi al tomy inquirin; the servant my where- | made away with. So was abouts. In the earl: ‘sain next morning, Tues- | that ad ed all sense —s day, April 4, —_* for New York, and that taro in Elmira, that in me in Wash- was the last time f ever was in Weshington un- in time for Mr. Lincoln's til bg ag! there by the U. 8S. government a | breugbt me b! way of New York city,butso com- captive in trons, letely were they foiled in this that in their re- ALL REPORTS TO TBR CONTRARY NOTWITH- utting testimony saw the absolute neces- STANDING. ait: way they Feige Btates, as bed = eae, Lose’ aap ed was tried ve Tn: resence in asl io on damp case ‘man’s mind. the 15th of April. t Theis a ‘Tact, but noverthelen met his Upon CALLED AT BOOTH’ and was told by the serv: He! PREEaRiEdsoHHVLGEE Cooneet® LVL ARETEMGEIEGILEE TEE Teh a iddeadlferadldedermieis aieltinaderte ‘Sebeegerys pees pepcegeeeseeguesesszigece ELELE2EETEeEs: g TWO CENTS. Upon {ponte [pepe aon Saturday ere- ning I learned to my utter disappointment that no train left until the Monday following. so | took a room at the Webster House, re; ering myself as “JOHN HARRISON.” The next day I went to church, I remember it being Easter Sunday. I can here safely say that the United States government had not the remotest idea that I stopped anywhere after I left Elmira. They thought, when I left there, I went straight through to Canada. It was a very fortunate thing for me that I could not leave Cenundaigua. Now mark, ladies and men, if you please, my name was signe: mid- way of the hotel register, with six other parties betore and after. There was no doubt as to the ger U neness Of my signature, because the very experts brought by the United States to swear to my siguatures in other instances, swore also that that was my handwriting. After all this the register was ruled out by Judge Fisher, be- cause be was well aware if he admitted it my case Wasatanend. I could not be in two places at once. though they tried to make me so. Lis- ten to his reason for so ruling might have stepped down from nandaigua during his concealmen' his name there for the purpose of protecting himself in the fature.” It was a likely ides that the proprietor of a hotel would leave a blank line in the register for my especial benefit. Need I say that the ruling was a most infamous one, and ought to damn the Judge who so ruled 4s a villain in the minds of every honest and upright man. [Loud and prolonged applause. } Had Judge Fisher been one of the lawyers for the prosecution, he could not have worked harder against me than he did. But, thanks to him, he did me more good than harm. His un- principled and vindictive character was too apparent to every one in the court-room. [ could not help siiling at the time to think of the great shrewdners and foresight he accorded me by that decision. At times, really, during my trial, | couldsearce recognive any vestige of my former self. Sometimes | would ask my- self, “ Am I the same individual? Am I really the same John H. Surrat When that regis- ter was produced in court, the Hon. Judge Pierrepont, the leading counsel for the United States, became exceedingly nervous, expec! when Mr. Bradley refused tos he tore up several pieces of pap TREMBLING FINGERS. He evidentl Ww what a pitital case he had, and how he had been made the dupe of lis precious, worthy friend, Edwin M. Stanton. At the time of my trial the proprietor of the Webster Honse, in Canandaigua, could not find the cash book of the hotel, in which there should have been anentry in favor of John Harrison” for so much cash. When he re- turned to Canandaigua, 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 bock at the time of my trial it would have beer proved beyond a doubt that [ was in Canandaigua, and not in Washington city. On Monday when I was leaving Canadaigua, 1 bought some New York papers. In lookin, over them, my eye liton the following pragraph which I have never forgot, and don’t think 1 ever will. Itrunsthus: “The assassin of Sec- retary Seward is said to be John H. Surratt, notorious secessionist of thern Maryland. His name, with that of J. Wilkes Boot! ill forever lead the infamous roll of assassins.” [ could scarcely believe my senses. [ gazed upon my name, the letters of which seemed sometimes to grow as large a mountains and then to dwindle a to nothing. So much for my former con- nection with him I thought. After fally real- izing the state of the case, 1 concluded to change my course and GO DIRECT TO CANADA. { lett Canadaigua on Monday 12 1m., going to Albany arriving there on Tuesday morning in time tor breaktast. When I stepped on the piat- from at the depot at St. Albans 1 noticed that one of the detectives scanned he one, head and foot, myself as well as the rest. Before leav- ing Montreal for Elmira, | provided myself with AN OXFORD CUT JACKET and a round-tep hat, peculiar to Canada at that time. J knew my trip to Elmira would be a dangerous one, and i wished to pass myself off asa Canadian, and 1 succeeded in so doing, as was proved by my witnesses in Elmira. | be- lieve that costuine guarded me safely through St. Albans. | went in with others, and moved around, with the detectives standing there most of the time looking at us. Of course! was obliged to talk as loud as anybody about the tragedy. After having @ hearty meal 1 igar and walked up town. One of the ily o him, and his Ja lighted a detectives approached me, stared me directly In in the face, and I looked him quietly back aiew moments | was speeding on my Montreal, where I arrived at two o'clock in the afternoon, going again to the St. Lawrence Ho- tel. Soon after I called ona friend, to whom | explained my former connection with Booth. and told him I was afraid the United State: government wouldsuspect me of complicity in the plot of assassination. He advised me to MAKE MYSELF SCARCE. 