Box 1

October 23, 1866. H. B. St. Marie to Gen. King, Rome, Italy. This letter informs King that John H. Surratt told him details of his mother and J. Wilkes Booth's involvement in the plot to kill President Lincoln. St. Marie fears for his own life, and asks King's help in returning to America.

November 15, 1866. George P. Marsh, legation, Florence to U.S. Minister Rufus King. This letter discusses at length the attempt to have Surratt apprehended by Italian authorities, conditions of apprehension, and transfer from Italian sovereignty to U.S. sovereignty for deportation to America. He thinks that Italian and papal government authorities are not wanting to cooperate on this matter.

November 24, 1866. Rufus King, Rome, to George P. Marsh. This letter is very detailed in relating the story of Surratt's identification, arrest, imprisonment, escape there from, and travel by British Steamer from Italy toward Alecandria, Egypt.

November 27, 1866. Charles Hale, Consulate Alexandra to U.S. Minister Rufus King, Rome. This letter informs King that a man has been arrested from the steamer "Tripoli," he has been identified as John H. Surratt. He has sent this information to the U.S. Secretary of State, and is awaiting instructions.

November 27, 1866. Charels Hale, Alexandria to Secretary of State W.H. Steward. This is a copy of Hales Letter to Seward, it details Surratt's capture, and requests a U.S. man-of-war to transport Surratt to the United States.

December 6, 1866. George P. Marsh to Gen. Rufus King. Marsh thanks King for his cooperation and clear instructions. He thinks that Surratt may not be convicted due to politics in Washington, but should be extradited from Egypt without trouble, compared to that if he were still in Italy.

December 19, 1866. Charels Hale, Alexandria Egypt to Rufus King. Hale has received two letters and a photograph from King. Surratt is in secure custody in Alexandria, but is not saying or admitting to anything. He anticipates no problem in placing him on a U.S. Warship for return to America.

December 25, 1866. William N. Jeffers, U.S. ship "Swatara" to Gen. Rufus King. Jeffers, commanding the Swatara, has Surratt in confinement on board the ship. Jeffers told King that the ship's clerk, a native of Washington, D.C. recognizes Surratt, even though the photograph does not resemble him. Jeffers will sail soon, but is not sure the "Swatara" will go to the United States.

December 26, 1866. E. Jay Morris, Constantinople to Gen. Rufus King. Morris acknowledges King's earlier request for cooperation in apprehending Surratt, and promises all possible aid. He also notes that he is aware of Surratt's capture in Egypt.

December 27, 1866. Charles Hale, Alexadria to Rufus King. Hale informs King that with no problems from Egyptian or British authorities, Surratt was put on the U.S. "Swatara," which sailed on December 26. Surratt had claimed to be Canadian, but did not ask for British Protection.