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SPY ^REBELLION;
BEING
A TRUE HISTORY
OP THE
SPY SYSTEM OF THE UNITED STATES
ARMY
DURING THE LATE REBELLION.
REVEALING MANY SECRETS OF THE WAR
HITHERTO NOT MADE PUBLIC.
COMPILED FROM OFFICIAL REPORTS
PREPARED FOR
PRESIDENT LINCOLN, GENERAL McCLELLAN AND THE
PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL.
BY
ALLAN PINKERTON,
WHO
(UNDER THE NOM-DE-PLUME OF MAJOR E. j. ALLEN)
WAS
CHIEF OF THE UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS.
!YB*A
CT 7F~
tTWrV-EB-PTTY
NEW YORK:
G. W. Carleton & Co., Publishers.
MDCCCLXXXVI.
[SOLD ONLY BY SUBSCRIPTION.]
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
AH Unwritten Page of History. A Political Resume*.
Abraham Lincoln is Elected President. . 33
CHAPTER II.
Opposition to Mr. Lincoln s Inauguration. A Plot to
Assassinate him. The Journey from Springfield,
Illinois. . . . . . .45
CHAPTER III.
The Conspirators at Work. Detectives on tJieir Trail.
Webster as a Soldier. ....
xii CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
Tki Conspirators in Council. My Operative Joins the
Conspiracy. . . . . -74
CHAPTER V.
The Presidential Party Arrives in Philadelphia. Inde
pendence Hall. The Departure from Harrisburg.
Telegraph Wires Cut. Through the Lines of Trea*
son. Safe Arrival at Washington. . . 8 1
CHAPTER VI.
My Connection with tJie Rebellion. Timothy Webster
Accepts a Mission. ..... 104
CHAPTER VII.
Webster on his Way to the Capital. Wrecked Trains
and Broken Bridges. An Adventure with a Cav
alryman. A Rebel Emissary. President Lincoln
and Timothy Webster. . . . .114
CHAPTER VIII.
Timothy Webster in Washington. The Return to Phila
delphia. I go to tJie Capital. An Important Letter. 131
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
An Adventure in Pittsburg. A Mob at Bay. An Ex-
planation. Good Feeling Restored. . . .142
CHAPTER X.
General McClellan in Command of Ohio. / am Engaged
for the War. The Secret Service. A Consultation.
-Webster Starts for Rebeldom. . . . 151
CHAPTER XL
Webster Fraternizes with the Rebel Officers. A Seces
sion Hat. A Visit to a Rebel Camp." The Com
mittee of Safety: A Friendly Stranger. -A
Warning. The Escape* . . . .168
CHAPTER XII.
Take a Trip to the South. Danger in Memphis. A
Timely Warning. A Persistent Barber. An Un
fortunate Memory. Return to Cincinnati. . .182
CHAPTER XIII.
East and West Virginia. Seceding from Secession.
My Scouts in Virginia. A Rebel Captain Enter
tains "My Lord." An Old Justice dines with
CONTENTS.
Royalty. A Lucky Adventure. A Runaway Horse.
A Rescue. 2 3
CHAPTER XIV.
The Rebels Attempt to Occupy West Virginia. General
McClellan Ordered to Drive Them Out. Early
Battles. The Federals Victorious. West Virginia
Freed from Rebel Soldiers. .... 227
CHAPTER XV.
General McClellan is Called to Washington, and Placed
in Command of the Armies after the Battle of Bull
Run. The Secret Service Department. Its Duties
and Responsibilities. .... 237
CHAPTER XVI.
A Female Traitor. Suspicious Correspondence. A Close
Watch under Difficulties. / am Arrested. Expos
ure of the Treason of a Trusted Officer. A Dis
graced Captain. . . . . .250
CHAPTER XVII.
Timothy Webster in Baltimore. An Encounter with a
Fire-rater. Webster Defends Himself. Treason
Rampant in the Monumental City. . . . 271
CONTENTS. T ,
CHAPTER XVIII.
VAGI
Webster Makes a Journey to the South. A Secret Organ
ization. The " Knights of Liberty." Webster Be
comes a Member. A Sudden Intrusion of the Mili
tary. TJte Conspiracy Broken Up. . . . 283
CHAPTER XIX.
Suspicions in Washington* " UncU Callus" Property
Searched. A Rebel Family sent South. Webster
Starts for Richmond. .... 301
CHAPTER XX.
*.
The Spy at Richmond. Earthworks Around the Rebel
Capital. An Unexpected Meeting. Pistols for Two.
A Reconciliation. Safe Return to Washington. . 314
CHAPTER XXI.
Again in Baltimore. A Warning. The Spy is Ar
rested. And Escapes. i .326
xv iii CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXX.
Curtis Again on His Travels. A Loving Episode Dan
McCowan Again Turns up. The Capture of Curtis.
A Fight for Life. And Escape. A Bit of Mat-
rimony. .. 445
CHAPTER XXXI.
McClellan and his Enemies. The Peninsula Campaign.
The Rebel Forces Before Richmond. The Union
Forces Outnumbered by the Enemy y and their Com
mander Hampered by Superiors. An Honest Opin
ion. ....... 457
CHAPTER XXXII.
Webster s Expedition. His Gallantry. A Stormy Pas
sage. A Mysterious Package. Treason Discovered
and Punished. ..... 468
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Activity in Washington. Webster s Journey Through the
South. His Return to the Capital. . . .481
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXIV,
FAUl
Webster s Last Mission. Anxiety at his Long Absence.
No Tidingsof the Faithful Scout. Operatives Sent
in Search of Him. Webster III in Richmond. 485
CHAPTER XXXV.
McClellan and the Government. Lewis and Scully Ar
rested as Spies. An Attempted Escape. Trial and
Conviction. Condemned to Die. Before the Gallows
their Mouths are Opened. .... 498
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Webster Arrested as a Spy. A Woman s Devotion, and
a Patriot s Heroism. Webster is Convicted. The
Execution. A Martyr s Grave. . . . 53
CHAPTER XXXVII.
The Defeat of General Pope at the Second Battle of Ma-
nassas. McClellan Again Called to the Command.
The Battle of Antietam A Union Victory. A Few
Thoughts About the Union Commander. McClel
lan s Removal from Command, and His Farewell
Address. . -
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
FACT
General Burnside in Command. My Connection with the
Secret Service Severed. Reflections upon Important
Events. Conclusion. . . . . 579
APPENDIX. ,587
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGI
ALLAN PINKERTON AND GENERAL MCCLELLAN
IN PRIVATE CONSULTATION. . Frontispiece
THE OATH TO ASSASSINATE THE PRESIDENT . 65
SWEARING IN OF HOWARD. . . . . 76
LINCOLN RAISING THE OLD FLAG. . . .87
THE DEPARTURE FOR WASHINGTON. . . 94
SAFE ARRIVAL. 98
ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE WEBSTER. . . . 146
A VISIT TO A REBEL CAMP 171
TIMELY WARNING. 195
THE BARBER S RECOGNITION 201
AN ENGLISH LORD AND A REBEL CAPTAIN. 215
CAPTURED BY THE GUARDS. .... 260
AN ENCOUNTER WITH A FIRE-EATER. 277
xxii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGl
A SUDDEN INTRUSION OF THE MILITARY. . 299
THE SPY is ARRESTED 334
ESCAPE OF THE SPY 339
SCOBELL ENGAGED AS DECK-HAND ON A
STEAMBOAT. 364
DEATH OF A REBEL SPY 389
TIMELY INTERRUPTION TO A LOVE SCENE . 441
WEBSTER S GALLANT BRAVERY. . . .474
WEBSTER DISCOVERS A MYSTERIOUS PACKAGE, 475
THE PRISONERS RECAPTURED 522
WEBSTER S DEATH WARRANT. .... 542
A NARROW ESCAPE. 569
PREFACE.
TV T EARLY a score of years have passed since the
* ^ occurrence of the events related in the follow
ing pages. The " Rebellion," with its bloody scenes,
has ended, and the country is at peace. The grass is
waving green and beautiful over many Southern
fields that once ran with human blood, as the con
tending forces met in the deadly encounter. The
birds are carolling sweetly in the air, which then was
laden with the clarion notes of the trumpet; the
fierce, wild yell of assaulting soldiery ; the booming of
cannon, and the groans of the wounded and dying
The merchant, the mechanic, and the husbandman
have returned to the pursuits which they followed
before the dark clouds of war had overshadowed this
fair land, and they shouldered their muskets in
defense of the Union. From the desolation and the
ravages of war, the country has emerged into the
[xiiii]
xxiv PREFACE.
sunshine of abiding peace, and now, in the evening
twilight, the gray-haired veterans gather around their
family hearthstones to repeat the stories of bravery
and devotion associated with those trying hours of
their country s history.
In the twilight of my days I have been tempted
to the recitals which follow, and in relating my
experiences as the Chief of the Secret Service of the
Government during the Rebellion, I have been
governed by a desire to acquaint the public with the
movements of those brave men who rendered invalu
able service to their country, although they never
wore a uniform or carried a musket. Working
quietly, and frequently under diguises, their assist
ance to the Union commanders was of incalculable
advantage, and many acts of courage and daring were
performed by these men which, until now, have never
been revealed. Indeed, as to my own nom-de-plume,
" E. J. Allen," many of the officers of the army and
officials of the Government, with whom I was in con
stant communication, never knew me by any other
name, and the majority of them are to this day in
ignorance of the fact that E. J. Allen, late Chief ol
the Secret Service, and Allan Pinkerton are one and
the same person.
During the progress of the struggle, and the years
PREFACE.
which have since elapsed, many of my old acquaint
ances, who held important positions in the army and
in governmental departments, have passed away from
earth. Some of them falling in the heat of battle,
in the courageous discharge of duty, while others,
passing through the fiery ordeal, have died amid
the comforts and the charms of home.
President Lincoln, Edwin M. Stanton, William
H. Seward and Salmon P. Chase, all giants in their
day, have departed from the sphere of their useful
ness, and have gone to their long home. Soldiers
and civilians, generals and privates, with whom I was
connected, and their name is legion, have taken up
their journey to "that bourne from whence no traveler
e er returns."
In detailing the various events which follow, I
have been careful to offer nothing but that which
actually transpired. I have avoided giving expres
sion to any thoughts or feelings of antagonism to the
South, because the time for such utterances has
passed. Indeed, except for the existence of slavery,
I always cherished a warm affection for the Southern
people. But this institution of human bondage
always received my most earnest opposition. Believ
ing it to be a curse to the American nation, and an
evidence of barbarism, no efforts of mine were ever
xvi PREFACE.
spared in behalf of the slave, and to-day I have not
a single regret for the course I then pursued.
Many times before the war, when I was associated
with those philanthrophic spirits who controlled the
so-called " Underground Railroad," I have assisted
in securing safety and freedom for the fugitive slave,
no matter at what hour, under what circumstances,
or at what cost, the act was to be performed. John
Brown, the white-haired abolitionist of Kansas fame,
was my bosom friend ; and more than one dark night
has found us working earnestly together in behalf of
the fleeing bondman, who was striving for his
liberty. After his gallant effort at Harper s Ferry,
and while he was confined in a Virginia prison, my
efforts in his behalf were unceasing ; and had it not
been for the excessive watchfulness of those having
him in charge, the pages of American history would
never have been stained with a record of his execu
tion. As it is, though his fate may have been in
accordance with the decrees of the laws then existing,
I can recall with all the old enthusiasm that I then
experienced, the thundering effect of thousands of
our brave " boys in blue," joining in that electric war
cry, the refrain of which was :
John Brown s body lies mouldering in the grave,
But his soul goes marching along,"
PREFACE.
while they harried in solid phalanx to meet the
enemy upon the field of battle.
In the preliminary chapters, I have detailed with
accuracy the facts connected with the conspiracy to
assassinate Abraham Lincoln, when he was first elected
to the Presidency. The part I took in discovering
the existence of that plot and the efforts of my men
in ferreting out the prime movers of that murderous
compact, are told for the first time in these pages,
and the correctness of their relation is undoubted ;
though in the dark days that followed, the bullet of
the assassin removed the martyred President, while
engaged in the fulfillment of his mission. I cannot
repress a sense of pride in the fact, that at the com
mencement of his glorious career I had averted the
I >low that was aimed at his honest, manly heart.
In the events which transpired during the years
1861 and 1862, I took an active part. From the
early days of April until after the battle of Antietam
had been fought and won, I was connected with the
military operations of the government. In Washing
ton I acted under the directions of the Secretaries
of War, and Colonel Andrew Porter, the provost-
marshal ; and in the field, I was under the immediate
direction of General George B. McClellan.
My relations with the various departments were
xxviii PREFACE.
always of the most cordial and confidential character
To particularize in this matter is almost impossible ;
but I cannot refrain from mentioning, in the highest
terms of respect and friendship, Colonel Thomas
A. Scott of Pennsylvania. In the early days of the
nation s peril, he occupied the position of Assistant
Secretary of War. In him I always found a warm
friend and advocate, and in many emergencies his
prompt and intelligent action was most potent in ac
complishing good results in that era of confusion, of
doubt and hesitation.
Of my service with the military department while
in active duty, little needs to be said here. From the
time of his commission by Governor Dennison of
Ohio, to the day when he was relieved, after his
splendid victory at Antietam, I followed the fortunes
of General McClellan. Never doubting his ability or
his loyalty always possessing his confidence and
esteem, I am at this time proud and honored in rank
ing him foremost among my invaluable friends.
When secret enemies were endeavoring to prejudice
the mind of the President against his chosen com
mander ; when wily politicians were seeking to be
little him in the estimation of the people, and when
jealous minded officers were ignorantly criticising
his plans of campaign, General McClellan pursued
PREFACE.
his course with unflinching courage and with a devo
tion to his country unsurpassed by any who have
succeeded him, and upon whose brows are entwined
the laurels of the conqueror.
His marvelous reorganization of the army, the
enthusiasm with which his presence invariably in
spired the soldiers under his command, and the grand
battles which he fought against enemies in front
and in rear, have all passed into history and to-day
the intelligent and unprejudiced reader finds in a
calm and dispassionate review of his career, an ample
and overwhelming justification of his course as a
loyal and capable commander-in-chief.
Self-constituted critics, whose avenues of informa
tion jvere limited and unreliable, have attempted to
prove that the force opposed to General McClellan
was much less than was really the case ; and upon this
hypothesis have been led into unjust and undeserved
censure of the commanding general. From my own
experience, I know to the contrary. My system of
obtaining knowledge upon this point was so thorough
and complete, my sources of information were so
varied, that there could be no serious mistake in the
estimates which I then made and reported to General
McClellan. From every available field the facts were
gleaned From prisoners of war, contrabands, loyal
XXX
PREFACE.
Southerners, deserters, blockade-runners and from
actual observations by trustworthy scouts, my esti
mates were made, and to-day I affirm as strongly as
I then did, that the force opposed to General Me-
Clellan before Richmond approximated nearer to
200,000 men, than they did to the numerous esti
mates of irresponsible historians who have placed the
strength of the rebel forces at that -time below
100,000 men. In this connection I must refer also
to the valuable assistance rendered both General Mc-
Clellan and myself by that indefatigable Aid-de-camp
Colonel Key. Though he no longer mingles with
the things of earth, the memory of his devotion and
his intelligent services to the cause of the Union is
imperishable. No truer, braver man ever drew a
sword than did this noble and efficient staff officer,
now deceased.
Of Timothy Webster, who so ably assisted me in
my various and delicate duties, and whose life was
sacrificed for the cause he held so dear, I have only
words of warmest commendation. Brave, honest and
intelligent, he entered into the contest to perform his
whcle duty, and right nobly did he fulfill his pledge,
No danger was too great, no trust too responsible,
r.o mission too delicate for him to attempt, and
though executed as a spy in a Richmond prison, his
PREFACE.
name shall ever be cherished with honor and friend-
ship by those who knew his worth, and who appro
ciated the unswerving devotion of a loyal heart No
dishonor can ever attach to the memory of a patriot
who died in the service of his country.
The events narrated have all occurred. The re*
cord is a truthful one. Although not so complete as
I could wish, they must serve the purpose for which
they are intended. In the disastrous fire which swept
over Chicago in 1871, my records were mainly de
stroyed, and to this fact must be attributed the failure
to more elaborately detail the multitudinous opera
tions of my men. With the able assistance of Mr.
George H. Bangs, my efficient General Superinten
dent, " we did what we could/ and the approbation
of our commanding officers attest the efficiency of
our efforts.
After leaving the service, the conduct of the war
passed into other hands. Other men were chosen to
the command of the armies, and other sources of in
formation were resorted to. Succeeding battles have
been fought, defeats have been sustained, victories
have been achieved, and the war is happily ended
The slave is free, and in the enjoyment of the rights
of citizenship. The country is at peace, her prosperity
is assured, and now that passion and prejudice have
xxxii
PREFACM
died away, and honest judgments are given of the
events that have transpired, I leave to the impartial
reader, and historian, the question whether the course
I pursued, and the General whom I loved and faith
fully served, are deserving of censure, or are entitled
to the praises of a free and enlightened people.
ALLAN PINKERTON.
THE SPY
OF
THE REBELLION.
CHAPTER L
* An Unwritten Page of History" A Political Rtsumt.
Mr. Lincoln is Elected President.
MANY years have elapsed since the occurrence
of the events, which I am about to relate.
Years that have been full of mighty import to the
nation. A bitter, prolonged and bloody war has laid
its desolating hands upon a once united country.
For years the roar of cannon and the clash of steel
reverberated through the bright valleys and the
towering hills of the fruitful South. In those years
when brother arose against his brother, when ties of
kindred and association were broken asunder like frail
reeds, glorious deeds were wrought and grand results
have been accomplished. America has taught the
world a lesson of bravery and endurance ; the shackles
3 [33]
34 ABRAHAM LINCOLN
have been stricken from the slave; an error of a
century has been crushed, and freedom is now no
longer an empty name, but a beautiful and enduring
realism.
To-day peace spreads her broad, sheltering arms
over a reunited and enlightened nation. The roll of
the drum and the tramp of armed men are now no
longer heard. North and South have again clasped
hands in a renewal of friendship and in a perpetuity
of union.
But a short time ago a Republican President,
elected by but a slight majority of the voters of this
great community, left his peaceful home in the West
and journeyed to the capital of the nation, to take
the oath of office and to assume the high duties of
a chief magistrate. As he passed through the
towns and cities upon his route a general plaudit
of welcome was his greeting, even noted political
foes joining in the demonstrations. His road was
arched with banners and his path was strewn with
flowers. Everywhere he found an enthusiasm of
welcome, a universal prayer for success, and the
triumphal train entered the capital amid the ovations
of the populace, which reached almost a climax of
patriotic and effervescing joy.
Twenty years ago witnessed a different condition
of affairs. The political horizon was dark and ob
scured The low mutterings of the storm that was
soon to sweep over our country, and to deluge our
fS ELECTED PRESIDENT. 35
fair land with fratricidal blood, were distinctly heard
Sectional differences were developing into wide-
spread dissensions. Cherished institutions were
threatened with dissolution, and political antagonism
had aroused a contented people into a frenzy of hate.
On the twenty-second of May, 1856, an Ameri
can Senator was assaulted in the Senate-house by
a political opponent for daring to give utterance
to opinions that were hostile to the slave-holding
interests of the South. Later in the same year a
Republican candidate, with professed anti-slavery
views, was nominated for the presidency, and al
though defeated, gave evidence of such political
strength that Southern leaders became alarmed.
At this time the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas was a
prominent leader of the Democratic party, but
through his opposition to what was known as the Le-
compton BiH, he incurred the displeasure of his polit
ical friends of the South, who vainly endeavored to
enact such legislation as would practically lead to his
retirement from the party.
In 1858 the famous contest between Abraham
Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas for the United
States Senatorship from Illinois took place, and dur
ing its progress absorbed public attention throughout
the country. The two candidates indulged in open
discussions of questions of public policy, which were
remarkable for their brilliancy and for the force and
vigor with which their different views were uttered
j6 ABRAHAM LINCOLN
It was during this canvass that Mr. Lincoln made the
forcible and revolutionizing declaration that : " The
Union cannot permanently endure half slave and half
free." Mr. Lincoln was defeated, however, and Mr.
Douglas was returned to the Senate, much against
the wishes of those Democrats who desired the un
limited extension of the institution of Slavery.
In the following year occurred the slave insurrec
tion in Virginia, under the leadership of that bold
abolitionist, John Brown. The movement was frus
trated, however, and John Brown, after a judicial trial
for his offense, was sentenced to be hung. Up to
the day of his execution he remained firm in the belief
that he had but performed his duty toward enslaved
humanity, and he died avowing the justice of his
cause and the hope of its ultimate success.
All of these occurrences tended to engender a
spirit of fierce opposition in the minds of the South
ern leaders. The growing sentiment of abolitionism
throughout the North, and the manifest disposition to
prevent its increase or extension, aroused the advo
cates of Slavery to a degree of alarm, which led to
the commission of many actions, both absurd and
unjustifiable.
The year of 1860 opened upon a scene of political
agitation which threatened to disrupt long united as
sociations, and to erect sectional barriers which ap
peared almost impossible to overcome.
In April, 1860, the Democratic National Conven-
IS ELECTED PRESIDENT. 37
tion assembled in Charleston, South Carolina, for the
purpose of nominating a candidate for the presidency.
During its session loud and angry debates occurred,
in which the Southern element indeavored to obtain
a strong indorsement of the institution of Slavery,
and of the right to carry slaves into the Territories of
the United States. They were met by the more con
servative portion of the party, who desired to leave
the question to be decided by the States themselves.
After a prolonged discussion the majority of the
Southern States withdrew their delegates from the
convention, and the remainder proceeded to ballot for
a candidate of their choice.
After a protracted sitting, during which several
ballots were taken and no decided result obtained, the
convention adjourned, to meet in the city of Balti
more on the eighteenth day of June succeeding.
Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, received a large per
centage of the votes that were cast, but failed to
obtain a sufficient number to secure his nomina
tion.
The withdrawing delegates organized a rival con
vention, but, without transacting any business of a de
cisive character, also adjourned, to meet in Baltimore
at a date nearly coincident with that of the regular
body.
On the nineteenth day of May, the Constitutional
Union (being the old American) party held their con
vention m the city of Baltimore, and nominated John
3 g ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Bell, of Tennessee, for President, and Edward Everett,
of Massachusetts, for the Vice-Presidency,
The Republican Convention was held On the
sixteenth day of May, in the city of Chicago, and upon
the third ballot nominated Abraham Lincoln, of Illi
nois, for the office of President, and Hannibal Hanv
lin, of Maine, for the second office.
This convention also adopted a platform very
pronounced upon the subject of Slavery, and which
was calculated to give but little encouragement to the
extension or perpetuity of the slave-holding power.
On the eighteenth day of June the regular Demo
cratic Convention assembled, pursuant to adjourn
ment, in the city of Baltimore, and named Stephen
A. Douglas, of Illinois, and Herschel V. Johnson, of
Georgia, as their standard-bearers in the political
conflict that was to ensue.
On the twenty-eighth day of the same month the
seceding delegates met in the same city, and after
pronouncing their ultra views upon the question of
Slavery, nominated John C. Breckinridge, of Kentucky
(then the Vice-President of the country), and General
Joseph Lane, of Oregon, as the candidates of their
choice.
The lines of battle were now drawn, and from
that time until the election, in November, a fierce
contest was waged between the opposing parties.
Never before in the history of parties was a canvass
conducted with more bitterness or with a greater
TOr:
75 ELECTED PRESIDENT. 59
amount of vituperation. The whole country was
engrossed with the gigantic struggle. Business inter
ests, questions of finance and of international import
were all made subservient to the absorbing considera
tion of the election of a national President.
The Southern " Fire-eaters," as they were called,
fully realized thei r inability to elect the candidates
they had named, but strove with all their power to
prevent the success of the regular Democratic nomi
nees, and when at last the day of election came, and
the votes were counted, it was found that the Repub
lican party had been victorious and that Abrahm
Lincoln had been elected.
In many portions of the South this result was,
hailed with joyful enthusiasm. The anti-slavery pro
clivities of the successful party was instantly made a,
plausible pretext for secession and the withdrawal of
the slave-holding States from the Union was boldly
advocated.
The same power that threatened in 1856, in the
words of Governor Wise of Virginia : " That if Fre
mont had been elected, he would have marched at
the head of twenty thousand men to Washington, and
taken possession of the capital, preventing by force
Fremont s inauguration at that place" -was again
aroused, and an open opposition to the Republican
inauguration was for a time considered.
The absorbing and exciting question in the South.
was : " Would the South submit to a Black
40 ABRAHAM LINCOLN
lican President and a Black Republican Congress T
. and the answer to the question was a loud and deci
sive negative.
Among the bolder advocates of secession the elec
tion of Mr. Lincoln was regarded with pleasure, and
meetings were held in Charleston, rejoicing in the
triumph of the Republican party. Secession and dis
union were loudly advocated, and the slave oligarchy
of South Carolina regarded this event as the oppor
tunity to achieve her long-cherished purpose of break
ing up the Union, and forming a new confederacy,
founded upon the peculiar ideas of the South.
Says Horace Greeley : " Men thronged the streets,
talking, laughing, cheering, like mariners long be
calmed upon a hateful, treacherous sea, when a sud
den breeze had swiftly wafted them within sight of
their looked for haven, or like a seedy prodigal, just
raised to affluence by the death of some far-off, un
known relative, and whose sense of decency is not
strong enough to repress his exultation."
Open threats were made to withdraw at onte from
the Union, and these demonstrations seemed to find
sympathy among other nations than our own, and
soon foreign intrigue was hand and glove with domes
tic treason, in the attempt to sap the foundations of
our government, and seeking peculiar advantages from
its overthrow.
It is unnecessary to detail the various phases of
this great agitation, which, firing the Southern heart
JS ELECTED PRESIDENT 41
with the frenzy of disunion, finally led to the seces
sion of the Southern States. Various compromises
were attempted, but all failed of beneficial result
The " masterly inactivity " of the administration con
tributed in no small degree to the accomplishment of
this object, and in the end the Southern Confederacy
was organized and Jefferson Davis was elected as its
President.
The Palmetto waved over the custom-house and
post-office at Charleston ; government forts and
arsenals were seized by the volunteers to the South
ern cause, and on February i, 1861, the Federal mint
and custom-house at New Orleans were taken posses
sion of by the secessionists.
The removal of Major Anderson from Fort Moul-
trie to the more secure stronghold of Fort Sumter,
in Charleston harbor, had been accomplished, and as
yet no measures had been taken by the government
to prevent further demonstrations of a warlike charac
ter on the part of the Southern Confederacy. The
administration remained passive and inert, while every
effort was being made to calm the public fears of hos
tilities, and the organization of an open revolt
The city of Baltimore was, at this time, a slave- *
holding city, and the spirit of Slavery was nowhere
else more rampant and ferocious. The mercantile and
social aristocracy of that city had been sedulously and
persistently plied, by the conspirators for disunion,
with artful and tempting suggestions of her future
42 ABRAHAM LINCOLN
greatness and advancement as the chief city of the
new government.
If a Confederacy composed of the fifteen slave*
holding States was organized, Baltimore, it was urged,
would naturally be the chief city of the new Republic.
In time it would become the rival of New York, and
occupy to the Confederacy the same relations which
New York does to the Union, and would be the great
ship-building, shipping, importing and commercial
emporium.
These glittering prophecies had not been uttered
without effect. The ambition of the aristocracy was
aroused. Already they saw the ocean whitened with
her sails, and the broad domain of Maryland adorned
with the palaces reared from her ample and. ever-ex
panding profits. Under these hallucinations, their
minds were corrupted, and they seemed eager to rush
into treason.
Being a border State, Maryland occupied a posi
tion of particular importance. Emissaries were sent
to her from South Carolina and elsewhere, and no
effort was spared to secure her co-operation in these
revolutionary movements. It is to be regretted that
they were too successful, and the result was that the
majority of the wealthier classes and those in office
were soon in sympathy with the rebellion, and the ,
spirit of domestic treason, for a time, swept like a
tornado over the State.
Added to the wealthier classes was the mob
SS ELECTED PRESIDENT. 43
element of the city of Baltimore reckless and
unscrupulous, as mobs generally are and this portion
of her community were avowedly in full accord with
the prospective movement, and ready to do the
bidding of the slave power. Between these, however,
there existed a great middle class, who were loyally
and peacefully inclined. But this class, large as it
was, had hitherto been divided in their political
opinions, and had as yet arrived at no common and
definite understanding with regard to the novel
circumstances of the country and the events which
seemed to be visibly impending.
The government of the city of Baltimore was
under the control of that branch of the Democracy
who supported Breckinridge, and who had attained
power under a popular cry for reform, and it was soon
learned that these leaders were deep in the counsels
of the secessionists.
The newspaper press was no small factor of this
excitement their utterances had much to do in lead
ing public opinion, and though their efforts " to fire
the Southern heart," many were led to sanction the
deeds of violence and outrage which were contem
plated.
Especial efforts had been made to render Mr.
Lincoln personally odious and contemptible, and his
election formed the pretexts of these reckless con
spirators, who had long been plotting the overthrow
of the Union. No falsehood was too gross, no state-
14 ABRAHAM LINCOLN
ment too exaggerated, to be used for that purpose,
and so zealously did these misguided men labor in the
cause of disunion, and so systematically concerted
was their action, that the mass of the people of the slave
States were made to believe that this pure, patient,
humane, Christian statesman was a monster whose
vices and passions made him odious, and whose
political beliefs made him an object of just abhorrence.
This was the condition of affairs at the dawning
of the year 1861.
A COUNCIL OF WAR.
CHAPTER II.
Opposition to Mr. Lincoln s Inauguration. A Plot toAssassi
nate him. The Journey from Springfield.
WITH the opening of the new year, the political
condition evinced alarming symptoms. As
the day of the inauguration of the new President drew
near, the excitement became intense. Loud threats
were made that Mr. Lincoln should never be per
mitted to take the oath of office, and the hostility of
the South manifested itself in such a manner as to
excite the fears of those who desired the peaceful
solution of the important question of continued
union.
The events about to be related have been for a
long time shrouded in a veil of mystery. While
many are aware that a plot existed at this time to
assassinate the President-elect upon his contemplated
journey to the capital, but few have any knowledge
of the mode by which the conspiracy was detected, or
the means employed to prevent the accomplishment
of that murderous design.
Considerations which affected the personal safety
of those who actively participated in this detection,
precluded a disclosure at the time, but that such a
Us]
4 6 A PLOT TO
conspiracy existed no doubt can be entertain* d. Now,
howover, that the dark clouds have passed away, and
the bright sunshine of an enduring peace is throwing
its bcneficient rays over a united country, the truth
may be disclosed, and a desire to peruse a hidden
page of history may now be gratified.
Early in the year 1861 I was at my headquarters
in the city of Chicago, attending to the manifold duties
of my profession. I had, of course, perused the daily
journals which contained the reports of doings of the
malcontents of the South, but in common with others,
I entertained no serious fears of an open rebellion,
and was disposed to regard the whole matter as of
trivial importance. The same tones had been listened
to before, and although the disunionists had hitherto
never taken such aggressive steps, I was inclined to
believe that with the incoming of the new administra
tion, determined or conciliatory measures would be
adopted, and that secession and rebellion would be
either averted or summarily crushed.
At this time I received a letter from Mr. Samuel
H. Felton, the president of " The Philadelphia, Wil
mington and Baltimore Railroad," requesting my
presence in Philadelphia upon a matter of great im
portance. From his communication it appeared that
rumors were afloat as to the intention of the roughs
and secessionists of Maryland to injure the road of
which he was the President. From what had already
been learned, it was feared that their designs were to
ASSASSINATE THE PRESIDENT.] 47
prevent travel upon the road either by destroying the
ferry-boats which then carried the trains across the
Susquehanna river at Havre de Grace or by demol
ishing the railroad bridges over the Gunpowder river
and other streams. This road was the great con
necting link between the metropolis of the country
and the capital of the nation, and it was of the utmost
importance that no interruption should be permitted
to the free communication between Washington and
the great cities of the North and West.
This letter at once aroused me to a realization of
the danger that threatened the country, and I deter
mined to render whatever assistance was in my
power towards preventing the successful operation of
these ill-advised and dangerous men.
I lost no time, therefore, in making my arrange
ments, and soon after receiving Mr. Felton s commu
nication, in company with four members of my force
was upon the train speeding towards Philadelphia.
Upon arriving in that city, I went directly to the
office of Mr. Felton and obtained from him all the in
formation he possessed of the movements and designs
of the Maryland secessionists. I also had a consul
tation with Mr. H. F. Kenney, the superintendent of
the road, with reference to a plan of operation which
I proposed, and which was considered would result in
obtaining the information so much to be desired.
I resolved to locate my men at the various towns
along the road, selecting such places where, it was
4 8 A PLOT TO
believed, disaffection existed. With a view, therefore,
of acquiring the facts necessary for an intelligent prose
cution of the inquiry, I took passage on one of the trains
of the road, intending to see for myself how affairs
stood, and to distribute my men in such a manner as to
me seemed best.
At the city of Wilmington, in Delaware, I found
evidences of a great political excitement, but nothing
that indicated a hostile disposition or which led me
to believe that any danger was to be apprehended at
this place. Nothing that savored of organization was
apparent, and I was therefore compelled to look fur
ther for the existence of any antagonism to the rail
road or any desire to prevent the running of their
trains.
At Perryville I found the same excitable condi
tion of affairs, but nothing of a more aggressive
character than at Wilmington. Men indulged in
fierce arguments, in which both sides were forcibly
represented, but aside from this I discovered no
cause for apprehension, and no occasion for active
detective work as yet.
At Havre de Grace, however, the lines were more
clearly drawn and the popular feeling much more bit
ter. It was at this point that the boats which carried
the trains crossed the Susquehanna river, and where
serious damage might be done to the company,
should the ferries be destroyed. I therefore left one
man at this place, with instructions to become ac-
ASSASSINATE THE PRESIDENT. 49
quainted with such men as he might, on observation,
consider suspicious, and to endeavor to obtain from
them, by association, a knowledge of their intentions.
At Perrymansville, in Maryland, the feeling was
considerably more intense, yonder the influence of
bad men the secession movement had gained many
supporters and sympathizers. Loud threats were ut
tered against the railroad company, and it was boast
fully asserted that "no d d abolitionist should be
allowed to pass through the town alive."
I have always found it a truism that " a barking
dog never bites," and although I had but little fear
that these blatant talkers would perform any danger
ous deeds, I considered it best to be fully posted as
to their movements, in order to prevent a catastrophe,
if possible.
I accordingly directed Timothy Webster, a daring
and discreet man upon my force, to locate himself at
this point, and to carefully note everything that
transpired which had any relation to attempted vio
lence or a disposition to resort to aggressive meas
ures.
As I neared the city of Baltimore the opposition
to the government and the sympathy with secession
was manifestly more intense. At Magnolia, particu
larly, I observed a very dangerous feeling, and among
men of all classes the general sentiment was in favor
of resistance and force. Another operative, John
Seaford, was accordingly left at this place, with in-
4
5 o A PLOT TO
structions similar to those which had been given to
the others.
I then proceeded on to Baltimore, and there I
found the greatest amount of excitement that I had
yet experienced. I took quarters at the Howard*
House, and proceeded to inquire closely and carefully
into the political situation. I soon found that the
fears of the railroad officials were not wholly without
foundation. The opposition to Mr. Lincoln s inaugu
ration was most violent and bitter, and a few days
sojourn in this city convinced me that great danger
was to be apprehended, and that the sentiment of dis
union was far more widespread and deeply rooted
than I had before imagined.
The police force of the city was under the control
of Marshal George P. Kane, and was almost entirely
composed of men with disunion proclivities. Their
leader was pronouncedly in favor of secession, and
by his orders the broadest license was given to dis
orderly persons and to the dissemination of insurrec
tionary information. This individual was subse
quently arrested, and, after a brief sojourn in Fort
McHenry, fled in 1863 to the more congenial associ
ations of Richmond.
From the knowledge I gained of the situation in
Baltimore, I resolved to establish my headquarters in
that city. I accordingly engaged a building situated
on South street, and in a position where I could re
ceive prompt reports from all quarters of the metrop
ASSASSINATE THE PRESIDENT. 51
olis. I also sent for an additional force of men,
whom I distributed among the people of all grades
and conditions of life. The building I had selected
was admirably adapted for my purpose, and was so
constructed that entrance could be gained to it from
all four sides, through alleyways that led in from
neighboring streets.
Day by day, the reports of my men contained
many important revelations of the designs of the
opposition, and as a matter of additional precaution,
I advised Mr. Felton to employ a small number of
men to guard the various bridges and ferries, who
could be warned in time to resist attack should such
be made.
The chief opposition seemed to be to the inaugu
ration of President Lincoln, and the plan of the con
spirators was to excite and exasperate the popular
feeling against the President-elect to the utmost, and
so successfully had this been done that a majority
of the wealthier classes, with few exceptions those in
office and the mob element in general were in full
accord in their desire to prevent the inauguration
from taking place.
On the eleventh day of February, Mr. Lincoln,
with a few of his personal friends, left his quiet home
in Springfield to enter upon that tempestuous politi
cal career which eventually carried him to a martyr s
grave. Among the party who accompanied the
President were Norman B. Judd, Esq., Col. Ward
5 a A PLOT TO
H. Lamon, Judge Davis, Col. Sumner, a brave and
impetuous officer, Major Hunter, Capt John Pope,
Col. Ellsworth, whose heroic death took place shortly
afterwards, and John G. Nicolay, the President s
private secretary.
As the President was about leaving his home, the
people turned out en masse to bid him farewell, and
to them Mr. Lincoln addressed the following pathetic
words of parting :
" My Friends : No^one who has never been placed
in a like position can understand my feelings at this
hour, nor the oppressive sadness I feel at this part
ing. For more than a quarter of a century I have
lived among you, and during all that time I have
received nothing but kindness at your hands. Here
I have lived from youth until now I am an old man ;
here the most sacred ties of earth were assumed ;
here all my children were born, and here one of them
lies buried. To you, dear friends, I owe all that I
have, and all that I am. All the strange checkered
past seems now to crowd upon my mind. To-day I
leave you. I go to assume a task more difficult than
that which devolved upon Washington. Unless the
great God who assisted him shall be with me and aid
me, I must fail ; but if the same Omniscient Mind and
Almighty Arm that directed and protected him shall
guide and support me, I shall not fail I shall sue
ceed. Let us all pray that the God of our fathers
may not forsake us now. To Him I commend you
all. Permit me to ask that with equal sincerity and
faith you will invoke His wisdom and guidance for
ASSASSINATE THE PRESIDENT. 53
me. With these few words I must leave you, for
how long I know not. Friends, one and all, I must
bid you an affectionate farewell."
How touchingly simple and earnest seem these
words. A strange and almost weird presentiment of
grief and suffering give his utterances a pathos that
becomes profoundly impressive when linked with
subsequent events. How prophetic too full of tears
and fraught with the prescience of a future terrible
and bloody war they bear yet an echo like that of
the voice that sounded in the ear of Halleck s dying
hero for surely in their tones are heard the thanks
of millions yet to be. How more than prophetic they
seemed when, four years later, "a funeral train,
covered with the emblems of splendid mourning,
rolled into the same city, bearing a corpse whose
obsequies were being celebrated in every part of the
civilized world."
From Springfield the passage was a perfect con
tinuous ovation. Cities and towns, villages and
hamlets, vied with each other in testifying their
devotion to Union and their determination to uphold
the chief magistrate in the great trial before him.
Immense crowds surrounded the stations at which
the special train halted, and in the cities of Indi
anapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburg, Cleveland,
Erie, Buffalo, Albany, New York, Trenton, New-
ark, Philadelphia and Harrisburg, public demon-
strations of an imposing character were given in his
54 A PLOT TO
honor, and vast concourses of people assembled to
greet him. Everywhere he was received and honored
as the chief of a free people, and in reply to compli
mentary addresses which he day by day received, the
President endeavored to utter cheering words, and
indicated a disbelief in any bloody issue of our
domestic complications.
On the day prior to the departure of Mr. Lincoln
from his home, I received a letter from the master
mechanic of the railroad, of which the following is an
extract :
"I am informed that a son of a distinguished
citizen of Maryland said that he had taken an oath
with others to assassinate Mr. Lincoln before he gets
to Washington, and they may attempt to do it while he
is passing over our road. I think you had better look
after this man, if possible. This information is
perfectly reliable. I have nothing more to say at
this time, but will try to see you in a few days."
This communication was confirmatory of reports
of an indefinite character which had reached me prior
to this, and the information was far too important to
be disregarded. I determined, therefore, to probe
the matter to the bottom, and obtaining the authority
of Mr. Felton for such action, I immediately set about
the discovery of the existence of the conspiracy and
the intention of its organization, and then, if coolness,
courage and skill could save the life of Mr. Lincoln,
and prevent the revolution which would inevitably
ASSASSINATE THE PRESIDENT. 55
follow his violent death, I felt sure of accomplishing
it
My plans were soon perfected, and they were to
have several of my men, together with myself, an
nounced as residents of Charleston and New Orleans,
and by assuming to be secessionists of the most ultra
type, to secure entrance into their secret societies and
military organizations, and thus become possessed of
their secret designs. In looking over the qualifica
tions of the members of my corps I found two men
admirably adapted to the object I had in view. They
were both young and both fully able to assume and
successfully carry out the character of a hot-blooded,
fiery secessionist.
One of these men, whom I shall call Joseph
Howard, was a young man of fine personal appear
ance, and of insinuating manners. He was of French
descent, and in his youth had been carefully educated
for a Jesuit priest, but finding the vocation distasteful
to him, he had abandoned it. Added to his collegiate
studies, he possessed the advantage of extensive
foreign travel, and the ability to speak, with great
facility, several foreign languages. He had a thorough
knowledge of the South, its localities, prejudices,
customs and leading men, which had been derived
from several years residence in New Orleans and
other Southern cities, and was gifted with the power
of adaptation to persons whom they wish to influence,
so popularly attributed to the Jesuits.
$ e A PLOT TO
Howard was instructed to assume the character ol
an extreme secessionist, to obtain quarters at one of
the first-class hotels, and register his name, with
residence at New Orleans. This was done because
he was well acquainted with the city, having resided
there for a long time, and was consequently enabled
to talk familiarly of prominent individuals of that city
whom he had met.
The other man whom I selected for this impor
tant work was Timothy Webster. He was a man of
great physical stiength and endurance, skilled in all
athletic sports, and a good shot. Possessed of a
strong will and a courage that knew no fear, he was
the very man to operate upon the middle and lowei
classes who composed the disunion element.
His subsequent career as a Union spy one of
the most perilous and thankless positions and his
ignominious death at Richmond, at the hands of the
rebels, have passed into history, but no historian will
ever relate the thousand perils through which he passed
in the service of his country ; of his boldness and in
genuity in acquiring information that was of incalcu
lable value to the Union officers, nor of his wonderful
fertility ot invention, which frequently enabled him to
escape from dangers which would have appalled a
less brave or less devoted man. Arrested at last, he
was condemned as a spy, and on the thirtieth day of
April, 1862, he was executed in the City of Rich
mond, by order of Jefferson Davis. Even then he
ASSASSINATE THE PRESIDENT. 57
would have succeeded in effecting a well-devised plan
of escape, had he not been rendered incapable of
movement by reason of a prostrating sickness. His
name is unknown to fame, but fewer hearts beat truer
to the Union, and fewer arms performed more de
voted service in its cause, and a record of his daring
and romantic adventures as a Union spy, would
certainly equal, if not surpass, those of the Harvey
Birch of Cooper.
It was not long before I received undoubted
evidence of the existence of a systematized organiza
tion whose avowed object was to assist the rebellious
States, but which was in reality formed to compass the
death of the President, and thus accomplish the
separation of the States. I learned also that a branch
of this conspiracy existed at Perrymansville, under
the guise of a company of cavalry, who met frequently
and drilled regularly. Leaving Harwood to operate
in Baltimore with the others, I dispatched Timothy
Webster back to Perrymansville, and in twenty-four
hours thereafter he had enrolled himself as a member
of the company, and was recognized as a hail fellow
among his rebel associates.
CHAPTER III.
The Conspirators at Work. Detectives on Their Trails-
Webster as a Soldier.
EVERY day reports would be brought to me
from the numerous men I had detailed along
the line of the railroad, and regularly on alternate
days I would make the journey from Baltimore to
Philadelphia for consultation with the officers of the
company.
At every visit which I made to the suspected
localities, I could not fail to notice an increase in the
excitement and the indications of a disposition to
open revolt became more evident. Everywhere the
ruling principle seemed to be opposition to the new
administration and a decided inclination to aid the
Confederacy. As the daily papers, which chronicled
the events which occurred upon the journey of Mr.
Lincoln towards Washington, or the desperate move
ments of the Southern ringleaders, were perused by
the people, or were read aloud in tavern or store,
they would be greeted by alternate expressions of
hate and malignity for the abolitionist and wild cheers
for the rebellion.
This feeling, too, was largely increased by the
[58]
DETECTIVES ON THE TRAIL.
59
visits which prominent villagers would make to Balti
more, and who, upon their return, would relate
marvelous stories of what they had seen and heard
of the courage, the unity and the determination of the
Southern people. Everything calculated to inflame
the popular mind was seized upon, and the wonderful
spirit of invention which these men evinced was
simply astonishing. As a consequence, the ignorant
residents of these villages and towns, having no
authoritative information of their own, relied implic
itly upon the exaggerated statements and untruth
ful reports of their leaders, and were kept in a
condition of excitement that made them ready tools
of their unscrupulous and better-informed managers.
As far as could be learned, however, no definite plan
of action had been arranged, and no public outbreak
had as yet occurred.
Barnum s Hotel, in Baltimore, appeared to be the
favorite resort of the Southern element. The visitors
from all portions of the South located at this house,
and in the evenings the corridors and parlors would
be thronged by the tall, lank forms of the long-haired
gentlemen who represented the aristocracy of the
slaveholding interests. Their conversations were
loud and unrestrained, and any one bold enough or
sufficiently indiscreet to venture an opinion contrary
to the righteousness of their cause, would soon find
himself in an unenviable position and frequently the
subject of violence.
60 DETECTIVES ON THE TRAIL
As this hotel was so largely patronized by the so-
called "Fire-eaters," I instructed Howard to go there
in order to secure quarters and to ingratiate himself
with these extremists. It was not long after this,
that, joining a company of gentlemen who were loudly
declaiming against the ruling powers of the country,
he entered into their discussion, and by blatant ex
pressions of the most rebellious nature, he was warmly
welcomed by the coterie and instantly made one of
their number.
Hailing as he did from New Orleans, his resi
dence was a ready passport to their favor and con
fidence, and his tine personal appearance, gentle
manly address and the fervor of his utterances soon
won the favor of those with whom he associ
ated. To a general inquiry he stated that private
affairs of a financial nature required his presence in
Baltimore, but as his acquaintance with the trust
worthy emissaries of rebeldom increased, he quietly
insinuated that affairs of a national character were
far more dear to him than individual interests or
private concerns.
By continued intercourse with these men, he
greatly increased the circle of his acquaintances, and
soon became a welcome guest at the residences of
many of the first families of that refined and aristo
cratic city. Here his accomplishments appeared to
the best advantage. His romantic disposition and
the ease of his manner captivated many of the sus-
OF THE CONSPIRATORS. 61
ceptible hearts of the beautiful Baltimore belles,
whose eyes grew brighter in his presence, and who
listened enraptured to the poetic utterances which
were whispered into their ears under the witching
spell of music and moonlit nature.
He gradually neared the circle of which Marshal
George P. Kane appeared to be the leader, and in a
short time he had succeeded in entirely winning his
confidence, and from this gentleman Howard acquired
many important items of information. The entire
police force of the city officers and men were in
full sympathy with the rebellion, and it became ap
parent to him that a strict watch was kept over every
man who expressed Northern opinions, or who
was not identified with the cause which they had
espoused.
To all of these arrangements Howard signified his
hearty indorsement, and by every means in his power
he sought to convince the leaders of his full sympathy
with their efforts and his resolve to take a leading
part in the struggle that seemed to be impending.
Accepting the invitation of Mr. Kane, he one
evening accompanied that gentleman to a meeting of
one of the secret societies that then existed, the first
one he had succeeded in gaining entrance to. Arriv
ing at the place of assembly, he was surprised at the
many familiar faces which greeted him. Men whose
aristocratic doors had opened to his entrance and
whose social positions were unquestioned; youpg
6i DETECTIVES ON THE TRAIL
men who traced their lineage through several genera
tions, and whose wealth and intelligence gave them
a social status of no ordinary character, were found in
full accord and upon perfect equality with tradesmen,
artificers, and even with those whose vocation was
decidedly doubtful, and some of whom had heard
the key of a prison lock turned upon them for offenses
committed in days gone by.
The leader and President of this society was a
Captain Fernandina, who was known as one of the
most active of the conspirators. This individual at
one time occupied the exalted position of a barber at
Barnum s Hotel, but treason and conspiracy had
elevated him to the station of a military captain whose
orders were to be obeyed, and a leader whose man
dates compelled respect. He was an Italian or of
Italian descent, and having lived in the South for a
number of years he was thoroughly impressed with
the idea of Southern wrongs, and that the election
of Mr. Lincoln was an outrage which must not be
tamely submitted to by the high-toned and chival
rous people of the South.
He was an enthusiast and fanatic, a dangerous
man in any crisis, and particularly so in the one now
impending, which threatened a civil war and all its
direful consequences. Educated with Italian ideas and
possessed of the temperament of his people, he openly
justified the use of the stiletto, and fiercely advocated
assassination as the means of preventing the Presi-
OF THE CONSPIRATORS. 63
dent-elect from taking his seat in the executive chair.
He was also the captain of a military company which
drilled regularly and whose members were believed
to fully indorse the views of their chief.
At this meeting Fernandina delivered an address
which, for its treasonable nature and its violent oppo
sition to all laws, human or divine, has scarcely a
parallel. He boldly advocated the doctrine of State
rights ; he fiercely denounced the party who had suc
ceeded in obtaining power ; he inveighed in violent
language against the policy of the so-called abolition
ists, and his arraignment of Mr. Lincoln was most
vile and repulsive. As these words fell from his lips
the excitement became intense. Faces were eagerly
turned towards him, eyes glistened with the fires of
hate, and hands were clenched as though each one
present was imbued with the same feelings which
animated their sanguinary leader.
As he proceeded, overcome by the violence of his
emotions, he drew from his breast a long, glittering
knife, and waving it aloft, exclaimed :
" This hireling Lincoln shall never, never be Pres
ident. My life is of no consequence in a cause like
this, and I am willing to give it for his. As Orsini
gave his life for Italy, I am ready to die for the
rights of the South and to crush out the abolitionist"
As he stood before them, his black eyes flashing
with excitement, his sallow face pale and colorless
and his long hair brushed fiercely back from his low
64 DETECTIVES ON THE TRAIL
forehead, he seemed a fitting representative of so
desperate a cause, and his influence over the assem
blage was wonderful to behold. Loud cheers and
wild clapping of hands greeted his utterances, and all
seemed in perfect accord with his declared intentions.
There could be no mistaking the fact, that the
object of these men was dangerous, and that they had
fully determined to oppose and prevent the inaugura
tion of Mr. Lincoln, but the exact plan of operation
had not as yet been agreed upon.
Upon these facts being conveyed to me by How
ard on the following morning, I resolved to interview
this desperate leader of the conspiracy myself, and
endeavor to learn from him further particulars of
their movements and designs.
In the immediate vicinity of Barnum s Hotel at
that time there was a famous restaurant, popularly
known as "Guy s," and this place was much fre
quented by the secessionists who were in the city.
Fernandina spent much of his time there, either in
drinking or in consultation with his numerous politi
cal friends, who all seemed to regard him as an im
portant personage, and one who was eventually to
perform giant service in the cause.
Howard having effecting an introduction to Fer
nandina, and convinced him of his devotion to the
interests of the South, I experienced no difficulty in
obtaining the desired interview. About three o clock
on the following afternoon Howard and myself care-
t\BRAT?
C t? r-Fr-p,
TJNIVEBSITY
^
OF THE CONSPIRATORS, 65
lessly entered the saloon, and were gratified to per
ceive that Fernandina was also there, accompanied by
several members of the military company which he
commanded. Walking directly up to these gentle
men, Howard introduced me as a resident of Georgia,
who was an earnest worker in the cause of secession,
and whose sympathy and discretion could be impli
citly relied upon.
Fernandina cordially grasped my hand, and we
all retired to a private saloon; where, after ordering
the necessary drinks and cigars, the conversation
became general, and to me, absorbingly interesting.
The question of assassinating the President was
freely discussed, and Captain Fernandina expressed
himself vehemently in its favor.
Some one in the party remarked :
" Are there no other means of saving the South
except by assassination ?"
"No," replied Fernandina; "as well might you
attempt to move the Washington Monument yonder
with your breath, as to change our purpose. He
must die and die he shall. And," he continued,
turning to Captain Trichot, a fellow-conspirator who
stood near, " if necessary, we will die together."
" There seems to be no other way," interposed
Howard, " and while bloodshed is to be regretted, it
will be done in a noble cause."
Fernandina gazed approvingly at Howard, and
then added :
66 DETECTIVES ON THE TRAIL
11 Yes, the cause is a noble one, and on that day
every captain will prove himself a hero. With the
first shot the chief traitor, Lincoln, will die, then all
Maryland will be with us, and the South will be for
ever free,"
" But ? said I, " have all the plans been matured,
and are there no fears of failure ? A misstep in so
important a direction would be fatal to the South
and ought to be well considered."
"Our plans are fully arranged," answered the
Captain, "and they cannot fail; and," he added, with
a wicked gleam in his eyes " if I alone must strike
the blow, I shall not hesitate or shrink from the task.
Lincoln shall certainly not depart from this city
alive."
"Yes," added Captain Trichot, "it is determined
that this G d d d Lincoln shall never pass through
here alive, and no d d abolitionist shall ever set foot
upon Southern soil except to find a grave."
" But about the authorities " I asked " is there
no danger to be apprehended from them ?"
"Oh, no," said the Captain, assuringly, "they
are all with us. I have seen Col. Kane, the Chief
Marshal of Police, and he is all right. In a week
from to-day the North shall want another President,
for Lincoln will be a corpse."
All the company gave approving responses to
these threats, with but one exception, and he re*
mained silent, with a doubtful, troubled expression
OF THE CONSPIRATORS, 67
upon his face. This young man was one of the fast
"bloods" of the city, who proudly wore upon his
breast a gold Palmetto badge, and who was a Lieu*
tenant in the Palmetto Guards, a secret military
organization of Baltimore, and I determined to select
this man for the purpose of obtaining the information
I so much desired ; and as the company shortly after
wards broke up, Howard and myself accompanied
Lieutenant Hill from the saloon.
Hill soon proved a pliant tool in our hands. Be
ing of a weak nature and having been reared in the
lap of luxury, he had entered into this movement
more from a temporary burst of enthusiasm and be
cause it was fashionable, than from any other cause.
Now that matters began to assume such a warlike
attitude, he was inclined to hesitate before the affair
had gone too far, but still he seemed to be enamored
with the glory of the undertaking.
By my directions Howard, the ardent secession
ist from Louisiana, and Hill, of the Palmetto Guards,
became bosom friends and inseparable companions.
They drank together, and visited theaters and places
of amusement in each other s company.
By reason of his high social position Hill was en
abled to introduce his friend to the leading families
and into the most aristocratic clubs and societies of
which the city boasted, and Howard made many valu
able acquaintances through the influence of this rebel
lious scion of Baltimore aristocracy.
68 DETECTIVES ON THE TRAIL
Finally the young man was induced to open to
his companion the secrets of the plot to assassinate
the President. It was evident, however, that Hill
was playing his part in the conspiracy with great re
luctance, and one day he said to Howard :
" What a pity it is that this glorious Union must
be destroyed all on account of that monster Lincoln."
From Hill it was learned that the plans of the con
spirators were first to excite and exasperate the pop
ular feeling against Mr. Lincoln to the utmost, and
thus far this had been successfully accompanied.
From the published programme Mr. Lincoln was to
reach Baltimore from Harrisburg by the Northern
Central Railroad on the twenty-third day of February,
now but a few days distant. He would, therefore,
reach the city about the middle of the day. A vast
crowd would meet him at the Calvert street depot, at
which point it was expected that he would enter an
open carriage and ride nearly half a mile to the Wash
ington depot. Here it was arranged that but a small
force of policemen should be stationed, and as the
President arrived a disturbance would be created
which would attract the attention of these guardians
of the peace, and this accomplished, it would be an
easy task for a determined man to shoot the Presi
dent, and, aided by his companions, succeed in making
his escape.
Agents of the conspirators had been dispatched
to all the principal Northern cities, to watch the
OF THE CONSPIRATORS. 6f
movements of the presidential party, and ready to
telegraph to Baltimore any change of route or delay
In arrival. A cipher had been agreed upon between
them, so that the conspirators could communicate
with each other without the possibility of detection,
and everything seemed to be satisfactorily arranged
except to depute one of their number to commit the
fatal deed. This was to be determined by ballot,
and as yet no one knew upon whom might devolve
the bloody task.
Meanwhile, the idea of assassination was preying
heavily upon the mind of the Lieutenant of the Pal
metto Guards ; he grew sad and melancholy, and
plunged still deeper into dissipation. Howard had
now become a necessity to him and they were scarcely
ever separated. Under the influence of the master
spirit, the disposition of Hill underwent wonderful
changes. At times, he would be thoughtful and
morose, and then would suddenly break out into
enthusiastic rhapsodies. H is sleep became tormented
with dreams in which he saw himself the martyr to a
glorious cause and the savior of his country.
At such times he would address himself to
Howard, in the most extravagant language.
" I am destined to die," said he one day,
"shrouded with glory. I shall immortalize myseff
by plunging a knife into Lincoln s heart"
Howard endeavored to calm his transports, but
without avail. Raising himself to his full height, he
To DETECTIVES ON THE TRAIL
exclaimed : " Rome had her Brutus, why should not
we ? I swear to you, Howard, if it falls to me I
will kill Lincoln before he reaches the Washington
.depot, not that I love Lincoln less, but my country
more."
As the day drew nearer for the arrival of the
President, he became more nervous and excited, and
would more frequently indulge in extravagant expres
sions, which would have been regarded as absurd,
but for the fact that he was but one of a large num
ber of fanatics, who seriously entertained the same
ideas of murder, and his expressions but the reflex of
others, more determined.
Timothy Webster was still at Perrymansville,
and by this time had fully identified himself with
the rebel cause, and the company of cavalry of which
he was a member. On several occasions he had
given undoubted indications of his loyalty and devo
tion to the South, and was generally looked upon as
a man who could be trusted. He became quite
intimate with the officers of the company, and
succeeded in gaming their entire confidence. As yet,
however, he had learned but little of the important
movement which we believed was in contemplat/on,as
all conversations upon that subject appeared to be
between the officers of the company, at their secret
meetings, to which he had not been able as yet tc
gain an entrance.
I At length one morning, after the usual daily drill,
OP THE CONSPIRATORS. 71
and when the company had been dismissed, the
Captain addressed Webster and requested him to be
present at his house that evening, as he desired to
consult with him upon important affairs, at the same
time cautioning him to say nothing to any one con
cerning the matter.
Promptly at the time appointed Webster pre
sented himself at the residence of the Captain, and
was ushered into a room upon the upper floor, where
there were several men already assembled. The cur
tains had been drawn close, and heavy quilts had been
hung over the windows, which effectually prevented
any one from the outside from discovering a light in
the room. On his entrance he was introduced to the
gentlemen present, three of whom were unknown to
him, who were members of the secret league from
Baltimore, and who were evidently impressed with
the solemnity and importance of their undertaking.
They greeted Webster cordially, however, and made
room for him at the table around which they were
sitting.
A few minutes satisfied Webster as to the nature
of the meeting, and that it was a conclave of the con
spirators, who had met to discuss a plan of action.
Intensely eager as he was to acquire all possible in
formation, he was obliged to restrain his impetuosity
and to listen calmly to the developments that were
made. From what transpired that evening there
could be no doubt of the desperation of the men en-
72 DETECTIVES ON THE TRAIL
gaged in the conspiracy, or of the widespread interest
which was taken in their movements.
