The Search Tightens
CORNERED
Bainbridge went on to Bowling Green, whilst Ruggles and Jett remained over night in the woods near the house, Booth being hidden on the premises and cared for. On the following day Captain Jett went to Bowling Green on a visit, prompted by the tender passion where he remained a few days; and Lieutenant Bainbridge returned to the Garrett Farm, where he rejoined Major Ruggles. The two started for Port Conway but before getting there, learned that the town was full of Union cavalry, when they lost no time in returning to Garrett's and gave warning to Booth, advising him to lose no time in fleeing to a piece of woods, which they pointed out to him, and then turned to look after their own safety. The cavalry of which they got this notice was a squad detailed from the Sixteenth New York Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Dougherty, which had been ordered to report to General L.C. Baker of the Secret Service Department.

Arriving at Port Conway on the afternoon of the day subsequent to the crossing of the parties above referred to, and finding the wife of the ferry keeper at the ferry-house sitting and conversing with another woman, Colonel Conger exhibited to them a photograph of Booth, and informed them that that was the man they wanted. It at once became apparent to him, from the manner and actions of the women, that Booth was not far off. The ferryman, a man by the name of Collins, was sent for and being influenced no doubt by fear of compromising himself became communicative. He told them all about the party that had crossed the day before, one of them, Captain Jett, he knew well, and knowing that Jett had been paying attention to a Miss Goldman, the daughter of a Bowling Green hotel keeper, he suggested that he could most probably be found there. Colonel Conger pushed on with his squad of cavalry, commanded by Captain, then Lieutenant E.P. Dougherty, to Bowling Green, passing the Garrett Farm after dark.

Arriving at Goldman's Hotel, he inquired of Mrs. Goodman as to the men that were in the house. She answered him that her wounded son was in a room upstairs, and that he was all the man there was there. Colonel Conger then required her to lead the way up stairs, telling her at the same time that if his men were fired on, he would burn the building and carry the inmates to Washington as prisoners.

As he entered the room which she showed him, up one flight of stairs, Captain Jett jumped out of bed half-dressed, and admitted his identity. Colonel Conger then informed him that he was cognizant of his movements for the last two days, and proceeded to read to him the proclamations of the Secretary of War, telling him when he had done reading it that if he did not him the truth he would hang him; but that if he truly gave him the information that he sought he would protect him.