Frank Swan to Rufus King, November 21, 1866

Mr. Swan to Mr. King.

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 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,