The plans for the assassination of the President
had been fully matured, and only needed the selection
of the person to perform the deed, in order to carry
them into effect. In the meantime, however, other
important measures required attention and considera
tion. If the affair stopped simply with the assassina
tion of the President, but little, if any, good would be
accomplished. The North would rise as one man to
avenge the death of their leader, and they would only
hasten a disaster they were anxious to avoid. It
was necessary, therefore, that the work should be
thoroughly done, and the plan suggested was as
follows :
As soon as the deed had been accomplished in
Baltimore, the news was to be telegraphed along the
line of the road, and immediately upon the reception of
this intelligence the telegraph wires were to be cut, the
railroad bridges destroyed and the tracks torn up, in
order to prevent for some time any information being
conveyed to the cities of the North, or the passage of
any Northern men towards the capital.
Wild as the scheme was, it found instant favor
with the reckless men assembled together, and all
signified their hearty assent to the propositions and
offered their aid in successfully carrying them out
Among the most earnest in their protestations was
Timothy Webster and as he announced his intention
OF THE CONSPIRATORS. 73
to perform his duty in tte affair he was warmly con
gratulated.
Matters were evidently getting warm, and but
littte time *i8 left for action.
** WARMING UP.
CHAPTER IV.
The Conspirators in Council. My Operative Joins the Con
spiracy.
I HAD already written to Mr. Norman B. Judd
as the party reached Cincinnati, informing him
that I had reason to believe that there was a plot on
foot to murder the President on his passage through
Baltimore, and promising to advise him further as the
party progressed eastward.
This information Mr. Judd did not divulge to
any one, fearing to occasion undue anxiety or unneces
sary alarm, and knowing that I was upon the ground
and could be depended upon to act at the proper
time.
When the party reached Buffalo another note
from me awaited Mr. Judd, informing him of the
accumulation of evidence, but conveying no particu
lars. The party were now journeying towards New
York city, and I determined to learn all that there
was to learn before many hours.
Previous to this, in addition to the men engaged
in Baltimore, I had sent for Mrs. Kate Warne, the
lady superintendent of my agency. This lady had
arrived several days before, and had already made
[74]
THE CONSPIRATORS IN COUNCIL. 75
remarkable progress in cultivating the acquaint
ance of the wives and daughters of the conspira
tors.
Mrs. Warne was eminently fitted for this task
Of rather a commanding person, with clear-cut,
expressive features, and with an ease of manner that
was quite captivating at times, she was calculated to
make a favorable impression at once. She was of
Northern birth, but in order to vouch for her
Southern opinions, she represented herself as from
Montgomery, Alabama, a locality with which she was
perfectly familiar, from her connection with the detec
tion of the robbery of the Adams Express Company,
at that place. Her experience in that case, which is
fully detailed in " The Expressman and the Detec
tive," fully qualified her for the task of representing
herself as a resident of the South.
She was a brilliant conversationalist when so
disposed, and could be quite vivacious, but she also
understood that rarer quality in womankind, the art
of being silent.
The information she received was invaluable, but
as yet the meetings of the chief conspirators had not
been entered. Mrs. Warne displayed upon her
breast, as did many of the ladies of Baltimore, the
black and white cockade, which had been temporarily
adopted as. the emblem of secession, and many hints
were dropped in her presence which found their way
to my ears, and were of great benefit to me.
yg THE CONSPIRATORS
As I have said, the Presidential party were in
Buffalo, and I had resolved upon prompt and decisive
measures to discover the inward workings of the
conspirators. Accordingly I obtained an interview
with Howard, and gave him such instructions as I
deemed necessary under the circumstances. He was
to insist upon Hill taking him to the meeting at which
the ballots were to be drawn, and where he, too,
would have an opportunity to immortalize himself,
and then, that being accomplished, the rest would be
easy and all further danger would be over.
Accordingly, that day Howard broached the mat
ter to Hill in a manner which convinced him of his
earnestness, and the young Lieutenant promised his
utmost efforts to secure his admission. At five
o clock in the afternoon they again met, and Hill
joyfully informed his companion that hisrequest had
been granted, and that, upon his vouching for the
fidelity of his friend, he had succeeded in obtaining
permission for him to enter their society.
That evening Howard accompanied his friend
Hill to the rendezvous of the league, and as they
entered the darkened chamber, they found many of
the conspirators already assembled. The members
were strangely silent, and an ominous awe seemed to
pervade the entire assembly. About twenty men
comprised the number, but many entered afterward.
After a few preliminary movements, Howard was
conducted to the station of the President of the
IN COUNCIL. ;7
assembly and duly sworn, the members gathering
around him in a circle as this was being done.
Having passed thrpugh the required formula,
Howard was warmly taken by the hand by his asso
ciates, many of whom he had met in the polite circles
of society. After quiet had been restored, the Presi
dent, who was none other than Captain Fernandina,
arose, and in a dramatic manner detailed the particu
lars of the plot.
It had been fully determined that the assassina
tion should take place at the Calvert street depot.
A vast crowd of secessionists were to assemble at
that place to await the arrival of the train with Mr.
Lincoln. They would appear early and fill the nar
row streets and passages immediately surrounding it.
No attempt at secrecy was made of the fact that the
Marshal of Police was conversant with their plans,
and that he would detail but a small force of police
men to attend the arrival, and nominally clear and
protect a passage for Mr. Lincoln and his suite.
Nor was the fact disguised that these policemen were
in active sympathy with the movement. George P.
Kane s animus was fully shown when he was subse
quently arrested by General Banks, and afterwards
became an officer in the rebel army.
When the train entered the depot, and Mr. Lincoln
attempted to pass through the narrow passage lead-
ing to the streets, a party already delegated were to
engage in a conflict on the outside, and then the
7 8 THE CONSPIRATORS
policemen were to rush away to quell the disturbance.
At this moment the police being entirely withdrawn
Mr. Lincoln would find himself surrounded by a
dense, excited and hostile crowd, all hustling and
jamming against him, and then the fatal blow was to
be struck.
A swift steamer was to be stationed in Chesapeake
Bay, with a boat awaiting upon the shore, ready to
take the assassin on board as soon as the deed was
done, and convey him to a Southern port, where he
would be received with acclamations of joy and
honored as a hero.
The question to be decided this evening was :
" Who should do the deed ?" " Who should assume
the task of liberating the nation of the foul presence
of the abolitionist leader ?" For this purpose the
meeting had been called to-night, and to-night the im
portant decision was to be reached.
It was finally determined that ballots should be
prepared and placed in a box arranged for that pur
pose, and that the person who drew a red ballot
should perform the duty of assassination.
In order that none should know who drew the
fatal ballot, except he who did so, the room was ren
dered still darker, and every one was pledged to
secrecy as to the color of the ballot he drew. The
leaders, however, had determined that their plans
should not fail, and doubting the courage of some of
their number, instead of placing but one red ballot in
IN COUNCIL. 79
the box, they j laced eight of the designated color,
and these eight ballots were drawn each man who
drew them believing that upon him, his courage,
strength and devotion, depended the cause of the
South each supposing that he alone was charged
with the execution of the deed.
After the ballots had been drawn the President
again addressed the assembly. He violently assailed
the enemies of the South, and in glowing words
pointed out the glory that awaited the man who would
prove himself the hero upon this great occasion, and
finally, amid much restrained enthusiasm, the meeting
adjourned, and their duties had thus far been accom
plished.
My time for action had now arrived ; my plans had
been perfected and I resolved to act at once. Taking
Mrs. Warne with me I reached New York city on the
same day that the presidential party arrived there,
and leaving Mrs. Warne to perfect arrangements, I
proceeded at once to Philadelphia. That evening
Mrs. Warne repaired to the Astor House and re
quested an interview with Mr. Judd. Her request
being granted, Mrs. Warne informed that gentleman,
that, fearing to trust the mail in so important a matter,
she had been delegated by me to arrange for a per
sonal interview, at which all the proofs relating to the
conspiracy could be submitted to him. It was sug
gested that immediately after the arrival of the party
in Philadelphia, I should inform Mr. Judd of my plans
8o TAB CONSPIRATORS IN COUNCIL.
for an interview, and that he would be governed ac
cordingly.
While they were conversing, Col. E. S. Sandford
President of the American Telegraph Company,
called, and was introduced by Mrs. Warne to Mr.
Judd. This gentleman had been made fully ac
quainted with what I had learned, and had promised
all the assistance within his power, and he accordingly
tendered to Mr. Judd his own personal service and
the unlimited use of the telegraph lines under his con
trol, for any communications he might desire to make.
On arriving at Philadelphia, I proceeded directly
to the office of Mr. Felton, and acquainted him with
all the information I had received, of the designs of
the conspirators with regard to Mr. Lincoln, and of
their intention to destroy the railroad should their
plot be successful. The situation was truly alarm
ing, and cautious measures were absolutely necessary.
It was therefore resolved to obtain an interview with
Mr. Lincoln, submit the facts to him, and be gov
erned by his suggestions, whatever they might be.
This interview took place on the 2Oth day of
February, and Mr. Lincoln was expected to arrive on
the following day. Great preparations had been
made for his reception, and the military, of which
Philadelphia was justly proud, were to escort the Pres
ident-elect from the depot to the Continental Hotel,
where quarters had been engaged for him, and where
he would receive the congratulations of the people.
CHAPTER V.
The Presidential Party arrives in Philadelphia. Independ
ence Hall. The Departure from Harrisburg. Telegraph
wires Cut. Through the Lines of Treason and Safe
Arrival at Washington.
THE twenty-first dawned bright and sunny, and
the streets were alive with the eager populace,
all anxious to do honor to the new President, and to
witness the scenes attendant upon his reception. In
due time the train containing the party arrived, and
after an informal welcome they took carriages, and,
escorted by the troops, the procession took up the line
of march for the hotel. Vast crowds lined the side
walks and the enthusiasm of the people was unbound
ed. The President graciously acknowledged their
courtesies as he passed along. On each side of the
carriage in which Mr. Lincoln was seated, accompa
nied by Mr. Judd, was a file of policemen, whose duty
it was to prevent the mass of people from pressing too
closely to the vehicle. As the procession reached the
corner of Broad and Chestnut streets, a young man
approached the file of policemen and endeavored to
attract the attent ; on of the occupants of the carriage.
Finding this impossible, he boldly plunged through
6 [81]
82 THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
the ranks of the officers, and coming to the side of
the carriage, he handed to Mr. Judd a slip of paper,
on which was written :
" St. Louis Hotel, ask for J. H. Hutchinson?
This young man was Mr. George H. Burns, an
attache of the American Telegraph Company and
confidential agent of E. S. Sandford, Esq., who acted
as my messenger, and who afterwards distinguished
himself for his courage and daring in the rebellion.
It is needless to add that J. H. Hutchinson was the
name I had assumed in registering at the hotel, in
order to avoid any suspicion or curiosity in case any
emissary of the conspirators should ascertain my real
name and thus be warned of the discovery of their
scheme.
Shortly after the arrival of Mr. Lincoln at the
Continental, Mr. Judd was announced at the St. Louis
Hotel as desiring to see me. Mr. Felton was with me
at the time, and in a few miuutes Mr. Judd made his
appearance. More than an hour was occupied in
going over the proofs which I produced of the exist
ence of the conspiracy, at the end of which time Mr.
Judd expressed himself fully convinced that the plot
was a reality, and that prompt measures were required
to secure the safety of the President.
" My advice is," said I, after I had succeeded in
convincing Mr. Judd that my information was reliable
RE. (CUES WASHINGTON. 83
that Mr. Lincoln shall proceed to Washington this
evening by the eleven o clock train, and then once
safe at the capital, General Scott and his soldiery will
afford him ample protection."
" I fear very much that Mr. Lincoln will not
accede to this," replied Mr. Judd ; "but as the Presi
dent is a:j old acquaintance and friend of yours and
has had occasion before this to test your reliability
and prudence, suppose you accompany me to the
Continental Hotel, and we can then lay this informa
tion before him in person and abide by his decision."
This idea was at once adopted and we proceeded
to the hotel. Here we found the entrances blocked up
by a surging multitude which effectually prevented
our admission, and we were obliged to enter by the
rear of the building through a door used by the
servants.
On reaching the room occupied by Mr. Judd
that gentleman summoned Mr. Nicolay, the Presi
dent s private secretary, and dispatched him with a
note requesting the presence of Mr. Lincoln upon a
matter of urgent importance.
The President at that time was in one of the large
parlors surrounded by a number of ladies and gentle
men, all eager to extend to him the hospitalities of
the city and to express their good wishes for the
success of his administration. Upon receiving the
message, however, he at once excused himself, and
forcing his way through the crowd came directly to us.
84 THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
Up to this time Mr. Lincoln had been kept io
entire ignorance of any threatened danger, and as he
listened to the facts that were now presented to him,
a shade of sadness fell upon his face. He seemed
loth to credit the statement, and could scarce believe
it possible that such a conspiracy could exist. Slowly
he went over the points presented, questioning me
minutely the while, but at length finding it impossible
to discredit the truthfulness of what I stated to him.
he yielded a reluctant credence to the facts.
After he had been fully made acquainted with the
startling disclosures, Mr. Judd submitted to him the
plan proposed by me, that he should leave Philadelphia
for Washington that evening.
"But," added Mr. Judd, "the proofs that have
just been laid before you cannot be published, as It
will involve the lives of several devoted men now on
Mr. Pinkerton s force, especially that of Timothy
Webster, who is now serving in a rebel cavalry
company under drill at Perrymansville in Mary
land."
Mr. Lincoln at once acknowledged the correctness
of this view, but appeared at a loss as to what course
to pursue.
"You will therefore perceive" continued Mr.
Judd "that if you follow the course suggested that
of proceeding to Washington to-night you w ll nec
essarily be subjected to the scoffs and sneers of you?
enemies, and the disapproval of your friends who can-
REACHES WASHINGTON. 85
not be made to believe in the existence of so despe
rate a plot."
" I fully appreciate these suggestions," replied
Mr, Lincoln, " and I can stand anything that is neces
sary, but," he added rising to his feet, " I cannot go
to-night. I have promised to raise the flag over
Independence Hall to-morrow morning, and to visit
the legislature at Harrisburg in the afternoon be
yond that I have no engagements. Any plan that
may be adopted that will enable me to fulfill these
promises I will accede to, and you can inform me
what is concluded upon to-morrow."
Saying which Mr. Lincoln left the room and
joined the people in the parlor. During the entire
interview, he had not evinced the slightest evidence
of agitation or fear. Calm and self-possessed, his
only sentiments appeared to be those of profound re
gret, that the Southern sympathizers could be so far
led away by the excitement of the hour, as to con
sider his death a necessity for the furtherance of their
cause.
From his manner, it was deemed useless to
attempt to induce him to alter his mind, and after a
few minutes further conversation, which was partici
pated in by Mr. Sandford, who had entered the room,
I left for the purpose of finding Thomas A. Scott,
Esq., the Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Central
Railroad, in order to make arrangements for the
carrying out of a plan which had occurred to me, and
K5 THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
which would enable Mr. Lincoln to fulfill his engage
ments.
I was unable, however, to find Mr. Scott, b-. t suc
ceeded in reaching Mr. G. C. Franciscus, the general
manager of the road, and at twelve o clock that riight,
in company with that gentleman and Mr. Sai: .i crd,
we called again upon Mr. Judd.
At this meeting a full discussion of the entire
matter was had between us, and after all possible
contingencies had been considered, the following
programme was agreed upon.
After the formal reception at Harrisburg had
taken place, a special train, consisting of a bag
gage-car and one passenger-coach, should leave
there at six o clock P. M. to carry Mr. Lincoln
and one companion back to Philadelphia ; this train
was to be under the immediate control of Mr. Fran
ciscus and Mr. Enoch Lewis, the general superin
tendent. In order to avoid the possibility of acci
dent, the track was to be cleared of everything be
tween Harrisburg and Philadelphia from half-past
five o clock until after the passage of the special
train. Mr. Felton was to detain the eleven o clock
p. M. Baltimore train until the arrival of the spe
cial train from Harrisburg, Mrs. Warne in the mean
time engaging berths in the sleeping-car bound for
Baltimore.
I was to remain in Philadelphia in order that
no accident might occur in conveying the President
G^rmJS^
REACHES WASHINGTON. 87
from one depot to another, and Mr. Judd was to
manage the affair at Harrisburg. Everything that
could be suggested in relation to this matter was
fully considered, and having at length perfected
our plans, the party separated at half-past four o clock
in the morning, fully prepared to carry out the pro
gramme agreed upon.
At six o clock on the morning of the 22d, a
vast concourse of people assembled in front of
Independence Hall on Chestnut street, and at pre
cisely the hour appointed, Mr. Lincoln made his
appearance. With his own hands he drew to the
top of the staff surmounting the edifice a beauti
ful new American flag, and as its Stripes and Stars
floated out gracefully to the breeze, the air was rent
with the shouts of the multitude and the music of
the band.
Mr. Lincoln s speech upon this occasion was
the most impressive and characteristic of any which
he had delivered upon his journey to the capital,
while a tinge of sadness pervaded his remarks,
never noticed before, and which were occasioned
no doubt by the revelations of the preceding night.
He gave a most eloquent expression to the emo
tions and associations which were suggested by the
day and by the historic old hall where he then stood
He declared that all his political sentiments were
drawn from the inspired utterances of those who
had sat >within the walls of that ancient edifice.
88 THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
He alluded most feelingly to the dangers and toils
and sufferings of those who had adopted and made
good the Declaration of Independence a declara
tion which gave promise that in due time the
weight would be lifted from the shoulders of all
men." Conscious of the dangers that threatened his
country, and feeling also that those dangers originated
in opposition to the principles enunciated in the
Declaration of Independence, knowing that his own
life was even then threatened because of his devotion
to liberty, and that his way to the national cap
ital was beset by assassins, he did not hesitate to
declare boldly and fearlessly "that he would rather
be assassinated on the spot than surrender those
principles " so dear to him.
After these proceedings, Mr. Lincoln was driven
back to the Continental Hotel, and sending for Mr.
Judd, he introduced him to Mr. Frederick H. Seward,
a son of the late William H. Seward, who was in the
room with the President. Mr. Lincoln then informed
Mr. Judd that Mr. Seward had been sent from Wash
ington by his father and General Scott to warn him
of the danger of passing through Baltimore, and to
urge him to come direct to Washington.
From whom this information was originally
obtained did not appear, but the facts were deemed
of sufficient moment to be brought to the ears of the
President, and hence Mr. Seward s visit to Philadel
phia. Mr. Lincoln evinced no further hesitancy in
REACHES WASHINGTON. 89
the matter, and signified his readiness to do whatever
was required of him. Mr. Judd then directed Mr,
Seward to inform his father that all had been
arranged, and that, so far as human foresight could
predict, Mr. Lincoln would be in Washington before
the evening of the following day, and cautioned him
to preserve the utmost secrecy in regard to the matter.
No particulars were given and none were asked.
At the time appointed Mr. Lincoln started for
Harrisburg, and I busied myself with the preparations
that were necessary to successfully carry our plans
into operation. From reports which I received
from Baltimore, the excitement in that city had grown
more intense, and the arrival of the President was
awaited with the most feverish impatience. The
common and accepted belief was that Mr. Lincoln
would journey from Harrisburg to Baltimore over the
Northern Central Railroad, and the plans of the con
spirators were arranged accordingly.
It became a matter of the utmost importance,
therefore, that no intimation of our movements should
reach that city. I had no doubt but that trusty
agents of the conspirators were following the presi
dential party, and after the absence of Mr. Lincoln
had been discovered, the telegraph would be put into
active operation to apprise the movers of this scheme
of the change that had been made. To effectually
prevent this I determined that the telegraph wires
which connected Harrisburg with her neighboring
90 THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
cities should be so " fixed " as to render communica
tion impossible.
To arrange this matter Capt. Burns was sent to
the office of the American Telegraph Company, and
obtaining from Mr. H. K. Thayer, the manager of
the company, a competent and trustworthy man for
the purpose, departed for Harrisburg, in order to
carry out the proposed measures. Mr. Thayer, in the
meantime, was to remain in the office during the
night, in order to intercept any dispatches that might
be sent over the wires from any point between
Harrisburg and Baltimore, and to immediately deliver
any messages that might be sent to me.
Mr. W. P. Westervelt, the superintendent, and
Mr. Andrew Wynne, the line-man of the telegraph
company, were delegated to Harrisburg to " fix" the
wires leading from that place in such a manner as to
prevent any communication from passing over them,
and to report to Capt. Burns upon their arrival.
After the train containing Mr. Lincoln and his
party had left Philadelphia, Mr. Judd sought the first
favorable opportunity of conversing with Mr. Lincoln
alone, and fully detailed to him the plan that had
been agreed upon, all of which met with the hearty
approval of the President, who signified a cheerful wil
lingness to adapt himself to the novel circumstances.
It was evident, from the manner of several of the
gentlemen of the party, that they suspected some
thing was transpiring of which they had not been ad
REACHES WASHINGTON. 92
vised, but they all very judiciously refrained from ask
ing any questions. Mr. Judd, however, who felt the
responsibility of his position, finally suggested to Mr.
Lincoln the propriety and advisability of informing
them of what had taken place, and of consulting with
them upon the proper carrying out of the contem
plated journey. To this Mr. Lincoln yielded a ready
assent, adding, with an amused smile :
" I suppose they will laugh at us, Judd, but I
think you had better get them together."
It was therefore arranged that after the reception
at the State House had taken place, and before they
sat down to dinner, the matter should be fully laid
before the following gentlemen of the party : Judge
David Davis, Col. Sumner, Major David Hunter,
Capt. John Pope and Ward H. Lamon, Esq.
Mr. Lincoln arrived at Harrisburg at noon, and
was introduced to the people from the balcony of the
Jones House, where an address was delivered by Gov.
Andrew G. Curtin, whose fame became widespread
during the dark days of the rebellion that followed,
as the " War Governor of Pennsylvania." From the
hotel the party proceeded to the House of Repre
sentatives, where he was welcomed by the Speaker, to
which he replied in a few well-chosen words.
After a short time spent in congratulations and
hand-shaking they returned to the hotel, and the gen
tlemen who have been previously named were invited
(in company with the Governor) to confer with the
9 * THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
President in the parlor. At this meeting the if. forma-
tion of the discovery of the plot to assassinate the Presi
dent was laid before them, and also the details of the
proposed journey to Washington. After the matter
had been fully explained, a great diversity of opinion
manifested itself among the gentlemen present, and
some warm discussion was indulged in. Finally, Judge
Davis, who had expressed no opinion upon the subject
as yet, addressed the President, saying :
"Well, Mr. Lincoln, what is your own judgment
upon this matter?"
" I have thought over this matter considerably
since I went over the ground with Mr. Pinkerton last
night," answered Mr. Lincoln, "and the appearance of
Mr. Frederick Seward, with warning from another
source, confirms my belief in Mr. Pinkerton s state
ment ; therefore, unless there are some other reasons
than a fear of ridicule, I am disposed to carry out
Mr. Judd s plan."
Judge Davis turned to the others, and said :
"That settles the matter, gentlemen."
" So be it," exclaimed Col. Sumner. " It is
against my judgment, but I have undertaken to go to
Washington with Mr. Lincoln, and I shall do it."
Mr. Judd endeavored in vain to convince the gal
lant old soldier that every additional person only
added to the risk, but the fiery spirit of the veteran
was aroused and debate was useless.
Having arranged the matter thus satisfactorily
REACHES WASHINGTON. 93
the party, at about four o clock in the afternoon, re
paired to the dining-room for dinner.
All the preliminaries had now been successfully
arranged. The special train, ostensibly to take the
officers of the railroad company back to Philadelphia,
was waiting upon a side track just outside of the
town. The telegraph operators had performed their
work admirably. Walking out of the city nearly two
miles, Mr. Wynne climbed the poles and placing fine
copper ground wires upon the regular lines, the city
was soon entirely isolated from her neighbors. No
message could possibly be sent from Harrisburg, and
the capital of Pennsylvania was cut off temporarily
from the rest of the world.
The preparations in Philadelphia had also been
fully made. Mrs. Warne had succeeded in engaging
the rear half of a sleeping-car for the accommodation
of her invalid brother, and that portion of the car was
to be entirely separated from the rest by a curtain, sc
arranged that no one in the forward part of the car
would be aware of the occupants of the same coach.
In order to detain the Baltimore train until the
arrival of Mr. Lincoln, the conductor was directed
not to start his train until he received personal in
structions to that effect from Mr. H. F. Kinney, the
superintendent, who would hand him an important
parcel, which President Felton desired should be de
livered early on the following morning to Mr. E. J.
Allen at Willard s Hotel, in Washington. (E. J.
94 THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
Allen was the nom-de-plume I generally used when
on detective operations.)
At a quarter to six o clock everything was in read
iness. A carriage was in waiting at the side entrance
of the hotel, and the entire party were still at the
table. A message was delivered to the President by
Mr. Nicolay, and upon receiving it, he immediately
arose, and, accompanied by Mr. Curtin, Mr. Lamon
and Mr. Judd, he left the dining-room. Mr. Lincoln
exchanged his dinner dress for a traveling suit, and
soon returned with a shawl upon his arm and a soft
felt hat protruding from his coat pocket.
The halls, stairways and pavement were filled with
a mass of people, who, seeing the President in com
pany with the Governor, at once imagined that they
were going to the executive mansion, where a recep
tion was to be held in the evening.
Mr. Judd whispered to Mr. Lamon to proceed in
advance, adding :
" As soon as Mr. Lincoln is in the carriage, drive
off."
As the party, consisting of Mr. Lincoln, Governor
Curtin, and Mr. Lamon, entered the carriage, Col.
Sumner attempted to follow them, but Mr. Judd
gently put his hand upon the old gentleman s shoul
der, and as he turned quickly around to inquire what
was wanted, the carriage was driven rapidly away.
Thus far everything had passed off admirably, and
in a short time Mr. Lincoln was upon the special
REACHES WASHINGTON. 95
train, accompanied only by Mr. Lamon and the rail
road officials, and speeding along toward Philadel
phia.
Without accident the party arrived at the Quaker
City shortly after ten o clock, where I was waiting
with a carriage, in company with Mr. Kinney. With
out a word Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Lamon and myself
entered the vehicle, while Mr. Kinney seated himself
alongside of the driver, and we proceeded directly to
the depot of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Balti
more Railroad.
Driving up to the sidewalk on Carpenter street,
and in the shadow of a tall fence, the carriage was
stopped and the party alighted. As we approached
the train, Mrs. Warne came forward, and, familiarly
greeting the President as her brother, we entered the
sleeping-car by the rear door without unnecessary
delay, and without any one being aware of the distin
guished passenger who had arrived.
A carefully inclosed package, which resembled a
formidable official document, but which contained
only some neatly folded daily papers, was placed in
the hands of the unsuspecting conductor the whistle
sounded, and soon the train was in motion, whirling
on towards the capital of the nation.
So carefully had all our movements been conducted,
that no one in Philadelphia saw Mr. Lincoln enter
the car, and no one on the train, except his own im
mediate party not even the conductor, knew of his
96 THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
presence, and the President, feeling fatigued from the
labors and the journeys of the day, at once retired to
his berth.
In order to prevent the possibility of accident, I had
arranged with my men a series of signals along the
road. It was barely possible that the work of
destroying the railroad might be attempted by some
reckless individuals, or that a suspicion of our move
ments might be entertained by the conspirators, and
therefore, the utmost caution must be observed.
As the train approached Havre de Grace, I went
to the rear platform of the car, and as the train
passed on a bright light flashed suddenly upon my
gaze and was as quickly extinguished, and then I
knew that thus far all was well.
From this point all the way to Baltimore, at every
bridge-crossing these lights flashed, and their rays
carried the comforting assurance " All s Well !"
We reached Baltimore at about half-past three
o clock in the morning, and as the train rumbled into
the depot an officer of the road entered the car and
whispered in my ear the welcome words " All s Well !"
The city was in profound repose as we passed
through. Darkness and silence reigned over all.
Perhaps, at this moment, however, the reckless con
spirators were astir perfecting their plans for a tragedy
as infamous as any which has ever disgraced a free
country perhaps even now the holders of the red
ballots were nerving themselves for their part in the
REACHES WASHINGTON. 97
dreadful work, or were tossing restlessly upon sleep
less couches.
Be that as it may, our presence in Baltimore was
entirely unsuspected, and as the sleeping-car in which
we were, was drawn by horses through the streets
from the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore
depot, until we reached the Washington station, no
sign of life was apparent in the great slumbering city.
At the depot, however, a number of people were
gathered, awaiting the arrival and departure of the
various trains, and here the usual bustle and activity
were manifested.
We were compelled to remain here fully two
hours, owing to the detention of the train from the
West, and during that time, Mr. Lincoln remained
quietly in his berth, joking with rare good humor with
those around him.
Ever and anon some snatches of rebel harmony
would reach our ears, as they were rather discordantly
sung by the waiting passengers in and around the
depot. " My Maryland " and " Dixie " appeared to
be the favorites, and once, after an intoxicated indi
vidual had roared through one stanza of the latter
song, Mr. Lincoln turned quietly and rather sadly to
me and said :
" No doubt there will be a great time in Dixie by
and by."
How prophetic his words were, the succeeding
years too fully proved.
gS THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
At length the train arrived and we proceeded on
our way, arriving in Washington about six o clock in
the morning. Mr. Lincoln wrapped his traveling
sha\\l about his shoulders, and in company with Mr.
Lamon, started to leave the car. I followed close
behind, and on the platform found two of my men
awaiting our arrival. A great many people were gath
ered about the depot, but Mr/ Lincoln entirely
escaped recognition, until as we were about leaving
the depot, Mr. Washburne, of Illinois, came up and
cordially shook him by the hand.
The surprise of this gentleman was unbounded,
and many of those standing around, observing his
movements, and the tall form of Mr. Lincoln exciting
curiosity, I feared that danger might result in case he
was recognized at this time. I accordingly went up
to them hurriedly, and pressing between them whis
pered rather loudly :
" No talking here !"
Mr. Washburne gazed inquiringly at me, and was
about to resent my interference, when Mr. Lincoln
interposed :
"That is Mr. Pinkerton, and everything is all
right-
Thus satisfied, Mr. Washburne quickly led the
way to a carriage in waiting outside, where we met
Mr. Seward, who warmly greeted the President, and
then the party were rapidly driven down Pennsyl
vania Avenue to Willard s Hotel I following
REACHES WASHINGTON. 99
closely behind them with my men, in another
vehicle.
On his arrival at the hotel Mr. Lincoln was
warmly greeted by his friends, who were rejoiced at
his safe arrival, and leaving him in the hands of those
whose fealty was undoubted, I withdrew, and engaged
temporary quarters at another hotel.
Dnring the forenoon I received a note from Mr.
Lincoln requesting an interview, and received his
warm expressions of thankfulness for the part I had
performed in securing his safety, after which, finding
that my object had been fully accomplished, I took
the train and returned to Baltimore.
Here I found the utmost excitement prevailing.
The news of the safe arrival of Mr. Lincoln had
already reached there, and a general sentiment of
rage and disappointment pervaded the entire circle 01
conspirators and secessionists. I lost no time in
securing an interview with Howard, and learned from
him the particulars attendant upon the discovery that
Mr. Lincoln had outwitted his enemies and was now
safely quartered in Washington. Finding that their
plans had been discovered, and fearing that the
vengeance of the government would overtake them,
the leading conspirators had suddenly disappeared.
All their courage and bravado was gone, and now,
like the miserable cowards that they were, they had
sought safety in flight.
A curious episode occurred at Harrisburg irnme-
ioo THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
diately after the departure of Mr. Lincoln from that
city. Two newspaper correspondents connected with
prominent New York journals had accompanied the
party from Springfield, and had faithfully noted the
incidents which had occurred upon the journey. As
soon as the train which carried Mr. Lincoln away
from Harrisburg was on its way, a gentlemanly indi
vidual, well-known to me, went to the room occupied
by these journalists, and found them engaged in
preparations to witness the further proceedings of the
presidential party
The visitor quickly informed the gentlemen that
Mr. Lincoln had left the city and was now flying over
the road in the direction of Washington, which he
would no doubt reach in the morning. This was the
signal for renewed activity, and both gentlemen has
tily arose, and, grasping their hats, started for the
door. Their visitor however, was too quick for them,
and standing before the door with a revolver in each
hand, he addressed them : "You cannot leave this
room, gentlemen, without my permission !"
" What does this mean ?" inquired one of the sur
prised gentlemen, blinking through his spectacles.
" It means that you cannot leave this room until
the safety of Mr. Lincoln justifies it," calmly replied
the other.
" I want to telegraph to the Herald" said the
second correspondent " what is the use of obtaining
news if we cannot utilize it ?"
REACHES WASHINGTON. J0 i
" You cannot utilize anything at present, gentle
men. The telegraph will not be of any service to
you, for the wires are all down, and Harrisburg will
be separated from the rest of the world for some
hours yet."
" When do you propose to let us out ?" humbly
asked one.
" Well, I ll tell you, gentlemen. If you will sit
down calmly, and bide your time and mine, I will
make matters interesting for you, by informing you
all about this flank movement on the Baltimoreans."
Their indignation and fright subsided at once>
and they quietly sat down. Refreshments were sent
for, and soon the nimble pencils of the reporters were
rapidly jotting down as much of the information as
was deemed advisable to be made public at that time.
After they had heard all, they prepared their dis
patches for New York, both correspondents writing
long and interesting accounts of the affair.
When daylight dawned, and the gladsome tidings
had been received that Mr. Lincoln was safe, these
knights of the quill were liberated, and, rushing to
the telegraph offices, which were now in running order
again, the news was transmitted to New York and in
less than an hour the types were being set which
would convey to the public the startling news of the
discovered conspiracy, and the manner in which the
conspirators had been outwitted.
As the later train arrived at Baltimore, I went to
102 THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY
the depot and found the remaining members of the
President s party, who also brought Mrs. Lincoln with
them.
Mr. Judd was jubilant at the success of the
adventure, but Col. Sumner had not yet recovered
his good humor. I have no doubt, however, that
Mr. Lincoln succeeded in placating his irascible
friend, and I know that in the bloody scenes which
followed Col. Sumner bore an honorable and cour
ageous part.
Thus ends the narration of this important episode
in one of the most interesting epochs of the country s
history, and a truthful record has been given.
Exaggerated stories and unauthorized statements
have been freely made with regard to this journey of
Mr. Lincoln. The caricaturist has attempted to
throw ridicule upon the great man who now sleeps in
a martyr s grave. A silly story of his being disguised
in a Scotch cap and plaid obtained a temporary
currency, but the fact remains that Mr. Lincoln, as a
gentleman, and in the company of gentlemen,
successfully passed through the camp of the con
spirators and reached in safety the capital of the
country.
Now the war is ended. Peace reigns throughout
the borders of the great Republic. And when,
during the last dying throes of the rebellion, this
great man was stricken down by the hand of an
assassin, North and South alike united in lamenting
REACHES WASHINGTON. 103
his death, and in execrating the damnable deed and
its reckless perpetrators.
I had informed Mr. Lincoln in Philadelphia that
I would answer with my life for his safe arrival in
Washington, and I had redeemed my pledge.
A CAMP SONG.
CHAPTER VI.
My Connection with the Rebellion. Timothy Webster Accept*
a Mission.
MY connection with the "Great Rebellion "of
1 86 1 began almost from the inception of
that gigantic struggle. , During the days that inter
vened between the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln
and the memorable 1 2th day of April, 1 86 1, treason
was busy in the South, and secession resolved itself
into an accomplished fact. Scarcely had the rever
berating tones of the guns upon the batteries in
Charleston Harbor died away upon the air, than I was
called into the service of the military branch of the
government. At that time I was engaged in the
energetic practice of my profession as a detective,
which, large as it was, and constantly increasing,
required a personal supervision, which absorbed my
undivided attention. When, however, it became
evident that a conflict was unavoidable, I soon found
my services were needed, and putting aside all con
siderations of a private or business nature, I yielded
a ready and cheerful response to the call, and during
my connection with what was afterwards known as
TIMOTHY WEBSTER S MISSION. 105
the secret service of the government, I rendered every
assistance that lay in my power to further the cause
of union, and to serve the country of my adoption.
The month of April, 1861, was an important one
in the history of the country. Whatever fears and
apprehensions had filled the minds of the Northern
people as to the solution of the great political ques
tions then pending, a resort to arms had, until that
time, been regarded as not likely to occur. A peo
ple who had been reared amid the blessings of a long
and undisturbed peace, and whose lives, under this
benign influence, had been prosperous and happy, they
were almost entirely unprepared for a serious contest
or a warlike struggle. Many times before the politi
cal horizon had grown dark and threatening, but the
storm had subsided almost instantly, under that wise
yielding of obedience to law and to the will of ma
jorities, which it was hoped would now exercise its
power for the preservation and continuance of amity.
When, therefore, on the i2th of April, the attack
upon Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor was made,
the Northern people were almost startled by sur
prise. Though entirely unprepared for such an
event, it was clearly demonstrated to all that war
could now no longer be honorably avoided. It
was now too late to inquire into original causes of
the contest ; it remained only for the loyal heart
to resent the insult to a nation s flag, and to sus
tain the government in upholding its constitution
106 TIMOTHY WEBSTER
and in enforcing its laws. This act fired the pa
triotic heart and solidified the patriotic ranks, and,
with the crumbling of the walls upon Fort Sum-
ter, were shattered all the hopes previously enter
tained of a peaceful solution of the problems which
were then before the country. I have very little
doubt that the assault upon Fort Sumter was ordered
by the rebel government, under the fallacious hope
and groundless belief that it would not provoke
immediate or wide-spread civil war. The Southern
leaders were well aware of the fact that the frontier
could not be entirely stripped of regulars, and as
suming, or pretending to, that the existing laws
contained no provision authorizing a call of the
militia, they inferred that it would be difficult for
the new administration to obtain at once legislation
of a coercive character. Then, too, they relied, in
a great measure, upon a friendly feeling toward the
South from their late political associates in the
North ; but in this their reckoning was at fault,
and the roar of Beauregard s guns in Charleston
Harbor cleared up the political horizon as if by
magic.
There could no longer be any doubt as to the
position and intentions of the Confederates. Seven
disloyal States, with all their machinery of a separate
government, stood behind those batteries, and the
cool deliberation of the assault gave evidence of
plan, of purpose and of confidence. What had been
ACCEPTS A MISSION. I07
believed to be a mere conspiracy for the gaining oi
certain political ends, now gave way to a revolution,
which menaced the perpetuity of the government
and which required the armed force of the govern
ment to combat and subdue.
The news of the assault upon Sumter reached
Washington on Saturday, the I3th day of April,
and on the following day, Sunday though it was,
President Lincoln assembled his Cabinet to discuss
the duty of the hour, and on Monday morning a proc
lamation was issued, calling forth an army of seventy-
five thousand men, for objects entirely lawful and
constitutional.
The effect of this proclamation upon the people
of the North was almost electrical, and the heart of the
whole nation throbbed with its patriotic emotions as
that of a single individual. The general sentiment
appeared to be in entire accord with the utterance
of Stephen A. Douglas, a live-long Democrat, that
" every man must be for the United States, or against
it ; there can be no neutrals in this war only patriots
and traitors." More than double the number of men
that were required tendered their services, and before
the lapse of forty-eight hours armed companies and
regiments of volunteers were in motion toward the
expected border of conflict. Nor was there exhibited
that division of Northern sentiment that had been so
boastfully predicted by the Southern leaders, and all
men, of every belief, Democrats and Republicans.
I0 8 TIMOTHY WEBSTER
Conservatives and Radicals, natives and foreigners,
from Maine to Oregon, responded to the call, and
came to the defense of the constitution, the govern
ment and the Union.
At this time the position of Maryland was rather
a precarious one. There could be no doubt that the
Unionists were greatly in the majority, but it was
also true that there was a large and influential mi
nority of her people in favor of secession. Here, as
elsewhere, conspiracy had been at work for months,
and many of the prominent political leaders were in
full accord with the rebel government. The legis
lature was believed to be unreliable, and treason had
obtained so firm a foothold in the populous city of
Baltimore, that a secret recruiting office was sending
enlisted men to Charleston. The venomous germ of
treason, once planted, grew in magnitude and viru
lence, until it finally culminated in the infamous riot
of April i Qth, when the blood of the citizen soldiery
of Massachusetts was first shed in defense of the
Union. A spirit of opposition to the passage of
Northern troops through the city, on their way to the
seat of government, had been engendered among the
" rough " element of Baltimore, and the excitement
reached its climax upon the arrival of the Sixth
Massachusetts Regiment, which was the first to
answer the call for troops. When their presence
oecame known the traitorous element could no longer
be restrained, and while the men were passing quietly
ACCEPTS A MISSION. 109
through the city, on their way from one railroad
station to another, they were murderously attacked
by a reckless, howling mob, which resulted in blood
shed and carnage, and some of the most fiendish out
rages were perpetrated that ever blackened a page of
American history.
The crowning act of disloyalty, and one which
threatened the most serious consequences to the
government, was committed about midnight of the
same day. A secret order was issued by the mayor
and police officers to burn the nearest bridges on the
railroads leading into Baltimore from the free States,
and parties, under the command of the police authori
ties were dispatched to execute the order.
Before daylight the following morning, the
bridges at Melvale, Relay House and Cockeysville,
on the Harrisburg road and over the Bush and Gun
powder rivers and Harris Creek, were completely de
stroyed by fire, thus effectually severing railroad com
munication with the North. The telegraph wires
leading to and from the capital were also cut, com
pletely shutting off Washington, and the government
from the loyal Northern States. These acts, com-
mited by the orders of the very men who that morn
ing had risked their lives in defending the soldiers of
the Union, are sufficient to show the rapid and over
mastering influence of revolutionary madness.
Of course, the news of these outrages spread far
and wide over the country, and while they aroused
no TIMOTHY WEBSTER
universal indignation, they nevertheless were the
occasion of grave fears for the safety of the capi
tal.
It was on the 2ist of April, two days after
the occurrence of these events that my services were
required. Several gentlemen of prominence in Chi
cago, intimate friends of President Lincoln, and men
of influence and intelligence in the State, desired to
communicate with the President upon questions con
nected with the existing condition of affairs, and ap
plied to me for the purpose of having letters and dis
patches conveyed directly to Washington by the
hands of a trusty messenger.
I at once accepted the duty, and selected a man
for its performance. Experience proved that I was
not mistaken in my selection, and as the messenger
chosen for this duty is to bear an important part in
the event, which 1 am about to relate, a description of
him will at once acquaint the reader with his personal
appearance.
He was a tall, broad-shouldered, good-looking man
of about forty years of age. I n height he was about
five feet ten inches ; his brown hair, which was
brushed carelessly back from a broad, high forehead,
surmounted a face of a character to at once attract
attention.
There was such a decided mixture of sternness
and amiability, of innate force and gentle feelings, of
frankness and resolution stamped upon his features,
ACCEPTS A MISSION. m
that he instinctively impressed the beholder at a
glance.
The deep gray eyes could twinkle and sparkle
with good humor, or they would grow dark and
menacing, and seem to flash under the influence of
anger. The mouth, almost concealed by the heavy
brown mustaches which he wore, and the square,
firm chin evinced a firmness that was unmistakable.
His nose, large and well-formed, and the prominent
cheek bones all seemed in perfect harmony with the
bold spirit which leaped from the eyes, and the
strong will that lurked about the set lips. In figure,
he was rather stout, but his shoulders were so broad,
his feet and hands so shapely, and the lithe limbs so
well formed, that he did not appear of as full habit
as he really was. A casual observer on meeting this
man would almost immediately and insensibly be
impressed with the conviction that he was a man
who could be trusted ; that any duty devolving upon
him would be sacredly kept ; and as he stood before
me on this sunny afternoon in April, I felt that I
could implicitly rely upon him in any emergency in
which he might be placed, and to perform any service
for which he might be selected.
This man was Timothy Webster, a faithful officer,
a true friend, and an ardent patriot.
I had known this man for years. He had been
in my employ for a long time, and had been engaged
upon operations of a varied and diverse nature, con-
H2 TIMOTHY WEBSTER
sequently I knew precisely what his capabilities were,
and how entirely he could be trusted. Though not
a man of great enlightenment, he was gifted with a
large amount of natural shrewdness, which enabled
him to successfully meet any emergency which might
arise. From his association with people in the vari
ous walks of life, he had acquired that habit of easy
adaptation which made him appear, and feel, perfectly
at home in almost any society, whether in the draw
ing-room or the tavern, in the marts of trade, or la
boring at the plow.
From my knowledge of Timothy Webster, and
my confidence in his wisdom and reliability, I had
chosen him to be the bearer of the dispatches to Mr.
Lincoln. I therefore called him into my office and
explained to him the nature of the duties he was to
perform, the possible dangers he would encounter,
and the importance of the trust that was to be re
posed in him, and when I had concluded, I asked :
"Timothy, knowing what you do of the task
before you, will you undertake its performance ?"
" I understand all perfectly," he replied, drawing
himself up to his full height, while his eyes flashed
with a patriotic fire, " I know that my country de
mands my services, and that, if it shall cost me my
life, I am ready to perform my full duty."
The preparations for his departure did not occupy
a very long time ; the services of Miss Kate Warne,
my female superintendent, were requested, and in
ACCEPTS A MISSION. 113
a few minutes the important dispatches, some
twelve in number, were securely sewed between the
linings of his coat collar, and in the body of his waist
coat, and Timothy Webster was on his way to the
capital of the country.
A COLORED CONTRABAND
CHAPTER VII.
WebsUr m his Way to the Capital. Wrecked Trains and
Broken Bridges. An Adventure with a Cavalryman.
Rebel Emissary. President Lincoln and Timothy Webster*
EVERYWHERE along the route the greatest
excitement prevailed, and the people were
in a state; of wildest commotion. A rumor had
spread throughout the country that the govern
ment, indignant at the riotous conduct of the
BaltimoreaKS, had ordered the guns of Fort Mc-
Henry to rue upon the city, that the bombardment
was now going on, and that half the town was
reduced to ashes. This rumor was false, as Web
ster learned on arriving in Philadelphia, although
even in the staid old Quaker City there was
manifest a degree of excitement scarcely to be
expected in a community so sedate and easy-
going as Philadelphians usually are.
Leaving the train at Philadelphia, Webster made
his way through the crowded streets to the center
of the city. He deemed it best to take counsel
with some of the railroad and express officials, with
whom he was very well acquainted, by reason of his
connection with the discovery of the conspiracy to
WRECKED TRAINS. 115
assassinate President Lincoln in Baltimore in the
month of February immediately preceding.
At that time Webster had been enrolled as a mem
ber of a volunteer company of cavalry at Perrymans-
ville, in Maryland, and, gaining the confidence of his
officers, had assisted in discovering the plans of the
conspirators, and partly through his efforts, I had
been successful in frustrating their murderous de
signs. This operation had brought him in close
association with several gentlemen who were con
nected with the railroad and express companies,
whose travel lay between Philadelphia and the
now riotous and isolated city of Baltimore. As he
was walking leisurely down Chestnut street he was
accosted by Mr. Dunn, a gentleman who was con
nected with a leading express company in the city, and
who was now upon his return from a visit to the Phila
delphia, Wilmington and Baltimore depot. After an
interchange of salutations, Webster inquired of Mr.
Dunn the condition of affairs in and around Baltimore.
" Very bad, indeed," replied that gentleman ; " the
bridges are all down, and the tracks have been
torn up all along the road from Peirysville to
Baltimore. The telegraph-wires have been cut, and
no communications have been received from Balti
more or Washington except through couriers. The
roads are guarded with soldiery, whose sympathies
are with the rebellion, and it is almost impossible
for any one who cannot identify himself as a South-
!,6 WRECKED TRAINS
ern man to pass the guards who are stationed
along the highways."
" It does not look very favorable for my reaching
Washington to-morrow, then ?" said Webster, inquir
ingly.
" No, sir. I am afraid that you will find it difficult, if
not dangerous, to attempt such a journey, particularly
by the way of Baltimore ; and perhaps you had better
delay your departure until it can be more safely ac
complished," said Mr. Dunn.
" It may be as you say," replied Webster, "but I
left Chicago for Washington, and my line of travel
was laid out through Baltimore. I will obey my
orders to the letter, and I will arrive in Washington
to-morrow night, or lose my life in attempting it !"
" I see that you are determined to go," said Mr.
Dunn, u and further argument would be of no avail ;
but I assure you, that you cannot travel further by
rail than Perrysville ; you may succeed in getting
across the river to Havre de Grace, but after that you
will have to rely entirely upon yourself."-
" Never fear for me," replied Webster, with a
smile, " I will get through all right, I feel confident
I will have but little time now to catch the train, Mr.
Dunn, and if you will be kind enough to telegraph to
Mr. Pinkerton according to my directions, I will es
teem it a great favor."
" Certainly, Webster ; anything I can do for you,
or Mr. Pinkerton, will be done cheerfully "
AND BROKEN BRIDGES. 117
Writing out a message, informing me of his arrival
in Philadelphia, and of his intentions, he requested
Mr. Dunn to forward the same, and then, bidding that
gentleman good-bye, he made his way to the Balti
more depot, and was soon on the road to that city.
As the train went speeding along upon its jour
ney, Webster had ample time for the consideration of
his plans. He was pretty well acquainted with the
country between Havre de Grace and Baltimore, and
had no fear of losing his way, even if the journey
must be made by foot. He was impressed, however,
with the necessity of using the utmost caution. While
he did not fear for his own personal safety for fear
was an element entirely unknown to him he realized
the importance of his mission too well to rashly im
peril its success by any useless exposure, or unneces
sary risk. To. reach Washington, however, he was
determined, and to accomplish that object no danger
would be too great, no hardship too severe. He
nevertheless felt that he must rely solely upon him
self, that he would have no one to advise him, and
his own discretion and wisdom would have to be
depended upon under all circumstances. Arriving at
the Perrysville station, he found that the train could go
no further, and that, to reach Havre de Grace, upon the
opposite side of the Susquehanna River, the passen
gers would be requied to take small boats and be
rowed over, after which each man must make his
way as besfc he could.
tI 8 WRECKED TRAINS
As the boat touched the land Webster sprang
ashore, and, going directly to the hotel, inquired for
the landlord. He found that gentleman engaged in
earnest conversation with an individual who at once
instinctively awakened the suspicions of my operative.
This gentleman was a tall, fine-looking man, with the
erect carriage and and self-reliant air of the soldier,
but there was something in the nervousness of his
manner, and in the furtive glances of his eyes, which
convinced Webster that he was concealing something
and would bear watching.
Approaching the spot where the two men were
conversing, Webster at once addressed the landlord
in a hearty manner. " Landlord, I must get to Balti
more to-day. How am I going to do it ?"
" I do not know," replied the hotel-keeper, " this
gentleman is anxious to do the same thing, but I am
afraid I cannot help either of you."
The gentleman thus referred to turned to Web
ster, saying :
"Yes, I am very anxious to get through. I am a
bearer of dispatches to the British Consul at Wash
ington, and it is of the utmost importance that they
should be delivered at once."
While he was speaking a man drove up to the
front of the hotel with a fine, strong team of horses
attached to a covered road wagon, and throwing the
reins across the back of his horses, leaped lightly to
the ground.
AND BROKEN BRIDGES ng
" Here is a man who can help you," said the lai d-
lord, as the new-comer entered the room ; and then he
called out :
" Harris, come here !"
The driver of the team came over to where the
three men were standing, and the landlord at once
made known to him the wishes of Webster and the
messenger of the British Consul.
" Harris, these gentlemen want to get to Balti
more to day. Do you think you can manage it for
them r
The man addressed as Harris gazed at Webster
and his companion in a scrutinizing manner, and
finally, apparently satisfied with his investigation,
signified his willingness to make the attempt, provided
the price he demanded, which was fifty dollars, was
agreed to.
Both men assented to the payment of the sum
named, and after dinner had been partaken of, the
two men took their seats in the vehicle, the driver
cracked his whip, and they were upon their way.
" I cannot promise to take you through to Balti
more," remarked the driver, after they had started ;
44 1 was stopped twice on the road yesterday, and I
may not be able to pass the guards to-day."
" Do the best you can," said Webster, good-na
turedly, "and we will take the risk of a safe arrival."
Webster then turned to his companion, who had
remained silent and watchful ever since they had set
t2 o WRECKED TRAINS
out, and endeavored to engage him in conversation,
The bearer of dispatches, however, was very little in
clined to be sociable, and Webster had great diffi
culty in breaking through the reserve which he re
solved to maintain.
The further they journeyed, the more Webster
became convinced that this man was not what he as
sumed to be, but he vailed his- suspicions carefully,
and appeared as frank and cordial in his manner as
though they were brothers.
Nothing worthy of note transpired upon the route
until the party arrived at the outskirts of Perrymans-
ville, which had been the scene of Webster s first ex
perience in military service, and where, a few months
before, he had been a member of a company of cav
alry. They were trotting along quietly, and as the
day was balmy and bright the ride was quite an en
joyable one, and for a moment the detective forgot
the grave duties which he had undertaken and the
dangers that might surround him, and gave himself
up to the full enjoyment of the scenes around him.
His pleasant reflections were short-lived, however, for
just as they were entering the town they saw a
mounted cavalryman approaching, who, as he reached
the carriage, commanded them to halt.
The driver suddenly pulled up his horses, and then
the soldier, in a tone of authority : " Who are you,
and where are you going ?"
" We are residents of Baltimore," answered Web-
AND BROKEN BRIDGES. 121
ster, not at all dismayed by the stern appearance and
manner of his soldierly interlocutor, "and we are
endeavoring to get home."
" You will have to go with me," replied the sol
dier, decisively, "you can t go any further without
permission."
Here was a detention as unwelcome as it was
unexpected, but Webster had recognized the uniform
worn by the soldier as that of the very company of
cavalry he had previously been a member of, and a
duplicate of one in which he had previously arrayed
himself. The man who had accosted him, however,
was unknown to him, and he could, therefore, do
nothing but submit quietly to his orders and await a
favorable operation of circumstances.
As Webster glanced casually at his companion,
the British messenger, he was surprised at the change
which was apparent in the expression of his features.
Instead of the calm, dignified air of watchful repose
which he had observed before, his face had grown
pale, and there was such an unmistakable evidence
of fear about the man, that Webster s suspicions were
confirmed, and come what might he resolved to as
certain the nature of his business before they parted
company.
They had traveled but a short distance under
the escort of their guard whett they met another man
dressed In a similar uniform, and evidently a member
of th same company, and as Webster gazed at the
122 WRECKED TRAINS
new-comer he experienced a sensation of relief and
joy, for in him he recognized an old companion in
arms.
As this man approached nearer, Webster called
out from the carriage, in a cheery voice :
" Hello, Taylor ! how are you ?"
Thus suddenly accosted, the soldier rode up to
the vehicle, and after a momentary glance at the
features of the detective, he reached forth his hand
and cordially saluted him.
"Why, Webster, how do you do ? The boys said
you would not come back, now that the war had com
menced, but I knew better, and I am glad to see
you."
The face of the reputed Englishman cleared in
an instant, as he found that his companion was
among friends, and this effect was not lost upon
Webster, who had been furtively observing him. He
turned his attention, however, to the soldier who
had addressed him.
" Oh, yes," he replied, " I have come back ; and
my friend here and I are anxious to get to Baltimore
as soon as possible."
"That will be all right," said the soldier; and
then, turning to his comrade, he said : " These men
are all right, you will permit them to pass."
After a few minutes spent in a pleasant conver
sation, the soldier handed to Webster a pass which
would prevent further interruption to their journey,
AND BROKEN BRIDGES. . 113
and with a mutual pull at a flask with which Webster
had provided himself before starting, the pairles sep
arated, and they proceeded on their way.
This little incident produced a marked change in
the demeanor of Webster s companion, and on being
informed that the soldiers were Southerners, and not
Federals, he seemed quite relieved.
By the time they were approaching the suburbs
of Baltimore the stranger had grown exceedingly
communicative, and upon Webster hinting to him
that he also was engaged in the cause of the South,
he without hesitation informed my operative that he
was similarly employed, and that he was at present
carrying dispatches to prominent Southern sympa
thizers then residing in Washington.
As he communicated this important item of infor
mation Webster grasped him warmly by the hand,
and greeted him as a fellow-patriot, after which, with
rare good humor, they cemented their acquaintance
and confidence with a friendly draught from the
spirit bottle.
Several times on their journey they were halted
by the guards along the roads, but the talismanic pass
obtained at Perrymansville avoided all questioning,
and gained for the travelers a safe passage to their
destination. Arriving safely at the outskirts of Balti
more, the two men left the carriage, and walking a
short distance, they entered a street car, and were
driven to a retired hotel where Webster had fre>
124 WRECKED TRAINS
quently stopped when in the city on former occasions.
Here they engaged quarters for the night, and
Webster s companion had by this time formed such
an attachment for his fellow-traveler that communi
cating rooms were engaged, and after partaking of a
hearty repast, the two men lighted their cigars and
strolled out through the city.
There were still many evidences of the riotous
affrays which had but lately taken place. The people
were in a feverish state of excitement, the drinking
saloons and the corridors of the hotels were filled
with crowds of excited men, each of whom seemed to
vie with the other in giving loud expressions of their
opinions, and of denouncing the attempt of the
government to transport armed troops through the
streets of a peaceful city. Ever mindful of the
important duty devolving upon him, Webster wisely
forebore to engage in any conversation with those
whom he met, and among the number of the most
outspoken of the Southern sympathizers were many
whom he had previously met, and to whom he was
known as an adherent of the South. At an early
hour he and his newly found companion returned to
their hotel, and shortly afterward retired for the
night.
Arising early on the following morning, they
found the same difficulty was to be encountered that
had been successfully overcome at the commencement
of their journey. The railroads between Baltimore
AND BROKEN BRIDGES. 135
and Washington had also been torn up 5 so as to
Bender the running of the trains an impossibility.
This fact necessitated the procuring of a team that
would convey them to the capital ; but this time
Webster s acquaintance with the proprietors of the
hotel, and several of the permanent guests of the
house, enabled them without difficulty or delay to se
cure a pair of horses and a road wagon, with a trusty
driver, who guaranteed to carry them to Washington
for the same amount which had been paid upon
the other portion of their journey, and at an early
hour they were upon the road to the seat of govern
ment.
Meantime Webster had been seriously considering
his course of action with regard to his fellow-passen
ger. That he was an agent of the Confederacy he
had already admitted, and that he was the bearer of
dispatches to prominent sympathizers with the South
who were now living in Washington, was also well
known to the detective. How, therefore, to arrange
his plans, so that these papers would be intercepted
and the ambassador detained without arousing his
suspicion ? It must be accomplished so that no delay
should result to his own journey, as he had resolved
that his dispatches must be delivered that day. Just
before starting out an idea occurred to him, and re
questing the driver to wait a few minutes, as he had
forgotten something in his room, he re-entered the
hotel, and going to the room they had occupied the
I2 6 WRECKED TRAINS
evening before, he hurriedly wrote a note which he
folded up and placed in his pocket The note was as
follows :
" To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN :
<4 My companion is an emissary of the Confederacy,
carrying dispatches to Southern sympathizers in
Washington. Apprehend him, but do so discreetly
and without compromising me. T. W."
He then descended the stairs, and entering the
wagon, they were driven away towards Washington.
The day was exceedingly warm, and the horses, un
used to long journeys, early began to show signs of
weakness, but they kept on without incident, save an
occasional question from a passer-by as to their
destination, and about noon arrived at a hotel known
as the " Twelve-Mile House," so called from its being
located at that distance from Washington.
Here the party halted for" dinner, and while en
gaged at their repast Webster noticed at an opposite
table a friend of years ago, who wore the uniform of
a Lieutenant of infantry. Fortunately, however, the
officer did not appear to recognize him, and during
the progress of the dinner Webster kept his face
hidden as much as possible from his new-found friend.
As the Lieutenant ceased eating and arose from the
table, Webster, who also had about completed the
bill of fare, arose, and excusing himself to the driver
and his companion, passed out into the hallway and
AND BROKEN BRIDGES. 127
7 he officer face to face. Cordial greetings were
interchanged, and in a few minutes Webster had de
tailed to his friend the circumstances attending his
meeting with the so-called British messenger, and his
suspicions concerning them. It was not long before
a plan had been arranged for the carrying out of the
project of arresting the pseudo Englishman without
occasioning the slightest suspicion to fall upon
Timothy Webster, and shortly afterwards the Lieuten
ant mounted his horse and rode off in the direction of
V/ashington.