1 immediately went to the hotel, and repaired to thi m: it my things, riend. When t ladies wanted to know why he didn’t bring nis friend to teawith him. He replied that I didn’t Wantany. (ne of the ladies remarked, ‘I ex- pect you have got Booth in there.” (Laughter.} *Perbaps he auswered, en ly. That was rather ' close guessing. fi Paughier.{ At nightfall 1 went to the house of one who after- wards proved to be a most devoted triend There I remained until the evening of the next day, when I was driven out ina carriage with two gentlemen, strangers to me. One day I walked out and J saw WEICHMAN ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MB. He had little idea I wasso near. One night about 11 o'clock, my friend, in whose house I was, came to me and said, in a smiling way — “The detectives have ottered me $20,000 if I will tell them where you are.” said I, “give me one hal 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 go- ing to search the house, and that I must leave immediately, which I did. They searched it before morning. This gentleman was a poor man. with a large family, and yet money could not buy him. [Applause.] I remained with this gentleman until I left Montreal, within « week or so afterwards. The detectives were new hunting me very closely, and would have doubtless succeeded in capturing me, had it not been for a blunder on the part of MY FRIEND WIECHMAN. He had, it appears, started the detectives on the wrong track, by telling them that I had left the house of Mr. Portertield in company with some others, and was going north of Montreal. Soon that section was higctnrmy Belge detectives. 1 was not with that party, but about the same time, I too, left Montreal in a hack, going some 8 or 9 miles down the St. Lawrence river, croas- ing that stream in armallcanoe. I was attired asabuntsman. At3 o'clock Wednesday morn- ing we arrived at our destination, a smal! peck lying — oe We pee the Village very quietly, hoping no one would see us. Teas been lasserted over and over again, and for the pelt fot mg me in the estimation of every honest man that DESERTED BER WHO GAVE ME BIRTH in the direst hour of need. fe as not the a ‘When | left Montreal there was no cause for uneasiness on my part, and upon iy Free in the country I wrote to my friendsin Montreal to = posted in r to the approaching , and to send me newspapers larly. T received letters from them frequently, in all of which bey Corer tie! me there of anxiety; that it was only a and it would all be well. a while did not come so regularly, and those that did, spoke very encouragingly. A little while af- terwards, when they came, SENTENCES WERE MUTILATED WITH INK AND PEN. 1 apposed peau such action, and for some time | received no papers ae all. ‘I poser very signed by mraeif which T seut (9 Montreal to be forwarded po iblication in the New York World. It is to say it never went. ‘thi continued in this way for some _ = bboy stand the ew Pe fotellineet coca i T started ‘immediately, all expenses. I _— a mine in Wash- fagton, him to pa himself counsel for the defense, and to make a Teport tome as to how the case stood; if there was any danger; to communicate with me if my presence and inform me without juest that he would tee and inquire matters stood. He left me, and God knows the days of bis absence. and tasughe af teases el eter was his countenance that I one-half of nex on your, ‘Theve were the instructions I received from my friend in Washington, in whom I felt the utmost reliance, and who I thought would never deceive me. He also sent me copies of the National Intelligencer, containing evidence for the defense. I certainly felt greatly r lieved, though not entirely satisfied. This news reached me some time in the latter part of June, before the party of whom I have spoken arrived. e¥, tO0, as~ sured me there was no cause for fear. What else could I do but accept these unwavering as- surances? Even had I thonght otherwise, 1 | could not have taken any action resulting in good. Just on the eve of my departure to join a party of gentlemen on a hunting excarsion, while Was waiting at the hotel for the train, the pro. prietor banded me a paper, and said: “READ THAT AROUT THE CONSPIRATORS.” Little did the man know who I was, or how closely that paragraph Dore.upon me or m That paper informed me that on a day which was then present, and 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 