Rufus King to William H. Seward, November 26, 1866

Mr. King to Mr. Seward.

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 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,