After smoking their after-dinner cigars, Webster
and his companion again resumed their journey. By
this time they had become thoroughly acquainted,
and they enlivened their drive with many a pleasing
anecdote of experience or of invention, until they
came in sight of Washington city. Here a difficulty
awaited them, apparently unexpected by both travel
ers. A Lieutenant at the head of eight men emerged
from a house by the wayside, and in a voice of au
thority directed the driver to stop his horses, after
which he advanced to the vehicle and saluted the
occupants with the utmost courtesy, saying :
" Gentlemen, I am sorry to discommode you, but I
have orders to intercept all persons entering the city,
and hold them until they can satisfactorily account
for themselves. You will be kind enough to consider
yourselves under arrest and follow me."
Blank astonishment was depicted on the counte-
128 WRECKED TRAINS
nances of both Webster and his companion, but realiz
ing that to parley would be useless, the two men
dismounted and followed the lieutenant and his men
into the building, which proved to be a military
guard-house.
Here they were separated and conducted to
different apartments, where they were securely locked
in, Webster s companion standing outside of the
door of the room in which Webster was placed, and
after witnessing the operation which confined Web
ster a prisoner, he was conducted to the room as
signed to him, and the key was turned upon him.
In a few minutes afterwards Webster was quietly
released by the Lieutenant who had effected his ar
rest, and who was none other than the friend to whom
he had given the information. In less than half an
hour thereafter my detective was ascending the steps
of the White House, inquiring for his Excellency,
the President of the United States.
Having also been provided with a letter to the
President s private secretary, Mr. Nicolay, Webster
was soon ushered into the presence of Mr. Lincoln,
to whom he made known the nature of his business,
and taking off his coat and vest, he removed the
dispatches and letters, and handed them to the Pres
ident, who had been silently watching his movements
with a great deal of amused interest.
"You have brought quite a mail with you, Mr.
Webster," said the President, "more, perhaps, than
AND BROKEN BRIDGES. i^
it would be quite safe to attempt to carry another
time."
" Yes, sir," replied Webster. " I don t ihink I
would like to carry so much through Baltimore an
other time."
The President carefully looked over the papers
he had just received, and finding that they re
quired more consideration than could be given to
them at that time, he turned to Webster and said :
" Mr. Webster, I have a Cabinet conference this
evening, and I will not be able to give these matters
my attention until to-morrow. Come to me at ten
o clock and I will see you at that time."
Again thanking the detective for the service he
had so successfully rendered, he bade him good even
ing, and Webster sought his hotel, thoroughly ex
hausted with his journey, and soon after he was sound
asleep.
The next morning, on repairing to the White
House, he was at once admitted, and the President
greeted him with marked evidences of cordiality.
" Mr. Webster, you have rendered the country an
invaluable service. The bearer of dispatches who
was arrested last evening by your efforts, proved, as
you suspected, to be an emissary of the South, and
the letters found upon him disclose a state of affairs
here in Washington quite alarming. Several promi
nent families here are discovered to be in regular
communication with the Southern leaders, and are
9
,30 WRECKED TRAINS.
furnishing them with every item of information.
Until this time we had only a suspicion of this, but
suspicion has now resolved itself into a certainty,
You have performed your duty well, and before many
days there will be an account demanded of some of
these people which they are far from expecting."
" I am glad to be of any service," replied Web
ster ; " and I have done nothing more than my
duty. If you have any further commands for me,
Mr. President, I am ready to obey them."
"Very well," said the President; "take these
telegrams, and when you have reached a point
where communication is possible, send them to
General McClellan, at Columbus, Ohio; they are
important and must be sent without delay. Also
telegraph to Mr. Pinkerton to come to Washing
ton at once ; his services are, I think, greatly needed
by the government at this time."
Rolling up the papers which he received, Web
ster placed them in the center of a hollow cane,
which he carried ; then, replacing the handle, and
promising to attend faithfully to the duties as
signed him, he left the executive mansion,
CHAPTER VIII.
Timothy Webster in Washington. The Return to Philadel
phia. I go to the Capital. An Important Letter.
A^TER leaving the White House, Timothy
Webster went immediately in quest of a con
veyance that would enable him to reach Baltimore
without unnecessary delay. He expected to encoun
ter greater difficulties in obtaining what he desired
here in Washington than he had met with in Bal
timore, for the reason that in the capital he was a
comparative stranger, while in the latter city he had
numerous friends, who believed him to be in sym
pathy with the Confederacy, and whose assistance
he could rely upon on that account. His only hope,
therefore, lay in his being able to find some friendly
Baltimorean, upon whose influence he could depend
to procure him a mode of conveyance for his re
turn. Having arrived late on the preceding even
ing and being terribly fatigued by the journey he
had made, Webster had retired almost immediately
after he reached his hotel, and consequently he
was surprised at the busy scenes which greeted
him now. The capital was swarming with soldiers
and civilians. Regiments continually arriving and
[131!
132 TIMOTHY WEBSTER
were being assigned to quarters and positions around
the city, and the streets were filled with eager and
excited multitudes. The position which Maryland
had assumed was vehemently discussed everywhere,
and the riotous conduct of the Baltimoreans was
loudly denounced by Northern men, and secretly
applauded by those whose sympathies were with
the cause of the South. The prompt action of
General Butler, with his regiment of Massachusetts
soldiers, who followed quickly after the sixth, in go
ing by boat directly to Annapolis, in order to reach
Washington without hindrance or delay, and his
patriotic and determined response to those in au
thority, who sought to induce him to change his
plans for reaching the capital, were everywhere
warmly commended. There could be no doubt that
the North was thoroughly aroused, and were dread
fully in earnest in their determination to suppress
a rebellion which they believed to be causeless, un
lawful and threatening the future of a great country.
As Webster walked along Pennsylvania Avenue,
carefully scanning the faces of every one he met in
the hope of discovering some one whom he knew and
who might be of service to him, he recognized the
driver who had brought him from Baltimore on the
day before, and who started in astonishment at find
ing the man whom he had last seen a prisoner in the
hands of United States troops now walking the streets
free and unattended. This man was accompanied by
IN WASHINGTON. 133
three others, with two of whom Webster was slightly
acquainted, and he at once advanced toward them
and greted them cordially.
" Why, Webster, is that you ?" inquired the fore
most of the party, a well-known " sympathizer " of the
name of John Maull. " We heard you had been taken
prisoner how did you get out so soon ?"
" That is easily accounted for," said Webster, with
a laugh ; " I was simply arrested on suspicion, and
when they could find nothing about me that was at
all suspicious, they were compelled to let me go."
"This country is coming upon strange times,"
remarked a sallow-faced Baltimorean who boasted
of having been one of the most prominent of the riot
ers a few days before, " when a man can be arrested
in this way and have no means of redress."
"That is very true," replied Webster, "but we
will have a decided change before long, or I am very
much mistaken. Uncle Jeff means business, and
there will be long faces in Washington before many
days."
"Give me your hand, old boy," exclaimed Maull
heartily, " you are of the right stripe ; but don t talk so
loud ; let us go around the corner to a quiet little
place where we can talk without danger."
The party repaired to a drinking saloon, in a re
tired neighborhood, and on entering it they were
greeted warmly by several parties who were standing
before the bar. Webster was immediately intro-
i 3 4 TIMOTHY WEBSTER
duced to these gentlemen, and it was not long before
he had firmly established himself in their good opin
ions as a devoted friend of the South.
The conversation soon became general, and the
most extravagant ideas were expressed with regard to
the wonderful achievements that were expected of
the Southern soldiers, and no doubt was entertained
that the Yankees, as they called the Northern men,
would be quickly vanquished by the chivalrous armies
of the " Sunny South."
To all of these suggestions Webster yielded a
ready assent, and not one among the number was
more pronounced in his belief in the needs of the
Southern cause than was my trusty operative, who, in
the cane he flourished so conspicuously, carried im
portant dispatches from the President of the United
States to a General in command of Northern sol
diers.
All the time, however, he was growing very
restive under the enforced delay in his journey, and
seeking a favorable opportunity during a lull in the
conversation, he turned to the driver of the wagon
and inquired of him when he was going to return to
Baltimore.
" Not for a day or two, at least," replied the man.
" That is very bad," said Webster. " I must get
there this evening ; it is of the utmost importance that
I should do so."
At this one of the party approached Webster and
IN WASHINGTON. 135
informed him that he was going back that day and
had engaged a conveyance for that purpose, and as
there was room enough for two, he would be most
happy to have his company. Webster at once
accepted the invitation, and having thus relieved his
anxiety upon the point of reaching Baltimore, he
joined heartily in the conversation that was going
on around him. No one, to have heard him, would
doubt for a moment his loyalty to the South, or his
firm belief in the eventual triumph of her armies.
After remaining in the saloon for some time,
Webster noticed that the men were becoming intoxi
cated, and fearing that they would become noisy and
probably get into trouble, he suggested to the gentle
man with whom he was to drive to Baltimore the
propriety of leaving the rest to their enjoyment while
they arranged matters for their departure. His
advice was at once accepted, and the two men bade
their associates farewell and repaired to the hotel,
where they had their dinner, and about two o clock
they were upon their journey. Webster s fears were
proven to be well-founded, for as they were passing
the locality where they had spent the morning, they
saw their former companions between a file of
soldiers, and there was little doubt that they had
allowed their libations to overcome their judgments,
and that they would be allowed to recover their
reason in a guard-house.
The journey was made without event, the carriage
136 TIMOTHY WEBSTER
and driver being apparently very well known along the
route, and Webster arrived in Baltimore late that
evening. He was desirous of pushing on without
delay, as it was important that the dispatches which
he carried should be forwarded at once, and he there
fore went immediately to the hotel he had occupied
when he first arrived in the city. Requesting the
landlord to use his best efforts to procure him a con
veyance to Havre de Grace, he sat down to his
supper, and did ample justice to a plenteous repast.
When he had finished the landlord entered the room
and informed him that he had succeeded in providing
a team for his service, but that grave doubts were
entertained whether he would succeed in reaching his
destination. Expressing his willingness to assume
any responsibility of that" kind, Webster bade his
entertainer good-bye, and entering the wagon, he
started upon his midnight journey to Havre de
Grace.
Again fortune favored him, and although repeat
edly halted, he was able to give such a straightfor
ward account of himself that they were allowed to
proceed, and he arrived in Havre de Grace in time
for breakfast Crossing the river, he went directly to
the headquarters of Colonel Dare, who was in charge
of the Union troops at Perrysville, and requested
that officer to forward the telegram to General
McClellan at once. This the Colonel promised to do,
and in a few minutes the important message was fly-
IN WASHINGTON. 137
ing over the wires to its destination at Columbus,
Ohio, and the President s request for my appearance
at Washington followed soon after, and was received
by me in due time.
Recognizing the importance of the call, I lost no
time in answering the dispatch of Mr. Lincoln, and
started at once on my journey to Washington,
accompanied only by a trusty member of my force.
Before leaving I left orders that should I fail to meet
with Webster upon the way he should be directed
to await my return in the city of Pittsburg.
On my arrival at Perrysville I found that a mode
of communication had been hurriedly established with
Washington, by means of a boat which sailed down
the Chesapeake Bay and landed their passengers at
Annapolis, from which point the railroad travel to
Washington was uninterrupted.
Arriving at the capital I found a condition of
affairs at once peculiar and embarrassing, and the
city contained a strange admixture of humanity, both
patriotic and dangerous. Here were gathered the
rulers of the nation and those who were seeking its
destruction. The streets were filled with soldiers,
armed and eager for the fray ; officers and orderlies
were seen galloping from place to place ; the tramp of
armed men was heard on every side, and strains of
martial music filled the air. Here, too, lurked the secret
enemy, who was conveying beyond the lines the cov
eted information of every movement made or contem-
i 3 8 TIMOTHY WEBSTER
plated. Men who formerly occupied places of dignity,
power and trust were now regarded as objects of sus
picion, whose loyalty was impeached and whose
actions it was necessary to watch. Aristocratic ladies,
who had previously opened the doors of their luxuri
ous residences to those high in office and who had
hospitably entertained the dignitaries of the land,
were now believed to be in sympathy with the attempt
to overthrow the country, and engaged in clandestine
correspondence with Southern leaders. The criminal
classes poured in from all quarters, and almost every
avenue of society was penetrated by these lawless
and unscrupulous hordes. An adequate idea can be
formed of the transformation which had been effected
within a few short weeks in this city of national gov
ernment.
On the day following my arrival I wended my
way to the White House and sought an interview
with the President. Around the executive mansion
everything was in a state of activity and bustle.
Messengers were running frantically hither and
thither ; officers in uniform were gathered in clusters,
engaged in animated discussions of contemplated
military operations ; department clerks were bustling
about, and added to these was a crowd of visitors,
all anxious, like myself, to obtain an interview with
the Chief Executive.
I was not required to wait an unusual length ol
time, and I was soon ushered into the presence ol
IN WASHINGTON. I39
Mr. Lincoln, who greeted me cordially and intro
duced me to the several members of the Cabinet who
were engaged with him. I was at once informed that
the object in sending for me was that the authorities
had for some time entertained the idea of organizing
a secret-service department of the government, with
the view of ascertaining the social, political and pa
triotic status of the numerous suspected persons in
and around the city. As yet, no definite plans had
been adopted, and I was requested to detail my
views upon the subject, in order that the matter
might be intelligently considered, and such action
taken as would lead to definite and satisfactory re
sults. I accordingly stated to them the ideas which
I entertained upon the subject, as fully and concisely
as I was able to do at the time, and, after I had
concluded, I took my departure, with the understand
ing that I would receive further communications from
them in a few days.
It was very evident to me, however, that in the
confusion and excitement which were necessarily inci
dent to the novel and perplexing condition of affairs
then existing, that anything approaching to a sys
tematized organization or operation would be for a
time impossible. The necessity for war had come so
suddenly upon a peaceful community that there had
been as yet but little time for thorough prepara
tion or system. The raising of a large army, with
all the various contingencies of uniforming, arming
I 4 o TIMOTHY WEBSTER
and drilling ; the furnishing of supplies, and the as
signing of quarters, were occupying the attention of
the rulers of the government, and I felt confident that
I would be required to wait a longer time than I could
then conveniently spare from my business, ere I would
be favored with any definite instructions from those
in authority. This opinion was fully confirmed, after
several unsuccessful attempts to obtain satisfying par
ticulars from the heads of several of the departments,
and leaving my address with the secretary of the
President, I returned to Philadelphia.
I had directed, prior to leaving Chicago, that all
important communications addressed to me should be
forwarded to that city, and on my arrival there I
found a number of letters which required immediate
attention.
Among the number was the following, which had
been somewhat delayed in its transmission.
" COLUMBUS, Oftio,
April 24, 1 86 1.
"ALLAN PlNKERTON, Esq.,
" Dear Sir :
" I wish to see you with the least possible delay, to
make arrangements with you of an important nature.
I will be either here or in Cincinnati for the next few
days here to-morrow Cincinnati next day. In this
city you will find me at the Capitol, at Cincinnati at
my residence.
" If you telegraph me, better use your first name
IN WASHINGTON. MI
alone. Let no one know that you come to see me.
and keep as quiet as possible.
" Very truly yours,
" CEO. B. McCLELLAN,
" Maj. Gen l Comd g Ohio Vols.
This letter at once decided me. Anxious as 1
was to serve the country in this, the hour of her need,
I sought the first opportunity for active duty that
presented itself, and I left Philadelphia at once, in
order to comply with the instructions contained in
this message of Gen. McClellan.
STORMING A FORT.,
CHAPTER IX.
An Adventure in Pittsburg. A Mob at Bay. An Explana
tion. Good-feeling Restored.
EVERAL influences operated in my mind to in-
duce me to respond at once to this letter, and
some of them of a directly personal nature. I had
been acquainted with General McClellan for a long
time before this, and had been intimately associated
with him while engaged upon various important op
erations connected with the Illinois Central and the
Ohio and Mississippi Railroads, of the latter of which
he was then president. From the friendship and
esteem I entertained for him growing out of my rela
tions with him in those matters, both as an individual
and as an executive officer, I felt the more anxious to
enter into his service, now that he had assumed the
command of a military department, and was about to
take an active part in the impending struggle.
At Philadelphia I ascertained that Timothy Web
ster had already departed for Pittsburg, according
to previous instructions, and hastily telegraphing to
the General that I would instantly respond to his
letter in person, I took the first train leading west
ward and was soon upon my way.
AN ADVENTURE. 143
Timothy Webster, meanwhile, had proceeded on
his journey from Perrysville, and arrived without
accident or adventure in Philadelphia. He immedi
ately repaired to the office of Mr. Dunn, who informed
him that he had just received a dispatch for him from
Chicago. Webster hastily opened the message and
found my directions for him to await my return at the
city of Pittsburg. Remaining in the Quaker City
until the following day, he took the western train and
in due time arrived at his destination. On inquiring
at the telegraph office in Pittsburg he received another
message to the same effect as the first one, and he
therefore engaged quarters at a hotel, patiently await
ing my coming. On the second day after his arrival
in the Smoky City, which* was Sunday, he again went
to the telegraph office, where he received information
that I would probably arrive there in the course of
that day.
Returning to the hotel, Webster entered the bar
room, and while he was being attended to two men
came in, apparently engaged in excited conversation.
They advanced to the bar and requested drinks,
The excitement in the city, attendant upon the news
from Baltimore, had not abated in the least since
Webster had passed through several days before, and
these two men were discussing the action of the
government in regard to this matter. One of them,
an excitable, empty-headed fellow, was cursing the
President and General Scott, in very loud tones and
144 AN ADVENTURE
in unmeasured terms, for not burning the city of Balti
more to ashes, and thus teaching the rebels a lesson
they would be apt to remember. The remonstrances
of his friend seemed only to excite him still more,
and Webster, feeling desirous of avoiding any con
troversy at that time, started to leave the saloon,
when the angry disputant turned to him, and arro
gantly demanded his opinion of the matter.
"I think," said Webster, "that the President and
General Scott understand their duties much better
than I can inform them, and I suppose they do not
wish to destroy the property of many who are true to
the government."
" That is all nonsense," replied the other, sharply,
"there is not a single Union man in the whole city."
" I think you are mistaken," said Webster, coolly.
" I am sure there are thousands of them there."
This answer seemed to infuriate the man, and
striding up to Webster, he asked, with an air of im
pertinence :
"Are you a Southern man ?"
"No, sir, I was born in New York," was the reply.
" What is your name ?" impudently demanded the
fellow.
" You will find my name upon the register of the
hotel, if you desire it, and as I do not wish to have any
further controversy with you, I bid you good morning,"
replied Webster, still remaining cool and unruffled.
By this time a crowd of about twenty men had
IN PITTSBURG. I45
gathered about them, and as Webster turned to
leave the room, one of them demanded to know the
contents of the telegram he had just received.
This demand, added to the previous suggestion
that Webster was a Southern man, was sufficient to
excite the entire crowd, who had been living upon
excitement for more than a week, and they began to
press around him in a threatening manner, one of
them calling out :
"I believe he is a d d spy; let us see what he
has got !"
Webster broke loose from those nearest to him,
and retreating backwards toward the door, ex
claimed, in a determined voice :
"Gentlemen, I am no spy, and if any of you
attempt to trouble me further, some of you will
assuredly get hurt !"
At this the crowd grew boisterous and violent,
and several called out, " Hang him !" " Hang the
spy !" while some of them made a rush toward
where he stood.
Drawing his revolver, Webster faced his angry
assailants, who drew back involuntarily when they
saw that he was both well armed and undismayed.
" Gentlemen, we have had enough of this non
sense. You can talk about hanging me, and perhaps
there are enough of you to do it, but, by God, the
first one that attempts to put his hands upon me is a
dead man !"
10
i 4 6 AN ADVENTURE
Matters began to look serious. It seemed evi
dent that these excited people were determined to
resort to violence, and that there would be blood
shed in consequence. Webster, whose relations
with the government were of so intensely loyal a
character, was filled with regret at having allowed
himself to become a party to a conversation which
would lead to such serious consequences. He was
resolved, however, to maintain his position. To
show signs of weakness, therefore, would be danger
ous, if not fatal, to him, and he stood bravely in front
of the angry mob, who had drawn back at the sight
of the revolver which was leveled so menacingly at
them.
Only for a moment, however, did the crowd stand
awed and irresolute one moment of silence, in
which every man appeared to be deciding for him
self his course of action. Then one tall, stalwart
man stepped from their midst, and waving his hand
toward his companions, he cried out :
" Come on, he is only one against twenty, and we
will take him dead, or alive !"
The crowd took a few steps in advance, and Web
ster had braced himself to receive their attack, when
suddenly, close beside him stood a form, and a loud
voice called out :
" Stop, gentlemen, where you are ! This man is no
traitor, and I will defend him with my life !" and the
muzzles of two revolvers ranged themselves beside
JN P1TTSBURG.
147
that presented by the suspected, but undismayed
detective.
Involuntarily the crowd stood still at this unex
pected arrival of reinforcements, and Webster, who
had recognized the voice, looked up in surprise
and relief at this unlooked-for, though timely, assist
ance.
I had arrived just in the nick of time, and I was
resolved to defend my undaunted operative to the
last.
At this moment the proprietor of the hotel en
tered the saloon, and in a calm voice and quiet man
ner attempted to subdue the angry feelings of the by
standers.
" Gentlemen, " said he, " there need be no
trouble about this matter; Mr. Webster can fully
explain his position, and I think the best plan would
be for you all to repair to the office of the mayor,
where any explanation can be given."
" I am perfectly willing to do that," said I ; "I
know this man, and will answer for him under any
circumstances ; we will accompany you to the office of
the mayor at once, and I think I can convince him
that he is no spy."
This proposition was eagerly accepted by some,
and reluctantly by others, and finally the entire party
marched out of the hotel on their way to the office
of the chief magistrate of the city; Webster and my
self walking together. ,
I 4 * AN ADVENTURE
The crowd increased as we went on, and frequent
calls were still made to " hang the traitor," but no
further attempts were made to molest us, and we
reached the office without any event of a troublesome
nature occurring.
The noise of the crowd attracted the attention of
the chief of police, who, during the temporary absence
of the mayor, was in charge of affairs of this nature,
and he came to the door to ascertain the occasion of
the tumult.
As the crowd, with Webster and myself in the van,
reached the steps which led up to the municipal
office, I at once recognized the chief of police, having
been connected with him some time before in the
detection of some burglars from the city of Pittsburg,
and that officer was not slow to identify me as the
detective, who had frequently enabled him to secure
the desperate criminals whom the law had at various
times pursued.
As we reached the platform where the officer was
standing, I stretched forth my hand, which the chief
cordially grasped.
" Why, Mr. Pinkerton, what are you doing here ?"
inquired the chief, with some surprise.
" I have come to defend one of my men, whom
these people insist upon hanging as a rebel spy, but
who is loyal to the core," I answered, laughingly.
" I will take care of that," replied the chief, " and
your word is sufficient for me," at the same time ex-
IN P1TTSBURG. , 49
tending his disengaged hand and warmly greeting
Webster, who stood beside me.
As the crowd noticed the evident acquaintance
and good-feeling that existed between the reputed
spy and their chief of police, they drew back instinct
ively, while some of them looked as if they were not
insensible to a feeling of shame. The chief realized
the state of affairs at once, and turning to the now
crestfallen and subdued gathering, he addressed
them :
" Gentlemen, I will be responsible for the loyalty
and integrity of these gentlemen, and you will
instantly disperse."
The leaders of this assault on Webster looked
terribly ashamed of themselves when they found how
ridiculously they had been acting, and as the door of
the chief s office closed on our retreating figures, they
slowly and silently retired.
In an hour afterwards, when Webster and I
returned to the hotel, we found the gentlemen who a
short time before were anxious to hang him, awaiting
our arrival, and we received from them their heartfelt
apologies for their hasty and inconsiderate conduct,
all of which were received with a spirit of good nature
that won the regards of all present, and when the time
of our departure arrived, they accompanied us to the
depot in a body, and cheered us lustily as the train
slowly moved away.
Thus an adventure, which promised to be very
150 AN ADVENTURE.
serious in its results, terminated in a manner satisfac
tory to all, and Webster and myself, instead of being
lynched by a Pittsburg mob, departed in safety on
our journey, and arrived in Cincinnati upon the
following day, prepared to receive from General
McClellan such instructions as were deemed necessary
by him for the furtherance of the cause in which he
was engaged.
BETRAYED BY HIS BOOTS.
CHAPTER X.
General McClellan in Command of Ohio. / am Engaged
for the War. The Secret Service. A Consultation.
Webster starts for Rebeldom.
A the outbreak of the rebellion many difficulties
were encountered which the people and their
leaders were ill-prepared to surmount, and many
expedients were resorted to in order to equip and
officer the troops as they arrived. The State of
Ohio, the militia of which General McClellan had
been called upon to command by Governor Dennison,
was no exception to this rule ; but that gentleman
realized the importance of calling some one to the
command of the volunteers, upon whose knowledge,
judgment and experience he could place implicit
reliance. He therefore turned to Captain McClellan,
who was a graduate of West Point, and had been a
captain in the regular army, but who had for some
years past been devoting himself to the management
of a prominent railroad enterprise in the State.
The Governor at once sent a communication to
the general government, requesting that McClellan
should be restored to his old rank in the army, and
i S 2 WEBSTER STARTS
that the duty of organizing the Ohio volunteers
should be assigned to him. To this request no
answer was received, and it was afterwards learned
that the Governor s letter, owing to the interruption
of communications with Washington from all points,
had not reached its destination. Failing, therefore,
to receive any reply from the general government,
and being thus forced to rely upon his own resources,
Governor Dennison at once summoned McClellan
to Columbus, where the latter applied himself ear
nestly to the work of organizing the numerous volun
teer regiments which offered" their services to the
country. The State laws were changed in such a
manner as to allow the Governor to select command
ing officers for these volunteers outside of the mem
bers of the State militia, and very soon afterward the
Ohio troops were commanded by thoroughly compe
tent men, who had made military movements the sub
ject of scientific study.
On the third day of May a " Department of the
Ohio " was formed, consisting of the combined forces
of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and this department,
by order of General Scott, was placed under the
command of General McClellan.
The Ohio troops, as they arrived, were mainly
located at Camp Dennison, which was situated in a
valley about sixteen miles northwesterly from the city
of Cincinnati. This was the largest and the chief camp
in the State, and here the volunteers received that
FOR REBELDOM. 153
thorough instruction and training so essential in pre
paring for the rigors of war.
As I have stated, my personal acquaintance with
George B. McClellan had, from its earliest incipiency,
been of the most agreeable and amicable nature, and
when I called at his house in Ludlow street, as I did
immediately upon my arrival in Cincinnati, I was re
ceived with genuine cordiality. After we were
closeted together I explained fully to him the charac
ter of the business that had called me to Washington,
and how the complication of affairs at the seat of
government necessitated so much delay that I had
found it imperative upon me to leave without arriv
ing at any definite understanding with the President.
The General had already been advised of his ele
vation in rank, and among other things desired to
consult with me in relation to his affairs at the War
Department.
I need not stop to give the details of that inter
view. His object in sending for me was to secure
my aid and co-operation in the organization of a
secret service for his department, and finding me
more than willing to do all in my power to help along
the cause of the Union, he immediately laid before
me all his plans.
Our business was settled. It arranged that I
should assume full management and control of this
new branch of the service, and that I should at once
enter upon the discharge of the multifarious duties
i 5 4 WEBSTER STARTS
attending so responsible a position. The General
then informed me that he would write to General
Scott for permission to organize this department
under his own personal supervision ; and he also
agreed to submit the project to Governor Dennison,
of Ohio, with a request to that gentleman to solicit
the co-operation of the Governors of Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan and Wisconsin, in sustaining the organi
zation.
To this arrangement I gave a ready assent, and
we then entered upon the discussion of affairs requir
ing immediate attention. Several measures, more or
less important, had suggested themselves to my mind
while the General was talking, and in the course of the
conversation which followed, I presented them for
his consideration. It was a relief to me to find that at
the outset there was no clash of opinion between us,
and I felt confident that there was not likely to be
any in the future.
For several days my time was principally taken up
in private consultations with General McClellan, in
laying out a line of operations, by which I was to as
sist in making arrangements for bringing my own
force into active duty at the earliest possible hour. I
rented a suite of rooms and fitted up an office in Cin
cinnati, where I called about me some of the most
capable and trustworthy detectives in my employ, and
impressed upon them the great importance of the
tasks that were about to be imposed upon them.
FOR REBELBOM. ISS
The general informed me that he would like ob
servations made within the rebel lines, and I resolved
to at once send some scouts into the disaffected
region lying south of us, for the purpose of obtaining
information concerning the numbers, equipments,
movements and intentions of the enemy, as well as to
ascertain the general feeling of the Southern people
in regard to the war. I fully realized the delicacy of
this business, and the necessity of conducting it with
the greatest care, caution and secrecy. None but
good, true, reliable men could be detailed for such
service, and knowing this, I made my selections ac
cordingly ; my thoughts reverting first of all to Timo
thy Webster.
Within six hours after the commander had ex
pressed his wishes to me, Timothy Webster was on
his way to Louisville, with instructions to proceed
southward from that city to Memphis, stopping at
Bowling Green and Clarkesville on the way.
In Webster s case it was not necessary to devote
much time to instructions, except as to his line of
travel, for he was a man who understood the whole
meaning of a mission like this, and one who would
perform his duty with that faithfulness and ability by
which he had fairly earned the confidence I now
reposed in him.
Within a few days I also sent out other scouts,
singly and in pairs, on the different routes that had
been carefully prepared for them, and in a short time
156 WEBSTER STARTS
quite a number of my best operatives were engaged
upon more or less difficult and dangerous tasks, all
tending to the same end.
In organizing and controlling this secret service, I
endeavored to conceal my own individual identity so
far as my friends and the public were concerned.
The new field of usefulness into which I had ven
tured was designed to be a secret one in every re
spect, and for obvious reasons I was induced to lay
aside the name of Allan Pinkerton a name so well
known that it had grown to be a sort of synonym for
detective. I accordingly adopted the less suggestive
one of E. J. Allen ; a nom de giierre which I retained
during the entire period of my connection with the
war. This precautionary measure was first proposed
by the General himself, and in assenting to it I carried
out his views as well as my own. This ruse to con
ceal my identity was a successful one. My true name
was known only to General McClellan, and those of
my force who were in my employ before the breaking
out of the rebellion, and by them it was sacredly
kept. Indeed, I doubt if McClellan has ever
divulged it to this day, if I may judge by the fre
quent occurrence of such incidents as the following :
A short time since, while on a visit to my New
York agency, I chanced to meet one of my old army
friends, General Fitz-John Porter. He recognized
me, gave me a hearty greeting, and proceeded to ad
dress me as Major Allen, after the custom of by-gone
FOR REBELDOM. IS7
days. I permitted the conversation to go on for
some time, and then said :
"Are you not aware, General, that the name of E.
J. Allen, which I used during the war, was a fictitious
one?"
He looked at me, as if to satisfy himself that I
was not jesting, and then exclaimed :
" Fictitious ! You are not in earnest, Major ?"
I assured him that I was never more so.
"Why, I never suspected such a thing. What,
then, is your true name ?"
"Allan Pinkerton," I replied.
" Allan Pinkerton !" he ejaculated.
His astonishment knew no bounds, and he de
clared it was the first intimation he had ever had
that Allan Pinkerton and Major Allen were one and
the same person.
It was on the thirteenth of May that Timothy
Webster left Cincinnati on his trip southward. He
arrived at Louisville, Ky., late in the night, and re
mained there until the following day, when he pur
sued his course into the heart of that self-satisfied
State which only desired to be " let alone."
It is not my purpose to give in detail all the events
of Webster s journey, as there was much that would
only prove tedious at this late day, though at that
time regarded as of the utmost importance to the
country. Shrewd, wide-awake, and keen as a blood-
hound on the scent, he allowed nothing to escape
158 WEBSTER STARTS
him. but quietly jotted down every item of intelli
gence that could possibly be of advantage to the
Union army, and picked up many important points,
which would have escaped the notice of a man of less
detective experience and ability.
He stopped a day or two at Bowling Green, Ky.,
and then proceeded on to Clarkesville, Tenn. He
made friends of all he met, and cleverly ingratiated
himself into the good graces of those whom he be
lieved miglit be of service to him. He was a " Hail,
fellow ! well met," " A prince of good fellows," a
genial, jovial, convivial spirit, with an inexhaustible
fund of anecdote and amusing reminiscences, and a
wonderful faculty for making everybody like him.
He partook of soldiers fare in the rebel camp, shook
hands warmly with raw recruits, joked and laughed
with petty officers, became familiar with colonels and
captains, and talked profoundly with brigadier-gen
erals. He was apparently an enthusiastic and deter-
mined rebel, and in a few cunningly-worded sentences
he would rouse the stagnant blood of his hearers till
it fairly boiled with virtuous indignation against Yan
kees in general, and " Abe Linkin " in particular.
Webster s talent in sustaining a role of this kind
amounted to positive genius, and it was this that
forced me to admire the man as sincerely as I prized
his services. Naturally, he was of a quiet, reserved
disposition, seldom speaking unless spoken to, and
never betraying emotion or excitement under any
FOR REBELDOM. , 59
pressure of circumstances. His face always wore that
calm, imperturbable expression denoting a well-bal
anced mind and a thorough self-control, while the im
mobile countenance and close-set lips showed that he
was naturally as inscrutable as the Sphinx. Many of
his associates were of the opinion that he was cold and
unfeeling, but / knew there could be no greater mis
take than this ; / knew that a manlier, nobler heart
never existed than that which beat within the broad
breast of Timothy Webster ; and I knew that, re
served and modest as he was, he was never want
ing in courtesy, never derelict in his duty, never
behind his fellows in acts of kindness and mercy.
It was when he was detailed for such operations
as the one in question that his disposition underwent
a complete metamorphosis. Then his reserve
vanished, and he became the chatty, entertaining
boon companion, the hero of the card-table, the story
teller of the bar-room, or the lion of the social gather
ing, as the exigencies of the case might require. He
could go into a strange place and in one day surround
himself with warm friends, who would end by telling
him all he desired to know. In a life-time of varied
detective experience, I have never met one who could
more readily and agreeably adapt himself to circum
stances.
Webster represented himself as a resident of
Baltimore, and gave graphic accounts of the recent
troubles in that city ; of the unpleasant position in
160 WEBSTER STARTS
which the " friends of the cause " were placed by the
proximity and oppression of Northern troops, and of
the outraged feelings of the populace when the
" Lincoln hirelings " marched through the streets of
the Monumental City. His eyes seemed to flash with
indignation during the recital, and it would have been
difficult indeed to induce his audience to believe that
he was acting a part, or that his heart was not with
the South.
On the morning of his departure from Clarkesville
quite a number of soldiers and citizens, who had become
attached to him during his brief sojourn with them,
accompanied him to the depot, shook him warmly by
the hand at parting, and earnestly wished him God
speed. He told them all that he hoped to see them
again soon, and waved them a smiling adieu from the
platform of the car, as the train whirled him away
toward Memphis.
As the train stopped on the east bank of the
Tennessee river, and the passengers swarmed out of
the cars, Webster noticed a man take the conductor
aside and engage in earnest conversation with him
for a few moments. This man was a dark-com
plexioned, sharp-visaged, long-haired individual, clad
in civilian s garb, and wearing a broad-brimmed hat.
There was an air of mystery about him which
attracted more than a passing glance from the scout,
and caused the latter to keep an eye on him there
after.
FOR REBELDOM. i6t
The passengers were obliged to cross the river in
a ferry-boat. The train going south was in waiting
on the other side, and its conductor stood on the
bank alone, making entries in his memorandum-book.
As soon as the boat touched the land the man with
the long hair and broad- brimmed hat sprang ashore
and approached the conductor, to whom he began to
talk in the same hurried, nervous manner that he had
done to the one on the other side. As the time
for starting approached, the mysterious stranger and
the conductor walked toward the train together,
conversing excitedly as they went.
" There s something up/ thought Webster, as he
boarded the train. " Perhaps that fellow is on the
look-out for new-comers like myself ; but we ll see
whether he is sharp enough to catch a weasel asleep."
For the first twenty miles after leaving the Ten
nessee river, the road lay through an uncultivated re
gion of swamps and heavy timber. At every station
along the route uniformed men, heavy guns, car-loads
of muskets and ammunition were seen, indicating gen
eral and active preparations for war, while the se
cession flag was flying in the breeze, and the music of
fife and drum was frequently borne to the ear. At
Humboldt, where the train arrived at four o clock in
the afternoon, they were delayed for some time, and
Webster improved the opportunity to look around
him and to procure his dinner. The man with the
broad-brimmed hat seated himself almost opposite
ii
i6 2 WEBSTER STARTS
Webster at table, who noticed that his restless, inquis
itive eyes were kept busy scrutinizing every face that
came within range of his vision. He did not address
himself to any one during the progress of the repast,
and after hurriedly satisfying his own appetite, he
walked out upon the platform of the depot, where he
stood intently watching the other passengers as they
returned to the train.
Webster, as he crossed the platform, instinctively
felt that those searching eyes were riveted upon him
as if they would pierce him through, but he did not
evince the slightest degree of trepidation -or uneasi
ness under the ordeal. Assuming an air of quiet un
consciousness, he sauntered past the man without
seeming to notice him, and entered the smoking-car,
coolly lighted a cigar, drew a Nashville newspa
per from his pocket, and settled himself to his read
ing. He saw no more of the mysterious stranger
during the remainder of the journey, but on alighting
from the train at the Memphis depot, the first object
that met his gaze was the wearer of the broad-brim
med hat.
Arriving in Memphis at nine o clock in the even
ing, Webster went directly to the Worsham House,
where he intended to stay while in the city. While
registering his name he observed a military officer in
full uniform standing at his elbow, watching him
closely as he wrote. Several other new arrivals
placed their signatures after Webster, and he then no-
FOR REBELDOM. 163
ticed that the officer was engaged in making a copy
of names and addresses on a piece of paper.
While watching this proceeding, his attention was
distracted by some one hastily entering the hotel
office. It was his mysterious fellow-traveler, who,
stepping into the center of the room, glanced quickly
around, apparently looking for some particular face.
The search was evidently successful, for, walking up
to one of the men who had just arrived on the
train from the North, he tapped him on the shoul
der and beckoned him.
After a few moments conversation, during which
the new-comer appeared to be both surprised and
frightened, the two left the hotel together and walked
up the street arm in arm.
Two citizens who were lounging near the door
had been interested spectators of this incident, and
Webster heard one of them inquire :
" What does that mean ?"
" It means that the stranger is under arrest," re
plied his companion.
"Under arrest? And who is the man who
arrested him ?"
" Oh, he is a member of the safety committee."
" But what crime has the stranger committed, that
he should thus be taken into custody ?"
" Nothing, perhaps ; but the fact that he is a
stranger from the North, is sufficient to mark him as
an object of suspicion "
164 WEBSTER STARTS
" Isn t that a little severe ?"
"Severe? It s a necessity in these times. For my
part, I am in for hanging every Northern man who
comes here, unless he can give the most satisfactory
proof that he is not a spy."
The rest of the conversation did not reach Web
ster s ear, and, being much fatigued by his day s
journey, he soon retired, to seek that much needed
rest which slumber only could afford.
He rose at an early hour in the morning, feeling
much refreshed. On entering the dining-room he
found it crowded with guests, the majority of whom
wore the uniform and shoulder-straps of Confederate
officers. The conversation around the table was
upon the all-absorbing theme which at that time was
uppermost in every mind, and the scout was both
amused and edified by what he heard. He did not
long remain a silent listener, but taking his cue at the
proper moment he entered easily and naturally into
the conversation himself, and his pleasing address
and intelligent observations commanded at once the
respectful attention of those around him.
After breakfast Webster determined to ascertain
whether or not he was under the surveillance of the
vigilance committee, and he accordingly left the
hotel, and wended his way toward the post-office.
He had not proceeded far when he noticed a man
who appeared to be following him on the opposite
side of the street. Desiring to satisfy himself upon
FOR REBELDOM. 165
this point he walked on for several blocks, and then
dropped into a saloon. Remaining there a sufficient
length of time for the man to pass from view, in case
he did not stop in his onward course, he emerged
from the saloon and retraced his steps toward the
hotel. As he did so he noticed the stranger on the
other side of the street, dogging him as before.
This left no doubt in his mind that he was being
shadowed, and he resolved to be guarded in his
movements, to refrain from writing any reports or
making any notes that could possibly betray him. He
returned to the office and bar-room of the Worsham
Hotel, and spent an hour or two reading and smok
ing. While thus occupied, three military officers
entered and stood near the bar engaged in animated
conversation. Webster sauntered toward them, and
heard one of the trio a man whom the others ad
dressed as " Doctor" remark emphatically :
" Yes, gentlemen, that is a true principle. It will
not do to let a man set foot on Kentucky soil until the
Northern troops disregard the neutrality of that State."
Catching the drift of the conversation, Webster
stepped forward and said :
" I beg pardon, sir ; will you permit me to ask one
question ?"
The three officers turned toward him, with ex
pressions of mild surprise in their faces, and thfi
Doctor replied :
" Certainly, sir ; certainly."
166 WEBSTER STARTS
"Do you suppose," added Webster, " that Ken
tucky will allow the Northern army to march through
the State without showing fight ?"
"Not by a jug-full," was the prompt response.
"The moment the Northern army crosses the Ohio
river, Kentucky will rise in arms and take sides with
the South/
" If she doesn t," said Webster, with much appar
ent warmth, " she will prove herself unworthy of the
respect of any true Southern men !"
The Doctor s face brightened up, and he laid his
hand approvingly on the scout s shoulder.
" May I ask where you are from ?"
" I was born in Kentucky and reared in Mary
land," was the quiet reply, " and I am now direct
from Baltimore."
" Baltimore !" ejaculated the whole trio in chorus ;
and the next moment were all shaking hands in the
most vigorous fashion.
" Baltimore !" repeated the Doctor, his face red
with his recent exertion. " My friend, we are always
glad to meet a Baltimorean, for we know there is
many a true man in that city who would help us if
he could. May I ask your name, sir ?"
" Webster Timothy Webster."
"A devilish good name. Mine is Burton. My
friends all call me Doctor Burton. Allow me to intro
duce you to Colonel Dalgetty and to Captain Stanley
of the Arkansas Rifles."
FOR REBELDOM. 1*7
The introduction was cordially acknowledged on
both sides, and Webster then said :
" Gentlemen, I was about to call for a drink when
I heard you speak of Kentucky. I am happy to
know that there is still hopes for that State. Will
you drink her health with me ?"
And in the clinking of the glasses, and the quaf
fing of their favorite beverages, the new link ol friend
ship was forged.
RUN DOWN BY CAVALRY.
CHAPTER XI.
Webster Fraternizes with the Rebel Officers. A Secession
Hat. A Visit to a Rebel Camp. " The Committee oj
Safety." A Friendly Stranger. A Warning. The
Escape.
WEBSTER S new friends were men whom he
believed he could use to good advantage, and
he determined to improve the chance that had thrown
him in contact with them. He found them not only
very well informed, but disposed to be communica
tive, and he therefore applied the " pumping " process
with all the skill at his command. He experienced
no difficulty in making this mode of operation
effectual, for these officers were exceedingly willing to
air their knowledge for the benefit of their Baltimore
friend, and enjoyed his frequent expressions of agree
able surprise at the extent of the preparations made
by the people of the South to defend their rights.
Dr. Burton was the most conspicuous one of the
group, from his very pompousness. He wore a
superfluity of gorgeous gold lace on his uniform, and
assumed the dignity of a major-general. He was
a flabby-faced, bulbous-eyed individual, with a
wonderful stomach for harboring liquor, and that
[168]
A VISIT TO A REBEL CAMP. 169
unceasing flow of spirits arising from a magnified
sense of his own importance. It was evident, even upon
a short acquaintance, that the doctor found his chief
entertainment in listening to himself talk, a species of
recreation in which he indulged with great regularity,
sharing the pleasure with as many others as would
grant him a hearing.
In Webster he found an attentive auditor, which
so flattered his vanity that he at once formed a
strong attachment for my operative, and placed him
self on familiar and confidential terms with him.
" Webster, we ve got to do some hard fighting in
these parts, and that before we are many days older,"
said the Doctor, with a wise shake of the head.
" I think you are right," conceded the scout
" We must fight it out. From what you have told
me, however, I am sure the Lincoln troops will find
you fully prepared to give them a warm reception
here."
"That they will, sir; that they will!" was the
emphatic rejoiner. " We have one full regiment and
four or five companies besides, at Camp Rector, and
General Pillow has thirty-seven hundred men at the
camp in the rear of Fort Harris, which is a little *
above us on this side of the river. We expect to move
with him, and if there is an attack made upon us
every man in the town will instantly become a
soldier."
" Have you arms enough for all of them?"
170 A VISIT TO
" Arms ? Let the Yankees count on oar not having
arms, and they will meet with a surprise party. In
two hours notice we can have from eight to ten
thousand men ready to march."
" No doubt of it, Doctor ; but how do you expect
to get two hours* notice ?"
" Lord bless you, Webster, we have men watching
the movements of the Yankees at Cairo, and the
minute they make a move we are notified. Then
our signal gun is fired, and every man is mustered."
" A good arrangement, truly," said the detective
quietly.
" You look as if you could do some hard fight
ing yourself, Mr. Webster," remarked Colonel Dal-
getty.
The detective smiled.
" I have been fighting against great odds for the
past two months in Baltimore. The last battle I
fought was to get away from there with my life."
" Yes, and we are confounded glad to receive you
here," exclaimed the enthusiastic Doctor, shaking
Webster by the hand for the twentieth time. " Come,
gentlemen, we must have another drink. Step up
and nominate your pizen/ "
The glasses were filled, and some one proposed
the toast: " Death to the Yankees f Under his
breath, however, the detective muttered, " Confusion
to the rebels !" and drained his glass. The toast w;
no sooner drank than Lieutenant Stanley, who w
A REBEL CAMP. ,7,
evidently beginning to feel the influence of the liquor
he had drank, took off his uniform hat and put it on
Webster s head.
" Excuse me, Mr. Webster," he said, " I merely
wish to see how you look in one of our hats." Then
stepping back, he added : "By the gods, nothing
could be more becoming ! My dear fellow, you must
have one by all means, if you stay among us."
Webster endeavored laughingly to object, but
they all refused to accept " no " for an answer. So,
finding it impossible to resist, he went with them to a
neighboring hat store.
" Fit a hat to Mr. Webster s head a hat just like
mine," said Dr. Burton, to the proprietor ; then turn
ing to the scout, he added : " We will have you a
cord and tassel of blue, as that will show that you are
true to the cause, although you do not belong to the
military."
The hatter produced a secession chapeau of the
kind and size required, and Webster at once put it
on, much to the delight of the Doctor, who slapped
Webster familiarly on the shoulder, with the excla
mation :
" Now, my dear fellow, you can consider yourself
at home !"
"Perfectly at home," echoed Colonel Dalgetty.
" Henceforward you are one of us," put in the
Lieutenant.
Webster thanked them cordially for their kind-
172 A VISIT TO
ness, and promised to wear it in preference to any
other. As they stepped outside of the store, how
ever, all thoughts of the new hat were temporarily
driven from his mind, for, standing on the sidewalk,
within a few yards of the store door, and looking
directly at him, was the identical individual whom he
had noticed on the train, who had arrested the
Northern stranger the night before.
The gaze which this vigilant agent of the safety
committee now bent upon Webster was full of dark
suspicion, but after one swift glance at him the
detective turned away with an air of perfect compos
ure and unconcern, and walked off between his com
panions. To say that he felt some uneasiness at this
evidence that he was still being closely followed,
would be only to tell the truth. His first impulse
was to speak to his companions about it, but a second
thought decided him not to mention the matter to
any one, nor to betray by word or act that he had the
slightest hint of a suspicion that he was being watched.
The three officers introduced Webster to a large
number of soldiers and citizens, and before the day
was over he had quite an extended circle of acquaint
ance in Memphis. Dr. Burton, who had conceived a
fancy for him, as sudden as it was pronounced, as
sumed a sort of paternal control over Webster, hover
ing about him with an air of protection and solicitude,
and drawing the scout s arm through his when they
walked together.
A REBEL CAMP. 173
That afternoon, Webster, desiring to be alone for
awhile, hired one of the hackmen at the door of the
hotel to drive him three or four miles into the coun
try. He went down the river road, and as it was a
beautiful day, he enjoyed himself admiring the pictu
resque scenery along the way.
Just below the town, on the bank of the river, he
found a small encampment of soldiers with a battery,
who were on the lookout for boats coming up the
river, and during his ride he saw several encampments
of the same nature. After spending several hours in
specting the fortifications along the river, Webster
returned to the hotel, which he reached about dark.
The next day Doctor Burton and several of his
military friends sought out the detective, and urged
him to go with them to Camp Rector.
" Gentlemen, I am at your service," said Webster,
earnestly. " I think I would enjoy a visit to your
camp to-day above all things."
They went to the levee, and at ten o clock were
on the boat, steaming up the river toward Mound
City, where Camp Rector was located.
A distance of some six or seven miles, passing on
their way up, various objects of interest, among them
Fort Harris, which was merely an embankment
thrown up, to answer the purpose. Arriving at Mound
City, the party disembarked and walked to the hotel
After dinner the party visited the camp-ground, a
distance of about one-fourth of a mile from the hotel,
i 7 4 A VISIT TO
and here Dr. Burton and the other officers took much
pride in showing Webster around. They talked
volubly about the unexampled bravery of the Con
federate soldier ; had much to say on the subject of
Southern chivalry as opposed to Northern braggadocio;
told how well they were prepared to meet the on
slaught of the enemy ; and found a special delight in
exhibiting to the visitor a portion of General Bragg s
artillery, which they had in the camp.
After that they seated themselves around a table
in one of the larger tents, to rest and enjoy the
grateful shade, as it was a warm and sunny afternoon.
While engaged in the most bombastic utterances of
their prowess, and of the wonderful exploits that
might be expected of the Southern army, their con
versation was interrupted by a shadow falling across
the strip of sunlight that streamed in through the open
ing of the tent Every one around the table glanced
up, and there at the entrance stood the man with the
broad-brimmed hat! The intruder did not tarry a
moment, but turned and walked away. Evidently he
had stopped only to look in ; but in that single instant
he had shot a keen, and apparently satisfactory, glance
at Timothy Webster, which was fortunately not ob
served by any one save the detective himself.
" That fellow is one of the safety committee,"
said Dr. Burton, filling his glass.
"He appears to be looking for some one, 11
remarked Lieutenant Stanley.
A REBEL CAMP.
75
"Reckon he is," answered the Doctor. "He s
always looking for some one. And, by-the-bye, those
chaps are doing a heap of good for the cause just
now A Northern man stands no show for his life in
these parts if the safety committee spots him. They
hang em on suspicion."
" That s right," said Webster, coolly. " I believe
in hanging every Northern man that comes prowling
around. They don t deserve a trial, for they have no
right here anyway."
But cool and collected as Webster outwardly
appeared, it must be admitted that he was inwardly
ill at ease. There was now no longer the shadow of
a doubt in his mind that this long-haired agent of the
safety committee was following him and watching
his every movement, and that any attempt on his
part to return to the North would betray him and
cause his arrest.
"The only reason I have not already been
arrested," mused the scout, "is because they are not
sure whether I came from the North or not. They
merely suspect, and are watching me to see if I under
take to return northward. Such an act would confirm
their suspicions, and I would be arrested and probably
put to death as a spy. It stands me in hand to give
them the slip before I take the back track."
After spending a very pleasant day at the camp,
he returned to Memphis on the latest boat that night,
informing Dr. Burton that he was going to Chatta-
176 A VISIT TO
nooga to look up a brother whom he had not seen in
twelve years.
" You ll come back ?" said the Doctor, as he wrung
his hand.
" Oh, certainly," was the cheerful response. " I ll
be with you again before long."
Colonel Gaines, of the artillery, who heard this
conversation, now grasped the scout s hand.
" Webster, you d make a good soldier," he said,
bluntly. " Hang me if I wouldn t like to have you
on my force."
Webster smiled good-naturedly.
" I have some family business to attend to before
I could think of entering the army. After that I may
remind you of your remark."
"All right," said the Colonel, "any time that you
are ready, come ; I will make room for you."
On his way down the river Webster found, to his
relief, that the man with the broad-brimmed hat was
,not aboard the boats. He now had a hope of
being able to give his shadow the slip- by leaving
Memphis on early train in the morning.
Arriving in sight of their destination, the passen
gers on the ferry-boat were surprised to see that the
levee was crowded with people. Shortly after, they
learned that this unusual gathering was caused by
the capture of the steamboat " Prince of Wales " by
the rebels.
Webster went to the Worsham Hotel, where he
A REBEL CAMP. I77
spent the night, and at five o clock in the morning,
after making a few preparations, and dispatching an
early breakfast, he repaired to the depot. Arriving
there he looked carefully about on all sides, but saw
no one who seemed to take any interest in his move
ments. "So far, so good," he muttered, as he
boarded the train ; and the next minute he was leav
ing tke scene of his most recent exploits with the
speed of the wind.
He was himself too shrewd and cunning to feel
absolutely sure that he was not followed. His own
experience in the art of " shadowing " told him he
had not yet escaped the vigilant eyes of the safety
committee, but he resolved to elude them if it was
possible to do so.
Innumerable troops were being transported at
this time, and the train was crowded with soldiers.
Webster amused himself by making the acquaintance
of the officers, and skillfully drawing on their fund of
information, until the train arrived at Grand Junction,
where he decided to change cars for Jackson, Tennes
see.
Accordingly, he abandoned the Chattanooga cars
and boarded the north-bound train, which was in wait
ing at the junction, and again he was whirled away
across the verdure-clad country, this time toward the
"land of the free." But no sooner was the train
well under way than something which came under
Webster s observation removed from his mind all
ia
I7 8 A VISIT TO
doubt as to whether he would be permitted to pursue
his journey unmolested. He occupied a seat in the
forward part of the car, and on turning carelessly
avray from the window after gazing out upon the
landscape for awhile, he was somewhat surprised at
seeing an individual standing on the front platform
of the car, looking in through the glass door.
It was a person whose face and figure had already
become quite familiar to him, being no other than the
man who had so persistently followed him for the
past few days.
"He seems determined not to let me get away,"
thought the scout ; but neither in his face nor manner
did he betray any of the disappointment he felt.
He noticed that his pursuer was not alone this
time, but was accompanied by another person an
ill-looking man of herculean proportions with whom
he conversed in an earnest, confidential way.
When the train arrived at Jackson, Webster
stepped out upon the platform of the depot, and the
two agents of the safety committee did the same. The
conductor stood near by, and Webster spoke to him
in a tone which he meant his shadows to hear, ask
ing:
" How soon will there be a train for Humboldt ?"
" In twenty minutes," replied the conductor.
" Do you know anything about the hotels there ?"
inquired the scout. " I ve got to stop two or three
days in the town, and it s a strange place to me."
A REBEL CAMP. 179
The conductor recommended him to a good house
convenient to the depot, and thanking him for the in
formation, Webster turned away. He had spoken in
a tone that he knew must have been distinctly
heard by his enemies, and he hoped this bit of strata
gem would have the desired effect.
He boarded the train for Humboldt, and the brace
of shadows promptly followed him, taking seats in
the same car.
While the train was speeding on its way, Webster
was aroused from a reverie by the voice of a woman
saying :
" Pardon me, sir ; may I occupy a portion of this
seat?"
He looked up ; a tall, very respectable looking
lady was standing in the aisle, and he saw in an
instant that she was the person who had addressed
him.
" Certainly, madam, certainly ;" he replied ; and
quickly made room for her.
She sat down beside him, and then, to his great
surprise, she began to talk to him in a low, earnest
tone, without once turning her face toward him.
" You are going to Humboldt ?" she inquired.
" I am," he answered, surprised at the question.
" You are a Northern man ?"
" Madam !" A suspicion flashed, lightning-like,
across his mind.
"Believe me, I am not an enemy," the lady went
i8o A VISIT TO
on, " I have been sitting in the rear part of this car,
I heard twc men talking, and have reason to believe
they were speaking about you. They said they
would stop at the same hotel with you in Humboldt,
and keep a close watch over you, and if you attempt
to go northward they will arrest you, take you back
to Memphis, and deal with you as they would with
any Northern spy. I advise you to be very careful,
sir, for your life depends upon it."
The train by this time was approaching Hum
boldt, and the lady arose and disappeared before the
astonished detective could tender his thanks for the
warning. She was destined to remain an utter
stranger to him for all time to come, for he never
heard of her afterwards. As they entered the depot,
Webster passed out at the rear end of the car, and he
noticed, with a smile of satisfaction, that his attendant
shadows were making their way out at the front. As
he stepped from the car he noticed a pile of baggage
near him, and quickly stepping behind this, he
watched the movements of the two men. Apparently
fully satisfied that their game would be safely bagged
at the hotel, they left the depot and walked rapidly
away in the direction of the public-house. His ruse
worked to a charm. A violent shower happened to
be passing over at this time, and it was only natural
for the two " safety " men to suppose that Webster
had stopped to seek shelter in the depot for a few
minutes.
A REBEL CAMP.
181
The express train from Memphis was soon due,
and as it came dashing in " on time," Webster jumped
aboard, and was on his way toward Louisville, smil
ing in his sleeve as he thought of those two crafty
foxes, whose cunning had overreached themselves,
patiently awaiting his arrival at the hotel in Hum-
boldt.
Before crossing the Kentucky line, Webster put
his rebel hat out of sight, and once more donned the
one he had worn from the North.
The remainder of his journey was made without
inci- lent, and in due time he arrived in Cincinnati,
and reported to me.
A HOT LUNCH.
CHAPTER XII.
/ take a Trip to the South. Danger in Memphis. A Timely
Warning. A Persistent Barber. An Unfortunate
Memory. Return to Cincinnati.
TIMOTHY WEBSTER had scarcely departed
upon his trip to Memphis, when I was sum
moned for consultation with General McClellan.
Upon repairing to his office, which I did immediately
on receiving his message, I found him awaiting my
arrival, and in a few minutes I was informed of his
wishes. He was desirous of ascertaining, as defi
nitely as possible, the general feeling of the people
residing South of the Ohio river, in Kentucky, Ten
nessee, Mississippi and Louisiana, and requested that
measures be at once taken to carry out his purposes*
It was essentially necessary at the outset to be
come acquainted with all the facts that might be of
importance hereafter, and no time offered such oppor
tunities for investigations of this nature as the pres
ent, while the war movement was in its incipiency,
and before the lines between the opposing forces had
been so closely drawn as to render traveling in the
disaffected district unsafe, if not utterly impossible.
As this mission was of a character that required
[182]
A TRIP TO THE SOUTH. 183
coolness and tact, as well as courage, and as most of
my men had been detailed for duties in other sections
of the rebellious country, I concluded to make the
journey myself, and at once stated my intention to
the General, who received it with every evidence oi
satisfaction and approval.
" The very thing I should have proposed, Major,"
said he ; " and if you will undertake this matter, I
have no fears of a failure, and every confidence in
obtaining important developments."
My action had been prompted by two impelling
reasons. The first was the absence of the men whom
I had thus far engaged, and who, as I have before
stated, had been detailed upon missions of investiga
tions in various parts of the South and West, and the
other was a desire to see for myself the actual con
dition of affairs as they existed at that time. I have
invariably found that a personal knowledge is far
more satisfactory than that gleamed from others, and
whenever it was possible, I have endeavored to
acquire my information by such means. Another
advantage to be derived from a personal observation
was that I would be necessarily forced to rely in
many matters to which it would be impossible for me
to devote my personal attention.
Having arranged everything to my satisfaction,
in order that my absence would occasion no disar
rangement in the proper conduct of the investigations
already commenced, I left my office in the charge of
i8 4 TO THE SOUTH AND
Mr. George H. Bangs, my general superintendent,
and started upon my journey, intending to be as
rapid in my movements as circumstances would per
mit, and to return at as early a date as I could, con*
sistently with the proper performance of the duties
intrusted to me.
My first objective point was the city of Louisville,
in Kentucky. The position of this State at the
present time was a peculiar one. Her Governor, if
not a Southern conspirator, was, if his own language
was to be relied upon, both in opinion and expecta
tion, a disunionist. He had at first remonstrated
against the action of the Cotton States, but after that
action had been taken, he was unqualifiedly opposed
to coercing them back to obedience, and in addition
to this, he had endeavored to excite his own people
to a resistance to the principles and policy of the
party in power.