inti mation that there was any danger. It would be folly for me to attempt to describe my feelings After gazing at the paper for some t dropped it on the floor, turning on my heel, and going directiy to the ‘house where {| had been stopping before. When I entered the room, I found my friend sitting there. As soon as he saw me, BE TURNED DEADLY PALE, but never uttered a word. I said, “You do less thought you were acting a friend—the part Of a friend—towards me, but you have deceived I may forgive you, but I can never forget it * We all thought it for the best, Charley,” he commenced to say, but I did rot stay to hear more. 1 went to my room, remained there an- til dark, and then signified my intention to leave the place immediately. I felt reckless as to what should necome of me. | Alter visiting Quebec and other places, with | the reward of 325,000 banging did not think it safe to remain there. and #0 1 concluded to seek an asylum in foreign lands. I had nothing now to bind me to this country, save an only sister, and I knew she it for kind friends or a g an. I then went on a venture, and now, ladies and gentlemen, | goforth would J have remained hidden a: the mal- titude, but the stern necessities arising from the blasting of my earthly pects have forced me to leave my solitude and to stand again before the public gaze as the historian of my own life. One mitigation to ite distasteful- nets in this and my first —— however, is the kindness with which I have and the patience with which J have been listened to, ter which I return you, ladies and gentle- men, my sincere and heartfelt » (Ap. plause.} ‘be lecture concluded, the band played “Dixie,” and a concert was improvised, the au- dience not separating till a late hour, during which time Surratt was quite a lion among the ladies present. FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS. This Afternoon’s Proceedings. Wepyespar, December SENATE.—The Vice President laid before the Senate a lengthy memorial of citizens of Washington and Georgetown asking that the number of trustees of colored schools be in- creased to pine. Mr. Carpenter introduced bill to amend sec- tion 39 of the bankrupt act. Mr. Patterson introduced bill to incorporate the —— city Dime Savings Bank. Mr. Conkling introduced bill to facilitate tele- graphic communication between America, Ea- rope and Asia. He stated that he introduced the bill by request, and without knowing or en- dorsing its provisions. Mr. Sumner introduced bill to secure wages of seamen in case of wreck. Mr. Cole introduced bill to create the south- ern judicial district of California. Mr. Wilson introduced bill to secure eligibil- ity to American ships for foreign trade, and to encourage ship-building in the United States. All the above bills were laid on the table. ‘The resolution of Mr. Anthony, providing that ly in Senate bills shall be proceeded with dai their order, was agreed to. The Senate, at 15 minutes after 12, adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.—Mr. Shober (N. C.) presented the credentials of J. H. Manning, member elect from the fourth North Carolina district, and he was sworn in. Mr. Buftington (Mass.) offered a resolution, which was adopted, calling upon the Secretary of State for any information in his possession relative to the seizure of the American schooner Grenada while lying in the harbor of Port Hood, Nova Scotia, by a British armed vessel —_— the pretext of a violation of the fishery aws. Mr. Johnson ((al.) introduced several bills relative to matters upon the Pacitic co: which were appropriately referred. Mr. Lynch (Me.) introduced a bill to provide for the gradual resumption of specie payments. Keterred to the Cummittee ou Banking and Currenev. Mr. Mungen introduced a joint resolution in relation to the Island of San Domingo and the Monroe doctrine, which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affuirs. [The resolution recites a portion of the last 1 President and also a portion of President Mo: roe’s message, known as the M declares that this country will regard any ai tempt on the part of any government of Europe to occupy & port on that island as hostile to the interests of the United States, and calls upon the President. } Mr. bs (1ll.) introduced a resolution di- recting the Committee of Ways and Means to report a vill reducing the duties on teas, cotiee, sugar, and salt at least 15 per cent. ad valorem, on Bessemer steel 20 per cent. ad valorem, and on pig irom at least $2.50 per ton, and so to amend the tariff laws as to secure a tariff for revenue and not for protection. He asked that the resolution might be put upon its passage, but objection was made, and it was referred to the Committee of Ways and Means. The Chair laid betore the House @ number of executive communications, mainly minor an- nual a eked called for by existing Se peered Mr. Moore (N..J.) introduced a bil iti a pension to the widow of Com. Kicked w Meade. Keferred to the Committee on Pen- sions. Mr. Archer (Md.) introduced a bill ntti 4 pension to the widows of Sw Adams ai Rendenstein, late of the U. 8. Navy, and it was