Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 May 1894 — A REMINISCENCE. [ARTICLE]

A REMINISCENCE.

The venerable Catholic priest whe gained a National prominence as the spiritual adviser of Mrs. Surratt, who was executed for complicity in President Lincoln’s assassination, died last week. He was known ai Father Walter and had been a priest at Washington for forty years. If connection with his death it has beer recalled that the good man was possessed of a secret which was believed to be of great importance, but which he steadfastly refused tc reveal. Father Walter always maintained that Mrs. Surratt was innocent, and at the last moment made frantic efforts to see the PreSide.nl and Secretary Stanton, stating thal he had information of great value'tc impart. As he had importuned both officials for mercy for Mrs. Surratl so frequently he was refused admittance until after the execution, when word was sent him that Mr. Stanton was ready to receive the information. Father Walter replied that it was too late , and never went near the White House or War Department again.