The people, however, did not sustain his views,
and wlxile the popular sentiment was deeply pro-
slavery, and while her commerce bound her strongly
to the South, the patriotic example and teachings of
Henry Clay had impressed upon them a reverence
and love for Union higher and purer than any mere
pressing interests or selfish advantage.
At Louisville, therefore, I found a degree of
excitement prevailing that was naturally to be ex
pected from the unsettled condition of public affairs.
The Governor had refused to comply with the Presi-
BA CK TO CINCINNA TI.
185
dent s call for troops, and the State had been in a
state of hopeless bewilderment and conflict of opinion
in consequence. A strong minority, arrogating to
themselves an undue importance, were endeavoring,
by self-assertion and misapplied zeal, to carry the
State into the secession fold, but thus far they had
made no substantial progress against an overwhelm
ing undercurrent of Union sentiment. Failing in
this, their energies were now devoted to an effort to
place the State in a neutral attitude, which would pre
vent her from taking a decided stand upon the ques
tion of supporting the Union. Thus far they had
been temporarily successful, and on the i6th day of
May the house of representatives passed resolutions
declaring that Kentucky " should during the contest
occupy the position of strict neutrality."
This was the existing condition of affairs when I
arrived in Louisville, and which I found prevalent
throughout all the sections of the State I passed
Representing myself as a Southern man, a resi
dent of Georgia, I had no difficulty in engaging in
conversation with the prominent men of both ele
ments, and I decided then, from my own observations,
that Kentucky would not cast her fortunes with the
South, but that, after the bubble of unnatural excite
ment had burst and expended itself, the loyal heart
would be touched, and " Old Kaintuck " would event
ually keep step to the music of the Union. Results
proved that I was not mistaken, and not many weeks
1 86 TO THE SOUTH AND
elapsed before Union camps were established within
her domain, and the broad-shouldered Kentnckians
were swearing allegiance to the old flag, and, shoul
dering their muskets, entered into the contest with a
determination to support the government.
Passing on undisturbed, but everywhere on the
alert, and making copious notes of everything that
transpired, that I considered at all material to the
furtherance of the loyal cause, I reached Bowling
Green.
At this place I found a very decided Union senti
ment, the Stars and Stripes were floating from the
various buildings, and the Union men were largely in
the majority. There was one great cause for dis-
quietude, however, which was very manifest even to
a casual observer. Many residents of Bowling Green
and the vicinity were slave owners, and the impres
sion had become general throughout the negro com
munities that the opening of the war naturally and
inevitably involved their freedom, an opinion, how
ever, without sure foundation, at that time, but
which was eventually to be justified by subsequent
events. The slaves had heard their masters discuss
ing the various questions which naturally grew cut
of a conflict of this chance character, and in which it
was generally admitted, that emancipation must fol
low the commencement and continuance of hostilities
between the two sections. It was not surprising
therefore, that this opinion should spread among the
BACK TO CINCINNATI. 187
entire colored element, or that it should be greedily
accepted by these down-trodden blacks as the har
binger of a freedom for which they had been praying.
In conversation with one of the leading men of
Bowling Green, I was thoroughly impressed with the
importance of this phase of circumstances.
"Mr. Allen," said he, "you have no idea of the
danger we are apprehending from the blacks. We
know that the moment that Lincoln sends his aboli
tion soldiers among our niggers, they will break out
and murder all before them. Why, sir," continued he,
" we cannot sleep sound at nights for fear of the nig
gers. They think Lincoln is going to set them free."
"Why," I interrupted, "what can they know
about Lincoln ?"
" They know too much about him," he replied ;
" there has been so much talk about this matter all
through the State, that the niggers know as much
about it as we do."
" You should not talk before your niggers ; it is
not safe, and I never do it." As I never owned a
negro this was perfectly true.
"I know we should not, but it is too late now;
they know as much as we do, and too much for our
safety or peace of mind. Why, sir, we are compelled
to mount guard at nights ourselves for mutual pro
tection, and though there has been no outbreak as
yet, and I believe that this is the only thing that
keeps them in check."
i88 TO THE SOUTH AND
41 It would be a good plan," said I, anxious to
preserve my reputation as a Southern pro-slavery
man, * to take all the men and boys over fifteen years
of age and sell them South."
" That s the devil of it," he replied, " we cannot
do that ; it was tried only last week, and a nigger
Chat I was offered $1,500 for last year, I could not
sell at any price."
Already, it seemed, the fruits of the slavery agita
tion were being made apparent. The very institu
tion for which these misguided men were periling
their lives, and sacrificing their fortunes, was threat
ened with demolition ; and the slaves who had so long
and so often felt the lash of their masters, were now
becoming a source of fear to the very men who had
heretofore held them in such utter subjection.
This state of affairs I found to be prevalent all
over the country which I visited. Bright visions of
freedom danced before the eyes of the slaves, and
they awaited anxiously the dawning of the day, when
the coming of the soldiers of the North would strike
from their limbs the shackles they had worn so long.
In the after years of this bloody struggle, many deeds
of self-sacrifice were performed by these slaves, when,
resisting the dazzling opportunities to obtain their
coveted liberty, they cast their lot with the families of
their old masters, whose male members were fighting
to continue their bondage. Many cases could be
cited where, but for the faithful labors aiid devotion
BACK TO CINCINNATI. 189
of the despised slave, the families of many of the
proud aristocrats would have starved. But the faith
ful heart of the negro ever beat warmly for those
whom he had served so long, and disregarding the*
tempting allurements of freedom, he devoted himself
to the service and to the maintenance of those who
had regarded him as so much merchandise, or simply
as a beast of burden.
At Bowling Green I purchased a splendid bay
horse, whose swiftness and powers of endurance I felt
assured could be relied upon, intending to make the
rest of my journey on horseback. By this means I
would be the better able to control my movements
than if I were compelled to depend upon the rail
roads for transportation. I would also be enabled to
stop at any place where I might find the necessity, or
a favorable opportunity for observation. I had no
cause to regret the purchase I had made, for right
nobly did the spirited animal which I had selected
perform the arduous duties that were imposed upon
him. Day after day he would be urged forward, and
under his flying feet the distance sped away almost
imperceptibly, and each morning found my charger
rested and refreshed, and ready for the day s journey,
be the weather fair or foul, or the roads easy or
rugged.
I reached Nashville, Tennessee, in due season, and
resolved to devote several days to my investigations.
Here the disunion element was more united and out*
i 9 o TO THE SOUTH AND
spoken, but even here, I detected evidences of a
Union sentiment which was none the less profound,
because of the danger which its utterances would
have incurred. There could be no doubt that this
State had resolved to cast her fortunes with the con
federacy, and the rebel General Pillow had been for
some time engaged in fortifying the city of Memphis.
At Nashville I met a number of officers of the rebel
army, all of whom were full of enthusiasm, and whose
bombastic utterances in view of the eventual results,
seem at this time almost too absurd to be repeated.
Here also I came in contact with an army surgeon,
whose head was full of wild Quixotic schemes for de
stroying the Northern armies by other processes than
that of legitimate warfare. One of his plans I
remember was to fill a commissary wagon with
whisky, in which had been previously mixed a gen
erous quantity of strychnine. The wagon was then
to be broken and abandoned and left upon the road
so as to fall into the hands of the Union soldiers.
Of course, the liquor would be consumed by the
finders, and the valiant Doctor, with evident satisfac
tion to himself, but to the equally evident disgust of
his companions, loudly vaunted his death-dealing and
barbarous scheme. This brave warrior, however, I
learned afterward, had fled in terror at the first fire,
and was afterwards dishonorably dismissed from the
service he was so well calculated to disgrace. So far
as I was afterward able to learn, this grand project
BA CK TO CINCINNA TI.
191
for wholesale slaughter, of the valorous Doctor,
received no sympathy or support from his more hon*
orable associates, and the soldiers were enabled to
drink their whiskey untainted with any other poison
ous influences than is naturally a part of its composi
tion.
Leaving Nashville, I spurred on in the direction of
Memphis, and in due time reached the city, which now
presented a far different aspect than when I visited
it only a few years before. Then the country was at
peace. The war cloud had not burst with all its fury
over a happy land, and the people were quietly pur
suing their avocations. I was engaged in a detec
tive operation which required my presence in the
city, and had been in consultation with some of the
express company s officials, for whom I was attempt
ing to discover the perpetrators of a robbery of one
of their safes. Turning a corner I came upon a scene
that stirred my feelings to the utmost.
It was the market square, and the merchandise
disposed of were human beings. There was the
auction-block and the slave-pen. Men, women and
children were being knocked down to the highest
bidder. Wives were sold away from their husbands,
and children from their parents. Old and young
were submitted to the vulgar speculators in flesh and
blood, and their value was approximated by their
apparent age, strength and healthfulness. My blood
boiled in my veins as I witnessed, for the first time,
i 9 2 TO THE SOUTH AND
the heart-rendering scenes which I had only heard of
read of before. The cold cruelty of the buyers and
abject misery of the sold, filled me with a spirit of
opposition to this vile traffic that gave me renewed
strength to fulfill my duty as an active abolitionist,
and to labor earnestly in the cause of emancipation.
I shall never forget the events of that day, and I
can recall the feeling of intense satisfaction which
I experienced on my second visit, when even then, I
could see the dawning of that liberty for which I had
labored, and I knew that the day of emancipation
could not be far distant. Then the fair fame of in
dependent America would no longer be blackened by
the pressure of the slave or the master, but all men
under the protection of the starry banner would be
free and equal under the law.
Now the streets were filled with soldiers, some
of them fully armed and equipped, and others pro
vided with but ordinary clothing, and furnished with
such inefficient arms as they had brought with them
from their homes. A most motley gathering they
were, and their awkward and irregular evolutions at
this time gave but little promise of the splendid army
of which they were destined in the near future to
form so important a part. The work of fortifying
the city had been progressing in earnest ; earthworks
had been thrown up all along the banks of the
Mississippi, and batteries were already in position,
whose guns frowned threateningly upon the river.
BACK TO CINCINNATI. 193
Here to be known or suspected as P. Union man
was to merit certain death, and to advocate any
theory of compromise between the two sections was
to be exiled from the city. Here rebeldom was ram
pant and defiant, and I had some difficulty in evading
the suspicions of the watchful and alert Southron,
who regarded all strange civilians with doubtful
scrutiny, and whose " committee of safety " were
ever on the qui vive to detect those whose actions
savored in the least of a leaning towards the North.
Fearlessly, however, I mingled with these men, and
as I lost no opportunity in pronouncing my views
upon the righteousness of the cause of secession, and
of my belief in its certain triumph, I obtained a ready
passport to the favor and confidence of the most
prominent of their leaders. I talked unreservedly
with the private soldier and the general officer, with
the merchant and the citizen, and by all was regarded
as a stanch Southern man, whose interests and sym
pathies were wedded to rebellion.
General Pillow was in command at this point, and
almost every citizen was enrolled as a soldier, whose
services would be cheerfully and promptly rendered
whenever the call should be made upon them.
Even this redoubtable chieftain was not proof
against my blandishments, and he little dreamed
when on one occasion he quietly sipped his brandy
and water with me, that he was giving valuable
information to his sworn foe, and one to whom every
13
i 9 4 TO THE SOUTH AND
idea gained was an advantage to the government he
was attempting tc destroy.
It is needless to relate the valuable items of
information which I was enabled to glean upon this
journey information which in later days was of vast
importance to the Union commanders, but which at
this time would only burden a narrative of the events
which they so ably assisted to successful results.
Here, as in many other places, I found that my
best source of information was the colored men, who
were employed in various capacities of a military
nature which entailed hard labor. The slaves, with
out reserve, were sent by their masters to perform
the manual labor of building earthworks and fortifica
tions, in driving the teams and in transporting cannon
and ammunition, and, led by my natural and deep-
seated regard for these sable bonsmen, I mingled
freely with them, and found them ever ready to
answer questions and to furnish me with every fact
which I desired to possess.
Here and there I found an unassuming white
man whose heart was still with the cause of the
Union, but whose active sympathy could not at
this time be of service to the country, as he dared
not utter a voice in defense of his opinions. From
all these sources, however, I was successful in post
ing myself fully in regard to the movements and in
tentions of the rebel authorities and officers, and, as I
believed, had also succeeded in concealing my identity.
TTNIVERSITY
BACK TO CINCINNATI. 195
On the third evening of my sojourn in Memphis,
however, my dreams of fancied security were sudden
ly dispelled, and I was brought face to face with the
reality of danger.
I had retired early to my room, according to my
general custom, and had scarcely been seated when
I was disturbed by a faint but quick and distinct
knocking at my door. I arose hastily, as it was some
thing unusual for me to receive visitors after I had
retired, and throwing open the door, I was somewhat
surprised to see, standing before me, in a state of un
mistakable excitement, the colored porter of the hotel.
Before I had time to question him, he sprang into
the room and closed the door behind him. His
countenance evinced a degree of terror that imme
diately filled me with alarm. His eyes were fixed
wildly upon me, his lips were quivering, and his
knees trembled under him, as though unable to sus
tain the weight of his body. Indeed, so frightened
was he, that he appeared to be struggling forcibly to
do so.
" What is the matter, Jem ?" I inquired, in as
calm a tone as I could assume, and with a view of re
assuring him. " What has happened to frighten you
so?"
" Tore God, Massa Allen," ejaculated the black,
succeeding by a great effort in finding his voice, "you
done can t sleep in this housn to-night, ef ye do, yell
be a dead man before morning."
igt TO THE SOUTH AND
As may be imagined, this informatior was not of
a very agreeable nature, indefinite as it was ; I felt
assured that my informant could be relied on that
something had occurred to endanger my safety, and
I became impatient to learn what he knew.
" Out with it, Jem," said I, " and let me know
what it is all about." I spoke cheerfully and con
fidently, and the coolness of my manner had the
effect of restoring the equilibrium of my sable friend,
and, recovering himself with an effort, he began to
explain :
" I tell you what it is, Massa Allen, and I se gwan
to tell it mighty quick. Ye see, de General hab got
a lot of spies up de river at Cairo, a watching of the
Linkum sogers, and one o dem fellows jes came in
as you were going up stairs. De berry minit dat he
seed you he said to de man what was wid him, Dat
man is spicious ; I seed him in Cincinnati two weeks
ago, and he ain t down here for no good, and he
started right off for de General, to tell him all about
it I kem right up heah, massa, and you must git
away as fast as ye can."
This was too important to be ignored. I had no
desire to be captured at that time, and I had no
doubt of the correctness of the porter s story. I re
solved to act at once upon the suggestion, and to
make good my escape before it was too late. My
admonitory friend was fearfully in earnest about ge>
ting me away, and he quickly volunteered to procure
BACK TO CINCINNATI. 197
my horse, which I had quartered in close proximity
to the hotel, and to furnish me with a guide who
would see me safely through the lines Lnd outside of
the city. Bidding Jem make all possible haste in his
movements, I gathered together my few belongings,
and in a few minutes I descended the stairs and
made my exit through the rear of the house.
Through the faithfulness of Jem, and the careful
guidance of the watchful negro he had provided me
with, I was soon riding away from threatened danger
and ere morning broke I had proceeded far upon my
way. How much service these faithful blacks had
been to me, I did not fully learn until some time
afterwards, when I was informed by Timothy Web
ster, who arrived in Memphis following my departure,
and who thus learned the full particulars of the ex
hausting pursuit of one of Lincoln s spies, who had
mysteriously disappeared from the chief hotel, while
a guard was being detailed to effect his arrest.
I met the faithful Jem several years later, when
he had worked his way as a refugee from his native
State and entered the Union lines in Virginia, and he
was soon afterwards attached to my force, where he
proved his devotion in a manner that was quite con
vincing. My faithful steed, who had become thor
oughly rested after his long journey, bore me safely
through this danger, and in due time I entered the
State of Mississippi. Here rebellion and disunion
were the order of the day, and a wide-spread deter
i $8 TO THE SOUTH AND
mination existed to fight the cause of the South to
the bitter end. Stopping one night at Grenada, I
pushed on my way to Jackson, and here I resolved to
remain a day or two, in order to make a thorough in
vestigation of the place and its surroundings.
Putting up my horse, I engaged quarters for my
self at the principal hotel in the city, and feeling very
much fatigued with my long journey, I retired early to
my room and passed a long night in refreshing sleep.
In the morning I arose about five o clock, as is
my general custom. I was feeling in excellent health
and spirits ; my journey had thus far been fully as
successful as I could have desired ; and safely con
cealed about my person I had items of value that
would amply repay me for the fatigues I had under
gone and the dangers I had passed. I had plans of
the roads, a description of the country, a pretty cor
rect estimate of the troops and their various location?
and conditions, and altogether I felt very well satis
fied with myself and with the results of my mission.
As I descended the stairs, I noticed a fine sol
dierly officer standing in the doorway, and after bid
ing him a hearty good-morning, I invited him to
pany me to the saloon of the hotel, where we
. ru uu ally indulged in a decoction as is the universal
custom in Southern cities. After I had obtained my
breakfast, it occurred to me that, before attempting
an)- active measures for the day, I owed it to myself
to procure the, services of a barber for a much-needed
BACK TO CINCINNATI. 199
shave. I had been traveling for a number of days,
and my face had been a stranger to a razor for a long
time, and I concluded I would be more presentable
if I consulted a tonsorial artist.
This was an unfortunate idea, and I soon had
occasion to regret having entertained it for a mo
ment. I would have been far more contented if I
had bestowed no thoughts upon my grizzled beard,
and allowed nature to take its course with my hirsute
appendage.
Entirely unconscious, however, of what was in
store for me, I entered the well-fitted saloon of the
hotel, and patiently waited my turn to submit myself
to the deft fingers of the knight of the razor.
In response to the universal and well-understood
call of "next!" I took my seat in the luxuriously
upholstered chair, and in a few minutes my face was
covered with the foamy lather applied by the dap
per little German into whose hands I had fallen.
I noticed when I sat down that the man wore a
puzzled and speculative look, as though he was strug
gling with some vexing lapse of memory, and as he
drew the keen edge of the razor across my face, his
eyes were fixed intensely upon my features. His
manner annoyed me considerably, and I was at a
loss to account for his strange demeanor. Whatever
ideas I may have entertained with regard to this sin
gular action were, however, soon set at rest, only to
give place to a feeling of unrestful anger.
aoo TO THE SOUTH AND
He had just cleared one side of my face of its
stubby growth of hair, when a smile irradiated his
face, and with a look of self-satisfied recognition and
pride, he addressed me :
" Vy, how do you do, Mr. Bingerdon ?"
Had a thunderbolt fallen at my feet I could not
have been more perfectly amazed, and for a moment
I could scarcely tell whether I was afoot or on
horseback. I devoutly wished that I was anywhere
than with this Dutch barber, whose memory was so
uncomfortably retentive.
I had been too accustomed to sudden surprises,
however, to lose my self-control, and I replied to
him, with an unmoved face and as stern a voice as I
could command:
" I am not Mr. Bingerdon, and I don t know the
man."
" Oh yes, your name is Bingerdon, and you leev
in Geecago."
The face of the German was so good-natured,
and he appeared quite delighted at recognizing me,
but for myself I was feeling very uncomfortable in
deed. I did not know the man, nor what he knew
of me. I knew, however, that he was perfectly right
about my identity, and I knew also that it would be
very dangerous for his knowledge to become general.
" I tell you I don t know the man you are speak
ing of," said I, sternly.
" Oy, Mr. Bingerdon," he replied, in a grieved
BACK TO CINCINNATI. aO i
tone, " 1 know you well. Don t you mind me shav
ing you in the Sherman House in Geecago, you was
a customer of mine."
The pertinacity of the man was simply exasperat
ing, and fearing that his memory would be likely to
get me into trouble, as several people were listening
to our conversation, I resolved to end the difficulty
at once. Jerking the towel from around my neck and
wiping the lather from the unshaved portion of my
face, I leapt from the chair, exclaiming angrily :
" I tell you I know nothing of you Mr. Bingerdon,
or any other d d Yankee abolitionist, and if you say
another word to me upon this subject, I ll whip you
on the spot !"
The barber presented a most ridiculous appear
ance ; he was utterly frightened at my manner, and
yet so convinced was he that I was the man he took
me for, that he appeared more amazed at my denial,
than at my threats of violence.
Meanwhile, the occupants of the saloon began to
crowd around us, and several came in from the
adjoining rooms. Turning to them with well-simu
lated anger, I told them the story I had invented; I
lived near Augusta, Georgia ; never was in Chicago,
did not know Mr. Pinkerton or any of his gang.
Then I denounced the discomfited barber in round
terms, and finished by inviting the entire crowd to
take a drink with me.
This they all did with alacrity and by the time
202 A TRIP TO THE SOUTH.
they had drained their glasses, every one of the party
were strong adherents of mine. We then returned
to the barber-shop, and so thoroughly was the crowd
convinced of my truthfulness, that they were eager to
punish the innocent occasion of my anger. One im
petuous individual wanted to hang him on sight, and
his proposition was received with general favor ; but
finding I had succeeded in evading detection for my
self, I interfered in the poor fellow s behalf and he
was finally let off.
After another drink all round I managed to get
away from the party, and it was not long before I
was upon my horse, and traveling away from the
possibility of a recurrence of such an accidental dis
covery. I procured a razor and shaving materials,
and performed that operation for myself, as I did not
care to excite curiosity by exhibiting my half-shaved
face to any more inquisitive barbers.
A few miles outside of the town I sold my horse,
and concluding that I had obtained as much informa
tion as was desirable at that time, and as I had
already been absent from head-quarters longer than
I had intended, I made my way back to Cincinnati
by a circuitous route, and reached there in safety,
well pleased with my work, and quite rejoiced to find
that General McClellan.was fully satisfied with what
I had learned.
CHAPTER XIII.
East and West Virginia. Seceding from Secession.
Scouts in Virginia. A Rebel Captain Entertains " My
Lord: An old Justice Dines with Royalty. A Lucky
Adventure. A Runaway Horse. A Rescue.
A this time the condition of affairs in the State
of Virginia the " Old Dominion," as it was
generally denominated presented a most perplexing
and vexatious problem. The antagonistic position of
the two sections of that state demanded early con
sideration and prompt action on the part of the
Federal Government, both in protecting the loyal
people in the Western section, and of preserving
their territory to the Union cause. Within the
borders of this commonwealth there existed two
elements, directly opposed to each other, and both
equally pronounced in the declaration of their political
opinions. The lines of demarkation between these
div urnunities were the Allegheny Mountains,
which extended through the very middle of the state,
from north-east to south-west, and divided her terri
tory into two divisions, slightly unequal in size, but
evidently different in topographical features and
personal characteristics.
[*]
A REBEL CAPTAIN
From the nature of its earlier settlement, and by
reason of climate, soil and situation, Eastern Virginia
remained the region of large plantations, with a heavy
slave population, and of profitable agriculture,
especially in the production of tobacco. West
Virginia, on the contrary, having been first settled
by hunters, pioneers, lumbermen and miners, pos
sessed little in common with her more wealthy and
aristocratic neighbors beyond the mountains. They
made their homes in the wilds of the woods, and
among the rocky formations, under which was hidden
the wealth they were seeking to develop, and in time
this western country became the seat of a busy manu
facturing industry, with a diversified agriculture for
local consumption, while the east was largely given
up to the production of great staples for export. Ai
a natural result, the population and wealth of the
eastern portion, which was thus made to stand in the
relation of a mere tributary province to her grasping
neighbor, who selfishly absorbed the general taxes
for local advantage.
The slave interest also entered largely into the
creation and continuance of this antagonistic feeling.
According to a census, which had been recently
taken, it was ascertained that Eastern Virginia held
but a few thousands. It was not a matter of surprise,
therefore that secessionism should be rampant in the
east, and that a Union sentiment should almost
universally prevail in the west. As the institution
ENTERTAINS "MY LORD." 205
of slavery was more or less the cause of the war, here,
as i.i other parts of the South, secession reared its
most formidable front where the slave interest pre
dominated, and treason was more alert in the centers
of accumulated wealth and family pride, whose foun
dations were laid by the suffering and the toil of the
African bondsmen. The war had been waged to
defend the " Divine institution," and it was scarcely
to be expected that such a cause would be valiantly
championed by men whose self-reliance and personal
independence had endeared to them the rights of
free and honorable manhood.
When the Convention of Virginia met to consider
the question of secession, the slave-holding dignita
ries were somewhat startled by the logical, but novel,
declaration of one of the western members, that " the
right of revolution can be exercised as well by a por
tion of the citizens of a State against their State gov
ernment, as it can be exercised by the whole people
of a State against their Federal Government." This
was followed by another, more pointed and revolution
ary, " that any change in the relation Virginia now
sustains to the Federal Government, against the
wishes of even a respectable minority of her people,
would be sufficient to justify them in changing their
relation to the State government by separating them
selves from that section of the State that had thus
wantonly disregarded their Interests and defied their
will"
so6 A REBEL CAPTAIN
The convention, however, denying the pertinency
of this logic, passed its secret ordinance of secession
en the i ;th day of April, and within a week popular
:ncvements were on foot in the various towns and
Bounties of Western Virginia, to effect a division
of the State. The people united in a unanimous pro
test against the efforts of the slave-holding aristocrats
to carry them into a cotton confederacy, and a deter
mination to " secede from secession," was manifested
everywhere. The loyal determination was rapidly
followed by popular organization, an appeal for as
sistance was made to the government at Washington,
who promised them countenance and support, and on
the 1 3th day of May, delegates from twenty-five
counties of West Virginia met at Wheeling, to devise
such action as would enable them to fully and finally
repudiate the treasonable revolt of East Virginia.
Many circumstances favored their position. The
state of Ohio, immediately adjoining, was organizing
her military force of volunteers, and Western Virginia
was, not long after, attached to the department of the
Ohio under command of General McClellan. The
blockade of Washington, and other events, had oper
ated to keep the Western troops on the Ohio line,
and the Unionists of West Virginia found a protect
ing military force at once in their immediate vicinity,
with a commanding officer who was instructed to
give them every encouragement and support.
Meanwhile, Governor Letcher, of Virginia, ignor-
ENTERTAINS "MY LORD." 207
ing the attitude assumed by the people of the West,
had issued his proclamation calling for the organiza
tion of the state militia, and including Western Vir
ginia in the call. Prompted by a spirit of arrogance
or over-confidence, he at an early day dispatched of
ficers to that locality to collect and organize the mili
tia of Western Virginia. Owing to the sparsity of
the population, and the hilly and mountainous situa
tion of the country, there were but two principal
localities or lines of travel, where a concentration of
forces could be best effected one of these being the
line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the
other the valley of the Great Kanawha river. In
these districts Governor Letcher sent his recruiting
agents, but they soon returned reports of a very dis
couraging character. The rebel emissaries found
the feeling very bitter : that Union organizations ex
isted in most of the counties, and that while frag
ments of rebel companies were here and there spring
ing up, it was very evident that no local force suffi
cient to hold the country, would respond to the Con
federate appeal, while the close proximity of Union
forces at several points along the Ohio, pointed to a
short tenure of Confederate authority.
This information was not at all cheering to the
rebel Governor of the State, and he determined to
maintain his authority in the disaffected districts with
armed forces from the eastern portion of the State.
To accomplish this, he detailed a few available com-
to8 A REBEL CAPTAIN
panics from Staunton to march toward Beverly, from
which point they could menace and overawe the town
of Grafton, the junction of the main stem of the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, with its branches ex
tending to Parkersburg and Wheeling. The inhabit
ants showed more alacrity, however, to take up arms
for the government than for Governor Letcher or
General Lee. A Union Western Virginia regiment,
under the command of Colonel Kelley, began to
gather recruits rapidly at Wheeling, while the rebel
camps between Beverly and Grafton were compara
tively deserted, and Colonel Porterfield, who had
been sent under orders of Governor Letcher, found
his efforts at recruiting decidedly unsuccessful.
On the 23d day of May the State voted upon the
ordinance of secession, and East Virginia, under
complete military domination, accepted the ordinance,
while West Virginia, comparatively free, voted to re
ject the idea of secession.
Immediately after the result was ascertained, the
rebel troops became aggressive, and Colonel Porter-
field dispatched several of his companies to burn the
bridge on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
The appearance of these troops was quickly brought
to the notice of the Federal authorities at Washing
ton. On the 24th day of May the Secretary of War
and General Scott telegraphed this information to
General McClellan, and inquired "whether its influ
ence could not be counteracted." General McClellan
ENTERTAINS "MY LORD: 209
at once replied in the affirmative, and this was the
sole order he received from Washington regarding a
campaign in Virginia.
On the 26th, the General ordered two regiments
to cross the river at Wheeling, and two others at
Parkersburg. They were to move forward simul
taneously by the branch railroads from each of these
points to their junction at Grafton. The burnt bridges
were restored in their passage, and after a most bril
liant strategic movement, Porterfield was completely
surprised, and the. rebels were forced to disperse, in
utter rout and confusion.
This complete success of the first dash at the
enemy had the most inspiriting effect upon the
Union troops, and also encouraged and fortified the
Western Virginia unionists, in their determination
to break away from the East and to form a new
State. This movement was successfully accomplished,
and early in July they elected two United States
senators, who were admitted to, and took part in the
national legislature.
Governor Pierpont, who was head of this provis
ional State government, organized at Wheeling, made
a formal application to the United States for aid to
suppress the rebellion and protect the people against
domestic violence. General McClellan, in furtherance
of this object, ordered additional forces into the State
from his department.
In order to act intelligently in the matter, it was
14
2io A REBEL CAPTAIN
necessary that some definite information should be
derived respecting the country which was now to be
protected, and from which it was necessary the invad
ing rebels should be driven. For this purpose the
General desired that I should dispatch several of my
men, who, by assuming various and unsuspicious
characters, would be able to travel over the country,
obtain a correct idea of its topography, ascertain the
exact position and designs of the secessionists.
For this duty I selected a man named Price
Lewis, who had just returned from a trip to the South,
and whom I had reason to be satisfied was equal to
the task. I resolved, therefore, that he should be
one of the party to make this journey, together with
several others who were delegated for the same pur
pose. In order to afford variety to the professions
of my operatives, and because of his fitness for the
character, I decided that Price Lewis should repre
sent himself as an Englishman traveling for pleasure,
believing that he would thus escape a close scrutiny
or a rigid examination, should he, by any accident,
fall into the hands of the rebels.
Procuring a comfortable-looking road-wagon and
a pair of strong gray horses, which were both sub
stantial-looking and good roadsters, I stocked the
vehicle with such articles of necessity and luxury as
would enable them to subsist themselves if necessary,
and at th? same time give the appearance of truth to
such professions as the sight-seeing Englishman
ENTERTAINS "MY LORD." 211
might feel authorized to make. I provided him also
with a number of English certificates of various kinds,
and I also supplied him with English money which
could be readily exchanged for such currency that
would best suit his purposes in the several localities
which he would be required to visit.
Lewis wore a full beard, and this was trimmed in
the most approved English fashion, and when fully
equipped for his journey he presented the appearance
of a thorough well-to-do Englishman, who might
even be suspected of having "blue blood" in his
veins. In order that he might the more fully sustain
the new character he was about to assume, and to
give an added dignity to his position, I concluded to
send with him a member of my force who would act
in the capacity of coachman, groom and body serv
ant, as occasion should demand. The man whom I
selected for this role was a jolly, good-natured, and
fearless Yankee named Samuel Bridgeman, a quick,
sharp-witted young man, who had been in my employ
ment some time, and who had on several occasions
proved himself worthy of trust and confidence in mat
ters that required tact as well as boldness, and good
sense as well as keen wit
Calling Sam into my office, I explained to him
fully the nature of the duties he would be required to
perform, and when I had concluded I saw by the
merry twinkle in his eyes, and from the readiness
with which he caught at my suggestions, that he
212 A REBEL CAPTAIN
thoroughly understood and had decided to carry out
his part of the programme to the very letter.
In addition to these, I arranged a route for two
other men of my force. They were to travel through
the valley of the Great Kanawha river, and to
observe carefully everything that came under their
notice, which might be of importance in perfecting a
military campaign, in case the rebels should attempt
hostile measures, or that General McClellan might
find it necessary to promptly clear that portion of
Virginia from the presence of secession troops.
These two men were to travel ostensibly as farm
laborers, and their verdant appearance was made to
fully conform to such avocations.
Everything being in readiness, the two parties were
started, and we will follow their movements separately,
as they were to travel by different routes.
Price Lewis, the pseudo Englishman, and Sam
Bridgeman, who made quite a smart-looking valet in
his new costume, transferred their horses, wagon and
stores on board the trim little steamer " Cricket," at
Cincinnati, intending to travel along the Ohio River,
and effect a landing at Guyandotte, in Western Vir
ginia, at which point they were to disembark and
pursue their journey overland through the country.
I accompanied Lewis to the wharf, and after
everything had been satisfactorily arranged, I bade
him good-bye, and the little steamer sailed away up
the river.
ENTERTAINS MY LORD." 213
There were the usual number of miscellaneous
passengers upon the boat, and added to these were a
number of Union officers, who had been dispatched
upon various missions throughout that portion of the
State of Ohio. These men left the steamer as their
points of destination were reached, and after they had
departed, several of the passengers who had hitherto
remained silent, became very talkative. They began
in a cautious manner to express their opinions, with
a view of eliciting some knowledge of the sympathies
of their fellow-travelers in the important struggle
that was now impending. Lewis had maintained a
quiet, dignified reserve, which, while it did not forbid
any friendly approaches from his fellow-passengers,
at the same time rendered them more respectful, and
prevented undue familiarity. Sam Bridgeman con
tributed materially to this result; his deference to
"my lord" was very natural, and the respect with
which he received his commands convinced the
passengers at once that the English-looking gentle
man was a man of some importance.
The passengers all appeared to be Union men,
and while they expressed their regrets that the war
had commenced, they regarded their separation from
Eastern Virginia, with undisguised satisfaction.
At midnight, on the second evening, the boat
landed at Guyandotte, and Samuel, with a great deal of
importance, attended to the transfer of his master and
the equipage from the boat to the wharf. Here they
A REBEL CAPTAIN
found a number of men in uniform, who were ascer
tained to be representatives of the " Home Guard/ 1
and in a few minutes Bridgeman had secured the ser
vices of two of them, to assist him in safely landing
their effects. This being satisfactorily accomplished,
he, apparently in a sly manner, treated them to a drop
of good whisky, which formed part of the stores they
had been provided with. Stopping at the hotel over
night, they continued their journey on the following
morning. They drove leisurely along, and at about
ten o clock they stopped at a farm-house to rest
their horses. They remained here until nearly three
o clock in the afternoon, conversing with the old
farmer, who seemed to be much pained at the con
dition of affairs, but who had two sons who had
joined the rebel army. They renewed their journey
in the afternoon, and in about two hours reached the
little village of Colemouth, where there was a rebel
encampment. On passing this they were halted by
the guard, who inquired their business and destination.
Lewis told him he was an Englishman, accompanied
only by his servant, and that he was traveling through
the country for pleasure. The guard informed them
that he could not let them pass, and asked Lewis to
go with him to the Captain s headquarters, which was
located in a large stone house, a few hundred yards
distant. My operative willingly consented, and leav
ing Sam in charge of his carriage, he accompanied
the soldier to the officer s quarters. He was ushered
ENTERTAINS "MY LORD* 215
into a large and well-furnished apartment on the
second floor, and in a few minutes the Captain came
in,
He greeted my operative pleasantly, and informed
him that he regretted the necessity of detaining him,
but orders had to be obeyed. Lewis related in sub-
ssance what he had already stated to the guard, which
statement the Captain unhesitatingly received, and
after a pleasant conversation, he invited the detective
to accept the hospitality of the camp.
An English gentleman traveling for pleasure was
not to be treated with discourtesy, and upon Lewis
accepting of his invitation, a soldier was dispatched
to bring the horses and carriage and their impatient
driver into camp.
Supper was ordered, and in a short time the Cap
tain and his guest were discussing a repast which was
far more appetizing than soldiers fare usually is.
During the meal Sam stood behind the chair of
Lewis, and awaited upon him in the most approved
fashion, replying invariably with a deferential,
"Yes, my lord."
After full justice had been done to the repast,
Price directed Bridgeman to bring in from the car
riage a couple of bottles of champagne, and by the
time the hour of retiring had arrived the detective
had succeeded in impressing his entertainer with a
very exalted opinion of his rank and standing when
at home.
n6 A REBEL CAPTAIN
Lewis, being an Englishman by birth, was very
well posted about English affairs, and he entertained
his host with several very well invented anecdotes of
the Crimea, in which he was supposed to have taken
an active part, and his intimacy with Lord Raglan,
the commander of the British army, gained for hirr
the unbounded admiration and respect of the doughty
Captain.
From this officer Lewis learned that there were
a number of troops in Charleston, but a few miles
distant, and that General Wise, who was then in
command, had arrived there that day.
After a refreshing sleep and a bounteous breakfast,
Lewis informed the Captain that he would continue
his journey toward Charleston, and endeavor to ob
tain an interview with General Wise. The Captain
cordially recommended him to do so, and furnished
him with passports which would carry him without
question or delay upon the road. As they were
about taking their leave the Captain put into Lewis
hands an unsealed letter, at the same time remarking
with great earnestness :
"My lord, I beg of you to accept the inclosed
letter of introduction to General Wise ; as I am per
sonally acquainted with him, this letter may be of
some service to you, and I should be only too happy
if it will be so."
" Thank you," replied Lewis, "but you have
been far too kind already, and believe me I shall
ENTERTAINS "MY LORD." 217
always recall my entertainment at your hands with
pleasure."
The valiant Captain was not aware that he had
been furnishing very valuable information to his
gentlemanly visitor, and that while he was unsuspect-
ingly answering his well-directed questions, his serv
ant, the quiet Sam Bridgeman, was unobservedly
making notes of all that he heard in relation to the
situation of affairs and with regard to the probable
movements of the rebel troops.
A rather ridiculous incident occurred to our two
travelers after leaving the camp. They had pro
ceeded but a short distance upon their way, when
one of the horses they were driving cast a shoe,
which made it necessary for them to stop at a
little village and secure the services of a black
smith.
Driving up to the hotel, Lewis alighted from the
wagon, while Bridgeman drove to the blacksmith-
shop in order to have his horse attended to. As
Lewis ascended the steps of the hotel he noticed a
tall, rather commanding-looking gentleman seated
upon the porch, who was evidently scrutinizing his
appearance, very carefully. The stranger was a man
about sixty years of age, but remarkably well pre
served, and the lines on his face scarcely gave but
little indication of his years. There was an air of
seeming importance about him which impressed
Lewis with the fact that he must be one of the digni-
2i8 A REBEL CAPTAIN
taries of the place, and as he approached him he very
politely raised his hat and saluted him.
The old gentleman returned the salutation with
an inquiring gaze, and Lewis, in order to pave the
way to his acquaintance, invited him to partake of a
drink, which was cordially accepted. In a few
minutes, under its influence, the two men were con
versing with all the freedom of old friends.
Lewis ascertained that his companion was a jus
tice of the peace, an office of some importance in that
locality, and that the old gentleman was disposed to
give to his judicial position all the dignity which a
personal appreciation of his standing demanded. In
a quiet manner, Lewis at once gave the justice to
understand his appreciating the honor he had received
in meeting him, and by a few well-administered flat
teries, succeeded in completely winning the kind re
gards of the old gentleman. Their pleasant conver
sation was progressing with very favorable success,
when Sam Bridgeman drove up with the team, having
succeeded in finding a smithy and in having the lost
shoe replaced.
With a deferential, semi-military salute, he ad
dressed Lewis :
" We are all ready, my lord." At the mention
of the title the old fellow jumped to his feet in blank
amazement, and in the most obsequious manner, and
with an air of humility, that, compared with his bom
bastic tone of a few moments before, was perfectly
ENTERTAINS "MY LORD." 219
ridiculous. Jerking off his hat and placing it under
his left arm, he advanced, and said :
" If my lord would do me the honor to accept my
poor hospitality, I would only be too happy to have
the pleasure of his company for dinner ; my house
is only a short distance off, on the road to Chtrleston,
and will detain you no longer than to rest and
feed your horses, and partake of a true Southern
meal."
Lewis hesitated a moment, and then remembering
that he had represented himself as traveling purely
for pleasure, he did not see how he could avoid ac
cepting his kind invitation.
" I have heard, sir, of the hospitable character of
the Southern gentlemen, and I assure you I shall be
most happy to avail myself of your kindness."
The old Justice could not conceal his pleasure at
the prospect of entertaining a " live lord " in his own
house, and with evident delight he accepted a seat in
Lewis carriage. He directed the way to his dwelling,
which stood back from the road, surrounded by a grove
of lofty pines, and then invited his guest within ; in
trusting the care of the team to the care of Sam and
one of the servants, they entered the house, and were
soon engaged in discussing the situation of affairs, both
North and South. Lewis informed the old Justice
that his name was Henry Tracy, of Oxford, England,
and that his object was to reach Charleston, but that
he was not aware that the country was so unsettled,
220 A REBEL CAPTAIN
or ha would not have ventured on this trip, tie
then related his adventure of the day before, and
commented favorably on the gentlemanly bearing of
the Captain, and the manner in which he had been
treated. They indulged in pleasant conversation, on
various topics, until dinner was announced.
When they had done justice to an excellent re
past, they repaired to a shaded porch in the rear of
the house, and Lewis instructed Sam to bring out a
bottle of champagne and a bottle of brandy. These,
as already intimated, had been labeled with foreign
wrappers, so that the deception was complete. The
brandy was a very ordinary article, and the wine of
an inferior quality, but the old gentlemen went into
ecstasies over it, and under its mellowing influence, he
became familiar and confidential, and gave to my
shrewd operative much valuable information. Finally
the justice grew profusely demonstrative, and leaning
across the table, he said :
" My lord, I have never tasted such brandy as
you carry in all my life, I have a couple of warm
friends outside whom I have taken the liberty to send
for, and whom I know will be delighted to see you,
and still more pleased to taste this excellent liquor."
"Certainly," replied Lewis, * bring them in; I
shall be happy to meet them."
Lewis supposed, of course, that the two men
whom he had referred were planters and neighbors,
but imagine his surprise when the justice returned,
ENTERTAINS "MY LORD." 221
accompanied by the blacksmith and cobbler of the
village.
After being introduced . to "my Lord Tracy,"
Lewis invited them to take a glass with them, and
with evident pleasure, yet with visible embarrassment,
they accepted the invitation and seated themselves at
the table.
It was now that the old gentleman grew loqua
cious ; he was loud and profuse in his praises of the
brandy; he asserted again and again, that it had
never been his good fortune to taste such liquor, in
which encomiums the blacksmith and cobbler heartily
joined. As the afternoon wore away, and the pres
ent supply was exhausted, Sam was dispatched after
another bottle, and the social meeting continued un
til evening. Lewis was careful as to the amount he
drank, and intensely enjoyed the whole affair. The
idea of the blacksmith and cobbler hobnobbing with
an English lord, struck him as being so ridiculously
funny, that he laughed again and again at the absur
dity of the situation. Often during the evening he
laughed immoderately, at what they supposed their
own jokes and wit, when he was really thinking of
the ridiculous comedy in which he was playing the
leading part. When the hour for retiring arrived,
the old man begged as a special favor that he would
be allowed to keep one of the empty bottles, as a
memento of the occasion of his lordship s dining with
him, and to remind him of the pleasure he had en-
222 A REBEL CAPTAIN
joyed of drinking some rare old imported brandy
(made in Cincinnati). The blacksmith and cobbler
also looked so longingly at the empty bottles before
them, that Lewis could scarcely refrain from laughing
heartily, as he graciously complied with their request
for a souvenir of the occasion. The evident satisfac
tion with which they appropriated a bottle apiece, as
they started for home, and thek hearty thanks as
they bid him good-night, was heartily echoed by the
old justice, who carefully laid his bottle away as a
sacred relic of a never-to-be-forgotten event.
While the party were enjoying themselves on the
porch, Sam Bridgeman had been using his time well
among the servants, and had gleaned much valuable
information from them. They remained over night
with the old gentleman, and on the following morning,
after bidding him a kind farewell, they started on
their journey. Lewis did not forget, however, before
leaving, to take a parting glass with his host, who
seemed very reluctant to have them depart. They
continued on their way towards Charleston, traveling
but slowly, as the roads were heavy from the recent
rains. About noon they arrived at a farm-house, to
which they had been recommended by their host of
the night before. Here they stopped for dinner, and
after refreshing themselves, they again went on
The afternoon was warm and pleasant, and their
journey lay through a beautiful stretch of country.
Driving quietly along, they beguiled the time admir-
ENTERTAINS "MY LORD." 223
ing the beautiful scenery spread before them, and in
pleasant converse. Their enjoyment was, however,
suddenly interrupted by the sound of loud voices and
the clattering of horses hoofs immediately behind
him. Quickly turning around, the cause of this
unusual excitement was at once apparent. A fine
black horse, covered with foam, was tearing down the
turnpike at break-neck speed, and evidently running
away. Upon his back was seated a young lady, who
bravely held her seat, and who was vainly attempting
to restrain the unmanageable animal. Some distance
behind were a party of ladies and gentlemen on horse
back, all spurring their horses to the utmost, as if
with the intention of overtaking the flying steed in
front of them. Intense fear was depicted upon the
countenances of those in the rear, and not without
reason, for the situation of the young lady was
dangerous indeed.
Quick as a flash, my operatives realized the situa
tion of affairs, and the necessity for prompt action.
Without uttering a word, Sam Bridgeman turned
his horses directly across the road, intending by that
means to stop the mad course of the fiery charger
approaching them. As he did so, Lewis sprang from
the wagon, and with the utmost coolness advanced to
meet the approaching horse. On came the frightened
animal at a speed that threatened every moment to
hurl the brave girl from her seat, until he approached
nearly to the point at which my operatives had
224 A REBEL CAPTAIN
stationed themselves, and then, evidently perceiving
the obstructions in his path, he momentarily slackened
pace. In that instant Lewis sprang forward, and
grasping the bridle firmly with a strong hand, he forced
the frightened animal back upon his haunches. The
danger was passed. The horse, feeling the iron grip
upon the bridle, and recognizing the voice of
authority, stood still and trembling in every joint, his
reeking sides heaving, and his eyes flashing fire. The
young lady, with a sudden revulsion of feeling, fell
back in the saddle, and would have fallen but that
Sam Bridgemen, hastening to the relief of his com
panion, was fortunately in time to catch the fainting
figure in his arms. Extricating her quickly from the
saddle, he set her gently on the ground, and as he did
so the fair head fell forward on his shoulder, and, she
lost consciousness.
By this time Lewis had succeeded in quieting the
excited animal, and had fastened him to a tree by the
wayside, and as he turned to the assistance of
Bridgeman, the companions of the unconscious girl
rode up. Hastily dismounting, they rushed to her
aid, and in a few minutes, under their ministrations,
the dark eyes were opened, and the girl gazed won-
deringly around.
After being assisted to her feet, she gratefully
expressed her thankfulness to the men who had prob
ably saved her life, in which she was warmly joined
by the remainder of the party.
ENTERTAINS " MY LORD." 225
Sam Bridgeman received these grateful expres
sions with an air of modest confusion, which was
indeed laughable, and then said :
" It ain t no use thanking me, Miss, it was my
lord here, that stopped the the animal."
At the words "my lord, "a look of curiosity came
over the faces of the new-comers, and Lewis stepped
gracefully forward and introduced himself.
" I am glad, ladies and gentlemen, to have been
of service to this young lady, and permit me to intro
duce myself as Henry Tracy, of Oxford, England,
now traveling in America."
The three gentlemen who were of the riding
party grasped the hand of their new-made English
acquaintance, and in a few words introduced him to
the ladies who accompanied them, all of whom were
seemingly delighted to make the acquaintance of a
gentleman who had been addressed by his servant
as " my lord."
This adventure proved to be a most fortunate one
for my two operatives. The gentlemen, upon intro
ducing themselves, were discovered to be connected
with the rebel army, and to be recruiting officers sent
by Governor Letcher to organize such rebel volun
teers as were to be gathered in Western Virginia.
By them Lewis was cordially invited to join their com
pany to Charleston, which he as cordially accepted
Suggesting that as the young lady, who had scarcely
recovered from the accident, might not feel able to
15
226 A REBEL CAPTAIN.
ride her horse into town, he politely offered her a
seat in his carriage, which offer was gratefully ac
cepted, and attaching the runaway horse to the rear
of the vehicle, the party proceeded on their way to
Charleston, at which point they arrived without
further event or accident.
The young lady whom Lewis had so providen
tially rescued was the only daughter of Judge
Beveridge, one of the wealthiest and most influential
men in the State, and upon conducting her to her
home, the detective was received with the warmest
emotions by the overjoyed father. Lewis was pressed
to make the house of the Judge his home during his
stay, but gratefully declining the invitation, he took
up his quarters at the hotel, where he could more
readily extend his acquaintance, and where his move
ments would be more free.
The young officers whom he had met upon the
road had their quarters at the hotel at which Lewis
had stopped, and under their friendly guidance no
one thought of questioning his truthfulness, or im
peaching his professions.
By this means he was enabled to acquire a wonder
ful amount of information, both of value and impor
tance to the cause of the North, all of which was duly
reported to me at headquarters, and by me commu
nicated directly to General McClellan.
CHAPTER XIV.
The Rebels Attempt to Occupy West Virginia. Genei id
McClellan Ordered to Drive them Out. Early Battle.
T/te Federals Victorious. West Virginia Freed from
Rebel Soldiers.
T3 ECOGNIZING the importance of holding West
-LV Virginia, and of preventing the Unio n forces
from penetrating through the mountains in the direc
tion of Staunton, the rebel authorities had sent two
new commanders into that region. Ex-Governor Wise
was dispatched to the Kanawha Valley, and General
Garnet t, formerly a Major in the Federal army, was
sent to Beverly to attempt to gather up and reorganize
the remnants of Colonel Porterfield s scattered com
mand, and to adopt immediate measures to reinforce
them.
General Wise having been assigned to the Ka
nawha Valley, was expected to arrive at Charleston on
the day following the appearance of my operatives,
and the city was in a state of subdued excitement in
anticipation of his coming.
In the evening, Lewis, in company with the officers
whom he had met in the morning, proceeded to the resi
dence of Judge Beveridge, where he was cordially re-
228 WEST VIRGINIA FREED
ceived by that gentleman and his charming daughter t
who had now thoroughly recovered from the effects of
her dangerous ride. With rare grace she greeted my
operative, and her expressions of thankfulness were
couched in such delicate language, that the pretended
Englishman felt a strange fluttering in his breast,
which was as novel to him as it was delicious. He
passed a very delightful evening, and by his knowledge
of English affairs, and his unqualified approval of the
cause of the South, added to the fact that he was
believed to be a gentleman of rank and fortune, he
succeeded in materially increasing the high opinion
which had previously been entertained regarding him.
The next morning General Wise arrived, and his
appearance was hailed with delight by the disunion
element of the city, while those whose sympathies
were with the North looked with apprehension and
disfavor upon the demonstrations that were being
made in his honor.
At the first opportune moment, Price Lewis, with
the assistance of his new-found friends, the rebel
officers, succeeded in obtaining an introduction to the
ancient-looking individual whose career had been
marked by such exciting events, and who was so
prominent a figure in the tragedy that was now being
enacted. He was a small, intelligent-looking man,
whose age appeared to be nearly seventy years, and
whose emaciated appearance gave nvery token that
he had not long to live. His eyes shone with the
PROM REBEL SOLDIERS. 119
bxilliancy of youth, and the fires of ambition seemed
to be burning brightly in his breast. Perhaps no
other man in the South had contributed in so great a
degree to hasten the folly of secession, and certairjy
none rejoiced more heartily at its final realization.
By his eloquence, and the magnetic power of his
presence, he had led the ignorant classes of the State
to firm belief in the justice of his cause, and by his
teachings he had imbued them with a firm conviction
that they were acting for their own best interests, and
for the furtherance of the Southern supremacy and
success.
Stern and determined, he allowed nothing to
stand between him and the accomplishment of his
purposes. But a few months before, he had ordered
the execution of John Brown, who, with a mere hand
ful of men, had attempted to strike a blow in behalf
of the slave. This ardent abolitionist attacked and
captured Harper s Ferry, a government arsenal, by
overpowering the men who were stationed at that
place, but the authorities had been called upon, and
then, yielding to superior numbers, he was compelled
to surrender. In this encounter the majority of his
men were slain, and John Brown, with six of his asso
ciates, was taken prisoner. This occurred on the
i6th day of October, 1859, anc * on tne 22C ^ day *
December, after a hurried trial, the prisoners were
ordered by Governor Wise to be publicly hanged
The sentence was duly carried into effect, and the
ijo WEST VIRGINIA FREED
action of John Brown was used by the secession ad
vocates to inflame the minds of the Southern people
against the North. Now that secession had become
an established fact, it was a matter of question
whether the leaders of the Southern cause would not,
in the end, strike a far more forcible blow in favor of
the emancipation of the slave, than did the impetuous
old man who gave up his life at the behest of the
Southern leaders.
The General had been previously informed of the,
presence of Lewis in the hotel, and of his adventure
on the day previous, consequently, when he was pre
sented to the new commander, he was received with
warm cordiality. The General inquired particularly
into his history, and his present movements, all of which
were replied to by Lewis in a dignified and satisfac
tory manner. Under the influence of Lewis good
nature the General became social and familiar, and
invited him to dine with him in his apartments.
Leaving no opportunity that offered, the detec
tive took advantage of every available suggestion, and
the result was he became fully posted upon every
thing that was of importance, and was enabled to ren
der *uch an account of his labors as was satisfactory
in the: extreme. Sam Bridgeman, too, had not been
idle, but mingling freely with the soldiers, he had
succeeded in learning much of the conditions of the
country that was of immense advantage in the after
events of the campaign -in Western Virginia.
FROM REBEL SOLDIERS. 231
They remained in Charleston about eight days,
and then, taking leave of the many friends they had
made, they made their way safely back to Cincinnati
and reported. The other two men whom I had dis
patched upon the same mission traveled by rail across
the State of Ohio and reached the West Virginia line
at Point Pleasant. Here they began their investiga
tions, and passing unquestioned they roamed through
the country, passing eastward as far as Lynchburg.
Thence, they made a detour to the South, and jour
neyed as far as Chattanooga and Nashville, in Tennes
see, and thence to Louisville, Ky. Throughout their
entire pilgrimage they were ever on the alert to
acquire knowledge, and the immense amount of infor
mation which they gathered would only prove tedious
to both myself and the reader. It is enough to say
that they performed their duty in a manner creditable
to themselves and valuable to the cause they repre
sented, and I will simply summarize the situation.
General Garnett had posted himself in the pass
at Laurel Hill, with an additional force at Beverly,
while another, detachment, under Col. Pegram, had
established himself in the pass at Rich Mountain.
Here he had intended to fortify himself and to await
a favorable opportunity for breaking the railroad.
He found affairs upon his arrival in a miserable con
dition ; the troops were disorganized and without dis
cipline, arms or ammunition, and General Lee imme
diately sent him re-enforcements.
32 WEST VIRGINIA FREED
This was the condition of affairs, when, early in
July, General McClellan resolved to take the offen
sive and drive the rebels from West Virginia. In
this campaign he received material aid and assistance
from that brave officer General Rosecrans, who by
superhuman exertions penetrated the pathless forest
cutting and climbing his way to the very crest of
Rich Mountain.
This movement, difficult as it was, to the South of
the rebels, was a complete surprise to the enemy, who
was expecting their arrival from the North.
They made a gallant resistance, however, but the
Union forces had such an advantage that the contest
was quickly decided. The rebel forces were driven
from their breast-works and were compelled to take
refuge in thickets or the mountains. Their confu
sion was deplorable, and their defeat unmistakable.
This victory placed the enemy in a very precari
ous position. McClellan was in his front and Rose
crans in secure possession of the road behind him,
and Pegram, realizing the danger that threatened him,
returned to his camp and, hastily spiking his guns, he
abandoned all his stores and equipments, and endeav
ored to escape by marching northward along the
mountain, intending, if possible, to join Garnett at
Laurel Hill.
For the time being, he was successful in eluding
the Federal commanders, and after a most laborious
march of eighteen hours, found himself within three
FROM REBEL SOLDIERS. 333
miles of Leedsville. Here he was doomed to
disappointment, for he learned that Garnett had also
retreated, and that a strong Union column was in
close pursuit. Thus he was again caught between
two Union armies, and despairing of effecting his
escape, he sent a proposal to General McClellan,
offering a total surrender of his command. The
Union General accepted the proposition, and on the
following day the half-famished rebel fugitives laid
down their arms and became prisoners of war, only
too glad to receive once more comfortable quarters
and hunger-appeasing rations.
The fugitives who had escaped from the battle of
Rich Mountain carried the news of that disaster to
Beverly, and to General Garnett, at Laurel Hill, and
an immediate retreat was ordered. But he was closely
pressed by the advancing Union armies, and when
General Garnett reached Leedsville, he heard that
General McClellan was at Beverly, thus cutting off
effectually his further passage southward. He now
resolved upon the desperate attempt of turning to the
North and reaching St. George and West Union by a
rough and difficult mountain road, during which his
troops naturally became very much scattered and
disorganized. Although he was nearly fifteen hours
in advance of his pursuers, they gained rapidly upon
him, and notwithstanding every effort was made by
the rebels to impede his progress by felling trees in
the narrow mountain defiles, the Union advance
*34 WEST VIRGINIA FREED
overtook the rebel wagon-train at Carrick s Ford, one
of the crossings of Cheat River, about twenty-six
miles north-west of Laurel Hill. Here Garnett
resolved to risk an encounter, and facing about his
troops, he took a position on a favorable and pre
cipitous elevation on the river bank, and planting his
guns so as to command the ford and the approaching
road, he prepared to defend his retreat. A brisk
engagement at once ensued, and after a sharp contest
the rebel lines broke and fled, abandoning one of
their guns.
Retreat and pursuit were once more commenced,
and at the next ford, a quarter of a mile further on,
during a desultory skirmish fire between small parties
of sharpshooters, General Garnett was killed. Here
the Federal pursuit was discontinued, and the rebels
left in the hands of the victors their entire baggage
train, one gun, two stands of colors and fifty
prisoners.
Estimated according to mere numbers, these battles
of Rich Mountain and Carrick s Ford appear somewhat
insignificant in contrast with the great battles of the
rebellion, which occurred during the succeeding three
years. Hundreds of engagements of greater magni
tude, and attended with much more serious loss of
life, followed these encounters, and decided the
mighty problem of Northern success, but this early
skirmish with the rebels cm Rich Mountain, and this
rout of Gar lett s rear-guard at Carrick s Ford, were
PROM REBEL SOLDIERS. 235
Speedily followed by great political and military
results, which exercised a powerful influence upon the
after-conduct of the war. They closed a campaign,
dispersed a rebel army, which had for a long time been
harassing a State whose sympathies were with the
Union, and they permanently pushed back the
military frontier to the borders of rebellious territory.
Now, is it too much to say that the brilliant success
which attended this first aggressive movement of
General McClellan had a marked effect upon the
public mind ? That they gave a general impression
of his military skill is not to be doubted, and he was
from that time the hero of the hour. Certain it is
that a train of circumstances started from these
achievements which eventually led to his being called
to Washington after the reverses at Manassas and
Bull Run, and made him, on the first day of Novem
ber following, the General-in-Chief of all the armies
of the United States.
It is not necessary for me to follow the subse
quent operations in West Virginia, as my duties were
connected with General McClellan and his campaigns
in that district ended with the death of General Gar-
nett and the dispersion of his army. About a week
afterwards he was called to a new field of duty at
Washington city, and it is not my purpose to touch
upon events in which I took no part. It is enough
to say that, with somewhat fluctuating changes, the
rebels were gradually forced back from the Great
236 WEST VIRGINIA FREED.
Kanawha Valley, and the eventual result left West
Virginia in possession of the Federal troops, her own
inherent loyalty having contributed largely in pro
ducing this condition. The Union sentiment of the
people was everywhere made manifest, and the new
State government was consolidated and heartily sus
tained, ending in her ultimate admission as a separate
member of the Federal Union in June, 1863.
CHAPTER XV.
General McClellan is called to Washington and placed in
Command of the Armies, after the Battle of Bull Run.
The Secret Service Department. Its Duties and Respon
sibilities.
