[Extract.]
Mr. King to Mr.
Seward.
No. 66.]
Legation of the United States,
Rome,
November 10, 1866.
Sir: In my despatch No. 65, under date of
November 2, I mentioned the result of the interview I had had with the
cardinal secretary of state on the
[Page 142]
subject referred to in your “confidential”
communication of October 16. I had occasion yesterday to call again upon
his Eminence, with the view to ascertain, if possible, the truth of the
widely prevalent rumor, that the Pope intended leaving Rome and seeking
a refuge in the island of Malta. Before, however, I had the opportunity
of making this inquiry, the cardinal apprised me that John Watson, alias
John H. Surratt, had been arrested by his orders, and while on the way
to Rome had made his escape from the guard of six men in whose charge he
had been placed. At the same time his Eminence handed me the official
documents, copies of which I herewith transmit, relating to the arrest,
the escape, and the subsequent pursuit. As Veroli is close to the
frontier, it is not at all unlikely that Surratt will make good his
escape from his zouave pursuers into the Italian kingdom. I thought it
well therefore, to send a confidential person at once to Florence to lay
the whole case before the American minister, and solicit his aid and
that of the Italian government in the recapture; for I did not feel at
all sure that either a message by telegraph or a letter by mail to Mr.
Marsh would, under the circumstances, escape the surveillance or
possible interruption of the Papal authorities. I hope to have a report
from my messenger within two or three days, and as Surratt was in his
zouave dress when he effected his escape, I think the chance a fair one
that he will be retaken. I trust that the course which I have pursued in
the premises will meet the approbation of the department. I feel bound
to add that, incredible as the details of the story appears, the
cardinal spoke of them as verified beyond all question, and expressed
very great and apparently sincere regret at Surratt’s escape.
* * * * * *
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Order.]
Colonel: Cause the arrest of the Zouave
Watson, and have him conducted, under secure escort, to the military
prison at Rome. It is of much importance that this order be executed
with exactness.
The general, pro-minister, KANZLER.
Lieut. Colonel Allet,
Commanding Zouave Battalion,
Velletri.
[Untitled]
No. 463.]
Pontifical Zouaves, Battalion
Headquarters,
Velletri,
November 7, 1866.
General: I have the honor to inform you
that the Zouave John Watson has been arrested at Veroli, and will be
taken, to-morrow morning, under good escort, to Rome. While he was
searched for at Trisulti, which was his garrison, he was arrested by
Captain De Lambilly, at Veroli, where he was on leave. I have the
honor also to inform your excellency that his name is not Waston but
Watson.
I have the honor to be, general, your excellency’s very humble and
obedient servant,
Lieutenant Colonel
ALLET.
His Excellency the General,
Minister of War, Rome.
Pontifical Telegraph.
[Presented at
Velletri
8th November,
1866, at 8.35 a. m. Received at Rome 8th November,
1866, at 8.50 a. m.]
His Excellency the General,
Minister of War, Rome:
I received the following telegram, dated ——, from Captain
Lambilly:
At the moment of leaving the prison, surrounded by six men as guards,
Watson plunged into the ravine, more than a hundred feet deep, which
defends the prison. Fifty zouaves are in pursuit. I will send your
excellency the news which I shall receive by telegraph.
Lieutenant Colonel
ALLET.
[Page 143]
[Untitled]
No. 602.]
War Department, Office of the
Minister,
November 8,
1866.
Your Reverend Eminence: I have the honor to
transmit to your very reverend eminence the enclosed documents about
the arrest and escape of Zouave Watson, of the 3d company, and will
not fail to transmit the latest news I shall receive of the result
of the pursuit of that individual.
I bend in all humility before the sacred Pontiff, with fresh
assurances of profound respect.
I am, your Eminence, your most humble and devoted servant,
His Eminence the Very Reverend Sigñor Cardinal Antonelli,
Secretary of State, &c., &c.,
&c.