Under the call of committees, dering the ( 100. Lost. by author- ay Fa bbb eg? ned — $1,200 after five years’ continuous fait! servi rice. . Myers then moved to amend the next sec- one nm relation to the uniforms of letter car- deport sh ces a en SEE tting any public Farnsworth pointed out the necessity of Hl £ af Hy ul i : i i = f 5 i f i | 3 gs 5 ty THE WAR IN EUROPE, ‘ ; ' BEGINNING OF THE END. The French Beaten at All Poi but One. | The End Near at Hand. entlemen of | ona venture. Gladly | PARIS EXPECTED TO CAPITULATE WITHIN THREE WEEKS. PALLADINE’S RETREAT. THE EVACUATION OF ORLEANS Te BE INVESTIGATED. A’ PANIC TOUR. A GREAT BATTLE IN PROGRESS AT ORLEANS. E RUSSIAN PANIC Lelegraphed Exclusively to The Evening Star. THE WAR NEARLY AT AN END. Lowpon, vate sources.|—The transmission of the I dent's message and Boutwell’s report Fastwa.t are just now completed, and the cable lines will now be able to accommdate other business. The telegraph lines commanic Toure were cut by the Prussian cavalry M day afternoon. Communication with Tours, partly by couricrs, however, have been reestab- | lished. The losscs of the Germans have been exagger- ated. Minister Washburne's secretary writes from Paris that according to bis information the French have been beaten at all points but one, and the end is apparently near at band. The ion of Paris within Promiment members of the Provisional gov erpment are accused of swindling by meaus of fraudulent contracts for arms and tood. A GREAT BATILEIN PROGRESS. Orleans was surrounded by Prassians on San- | day, and it is probable that a great battle is vow progressing there. THE RUSSIAN PANIC ABATED. Loxpow, Dee. 6—The feeling of insecurity caused by the demand of Kuasia relative to the aris treaty has almost entirely vanished. THE KHEDIVE OF EGYPT ARMIN It is reported by telegrams from Alexandr that the Khedive of Egypt will be prepared within © few days to arm 100,000 men with breech-loaders. RUSSIA DON'T WANT A FLEET IN THE BLACK SEA. St. Perererurs, Dec. 6.—immediately after the publication of Gortschakoft"s note to Gran- ville, private subscriptions were opened here for the of building @ feet to operate on the Black ge ~~ P sbatr, govermment messenger rer, published en ediwonal ave been prohibited by the government TURKEY ACCEPTS THE CONFE Loxpox, Dec. 6.—A dispatch from Constauti- nople announces that the Sublime Porte has tignified Lis willingness to acccept a conference for the settlement of the questions raised by Kuseia relating to the Biack Sea, provided the discussion is coptived exelusirely to this topic. PALLADINE’S KETREAT-—PANIC AT TOL Tovrs, Dee. The government | is in receipt of numerous dispatches from Pal- ladine. He announces that bis retreat was com- pleted in good order. He lost neither muni- tions or provisions. There is much dissa*istac~ tion with the General for having evacuated ys lew ns order to give him an opporta ty to defend himself, the Minister of War has charged three commissioners to inquire into the | matter. A gre number of citizens have left | Tours, fearing an attack by the Prussians. Most of the journals have also been removed to places of safety. The government, however, has thus far evinced no intention of leaving. FAVORABLE NEWS FROM PARIS. Another balloon from Paris has lately landed in this neighborhood. It brought news trom the beleaguered city to the 4th instant. ‘The news received previously of the favorable state of affairs is fully conlirme Carrier p bl sent trom Tours with mess of the govern- ment were arriving regularly. The coid con- tinued intense. The river ine was fall of floating ice. The morale of the troops was ex- cellent. The Mobiles and National Gaards | fought bravely in the sorties on the 29h and 0th of November. The troops are activel: employed in heaithful exercise. Trochu bi published several war bulletins, giving the Parisians the latest news. He says that on the 2d instant the Prussians attacked the French positions at Villiers and Champigny, but after a severe fight, lasting seven hours, were com- pelled to tall back without accomplishing their object. Subsequently the Prasians renewed the attack at Nogent, but with no better sac- ce: GEN. DUCKOT AT VINCENNES. On the night of the Sd, Genera! Dacrot biv- ovacked at Vincennes. Up to that time be had taken about 400 prisoners. THE SAXON LUSS IN THE BATILES BEFORE PARIS DREsvEN, Dec. 5, evening —The King of Sax- ony has received a telegram (rom Prince tieorge to the effect that the enemy retired the day be- fore behind the Marne, and that further offen- sive movements on the part of the besieged were impossible. He gives the total loss of the Sax- ons, in the late engagements, as follows: —« cers, 76; rank and file, 2,100. The city of Or- leans was evacuated by the French at 5 o'clock this morning. GREAT Moy ~ LILLE LILLE, Dec. 5, evening.—Yesterday two Prus- Sian officers appeared before the town of Pe- Toone, in the department of the Somme, and de- IT GEN. PALLADINE’S RE- MOKE ABOU EAT Toves, Dec. 6.—Gen. Palladine retreated from Orleans with a force believed to be 200,000 cannon. The government sek, ae J. ote et iy