AS I am not attempting to write a history of the
^~~i- Civil War, but merely relating, as best I can,
the leading incidents connected with my labors in the
secret service, I shall not dwell upon the details of
the military movements of the war, except as they are
necessarily connected with my own movements. It
is necessary, however, to make cursory mention of
that remarkable chain of circumstances which fol
lowed General McClellan s campaign in West Vir
ginia, resulting in entire and unexpected change of
circumstances to him, and a consequent enlargement
of my own field of operations. Therefore, without
pausing to describe the various movements and enter
prises in West Virginia during the remainder of the
year 1861, or detailing the campaign of the three
months volunteers under General Patterson, and
their bloodless victory at Harper s Ferry, I will pass
>n to other scenes and events which lead directly to
the turning-point in my story.
[237]
238 THE SECRET SERVICE
Patriotism in the North was excited to such a
pitch that the people were impatient of delay, and
eager to strike a decisive blow a blow that would at
once annihilate treason and wipe out the insult to a
nation s flag, and maintain a nation s honor. The
resounding echoes of the rebel guns that had done
their work of destruction on Sumter s walls, were still
vibrating in the air.
The Confederate seat of government had been
transferred from Montgomery to Richmond, immedi
ately after Virginia s indorsement of the secession
ordinance, and this enthronement of rebellion so close
to the very stronghold of freedom, caused patriotic
resentment to blaze up with fresh intensity.
In the month of June a determined movement
against Manassas was resolved upon at Washington.
As a preliminary step to the advancement upon
the rebel capital, General Scott gave Patterson
orders to offer Johnston battle, or detain him in
the Shenandoah Valley by other demonstrations, in
order that his army might not unite with Beauregard s
and defeat the movement. But Patterson failed to
perform the task assigned to him, and bis failure lost
to the Union cause the first great battle of the
war.
General Beauregard was in possession of Manassas
with six thousand men, and this force was being
very materially increased by the arrival of reinforce
ments from time to time; but notwithstanding this
AND ITS DUTIES. 339
fact, it was believed that every chance of success
would be provided for by the strength of the Union
army at the capital, if only Johnston could be held in
check for a few days.
Delay in starting this expedition against the en
emy s works was unavoidable, and it was not until
the afternoon of the i6th of July that the march
of McDowell s army commenced. Even then the
progress was painfully slow, owing to inexperience
and lack of discipline on the part of the troops.
Manassas Junction was defended by about two
thousand rebels, with fourteen or fifteen heavy guns,
while at Bull Run, some three miles east of Manassas,
was stationed Beauregard s main army, over twenty
thousand strong, posted at the various fords of the
stream, in a line fully eight miles long. McDowell,
as a strategic movement to conceal his real purpose,
directed his march upon Centerville, at which place
Tyler s Division arrived on the morning of July 1 8th,
to find that it had been evacuated by the rebels, who
were all behind Bull Run. From Centreville, which is
situated on a hill, Tyler and his men had a view of
the whole valley spread out before them, with Ma
nassas on the high plateau beyond. It has been
hinted that Tyler was inspired with over confidence
by the utter absence of opposition to his advance, and
was thus betrayed into the indiscretion of a further
advance and an experimental assault This provoked
a skirmish, which speedly culminated in the battle of
240 THE SECRET SERVICE
Blackburn s Ford, the result of which was much loss
and demoralization.
Two more days elapsed before the great fight
occurred. Those two days were occupied by the en
gineers in efforts to find an unfortified ford over Bull
Run, which was accomplished in time to permit
McDowell to call his officers together on Saturday
night, and announce to them his plan of battle for
the following day. This brought the main contest on
Sunday, July 2ist, and before daylight on the morning
of that eventful day, both armies were up and astir,
each intending to take the initiative. There was much
unnecessary confusion and delay, mingled with undue
excitement and impetuosity, showing that everything
was raw and awkward on both sides. Perhaps no
troops ever engaged in warfare with as little knowl
edge of the privations, hardships and dangers of
soldier-life, as did the Union and Confederate armies
on this bloody field.
The day passed ; the shades of evening fell, and
the battle of Bull Run had been fought and lost !
Victory had perched itself on the rebel banners, and
the Union army was in full retreat towards Washing
ton. The engagement had been well contested, and
fought with equal courage and persistence by both
sides, and the result was quite as unexpected to the
Confederates as to the Federals.
But Johnston had not been kept out of the fray,
as it was calculated he would be. His army had
AND ITS DUTIES. 241
been permitted to arrive on the battle-field in the
nick of time to take a decisive part in the famous
conflict, and to turn the fortunes of the day at a
moment when the signs of victory were all in favor
of the Federal troops. Totally unconscious of the
fact that they had been fighting Johnston all day, the
Union soldiers had not once lost confidence in them
selves, and fully believed that they must win ; but
when a fresh assault from a new quarter convinced
them that Johnston s lorces had arrived, the realiza
tion and acknowledgment of coming defeat pervaded
the whole army, and the quick instinct of retreat was
aroused. They believed that success had now become
hopeless, and nothing could change this belief, or
check or control the impulse of flight, once started.
The day was lost ; the evidence of a great disaster
became suddenly overwhelming to the non-combat
ants in the rear ; the retreating brigades, and the
nearer approach of cannonade and musketry soon
confirmed the worst fears of a terrible defeat and a
hot pursuit ; and then began that insane scramble and
stampede for safety.
The sights and scenes encountered on the way to
Fairfax Court-House will never be effaced from the
memory of those who witnessed it. The story of that
memorable retreat has been told over and over again ;
of the mad flight of civilians, in carriages and on
horseback, lashing their steeds to the top of their
speed ; of soldiers of all regiments mingled confusedly
xo
242 THE SECRET SERVICE
together, some in complete uniform, others stripped
of everything but trousers, shirts and shoes, and all
footsore, haggard and half-starved ; of arms, clothing
and other valuables abandoned, that the progress of
the runaways might not be impeded by such incum-
brances ; of vehicles, and even ambulances, bearing
wounded men, left standing in the road, while the
frightened teamsters rode away like the wind, on
horses unhitched or cut out of their harness ; of army
wagons emptied of their loads and filled with
stragglers, thundering along the crowded highway : of
the dash and clatter o! artillery carriages ; of con
fusion, panic, demoralization and headlong hurry
everywhere along the route.
By midnight, mounted officers and civilians began
to arrive in Washington ; but not until the next day,
when the rain was pouring down in torrents that
dreadful, drenching rain that continued for thirty-six
hours, with but slight intermission did the poor,
hungry, fagged-out soldiers commence straggling in.
That they were promptly and properly fed by the
people, rich and poor, who threw open their doors
and gave what they could to alleviate the suffering of
these brave but unfortunate men, speaks volumes for
the unselfish generosity of the loyal families of the
capital during that period.
It was while this discouraging state of affairs ex
isted that General McClellan was called to Washing
ton, to assume control of the lately defeated troops,
AND ITS DUTIES. 243
General Rosecrans having succeeded him in the
command of the Army of the West. Considering his
recent success in West Virginia, and the military
skill and judgment there displayed by him, it is but
natural that McClellan should have been selected to
re-create the army, which was destined to defend the
Capital for the next three years.
His arrival in Washington, on the 27th of July,
was hailed with genuine delight by officers and citi
zens, for at that date he held the esteem and confi
dence and admiration of all loyal people. It was an
immense responsibility which devolved upon him, but
he accepted it cheerfully, and took up his task with
that energy, tact and perseverance which precluded
all possibility of failure. When first called to the
command, he found a mere collection of regiments,
undisciplined, undrilled and dispirited, cowering on the
banks of the Potomac, and with only such material to
work upon, he soon organized, equipped, and trained
with rare skill, that grand body of troops, which he
afterwards led in the campaign of the Peninsula.
The war was but just commenced, at a time when
most people thought it would be over. The " ninety
days " theory was completely exploded. Those who
had flattered themselves that the conflict would be
" sharp and short " that a single victorious and glo
rious campaign would crush the rebellion were now
undeceived. My own hopes had controlled my judg
ment on this subject, and made me visionary. I had
144 THE SECRET SERVICE
hoped foi myself to be able speedily to return co cor*
genial pursuits and my domestic circle, and thaf. a
speedy collapse of their frenzy would save the South
ern people from the inevitable ruin which must
result from a protracted war. I had hoped for my
country, that the spectacle she now presented to
the world exciting the derision of her enemies, and
the melancholy pity of her friends would soon be
changed by the "returning good sense of the people,"
as it was so easily and egotistically phrased by many
individuals at that time. Above all, I had hoped
for the oppressed and shackled race of the South,
that the downfall of slavery would be early a :com-
plished, and their freedom permanently establ shed.
Being myself an old line abolitionist, and by no
means the least active or energetic of those who had
controlled and operated the famous " under-ground
railroad," I had the Anti-Slavery cause very much at
heart, and would never have been satisfied until that
gigantic curse was effectually removed.
Indeed, during the whole time that I labored for
the cause of th? Union, the dearest object I had in
view was the abolition of the most cruel system of
oppression that ever cursed any people an oppres
sion long ago so justly characterized by John Wesley
as " the sum of all villainy " in comparison with
which Egyptian bondage appeared simply burden
some. All these hopes were dissipated by the results
of the late campaign. The war had developed into a
AND ITS DUTIES. 245
reality to estimate. " The Federal Union it must
and shall be preseived !" was the sentiment that
now prevailed, and all realized that the time for
doubt and hesitation had gone by.
There was no mistaking the duty of every loyal
heart the Republic must be saved at whatever cost.
As I have previously stated, my connection with
General McClellan was not interrupted by this
change in his position. By my own preference, as
well as at his request, I accompanied him to Washing
ton, and cast my lot with those who were rallying
there to protect and defend the government of the
United States.
Among the first things the General did, after
being assigned to the command of the troops around
that city, was to organize a secret service force,
under my management and control. I was to have
such strength of force as I might require ; my head
quarters were for the time located in Washington.
It was arranged that whenever the army moved I
was to go forward with the General, so that I might
always be in close communication with him. My
corps was to be continually occupied in procuring,
from all possible sources, information regarding
the strength, positions and movements of the enemy.
All spies, " contrabands," deserters, refugees and
prisoners ot war, coming into our lines from the front,
were to be carefully examined by me, and their state
ments taken in writing.
I 4 6 THE SECRET SERVICE
This was the first real organization of the secret
service. How much benefit was rendered to the
country by this branch of the army will probably
never be known the destruction of nearly all my
papers in the great fire of Chicago preventing their full
publication but that our operations were of immense
practical value to the Union commander is a fact
attested to by every one connected with the leading
movements of our forces.
It was about this time that the city of Washington
was placed under martial law a measure deemed
necessary to correct the serious evils which existed,
and to restore order in the city. Colonel Andrew
Porter, of the Sixteenth United States Infantry, was
appointed Provost-Marshal, and under his command
was placed all the available infantry, a battery, and a
squadron of cavalry. In addition to these, the assist
ance of a detective police force was deemed indispen
sable, and in answering this requirement I found
work enough to keep myself and entire corps busy
during our stay in Washington. A better under
standing of my position and the nature of my duties
at this time may be gained from the following extracts
from a letter which I addressed to General McClel-
lan wheQsthe organization of this department was yet
in its incipiency.
" GENERAL :
"In accordance with your expressed desire, I beg
leave to submit to you my views with regard to the
AND ITS DUTIES. 247
duties of my detective police force, should the
services of the same be required by the government.
%< In order to promote the efficiency of such a
force, it is highly necessary that its existence should
be known to as few persons as possible. It is an ad
mitted and self-evident fact that the movements of
the various departments of the government, civil and
military, are closely watched, and it is beyond a doubt
that from some source the rebels have received early,
and to them, valuable notice of the intended actions
of the government. I am also led to believe that the
rebels have spies who are in the employment of this
government, or who possess facilities for acquiring
information from the civil and military authorities, or
bureaus, and that this information is imparted to
others, and transmitted, within a very short time, to
the rebel government. Many of the parties thus
leagued with the enemy are said to be persons of
wealth and position.
" In operating with my detective force, I shall
endeavor to test all suspected persons in various
ways. I shall seek access to their houses, clubs, and
places of resort, managing that among the members
of my force shall be ostensible representatives of
every grade of society, from the highest to the most
menial. Some shall have the entree to the gilded
salon of the suspected aristocratic traitors, and be
their honored guests, while others will act in the
capacity of valets, or domestics of various kinds, and
try the efficacy of such relations with the household
to gain evidence. Other suspected ones will be
tracked by the shadow detective, who will follow
their every foot-step, and note their every action.
*4 THE SECRET SERVICE
" I also propose to employ a division of my force
for the discovery of any secret traitorous organization
which may be in existence ; and if any such society is
discovered, I will have my operatives become mem
bers of the same, with a view to ascertaining the
means employed in transmitting messages through the
lines, and also for the purpose of learning, if possible,
the plans of the rebels. All strangers arriving in the
city, whose associations or acts may lay them open to
suspicion, will be subjected to a strict survillance.
#. #.;*#.:*
"Another and more dangerous feature of the
service contemplated to be rendered to the govern
ment by my detectives, is that of entering the rebel
lines, and endeavoring to obtain accurate information
of the nature of their defences, the number of troops
under their command at various points, etc.
"In order to give efficiency to this movement,
operations should be commenced in Baltimore as well
as at Washington.
******
" Considering the amount of labor to be done and
the necessity of immediate action on my part, in case
these plans are to be carried out, I purpose concen
trating my entire detective force of both sexes into this
work. * * * * *
" The amount of force necessary to carry out such
an undertaking as I have indicated, will necessarily
be very large, and the assumption of disguises and
characters by my operatives, will be a very important
item in itself," etc., etc., etc.
My views were carried out just as they were set
AND ITS DUTIES.
249
forth in this letter, and I was soon hard at \\ork in
my efforts to " regulate " the District of Columbia.
It was too true that a great majority of the local
police were disloyal, and could not be depended upon
to faithfully discharge their duties to the government
that employed them : therefore, in addition to my
other work, I exerted myself to the utmost in aiding
the municipal authorities to reorganize and discipline
the police of the district.
Many personal incidents worthy of note occurred
during this period, but there was one which I recall
at this moment with a laugh at my own expense an
incident in which I was reluctantly compelled to oc
cupy the wotig side of a guard-house over night, and
instead vf capturing a prisoner became a prisoner
myself
GUARD-HOUSE PRISONERS.
CHAPTER XVI.
A Female Traitor. Suspicious Correspondence. A Close
Watch under Difficulties. I am Arrested. Exposure of
the Treason of a Trusted Officer. A Disgraced Captain
DURING the earlier stages of the rebellion, a
number of Southern sympathizers were domi
ciled in the city of Washington, and among the num
ber were many ladies of refinement and wealth, from
the South, who had been leaders of fashion and of
society in the brilliant days of previous administra
tions. Many of these ladies were extremely fascinat
ing in their manners, and being gifted with great per
sonal beauty and with rare conversational qualities,
they had gathered around them a brilliant circle of
acquaintances, to whom they dispensed regal hospital
ities and most delicate courtesies.
When the war broke out, these ladies thoroughly
identified themselves with the cause of the South, and
upon all occasions were unreserved in the expression
of opinions favorable to the rebels, and of fervent
hopefulness for the eventual success of the disunion-
ists. But little attention was paid to these grand
dames of the old regime, as it was not deemed possi-
[a 5 o]
A CLOSE V. ATCH UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 251
ble that any danger could result from the utterances
of non-combatant females, nor was it considered
chivalrous that resolute measures should be adopted
toward those of the weaker sex.
That this policy was a mistaken one was soon
fully proved, and when it was discovered that these
fine ladies were secretly giving information to the
enemy, it was deemed of great importance that such
means should be adopted as would prevent their
treasonable actions from being made valuable to the
opponents of the government, and who were seeking
its overthrow.
From information received from reliable sources,
it was shown that the rebel authorities were as fully
conversant with the plans of the Union commanders
as they were themselves. That they knew of the
position of every regiment and brigade, and the con
templated movements of the commanders, and the
time of proposed action, far in advance of any
publicity being given to them, and when the utmost
secrecy was the only true passport to victory. Indeed,
it was openly boasted that the secret information given
to the rebel generals had been mainly ibe cause of
the defeat of our armies at Bull Run and Manassas.
Upon these facts being fully proven, thr. govern
ment resolved to effectually prevent a continuance of
these practices, and that if they were persisted in, he
guilty parties should either be confined or exLW tr
the more congenial climate of Dixie.
asa A CLOSE ,VATCH
My department was in its infancy when the event
occurred which I am about to relate. I had secured
a house in Washington, and had gathered around me
a number of resolute, trustworthy men and discreet
women, who were devoted to the cause of their
country, but were scarcely in such a condition as to
move properly or with any systematized regularity.
I had not been many days in the city when one after
noon I was called upon by the Hon. Thomas A.
Scott, of Pennsylvania, who was then acting as the
Assistant-Secretary of War, who desired my services
in watching a lady whose movements had excited
suspicion, and who, it was believed, was engaged in
corresponding with the rebel authorities, and furnish
ing them with much valuable information.
This lady was Mrs. Rose Greenhpw, a Southern
woman of pronounced rebel proclivities, and who had
been unsparing in her denunciation of the " Abolition
North," and who had openly declared that " instead
of loving and worshiping the old flag of the Stars
and Stripes," she saw "in it only the symbol of
murder, plunder, oppression and shame." Mrs.
Greenhow had occupied a prominent position in the
social circles of the capital, and was personally
acquainted with all of the leading men of the country,
many of whom had partaken of her hospitality and
had enjoyed a social intercourse that was both
pleasurable and fascinating.
She had now become an avowed hater of the
UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 253
Union, and it was feared, from her previous associa
tion with officers in the army, that she was using her
talents in procuring information from them which
would be immediately communicated to the rebel
government at Richmond.
The residence of Mrs. Greenhovv was situated at
the corner of Thirteenth and I streets quite a
fashionable quarter of the city, and within a short
distance of the White House. The building, while
not at all imposing in appearance, was large,
roomy, and was furnished with every consideration
for wealth and tasteful refinement. It was a two-story
and basement brick building, the parlors of which
were elevated several feet above the ground, and
entrance was obtained by ascending a flight of steps
in the center of the edifice. This lady was a widow,
her husband having died some years before, and
being possessed of considerable means, and mingling
with the highest circles of Washington society, her
home was the resort of most of the prominent people
of the city.
The instructions of the Secretary of War were,
that a strict watch should be kept upon this house,
and that every person entering or leaving the same
should come under the close surveillance of my men,
who should endeavor to ascertain who they were, and
if they attempted in any manner to communicate with
any suspicious persons. I was to report to him daily,
and to continue my espionage until I received definite
254 A CLOSE WATCH
and official orders for its discontinuance. My further
instructions were, that in case any of the visitors of
Mrs. Greenhow should attempt to pass the lines of our
troops, they should be arrested at once, and a rigor
ous search of their persons instituted, in order that
nothing should be allowed to pass through without a
thorough examination by the Secretary of War or
Mr. Scott.
After the departure of the Secretary I took with
me two of my men, and proceeded to the vicinity of
the residence of Mrs. Greenhow. I was then quite a
stranger in Washington, and localities were not as
familiar to me as they afterward became, and I there
fore preferred to reconnoiter by daylight, to depend
ing upon a survey after nightfall.
The entire day had been dark, gloomy and threat
ening ; clouds had been gathering in the heavens, and
everything indicated the imminence of a severe storm.
As I left my headquarters, a slight shower of rain was
falling, which I knew was but the precursor of a storm
more violent. On arriving at the designated locality
I found everything to be as they had already been
described to me. The inside shutters to the windows
were closed, and no sign was apparent that the house
was occupied, and after carefully noting the situation
and the exposed condition of the premises, I left the
two men within a convenient distance of the place,
and returned for the additional aid which I thought
might be needed. Selecting three of my most discreet
UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 155
men, I again repaired to the scene of operations.
We had not proceeded far, when the storm burst upon
us in all its fury. The wind blew strong and chill,
and the rain fell in deluging torrents. Umbrellas
were a useless commodity, and, unprotected, we were
compelled to breast the elements, which now were
warring with terrible violence.
Arriving at Mrs. Greenhow s, under cover of the
darkness I posted my men in such positions as I thought
would be most advantageous for our purpose, and
then calling in the two whom I had left there during
the afternoon, I approached to within a short dis
tance of the house. The darkness and storm, while
decidedly uncomfortable, were of some benefit to us,
as but few people were abroad, and these paid no at
tention to passing events, seeming to be only too
anxious to reach their destination and to escape the
pitiless rain.
The blinds at the windows were still closed, but a
light was observed in two rooms upon the parlor
floor, and I knew that the house was occupied. Of
course I could see nothing within, as my view was
entirely obstructed by the closed blinds, and, at length,
becoming impatient at this unprofitable and unsatis
factory waiting, I determined to obtain a glimpse, at
least, of the interior, and to ascertain, if possible,
some knowledge of its occupants.
The parlor windows, through which the lights
were gleaming, were too high from the ground to per-
,56 A CLOSE WATCH
tnit me to see within, and summoning the two men whc
were awaiting instructions I made use of their strong,
broad shoulders in a manner quite novel to me, and
quite ludicrous, no doubt, to a passer-by who did not
understand the situation.
Ranging the two men side by side under the
broad windows in front of the house, I removed my
boots and was soon standing upon their shoulders
and elevated sufficiently high to enable me to accom
plish the object I had in view. I was now on a level
with the windows, and noiselessly raising the sash
and turning the slats of the blinds I obtained a full
view of the interior of the room. The furniture was
rich and luxurious, valuable pictures hung upon the
walls, and several pieces of statuary and various arti
cles of artistic ornamentation were arranged about the
apartment, but to my disapointment, it was unoccu
pied.
I was about to give expression to my chagrin at
this discovery, when a warning " Sh !" from one of
my sturdy supporters induced me to be silent
Some one was approaching the house, and hastily
clambering down from my perch, we hid ourselves
under the stoop which led. up to the front door.
Scarcely had we ensconced ourselves in this conven
ient shelter when we heard the footsteps of the new
comer, and to our satisfaction, he stopped in front of
the house, and ascending the steps rang the bell and
in a short time was admitted.
UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 257
By this time we were drenched to the skin the
rain had fallen in copious showers and during all the
time we had been exposed to its dampening influences
but paying but little heed to this, we again took
our position in front of the window, and I was soon
remounted upon the shoulders of my operatives, pre
pared to take notes of what transpired.
As the visitor entered the parlor and seated him-
self-awaiting the appearance of the lady of the house,
I immediately recognized him as an officer of the
regular army, whom I had met that day for the first
time. He was a Captain of infantry and was in com
mand of one of the stations of the Provost-Marshal,
and not desiring to divulge the real name of the gen
tleman, who has since died, I will call him Captain
Ellison.
He was a tall, handsome man of a commanding
figure and about forty years of age. He had re
moved his cloak, and as he sat there in his blue uni
form, and in the full glare of the gaslight, he looked a
vertible ideal soldier. As I watched him closely,
however, I noticed that there was a troubled, restless
look upon his face; he appeared ill at ease and
shifted nervously upon his chair, as though impatient
for the entrance of his hostess. In a few moments
Mrs. Greenhow entered and cordially greeted her
visitor, who acknowledged her salutations with a
courtly bow, while his face lighted up with pleasure as
he gazed upon her.
17
25 8 A CLOSE WATCH
Just at this moment I again received a warning
from my supporters, and hastily jumping to the
ground, we hid ourselves until the pedestrians had
passed out of sight and hearing. When I resumed
my station the Captain and Mrs. Greenhow were
seated at a table in the rear part of the room, and
their conversation was carried on in such low tones
that, in consequence of the storm that was still rag
ing, I could not catch but fragmentary sentences.
At last, however, accustoming myself to the noise,
I heard enough to convince me that this trusted
officer was then and there engaged in betraying his
country, and furnishing to his treasonably-inclined
companion such information regarding the disposi
tion of our troops as he possessed.
Presently, he took from an inner pocket of his
coat a map which, as he held it up before the light, I
imagined that I could identify as a plan of the forti
fications in and around Washington, and which also
designated a contemplated plan of attack.
My blood boiled with indignation as I witnessed
this scene, and I longed to rush into the room and
strangle the miscreant where he sat, but I dared not
utter a word, and was compelled to stand by, with
the rain pouring down upon me, and silently witness
this traitorous proceeding.
After watching their movements for some time,
during which they would frequently refer to the map
before them, as though pointing out particular points
UNDER D1FF1 C UL TIES. 259
or positions, I was again compelled to hide myself
under the shelter of the convenient stoop, and when
I resumed my position the room was empty. The
delectable couple had disappeared. I waited impa
tiently for more than an hour, taking occasional
glimpses into the room and watching for their re-ap
pearance. At the end of that time they re-entered
the parlor arm in arm, and again took their seats.
Again came the warning voice, and again I hastily
descended, and as the retreating figures disappeared
in the distance, I could hear the front door open and
the step of the traitor Captain above me.
With a whispered good-night, and something that
sounded very much like a kiss, he descended the
steps, and then, without paying any attention to the
fact that I was without shoes, I started in pursuit of
him, and through the blinding mist and pelting storms
kept him in view as he rapidly walked away. It was
then about half-past twelve o clock, and the storm
evinced no sign of a discontinuance,
I was not sufficiently acquainted with the city at
that time to tell in what direction he was going, but
I determined to ascertain his destination before I left
him. I was compelled to keep pretty close to him,
owing to the darkness of the night, and several times
I was afraid that he would hear the footsteps of the
man who accompanied me mine I was confident
would not be detected as, in my drenched stockings,
I crept along as steathily as a cat. Twice, I imagined
160 A CLOSE WATCH
that he turned around as though suspecting he was
followed, but as he did not stop I reassured myself
and plodded on. I could not, however, disabuse my
mind of the fear that I had been seen, I could not re
lax my vigilance, and I resolved to take my chances
of discovery. I knew who my man was, at all events,
and now I must ascertain where he was going.
As we reached the corner of Pennsylvania avenue
and Fifteenth street I imagined that I saw a revolver
glistening in his hand, but it was too dark for me to
determine that fact with any degree of certainty. At
this point he passed a guard on duty, and quickly
passed into a building immediately in advance of
me.
This movement was so unexpected, that I had no
time to turn back, and I was so close to him that it
would have been very unwise to have done so, but I
was more surprised when, as I reached the building
into which the Captain had disappeared, I was sud
denly confronted by four armed soldiers, who rushed
suddenly out upon me, with fixed bayonets pointed at
my breast.
" Halt, or I fire P called out the officer of the
guard.
Realizing that an attempt at resistance or escape
would be both foolish and useless, I attempted to
make an explanation. All to no purpose, however. I
informed them that I had been out late and had lost my
way,, but they refused to listen, and ordered my -
UN&ER DIFFICULTIES. 261
panion and myself to march at once into the guard
house. I endeavored to make the best of my misfor
tune, and entering the building we seated ourselves
and awaited developments.
After waiting for about half an hour, I was in
formed that my presence was required by the Captain;
and the guard conducted me up-stairs to his room.
As I entered, I found myself face to face with Captain
Ellison, who was pacing excitedly up and down the
floor ; stopping immediately in front of me, he glared
fiercely at me for some minutes without uttering a
word.
I was a sorry figure to look at, and as I surveyed
my weather-soaked and mud-stained garments, and
my bare feet, I could scarcely repress a laugh,
although I was deeply angered at the sudden and
unexpected turn affairs had taken.
"What is your name?" imperatively inquired the
Captain, after he had fully recovered himself, and had
taken his seat at a table which stood in the room.
" E. J. Allen," I replied.
" What is your business ?"
" I have nothing further to say," I coolly replied,
"and I decline to answer any further questions."
" Ah !" said the Captain, " so you are not going to
speak. Very well, sir, we will see what time will
bring forth."
He endeavored to impress me with his importance
and played restlessly with the handles of two revol-
262 A CLOSE WATCH
vers that lay before him on the table but I saw too
plainly through his bravado, and I knew that the
scoundrel was really alarmed.
Finding that he could not compel me to answer
his questions, he turned to the sergeant and or
dered :
" Take this man to the guard-house, but allow no
one whatever to converse with him ; we will attend
further to his case in the morning."
I made a profound bow to the discomfited officer
as I departed, to which he replied with an oath, and
then I was conducted down-stairs and placed among
the other prisoners.
I found myself in a mixed and incongruous as
sembly indeed. Most of my fellow-prisoners were
stupidly drunk, and lay about the floor like logs ;
others were laughing and singing, while some were
indulging in wild threats against the men who
arrested them. Here I found my companion, who,
representing himself as a Southern man had already
become acquainted with two secessionists, who were
laughing and talking about what they would have to
tell when they obtained their release. He soon in
gratiated himself with these men, and before daylight
had obtained from them a revelation of certain mat
ters that subsequently proved of great value to us in
our operations.
As for myself, my feelings can better be imagined
than described. Inwardly chafing against the unfor-
UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 263
tunate and disagreeable position in which 1 found
myself, I was deeply concerned regarding the situa
tion of affairs at the residence of Mrs. Greenhow.
I had given no definite orders to my men, and they
would be doubtful as to what course to pursue until
they heard from me, and here was I a prisoner in the
hands of the man against whom I had grave charges
to prefer, and whom I had detected in treasonable
correspondence. Added to this, my wet garments
and the cold atmosphere of the room in which I was
confined, affected me with a degree of chilliness that
was distressing in the utmost. I shook like an aspen,
and my teeth for a time chattered like castanets. It
may be imagined that the hilarity of my fellow-pris
oners had but little charm for me, until at length one
of the guards very kindly brought me a blanket and
an overcoat, which I wrapped about me, and soon be
gan to feel more comfortable.
Despite the aggravating circumstances under
which I suffered, I could not refrain from smiling at
the ridiculous appearance I must have presented as I
stood before the irate Captain who had. caused my
arrest. My hat was battered down over my face, and
my clothing was spattered with mud from head to
foot, and were dripping with water as I stood there.
One might more readily imagine that I had been
fished out of the Potomac than that I was the chief
of the secret service of the government, in the per
formance of duty.
264 A CLOSE WATCH
By the Captain s orders I was prevented from
conversing with my fellow-prisoners, so I turned my
attention to the guard. My chief desire was to ap
prise Mr. Scott of my captivity, as early as possible,
in order that my release could be effected without
unnecessary delay, and I therefore applied myself to
the entertainment of my jailer.
The soldier who had charge of me I soon found
to be a jolly, kind-hearted fellow, and I amused him
immensely by relating some ridiculous anecdotes
which I had heard, and before the time came for him
to be relieved I had entirely won his favor.
Seizing a favorable opportunity I asked him if he
would deliver a note for me after his time for stand
ing guard had expired, at the same time offering to
repay him for his trouble: To this he readily as
sented, and by the dim light afforded us I managed
to scribble a few hasty lines to the Assistant Secre
tary of War, informing him of my imprisonment, and
requesting him to order my release as soon as possi
ble, and in a manner which would not excite the sus
picion of Captain Ellison.
At about six o clock the guards were changed,
and my messenger departed upon his mission. He
was fortunate enough to find the servants of Mr.
Scott astir, and informing them that his message was
of extreme public importance, he had it delivered to
the Secretary in his chamber at once. At seven
o clock the guard returned, and coming to the door,
UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 265
he conversed a few minutes with the soldier who had
succeeded him, when I called out :
"How is the weather outside?"
" All right, sir !" replied the man, with a sly wink,
and then I knew that my note had been safely deliv
ered, and my liberation simply a question of time.
At about half-past eight o clock the sergeant of
the guard came to the door with a paper in his hand,
and called out :
" E. J. Allen and William Ascot !"
Ascot was the name of my operative who had
been arrested with me, and with whom I had not
exchanged a word since I had been imprisoned. We
responded to our names, and following the sergeant,
were again taken to the room occupied by Captain
Ellison..
"The Secretary of War has been informed of
your arrest, and you will be conducted to him at
once, and then we shall see whether you will remain
silent any longer." ,
The manner of the Captain was imperious and
commanding, and I laughed to myself as I thought
of the possible result of our interview with the Secre
tary. The Captain led the way, and in the company
of four soldiers, we left the place, arriving in a few
minutes at the residence of Mr. Scott. He was
awaiting our arrival, and as we entered the room he
ordered the guard to release me, and directed me tc
accompany him to his room. I followed him imme-
266 A CLOSE WATCH
diately, and as the door closed behind us, he burst
into a hearty laugh at my uncouth and unkempt ap
pearance. I was a sorry spectacle indeed, and as I
surveyed myself in the mirror, I joined in his merri
ment, for a more realistic picture of a " drowned rat"
I never beheld.
I at once detailed what had transpired on the pre
ceding night, and as I related the interview which I had
witnessed between Captain Ellison and Mrs. Green-
how, his brow became clouded, and starting to his
feet, he paced the room rapidly and excitedly.
" Mrs. Greenhow must be attended to. She is
becoming a dangerous character. You will therefore
maintain your watch upon her, and should she be
detected in attempting to convey any information
outside of the lines, she must be arrested at once.
And now we will attend to Captain Ellison."
Tapping a bell which stood upon his table, he
ordered :
" Request Captain Ellison to come here."
As the Captain made his appearance, he seemed
to be very ill at ease, and gazed search ingly at Mr.
Scott and myself, as though he suspected something
was wrong.
"Captain," said Mr. Scott, addressing him, "will
you give me the particulars of the arrest of this
man ?" pointing to me.
The Captain answered that he had gone to visit
some friends, who resided in the outskirts of the city,
UNDER D IFF 1C UL TIES. 26 7
in the evening, and on returning at a late hour, he
had noticed that he was being followed, and supposing
me to be a foot-pad or a burglar, had ordered my
arrest.
" Did you see any one last evening who is inimi
cal to the cause of the government ?"
The Captain became flushed and nervous under
this direct question. He darted a quick glance at
me, and after hesitating for some moments he
answered in a faltering voice :
" No, sir ; I have seen no person of that char
acter."
" Are you quite sure of that ?" sternly inquired
Mr. Scott.
" I am, sir."
"In that case, Captain, you will please consider
yourself under arrest, and you will at once surrender
your sword to Captain Mehaffy."
The Captain was completely unmanned as these
words fell from the lips of the Secretary, and sinking
into a chair, he buried his face in his hands, seemingly
overcome by his emotions.
But little remains to be told. Captain Ellison
was arrested, and a search among his effects dis
covered sufficient evidence to prove that he was
engaged in furnishing information to the enemy, and
he was confined for more than a year in Fort
McHenry. He was finally released, but broken in
spirit and in health, and fully realizing the disgrace
268 A CLOSE WATCH
he had brought upon himself, he died shortly after*
ward.
After leaving the residence of Mr. Scott, I took a
carriage and went directly to my headquarters, and
dispatched new men to relieve those who had been
on duty all night, and who had been so anxious for
my safety that they had sent several times to make
inquiries, and who were unable to account for my
absence. They had, I was rejoiced to learn, taken
care to recover my shoes, which I was afraid would
be found by some one connected with the house, and
thus lead to the suspicion that the premises were the
object of espionage.
We continued our watching of the premises, and
during its continuance a number of prominent gentle
men were received by the fascinating widow, and
among the number were several earnest and sincere
Senators and Representatives, whose loyalty was
above question, and who were, perhaps, in entire
ignorance of the lady s true character.
Almost every evening one particular individual
was observed to call at the house, and his visits invari
ably were of long duration. He was therefore made
the object of especial attention by me, and in a short
time I succeeded in learning his true character, and the
nature of the business which he followed. Ostensibly
an attorney, I ascertained that he was undoubtedly en
gaged in the vocation of a Southern spy, and that he
had a number of men and women under him by whom
UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 269
the information was forwarded to the rebel authori
ties. This gentleman, therefore, found himself, in a
very few days, a prisoner of war.
About eight days after this, orders were given for
the arrest of Mrs. Greenhow herself. She was confined
in her own house, and all her papers were seized and
handed over to the custody of the Department of
War. The intention of the government was to treat
her as humanely and considerately as possible, but
disdaining all offers of kindness or courtesy, the lady
was discovered on several occasions attempting to
send messages to her rebel friends, and finally her re
moval to the Old Capitol prison was ordered, and she
was conveyed there, where she was imprisoned for
several months. After this she was conveyed across
the lines, and reached in safety the rebel capital,
where she was greeted by the more congenial spirits
of rebel dom.
Mrs. Greenhow afterwards went to Europe, in
some trustworthy capacity for the Confederacy, and
while there was noted for her bitter animosity to the
Union, and her vituperation of Northern men and
measures, but retribution maybe said to have followed
her, and some time subsequent to this, having returned
again to the South, she made her way to Charleston,
S. C., from thence she took passage upon a blockade-
runner, upon some secret mission for the Confederacy.
Her person was loaded down with gold, which was
packed in a belt close to her body. After passing
2 7 o A CLOSE WATCH UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
Fort Sumter, a severe storm arose, and the little
vessel began to pitch and roll in the angry waters,
which swept in huge waves over her deck. Mrs.
Greenhow was, I was since informed, washed over
board, and the weight upon her person carried her
down and she was lost. No trace of her was evei
afterwards discovered
A FEMALE SPY.
CHAPTER XVII.
Timothy Webster in Baltimore. An Encounter with a Fire-
eater. Webster Defends Himself. Treason Rampant
in the Monumental City.
r I "HE city of Baltimore at this time was also under
military rule. It was garrisoned by United
States troops, commanded successively by Butler,
Banks and Dix, for the purpose of enforcing respect
and obedience to the laws, and of presenting any
violations of order within its limits, by the malignant
and traitorous element of the people. Marshal
Kane, the Chief of Police, as well as the active mem
bers of the police commissioners, were arrested and
held in custody at Fort McHenry, because of the
alleged encouragement and protection which were
given to those unlawful combinations of men who
were secretly aiding in numerous ways the people at
war with the government. General Banks appointed
a Provost-Marshal for the proper execution of the
laws, in conjunction with the subordinate officers of
the police department. This condition of things was
of course a direct result of the great riot of the igth
of April, and the intention was to curb those
mutinous spirits, whose passions otherwise would
[*? ]
272 AN ENCOUNTER
have led them into committing all sorts of crimes and
outrages against the government. Notwithstanding
these measures, however, the disturbing element was
not by any means passive and inert, although appear
ances may have warranted such a conclusion. Secret
bands of conspirators were still in existence, and
were working assiduously for the advancement of the
Southern cause.
By direction of General McClellan, I sent several
of my best operatives to Baltimore, chief among
whom was Timothy Webster, with whom the others
were to co-operate whenever their assistance were
required by him. The principal object in this was to
enable Webster to associate with the secessionists of
that city, and by becoming familiar and popular with
them, to pave his way for an early trip into the rebel
lines.
During his residence in Baltimore he was directed
to represent himself as a gentleman of means and
leisure, and to enable him the better to carry out this
idea, I provided him with a span of fine horses and a
carriage, for his own pleasure. He made his home
at Miller s Hotel, lived in good style, and in his own
irresistible way he set about establishing himself in
the good graces of a large number of people, of that
class whose confidence it was desirable to obtain
This task was made comparatively easy by the fact
that he already had numerous acquaintances in the
city, who introduced him about with great enthu-
WITH A FIRE-EATER.
273
siasm, representing him to be as they really believed
he was a gentleman whose whole heart and soul was
in the cause of the South. Thus, by easy stages, he
soon reached the distinction of being the center and
principal figure of an admiring crowd. Before a
week had elapsed he had become a quietly-recognized
leader in the clique with which he associated, and soon
regarded as a man of superior judgment and power in
all matters relating to political and state affairs.
During fair weather he would frequently drive
out with one or more of his friends, and his hand
some equipage became well known on the streets,
and at the race-course. He was introduced into the
houses of many warm sympathizers with the South,
and by his agreeable and fascinating manners he be
came a favorite with the female members of the
family. Through all, he was apparently an earnest
and consistent advocate of Southern rights, never
overdoing the matter by any exhibition of strained
excitement or loud avowals, but always conversing
on the subject with an air of calm conviction, using
the strongest arguments he could invent in support
of his pretended views. In compliance with the
request of many of his Southern friends, he and John
Scully, another of my operatives, went to a photo
graph gallery one day and had their pictures taken,
holding a large Confederate flag between them,
while Webster wore the rebel hat which the doughty
Dr. Burton had presented to him in Memphis.
18
274 4M ENCOUNTER
During all this time Webster was gathering infor.
mation from every quarter concerning the secret
plots and movements of the disloyal citizens, and
promptly conveying it to me, and for this purpose he
made frequent trips to Washington for verbal instruc
tions, and to report in person the success of his
operations. Sometimes he would be accompanied by
one or more of his intimate associates, and these
occasions were not without profit, for when thus
accompanied, although necessarily prevented from
reaching my office, he was enabled to increase his
acquaintance with the traitorous element of Washing
ton, and finally was enabled to unmask several guilty
ones whose loyalty had never been impeached or
suspected.
Once, on returning to Baltimore, after a longer
absence than usual, his friends greeted him warmly.
" By Jove, Webster, we had begun to .think you
were in trouble," one of them exclaimed.
" No danger of that," was the laughing response.
" I have no intention of being trapped before I fulfill
my mission. I have some valuable work to do for
the Southern Confederacy before the Yankees can
get the upper hand of me."
They were in a saloon a favorite rendezvous of
these men and Webster was in the midst of his crowd.
He was telling them about some imaginary "points"
which he had picked up in Washington, and assuring
them he would in some manner transmit the informa-
WITH A FIRE-EATER 275
tion he had received to the rebel comrr.anders before
he was a week older. While thus entertaining his
hearers, his attention was attracted by a man who en
tered the saloon with a swaggering gait, his hands in
his pockets, and his hat tipped over one side of his
head. He knew this man as a ruffian and bully of
the worst stripe, Bill Zigler, and one of the ringleaders
of the mob that had attacked the Union troops on
the iQth of April; consequently, he entertained a
wholesome contempt for the fellow, and avoided him
as much as possible.
He was much surprised when the new-comer
stopped in the middle of the room, and exclaimed,
gruffly :
" Hello, Webster ! You re here, are you ? By
G d, I ve been looking for you !"
Webster turned toward him a look of surprised in
quiry.
" Did you speak to me, sir ?" he asked, quietly.
"Yes, I spoke to you, sir!" mimicked Bill
Zigler, in a bullying voice. " I say I ve been lookin
for you, and when I ve spoke my piece I reckon
this town will be too hot to hold you many hours
longer."
" I don t understand you," protested Webster.
" Ha ! ha ! ha !" laughed the ruffian, a glitter of
triumph and hatred in his eyes. "You ve been
playin it fine on the boys here for the last three
weeks, but d n you, I ll spoil your little gameP
376 AN ENCOUNTER
" What do you mean ?" demanded Webster, his
angei beginning to rise. " You speak in riddles."
" I ll tell you what I mean !" blustered the bully.
" Gentlemen," turning toward the crowd, and point
ing his finger toward the detective ; " that man is
leagued with the Yankees, and comes among you as
a spy."
There was a general start of astonishment, and
Webster himself was dumfounded.
" Oh, nonsense, Zigler," spoke up one of the men,
after a death-like silence of several moments. " You
must be drunk to make such an assertion as that.
There is not a better Southern man in Baltimore
than Mr. Webster."
" I am as sober as the soberest man here," declared
Zigler ; " and I reckon I know what I am talking about.
I saw that fellow in Washington yesterday."
" I can well believe that you saw me in Washing
ton yesterday," said Webster, quietly, "for I certainly
was there. I have just been telling these gentlemen
what I saw and heard while there."
" Maybe you have, but I ll bet ten dollars you
didn t tell em that you had a conversation with the
chief of the detective force while you were there !"
Webster, it must be admitted, was wholly unpre
pared for this, but he realized in an instant that the
bully s insinuation must be denied and overcome,
With an assumption of uncontrollable rage he criad
out " You are a liar and a scoundrel !"
WITH A FIRE-EATER. 277
" I am, eh ?" hissed Zigler through his clenched
teeth, and before any one could make a movement
to restrain him he sprang furiously toward Web
ster.
Quick as was this movement, however, Webster
was prepared for him. Like a flash of lightning his
fist flew straight out from the shoulder, striking the
ruffian between the eyes, with a force that would have
felled an ox. The man reeled half-way across the
room, and fell prostrate between two tables.
With a roar like that of a baffled beast, Zigler
gathered himself up and rushed at Webster, flourish
ing above his head a murderous-looking knife. But,
as if by magic, a revolver appeared in the detective s
hand, the muzzle of which covered his adversary s
heart.
" Stop !" cried Webster, in a tone of stern com
mand. " Hold your distance, you miserable cur, or
your blood will be upon your own head !"
Zigler involuntarily recoiled. The frowning muz
zle of the pistol, the unmistakable meaning of those
words, and the deadly purpose expressed in the cold,
calm face before him, were too much even for his
boasted bravery. He turned pale and drew back,
muttering and growling.
" Coward !" exclaimed Webster, " if I served you
right I would shoot you down like a dog ; and I am
afraid I can t resist the temptation to do so anyway,
if you don t immediately leave the room. Go ! and
278 AN ENCOUNTER
in future be careful who you accuse of being in league
with the accursed Yankees."
By this time a number of the other men had re
covered from their astonishment, and they immedi
ately joined their threats to those of Webster, com
manding Zigler to leave the saloon at once, if he
desired to "save his bacon."
Zigler did not dare to disobey. Sullenly putting
up his knife, and muttering curses on the whole
crowd, he slunk out, stopping at the door long
enough to glance back at Webster, with the exclama
tion :
" I ll fix you yet, d n you !"
When he was gone, Webster said :
" I cannot conceive what that fellow has against
me, that he should try to defame my character by such
an accusation."
Several of the men broke into a derisive laugh.
" I d as soon suspect Jeff Davis of being a Yankee
spy," said one, with a boisterous guffaw.
" Lord, Webster," spoke up another, "you needn t
calculate that anything that fellow can say is going to
injure you with the people here."
" I reckon Zigler is mad because you won t
clique in with him and his gang," said a third, " No
body takes any stock in him. It would have been
considered a good riddance if your pistol had gone off
while it covered his heart. Bah ! he isn t worth a
thought Come, boys, let s licker."
WITH A FIRE-EATER. 279
And the affair ended in a witty cross-fire of jokes,
frequent explosions of hearty laughter, and numerous
bumpers of sparkling wine.
So far from proving disastrous to Webster or his
mission, this little episode with Bill Zigler rather
elevated him in the estimation of his companions.
The neat knock-down with which he had met the
bully s unprovoked assault ; his air of virtuous in
dignation in resenting the imputation of disloyalty
to the South, and the manner in which he had de
feated and put to flight a man who was much feared
among his fellows, only won for him new laurels, and
caused him to be regarded as brave as he was loyal.
His intimate acquaintances reposed such firm faith in
him, that not one of them entertained for a moment
the thought that there might possibly be a grain of
justice in Zigler s accusation.
One morning, not long after this little episode,
Webster left his hotel to walk down town, when he
noticed that there was some unusual excitement on
the streets. On every corner on Baltimore street,
from the Exchange office, large numbers of men were
standing in groups, evidently absorbed in some par
ticular topic of conversation.
While wondering what all this meant, the detec
tive was accosted by a man named Sam Sloan, one of
the most faithful of his adherents.
" Webster, I was just going up to see you. Have
you heard the news ?"
2 8o AN ENCOUNTER
" I have heard nothing, Sam," was the reply. " Is
there a new sensation this morning ?"
" Another of Lincoln s outrages," said Sloan,
with an indignant oath. " Major Brown, Ross
Winans, and several others were arrested last night,
and taken to Fort McHenry."
" What for ?"
" For no other purpose, I suppose, than to break
up the election, which is to take place next month."
" But how can that interfere with the election ?"
" By making us all afraid to go to the polls, or
speak our minds."
The two walked down the street together, and
dropped into a drug store, which was known as one
of the resorts of the unterrified. There they found
a number of men conversing somewhat excitedly.
The proprietor, a Mr. Rogers, turned toward the new
comers and said :
" Good morning, Mr. Webster ; we were just talk
ing over last night s proceedings."
" It beats anything I ever heard of," said Web
ster, warmly " But what can we do ?"
" Nothing just now," returned Rogers ; " but I
think there will soon be a time when we will have a
chance to do something. In the meantime, gentle
men, we must make up our minds to say nothing.
We have all been too free with our tongues. Here
after, we must keep mum, or we will all get into Fort
McHenry "
WITH A FIRE-EATER. 281
" We must just lay low, and wait till Jeff crosses
the Potomac," said one of the loungers.
" If we only had arms," said Webster, musingly.
" Arms !" echoed Rogers ; " why, sir, we have
from five to six thousand stand of arms right here in
Baltimore."
"That may be true," said Webster, "but nobody
seems to know where they are."
" I am satisfied they will turn up at the right
time," said Rogers. " Marshal Kane, before he was
arrested, put them in the hands of men who will take
good care of them until they are wanted."
" And let us hope they will be wanted inside of
two weeks," put in Sloan. " We can afford to be
quiet now, boys, but when the Southern army comes
this way, we ll rise ten thousand strong, and help
take Washington."
The opinion seemed to have fixed itself in the
rninds of nearly all the Southern sympathizers in the
city, that in a very brief space of time, three or four
weeks at the utmost limit, Baltimore would be occu
pied by rebel soldiers, and Jeff Davis would be there
in person.
"One thing is certain," said Webster, firmly.
" If this thing goes on much longer, there will be a
general uprising one of these days, and the streets of
Baltimore will run with blood a thousand times worse
than they did on the iQth of April."
"You are right, there," said Rogers; "but for
282 AN ENCOUNTER WITH A FIRE-EATER.
heaven s sake don t let any one outside of your circle
hear you use that expression, or you will be the next
one in limbo."
" If they want me, now is their time," replied the
detective, with a smile, " for I have made up my mind
to undertake a journey down into southern Diary-
land and Virginia, at an early day."
" The devil you have ! You will find that a diffi
cult and dangerous undertaking-."
" Nevertheless, I shall attempt it. I find that if I
can make the trip successfully I may be of service to
some of our people here, by carrying letters and mes
sages to their friends and relatives, with whom they
are unable to communicate in any other way."
Webster made this intention known to all of his
associates, and gave them to understand that he de
sired to sell his horses and carriage before leaving.
The sale was accomplished in a manner that seemed
legitimate enough to all, though it was a mere pre
tense. One of my operatives, whom I sent to Balti
more for that purpose, made a sham purchase of the
team and turned it over to me in Washington.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Webster Makes a Journey to the South. A Secret Organiza
tion. The "Knights of Liberty." Webster Becomes a
Member. A Sudden Intrusion of the Military. The
Conspiracy Broken Up.
IN accordance with my instructions, Webster com
menced his tour through southern Maryland,
on Thursday, September 26th. He was accompanied
by John Scully, who had been assisting him in his
Baltimore operations, and they followed a line of
travel which I laid out for them. Taking passage on
the steamboat " Mary Washington," they baffled the
officers who stopped them by showing a pass issued
by the Provost-Marshal of Baltimore, and were soon
steaming down the Chesapeake toward Fair Haven,
which was their pretended destination. Arriving at
that point they went ashore, and proceeded to the
village of Friendship. From there they worked their
way south-west to Prince Frederick, then across the
Big Patuxent to Bendict, from which place they pro
ceeded to Charlotte Hall, and thence on foot to Leon-
ardtcwn, a distance of twenty miles. At the last-
named place they found Wm H. Scott, another of
[283]
a8 4 A SUDDEN INTRUSION
my operatives, awaiting them, and were accom
panied by him during the remainder of the journey.
A number of messages, written and verbal, which
had been intrusted to Webster by his Baltimore asso
ciates, were delivered at various points on the route,
thus enabling them to form the acquaintance of cer
tain secessionists who were men of prominence and
influence in their respective neighborhoods, and who
in turn provided them with letters of introduction
to others of like ilk further on. Through this medium
they secured attention and hospitality wherever they
stopped, and had the advantage of valuable advice
and assistance in the matter of pursuing their journey
safely.
They represented themselves to be rebel sympa
thizers on their way to the Potomac, for the purpose
of finding a safe place where goods could be shipped
across the river into Virginia. They were frequently
cautioned to be very careful, as there were Union
soldiers stationed all along the river, and people whose
hearts were with the South were not permitted to ex
press their sentiments with impunity. They penetrated
as far as a point called Allen s Fresh, and deciding
that they had gained all the information that could be
picked up in that part of the country, they returned
to Washington and reported to me.
When Webster re-appeared on the streets of Bal-
t more, after completing this trip, he was more than
r er lionized by his numerous friends who were in
OF THE MILITARY. 285
the secret of his Southern journey, and its supposed
object. By endangering his life in the Southern
cause, as it was believed he had done, he had made
himself a hero in the eyes of the traitors who were
attached to him.
"Are you still keeping mum?" he asked, as he
stood in the center of a group at Dickinson s billiard
hall, adjoining the Exchange.
" Those who have any regard for their personal
safety are doing so," replied Rogers ; "and I think the
majority of the boys have learned that lesson. Balti
more is comparatively quiet now. Only one man has
been arrested since you left, and we have hopes that
he will be released?"
" Who is he ?"
" A man from Washington. He was fool enough
to think he could talk as he pleased in Baltimore."
" By the way," remarked some one present,
"Webster must join our "
"Sh," cautioned Dave Dickinson, the proprietor
of the billiard room. " Have you no more sense than
to reveal yourself here f Remember that your lips
are sealed by an oath on that subject."
There was a moment s silence ; Webster looked
from one to another, and noticed that an air of mys
tery had settled upon every countenance present.
" What s this?" he demanded with a laugh. "Is it
a conspiracy to betray me into the hands of the
enemy ?"
t86 A SUDDEN INTRUSION
" Not exactly," replied Dickinson, whose laugh
was echoed by the crowd. " Sloan, you will give Mr.
Webster his cue when a favorable opportunity occurs.
We want him with us, by all means."
Webster s curiosity was satisfied an hour later,
when he and Sam Sloan walked toward Miller s Hotel
together.
" The fact is," said Sam, in a guarded tone, " since
you went away we ve formed a secret organiza
tion."
" A secret organization ?"
" Yes ; and we have held several meetings."
" Is it a success ?"
" A perfect success. Some of the best in town
are among our members. We may be forced to keep
silent, but, by Heaven ! they can t compel us to
remain idle. We are well organized, and we mean
undying opposition to a tyrannical government. I
tell you, Webster, we will not dawn /"
" Never !" responded Webster, copying the boast
ful tone and bearing of his companion. "It does not
lie in the power of these white-livered Yankees to
make slaves of Southern men ! I should like to be
come a member of your society, Sloan."
" They all want you," said Sloan, eagerly. " They
passed a resolution to that effect at the last meeting.
They want the benefit of your counsel and in
fluence."
" What is your society called ?"
OF THE MILITARY. 387
" The Knights of Liberty."
" When will your next meeting be held f
" To-night"
" So soon ?"
" And you are expected to attend. Have you any
objections ?"
" None whatever. But how will I get there ?"
" I am delegated to be your escort," replied
Sloan.
" What is your hour of meeting?"
" Twelve o clock."
" Ah, a midnight affair. All right, Sam ; you ll
find me waiting for you at the hotel."
Here they separated. Webster realized that
quite an important period in his Baltimore experience
was opening up before him, and that all his detective
skill would probably be called into play to foil a band
of conspirators. How to thwart the schemes of these
Knights of Liberty, whose purpose, as he understood,
was to assist in the overthrow of the Government of
the United States, was now the question to be
solved.
He did not, however, attempt to form any plans
at this time, but waited for such developments as he
had no doubt would be made that night. He
resolved to learn the nature of the plots that were in
existence, before he commenced counterplotting.
Promptly at eleven o clock Sam Sloan put in an
appearance at the hotel, and he and Webster pro-
283 A SUDDEN INTRUSION
ceeded toward the place of meeting. The night was
dark and stormy, just the right sort of night, Webster
thought, for the concocting of hellish plots and the
performance of evil deeds.
" That night, a chiel might understand,
The Deil had business on his hand."
The stars were hidden from view by masses of
flying clouds ; the wind whistled shrilly through the
trees and spires ; while the deep, threatening
murmurs of distant thunder were accompanied by
fitful flashes of lightning, which illumined the scene
with a weird, quivering light. Few shops were open
in the localities through which they passed. Occa
sionally a light was seen struggling through the
screened window of a saloon, and the sound of mid
night orgies within indicated that business had not
been suspended there ; but elsewhere all was dark and
still.
Sloan led the way to a remote quarter of the city,
and into a street which bore a particularly bad re
putation. Here he stopped, and said :
" I must blindfold you, Webster, before proceeding
further. This is a rule of the order which cannot,
under any circumstances, be departed from."
Webster submitted quietly, while a thick bandage
was placed over his eyes and securely fastened
Then Sloan took him by the arm and led him for
ward.
OF THE MILITARY. 289
Blindfolded as he was, he knew that they turned
suddenly into an alleyway, and he also knew when
they passed through a gate, which Sloan closed behind
them. He rightly conjectured that they were now
in a sort of paved court, in the rear of a building.
" Come this way and make no noise," whispered
Sloan.
The next moment the latter knocked on a door
with a low, peculiar rap, that was like a signal. Im
mediately a guarded voice on the inside was heard :
" Are you white ?"
. " Down with the blacks !" responded Sloan.
Nothing more was said. A chain clanked inside,
a bolt shot back, and the door creaked on its hinges
as it swung open.
Webster was led through, and he and his conduc
tor began to ascend a flight of stairs, so thickly car
peted that they emitted no sound from the footsteps
upon them.
At the head of the stairs they were again ac
costed :
" Halt ! Who comes there ?"
" Long live Jeff Davis," muttered Sloan.
Passing on through another door, they found
themselves in a small, square apartment, although, so
far as Webster was concerned, there was no ocular
proof of this. There seemed to be several persons
here, and a voice, that was evidently meant to be
tragical and impressive, demanded :
19
90 A SUDDEN INTRUSION
44 Whom have we here ?"
" Most Noble Chief," said Sloan, humbly, " I have a
friend in charge, who wishes to become a worthy
member of this league."
44 His name ?"
"Timothy Webster."
" Have the objects of the league been fully ex
plained to him ?"
44 They have."
The gruff-voiced speaker then said :
44 Mr. Webster, is it your desire to become a mem
ber of this knightly band ?"
44 It is," responded the detective, firmly.
There was a sound as of a number of swords
leaping from their scabbards, and the clank and ring
of the steel as the blades seemed to meet above his
head. Then the Grand Chief continued :
44 You will now kneel upon one knee, and place
your right hand upon your heart, while I administer
to you the binding obligation of our brotherhood."
Webster did as he was directed, and in this atti
tude repeated the following oath, as it was dictated to
him :
" I, Timothy Webster, citizen of Baltimore, hav
ing been informed of the objects of this association
and being in full accord with the cause which it seeks
to advance, do solemnly declare and affirm, upon my
sacred honor, that I will keep forever secret all that
I may see or hear, in consequence of being a mem-
OF THE MILITARY. 291
ber of this league ; that I will implicitly obey all
orders, and faithfully discharge all duties assigned
to me, no matter of what nature or character they
may be; and that life or death will be held sub
ordinate to the success and advancement of the cause
of the Confederacy and the defeat of the bloody
tyrants who are striving to rule by oppression and
terrorism. Should I fail in the proper performance
of any task imposed upon me, or should I prove un
faithful to the obligations I have here assumed, may
I suffer the severest penalty for treason and cowardice,
as well as the odium and contempt of my brother
knights."
The swords clanked again as they were returned
to their scabbards, and the new-made member, having
taken the oath, was commanded to rise. He did so
in silence, and the bandage was removed from his eyes.
At first the light of the room almost blinded him,
but his eyes soon became accustomed to the change,
and he looked about him with some curiosity. He
found that he was in the presence of seven stalwart
men, besides Sloan, all of whom wore swords at their
sides, dark cloaks drooping from their shoulders, and
black masks upon their faces. The masks, however,
were now removed, and Webster discovered, to his
relief, that they were all familiar to him.
" Mr. Webster," said the Chief, dropping his tragic
tone of voice, " without further ceremony, I pro
nounce you a Knight of Liberty. I greet you heart-
292 A SUDDEN INTRUSION
Sy ;" and then, extending his hand " Come with
me."
As they emerged into the main council-chamber,
Webster quietly examined his surroundings. It was
a spacious apartment, very plain in its appointments,
with a low ceiling and bare walls, and furnished with
chairs arranged in rows around the room. At the
head of the hall *was a low platform on which were
tables and chairs. Behind these, on the wall, were
suspended two Confederate flags, artistically draped,
above which were the initials "K. of L." Some forty
men were already assembled, and others were quietly
dropping in at intervals. Webster noticed that all
these men were from the better class of citizen seces
sionists, and that the low, rowdy element was not rep
resented. They were mostly men who had not thus
far been suspected of disloyalty to the Union cause.
