Mr. King to Mr.
Seward.
No. 68, bis.]
Legation of the United States,
Rome,
November 26, 1866.
Sir: In my last despatch I mentioned that I had
telegraphed to our consul at Alexandria in regard to John H. Surratt. I
enclose the translation of a communication from the chief of the
telegraphic bureau in Rome, apprising me
[Page 146]
that, in consequence of the interruption in the
wires, my despatch to Alexandria was forwarded thither from Malta by
steamer. The probabilities are that it was sent by the same steamer in
which John H. Surratt is supposed to have sailed.
I also transmit, for the information of the department, the copy of a
letter received from Mr. Swan, our consul at Naples, giving some further
details of Surratt’s proceedings during his brief stay in that city. I
desire to add in this connection that I feel greatly indebted to Mr.
Swan for his prompt and hearty co-operation in the efforts to arrest
Surratt.
I obtained, a day or two since, from a clerk in a Roman bookstore, who
knew Surratt quite intimately as John Watson, an original letter of his,
which I enclose, as other specimens of his handwriting may be in
possession of the Washington authorities. This clerk told me that
Watson, alias Surratt, claimed to be a Canadian
by birth, and represented that he had been a spy in the confederate
service. I have also received, and herewith forward, a statement, from
good authority, in reference to Surratt’s arrival in the Papal
dominions, and one of the several sources from which he obtained funds.
I regret to be obliged to add that, up to the hour of closing this
despatch, I have received no further intelligence about Surratt.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
Office of the Pontifical
Telegraph,
Rome,
November 21, 1866.
Excellency: The despatch presented
yesterday by your excellency, addressed to the consul of the United
States at Alexandria, Egypt, was sent via
Malta, the Syria-Suez line being interrupted. After the despatch was
sent we received advices that the line Beughazi (Africa) Alexandria
was broken and the Syrian line re-established. It was then directed
that the despatch should be transmitted by telegraph as far as
Beughazi, and thence by mail to Alexandria, of which it was thought
superfluous to give your excellency notice. Now they telegraph us
from Malta that there being no postal service between Beughazi and
Alexandria, the despatch in question was this day sent by steamer
from Malta to Alexandria.
Chief of the Telegraphic
Bureau
The Minister
of the United States.
Mr. Swan to Mr. King.
United States
Consulate,
November 21, 1866.
Sir: I have this morning received yours of
the 19th instant. Since writing you, I have learned more of Surratt
while here. He arrived at Naples about the time you stated, wearing
the uniform of the Papal zouaves, having no passport, but stating
that he was an Englishman who had deserted from a Roman regiment. He
stated that he had no money, and the police, being somewhat
suspicious of him, gave him, at his own request, lodgings in the
prison; not exactly as a prisoner, but holding him during three days
in surveillance, and questioning him as opportunity offered.
He stated that he had been in Rome ten months; that, being out of
money, he enlisted in the Roman zouaves, &c; that he was put in
prison for insubordination, from which he escaped, jumping from a
window or high wall, in doing which he hurt his back and arm, both
of which were injured.
On the third day he asked to be taken to the British consulate, to
which place one of the police went with him, when he complained of
his confinement, stating that he was a Canadian, and the consul
obtained his release as an English subject. In the mean time the
police had found that he had some twelve scudi with him, and on
asking him why he went to prison, he replied that he wished to save
his money. He staid about here till Saturday, giving
[Page 147]
them some trouble at the English
consulate, and exciting sympathy by his position, that of a young
man of good appearance without money—they not knowing of the money
which the police had discovered.
At the consulate he expressed the greatest desire to return to
Canada, and through the influence of the consul he obtained passage
on the steamer to Alexandria, some English gentlemen paying for his
board during the voyage, and giving him a few francs. He still wore
his uniform when he sailed.
The steamer left here Saturday evening at nine o’clock, clearing for
Alexandria, but, not having time to coal here, the captain intended
to stop at Malta to do so, which would detain him all day Monday; as
there is a quarantine between Naples and Malta, Surratt could not
land.
I hope to hear from you to-day that he is taken.
I have the honor to be, very truly yours,
Hon. Rufus King,
Minister, &c.
[Untitled]
Dear Sir: Will you be so kind as to send me
a French and English grammar—the best method you have. I think
Ollendorf’s is most in use. When I come to Rome I will settle with
you. I shall be in in the course of two or three weeks. If you
should have the time to reply to me, please give me all the news you
can. By so doing you will greatly oblige your friend,
JOHN WATSON, 3d Compagnie,
Veroli.
Edward T. O’Connor, Esq.
About twelve months ago Mr. Surratt came to Rome under the name
of Watson. In Canada he procured letters from some priests to
friends in England. Having left England for Rome, he got letters
for some people here, among others for Rev. Dr. Neane, rector of
the English college. Being detained for some days at Civita
Vecchia, and having no money to pay his expenses there, he wrote
to Dr. Neane, from whom he received fifty (50) francs.
On his arrival here he went to the English college, where he
lived for some time. After that he entered the Papal
service.