The Grand Chief and other officers now took
their positions on the platform, and Webster was
assigned to a seat where he could observe all that was
said or done.
Presently a clock in the room struck twelve. In
stantly all the doors opening into the chamber were
securely locked, and the secret conclave was in ses
sion. The Grand Chief rose and opened the meet
ing in regular form ; and again, after the secretary
had read the journal, made an address of some length.
At the conclusion of his remarks, some one arose and
said :
OF THE MILITARY. 293
" Most V/orthy Chief, I believe we can now claim
Mr, Webster as a member of this body. I under
stand that he has just returned from an interesting
and somewhat dangerous mission, and I now move
that he be invited to address this meeting relative to
his experiences during the journey he has just com
pleted."
Webster, taken by surprise, undertook to combat
the proposition, but the motion was unanimously con
curred in, and no excuses were accepted. He there
fore yielded good-naturedly, and mounting the plat
form, he proceeded to relate some of the particulars
of his trip to the Potomac. He made the recital
as entertaining and agreeable as possible, and
although his statements did not always possess the
merit of being strictly true, they were such as could
not fail to meet the approval of his hearers, and
were therefore received with great favor. Conclud
ing with a well-timed panegyric on the "faithful" of
Baltimore, he resumed his seat amid the congratula
tions of his many admiring friends.
After this, the regular business of the meeting
was taken up, in which Webster took no other part
than that of a close listener and observer. Motions
were made, resolutions were adopted, and various
duties assigned to volunteer committees. The pro
ceedings grew more and more interesting to the
detective as they progressed, and it was not long
before he began to feel considerable surprise, if not
294 A SUDDEN INTRUSION
alarm, at the unexpected revelations which were
made. It became evident to him that these conspir*
ators had by some means succeeded in placing them
selves in direct communication with the Confederate
leaders, and that a gigantic plot was now in prepara
tion to make a united and irresistible movement
against Washington. Nearly ten thousand Balti-
moreans, it was alleged, were prepared to rise in
arms at a moment s notice, and join the rebel army,
whenever such a movement might seem feasible. It
appeared, also, that the Baltimoreans were not alone
in this plot against the government, but that branches
of their organization existed in a number of the out
lying towns, and that the secessionists of the entire
State were working harmoniously together for the ac
complishment of one great purpose. There was no
lack of arms, for these had already been secured, but
their place of concealment was known only to a few
and they were not to be brought to light until they
should be needed.
The main portion of the plot seemed to be well
matured, and was most perfect in its details. The ar
rival of the rebel army in Maryland was expected in
a very short time, as they had the promises of the
Southern commanders themselves that they would
soon cross the Potomac. Their coming was to be
the signal for a simultaneous uprising of all the
secessionists in the Western and Southern portions
of the State who were to unite in a movement that
OF THE MILITARY. 295
could scarcely fail to carry everything before it.
There were also deep-laid schemes by which the
Federals were to be kept in ignorance of the real de
signs of the Confederates, until too late to avert the,
blow.
The extent of the conspiracy rather startled Web
ster, although some of the projects sounded rather
visionary, and he made up his mind to consult with
me at once. Accordingly, the very next day, he pro
ceeded to Washington, and was closeted with me for
several hours. As soon as he had explained the
situation, I devised a plan of procedure, and gave him
full instructions as to the manner in which he should
proceed. The great object, of course, was to break
up the organization, and defeat the conspiracy in a
manner that would not compromise Webster ; but it
was not deemed prudent to go about this with any
inordinate haste.
I advised Webster to continue attending the
meetings, in the character of an active conspirator ;
to learn all he could, and report to me as often as
possible. In the meantime, I would send him two
other operatives, and he was to secure their admission
into the secret society, as members thereof. In a
week or two the final act in the little drama would be
introduced by first making a confidant of Mr. McPhail,
the deputy Provost-Marshal of Baltimore, and then
confronting the conspirators with a company of armed
soldiers.
* 9 6 A SUDDEN INTRUSION
Webster returned to Baltimore with a clear un<
derstanding of the course he was to pursue, and he
followed that course with the untiring zeal with which
he performed every duty assigned to him. He at
tended the midnight meetings regularly, and gained
much information concerning the plans and move
ments of the Southern commanders, which proved of
incalculable value to the government. The two
operatives soon contrived to join the society, not
through Webster s recommendation, as that was to be
avoided, if possible, but by making the acquaintances
of men whom he pointed out to them, and represent
ing themselves as secessionists who were capable of
keeping their own counsel.
This done, the rest was comparatively easy. By
the rules of the society, no one could enter the secret
chamber of the conspirators without passing two
guards, and giving sundry pass-words. These guards
were appointed by the Chief from those who volun
teered for the positions. At stated periods, new pass
words were arranged, by which every man was re
quired to answer the questions of the guards, and any
one who failed to commit these to memory sufficiently
to satisfy these sentinels that he was a member of
the society, found himself barred out of the meeting.
Oir plan worked to perfection. There came a
night when my two operatives were on duty, as
guards, they having volunteered their services at the
last preceding meeting. This was the night set
OF THE MILITARY. 297
apart for the surprise. It had been announced that
Webster would speak that night, and it had been ar
ranged with the guards, that a certain part in his
speech should be taken as the signal for the grand
finale th&t had been decided upon.
The hour of midnight approached. The old
building in which the secret conclaves were held was
shrouded in silence and darkness. At intervals one
or more dark figures might have been seen to enter
the covered archway leading thereto, and pass through
the gate into the narrow court. Then, one at a time,
they approached a certain door, and after a signal rap,
and a low, muttered conversation with the guards,
they passed in and ascended the dimly-lighted stairs.
Another brief dialogue with the inside guard, and
they entered the council-chamber, where they dropped
their mysterious manner, and were ready to answer
to their names at the calling of the roll.
The clock struck twelve. The sound rang through
the apartment in solemn, measured tones, and as the
twelfth stroke was still vibrating in the air, all the
doors, even those communicating with the ante-rooms,
were promptly locked, no one being admitted after
that hour.
The meeting was opened after the regular form,
and the business disposed of without interruption,
When the time which was set apart for addresses
arrived, Webster was called upon for his speech. He
ascended the platform with a serious expression on
298 A SUDDEN INTRUSION
his face, and after thanking his fellow-knights for the
honor conferred upon him, he launched forth into a
stirring address, the treasonable nature of which was
calculated to fire the Southern blood of his hearers,
and to add much to his own popularity. As the
speaker appeared to warm up with his subject he
lifted his voice and exclaimed :
"The dissolution of the Union is one of the inevi
table necessities of Lincoln s election, and it will be
our mission to strike directly at the heart of the
abolition party, and bury its foul carcass beneath the
smoking ruins of Washington city !"
This was the signal. The words had no sooner
passed the lips of the speaker, than a startling noise,
like that of a battering-ram being applied to one of
the ante-room doors, cut short the speech, and caused
every man present to spring to his feet in astonish
ment and alarm. Bang ! bang ! bang ! sounded the
heavy blows. The door burst open with a crash, and
a stream of blue-coated soldiers, all fully armed, came
pouring into the council-chamber, and quickly de
ployed around three sides of the room, effectually
cutting off the retreat of the inmates before they
could make a movement
The sudden and unexpected appearance of these
intruders had a paralyzing effect upon the conspira
tors. Had so many ghosts confronted them they
could not have been more surprised. Horrified con
sternation was depicted on every blanched face ;
OF THE MILITARY. 399
startled eyes looked wildly around for some avenue
of escape, and exclamations of terror or baffled rage
broke from many white lips. Some of the most des
perate seemed for a moment to entertain thoughts o*
breaking through the line of soldiers and reaching tn/>.
door, but no such mad attempt was made. McPhail
stepped forward with a revolver in each hand, and in
a low, thrilling voice, said :
" Gentlemen, you are our prisoners. I advise you
to give in gracefully. We are too many for you."
His advice did not go unheeded. They surren
dered as gracefully as possible under the circum
stances, and resigned themselves to the custody of
their armed foes. The chamber in which they had
maliciously plotted the overthrow of the government
became the scene of their own downfall, and it was
with dejected countenances that they submitted to the
inevitable, and permitted themselves to be marched
in a body before the Provost-Marshal. It was not
observed, however, until they were being removed,
that Timothy Webster had somehow contrived to
make good his escape.
The leading spirits of this conspiracy those who
did the actual plotting, and who were known to be
the arch traitors and prime movers in the secret
enterprise were taken to Fort McHenry. The rest,
after taking the oath of allegiance, were released.
My two operatives disappeared from Baltimore
immediately after this occurrence, as well they might,
300 A SUDDEN INTRUSION.
for of course the suspicion of the defeated conspira
tors fastened upon them at once. As they did not
show themselves in that city again, however, they
never were made the victims of the terrible vengeance
which some of their late associates swore to bring
down upon their luckless heads at the first oppor
tunity. As for Webster, instead of being suspected
of any complicity in the betrayal, he was congratulated
upon his fortunate and remarkable escape from the
fate which befell his unfortunate brother knights.
With the defeat of the " Knights of Liberty " in
Baltimore, ended the existence of the branch lodges
all over the State. The organization, which had so
carefully planned the destruction of the Union at a
single blow, was completely broken up. The con
spirators, taking warning by the fate of their leaders,
became mute and inactive, and although skilled
detectives were sent to all outlying towns, no new
signs of an uprising were discovered.
CHAPTER XIX.
Suspicions in Washington. " Uncle Callus" Property
Searched. A Rebel Family sent South. Webster starts
for Richmond.
A SIDE from the operations of Timothy Webster
<L\. and his assistants in Baltimore, there was
work enough to do in Washington to keep myself
and all the members of my large force constantly
employed. Innumerable persons, suspected of
treasonable designs, were closely shadowed; whole
families became objects of distrust, and fell under the
watchful eye of my department ; while the ungracious
task of searching the homes of people who stood
upon the highest round of the social ladder became
of frequent occurrence.
Among the latter class were the wife and family
of ex-Governor Morton, of Florida, who at this time
were sojourning in Washington. Mrs. Morton was
known to be in sympathy with the South, and the
unceasing vigilance of my men soon developed the
fact that she was in secret communication with
certain off.cials of the rebel government, to whom she
was giving information concerning affairs at the
North. She was a lady of eminent respectability and
[301]
$02 WEBSTER STARTS
refinement, and much esteemed by all who knew her,
but this did not render it less advisable, under the
circumstances, to have all her movements watched^
and her house constantly shadowed by detectives.
Her pleasant residence at No. 288 "I" street, was there
fore placed under strict surveillance, and its inmates
followed whenever they went out for a walk or drive,
while all visitors at the house were invariably
shadowed when they went away.
There was an old negro servant, known as Uncle
Gallus, who went to and from the house oftener than
any one else, on errands for the family. Finally one
of my operatives drew the old fellow into conversa
tion, and found him so cheerful and communicative,
and so firm in his loyalty to the Northern cause, that
when the fact was reported to me, I concluded to
talk with Uncle Gallus myself. Accordingly, I gave
orders to have him brought to my office, if it could be
done without opposition on his part. The friendship
I bore for the colored race, and my long experience
as an underground railroad conductor, had given me
such an insight into the character of the negro, that I
believed I could gain his confidence arid good-will if I
should meet him.
Uncle Gallus came to my office quite willingly.
He was a powerfully-built darky, though evidently
well advanced in years, as attested by the bleached
appearance of his wool and eye-brows. His skin was
as black and shone as bright as polished ebony, and
FOR RICHMOND. 303
it took but little provocation to set him on a broad
grin, which displayed two unbroken rows of glistening
ivory.
This interesting specimen appeared before me one
afternoon, when Timothy Webster was with me in
my office. We had just finished a discussion con
cerning some delicate point in Webster s Baltimore
operations, and had lapsed into a desultory conversa
tion. My sable visitor stood bowing and scraping,
and turning his hat round and round in his hands, till
I bid him be seated.
"Your name is Gallus?" I said.
" Yes, sah," he replied, his mouth stretched from
ear to ear. " Folks done got so dey call me uncle
Gallus nowadays."
"You have been a slave all your life, I under
stand ?"
"Yes, massa, eber sence I war knee-high to a
hopper-grass. I se done a mighty sight o wu k, too,
kase I wus allus as big an stout as a sixty-dollah bull,
an I could stan mo hard-fisted labor dan any o de
udder niggahs on de plantation. But sence I been
wid Massa Morton I ain t had nuffin to do skursely,
an it seems as ef I se gwine to git pow ful lazy fur de
want o wu k. H yah ! H yah !"
" What is your native State, Uncle Gallus ?"
" Ole Virginny, sah."
He held his head a little higher, and sat a trifle
more erect as he said this, showing that inordinate
304 WEBSTER STARTS
pride in his State which I had so often noticed in
other Virginia slaves, as well as in Virginia masters.
I asked him if the Mortons had offered him his
freedom since the breaking out of the war. He shook
his head and gravely replied :
" Dey hain t been nuffin said to dis pusson on dat
ar subjick, but I knows dey d gimme my freedom in
less n twenty-fo hours ef I done ax em fur it."
" Then you don t want to be free ?"
" Oh, yes, I does, massa ; yes, I does, fur sho .
But Massa Linkum an de Yankee boys am gwine
ter fetch dat aroun all right by m-bye. Bress your
soul an body, I can t b ar fur to run away from
missus an ole massa, kase dey s been so good an
kyind to me ; an I se done tuk an oath dat I won t
leave em till dey gimme leaf. When missus goes
back down Souf I se gwine ter go wid her, ef she
don t tole me to stay heah. It won t be long, nohow,
kase de time am soon comin when de darkies will all
be free."
"Your mistress intends to return to the South,
then?"
" Yes, sah ; we ll soon be off now, ef de good Lo d
will let us. Massa, he s in Richmond, an he hab done
sent fur de family."
" Is Mrs. Morton in communication with her
husband ?"
" Spec* she is, sah. She writes letters, an* gits
letters. She has ter be sorter keerful like, for dese
FOR RICHMOND. 305
yah Yankees is got eyes like a cat, an* kin see fru a
stun wall in de dark."
" Do you know whether your mistress writes to
any one besides her husband ?"
Uncle Callus leaned back in his chair, and looked
at me somewhat suspiciously, the whites of his eyes
shining like polished china.
" Deed, sah, I doesn t know whedder she dusdo,
or whedder she doant," he said, hesitatingly. " Please,
massa, doant ax dis chile any mo questions. My
missus is de bes woman in de wu ld, and nebber didn t
do nuffin wrong in all her bawn days. Ole Callus
wouldn t say nuffin to bring trubble on her for fifteen
cents," he added, earnestly.
I quieted the fears of the faithful old man by as
suring him that I meant no harm to his mistress,
and that I had no doubt she was the good lady he
represented her to be. Satisfied with the result of
my investigations, I permitted Uncle Callus to depart,
first charging him, however, to say nothing to any
one concerning my interview with him. He prom
ised secrecy, and bowed himself out with all his teeth
visible, saying, as he went :
" Fo de Lawd, gemmen, Fse hopin an prayin
de No thun folks will be de top dog in dis wrastle, an
ef fcber dis niggah hes a chance to gib yu uns a help-
in han , yu kin bet a hoss agin a coon-skin he ll do
it ; but I hope an trus my missus not be bod-
dered."
m
306 WEBSTER STARTS
Nevertheless, I had learned enough to bring me
to the decision, that Mrs. Morton s house must be
searched, and under orders of the Secretary of War,
\ sent three of my men to No. 288 " I " street, to
perform this unpleasant task. The operatives chosen
to make the search were W. H. Scott, John Scully,
and Pryce Lewis. Mrs t Morton received them very
civilly, and told them they were at liberty to make a
thorough search of the premises, which they immedi
ately proceeded to do. They had instructions to
read all letters that were found, but to keep only
those that were of a treasonable nature, and in no
case to destroy any property or leave anything in a
disordered condition. These instructions were
obeyed to the letter. Boxes that were packed ready
for shipment were all carefully repacked and closed
after they had been examined by my men, and when
the operatives departed, they left no traces of their
search behind them. Their polite and considerate
conduct won for them the good will, not only of Mrs.
Morton herself, but also of her daughter and two
sons, who expressed themselves as being agreeably
surprised, for they had been informed that the men
from the Provost-Marshal s office were a set of ruf
fians, who did not scruple to break up boxes, and litter
the house with their contents, and that their conduct
towards ladies was insulting in the extreme. They
even went so far as to assure the operatives, that if
any of them should ever be taken prisoner and
FOR RICHMOND. 307
brought to Richmond, they would do all in their
power to secure kind treatment for them.
Among the letters that were found, two of them
were from ex-Governor Morton, to his son and
daughter, requesting them to come to him at Rich
mond ; but nothing of a criminating character was
discovered, and the family were not subjected to fur
ther annoyance.
Some two weeks afterwards, when John Scully
boarded a train for Baltimore, whither I had sent him
with a message to. Webster, he chanced to meet Mrs.
Morton and family in the car which he entered.
They were departing from Washington, having been
required to leave the North, by the authorities, who
furnished them a safe passport to Richmond, and
they were accompanied by the faithful Uncle Gallus.
They recognized Scully, and greeted him with cor
dial courtesy, the eldest son rising in his seat to shake
hands with him. They told him that on arriving at
Baltimore, they were to take a flag-of-truce boat to
Fortress Monroe, from which point they would con
tinue their journey to Richmond. Scully, as a mat
ter of policy, gave them distinctly to understand that
he had quitted the government service and was re
turning to his home in the North.
This little experience with the Morton family was
trifling enough in itself, and was only one of many
similar episodes with which I and my force were con
nected during those troublous times ; but I have been
308 WEBSTER STARTS
thus particular in detailing it because it has an im
portant bearing upon other events which afterwards
occurred.
It was about a month after the incident above
mentioned, that Timothy Webster completed his prep
arations for making his first trip into Virginia and
through the rebel lines. A large number of Balti-
moreans had intrusted him with letters to their friends
and relatives in the South, and he had assured them
that their messages would be delivered safely and
answers brought back in due time.
He left Baltimore on the i4th of October, and
proceeded southward along the " Eastern Shore " of
Virginia, seeking a convenient place to cross over to
the mainland or " Western Shore." He arrived at
Eastville, the county seat of Northampton county, on
Tuesday, October 22d, where he found that he could
effect a crossing with the assistance of a man named
Marshall, who made a business of smuggling passen
gers and mails through the lines. He was compelled,
however, to remain at Eastville several days, waiting
for Marshall and his boat to come over from the
other side, his trips being delayed on account of the
bright moonlight nights, as the boatman did not dare
to run the gantlet of the Federal guns, unless
covered by darkness.
Some two or three months before, this man, Mar
shall, had owned a sloop, which he had used success
fully in running the Federal blockade One night he
FOR RICHMOND. 309
was caught in a calm near the western shore, and was
run-down by a gunboat. His sloop was captured, and
he narrowly escaped capture by deserting his vessel
.md reaching the shore in a smaller boat. Since that
time Marshall had been pursuing his vocation with a
sort of canoe, or " dugout," thirty-one feet in length
and five feet in width, carrying three sails main, fore
and jib. His route was from Gloucester Point, York
river, to Eastville, and his business was to transfer
from one. side of the bay to the other the Confeder
ate mail and passengers, and sometimes a small cargo
of merchandise. Marshall being an expert pilot and
a thorough seaman, was frequently employed by the
masters of sloops and schooners to pilot them past
certain points, they giving him the privilege of put
ting his passengers and mail-bags aboard the vessel
without charge. It was his invariable custom to
place a stone or other heavy substance in his mail-bag
before starting, for the purpose of sinking it in case
of being pressed by the gunboats.
It was on a dark evening that Webster left Cherry
stone Lighthouse in Marshall s canoe, to make the
voyage across the Chesapeake. There were thirteen
passengers, all told. Eight of these were Mary-
landers, mostly from Baltimore, every one of whom
announced his intention of enlisting in the Confeder
ate army or navy upon his arrival at Richmond.
On starting, Marshall rowed off a short distance
from the light-house, and rested on his oars for some
jio WEBSTER STARTS
time, taking observations to ascertain if the bay was
clear of hostile craft. The night was scarcely dark
enough for safety ; the clouds were thin and scattered,
and the stars were peeping through the dark, ragged
curtain overhead. The wind was blowing strongly
from the east, and the water was exceedingly rough.
Resolving, however, to make the effort, Marshall
hoisted his sails, and as they rapidly filled, the little
vessel sprung forward like a thing of life. It fairly
skimmed over the waves, its sharp prow cutting the
water and dashing up clouds of spray that caused the
men to turn up their coat-collars and pull their hats
down closer upon their heads. All conversation was
forbidden, lest their voices should betray them to the
enemy. With sealed lips and motionless forms, they
might have been so many dark phantoms speeding
before the wind on some supernatural mission.
Webster, by his own wish, had been put upon the
look-out by the captain of the boat, and he keenly
watched for signs of danger. When they had trav
eled nearly half the distance across the bay, he spied
a point of light to leeward, and at once called Mar
shall s attention to it.
" It is a gunboat with a light on her bows," said
the latter. " Let her come. She can t catch us, for
with our present headway we are not to be over
hauled by any boat on this water."
The canoe was headed due west for about four
teen miles, then south-west by west for ten or twelve
FOR RICHMOND. 311
miles, then due west again to Gloucester Point. The
entire run was made in three and a half hours, the
sailing distance being about thirty miles.
On nearing Gloucester Point, they were hailed by
a sentinel, with the usual challenge :
" Who comes there ?"
The blockade-runner sent back the answer :
44 Marshall mail boat !"
" Stand, Marshall, and give the countersign 1"
" No countersign/ was the reply.
The sentinel then called out :
" Sergeant of the Guard, Post No. i !"
And another voice, further away, cried :
" Who s there ?"
" Marshall, with mail boat and passengers."
" Sentinel, let them pass."
A few minutes later the passengers disembarked,
and found themselves in a rebel camp.
Webster, with others, went to Marshall s shanty
a rude, wooden structure, which that worthy had
built on the Point for the accommodation of his pas
sengers and there the remainder of the night was
spent in the refreshing companionship of Morpheus.
On the following morning Webster was up and
astir at an early hour. He ascertained that the en
campment at Gloucester Point consisted of two regi
ments of infantry, two companies of cavalry, and one
field battery of six guns, all under the command of
CoL Charles H. Crump. The entrenchments com-
312 WEBSTER STARTS
prised an area of about fifteen acres, and the main
breastwork on the beach consisted of a heavy earth-
bank, walled on the inside with split pine logs set up
on end. About the center of this breastwork was a
sixty-four-pound gun, mounted on a high carriage,
which traversed in a circle commanding a sweep of
the whole land side of the entrenchments, where
there was a clean field of about seven hundred acres
bounded by timber on the north and York river on
the south.
General Magruder had command of this division
of the army, including the forces at Gloucester Point,
Yorktown and all the peninsula bounded by the
James and York rivers, extending down to Fortress
Monroe. The division embraced thirty-three regi
ments of infantry and cavalry.
Webster called at Colonel Crump s headquarters
and obtained from that officer a pass to Richmond,
not only for himself, but for several others who had
crossed the bay with him. At about the hour of noon
on Saturday, the 26th, the party were ferried across
the river to Yorktown, in a small boat. The landing
at Yorktown was in front of a hill which rose with a
gentle slope some twenty-five feet above the beach,
on the top of which, in front of the town, was an
earth-work mounting six or eight guns.
From this point the party proceeded in a south
westerly direction, across the peninsula, to Grove
Wharf, on James river. The distance was about ten
FOR RICHMOND. 313
miles, and was accomplished without difficulty or
delay. On their arrival at Grove Wharf, however,
they were disappointed to learn that no boat was
to leave there for Richmond until the following
Monday. There was no help for it, and with a rue
ful attempt at resignation, they took quarters at a
neighboring farm-house, where they waited and
rested
CHAPTER XX.
The Spy at Richmond. Earthworks Around the Rebel Capi
tal. An Unexpected Meeting. Pistols for Two. A Re
conciliation. Safe Return to Washington.
ON Monday morning Webster left Grove
Wharf, on the regular steam packet, for
Richmond, where he arrived on the evening of the
same day. Here he separated from his companions
and made his way alone to the Spotswood Hotel,
where he registered, and proceeded to make himself
at home. He was now in the rebel capital, sur
rounded on all sides by the enemies of his country,
with no friends to whom he could apply in case of
danger, and burdened with a mission, upon the suc
cessful performance of which his life depended. It
was a mission, too, requiring such delicate and skill
ful labor, that a man less iron-nerved would have
trembled at the very contemplation of it ; but Web
ster, whose courage and self-command never deserted
him in the most trying moments of his life, coolly re
viewed the situation and laid his plans in a systematic
manner for future operations.
The next day, he busied himself about the city,
delivering his letters, forming acquaintances, and
AROUND THE REBEL CAPITAL. 315
paving the way for an interview with the Secretary
of War, his object being to obtain from that high
official, if possible, a pass to Manassas and Winches
ter. He was informed by General Jones, Post-Ad
jutant to General Winder, the Provost- Marshal at
Richmond, and commander of the forces there, that
no interview could be obtained with the Secretary of
War, except upon business especially connected with
the military department, as they were daily expecting
an attack from the Federal Army of the Potomac, and
the Secretary was wholly engaged with officers of the
army.
Among the acquaintances which Webster formed,
was a young man by the name of William Campbell,
originally a Baltimorean, to whom he brought a let
ter of introduction from the father of the young
man. Campbell treated my operative with the
utmost friendliness and courtesy, and invited him to
a drive during the afternoon. The invitation was
accepted, and as the weather was all that could be de
sired, they enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon. They
visited the environs for the purpose of viewing the
defenses, and Webster noted the fact that there were
seventeen very superior earth-work batteries around
the town, forming a rude semicircle with eithe r end
resting on the James river. The entrenchments
around each of these batteries were from twelve to
fourteen feet wide at the top, and about ten feet deep.
Some of the batteries were designed for six gui s and
316 EARTHWORKS AROUND
some for sixteen. They were nearly all completed at
this time, and the work upon them had been done
exclusively by negro slaves. In most cases they were
mounted with their full complement of guns, varying
in caliber, from thirty-two to sixty-four pounds.
The land around Richmond consists of hills and val
leys, and the batteries were planted on the most
elevated and commanding points. The heaviest of
these commanded the turnpikes and railroads which
formed the approaches from Manassas and Freder-
icksburg.
After visiting the batteries, Webster went with
Campbell to the ordnance department, where he was
introduced to several persons who had charge of the
ordnance stores, and from whom he elicited much
valuable information. Among other things, he was
informed by the Colonel in charge, that the " Ber
muda," an English vessel which had recently run
the blockade, had brought over for the Confederate
government twelve thousand Enfield rifles, a large
supply of cavalry swords and a number of rifled can
non ; and that, upon trial, the rifled cannon were found
to be more accurate than any of their brass pieces.
On the following day Webster concluded to make
another inspection of the earth-works around the city.
He went alone and on foot this time, as he desired
to make some notes and calculations, which he was
unable to do in the presence of others without run
ning an unnecessary risk. It was a fine, brisk morn-
THE REBEL CAPITAL. 317
ing, the air was slightly tinged with the coolness of
approaching winter, and the spy occupied the entire
forenoon in strolling leisurely from point to point,
apparently with the single object of idling away a few
leisure hours. Now he passed some men engaged in
planting a cannon on one of the redoubts, and again
he saw a group of slaves busily at work with pickaxes
and shovels, but no one seemed to pay any attention
to him.
About noon he came upon a scene, which, though
characteristic of the time and place, was rather a novel
sight to a Northern man, and he stopped to view it
with considerable interest. In a sunny spot near the
river bank about a dozen negro laborers were
gathered, their surroundings showing that they had
just left off work for the enjoyment of their allotted
hour of rest, at noon. Having finished their mid-day
repast, they were now filling their time by indulging in
a species of amusement peculiar to their race. *On a
pine log sat a jolly-looking old negro, whose hair was
white as snow and whose face was black as ebony,
grinning, and rolling his head from side to side, while
he patted " Juba" with great energy and skill, on his
knees, chest and head. The other darkies were
dancing to the "music," and apparently enjoying the
sport to an unlimited degree.
The detective was amused at the spectacle, but
this feeling gave way to one of surprise and curiosity,
as he looked more intently at the white-haired old
3 i8 EARTHWORKS AROUND
man who was acting as musician. There was some
thing strikingly familiar in those black, smiling features.
Surely this was not the first time he had seen that
face, or witnessed that tremendous grin. Where had
he met this darky before ?
Suddenly his recollection was quickened. The
person in question was none other than Uncle Gallus,
the servant of ex-Governor Morton, whom he had
seen in my office at Washington, on the day that I
had questioned him about his mistress. This fact
was clear enough to Webster, but somewhat surpris
ing, withal. He remembered that Uncle Gallus had,
on that occasion, represented the Mortons as very
indulgent slave-owners, who never permitted him to
perform any hard labor ; yet here he was, in the role
of a common workman, employed upon the fortifica
tions around Richmond.
Whatever had caused this change, however, it did
not appear to weigh heavily upon the old darky, for at
this moment he was in the very ecstasy of delight, as he
patted inspiration into the nimble feet of his com
panions. The other darkies danced until their faces
shone with perspiration, and the manner in which
their loose-jointed limbs swung and wriggled, sug
gested the idea that those members were hung on
pivots. They leaped and vaulted, and flung their
heels in the airs, as if they were so many jumping-
jacks and Uncle Gallus was pulling the string.
The latter hummed snatches of plantation melodies
THE REBEL CAPITAL. 319
as he warmed up to his work, and finally he sung a
series of characteristic verses, of which the following
are a sample :
" Did you ebber see a woodchuck lookin at a coon-fight ?
Linkum am a-comin by m-bye ;
Did you ebber see a niggah gal dancin* in de moonlight?
Glory, glory, glory hallelujerum !
" Possum up a gum-stump, chawin slippery-ellum,
Linkum am a-comin by m-bye ;
Nigga s in de market an massa tryin to sell em
Glory, glory, glory hallelujerum !
"Secesh in Richmon de Yankee boys has treed em
Linkum am a-comin by m-bye ;
All de little pickaninnies gwine to git dar freedom
Glory, glory, glory hallelujerum !"
Suddenly the merriment of the blacks was inter*
rupted in a most unexpected manner.
Some tall bushes that covered the top of a slight
elevation near by were suddenly parted, and a man,
wearing the uniform of a Lieutenant in the Confeder
ate army, leaped down among the astonished revelers.
In a towering rage, he turned upon Uncle Gallus and
shouted :
" Shut your head, you d d old villain, or I ll
fill your black hide with lead !" and he flourished a
cocked revolver in the face of the terrified negro.
" Afo God, Massa, we didn t mean no harm, we s
jes passin away de time," said Uncle Gallus, in a
frightened voice.
3 ao EARTHWORKS AROUND
"Well, then," said the officer, with an oath, " be a
little more careful in the future about the kind of
songs you sing, or I ll have every d d one of you
bucked and gagged, and whipped within an inch of
your lives."
Replacing his weapon, and turning on his heel, he
was striding angrily away when he came face to face
with Webster.
The recognition was mutual and instantaneous
between the two men. As quick as a flash Webster
had his revolver cocked and pointed at the head of
the blustering Confederate.
" Bill Zigler, what are you doing here ? You
move at your peril."
" I d kill you, curse you, but you ve got the drop
on me now, as you had once before. But my time
will come, you d d Yankee spy !"
" Look here, Bill !" said Webster, anxious, if pos
sible, to disarm at once and forever the suspicions of
his enemy, "what is the use of our being continually
at daggers points ? You were foolish enough to insult
me in Baltimore by impeaching my loyalty to the
South, and I resented it, as any man would. If you
repeat the vile slander, I ll do the same thing. If,
however, you have anything personal against me, and
must fight, I ll put up my weapon and meet you
hand to hand."
Zigler looked at the speaker a moment, and then
advancing and extending his hand, said :
THE REBEL CAPITAL. 3 ai
" Webster, put up your pistol ; I guess I ve made
a d d fool of myself. I did think you were a spy,
but I knock under ; I don t want to be an enemy to
such a friend to the cause as I now believe you to
be."
Lowering his revolver, Webster good-naturedly
received the friendly overtures of his former foe.
" I thought you would come to your senses at
last ; but when did you come down here ?"
" Oh, I ve been here several weeks. I enlisted in
Baltimore and came down as a lieutenant, " answered
Zigler. " But where are you from ?" he continued,
"and what is the news from the Monumental
City ?"
" I am just from that city," replied Webster, "and
have brought a number of letters for parties here and
at Manassas. I expect to go to the Junction to-mor
row, if I succeed in getting a pass."
" Who do you want to see there ?"
" Well, I want to see John Bowen," replied Web
ster, naming a particular friend of Zigler s, whom he
knew was at Manassas. " I understand he is down
with typhoid fever, and will no doubt be glad to hear
from home."
This straightforward story completely disarmed
the suspicions of the bully as to Webster s true char
acter, and finding that he had time to spare he invited
the scout to his quarters.
Thus the quarrel was settled between these two
21
3a EARTHWORKS AROUND
men, and the superior tact and coolness of Webster
had succeeded in making a friend of a man who
might have seriously interfered with his operations,
and probably have jeopardized his life.
As they were leaving the place, Webster cast a
look at the group of negroes, whose mirth had been
so suddenly interrupted, and he noticed that they
were regarding the Lieutenant with looks of sullen
anger. He was, however, considerably relieved to
find that Uncle Gallus had not recognized him, and
that as far as the aged negro was concerned, he had
nothing to fear. He accompanied Zigler to his
quarters, where they chatted pleasantly for an hour,
after which Webster returned to his hotel, a much
wiser man than when he first started out upon his
walk.
As he sauntered quietly back to the city, he felt
quite elated at the success of his management of Zig
ler, whom he had made a fast friend. After supper,
in company with Mr. Campbell, he strolled about the
city for a short time, when his companion excused
himself, and Webster pursued his way alone. He
was walking along Utah street, apparently deeply ab
sorbed in his own meditations, when he heard a voice
behind him.
" Hole on dar, Massa I"
Turning around, he was surprised to see Uncle
Gallus, approaching him as rapidly as his stiffened
limbs would permit.
THE REBEL CAPITAL. 323
" Well, uncle," said Webster, as the old man
caught up to him "did you speak to me ?"
" You se de man dat I dressed, sah done you
know me ?" said the old fellow, peering anxiously in
the face of the detective.
" No, I don t remember you," said Webster, de
termined to ascertain whether the old darky did
know him ; " where have you ever seen me ?"
" In Washington, sah," replied UncleGallus; "don
you remember you saw me at Majah Allen s, when I
was dah libin wid Missus Morton ?"
Webster looked at the negro a moment, and then,
feeling assured of the friendliness of his interlocutor,
he said :
" Your face does seem familiar to me ; what is your
name ?"
" Dey calls me Uncle Gallus, sah," answered the
old fellow.
"Oh, yes," said Webster, "now I remember
you."
"Golly, massa," grinned Uncle Gallus, "wen I
seed you gib it to Bill Zigler dis mo nin , I dun
knowed you right away, but I wouldn t say nuffin for
de world, fo I knowed you was a pullin de wool ober
his eyes."
Knowing full well that he had nothing to fear
from Uncle Gallus, he talked with him good-natur
edly on various topics, and in the course of the con
versation he learned that he was no longer with Mrs.
324 EARTHWORKS AROUND
Morton, having been disposed of by her, some time
before, and that he was now being used by the Con
federate government to work upon the fortifications.
Not deeming it advisable to remain long in conversa
tion with the old darky on the streets, he told him
that he would see him in a day or two, and placing a
coin in the old man s hand, he bade him good-night.
The next morning Mr. Campbell and Webster
visited General Jones, and obtained the sough t-f or
passes to Manassas, for which place he left early in
the forenoon. On his arrival there, he learned that
John Bo wen, for whom he had a letter, had been
taken to Richmond, but having several other messa
ges to deliver to parties of prominence there, he
busied himself during the day in forming acquaint
ances, and in acquiring knowledge. From Manassas
he went to Centreville, where he remained a few days,
and from thence to Warrington, and finally back
again to Richmond, where he delivered his remaining
letters. Here he formed the acquaintance of a man
by the name of Price, who was engaged in running
the blockade, and who was making arrangements
to return to Baltimore, to purchase a fresh supply of
goods. Together they went to the office of the Pro
vost-Marshal, where they obtained the necessary
passes to insure their safe journey through the rebel
lines.
Leaving Richmond, they went to Fredericksburg,
where he stayed long enough to visit all the places of
THE REBEL CAPITAL. 3 tj
interest around that city, and in company with Mr.
Price they went on to Brooks Station, the head-quar
ters of General Holmes, with whom Price was inti
mately acquainted. After remaining several days, he
left his companion, making his way to Yorktown and
Gloucester Point, and from thence to Washington,
where he reported to me.
This first visit of Timothy Webster to Richmond
was highly successful. Not only had he made many
friends in that city, who would be of service to him
on subsequent trips, but the information he derived
was exceedingly valuable. He was able to report
very correctly the number and strength of the fortifi
cations around the rebel capital, to estimate the num
ber of troops and their sources of supplies, and also
the forts between that city and Manassas Junction.
His notes of the topography of the country were of
the greatest value, and he received the warmest
thanks of the commanding general, for what he had
thus far been able to accomplish.
CHAPTER XXI.
Again in Baltimore. A Warning. The Spy is Arrested^
and Escapes.
AFTER the return of Timothy Webster from
/JL Richmond and Manassas, I deemed it best
that he should again visit Baltimore and mingle
once more with his rebel friends in that city. Since
the summary collapse of the Knights of Liberty the
majority of them had been remarkably quiet, and no
indications were apparent that they contemplated
any further proceedings of a treasonable nature. It
will be remembered that on the night that the secret
meeting was disturbed, Webster managed in some
unaccountable manner to escape, and that he had dis
appeared almost immediately afterwards. As no sus
picion existed as yet of his having been concerned in
the affair, and as his prolonged absence might give
rise to doubts of his loyalty, I concluded that it was
best for him to again show himself among his old
associates, and account for his escape in a manner
that would appear truthful and straightforward.
He accordingly took the train, and after arriving
in Baltimore, he went directly to Miller s Hotel.
Here he found several of his friends, and their greet-
THE SPY TS ARRESTED. 327
ings were most cordial and hearty. In a few momenta
others of the party had been notified, and came
thronging in to welcome him and to congratulate him
upon his escape and present safety. Eager inquiries
were made as to the manner in which he had so suc
cessfully eluded the soldiers, and how he had spent
the time since the occurrence of that event. In
reply Webster gave a satisfactory and highly interest
ing account of his movements, all of which was
heartily enjoyed by his listening friends. Gratified
beyond expression at the pleasant condition of affairs,
he became quite jolly, and the balance of the evening
was spent in convivial and social enjoyment.
On the following morning he started out in search
of his old friend Sam Sloan, for whom he had a letter
from his brother, who was in the rebel army, and
stationed at Centreville. Having also a number of
letters for other Baltimoreans, he desired to secure
Sloan s services in their proper and safe delivery.
Sam looked in astonishment as Webster blandly
approached him, and after an effusive greeting he
remarked earnestly :
" Webster, you ll have to be mighty careful now,
or you will be arrested yet. We are watched night
and day the least suspicious move we make is re
ported at once and if repealed, the first thing the
offender knows he finds himself in the guard-house."
" Well," replied Webster, laughingly, " I ll have to
take my chances with the rest of you."
328 THE SPY IS ARRESTED
lf I know your grit, Webster," said Sloan, "but
by all means be careful. I was arrested myself since
you went away."
" The deuce you were !" ejaculated Webster.
" How did that occur?"
" Well, I went over to Washington to transact a
little business, and while there I met some of the
boys, and we had a little time. I don t know what
I did, but when I started to come home, the Provost-
Marshal arrested me, and I had to take the oath of
allegiance before ! could get away."
"You don t tell me that you took the oath,
Sam ?"
" Yes, I did," laughed Sam. " I would take twenty
oaths before I would be locked up ;" and then he
added : " I tell you, we are all spotted here in this
city, and who is doing it we can t find out."
"What makes you think that?" inquired Web
ster, doubtfully.
" Many things. Why, only the other day I was
taken before Lieutenant Watts, who has charge of
the station-house, and the questions he put to me
about the gang, convinced me that he knew a great
deal more than was good for us."
" Did he ask anything about me ?" queried Web
ster.
"No," replied Sam, "and if he had I wouldn t
have told him anything, you may be sure."
" I can readily believe that," said the detective,
AND ESCAPES. 3*9
"but if it is so dangerous here, how am I going to
deliver these letters ?"
" I can help you there," said Sloan, after a mo
ment s consideration ; " John Earl, Richardson and I
will see that they are delivered, and that will keep
you from incurring suspicion."
"That will do," said Webster, "and you can tell
the people you see to write their answers at once, and
inclose them in two envelopes, one directed to their
friend, and the other to John Hart, at Miller s Hotel."
" I understand ; but who is this John Hart you
mention can we trust him ?"
" I think so," replied the detective, laughing
heartily ; " his other name is Timothy Webster."
" By Jove, Webster, you re a good one ; I begin to
think myself that there isn t so much danger of your
getting caught after all."
This being satisfactorily arranged, the two men
started in search of John Earl and Richardson, who
both agreed to assist in the delivery of the letters
which Webster had brought with him from the South,
They all went to the room occupied by the detective
at the hotel, and after a friendly drink, the letters
were properly assorted, and each man was given his
particular portion. They were instructed to request
answers from those only in whose friendship they
could implicitly rely, and to take in person any that
were prepared at the time.
In the afternoon, Webster called on Mr. Camp
$30 THE SPY IS ARRESTED
bell, the father of the young man who had accom
panied him on his trip from Richmond to Manassas
Junction. The old gentleman was rejoiced to hear
from his son, and after a few minutes conversation
Webster discovered that he was quite as bitter a
secessionist as any one he had met, although he was
quite aged and not very active. He informed the
detective that he had once made a very handsome
horse-bit for General McClellan, and that he was now
making one for General Johnston, which he would like
Webster to take with him when he next went to
Richmond, and deliver it to the General in person.
" Have everything ready," said the detective, " and
I will see that it reaches its destination in safety."
Returning to the hotel, he went in to supper, and
after a hearty repast seated himself in the reading-
room to await the return of his mail-carriers. While
carelessly glancing over the columns of a daily paper,
he was approached by a gentleman, who stepped in
front of him, exclaiming heartily : " Why, Mr. Web
ster, how do you do ? I am glad to see you ; when
did you get back to Baltimore ?"
Looking up hastily from his paper, Webster
recognized the speaker as Mr. Price, the blockade
runner whom he had met in Richmond, and with
whom he had traveled some distance through the
rebel country.
Their greeting was most cordial, and the return of
John Earl and Sam Sloan found the two men engaged
AND ESCAPES. 331
in animated conversation. From Price, Webster
learned that a large amount of goods had been pur
chased by several wealthy gentlemen of Baltimore,
who had adopted a very novel manner of transporting
them into rebeldom, without danger from Federal
pickets or gunboats. Their plan was to ship the goods
upon a vessel bound for Europe and ostensibly the
goods were intended for the same destination. In ad
dition to this a small boat was purchased, which was
to be taken in tow by the steamer. By an arrange
ment with the captain the vessel was to stand in as
close as possible to the mouth of York river, when
the small boat was to be brought alongside, then the
goods were to be transferred to it, and the owners
were to pull up the river to Yorktown, effect a safe
landing, and the rest would be an easy task.
Webster complimented his companion on the
shrewdness displayed in this suggestion, and that
evening he wrote to me, conveying full particulars of
the proposed blockade-running.
It is needless to say that this little plan, shrewd as
it was, failed of execution. Men were at once placed
upon the track of these merchants, and a more sur
prised coterie never existed than were these gentle
men, when their goods, carefully labeled for a foreign
port, were seized by the government, and their con
veyance to the South effectually stopped. An
examination of the goods fully confirmed the correct
ness of Webster s information, and this venture, at
332 THE SPY IS ARRESTED
least, was a losing speculation to those who had
engaged in it.
After Mr. Price had taken his departure, John
Earl called Webster aside, and informed him that a
gentleman desired to send a draft for a large amount
of money to Richmond, and that he had insisted on
placing it in the hands of John Hart himself.
" Do you know this man, and that he is all right ?"
asked Webster.
" No," replied Earl, " I know nothing about him
except that he is vouched for by three parties who
are true, and they say he is all right."
" I don t like this idea," said Webster, doubtfully ;
" I guess you had better tell this man that you will
deliver it safely for him, and then you can hand it to
me."
" I did suggest that, but he said his orders were
to intrust it to no one but John Hart himself."
After considering for some time, Webster finally
concluded to see the individual in person. He was
satisfied that no harm could come to him if the man
was a Federal detective, as, by application to the
authorities or to me he could readily extricate himself
from any difficulty, and if he was a rebel, he would
incur no risk whatever.
" Very well," he said, after he had fully deliberated
the question, "you can bring him to my room and
then we will see what is to be done. Meanwhile I
will take a short walk and smoke a cigar. *
AND ESCAPES. 333
On his return he found John Earl awaiting him,
" The gentleman is up-stairs in my room," said
Earl ; " will you go up now and see him ?"
Webster signified his willingness, and the two
men ascended the stairs. As they entered the room
the stranger arose to greet them, and Webster
scrutinized him carefully. The result of his scrutiny
was decidedly unsatisfactory. The new-comer was a
tall, well-formed man, of about forty years of age.
His hair was dark, and he wore long side-whiskers of
the same color. In appearance he was what would
be ordinarily considered a handsome man, but there
was a look of quiet curiosity about the eyes, and a
peculiar curl about the mouth, which struck Webster
very unpleasantly, and caused him to instinctively
regret having accorded him the interview which he
desired.
"Mr. Hart," said the stranger, pleasantly, after
they had been formally introduced to each other, " I
have a letter here, inclosing a draft, which I am
desirous of having safely delivered to my sister-in-law
in Richmond. You will find the address upon the
envelope inside. Can you attend to this ?"
" I guess so," replied Webster. I can try, at all
events."
Webster could not overcome a feeling of unrest
and suspicion, as he conversed with the man, and he
felt considerably relieved when, after expressing his
thanks, he took his departure.
334 THE SPY IS ARRESTED,
The. next morning Webster was astir early, and
after partaking of a hearty breakfast, he thought he
would pay another visit to Mr. Bowen. Leaving the
hotel, he walked rapidly down the street in the direc
tion of the old man s residence. He had not pro
ceeded far when, on turning around, he noticed that
his friend of the night before was walking upon the
opposite side of the street, and but a short distance
behind him. Finding that he was observed, the man
crossed the street, and after bidding Webster a very
cordial good-morning, said :
"Mr. Hart, as we are walking in the same
direction, if you have no objection, we will walk
together."
Webster assented, and for a short distance they
journeyed along, indulging in a very constrained con
versation. Webster felt assured that the man had
been following him, and that his apparent friendliness
was assumed. Desiring to rid himself of his unwel
come and uncomfortable companion, he was upon the
point of expressing himself very forcibly, when he
was startled by the stranger grasping him firmly by
the arm, and ejaculating :
" John Hart, you are my prisoner!"
Had a thunderbolt fallen at his feet he could not
have been more surprised, but recovering himself
quickly, he wrenched himself from the grasp of the
man.
" What do you mean, sir ?" he asked.
AND ESCAPES.
335
" Just what I have said," replied the other, coolly ;
"there is no occasion for any controversy upon the
question, and as you are directly in front of the
station-house, resistance would be worse than use
less."
The cool manner in which these words were
spoken exasperated Webster beyond control, but he
saw that there were two soldiers standing guard in the
doorway, and he realized at once that any attempt at
escape would be foolhardy in the extreme. He
therefore submitted quietly, and suffered himself to
be led into the building, where an officer was seated
at a table, examining the reports of the previous day.
The recognition between the Lieutenant and
Webster s captor appeared to be mutual, and, indeed,
the presence of my operative did not seem to be an
unlooked-for event.
"" Lieutenant, this is Mr. Hart," said the stranger.
" All right," replied that officer, " we will take good
care: of him."
After a short consultation, held in a tone too low
for Webster to hear, the stranger took his leave, and
the officer turned to the detective :
" Come with me, sir ; your case will be attended
to in the course of the day."
" Lieutenant, I would like to speak to you a
moment, now that we are alone," said Webster, de
sirous of ending the matter, and of enabling the
Lieutenant to ascertain his true character.
336 THE SPY IS ARRESTED,
tf I have no time to talk with rebels," said the
officer, shortly, and then calling to the turnkey, he
direected him to place Webster in a cell.
Deeply resenting the treatment of the officer, but
feeling that opposition would only aggravate his an
noyance, Webster followed the man, internally vow
ing vengeance against the fellow who had instigated
his arrest. He was anxious to express himself forci
bly to the officer in charge, but he considered that he
would probably do the same thing under the same cir
cumstances. The Lieutenant believed him to be a
rebel, and as such his treatment was harsh and impolite,
and after debating the matter in his mind he came to
the conclusion that he was not much to blame after
all. He was desirous, however, of communicating with
some one who could intercede for him, and by that
means secure his release, and he resolved to make
friends with his jailer as the best possible way of
obtaining what he wanted.
Shortly after he had been incarcerated, he heard
the voices of Sam Sloan and John Earl, who had
been informed of his arrest and had come to see him.
Their request was denied, however, and they ex
pressed themselves in very loud tones against the
injustice they were compelled to submit to. All to
no avail, however, and they reluctantly took their
leave. The turnkey coming along the corridor at
this time, Webster called to him, and requested his
attention for a few moments. The man was about
AND ESCAPES. 337
sixty years of age, and had a very benignant coun
tenance, which Webster argued was a good omen for
the work of propitiation which he had in hand.
" Will you tell the Lieutenant that I would like
to speak with him," asked Webster.
" It s no use," said the old man, with a shake of
the head ; " the Lieutenant says he won t have any
thing to say to you, until your case is reported to
headquarters this evening."
" Well, then," smiled Webster, " I suppose I will
have to wait his pleasure; but can t a fellow get- a lit
tle whisky and cigar ? I ll make it worth your while
if you can help me in that particular."
The old man laughed, and said he would see what
could be done, as Webster slipped a bill into his
hand. He disappeared, and after about a half hour,
he returned and slipped a small bundle through the
grated door, admonishing Webster to be careful
about exposing himself to the other prisoners within
view.
" All right," said Webster, " you keep the change,
old man, for your trouble."
In the afternoon another officer, accompanied by
four men, came to his cell, and requested his appear
ance at the office. Here he was carefully searched, and
upon his person were found some letters addressed to
himself ; a pass from Col. Cramp, and about seventy
dollars in money. They were about to take these
from him, when Webster inquired :
338 THE SPY IS ARRESTED,
"Who was the man whc arrested me this morn
ing?"
" His name is McPhail, and he belongs to the
secret service," was the reply.
At the mention of the name, Webster started in
surprise. He had heard of him as connected with
my force, and knew that everything would soon be all
right.
" Well," said Webster, " will you be kind enough
to send for Mr. McPhail, and ask him to telegraph
to Major Allen, and inquire if Tim is all right ?"
" What Major Allen is that ?" asked the officer.
"Of the secret service," replied Webster.
"McPhail will know all about him; and you will learn
that I am no rebel, in a very short time."
" We will do what you request," said the officer,
" and if you are all right, we will be glad to find it
out."
Thanking the officer for his kindness, Webster iras
conducted back to his cell to await developments.
About ten o clock that night, the officer again
made his appearance.
" John Hart, come here."
Webster presented himself before the iron grating
of his cell.
" Is your name John Hart?"
" No, sir, my name is Timothy Webster."
" Well, my orders are for a man named Hart, who
is to be taken to Fort McHenry."
UinVEBSITY
*
AND ESCAPES. 339
Something in the tone of the man s voice,
and in the twinkle of his eye, told Webster that
everything was understood, so he answered at
once:
" Very well, I am the man !"
" Come with me, then."
They conducted him to the street, where he saw
a covered wagon in waiting. They all got in and then
in a loud voice the officer gave the order :
" Drive direct to Fort McHenry pier !"
After they had started, the officer explained to
Webster that it had been arranged, in order to pre
vent suspicion, that he should be allowed to jump
from the wagon as it was driven along, and after a
pretended pursuit, he would make his escape to his
rebel friends with whom he should remain quietly for
a few days, and then return to Washington and re
port to me.
These directions he implicitly followed ; and seiz
ing a favorable opportunity, he leaped from the
wagon and rapidly made his way in the direction of
the city. Going directly to Sam Sloan s, he knocked
loudly at the door. After a few minutes a window
was raised and a voice inquired angrily :
"Who are you, and what do you want ?"
" It is I Webster Sam, come down and open
the door."
The window was shut, with an oath of joyful sur
prise, and in a twinkling, the door was opened, and
340 THE SPY IS ARRESTED,
Sloan pulled Webster into the room, closing and
locking the door behind him.
" Great G d, Webster, how did you manage to
get away from the Yanks ?"
" Let me get warm, and I ll tell you," replied
Webster, with a laugh.
" Come up stairs," said Sloan heartily, "and we ll
have something to drink."
After refreshing themselves, Webster related the
manner of his escape, carefully concealing the action
of the officer, and the fact that he had been peaceably
permitted to leave the vehicle and when he had con
cluded, Sloan s admiration was unbounded. Promis
ing to secrete him until he could safely get away, they
all went to bed, and slept soundly.
Early the next morning Sloan left the house, and
after an absence of an hour or two returned, bringing
with him several of Webster s trusty friends, among
whom was John Earl, who was decidedly crestfallen
at the thought of having been instrumental in leading
Webster into such danger by introducing the strange
man to him, without learning more about his charac
ter for loyalty to the cause. They were all overjoyed
at his escape, and spent the afternoon in a jollifica
tion over his safe return. The newspapers contained
full particulars of the affair, and when they were
brought before him Webster could not restrain his
laughter at their contents, as he read :
AND ESCAPES. 341
"ESCAPE OF A STATE PRISONER.*
" It was rumored yesterday that the man Webster,
who was arrested, stopping at the hotel of Messrs.
McGee, upon the charge of being concerned in the
regular transportation of letters between Baltimore
and the seceded States, had succeeded in making his
escape. It is learned upon the best authority that
during a late hour of the night he was removed from
the western police station and placed in a carriage
under the charge of a special detective officer. The
wagon was driven towards Fort McHenry, he having
been previously ordered to that post, but while the
vehicle was in motion, and when within a short dis
tance of their destination, he gave a sudden bound
from his seat, and before the officer could seize him,
he was beyond his grasp. It is not known which
direction he took, but he will scarcely be able to
escape from the city. He is a citizen of Kentucky,
but left there in the early part of April, and since
that time has been residing in Baltimore."
In another paper he read :
f"We have learned from an entirely reliable
source that Mr. Webster was arrested in endeavoring
to procure replies to a number of letters which he had
delivered from Marylanders now residing in Virginia to
friends at home. A fact which, in view of the haz
ards of such an attempt, should content the unfor
tunate exiles from Maryland with the gratification of
communication with their friends there and without
* The above is from the Baltimore American of November 22, 1861.
| The above is taken from the> Gazette of November 22, 1861.
34 THE SPY IS ARRESTED.
the reciprocal joy of hearing from the latter in return.
We have reason to believe that Webster is beyond
the reach of the Yankees."
Remaining with his friends until after midnight
on the second day, he made his way to the train, and
at 4.30 in the morning started for Washington, where
he arrived about seven o clock, and reported at my
headquarters.
It may seem strange that Webster was arrested by
one of my men, and that my intervention was neces
sary to effect his release, but a few words will serve
as an explanation. McPhail, the operative who had
caused Webster s arrest, had never seen that gentle
man, and was entirely ignorant of his true character.
Under such circumstances he very naturally was led
to suspect him as a rebel spy, and to lay the trap for
his capture. The delicate and important duties
which had been assigned to Webster were such, that
I deemed it advisable to inform but very few of my
men of his immediate connection with me, hence the
arrest, as far as McPhail was concerned, was a bona
fide revelation of what he believed to be a dangerous
crime. As it was, the arrest did no harm, but rather
enabled Webster to cement more closely the bonds
of friendship which existed between himself and those
with whom he had previously associated
CHAPTER XXII.
Webster and Scobell. A Negro as a Spy. A Traitor Deserti
from the Army. He Carries Dispatches to the Rebels,
which Fail of tlieir Destination. An Attack in the
Woods. " The Loyal League." Slaves as Patriots.
ON the first day of November, 1861, General
McClellan was made the Commander-in-Chief
of all the armies of the United States. Immediately
on assuming this important position, the General
turned his attention to the entire field of operations,
regarding the Army of the Potomac as a branch,
though the most important one, of the armies under
his command.
Reliable information regarding the location and
strength of the enemy was the most desirable thing
to be obtained at present, and although Webster had
been performing giant labor in this direction, his
operations comprised but a minor portion of the
work that devolved upon me. Numerous men of
various callings and abilities were traveling through
the South, gathering items of news wherever possible,
and reporting the same as accurately and as rapidly
as they were enabled to do so. So numerous were
the methods which I employed in promoting the
[343]
344 ^ TRAITOR DESFRTS
successful operations of the secret service, that it is
possible within the limits of the present volume to
enumerate but very few of the many events which
occurred. Among the many men thus employed,
was a negro by the name of John Scobell, and the
manner in which his duties were performed, was
always a source of satisfaction to me and apparently
of gratification to himself. From the commencement
of the war, I had found the negroes of invaluable
assistance, and I never hesitated to employ them
when, after investigation, I found them to be intelli
gent and trustworthy.
As I have previously stated, all refugees, deserters
and contrabands coming through our lines were
turned over to me for a thorough examination and
for such future disposition as I should recommend.
John Scobell came to me in this manner. One
morning I was seated in my quarters, preparing for
the business of the day, when the officer of the guard
announced the appearance of a number of contra
bands. Ordering them to be brought in, the pumping
process was commenced, and before noon many stray
pieces of information had been gathered, which, by
accumulation of evidence, were highly valuable.
Among the number I had especially noticed the
young man who had given his name as John Scobell.
He had a manly and intelligent bearing, and his
straightforward answers to the many questions pro-
pounded to him, at once impressed me very favorably
FROM THE ARMY. 345
He informed me that he had formerly been a slave in
the State of Mississippi, but had journeyed to Virginia
with his master, whose name he bore. His mastei
was a Scotchman, and but a few weeks before had
given him and his wife their freedom. The young
woman had obtained employment in Richmond, while
he had made his way to the Union lines, where,
encountering the Federal pickets, he had been
brought to headquarters, and thence to me. He gave
an intelligent account of his travels through the
country, and appeared to be well informed as to the
localities through which he passed, and of the roads
and streams round about.
I immediately decided to attach him to my head
quarters, with the view of eventually using him in the
capacity of a scout, should he prove equal to the task.
For two weeks I employed him in various capacities
of minor importance, but those in which secrecy and
loyalty were essential qualifications, and his perform
ance of these duties was all that could be desired.
At the end of that time I resolved to send him into
the South, and test his ability for active duty. Calling
him into my quarters, I gave him the necessary
directions, and dispatched him, in company with
Timothy Webster, on a trip to Virginia. Their line
of travel was laid out through Centreville, Manassas,
Dumfries, and the Upper and Lower Accoquan.
John Scobell I found was a remarkably gifted man
for one of his race He could read and write, and
346 A TRAITOR DESERTS
was as full of music as the feathered songsters that
warbled in the tropical groves of his own sunny home.
In addition to what seemed an almost inexhaustible
stock of negro plantation melodies he had also a
charming variety of Scotch ballads, which he sang with
a voice of remarkable power and sweetness. During
the evenings his singing was the chief feature of the
impromptu entertainments that were resorted to in
order to while away the tedious hours before retiring,
and he soon became a universal favorite. Possessing
the talents which he did, I felt sure, that he had only
to assume the character of the light-hearted, happy
darky and no one would suspect the cool-headed,
vigilant detective, in the rollicking negro whose only
aim in life appeared to be to get enough to eat, and
a comfortable place to toast his shins.
It was arranged that the two men should travel to
gether until they arrived at Leonardstown, when they
were to separate, Webster proceeding on to Rich
mond by way of Fredericksburg, while Scobell was
to make his way to the rebel camp at Dumfries, and
then up as far as Centreville.
Proceeding by stage to Leonardstown they parted
company, each one depending upon his own exertions
to get across the river. Although they had traveled
in the same coach, they paid no attention to each
other, nor gave any indication of a previous acquain
tance. At Leonardstown Webster went to a hotel,
kept by a Mr, Miller, who was a bitter secessionist,
FROM THE ARMY. 347
and had known my operative for some time. His
greeting was cordial, and his enthusiasm over his es
cape from the officers at Baltimore, an account of which
he had read in the paper, was quite overpowering.
While they were conversing together a tall, dark-
whiskered man came into the room, and after a quick,
nervous glance at Webster, requested to see the land
lord in another room. As they departed, Webster
bestowed a searching look upon the new-comer and
was at once impressed with the familiarity of his fea
tures. He recollected that while he was coming
down on the stage, this man came riding rapidly be
hind them, seated in a buggy and driven by a young
negro. They made several ineffectual attempts to
pass the stage, and finally succeeded in doing so, and
disappearing from view. Webster had forgotten all
about him, until his sudden appearance at the hotel
and his suspicious actions attracted His attention.
After the lapse of a few minutes the two men again
entered, and the stranger immediately took his de
parture.
Filled with curiosity as to the identity of the
man, Webster carelessly observed to the landlord :
" That fellow seemed a little nervous, doesn t he ?"
"Yes," replied the landlord, "and he has cause to
be ; he is a deserter from the Yanks."
"Was he an officer?"
" He says he was a surgeon, and had served in
the regular army on the Pacific coast for a number
348 A TRAITOR DESERTS
of years. His family are Southerners, and he says
he concluded to throw up his commission and join
our side."
" Which way is he going ?"
"He wants to get to Richmond as soon as he
can. He will be back shortly and I ll introduce you
to him ; perhaps you can give him a helping hand."
" I ll do what I can," replied Webster, with a men
tal reservation. " What is his name ?"
"He gave me his name as Doctor Gurley : he
brought a letter from a friend of mine in Washing
ton, and I believe he is carrying some messages to
Mr. Benjamin, the Secretary of War, which he is
very anxious to deliver as early as possible."
" Well, we may be fellow-travelers if he turns up
in time to go over with me," said Webster, who was
already attempting to devise some plan for intercept
ing the delivery of the dispatches which the tided
deserter was carrying.
" I have made all arrangements," replied the land
lord, " and will send you both down to-morrow in
time to get the boat."
" All right," said Webster ; "and now, as I have a
little time before dinner, I will take a short walk to
give me an appetite."
Webster was intent upon finding John Scobell, if
possible. He had formed a plan for getting posses
sion of the dispatches, and he required the services
of his colored companion in order to perfect it
FROM THE ARMY. 349
Keeping a sharp look-out about him, he strode on in
the direction of the negro quarters, where he felt
reasonably sure of meeting with the man he was in
search of. As chance would have it, when within a
short distance of the locality, he saw, to his intense
delight, Scobell approaching him from the opposite
direction. In a few words, he developed his plan to
the intelligent darky, and from the broad grin which
overspread his countenance, it was evident that he
not only fully understood, but highly relished, the
propositions that had been made. It was arranged,
that Scobell should be in the neighborhood of the
hotel during the afternoon, and that Webster should
endeavor to point out to him the deserting surgeon,
after which Scobell was to perform the duty which
Webster had delegated to him.
That afternoon, the Doctor, who was stopping with
some friends, a short distance out of town, made his
appearance at the hotel, and Mr. Miller, having first
assured him of my operative s loyalty, introduced the
two men to each other. By reason of Webster s
familiarity with the country, and his evident and
hearty desire to serve his new-found friend, he soon
won the kindly regards of the Doctor, who prolonged
his visit until nearly dark. At length, promising to
meet Webster on the morrow, and with a parting
beverage, the Doctor started to go. Webster accom
panied him to the door, and with apparent good-feel
ing, bade him good-evening. As Webster re-entered
350 A TRAITOR DESERTS
the hotel, he noticed with satisfaction that Scobell
was on hand, and had posted himself in a secluded
position, where, unobserved himself, he could watch
the hotel, and notice what transpired.
" There is going to be a shower, and the Doctor
will have to walk fast to escape it," said Webster, as
he entered the bar-room.
He had been engaged in friendly conversation
with Mr. Miller for about an hour, when they heard
the hurried stamping of feet outside ; in a few mo
ments, the door was thrown suddenly open, and the
deserting Doctor stood before them. The appear
ance of the Doctor was most rueful. He was without
his hat ; his clothing was disarranged, and torn and
soiled ; his face was of a death-like paleness, while his
lips trembled as if with fear.
Webster and the landlord sprang to their feet,
and rushed toward the man, who was very near fall
ing from exhaustion.
" What has happened !" inquired Webster, in a
tone of solicitude.
" I ve been attacked and robbed P ejaculated the
Doctor, weakly.
The landlord poured out a glass of spirits, which
he gave to the demoralized Doctor, and after swal
lowing it, he seemed to regain his strength. After
he had been sufficiently restored, he related his story.
After leaving the hotel, he had started to walk to
ward the house where he was stopping. It becom-
FROM THE ARMY. 351
ing quite cloudy, and fearing a storm, he had hastened
his pace in order to avoid the rain. Suddenly, as he
was passing through a small patch of woods, he was
stealthily approached from behind, by some one, who
struck him a fearful blow on the back of the head
He was completely stunned and fell to the ground.
When he recovered consciousness, he found that he
had been thoroughly searched, and that his dispatches
to the Secretary of War had been taken. Nothing
else about his person was disturbed, and the attack
had evidently been made by somebody who was
aware of the fact that he had them in his possession.
The Doctor s anxiety about his loss was pitiable in
the extreme, but Webster could scarcely repress
a smile of satisfaction, at the success which Scobell
had achieved in capturing the precious documents.
" Never mind," said Webster, soothingly. " The
loss of the papers won t amount to much ; when we
arrive in Richmond you can communicate verbally the
nature of the papers you have lost."
" That s the devil of it," blurted out the Doctor.
" I don t know their contents ; they were intrusted to
me by men who are working in the interest of the
South, and as they were sealed, I have no more idea
than you have what they contained."
This piece of information was an additional source
of satisfaction, to Webster, who had thus effectually
prevented their transmission to the Rebel government
He sympathized with the Doctor, however, most
352 A TRAITOR DESERTS
sincerely, and although that individual was decidedly
crestfallen at the turn of affairs, under Webster s
ministrations he recovered some of his spirits, and
finding that he was not seriously injured, he again
started for his lodgings. He took the precaution, this
time, to carry his revolver in his hand, and to keep a
sharp look-out as he journeyed along.
Miller, the landlord, was somewhat alarmed at
this adventure, but Webster endeavored to reassure
him as best he could. He suggested that the attack
was probably made by some one who was in the
interest of the South, but who was fearful that, as
the Doctor had deserted from the Northern army, he
might not be as true to the good cause as he should
be. However this may be, Miller s fears soon disap
peared, and by nine o clock he had recovered his
usual good-humor, and set about making his arrange
ments for the morrow. Feeling anxious to learn from
Scobell, Webster lighted a cigar and strolled out into
the street. He walked slowly along, and after he
had gone some distance from the hotel he turned
around, and saw following him, at some distance
behind, a figure which he instantly recognized as
Scobell s. He therefore went on until he came to
the outskirts of the town, and then awaited the ar
rival of his companion.
Scobell came up with a broad grin on his coun
tenance, and extending his hand, said :
" Here dey is, Mister Webster. Dey is all right,
FROM THE ARMY. 353
an 1 I reckon de Doctor don t know what hurt him by
dis time."
Webster took the packet from the outstretched
hand of the black man, and complimented him warmly
upon his success. Scobell seemed quite elated over hhj
exploit, and it was with some difficulty that Websten
could restrain him from breaking out into loud laugh
ter.
Scobell informed Webster that he had already
made arrangements for forwarding the documents to
me, provided they met with the approval of the scout.
He suggested that they be intrusted to an intelli
gent and loyal colored man, who was to start for
Washington on the following morning, and whose
honor and truthfulness could be implicitly relied
upon.
" I should like to see this man first," said Web
ster, when Scobell had concluded.
" Werry well ; cum along of me," answered Sco
bell. " I ll show you sumfin you neber seed afore,
I reckon.
" Go ahead, then," directed the scout.
Proceeding together a short distance, when the
b .ack stopped before a dilapidated building that had
evidently not been used for some time. It was a low,
two-story structure, the windows of which were
boarded up, and no sign of life was visible from
without.
"Come this way," said Scobell, in a low voice,
23
354 A TRAITOR DESERTS
taking Webster by the hand and through a low door,
on which he rapped three times.
Webster had scarcely time to give vent to his
astonishment by a low whistle, when the door was
noiselessly opened. They entered without challenge
and found themselves in utter darkness, while Web
ster could hear the bolts and bars being replaced upon
the door. Listening intently, he thought he could hear
voices overhead, and a noise as of the shuffling of
feet. Presently he heard a shrill whistle from his
conductor, which was replied to from above with the
query :
"Who comes?"
" Friends of Uncle Abe !" was the reply.
" What do you desire ?"
" Light and Liberty !" came the response.
Immediately a trap-door overhead was opened,
revealing a dimly-lighted room, and a rope-ladder was
let down before them.
" Mister Webster, you go up first," said Scobell,
" and I will follow you."
Webster took hold of the ropes and, ascending
easily, found himself in a dimly lighted room and
surrounded by a body of negroes, numbering about
forty. Some of them were young men who had
barely attained their majority, while others were
middle-aged, with a goodly number whose heads
were as white as snow. The room in which they
were assembled was quite large and entirely destitute
FROM THE ARMY. 355
of furniture. An upturned barrel, with an American
flag draped over it, served as the desk of the Presi
dent, and his seat was made of a box, which had
once been used in packing merchandise for ship
ment.
It was not long before Webster realized that he
was in a lodge of " the Loyal League, "composed almost
exclusively of colored men, and whose branches
extended over the entire South. The trap-door be
ing closed behind them, Webster was introduced
to the assembly by John Scobell, who had already
identified himself with the institution. His welcome
was most cordial and hearty. Shortly after they had
become quiet, the President, a tall, well-formed
negro, about thirty-five years of age, took his posi
tion, and in a deep, full voice, addressed the meeting.
He detailed the operations of the various lodges
which he had visited, and gave an encouraging
account of the good work that was being done by the
colored men throughout the country. He was
listened to intently, and when he had finished he was
greeted with numerous remarks of approval and
indorsement.
Scobell had meanwhile disclosed the nature and
objects of the " Loyal League." Although as yet
prevented from taking up arms in defense of their
rights, these colored men had banded themselves
together to further the cause of freedom, to succor
the escaping slave, and to furnish information to
A TRAITOR DESERTS
loyal commanders of the movements of the rebels, as
far as they could be ascertained.
The President of the League, Scobell said, was
about undertaking a trip to Washington, and he was
the person who had been selected to carry the packet
to me. Webster conversed with him for some time
after he had spoken, and finding him reliable and
willing to undertake the task about to be imposed
upon him, he signified his willingness to trust him
with the delivery of the dispatches. Writing a hasty
description of the manner in which they had been
obtained, he safely sewed the package and his letter
in the lining of the messenger s coat, and fully
instructed him as to how the papers should be
delivered.
Webster was called upon before the meeting
adjourned, and he replied in a few words of encourage
ment and compliment, which elicited the most sincere
tokens of appreciation from his sable auditors.
After thanking the colored men for their kindness
to him, Webster and Scobell descended from the
improvised lodge-room, and Webster made his way
back to the hotel, feeling quite relieved as to the
safety of the dispatches, and fully confident that they
would reach their destination in safety. He shortly
afterwards retired to rest, fully satisfied with the day s
work, and slept soundly until morning.
The trusty messenger arrived in Washington in
due time, and I received from his hands the papers
FROM THE ARMY.
357
intrusted to him. They were of a highly important
nature, and conveyed information to the rebel
authorities which would have been very dangerous
had they reached their legitimate destination. As it
was, through Webster s sagacity, Scobell s physical
power, and the exertions of the President of the
" Loyal League," the traitor surgeon was prevented
from assisting the cause of treason and rebellion, and
as a bearer of dispatches, his first venture was far
from being successful
A HOT CHASE.
CHAPTER XXIII.
A Negro Spy. Passage on a Steam Packet. Lyrical Melo
dies. Scobell Deserts the Ship. His Tramps Through
Rebeldom.
r I "HE next afternoon, Webster and Doctor Gur-
ley started for their point of debarkation.
The medical deserter was exceedingly downcast
about the loss of valuable papers, although he had
entirely recovered from the physical effects of his at
tack. He indulged in curses, loud and deep, upon
the perpetrator of the theft, and speculated with grave
seriousness as to the effect of their loss. Webster,
who felt that he could be liberal in dealing out his
sympathy, was profuse in his expressions of regret
and condolence, though I am afraid, that an observer
who was acquainted with the facts of the case, would
have detected a sly twinkle of merriment in his eyes,
that belied his words. They were driven to a farm
house, situated on a little creek that ran in from the
bay, where they were met by a man named James
Gough, to whom Webster had a letter of introduction
from Mr. Miller at the hotel. After reading the let
ter, Mr. Gough invited the travelers to enter, and in
formed them that the boat would attempt to cross the
[358]
SCOBELLS TRAMPS. 359
bay that night if the weather would permit. After
partaking of a bountiful supper, the party repaired to
the landing, and although there were indications of a
storm, the captain, who was in waiting, determined to
make an effort to get across. A large amount of
merchandise had already been placed on board, and
soon after the arrival of Webster and the Doctor
who were to be the only passengers, they put off.
Their trip was made in safety, and by midnight they
reached the Virginia side. Here they went to the
house of a Mr. Woodward, who was a partner with
Mr. Gough, in shipping goods into the rebel country,
and who took charge of the cargo that came over with
our travelers in the boat.
Remaining at the house of Mr. Woodward during
the night, on the following morning they went to
Tappahannock, where they boarded a packet for
Fredericksburg. Here they met a Colonel Prickett,
who was an old acquaintance of Doctor Gurley, and
from the general conversation that ensued, Webster
obtained material information of the location of the
rebel forces. That evening they proceeded to Rich
mond, and Webster, parting with his traveling com
panion, set about delivering some letters which he
had brought with him. Finding that several of his
friends, from whom he had hoped to receive informa
tion, were absent from the city, and that it would be
impossible to do much good service, he resolved to
return to Washington. He went to the office of the
360 SCOBELL S TRAMPS
Secretary of War, and, obtaining a pass to Noifolk,
he returned by that route, taking notes by the way
side, and arrived in Washington in due time.
John Scobell remained in Leonardstown a few
days after Webster s departure, mingling with the
colored people of that locality, and posting himself
upon several points that would be of benefit to him
further on. The des*ire for freedom, and the expecta
tion that the result of the war would determine that
question, had now become universal among the col
ored men of the South. Although as yet debarred
from taking up arms in defense of their rights, their
efforts in behalf of the Northern troops were freely
given when opportunity offered, and consequently,
Scobell made hosts of friends among the black-skin
ned people, who advised him cheerfully and were pro
fuse in their offers of assistance.
During the time that he remained in Leonards-
town Scobell made his home with an old negro who
was an active member of the League, and who had
conceived a wonderful friendship for my bright and
intelligent colored operative. Uncle Turner, as he
was called, was a genuine Virginia darky, who, having
been reared as a house servant, had been enabled to
acquire more than the average amount of intelligence,
and obtaining his freedom, had settled himself in
Leonardstown, where he obtained a livelihood by per
forming a variety of duties for the people in the
town. Here, with his aged wife, a fat, good-natured
THROUGH REBELDOM. 361
negress, he lived in comparative comfort, and a more
thorough abolitionist never existed than was Uncle
Turner.
Through this old negro, Scobell had made arrange
ments with a young colored man to set him across
the river in a skiff, and after spending the day among
his new-found friends, and amply provided with a
substantial lunch from Aunt Judy, Scobell made his
way to the river bank, where he found his man wait
ing for him, carefully concealed among some bushes
that grew along the shore.
After remunerating the boatman, and bidding him
a hearty farewell, Scobell started up the river. His
first plan was to w r alk as far as Dumfries, and from
that point commence his operations among the rebel
camps, but after reflection, he concluded to make his
way to the Rappahannock, and endeavor to work his
way on one of the river boats as far as Fredericks-
burg, which would save him a walk of some fifty miles
and materially expedite his journey. He accordingly
set out for the river and, walking briskly, he found
himself about noon at Leestown, a small landing-
place on the Rappahannock. Feeling somewhat fa
tigued by his long tramp, he remained over night, and
early on the following morning repaired to the wharf,
where he was in hopes of finding a boat on which he
could secure his passage. He had not long to wait
for shortly after his arrival the packet boat "Virginia"
steamed up to the landing, and soon the men were en-
362 SCOBELLS TRAMPS
gaged in putting on board a quantity of miscellaneous
freight, that was destined for Fredericksburg. Find
ing that there was plenty of work to do, Scobell step
ped quickly on board and seeking the captain politely
asked permission to work his passage. The Captain,
who was a kind and genial man at heart, although he
carefully veiled these characteristics under a rough
exterior, and a bluff and impetuous demeanor, list
ened to the request, and being in want of some extra
help, turned to Scobell and said :
"You black rascal, what do you want at Fred
ericksburg? Come now, no lies, or I ll throw you
into the river !"
" I done tell no lies, Massa Cap n," replied Scobell,
with a broad grin overspreading his face, " but I ve
bin back in de kentry to see some ob my folks dar,
and I dun got no money fur ter git back."
" So you want me to take you to Fredericksburg,
do you ?" ejaculated the Captain, good-naturedly.
" Well, go below and tell the cook to put you to work !"
Scobell was about to express his thanks, when the
Captain blurted out :
" Clear out, d n you ! I ve no time for talk
now."
Scobell hurried below, and seeking out the cook
was soon busily engaged at work ; before he had
been very long employed he made a friend of his
sable instructor, and was as merry as a cricket. The
run to Fredericksburg was about twelve hours, but ow-
THROUGH REBELDOM. 363
ing to shoal water they were obliged to stop at
Coulter s Wharf to wait for the rising of the tide. In
the evening the negro hands gathered on the deck
around the smoke-stack, and with the stars twinkling
overhead, they made the shores ring with their mirth
ful melodies. Among the party was an old negro,
who had spent almost his entire life upon the river,
and who was an excellent performer on the banjo,
and he accompanied the singers with his instrument.
" Nelly Gray," " Bob Ridley," " Way down upon de
Swanee River," and a host of the most popular songs
of the day were rendered in a style that elicited the
heartiest applause from the delighted passengers.
The climax of enjoyment was reached, however,
when my Scobell, in his splendid baritone, and accom
panied by the old negro and his banjo, sang that
sweet old Scottish ballad :
" Maxwelton s braes are bonny,
Where early fa s the dew."
The applause which greeted him upon its conclu
sion was most hearty and enthusiastic, and when he
gave them
" A man s a man for a that,"
the passengers crowded around him and began to
ply him with eager questions as to his knowledge of
the music of the beloved bard of Scotia. The idea of
a darky singing Scotch ballads and with such true
304 SCOBELZS TRAMPS
emotional pathos and sweetness, was such a novelty
to them that all were anxious to learn where he had
heard them. Scobell briefly and modestly informed
them that he had been raised by a gentleman who
was a native of Scotland, who was himself a good
singer, and that his master had taught him the music
he loved so well. The Captain, who was also a
Scotchman, and who had listened to the melodies
with the tears trickling over his rubicund nose, now
stepped forward and said heartily :
" Look here, young fellow, I need an extra man
on this boat, and I ll give you forty dollars a month
to work for me. The work is light now what do
you say ?"
Here was a dilemma entirely unexpected. Scobell
had not only sung himself into the good graces of the
passengers, but of the rough old Captain also. It
was plain that this offer came from the very heart of
the old salt, who was as deeply touched by the mel
odies as was any one else, and he wanted to secure
Scobell s services as much for the songs he could sing
as for the work he could, do.
Scobell bowed his thanks to the Captain, and said :
" I m werry much obliged to yer Cap n ; I se bin
lookin fur a job ebber since I left ole Mississippi, an f
I ll do my best to please you, sure."
" All right/ replied the Captain. " It s time to
turn in now, so go below and tell the mate to take
your time ; your pay will commence from to-day."
UNIVERSITY
StfiAtffdgS!
THROUGH REBELDOM. 365
All hands went below, where Scobell duly reported
to the mate, a bunk was assigned to him and he was
made one of the crew of the steam-packet "Virginia."
This was a rather different turn of affairs than he
had expected, but he had done the best he could
under the circumstances, and regretting that he was
compelled to deceive the honest old Captain, he
turned in for the night and slept soundly.
When he awoke the next morning, the boat was
in motion, and he knew that he was on his way to
Fredericksburg. How to get away was the next
question to be decided, but he resolved to await the
operation of events and adopt any chance that
afforded for getting away. In due time the boat
landed at her destination and soon all was bustle and
confusion in discharging the freight. Scobell assisted
manfully in landing the cargo, and earned the enco
miums of the Captain for his diligent labor. Learning
that the boat would not start on her return trip until
the next morning, he requested permission to go on
shore until they were prepared to start. This was
readily granted by the unsuspecting and really good-
natured Captain, who also gave him a small sum of
money to defray his expenses, and cautioned him to
report on time or the boat would start without him,
Scobell promised to be punctual, and then took his
leave.
It is not necessary to state that the " Virginia n on
her down trip went without the ballad-singing negro,
SCOBELL S TRAMPS.
for by the time she was ready to put off, he was on
his way to Dumfries and the Accoquan.
Carefully noting everything that came in his way
he traveled through Dumfries, Accoquan, Manassas
and Centreville, and after spending nearly ten days
in these localities he finally made his way to Lees-
burg, and thence down the Potomac to Washing
ton. His experiences on this trip were quite nu
merous and varied, and only a lack of space prevents
their narration. Sometimes, as a vender of delica
cies through the camps, a laborer on the earthworks
at Manassas, or a cook at Centreville, he made his
way uninterruptedly until he obtained the desired in
formation and successfully accomplished the object of
his mission.
His return to Washington was accomplished in
safety and his full and concise report fully justified
me in the selection I had made of a good, reliable
and intelligent operative.
CHAPTER XXIV.
A Perilous Ride. A Suspicious Peddler. Uncle Callus
Again. Scobell Investigating. Doubts and Suspicions.
IT was on a beautiful morning in the early part of
the month of April, 1862, when a lady, mounted
upon a handsome and spirited black horse, and
accompanied by a young and intelligent-looking negro,
also excellently mounted, rode out of the city of Rich
mond, apparently for the purpose of enjoying a
morning ride. Provided with the necessary passports,
they experienced no difficulty in passing the guards,
and after a short ride found themselves in the open
country beyond the city.
The lady was young, handsome and apparently
about twenty-five years of age. Her complexion was
fresh and rosy as the morning, her hair fell in flowing
tresses of gold, while her eyes, which were of a clear and
deep blue, were quick and searching in their glances.
She appeared careless and entirely at ease, but a
close observer would have noticed a compression of
the small lips, and a fixedness in the sparkling eyes
that told of a purpose to be accomplished, and that
her present journey was not wholly one of pleasure.
[367]
368 A PERILOUS RIDE.
After leaving the city the colored attendant
spurred to her side, and then, putting spurs to their
horses, they broke into a swift canter. Their road
lay along the river bank, which here led in a south
easterly direction. Turning to the negro at her side,
the lady remarked :
" Now, John, we have a ride of ten miles before
us, and we must be at Glendale as early as possible."
"All right, missus," rejoined her sable companion,
" dese hosses will take us through in good shape, I
know."
They followed the course of the stream, whose
waters glistened in the rays of the morning s sun like
polished silver. On either side the road was fringed
with a growth of cottonwood trees, that cast a grate
ful shade along their path, while the cool breezes of
the rippling river rendered their ride a most delight
ful one indeed. But as they sped along the most
casual observer would have noticed from the expres
sion of their faces that their ride was being under
taken for other purposes than pleasure.
The riders pressed on, scarcely slackening their
speed until in the near distance could be seen the tall
spire of the single church in the pleasant little village
of Glendale. They now drew rein and brought their
smoking steeds to a slow walk, and riding leisurely
onward, they stopped before a neat little inn located
on the outskirts of the town.
An old, white-headed negro took their horses and
A PERILOUS RIDE. 369
led them away, while the landlady, a neat and tidy-
looking matron, wearing widow s weeds, met the lady
at the door, and cordially welcomed her into the house.
"Here, Jennie," she called to her daughter, a
trim little girl of twelve years, " show this lady to her
room."
Following the little girl, the lady was conducted
into a cool and pleasant little parlor, with windows
opening upon the garden, and through which came
the fragrant breath of roses in full bloom.
Scobell accompanied the old man with the horses
into the stable-yard, where he assisted in caring for
the heated animals.
" I dun spose you s on de way to Yu ktown ?"
queried the old darky, who was rubbing vigorously
away upon the limbs of the glossy black horse.
After waiting a short time, and hearing no response,
he added :
" What d you say ? dis yer hoss is fidgettin aroun
so I didn t haryou."
" I didn t say anything," responded his companion
good-naturedly, but in a tone that plainly indicated
his intention not to submit himself to the pumping
process at the hands of his garrulous friend.
" I tought you hearn what I dun axed you," re
plied the old man, a little taken aback by the cool de
meanor of his new acquaintance.
Scobell, however, industriously worked away at his
own horse and said nothing.
4
370 A PERILOUS RIDE.
1 Well," said the old darky after another pause
and apparently communing with himself " it am a
fac dat now an den you meets people dat ain t got de
cibbleness to answer a question nor de grit to tell a
feller tain t nun o his business ; but dey jes let on
like dey didn t har wat you sed wen all de time dey
kin har jes as well as I kin.
Still there was no satisfactory response, and at
last the old man blurted out again :
" Now I dun spec it am nun ob Uncle Callus s
bizness were dese folks am a goin , but Jemima ! I
didn t tink it any harm to ax. Folks dat knows
Uncle Gallus aint af eared tu tell him nuffin, coz dey
knows he dun got a mitey close head when it am
needcessary."
The old man was none other than the veritable
old Uncle Gallus, whose experience in the South
seemed to be very different from the easy life he had
led as the house servant of Mrs. Morton. How he
came into this position I am unable to say, but here
he was, and the same smile of good-nature irradiated
his face, as when his way of life was pleasant, and his
duties lighter. Perhaps, it would be as well to state
here, that the two persons already mentioned were
Mrs. Carrie Lawton, a female operative on my force,
and John Scobell, who has figured before in these
pages. These two persons had been for a time em
ployed in Richmond, and were now endeavoring to
effect their journey North.
A PERILOUS RIDE. 371
After finishing the last remark, Uncle Gallus
straightened himself up and stood erect, with the
air of a man who had been unjustly injured, and
who was disposed to vindicate himself now and
there.
" I tell you, uncle," finally replied Scobell, "there
are times when one must be careful what you say,
and who you say it to."
" Dat am a fac !" ejaculated the old man.
" Now, if I knowed you was all right," Scobell con
tinued, " I might talk, but tain t smart to tell your
business to strangers."
"Dat am a fac , young man," observed Uncle
Gallus, shaking his head with a knowing look ; " but
den I spose you s a friend to Uncle Abe, ain t you
now ?" he queried.
"And if I am," said Scobell, "what do you
want ?"
" Light and Liberty," replied the old man impres
sively, "and fo de L ud I b lieve deday am nigh when
it am a comin ."
At these words, Scobell stepped forward and said
in a low voice :
" Do you belong to the League ?"
" I does," answered Uncle Gallus; " I dun jined
it in dis- berry place."
" How often do you meet ?" inquired Scobell.
"We meets ebery two weeks, down at Uncle
Dicky Bassett s he libs on de bluff ob de ribber
372 A PERILOUS RIDE.
bott a mile furder down de road to rds Wilson s
Landin ."
" How far is it to Wilson s landing ?" asked Sco
bell, who, finding that Uncle Gallus was a member of
the League, was now no longer loth to talk with him.
" A little grain de rise ob twenty mile," replied
the old man.
" About sundown, then," said Scobell, " these
horses must be saddled and ready for the missus and
me, for we must be at the landing before midnight."
"All right," rejoined Uncle Gallus, "dey ll be
ready when yu want em."
" See heah now, is yure name John ?" suddenly
asked the old man, as if an idea had just occurred to
him.
" Yes, that s what they call me/
" An you cum frum Richmun dis mo nin T
Scobell nodded.
" An dat young leddy am gwine to meet some
body, mebbe her husband, at de landin T
" Yes," said Scobell ; " but how do you know
these things ? Has anybody been here to see you ?"
"Yah! Yah!" chuckled the old man. "I dun
tole you dat folks as knowed Uncle Gallus dun often
come ter see him. I dun knowed you all de time,
when you fust come in fac , I was spectin you
and de missus all de mawnin ."
" Was the landlady looking for us too ?" inquired
ScobelL
A PERILOUS RIDE. 373
"She knowed you was a comin , replied Uncle
Gallus ; "dah was agem man heah las night, as talked
about you to her, an lef a note fur de lady."
" Is the landlady all right ?" asked Scobell.
" True to de core," affirmed Uncle Gallus emphat
ically ; " more n one poor feller as scaped from Rich-
mun hes foun a good bed an supper at de * Glen
House. "
"Well," said my operative, "you can finish your
work here ; I have an errand or two for the missus,
and I must go and attend to them before dinner."
So saying, he started for the house, leaving Uncle
Gallus to water and feed the horses, which had now
sufficiently cooled, and were enjoying their needed
rest.
Scobell s errand was simply to take a stroll about
the village in order to ascertain whether there was
any indication of their having been followed by any
one from Richmond. He strolled about the village,
noting carefully every one whom he met, and, feeling
comparatively secure, started to return to the hotel.
Turning the corner of a street he came suddenly
face to face with a peddler, who addressed him in a
rich Irish brogue and inquired the way to the tavern.
Scobell gave him the required information and stood
watching the fellow as he ambled off in the direction
indicated. There was something in the appearance
of this man that attracted the attention and excited
the suspicions of my observant operative. He re-
3J4 A PERILOUS RIDE.
solved to keep an eye upon his movements and
endeavor to discover, if possible, whether the man
was a genuine peddler, or a spy, who had adopted
that disguise to conceal his true character.
In the few words that passed between them Sco-
bell had noticed that while the man s hair was a fiery
red his eyebrows and lashes appeared of a dark
brown color, and his face was altogether of too
florid a hue to be natural. These observations were
sufficient to put Scobell upon the alert at once, and
convinced him that the man was not what he appeared
to be.
Following slowly he watched him until he reached
the hotel and entered the bar-room, where, laying
aside his pack, he ordered his dinner. Scobell
entered the room immediately behind him, and pass
ing through it, he made his way to the kitchen, where
the landlady was superintending the preparations for
a most savory dinner. Calling her aside, he informed
her of the peddler s arrival and of his suspicions re
garding him, cautioning her to convey the news to
his missus before they met at the table.
In a tew minutes dinner was announced, and the
boarders, to the number of fifteen, including Mrs.
Lawton and the peddler, with the landlady at the head,
gathered around the long table in the low, old-fash
ioned dining-room. The lively clatter of the knives
and forks soon attested the vigor with which they
attacked the viands set before them. The peddler ate
A PERILOUS RIDE. 375
his meal ii silence, undisturbed by the general con
versation going on around him, and Mrs. Lawton
noticed that he was keenly watching her whenever an
opportunity occurred to do so, as he thought, unob
served. She, however, affected entire unconscious
ness of the scrutiny she was subjected to, and kept
up an animated conversation with the landlady
upon various trivial topics until the meal was
finished.
Scobell, who temporarily acted as an attendant
at the table, lost no opportunity to carefully watch
the movements of the peddler, and his searching
glances, directed towards Mrs. Lawton, fully con
vinced him that his previous suspicions were well
founded.
Mrs. Lawton returned to her room, not a little
disturbed at the peddler s strange behavior, and having
no doubt that the stranger was a spy, she determined
to discover if she was the object of his visit, or
whether his appearance bore any relation to her
presence at the hotel. She accordingly sent for
Scobell, and together they decided that he should
carefully watch the movements of the peddler, and if
nothing of a suspicious nature transpired, they would
renew their journey after nightfall.
Scobell immediately left the room, and as he en
tered the bar-room he noticed that the peddler was set
tling his score, preparatory to taking his departure.
He remarked to the landlady, with the same rich
376 A PERILOUS RIDE.
brogue which Scobell had observed, that business
was dull, and that he would have to walk to Rich
mond.
"All right, my fine fellow," muttered my opera
tive, "we ll see whether you are going to Richmond
or not."
The peddler lighted a short-stemmed clay pipe,
and swinging his pack over his shoulder, set off .at a
rapid pace on the road to Richmond.
Scobell hastened to the stable and, procuring a
pole and line that he had observed there in the morn
ing, started off in the direction which the peddler had
taken, but taking a shorter cut to the river, which
would enable him to reach the road about a mile be
low the village and in advance of the peddler. Saun
tering along until he had gained the shelter of a belt
of timber to his left, he then increased his pace until
he was almost abreast of the peddler, though entirely
concealed from view. He was now satisfied that
with a little effort he could keep his man in sight,
and he concluded not to pass him, as he had at first
intended, but to follow him until he saw him on his
way to the rebel capital.
When they were about three miles from the vil
lage, the peddler suddenly left the road and turned into
the woods, leading directly to the banks of the river,
which at this point were remarkably high and steep.
This movement was entirely unexpected by my
operative, and his only recourse was to drop hastily
A PERILOUS RIDE. 377
behind a tree to prevent being seen. He was not
discovered, however, although the peddler, after en
tering the timber, gazed carefully around him, as if
to see whether he was being followed. Apparently
satisfied with his survey he resumed his walk, in
happy ignorance of the fact that a pair of gleaming
eyes were not far distant, noting his every move
ment.
Waiting until he had gone a sufficient distance to
render it safe, Scobell rose slowly from the ground
and stealthily followed his footsteps until the peddler
paused at the edge of the bluff, which ran down into
the river. Here he tightened the strap of his pack,
and after another hasty glance behind him, he began
the descent of the bluff, with the aid of the stout
stick which he carried with him. The bank was
almost perpendicular, and was covered with a heavy
undergrowth of young timber and brush, which made
the journey rather a hazardous undertaking.
" Wonder if he s going to swim to Richmond with
that pack on his shoulders," said Scobell to himself,
as he wonderingly watched these strange movements
of the peddler.
Fully determined to see the end of this mysterious
maneuver, but recognizing the necessity of exercis
ing the utmost caution in his advance, Scobell slowly
and noiselessly made his way to the spot where the
peddler had vanished as completely from his view as
if he had sunk into the bowels of the earth.
37* ^ PERILOUS RIDE.
Advancing to within a few feet of the edge of the
bluff, he threw himself upon his hands and knees,
and drew himself forward until he could overlook
the steep descent. He could see nothing of the
peddler, however, for the dense growth of bushes com
pletely obstructed his view, but he could readily
discern the marks of footprints in the soft soil, which
had been made by him in his descent to the bottom.
Here was a dilemma. He had lost his man, and
he dared not follow directly after him, as the peddler
might be lying in ambush, and an encounter might be
fatal. After a few moments consideration, he con
cluded to walk along the bluff a short distance and
endeavor to find another path by which he might
descend, and thus avoid the peddler, if he was waiting
to surprise him. About a hundred yards further on
he came upon a well-beaten path, and here he began
his descent. Everything was as quiet as the grave
around him, and he reached the base of the cliff in
safety, but without seeing anything of the man he
was after. Passing up along the lane by the river a
short distance, he discovered a narrow path leading
in the direction which the peddler had taken, and
showing the mark of recent footprints. Passing
cautiously along this path a short distance, he saw
that the high bluffs were gradually giving to more
level banks, and that a little further on the stream
made a sharp detour to the right, and swept out into
the open and level country.
A PERILOUS RIDE. 379
In the bend of the river, and on the same side, he
noticed a small cabin, half hidden by a clump of
trees. Surmising that the peddler had entered this
cabin, he resolved to hide himself and watch for a
few minutes, hoping that the man would soon make
his appearance. He had scarcely taken a position
where he could unobservedly note all that was going
on, when a man, whom he at once recognized as the
peddler, made his appearance at the door, and stood
anxiously gazing around, as though expecting some
one. He still maintained his disguise, and appeared
to be alone. Returning into the cabin, and after a
few minutes, to the surprise of Scobell, another indi
vidual made his appearance. This new-comer, while
about the same size as the peddler, was a very
different-looking person indeed, for instead of the red
hair and florid complexion, he noticed that this man
had a closely-cropped head of black hair, while his
complexion was dark and swarthy.
" So there s a pair of you !" thought Scobell.
The fellow, after apparently satisfying himself
that the coast was clear, proceeded to a small stable
that stood in the rear of the cabin, and almost on the
edge of the river bank. Scobell thought he heard
the faint whinny of a horse, and shortly afterwards
the man, mounted on a dark iron-gray horse, appeared,
and made his way over the hill and out into the
direction of the river road.
It instantly flashed across ScobeU s mind that this
A PERILOUS RIDE.
man was no other than his peddler, and without hesi
tation he approached the cabin and knocked loudly
at the door. There was no response, and after a
moment s hesitation he lifted the latch and entered,
As he had conjectured, the cabin was empty.
GOOD-MORNING.
CHAPTER XXV.
The Journey Resumed. A Midnight Pursuit. A Brave
Woman. A Deadly Encounter. Scobell Defends Him
self. Death of a Rebel Spy.
WHILE these events were occurring, General
McClellan was advancing up the Peninsula
towards Richmond. Yorktown had surrendered, the
battle of Williamsburg had been fought, and the arm}
was advancing to the Chickahominy.
Mrs. Lawton and John Scobell had been for some
weeks in Richmond, during which time they had ob
tained much important information, Mrs. Lawton
taking the role of a Southern lady from Corinth, Mis
sissippi, and Scobell acting as her servant. Having
determined to leave Richmond, they were on their
way to join the Union forces, which, under General
McClellan, had their headquarters on the Chick
ahominy at a point about ten miles from Wilson s
Landing. Here, according to previous arrangement,
they were to meet Mr. Lawton, who was also one of
my operatives, and from that point were to proceed
to the Union camp.
The landlady of the Glen House was a stanch
friend to the Federals, and had on more than one oc
casion rendered valuable service to my operatives.
[381]
382 DEATH OF A
especially to Hugh Lawton. It was therefore at
his suggestion that his wife and Scobell adopted the
plan they did to leave Richmond and to reach our
lines. As Uncle Callus had stated, a man had stop
ped at the tavern the night before and had informed
Mrs. Braxton, the landlady, that these parties would
take that route from Richmond and had left a note
to be delivered to Mrs. Lawton, which contained in
structions of her future line of travel.
The trip from Glendale was one attended with
great risk, as the country, on that side of the river,
was filled with the scouts of both armies, and if cap
tured by the rebel scouts or pickets, the chances were
that detection would be followed by serious conse
quences. Among my female operatives, however,
none were clearer-headed or more resolute than Mrs.
Lawton, who prior to this time had been a most effi
cient worker and had been remarkably successful on
her trips into the lines of the enemy. In each case
she had escaped with rare good fortune.
When Scobell entered the structure which the
stranger had left, he found that it comprised but a
single room, and immediately proceeded to make a
thorough examination of its interior. A small fire
place on one side, which showed no signs of having
been recently used, and a number of benches, were
scattered about, In the corner of the room he saw
the pack and several articles that had been worn by
the peddler, which left no further room for doubt in
REBEL SPY. 383
his mind as to the character of the individual he had
been watching for so long a time.
He accordingly set out for Glendale, where he
arrived just as the sun was sinking behind the western
horizon. He narrated the particulars of his chase to
Mrs. Lawton, whow as convinced that the peddler was
a rebel spy ; but the question was Was he upon
their track ? Did he suspect them ? and if so, by
what means had he discovered who they were and
what their destination was ?
Without attempting to settle these questions,
however, they concluded to set out at once for the
landing. The horses were brought to the door by
Uncle Gallus, who was closely questioned as to
whether a horseman answering the description given
by Scobell had passed through the village that after
noon, did not remember having seen such a person.
Believing that possibly the man might really have
gone on to Richmond they concluded to start that
night and hazard the consequences.
Both of them were well armed and were therefore
fully prepared to defend themselves, unless attacked
by numbers. They rode swiftly along at the free
and sweeping gallop for which the southern saddle-
horses are so famous, and feeling quite secure, they
conversed pleasantly together on their way.
" I guess we will get through all right, notwith
standing our fears to the contrary," said Mrs. Law-
ton.
384 DEATH OF A
" I dunno about that," replied Scobell ; "we re not
through with our journey yet, and there s plenty of
time for trouble yet Perhaps we had better walk
the horses a spell."
" That is a good suggestion," assented Mrs. Law-
ton, "we will walk them a mile or two, and then we
will be enabled to go the faster."
" I tell you, missus," said Scobell, " I wish we was
at the landin ; somehow I feel that there is yet dan
ger ahead."
" What makes you think so ?" inquired Mrs.
Lawton.
" Well, I am afraid that confounded peddler will
turn up before we get through."
"Why, I can manage him myself," laughed Mrs.
Lawton, "and if that is all you fear, we are perfectly
safe."
" Now you re pokin fun at me, missus ; but you ll
find that I can fight if I get the chance, and I was
thinking more of you than of myself."
" Well, there s an old saying, John, don t cross a
bridge until you reach it ; so we won t borrow trouble
until it comes."
Their journey now lay through a richly cultivated
district ; on either side were fine farms, whose grow
ing crops had not yet been touched by the ravages
of war, and the country, under the soft light of the
moon presented a scene of rare beauty. Away to the
left ran the river, now bathed in a flood of silvery
REBEL SPY. 385
light, which, emerging from a belt of woods, pursued
its winding way until again lost to view in the woods
that were sharply outlined at a distance. To their
right the country was broken and hilly, and the land
scape presented a rugged and picturesque appearance
in marked contrast to the evidences of cultivation
upon the other side. The night was soft and balmy,
and the silence was only broken by the sound of the
horses hoofs as they slowly trotted along. It seemed
difficult to believe that war was abroad in the land ;
and that even now, while in the enjoyment of appar
ent safety, danger was lurking on every hand.
Their horses being now sufficiently rested, they
again pressed forward at a rapid pace until they were
about five miles from the landing which was their
point of destination. There Mrs. Lawton s husband
was to meet her and the balance of the journey, to
the Union camp would be free from danger, as the
Federal pickets were posted across the river.
They were now approaching a patch of timber,
through which they would be compelled to pass, and
an instinctive feeling of dread came over both of
them as they drew near to it. The trees grew close
together, shutting out the light of the moon, and
rendering the road extremely dark and gloomy.
" Just the place for an ambuscade," said Mrs.
Lawton shiveringly ; " draw your pistols, John, and be
ready in case of attack."
Scobell silently did as he was directed, and riding
386 DEATH OF A
close together, they entered the wood. The darkness
was so great, that they could distinguish objects but
a short distance ahead of them. They passed safely
through the wood, however, and as they emerged
from the darkness, they congratulated themselves up
on their good fortune, and began to think that they
were unduly alarming themselves.
Their comforting reflections were of short dura
tion, however, for scarcely had they left the wood,
than they perceived four horsemen approaching them
at a swift gallop. What to do now was a question to
be decided promptly. To turn and retreat would
certainly insure their capture, as the woods were just
behind, and they were afraid to travel through them
on a run so they resolved to bravely continue their
way, and trust to chance for their safe deliverance,
should the new-comers prove to be foes.
A few hurried words were exchanged between
them, as they arranged that each should select a man
and fire on the instant they were challenged, and then
they were to dash ahead, hoping by this bold and un
expected move to disconcert their assailants by killing
or disabling two of their number, and thus effect
their escape.
As the advancing party came closer, they divided,
two going on each side of the road, leaving a space
between them for our travelers to pass through.
They were now close enough for my operatives to
discover that two of them wore the uniform of Con-
REBEL SPY. 387
federate gray, with heavy sabres at their sides, while
the others were apparently in citizens clothes.
Scobell, who had been intently regarding them,
now exclaimed :
" Fore God, missus, that one on your side is the
peddler !"
He had scarcely uttered these words, when one of
the men called out :
" Halt, and throw up your hands !"
They were now nearly face to face with each
other, and in a flash two sharp reports rang out on
the still night air, and two of the men reeled and fell
from their saddles.
" At em !" hissed Scobell, through his clenched
teeth, as he plunged the spurs into his steed. The
two animals sprang forward, like arrows from the
string, and in a moment they had dashed past the
others, who seemed dazed at the suddenness of their
actions, and before they recovered themselves, my
operatives were speeding like the wind some distance
away.
" Lay low to your saddle !" cried Scobell to his
companion, " and turn your horse as far to the side
of the road as you can," at the same time turning his
own animal close to the fence that ran along the
roadside.
His directions were immediately followed by Mrs,
Lawton, who retained a wonderful control over her
self and the beast she rode.
388 DEATH OF A
It was evident that their enemies had not been
expecting such a result to their demand, and they sat
for a time like statues ; then, as if suddenly recollect
ing themselves, they wheeled their horses, and, dis
charging their revolvers in rapid succession, started
in swift pursuit.
" They ll never get us now," said Scobell, " un
less their horses are made of better stuff than I think
they are."
The race now became an exciting one ; the pur
suers having emptied their weapons, without doing
any harm to the escaping pair, did not take time to
reload, but urged their horses to their utmost speed.
They soon discovered that their horses were no
match for those of the fugitives, and their curses were
loud enough to be heard by both Scobell and his
companion, as in spite of all their efforts they found
themselves unable to lessen the distance between
them.
Scobell several times ventured a look over his
shoulder, to note the progress of their pursuers, and
on each occasion, finding them still lagging behind,
he uttered some encouraging remark to Mrs. Law-
ton, who was straining every nerve in the attempt to
escape.
While indulging in one of these hasty observa
tions, and forgetting for a moment the management
of his horse, the animal suddenly swerved from the
road, as if frightened at some object in advance of
REBEL SPY. 389
them, and, stumbling, fell heavily to the ground,
throwing Scobell over his head and into the ditch.
Scrambling quickly to his feet, the negro shouted
to his companion :
" Go ahead, don t mind me ; save yourself !"
He then turned his attention to his horse, which
had now recovered his feet, and stood panting and
trembling in every nerve both from fright and exces
sive exertion. Listening intently, he could hear the
clatter of hoofs of the horse rode by Mrs. Lawton,
in the distance, while coming closer every instant was
the noise of the approaching horsemen. They had
discovered his misfortune, and were now shouting
and yelling with triumph at the possibility of captur
ing at least one of the party. There was no time for
mounting, even if his horse was unhurt, and Scobell
determined to make a bold stand and sell his life
dearly, while he would assuredly prevent the capture
of Mrs. Lawton.
Leading his horse to the side of the road, he
placed himself behind him, and resting his trusty
weapon across the saddle, he awaited the coming of
the approaching horsemen. He calmly waited until
the two men were within a few yards of him, and
then, taking as good aim as the light of the moon
enabled him to do, he fired. The horseman nearest
him uttered a scream of anguish, and, throwing up
both hands, toppled from the saddle and fell upon the
ground, while his frightened horse, with a snort of
390 DEATH OF A
terror, wheeled around and dashed off in the direction
from whence he had come.
The remaining man stopped his horse with a jerk
that drew him back upon his haunches, and then,
turning swiftly around, set off in the opposite
direction, while the bullets from Scobell s weapon
whistled in dangerously close proximity to his
ears.
Scobell, seeing that three of the pursuers were
either dead or badly wounded, proceeded to re
load his weapon, and was preparing to remount his
horse and follow after Mrs. Lawton, when he heard
the tramp of horses feet coming from the direction in
which she had gone. From the noise they made, he
was convinced that the approaching party numbered
at least a score, and that they were riding at a
sweeping gallop. A bend in the road, however, hid
them from his view, and he was unable to determine
whether they were friends or foes. In an instant
later they swept into full sight, and, to his intense
relief, he discovered that they were Union cavalry
men, and that Mrs. Lawton and her husband were at
their head.
" Hello, John !" exclaimed Lawton, as they came
up, "are you hurt? *
" No," replied Scobell.
" What has become of your assailants ?"
" Two of them we left a mile or two back, one is
lying there in the road and the other, so far as I
REBEL SPY. 391
know, is making tracks for Richmond," answered
Scobell.
"You are a brave fellow, Scobell/ said the
Captain of the squad, coming forward. " You were
lucky in escaping their bullets, and still more so that
you didn t break your neck when your horse fell with
you, at the speed you were going."
" He fell on his head, I reckon," ventured one of
the soldiers, waggishly, " which accounts for his not
being hurt"
"That s so," replied Scobell, in all serious
ness, " I landed right square on my head in that
ditch."
A roar of laughter followed this remark, and Sco
bell added, good-naturedly :
" It might have killed one of you fellows, but it
didn t even give me the headache. I am glad,
though, it wasn t the missus horse, or things might
have turned out different."
The Captain now cut short the conversation by v ,
ordering four of the party to pursue the flying rebel;
and, if possible, effect his capture, while the rest pro
ceeded to hunt up those that had been injured. The
man whom Scobell had shot last was soon found ; he
was dead the ball having entered his skull. Riding
back to tne spot where the first encounter took place,
they discovered the dead body of the peddler, or spy,
who had met his doom from the bullet of Mrs. Law-
ton, while his companion, with a shattered anw, was
392 DEATH OF A
sitting up, and nearly faint from loss of blood, and
suffering intense pain.
Having captured two of the horses ridden by the
party, and bandaging the shattered arm as well as
they were able, the wounded man was placed on one
of the animals and under an escort they were con
veyed to the Union lines.
Two shallow graves were hastily dug, and in them
were placed the bodies of the two dead men. The
party sent after the escaped soldier soon returned,
reporting that he had obtained too much the start of
them to be overtaken, and they were compelled to
give up the chase.
The entire party then returned to the Landing,
and in the morning my operatives were put across
the river, where they reported in due time at head
quarters, where they detailed fully the information
which they had gleaned in the rebel capital.
It was subsequently learned that the peddler was
a rebel spy, and for some time past had been visiting
the Union camps gathering information, which he
had no doubt conveyed to the rebels. On his person
were found papers which fully confirmed this, and
that they failed to reach their destination on account
of his death, was a fortunate occurrence for the
Union cause.
How he had discovered the character of my oper
atives is a mystery yet unsolved, as his wounded
companion, when examined the next day, stated that
REBEL SPY.
393
he had met him that night for the first time, and had
at his request accompanied him in the trip which had
ended so disastrously. He further stated that his
party belonged to a band of independent scouts,
which had but lately been attached to Lee s Army,
and were assigned to Gen. Stuart s Cavalry. Mr.
and Mrs. Lawton and Scobell soon afterwards re
turned to Washington, where they were allowed to
rest themselves for a time before being again called
upon.
A DEAD SHOT.
CHAPTER XXVI.
A Woman s Discoveries. An Infernal Machine. The Skip
ping in Danger. Discovery and Destruction of the Sub
marine Battery.
THE destiny of nations, history tells us, some
times turns upon the most trivial things.
Rome was once saved by the gabbling of a flock of
geese, whose cries awoke a sentinel sleeping at his
post, just in time to give the alarm and enable the
Roman soldiers to successfully repel the attack of
an invading foe. A certain exiled and fugitive king
took courage from watching a spider build its web,
recovered his kingdom, and a crown that had been
wrested from him by the misfortune of war. Darius,
made King of Persia by the neighing of a horse
and in our own day historians agree, that bad it not
been for the opportune appearance of the " Monitor >;
when the rebel iron-clad " Merrimac " steamed out
of Hampton Roads in March, 186-2, the destruction of
the Union might have been an accomplished fact.
For had not that formidable battery met her match
in the " Yankee cheese-box," as the " Monitor " was
derisively called, she might have cleared the water
of Union sloops of war, raised the blockade, opened
[394]
DESTRUCTION OF THE BATTERY. 395
the way by river to Washington, shelled the na
tional capital and turned the fortunes of war decid
edly in favor of the South.
This battle was an important epoch in the history
of nations, and demonstrated to the world the formi
dable character of iron-clad war vessels, hitherto un
known ; and placed the United States on record as
having produced the most invincible navy in the world.
In addition to the " Merrimac," the South, early in
1862, had devised a great many ingenious machines
in the shape of torpedoes and submarine batteries,
that were designed for the purpose of blowing up the
Union vessels that blockaded the Southern ports.
It was through the efforts of one of my operatives
that the existence of one of these submarine batteries
was discovered, and that, too, just in the nick of time
to save the Federal blockading fleet at the mouth of
the James River from probable destruction. It was in
the early part of November, 1861, that I dispatched
one of my lady operatives to Richmond and the
South, for the especial purpose of ascertaining as
much information as possible about these torpedoes
and infernal machines, which I had good reason to
believe were constructed at the rebel capital. The
Tredegar Iron Works, the largest factory of the kind
in the South, were located at this place, and since the
commencement of hostilities had been manufacturing
cannon and all kinds of shot and shell for the Con
federacy.
396 DISCOVERY AND DESTRUCTION
The lady whom I selected for this task was Mrs*
E. H. Baker ; she had been in my employ for years,
and at one time had resided in Richmond, although,
prior to the war, she had removed to the North, where
she had since dwelt.
This lady, fortunately enough, was well acquainted
with a Captain Atwater and his family, who resided
in Richmond, and after undertaking the mission, she
wrote to them from Chicago, apparently, stating that
notwithstanding the conflict between the two sections
of the country, she designed to pay a visit to them
and renew the acquaintance of years ago.
She accordingly started, and after a circuitous
journey, arrived in Richmond on the 24th day of the
month. The Captain and his family received her
most hospitably, and requested her to make her
home with them during her stay in that city.
Captain Atwater, although holding a commission
in the rebel army, was at heart a Union man, and
secretly rejoiced at the news of a Federal victory.
He soon expressed his views to my operative so
clearly and forcibly, that she believed, if he could do
so, without jeopardy, he would join the Union troops,
and fight for the cause that really had his heartiest
wishes for success.
While Mrs. Baker did not reveal to him her con
nection with the secret service of the United States,
she took no pains to conceal from him her real senti
ments, and in their confidential conversations, was
OF THE SUBMARINE BATTERY. 397
quite free in expressing her desire for a speedy Union
triumph. The Captain was firm in his belief that the
South was wrong, and that the masses had been led
into the war by designing and ambitious politicians,
and that she must eventually fail. Moreover, he
said, that, while born in a slaveholding State, he be
lieved the institution to be wicked and cruel, and that
the South should have given up her slaves rather
than have gone out of the Union.
Loyal as he was, the Captain understood the
Southern people thoroughly, and he felt sure that
they would fight long and stubbornly, rather than
yield to the blacks the boon of freedom. Many
days thus passed in quiet enjoyment and in these
stolen discussions upon the important topics of the
day. Mrs. Baker found herself very comfortably sit
uated beneath the Captain s hospitable roof, and
nearly a week was passed in viewing Richmond and
the strange sights it then afforded.
On every hand she saw preparations for war, and
at every street she turned, she was confronted with
armed soldiers, whose measured tread kept time to
the music of fife and drum. In company with the Cap
tain, she also visited the earthworks and fortifications
around Richmond, and gained many valuable points of
information in regard to their number and extent.
As yet, however, she had been unable to discover
anything concerning the special object of her mission,
and feeling the necessity of accomplishing something
398 DISCOVERY AND DESTRUCTION
in that direction, she resolved to act. She had now
established herself so firmly in the estimation of those
with whom she associated, that she believed she could
with safety turn her inquiries in the direction that
would lead to the knowledge she desired to gain.
Accordingly, one evening at the tea-table she remark
ed, incidentally, that she desired very much to visit
the Tredegar Iron Works.
" Why, certainly," replied the Captain ; " I will be
most happy to go with you to-morrow."
" That will be delightful/ said Mrs. Baker, en
thusiastically.
" But stay a moment," said the Captain, musingly,
" I am afraid I will not be able to go to-morrow, as I
have to go down the river to witness a test of a sub
marine battery."
" Why couldn t I go, too ?" demurely asked my
operative. " I am sure I should enjoy it very much ;
that is, if there is no danger connected with it."
" Oh, there is no danger, whatever, and there will,
doubtless, be a number of ladies present, and you can
go if you wish to."
" I should most certainly wish to," laughingly
answered Mrs. Baker.
" Very well," said the Captain ; " if you and Mrs.
Atwater will be ready by nine o clock, we will have
ample time to reach the place, which is some few
miles below the city."
The ladies were both much pleased with this
OF THE SUBMARINE BATTERY. 399
arrangement, and expressed themselves in extrava
gant terms of thankfulness for a trip which, no doubt,
would be exceedingly pleasant. The Captain then
proceeded to explain to them the nature of the
battery which was to be experimented with on the
morrow. He explained the object to be obtained by
this battery, which was to break up the blockading fleet
at the mouth of the James River, and thus give the
South an outlet to the sea.
The next day they started in a carriage for the
scene of the exhibition, which was located about ten
miles below the city. Arriving at the appointed
spot, they found quite a large number of military
men, many of them accompanied by ladies, assembled
to witness the testing of the machine, from which so
touch was expected.
A large scow had been towed into the middle of
the river, and the submarine vessel was to approach
it and attach a magazine, containing nearly half a
bushel of powder, to which was attached several
deadly projectiles, and this was to be fired by a
peculiarly constructed fuse, connected by a long wire
coiled on board the submarine vessel.
At a given signal the boat was sunk into the river,
about half a mile below the scow, and shortly after
wards it began to make its way under the water
towards it. The only visible sign of its existence
was a large float that rested on the surface of the
water, and which was connected with the vessel
400 DISCOVERY AND DESTRUCTION
below, designed to supply the men that operated it
with air. This float was painted a dark green, to
imitate the color of the water, and could only be
noticed by the most careful observer. As my opera
tive listened to a full explanation of the machine and
its workings, she could scarcely control her emotions
of fear for the safety of the Federal boats, in the
event of its successful operation, and provided the
government was not speedily warned of its exist
ence.
It was learned that this vessel was but a small
working model of a much larger one, that was now
nearly completed, and would be finished in about two
weeks, and would then be taken to the mouth of the
James River, to operate on the war vessels guarding
that port.
They had obtained an excellent position, where
they had a full view of the river, and with the aid of
a strong field-glass they could distinctly watch the
large " float," which indicated the approach of the
vessel.
" How do the men who operate the machine man
age to attach the magazine to the vessel they design
to destroy ?" asked Mrs. Baker.
" Two or three men, who operate the boat," re
plied the Captain, " are provided with submarine div
ing armor, which enables them to work under the
water and attach the magazine to the ship intended
to be blown up. They then have only to quickly
OF THE SUBMARINE BATTERY. 401
move away to a safe distance, fire their fuse, and the
work is done."
The Captain also informed her, that the object
was to break the blockade and allow the steamers
"Patrick Henry" and " Thomas Jefferson" out to
sea, these vessels being loaded with cotton and bound
for England.
While they were talking, my operative was closely
watching, by the aid of her glass, the movements of
the boat, and she now noticed that having approached
to within a few rods of the scow, it stopped, and the
water " float " which indicated its position remained
motionless. After remaining in this position for a
few minutes, it slowly began to recede from the scow,
in the direction from whence it came.
It moved steadily away some hundreds of yards,
and Mrs. Baker was wondering at the seemingly
long delay, when suddenly, and without any previous
warning whatever, there was a terrific explosion, and
the scow seemed lifted bodily out of the water and
thrown high into the air. Her destruction was com
plete, and there was no longer any doubt that the
submarine battery could be used with deadly and
telling effect on the ships constituting the Federal
blockading squadron.
Those who witnessed the experiment were, of
course, mach elated over the efficient work of de
struction which had been accomplished, and even
Captain Atwater, in his enthusiasm as a soldier, for
te
402 DISCOVERY AND DESTRUCTION
got temporarily his real feelings, in his undisguised
admiration of the ingenuity of the invention and the
effectiveness of its operation.
Mrs. Baker, however, looked on with a heavy
heart as she reflected upon the terrible consequences
of the workings of this machine, and at once felt the
urgent necessity of taking steps to inform me what
she had witnessed. Unless something was done in
this direction, she felt confident that the Federal
ships would be destroyed, the blockade forever ended,
and untold disaster would attend the Union cause.
After their return home that evening, she made
copious notes of what she had learned and witnessed,
which she safely secreted about her person. The
next day, in company with the Captain, she visited
the Tredegar Iron Works, and inspected the boat
that was being built. It was truly a formidable-look
ing engine of destruction.
The next day, being Sunday, she remained at the
residence of the Captain, and on Monday morning,
having procured a pass, she bade farewell to her host
and his amiable spouse, and left Richmond for Fred-
ericksburg. From thence she made her way to
Washington by the way of Leonardstown, and lost no
time in reporting to me the success of her trip. She
had made a hasty, though quite comprehensive, sketch
of the vessel, which sketch is still in my possession,
and which showed the position under the surface of
the water, and explained its workings.
OF THE SUBMARINE BATTERY. 403
I immediately laid my information before General
McClellan and the Secretary of the Navy, who at
once transmitted the intelligence to the commanders
of the squadron, instructing them to keep a sharp
lookout for the " water-colored surface float," and to
drag the water for the purpose of securing possession
of the air tubes connecting the float with the vessel
below.
Nothing was heard from this for about three
weeks, but about that time I was informed that one
of the vessels of the blockading fleet off the mouth
of the James River had discovered the float, and put
ting out her drag-rope, had caught the air-tubes and
thus effectually disabled the vessel from doing any
harm, and no doubt drowning all who were on board
of her.
This incident, and the peculiarity of the machine,
was duly discussed in the newspapers at that time,
who stated that "by a mere accident the Federal
fleet off James River had been saved from destruc
tion" but I knew much better, and that the real
credit of the discovery was due to a lady of my own
force. The efficient manner in which this work was
performed was of great service to the nation, and sus
tained the reputation of the Secret Service Depart
ment, as being an important adjunct in aiding the
government in its efforts to suppress the rebellioa
CHAPTER XXVII.
"Stuttering Dave" His Tramp Through the Rebel Lines*
An Ammunition Train. "Dave s" Plan Succeeds in
its Destruction. A Man Who Stuttered and" Had Fits"
ONE morning, while the army was on the ad
vance up the Peninsula, I was strolling about
the camp, when I encountered a group of soldiers
gathered around one of their number, who appeared
to be entertaining them immensely with his droll
anecdotes and dry witticisms. Approaching closer,
I became one of the crowd that surrounded the nar
rator, and listened to an amusing incident admirably
told, which had happened to him a day or two before
while out with a scouting party.
He was a man about thirty years of age, of
medium height, strongly and compactly built, and
with a good, firm, intelligent face, over which he had
the most perfect control. So perfect was his com
mand over his facial expression that he could make
his hearers roar with laughter, while he, to use a
homely phrase/ would "never crack a smile." I
noticed on joining the little crowd that had gathered
around him, that the fellow stuttered amazingly,
which fact, together with his imperturbable gravity,
[404]
MAN WHO STUTTERED AND HAD FITS." 405
seemed to be the secret of his always having a good
audience about him to listen to his stories and to
enjoy his droll humor. I was struck with the man s
appearance at first sight and at once concluded that,
unless I was much deceived in him, he was a man
whom I could use to good advantage, and I deter
mined to ascertain who he was and where he belonged.
Turning to a soldier at my side, I inquired the
man s name. Looking at me as though surprised at
my ignorance, he answered :
"Why, that s Stuttering Dave/ the drollest,
smartest man in this regiment, and one of the best
fellows you ever met."
" What regiment does he belong to ?" I asked.
"To the Twenty-first New York," said the soldier,
" but ever since I have known him, he has been with
a scouting party. He used to live in Virginia be
fore the war, and is well acquainted about here."
That day I called upon the Colonel of the regi
ment to which the man belonged, and informed him
of my wishes, which, if agreeable to him, I would ask
him to send " Stuttering Dave " to my quarters.
Shortly after sundown he came, and to my as
tonishment, I found that his stuttering propensity
had entirely disappeared, and that he conversed with
me with surprising ease and intelligence, and a quiet
earnestness that betokened a solid and well-informed
man. The fact was that stuttering with him was
only a favorite amusement, and so naturally was it
4 oi A MAN WHO STUTTERED
simulated, that no one would suspect he was sham*
ming or that he was anything else but a confirmed
stutterer of the most incorrigible type. In the inter
view which followed he signified his willingness to
enter the secret service, and a day or two later he
was detailed to my force. Here he served with such
ability and credit that he was shortly discharged from
his regiment altogether, and for the rest of the war
was one of my most faithful and valued operatives.
A few days after this interview, David Graham,
for that was his real name, otherwise known as
" Stuttering Dave," set out under my instructions, on
a trip within the rebel lines. As he was about leav
ing my tent, he shook hands with me, and said in his
dry manner :
" G-g-go-good-by, M-m-m-major, I m g-g-g-oin to
have s-s-some fun before I g-g-get home, if I d-d-don t
I m a g-g-goat, that s all."
Cautioning him against allowing his propensity
for "fun" to get him into trouble, I accompanied him
to the edge of the camp, and saw him set out in the
direction of the Confederate forces.
Graham had adopted the disguise of a peddler of
notions, and carried in his pack a goodly supply of but
tons, needles, thread, pins and such a trifling articles
as he knew would be in great demand by the soldiers.
Discarding his uniform, and dressed in a suit of but
ternut jean, with a broad-brimmed hat, a stout stick,
and a pack across his shoulder, he appeared a verita*
AND "HAD FITS." 407
ble tramping peddler. No one, to have seen him,
would have imagined that he was an emissary of
the secret service, and they would little have sus
pected that the stuttering, harmless-looking fellow who
was hawking his wares, knew aught about military
affairs, or the plans and movements of an army.
It was in the fast deepening twilight of a beauti
ful evening, and but a few days after he had left the
Union lines, that a party of rebel soldiers, weary and
hungry with the toilsome march of the day, were rest
ing around a camp-fire, engaged in the preparations
of their evening meal.
While thus employed, they were approached by a
strange-looking individual, who walked right into
their midst, and without, ceremony, flung down his
pack and seated himself among them.
"B-b-boys," said he, "I m most d-d-darned hungry^
iv-w-w-what do you s-s-say to givin me a b-b-b-bite to,
eat ; d-d-dang my buttons, I m willin to p-p-pay for it,
in t-t-trade or cash."
" How did you manage to get inside the camp ?" n>.
quired one, who seemed to be the leader of the mess.
" F-f-f-followed my legs, and they b-b-b-brought me,
right in," replied Stuttering Dave, as he coolly pro
duced a short-stemmed, dirty-looking pipe, which he
deliberately filled, and then lighted with a coal from,
the glowing embers at his feet.
"What have you got to sell?" asked a soldier at
his side.
*o8 A MAN WHO STUTTERED
" O, n-n-needles, p-p-pins, thread, b-b-buttons and
n-n-notions "
" Did you come from the Yanks ?" now asked the
man who had first addressed him.
"D-d-d-am the Yanks!" ejaculated Dave, "I
d-d-don t know anything about em. Ain t them your
s-s-sentiments ?" he added, nudging the fellow who
sat nearest to him.
His companion evidently did not relish this sly
poke, for he growled :
" I, for one, am gettin most thunderin tired of
runnin around the country, and nothin would suit me
better than for us to stop long enough to giv em a
good lickin ."
"You 1-licked em like the d-d-devil at Williams-
burgh, d-d-d-didn t you ?" said Dave.
The fellow looked at him in surprise, but failed to
detect any evidence of an intended sarcasm in the im
movable gravity of his face, so mentally concluding
that the peddler was a fool and one of nature s own
at that, he dropped the conversation.
By this time the meal was ready, and Dave, being
invited to join them, gladly assented, and fell to with
an appetite that showed how thoroughly he enjoyed
the repast. Supper over, the party spent the even
ing in chatting and telling yarns. The detective
opened his pack, and displaying his goods, soon dis
posed of quite a large quantity, in return for which
he demanded, and would take, nothing but silver or
AND "ffAZ> FITS." 409
gold. When " taps " were called, he turned in with
the party, and placing his pack under his head for a
pillow, he soon slept soundly, until reveille in the
early morning aroused him from his slumbers.
Having eaten his breakfast, he sauntered through
the camp, taking keen notice of the number of troops,
and finding out all he could concern ing their intended
plans and movements. During the day, he did a
thriving business with his small stock of notions, and
was everywhere followed by a crowd, who were at
tracted by his droll humor and witty sayings.
On one of these occasions, and while he was driv
ing some lively bargains with the soldiers that were
gathered around him, he was approached by an
officer, who slapped him familiarly on the shoulder
and exclaimed :
" Here, my good fellow, we can use men like you ;
hadn t you better enlist with us ? You can do your
country a great deal more good than you are doing,
tramping around the country selling needles and
pins."
The detective turned around, and seeing who it
was addressing him, replied :
" C-Captain, I d-d-don t think you would want
me ; I t-t-tried t-to enlist s-s-s-sometime ago, b-b-b-but
the d-d-doctor said, m-myf-f-fits and stuttering b-b-be-
ing so b-b-bad, he c-c-couldn t p-p-pass me."
" Are you subject to fits ?" the officer now asked,
as a sympathetic look came over his face.
4 io A MAN WHO STUTTERED
" Had em ever s-s-since I was t-t-ten years old/
replied Dave, "have em every f-f-full of the
m-m-moon."
"Where do you live?" interrupted the officer.
"On t-t-the other s-s-side of the river/ he an
swered.
" What is your name ?"
" They c-c-call me St-st-stuttering Dave," replied
the detective, with an idiotic grin.
The officer now turned and walked away, feeling
no longer any interest in the fellow, except to pity his
condition ; and thoroughly satisfied that there was no
harm in him, and that he was utterly unfit for a soldier.
Well pleased to have shaken off the curious officer
as easily as he had, Dave now turned again to the
soldiers and resumed his occupation of dickering with
the crowd about him ; having concluded his business
here, he ambled off to another part of the grounds
where a large quantity of ammunition was stored in
the wagons.
Instantly, an idea occurred to him which he re
solved to carry out if possible. It was to undertake
the dangerous feat of firing the ammunition, and
depriving his enemies of that much destructive mate
rial at all events. He lost all interest in disposing of
his goods for a time, and proceeded to make a care
ful examination of the grounds about the wagons,
and formed his plans for carrying out his project that
very night
AND "HAD FITS." 4"
He soon decided that by laying a train of powder
from the wagons and running it to a safe distance, he
could readily set fire to it, and make his escape in the
confusion that would follow. At midnight, therefore,
he stole around to the wagons and quietly com
menced his work. He had taken the precaution that
afternoon, to supply himself with a quantity of pow
der fuses, by rolling the powder up loosely in long
strips of rags.
Placing these in position to connect with the am
munition in the wagons, and laying his train from one
to another, the next thing was to lay a long train,
that would enable him after firing it to get out of
harm s way before the explosion occurred. Having
completed his arrangements, he now took himself off,
to wait until the whole camp should be quietly wrap
ped in slumber, before he started his " fireworks," as he
called them.
About midnight, had the sentinel on guard at
the wagons containing the ammunition been awake,
and looking sharply about him, instead of dozing at
his post, he might have observed a man stealthily
steal up to the stores, and silently and quickly
disappear into the woods beyond. Fortunately, how
ever, for our friend, and the enterprise he had on
hand, he only snored quietly and peacefully against a
neighboring tree, little dreaming of the surprise that
was in store for him.
A few minutes later, a long, quick flash of light
412 A MAN WHO STUTTERED
darted along the ground, which was immediately
followed by a loud, stunning report, and the murky
darkness was illumined with a brilliant, flaming light,
and great volumes of smoke.
Instantly the entire camp was aroused, and the
half-dressed and fully-frightened soldiers came rush
ing to the scene, which was now only a scattered pile
of burning ruins. How it occurred, no one knew, or
could tell aught about it, and wild conjectures were
freely indulged in as to the probable cause of the
disaster. In the meantime, the only man in the
world who could tell anything about the affair, was
traveling as fast as his legs could carry him in the
direction of the Union camp.
In a few days he made his appearance at my head
quarters, and related the success of his journey. I
could not refrain from laughing heartily at his
peculiar and independent system of warfare, but
advised him to be more careful in the future as to
how he tampered with the stores of the enemy.
I was not disappointed as to the ability of the
man, however, and for months he served me faithfully
and well, needing but little instruction, and always
performing his work to the entire satisfaction of
every one. He at times adopted various disguises,
but generally depended upon his own natural shrewd-
ness, and his natural adaptiveness for the role of an
itinerant peddler to carry him through successfully.
He was always fortunate in his trips, and, so far
AND "HAD FITS" 413
as I knew, his identity was never discovered, and in
the peddler who stuttered and " sometimes had fits,"
the rebels never recognized an emissary of the Secret
Service.
SHOT BY A CANNON-BALL.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Another Trip to Richmond. A Rebel General Taken In.
Curtis Makes Valuable Acquaintances. "The Subte~
ranean Headquarters"
EARLY in 1862, it becoming necessary to obtain
more fully the plans and intentions of the
enemy, and their numbers around Richmond, I in
April of that year dispatched one of my keenest and
shrewdest operatives on this important mission.
The man selected for this delicate and dangerous
work was George Curtis, a young man about twenty-
five years of age, tall, well-formed, with dark com
plexion, clear gray eyes, and possessing handsome,
intelligent features. He was one of those men rarely
met, who was by nature a detective ; cool-headed,
brave and determined, with ready wit and sagacious
mind, he was especially qualified for efficient work in
that important branch, the secret service.
He was a native of New York, and had at the
opening of the war enlisted in an infantry regiment
from that State.
Learning of his desire to enter the secret service,
I had procured his discharge from his regiment, and
he was detailed on my force, where he served until
the close of the war.
[414]
A REBEL GENERAL TAKEN IN. 415
It was a beautiful April morning when, with his
instructions carefully treasured in memory, for he
dared take no written ones, he left my office on " I "
street, in Washington, and set out on his perilous trip.
I had previously made arrangements that he
should accompany General McClellan down the river
on his boat, the " Commodore," and on which he had
established his headquarters, to Fortress Monroe,
and landing there, make his way to Richmond.
The morning of the first, he left Washington, and
the next day he arrived at Old Point Comfort, and
landed under the frowning walls of the old fort. He
remained here until the morning of the second day
after his arrival, where he was provided with a horse,
and set across the river and proceeded on his way
towards the rebel capital.
He had now a journey of near seventy miles
before him, through a country filled with enemies to
the cause he espoused, and from whom, should his
true character and mission become known, he might
expect anything but kind treatment at their hands.
His object in crossing the James at this point was
to place himself in less danger from suspicion as a
spy, and to better enable him to learn the sentiment
of the people, as well as to gain accurate knowledge
of the condition of the country as to roads, bridges,
streams, etc., all of which information is of essential
importance for the General of an invading army to
know.
416 A REBEL GENERAL
He, therefore, on horseback, and apparently as a
man traveling for pleasure and recreation, proceeded
on his way up the valley of the river and towards the
objective point of his journey, the rebel capital.
Nothing worthy of note occurred during the day ;
he stopped at noon at a house by the wayside, and
obtained dinner for himself and horse. In a conver
sation with his host, who was a well-to-do old farmer,
he apparently in a careless manner betrayed the fact
that he himself followed the same occupation, that he
lived on the river in the county of Norfolk, below,
and was on his way to visit among friends at Peters-
burgh.
It was towards evening that he neared the out
skirts of the city, when he suddenly encountered the
rebel pickets, stationed outside the town, who halted
him and demanded to know his name and business.
" My name is Curtis," replied the operative, " and I
am from Norfolk ; my business I will state to your
commander when I am taken to him."
Without further ceremony he was turned over
to the officer of the guard, who sent him under escort
to General Hill, the general in command.
" Whom have you here ?" queried the General, as
in the company of his escort the detective was kd
into his presence.
" A man who says he is from Norfolk," replied
the guard, " but who refuses to tell his business t<?
any one but yourself."
TAKEN IN. 417
" You may retire," said the General, and the
escort immediately left the room. " Now," he ex
claimed, turning to Curtis, " What is your business ?
Please be as brief as possible, as I am very busy."
" Well, to come to the point at once," replied the
detective ; " in the first place, then, I spoke falsely to
your pickets when I told them I was from Norfolk.
My name is Curtis, and I am from Washington. As
to my business, I deal in what the Yankees are pleased
to term contraband goods ; yet I don t see how gun-
caps, ammunition of all kinds, and quinine should be
considered contraband, for the simple reason that I,
as a dealer, find a better market South than North
for my goods. My desire," he continued, " is to get
through to Richmond, where I hope to be able to
effect contracts, with Secretary Benjamin, to furnish
my goods to the Confederate government."
" How did you get through the Union lines ?"
asked the General, still, evidently, a little suspicious
of the sincerity of the detective s story.
" I came down on the Commodore, General Mc
Clelland boat, three days ago," he answered, " was set
across the river there, procured a horse from a friend,
and here I am."
" Do you know anything of McClellan s plans for
an advance ?" asked the General.
" I can tell you nothing about them," answered
Curtis, "as everything is kept secret from even his
own staff, I am told"
a?
418 A REBEL GENERAL
The General mused, thoughtfully, a moment, and
then said : " I will give you a pass to Richmond, and
you can proceed on your way in the morning."
" Thank you, General," exclaimed the detective,
" I assure you the cause shall suffer no loss by any
efforts of mine. I shall, in all probability, return b}
this way, in a few weeks at farthest, when, if I can
be of any service to you, you have only to command
me."
" By the way," said the General, " I have some
letters to parties in Richmond, which ought to go at
once. If you will do me the favor to deliver them
I shall be obliged to you."
" I shall be happy to serve you, General, and will
take pleasure in seeing that your letters reach their
destination all right."
" Very well, then ; call at my quarters in the
morning, before you start, and I will have them ready
for you, and will give you also your pass to Rich
mond."
Curtis thanked him again, and, bidding him good
night, repaired to the hotel, and secured for himself
and horse supper and lodging for the night.
After he had partaken of a hearty meal, and pro
vided himself with an excellent cigar, he sauntered
out on to the veranda of the hotel, and, taking a
comfortable seat, prepared to enjoy his fragrant weed,
and amuse himself with listening to the conversation
of those around him.
TAKEN IN. 419
He soon discovered that the war, and the pros
pects for a speedy victory for the South, were the
subjects under discussion, and he listened with mir:h
interest to the ideas advanced, and the confidence
that marked their assertions of the superiority of the
Southern troops over the Northern mudsills, as they
termed the Federalists.
"You may depend on it, that General Johnson
will not permit the Yanks to approach any closer to
Richmond than they now are, without contesting
every inch of the ground as they advance," remarked
one gentleman of the party near which he was
sitting.
" No," emphatically rejoined another, " when they
take Richmond, it will be when they have annihilated
the Southern people, when not a thousand able-
bodied men are left on Southern soil to rally to its
defense."
" Well, I am satisfied," remarked another, " that
right here is to be the contest, that is to decide this
matter one way or the other."
" If the Yankees take Richmond, the South may as
well surrender at once ; if however they fail, as they
are extremely liable to do, they, on the other hand,
may as well withdraw their forces and acknowledge
our independence."
" If I am not greatly mistaken," now ventured my
operative, " in the spirit of the Southern people,
they will, to use a common phrase, fight to the bitter
420 A REBEL GENERAL
end. And yet," he continued, " to the thoughtful ob
server, it is not pleasant to contemplate the spectacle
of brother arrayed against brother, as they are in this
war. I tell you, gentlemen," he added, " that while
I am a Southern man, it grieves me to see our land
so rent with strife and bloodshed and that the Norl h
has made it necessary for a resort to arms to settle a
matter that should have been amicably adjusted."
At this juncture, the party was joined by a new
comer, who had evidently just left the supper-room,
as he carried an unlighted cigar in one hand, while
with the other he was picking his teeth, with the
manner of a man who had just eaten a hearty meal
and who had enjoyed it.
He was a man past the middle age, hair gener
ously sprinkled with gray, and with a face, that while
bronzed by exposure to the weather, was keenly in
telligent, not unhandsome, and strongly expres
sive of force and decision of character. He seated
himself and soon joined in the conversation, with
that freedom and nonchalance that characterizes
the experienced yet courteous traveler, who has seen
the world and is familiar with its ways.
" We shall hear of some pretty hard fighting
shortly, I imagine," finally observed the stranger;
" McClellan has arrived at Fortress Monroe, and will
no doubt commence hostilities at once."
" And we shall also hear of his army getting badly
whipped," put in one of the party.
TAKEN IN. 421
"Well," rejoined the stranger, "that may be true;
but, after all, the real contest will be before Rich
mond ; the fighting that may occur now, will only be
the strategic moves preceding the final struggle.
Lee and Johnson," he continued, "are not yet ready
for McClellan to advance upon Richmond, and they
will see to it that it is put in the best possible condi
tion of defense before he succeeds in reaching it."
At this, my operative, who had taken little part
in the conversation, except as an attentive listener,
now arose and laughingly said : " Gentlemen, I guess
we are all of one mind on this subject, let s adjourn
down below and interview the bar-keeper ; I don t
profess to be a judge of military matters, but when it
comes to a good article of whisky, I claim to be
posted."
The party, numbering near a dozen gentlemen
about him, good-humoredly took the interruption and
laughingly followed the detective, who now led the
way to the bar-room.
They filled glasses all around and Curtis proposed
the rather ambiguous toast, " May the right prevail,
and death and confusion, attend its enemies" am
biguous in that it as much represented his real
sentiments as it also met the approval of his seces
sion friends.
After the party had drank, they separated, agree
ing to meet later in the evening ; Curtis was himself
starting for a stroll about the town, when the
422 A REBEL GENERAL
stranger, who had last joined the party on the
veranda approached him and said : " I have just
drank the toast you proposed, and judging from it
and your conversation up stairs, I take you to be, at
least, a friend to the South, if indeed you are not a
Southern man. I should like much to have your
company for a short stroll about the city ; my name, 1
he added, "is Leroy, and I hail from Baltimore."
" I shall be glad to accompany you, Mr. Leroy,"
said my operative, heartily : " I was just thinking of
going for a walk alone, but I assure you I shall be
only too glad to have a companion. And since you
have so kindly told me your name, I may as well tell
you, that mine is George Curtis, and I am from
Washington. But before we start," he added, "let us
have a fresh cigar."
He then ordered the cigars and they started for
their walk.
They had not proceeded far, before his new com
panion revealed the fact, that he also was in the con
traband trade, and singularly enough, was on his way
to Richmond on precisely the same business my
operative had represented himself as engaged. Of
course, Curtis reciprocated the confidence of his new
found friend, and with such results, that he not only re
turned from his walk much better posted on how to
get goods through to Richmond, but actually returned
a partner in an enterprize to furnish their goods in
large quantities to the Confederate government, pro*
TAKEN IN. 4*3
vided they could succeed in making satisfactory ar
rangements with Mr. Benjamin, the Secretary of
War. They returned to the hotel, where they had a
long talk, completing their plans. It was arranged
that my operative should leave his horse at Peters
burg, and in the morning, they would proceed on their
way to Richmond by rail.
On the following morning he arose early, and
after breakfast, proceeded to call on General Hill
at his quarters and obtained his pass, also the letters
he was to carry for him to parties in Richmond.
They then took a train for the rebel capital, and by
noon found themselves in that city.
The day following his arrival, in company with
Leroy, he called on Mr. Benjamin and succeeded in
closing contracts to furnish large quantities of their
goods to his government, and at prices that were
highly satisfactory to Mr. Leroy, who jovially re
marked, as they left the Secretary s presence, that
if they only had good luck, their fortunes were made.
Curtis, however, felt highly gratified over the result
of the interview, more from the reflection of the aid
it would give him in prosecuting the real object of
his visit, than from any financial benefit he expected
to derive from it. He had received a pass from the
Secretary that would enable him to pass in and out of
Richmond at his pleasure, a most important privilege,
and one that really removed all practical hindrances,,
and left him free to more fully accomplish his work.
424 A REBEL GENERAL
He had not been in the city a week before he
discovered that through some source, the rebels had
almost daily news from the front, concerning the
movements and plans of the Union troops. This he
now determined to ferret out, and the next day, he in
a careless manner, inquired of his friend Leroy, how
it was, they obtained news so promptly from the front
" Why," replied his friend, laughingly, " haven t
you heard of the subterranean headquarters ?"
" I confess I have not," replied the detective.
" Then come along with me," said Leroy. " I
ought to have told you about this before, as it is
intimately connected with our business."
He then led the way to the very hotel at which they
were stopping, and conducted Curtis to a large and
elegantly furnished room on the third floor, and in
which were seated a number of gentlemen some
reading, while others were engaged in writing at little
tables that were ranged about the room.
" Here," said he, laughing, "are the subterranean
headquarters, although they are above the top of the
ground instead of beneath it. I need not tell you,"
he added, " that the name is given as much to mis
lead as for any other purpose."
They then took seats at one end of the room
where they were alone, and he proceeded with his
explanation :
"First," he said, "you must know that this is a
bureau of intelligence, and is managed partly by the
TAKEN IN. 425
government and partly by wealthy merchants here
and at Baltimore ; besides being used in getting in
formation concerning the movements of the Federal
troops, it is also used by the merchants in getting our
goods through from Baltimore. We employ," he con
tinued, " nearly fifty persons, some of whom are
constantly in the field carrying dispatches, gaining
and bringing in information from the Yankee lines.
These persons are all under the control of a chief at
their head, and are all known to that man yonder,"
pointing to a gentleman seated at a desk at the oppo
site end of the room.
" Strange as it may seem to you," he continued,
" right here in this hotel, we have the most exclusive
privacy. You noticed that man standing in the halJ
when we came in, the same one now sitting at the
desk?"
Curtis nodded, and he proceeded : " Well, he
knew me, and consequently he knew you were all
right. Had you come alone, that door would have
been closed, and would not have opened, had you
tried it. Now," he said, " I will call him here and in
troduce you."
Touching a small bell that stood on the table, the
gentleman, to whom he had alluded, instantly an
swered its summons and crossed the room to where
they were sitting.
" Mr. Wallace," said Leroy, " this is my friend
and partner, Mr. Curtis." The two men bowed and
4a6 A REBEL GENERAL
shook hands, and Wallace seating himself proved to
be a pleasant and well-informed gentleman.
In the course of the conversation, Leroy asked,
" What is the latest news from the front, Mr.
Wallace?"
" We have nothing as yet to-day," he answered,
" but yesterday it was reported that McClellan had
laid siege to Yorktown ; the chances are, that we
shall hear of a battle, in a few days at farthest."
During the interview, Curtis learned also, that the
persons operating for this bureau had confederates,
both at Baltimore and at Washington ; these, he
determined to discover, if possible, in addition to the
information already gained.
To this end, he made himself very agreeable to
Mr. Wallace, and in the course of the conversation,
expressed his willingness to do what he could in aid
ing the force, and remarked that he should be passing
back and forth, between Washington and Richmond,
and could doubtless be of service.
Mr. Wallace thanked him heartily, and gave him
a small plain badge of peculiar shape, that would at
any time, if shown, admit him to the headquarters,
and then taking him about the room, he introduced
him to the gentlemen present, and after a short con
versation with his new friends, he in company with
Leroy took his departure, and together they went
down to dinner.
That evening, as he was sitting in the bar-room
TAKEN IN. 437
of the hotel, one of the men he had met up-stairs in
the forenoon, came to him and told him that in a day
or two, he was to start for Yorktown with important
dispatches for General Magruder, but that owing, to
sickness in his family, he did not want to leave home,
unless it was impossible for him to get some one he
could trust to undertake the task for him.
He then asked Curtis if he would object to mak
ing the trip for him. The detective thought a mo
ment, and told him he would give him an answer in
the morning. The two men then indulged in a
friendly glass, after which they separated. The man
had n sooner gone, than Curtis made up his mind to
take the dispatches, not to General Magruder, but to
me at Washington.
Accordingly, the next morning he informed his
friend he would undertake the task for him, as he
intended returning to Baltimore at any rate.
The next morning found him, with the dispatches
carefully secreted about his person, at the depot,
ready to take the first train for Petersburgh.
Here he arrived about noon, and proceeded to
call on General Hill. After procuring his dinner at
the hotel, he ordered his horse and started on his
long ride for the Union camp, where he delivered his
dispatches to Mr. Bangs, the superintendent of my
headquarters in the field, and forwarded copies of the
same to me at Washington, together with a full
account of his trip and information he had gained ;
4 28
A REBEL GENERAL TAKEN IN.
not forgetting a full statement of his discovery of the
" Subterranean Headquarters," and his enlistment as
a member of its force of spies and agents, employed
in transmitting intelligence of the movements and
plans of the Union troops.
CHAPTER XXIX.
A Virginia Home. Unwelcome Visitors. Mr. Har court
Arrested and Released. Dan Me Cowan Makes Forcible
Love to Mary Harcourt. The Girl in Peril. A Timely
Rescue. The Villain Punished.
THE important information brought to my notice
by Operative Curtis, on his return from Rich
mond, concerning the character and working of the
"Subterranean- Headquarters," at once determined
me on a plan of using the same body of men, or
rather the information they carried, for the benefit of
the Union forces, instead of allowing them to use it
in the interests of the Confederates. To accomplish
this, I detailed several members of my force, both at
Washington and Baltimore, to co-operate with Curtis,
whom I intended now should become an active agent
of the rebels in carrying dispatches to and from
Richmond. The plan was, in short, that all dis
patches entrusted to him should be accurately copied,
the copies to be delivered to his confederates, and
the originals forwarded to their destination.
In war, as in a game of chess, if you kr.ow the
moves of your adversary in advance, it is then an
easy matter to shape your own plans, and make your
moves accordingly, and, of course, always to your
[429]
430 M COWAN MAKES FORCIBLE
own decided advantage. So in this case, I concluded
that if the information intended for the rebels could
first be had by us, after that, they were welcome to
all the benefit they might derive from them.
I n a few days, then, having completed my arrange
ments, Curtis started to Richmond, by the way of
Wilson s Landing and Glendale, he having decided
that, provided as he was with his pass from the
Secretary, it would be perfectly safe, and at the same
time a much shorter route than by the way of Peters-
burgh.
Leaving him for the present, then, to make his
way to Richmond as best he can, we will turn our
attention to other persons and to other scenes. The
interior of a comfortable farm-house, the place, and
early evening the time.
The family are gathered around the tea-table, and
cire discussing earnestly the war, and the chances of
the success of the Northern troops. The family con
sisted of five persons : the husband and wife, both
traveling down the western slope of life, a young and
beautiful daughter, apparently about twenty years of
age, and two younger children, a boy and girl, aged,
respectively, fourteen and twelve years.
These latter are listening attentively to the con
versation going on about them, and anon interjecting
some childish observation, or asking some question
commensurate with the quaint views and ideas of
childish years.
LOVE TO MARY HARCOURT. 43!
"Well," finally observed the old gentleman, "it
is hard that one dare not speak their own sentiments
in a country like this ; my grandfather fought in the
revolution, my father in the war of 1812, and I, myself,
took a hand in the brush with Mexico ; but I never
dreamed of seeing the day when a man dared not
speak his honest convictions, for fear of having his
roof burnt from over his head, and, worse than all,
endanger even his own life, and those dearest to
him."
" I have always told you, William," replied his
good wife, "that the day would come when this fear
ful curse of slavery would have to be wiped out in
blood, and you all know now that I prophesied truly.
And," she added, " as for me, I have no fears for the
result. Our only mistake has been in casting our lot
and settling in the South, and in the very presence
of an evil we could not avert."
" True, mother," rejoined her husband, " but you
know I have ever been outspoken against slavery,
and its attendant curses. I also flatter myself that I
have had some influence in mitigating, at least, the
condition of not a few of the black race. You re
member Colonel Singleton liberated his slaves at the
very outset of this war."
" And was compelled to flee to the North to save
his own life," answered his wife ; " and had we been
wise, we would have gone to a country more conge
nial to our views, and while we could have done so
432 M COWAN MAKES FORCIBLE
with safety. I am afraid," she continued, " if it be
comes known that our son has joined the Union army ?
serious trouble may befall us at the hands of men
who have long desired an excuse for arresting you,
and confiscating your property ; if, indeed, they would
be content with sparing your life."
" If I were younger," said the old gentleman, " I
would defy them to do their worst ; and, as it is,
my only fears are for my family, not for myself.
Still," he added, "my neighbors are all friendly,
and the majority of them, though thinking differently
from me on these questions, are under obligations to
me, so that I feel I have but little to fear at their
hands. As to our boy, who has gone to fight for
the old flag, I am proud of him ; I fought for it, so
did my fathers before me, and I would disown the
child who would refuse, if necessary, to lay down his
life in its defense."
And here, fired with the sentiments he had just
uttered, he arose from the table in an agitated
manner and began to pace the floor.
" Ah," he continued, " I love that old flag, and
old as I am, would fight for it yet."
Going to a case that stood in a corner of the room,
he took from a shelf a beautiful silken banner, and
holding it aloft, he exclaimed, with great earnestness,
"There is the flag I fight under the flag of the
Union and of the country our fathers fought to save."
"Father," exclaimed his eldest daughter, "you
LOVE TO MARY HARCOURT. 433
forget yourself in your enthusiasm ; even now some
one may be outside listening ; you forget that Dan
McCowan and his desperate gang may be in the vicin
ity and give us a call at any moment."
Scarcely had the warning fell from her lips, when
there came a loud knocking at the door, followed by
a few vigorous and well-directed blows that threatened
to take it from its hinges.
The whole family started up in alarm, and while
one snatched the flag from the old gentleman and
hastily deposited it in its hiding - place, another
answered the summons from without.
The old man himself, while not frightened, was
somewhat disconcerted by the noise, and remained
standing in the center of the room, when the door
was suddenly burst open, revealing a body of Con
federate soldiers headed by a villainous-looking fellow,
their leader, who now entered the room, and ap
proaching him, said :
" Mr. Harcourt, I have orders to place you under
arrest, so you will prepare to accompany us to Glen-
dale at once !"
" What crime have I committed?" demanded the
old man, now perfectly calm, " that you dare enter
my house in this manner !"
"You will know that soon enough," replied the
officer ; "so hustle on your duds, as we must be
going. Bill," he commanded, turning to a fellow
near him, " you will search the house and take posses-
434 M COWAN MAKES FORCIBLE
sion of anything contraband or treasonable that you
can find."
This order was exactly what his followers wanted,
as it meant really an order to plunder the house and
appropriate to their own use whatever articles of
value they found and that pleased them to take.
As none of the family had offered the slightest
resistance, the unwelcome intruders had conducted
themselves, so far, very orderly. Mrs. Harcourt, a
kind and matronly-looking woman, with a firmness
and self-control, that under the circumstances was
admirable, bustled about the room, getting together a
small bundle of clothing for her husband to take with
him on his enforced journey to Glendale ; and anon,
while doing this, spoke soothing words of comfort
and encouragement to the younger children, who,
white and speechless with terror, were crouching in
the darkest corner of the room.
The eldest daughter, at a sign from her father,
accompanied the two men detailed to search the pre
mises, and proceeded with them from room to room,
as they rummaged chests and drawers, appropriating
various little articles to their own use, in spite of the
indignant protest of the spirited girl at such bare
faced robbery.
Finally, with much reluctance, she was compelled
to admit them to her own room, and to witness their
ruthless handling of the contents of a small trunk, in
which were various little articles, trinkets and me-
LOVE TO MARY HARCOURT. 435
mentoes, worthless to any one else, but, of course,
priceless to her.
But what she most prized among them, and which
caused her the most alarm should they be discovered,
was a small packet of letters from her brother already
mentioned as serving in the Union army, and a small
locket containing his miniature. Judge of her dismay
were one of the men picked up the letters, and with a
laugh exclaimed : " These are from your feller, I sup
pose ;" and then, observing the locket, he opened it
and with a leer on his face, said : " And this is his
picture, I reckon, eh ?"
" Yes," said the girl eagerly uttering, or rather
echoing, the falsehood. " Yes," she repeated, " please
don t take them, as they are of no account to any
one but myself."
"All right," said the fellow, good-naturedly, "I
guess you can have them ;" as he handed them to
her. She eagerly seized them, trembling at the narrow
escape they had had from falling into the possession
of those, who knowing their contents, would have
given her poor old father much trouble indeed.
Having completed their search, and finding noth
ing that could be considered of a treasonable charac
ter, they returned to the room below, and reported to
their Captain the result of their search. He then
ordered his men to retire to the outside, where he
followed them, and after consulting a short time, he
returned to the house and brusquely informed Mr.
436 MCCOWAN MAKES FORCIBLE
Harcourt that as he had found nothing to convict
him of treason against the Confederate government,
he might go this time, but to be d d careful in the
future, or he would get him yet. He then slammed
the door behind him, rejoined his companions who
mounted their horses and rode slowly away.
Satisfied that they had left, the family ventured to
express their congratulations at the departure of
their unwelcome visitors, and at once set to work re
arranging the disordered room. They, however, felt
that this was only the commencement of their prose
cutions, and they well knew that another time, the
chances were that they would not escape so easily ;
for should it become known that their son was in the
Federal army, they could no longer hope to live in
peace and safety. The men who had visited them
on this occasion, were evidently strangers in the
neighborhood, and were, no doubt, a scouting or for
aging party, who had stopped more from a want of
having anything else to do, than from a desire to
do them any injury. They, however, knew, that from
those in their own vicinity, there was much more to
be feared ; and of one person in particular, they stood
in especial dread. That person was Dan McCowan,
the man whose name was mentioned by Mary Har
court, in her warning to her father, only a moment
before the soldiers, had entered their dwelling.
Dan McCowan was a man who for years had pur
sued the detestable calling of a negro-hunter.
ttt
LOVE TO MARY HARCOURT. 437
He was about thirty-five years of age, tall, of an
ungainly form, and slightly stoop-shouldered ; his
hair and eyes were dark, and his complexion as swar
thy as an Indian. His features, naturally coarse and
repulsive, were rendered still more so, by being
bronzed and hardened by long-continued exposure
to the weather. His only associates and his most
intimate friends appeared to be his blood-hounds,
which he used in hunting and bringing back to their
masters, the poor negroes who were seeking to escape
from a life of continued toil and bondage. The fol
lowing unique hand-bill, which he used to post up in
various places over the country, will serve to show the
nature of his business, and also the vast amount of
intelligence necessary to carry it on.
NO TIS.
The undersind taiks this methed of makkin it
none that he has got the best NIGGER HOUNDS in the
state, and is always redy to ketch runaway niggers
at the best rates.
My hounds is well trained, and I heve hed 15
yeres experience. My rates is 10 dollurs per hed if
ketched in the beate where the master lives ; 15 dol
lurs > n J;he coonty, and 50 dollurs out of the coonty.
DAN McCowAN.
N. B.
Peters should taik panes to let me know, while
the nfg^crs tracks is fresh, if they want quick work
and a fcrood job.
438 M^COWAN MAKES FORCIBLE
It is scarcely necessary to say that his services
were frequently employed to catch and bring back
the poor runaways, and more than once had the Har-
court family been awakened in the night by his
hounds, as they made the woods echo with their
baying. Often had they pictured to themselves the
terror of the poor wretches, over whose trail, with
unerring scent, swept the monsters, who would tear
them limb from limb, and whose only choice was
death at their hands or the old life of labor and the
lash.
Mr. Harcourt was a strong anti-slavery man.
Holding these views, he had ever spoken consistently
against slavery. He was also a man of deeds, as well
as words, for many a poor fugitive had been assisted
by him on his long and perilous journey northward
in search of friends and the freedom he craved.
Owing to these proclivities, and to the fact that
he had never taken pains to conceal his views, a
mutual antipathy had long existed between Mr. Har
court and Dan McCowan, the nigger-hunter. While
the latter had no direct proofs, yet he had long sus
pected Mr. Harcourt of being a friend to, and a
sympathizer with the very runaways whom it was
his business to catch and return to the bondage they
were endeavoring to escape from. Notwithstanding
his dislike for the father, however, the fellow had
conceived a violent attachment for Mary Harcourt,
his daughter, and for a year past had greatly annoyed
LOVE TO MARY HARCOURT. 435
not only the poor girl herself, but the whole family,
by his uncouth attentions.
Finally, Mr. Harcourt told him plainly that his
attentions to his daughter were extremely distasteful
to her, and added a polite, yet firm request, that he
cease his troublesome visits.
Mary, who was a young lady of sweet and lovely
disposition, possessing both intelligence and refine
ment, shrank from the fellow as she should from a
viper in her path ; while his odious attempts to lavish
his unsought affections upon her so disgusted and
frightened her that she always avoided his presence.
Dan McCowan, however, was just the man, when
thwarted in his plans, to at once take steps for
revenge. For some time he had kept a close espion
age of the house and the movements of its inmates.
He had somehow obtained possession of the know
ledge that young Harcourt was in the Union army,
and he determined to use this in his well-laid plans to
persecute the poor girl, who had been so unfortunate
as to have been the object of his passion.
On the day following the incidents just related,
Mary, who had been spending the afternoon with a
neighbor s family, towards evening was returning to
her home, when she was suddenly and most unex
pectedly confronted by Dan McCowan. So startled
was she by this unlooked-for meeting, that she
involuntarily gave a slight scream, as she recognized
who it was that stood before her.
440 M COWAN MAKES FORCIBLE
" I see as how I have skeered you right smart
now," said the fellow, grinning in her face with a
wicked leer. " Your father told me as how he would
be much obliged to me if I would stop my visits to
his house, which, bein a gentleman, I was bound to
do, and as I had a little something to say to you, I
thought this would be the time to say it."
The girl, who had now somewhat recovered her
composure, yet fully realizing the character of the man
with whom she had to deal, stood quietly looking
him full in the face, and said, in a tone that betrayed
her contempt, " I suppose I must listen to you, sir,
but be brief, as it. is getting late, and my folks will be
uneasy at my long absence."
" Well, Miss Harcourt," he replied, " I will come
to the point at once. You have a brother, who has
been away from home fur some time. Do you know
where he is ?"
Mary was silent, and he muttered, half to himself,
" I thought so ; the whole family are traitors. No
more than is to be expected from these d d abo
litionists. I can tell you where he is," he continued ;
"he is on the other side, and fighting against the
South."
And what if he is in the Federal army? He is
fighting for the government you and yours are seek
ing to destroy," answered the spirited girl.
" It don t matter much to me which side he fights
on ; but suppose I tell it around, that he is fighting
LOVE TO MARY HARCOURT. 441
with the Yankees, do you think it would matter to
you then ?"
" My brother is his own man," replied Mary, " and
he alone is responsible for his acts ; surely they would
not harm my father and us for that ; and surely you
would not tell what you know, to injure us ?"
" That depends on you, Miss Mary," the fellow
replied, now approaching closer, and attempting to
take her hand.
" What do you mean, you scoundrel ?" demanded
the girl, drawing back, while the fire flashed from her
eyes. " Don t offer to touch me, Dan McCowan,
or I ll "
" What would you do, now ?" he exclaimed ; and,
before she was aware of his intentions, he had sprang
quickly forward, seized her about the waist, and
placed one hand over her mouth, but not until she
had given one long and piercing call for help.
The fellow s base designs were evident, and that
he would have been successful there is no doubt ; but
help, fortunately, was at hand. While he was yet
struggling with the girl, he felt a violent clutch on
his collar, from behind, and before he could see from
whence it came he was thrown violently to the
ground, and was writhing under the well-directed
kicks, which were most lavishly bestowed upon him
by the new comer, who was no less a personage than
my operative George Curtis.
The girl had sank to the ground almost fainting
442 M COWAN MAKES FORCIBLE
from fright, but so enraged was Curtis at the scene
he had witnessed, that he continued to shower his
kicks on the miserable wretch, who roared and begged
for mercy, until the girl interposed, and begged him,
for her sake, not to kill him, but to desist, and let
him go.
At this my operative ceased, more, however, from
mere lack of breath than from a feeling that the
fellow had been sufficiently punished, and allowed
him to regain his feet. "You contemptible, cowardly
brute," he exclaimed, as McCowan arose ; " I have a
mind to finish you, while I have my hand in. Miss,"
he continued, turning to the girl, " I am happy to have
arrived in time to be of service to you. I do not know
anything about this difficulty, but from what I saw, I
concluded that I had not time to make any inquiries."
" I am very grateful to you, sir, for what you
have done in saving me from that villain. Look
out !" she exclaimed, "he has a pistol."
Curtis turned his head in time to see the fellow in
the act of drawing a revolver. Quicker than a flash,
his own weapon was in his hands, and covering the
man, he said, coolly :
" Drop your hands, you hell-hound, or I will blow
you to atoms in a second."
The fellow saw that he was foiled, and dropped
his hands at his sides.
Curtis advanced and disarmed him ; then, stepping
back a pace, he said :
LOVE TO MARY HARCOURT. 443
" Go now while I am in the humor to let you ;
another move like that, and I will shoot you as I
would a dog."
McCowan reluctantly obeyed, and slunk away
muttering threats of vengeance.
My operative, however, paid no attention to hiir
now, but turned to the young lady who proceeded
to relate the circumstance of her meeting with
McCowan, from which his timely interference had
saved her, and ended by a cordial invitation, blush-
ingly given, that he would accompany her home, and
spend the night under her father s roof. As he was
anxious to find a lodging-place for the night, at any
rate, the detective, gratefully accepted the invitation,
feeling such an interest in this really beautiful girl
that he could not resist the desire to cultivate further
the acquaintance, so strangely begun. He hastily
brought his horse from where he had left him by the
roadside, and leading him by the bridle, walked by the
side of his companion until they reached the house.
As they strolled along, Mary frankly told him the
secret of McCowan s attack, and proceeded to explain
the man s character, and the detestable nature of the
business in which he was engaged.
By this time, they had reached her father s house,
where they were met at the gate by the old gentleman
himself, who was alarmed and anxious at his
daughter s absence so far beyond her usual time for
return.
444 M COWAN MAKES LOVE.
" Father," said the girl, " this is" here she paused,
visibly embarrassed, and gazed timidly into the face
of the detective.
" Pardon me," said Curtis hastily, seeing the cause
of her confusion; "my name is George Curtis; we
have been so busy talking that I had not thought of
names."
She then introduced them, and briefly related to
her father the cause of her detention, and her adven
ture with McCowan, not forgetting to mention the
part my operative had played in her timely rescue
from the villain s hands.
The old man thanked him again and again, and so
profusely, that Curtis begged that he would not
mention it, as he had done nothing more than any
gentleman, under the same circumstances, would have
done, gone to the lady s rescue at her call for help.
His horse was ordered to be taken to the barn,
and he himself was soon seated in the house, receiv
ing the tearful thanks of good Mrs. Harcourt, and
the object of the admiring gaze of Mary s younger
brother and sister, who regarded him as a hero, and a
person who had no small claim on their affection and
esteem.
CHAPTER XXX.
Curtis Again on his Travels. A Loiing Episode. --Dan
McCowan Again Turns Up. The Capture of Curtis.
A Fight For Life, and Escape. A Bit of Matrimony.
THE next day, my operative took his leave of
the Harcourt family, and continued on his way
to Richmond. He, however, gave them his promise,
that he would visit them again before long, a promise
he was in no wise loath to keep, as Mary had joined
her request to that of her father, that he should not
fail to give them a call, when he was in their vicinity.
The truth was my operative, who was a very ex
cellent young man, and, notwithstanding his calling,
susceptible to the charms of the fair sex, was not a
little smitten by the fair Mary, whom he had met
under circumstances that would have caused even a
less romantic person than himself to have fallen in
love with her at once.
On the other hand, the girl s feelings of gratitude
and admiration for the young man, who had rescued
her from McCowan s clutches, were those almost
akin to love ; but with true maidenly modesty, she
simply treated him with that delicate courtesy that,
while it showed plainly her high regard for him, yet
[445]
446 A FIGHT FOR LIFE,
it in no way overstepped the bounds of strict pro
priety. It was evident, however, that she regarded
him as one who certainly had strong claims upon her
friendship and esteem.
Bidding them good-bye, then, Curtis took leave of
the family, whom he had known but a single night,
yet who, in that brief space, had grown to be like old
acquaintances ; and his regret on leaving them, was
very much like that in parting from old and intimate
friends.
Taking the route by Glendale, he, towards even
ing, arrived at Richmond, without any event worthy
of notice, and put up at Miller s Hotel.
A few weeks later found him on his return to the
Army of the Potomac, and in his possession impor
tant dispatches that he had obtained in the rebel
capital. As he left Richmond, the news reached that
city of the evacuation of Yorktown by the rebels,
and their retreat up the peninsula towards Williams-
burgh. The effect of these tidings was anything but
encouraging to those who had hoped that a final and
decisive battle would have been fought at Yorktown,
and the further advance of the Union troops effect
ually checked.
McClellan s vigorous preparations, however, for a
protracted siege, had decided the rebels that it
would be useless to risk a battle here, and they conse
quently determined to evacuate the place, which
they did on the fifth of May, and by noon of the
AND ESCAPE. 447
same day McClellan s army had broken camp and
was in full pursuit. With such celerity did he make
his movements, and so closely did he press the Con
federates, that on the following day they were com
pelled to make a stand, and here was fought the
battle of Williamsburgh, in which the rebels were de
feated, and continued their retreat towards Rich
mond.
The army of the Potomac now continued its ad
vance, with all the rapidity the terrible condition of
the roads would permit, having for its base of supplies
the York River, until two weeks later it rested be
tween the Pamunkey and the Chickahominy. It was
at this stage of affairs on the Peninsula, that Curtis
was on his return trip from Richmond. With his
passes in his pocket, his dispatches securely concealed
about him, and his trusty horse as his only com
panion, he set out for his long ride to Wilson s Land
ing, and the headquarters of the Union army.
It was his purpose to stop by the way long
enough to at least inquire after the health of the
Harcourt family, and learn how they had fared dur
ing his absence. So, pushing rapidly ahead, towards
the close of what had been a beautiful day in May,
he, near nightfall, found himself at Farmer Har-
court s door, where he was most cordially welcomed.
His jaded horse was led to the barn to be watered
and fed, while he was soon resting his tired limbs in
an easy chair, while waiting a tempting supper that
448 A FIGHT FOR LIFE,
was almost ready for an appetite keenly whetted by
his long and hard day s ride.
His object now, was to stop long enough to rest
himself and horse, and then push on by night and en
deavor to reach the Federal lines by daybreak. Mr.
Harcourt informed him that they had not been
molested by McCowan since his former visit, and that
it was reported that he had formed a band of Guer
rillas, and at their head was pillaging and robbing
the people in an adjoining county.
" He is an unscrupulous villain," observed the old
gentleman, "and I confess I stand in no little dread
that he may pay us a visit at any time, in which case,
if we escape with our lives, we may consider ourselves
fortunate. I have," he added, " fully made up my
mind to take my family, leave my home here, and, if
possible, go North, where a man of my way of
thinking can live in security and peace. If I were
younger, I would enlist, myself, but my fighting days
are past."
" I trust you may soon be able to get away from
here," said Curtis; "and as the Union army is now
advancing up the Peninsula, you can, I think, with
little danger, make your way into its lines."
He then informed him of the evacuation of York-
town, and of the retreat of the Confederates, and
advised him to hasten his arrangements to go North,
while this opportunity afforded him a way to do so
with safety.
AND ESCAPE. 449
After the evening meal was over the family seated
themselves on a pleasant little porch, that ran along
one side of the old-fashioned house, facing the west,
and in the deepening twilight they sat and talked
over the trying times, and united in their wishes for
a speedy termination of the fratricidal conflict.
Thus the evening passed until near ten o clock,
when my operative informed his friends that he must
take his departure, as he was determined, if possible,
to reach the Union lines by daybreak.
The whole family urged him to pass the night
with them ; but finding him bent on going, his horse
was ordered to the door, and he prepared to take his
leave.
He shook hands with the good farmer and his
wife, and looked anxiously around for Mary ; surely
she would bid him good-bye before he went away,
but she was nowhere to be seen. He even lingered
a few moments, hoping she would return ; she did not,
however, put in an appearance ; so, leaving his regards
for her with her parents, he mounted his horse, and
with a heavy heart rode along down the long, narrow
lane that led from the house to the main road.
He could not understand why the girl should
have absented herself just as he. was taking his leave ;
could it be that he had in any way offended her, that
she should avoid him on purpose ? Revolving the
matter in his mind, and feeling that hereafter he
would take pains to avoid the Harcourt mansion, he
29
450 A FIGHT FOR LIFE,
now approached the terminus of the lane, still buried
in thought, when his horse, becoming frightened, shied
slightly to one side ; hastily raising his eyes, he saw,
to his amazement, the object of his thoughts standing
by the roadside.
He checked his horse, and, in a tone that betray
ed his astonishment, exclaimed, " You here, Miss
Mary !"
" Yes," she answered, evidently a little confused,
"I wanted to see you a little while alone. I trust you
will pardon me for adopting the means I have to
secure a short talk with you."
By this time Curtis had dismounted, and was
standing at her side.
" Well, what is it, Miss Harcourt ? I am happy
to be at your service in any way in my power."
" Thank you," she answered, hastily, " you have
placed me under obligations to you, but I venture to
night to ask one favor more."
"If is granted already," said Curtis.
Thanking him again, she proceeded : " You know
my brother is in the Union army, and I have not
heard from him for several weeks ; I wish you would
try to get this letter to him, and, if it is not asking
too much," she added, hesitatingly, "will you kindly
bring me his reply, or at least some word that I may
know he is safe and well ?"
Curtis took the letter from her hands, and, de
positing it safely in an inside pocket of his coat, he
AND ESCAPE. 451
said " I will do my best to deliver the letter, and,
should I not return soon with an answer, you may
know something unavoidable has detained me."
As he stood there, gazing earnestly into the sweet
face of his fair companion, a sudden purpose to then
and there declare his love for her came into his mind
With him, to resolve was to act ; extending his hand,
he took hers in a friendly clasp, and said : " Miss
Harcourt, I am going to bid you good-bye, with the
hope of seeing you again very soon ; but I will not
conceal from you the fact, that, in the fortunes of
war, it is possible that we may never meet again.
Under these circumstances, then, I make bold to
tell you to-night something that, ordinarily, I would
not mention until your longer acquaintance with me
would make it appear more proper, at least so far as
society rules are concerned.
" Miss Harcourt," he continued, still holding the
hand that now lay passively in his, " in the short time
I have known you I have learned to love you, and I
am confident time only will strengthen that love. I
do not ask your answer now ; when we meet again, if
we do, you can tell me my fate. If your answer then
should be nay, I will try to bear it like a man,
respecting you none the less even if I fail to win the
love I would so highly prize. Good-bye, darling !"
and lightly pressing her hand to his lips, he threw
himself into his saddle, and giving his noble animal
the rein, dashed away, leaving Miss Harcourt stand-
A FIGHT FOR LIFE.
ing in a half-dazed manner, straining her eyes after
his figure, that in the pale moonlight was rapidly dis
appearing from her view.
Curtis now set off for the headquarters of the
Union army. Our friend pushed on, and shortly
after midnight arrived at the Landing, and from here
faced about to the east, and in the direction of
Williamsburgh, where the Union army, victorious in
the battle just fought, were encamped.
He now slackened his speed somewhat, to rest his
jaded steed, and, dropping the reins, allowed him to
take a moderate walk, while he himself fell into a deep
reverie over the events of his trip.
On this occasion he had been very successful in
his work in the rebel capital, and had, so far, effectually
escaped any suspicion as a spy. Considering the
watchful vigilance that at this time was maintained
by the rebels, Curtis had indeed done well ; and it
was with feelings of thorough satisfaction that now,
near the close of his arduous journey, and when he felt
reasonably secure from being molested, that he re
laxed somewhat his usual vigilance, and allowed him
self and animal a much needed rest.
He was not, however, destined to get through
so easily as he had anticipated. As he entered a
small clump of timber, and while he was unsuspecting
any danger at this nearness to the Union camp, two
mounted men suddenly made their appearance from
the side of the road, and from where they had been
AND ESCAPE. 453
concealed in the bushes, and, holding their cocked
weapons at his head, commanded him to halt.
At the same instant, men came pouring in from
both sides of the woods, that here skirted his path,
and almost before he could realize his situation, or
who were his assailants, he was overpowered, taken
from his horse, and securely bound.
He soon discovered his captors were a band of
guerillas, who had been quartered in the grove, and he
had by the merest chance stumbled right into their
midst. While he was quickly debating in his mind his
chances for escape, and his probable fate at their
hands, he was led into the presence of the captain of
the band, who, with a few of his followers, had
evidently been sleeping about a camp-fire that had
now burned low, leaving only a bed of glowing
embers, that cast a faint light on the swarthy faces of
the rough-looking men that now grouped yawningly
about it awaiting his coming.
" Who have you here," asked the Captain, as the
party escorting Curtis came up,
" Don t know, Capten," laconically answered one
of the men ; " we jest now found him and handed
him in here without askin him enny questions ; but
here he is, you can talk to him yourself."
Curtis was now unbound, and led forward, and
stood facing the Captain. As their eyes met, the
recognition was mutua} and instantaneous; in tha
man that stood before him, my operative recognized
454 A FIGHT FOR LIFE,
no less a personage than Dan McCowan, the man
whom he had so unmercifully drubbed on a former
occasion, which has already been described.
At the same moment, McCowan saw who it was
that had so unexpectedly fallen into his hands, and
with a wicked laugh and a horrible oath, he sprang
forward, and clutching him by the throat, exclaimed :
" By G d, I have been looking for you for some
time ; it is my turn now."
It was evident that the fellow in his rage meant
murder ; but turtis, who was both brave and cool,
besides being strong and active, wrenched loose from
his grip, and springing hastily backward, he dealt him,
with the rapidity of lightning, a powerful blow
between the eyes, that felled him like an ox Then,
before the lookers-on could scarcely realize what had
taken place, he leaped over the form of the pros
trate man, and disappeared in the darkness of the
wood.
The Captain by this time regained his feet, and
showering curses upon his men for a pack of cowardly
idiots, started off in pursuit, followed by a half a
score of his fellows, who now, in order to conciliate
their enraged leader, determined to retake the detec
tive at all hazards.
Fortunately for Curtis, he had been allowed to
retain his weapons, and being fleet of foot, he had
but little to fear.
He soon succeeded in eluding his pursuers, and,
AND ESCAPE. 455
shortly after daylight, found his way into the Union
camp.
He then reported to me with his dispatches from
Richmond, and related his adventures here re
corded.
I ought to state, however, that he did not, at that
time, inform me of his proposal to Miss Harcourt ;
but after remaining with me until the close of the
war, during which time he made many trips to and
fro between Richmond and the headquarters of the
Federal army, after the struggle was ended and we
both had retired to the life of a citizen, he, as a sales
man in a business house in Chicago, I to my business
as a detective in the same city, then it was he related
the story of his courtship, and the manner in which
he wooed and won the woman who was then, and
still is, his wife. As for the Harcourt family, they
made their way to the North, by the aid of my oper
ative and young Harcourt, and the courtship between
Curtis and the daughter was kept up until the close
of the war, when they were married.
I will also say, that they are still living happily
together, surrotfhded by an interesting family of
children, who with childlike eagerness clamber on their
papa s knees to hear him tell them stories of the war,
and his adventures before they were even born,
a period that to them seems ages and ages ago.
Dan McCowan was killed in an attack that his
party, led by him, made on a band of our scouts,
456 A FIGHT FOR LIFE, AND ESCAPE.
shortly after the occurrence of the incidents described
in this chapter.
I would fain have dwelt longer on the work of
young Curtis, and noted more minutely the impor
tance of his labors in the secret service, but a lack of
space and time compel me here to drop him with the
passing comment, that he was an excellent operative,
and that he so faithfully and efficiently did his work,
that the subterranean headquarters, with its corps of
operatives, never did the Union cause any practical
harm, but a great deal of good, in furnishing intel
ligence of the movements and intentions of the rebel
forces.
NIGHT ON THE BATTLE-FIELD.
CHAPTER XXXI.
McClellan and his Enemies. The Peninsula Campaign. The
R-zbel Forces Before Richmond. The Union Forces Out
numbered by the Enemy, and their Commander Hampered
By Superiors. An Honest Opinion.
IT is not my purpose to? attempt to detail the vari
ous movements of the army, to describe the bat
tles which were fought, or to chronicle the victories
and defeats which were achieved and sustained by the
brave soldiers who fought under the flag of the
Union. That duty belongs to the historian ; mine
simply to relate the experiences of my own men in
the delicate, dangerous and laborious duties which
devolved upon them. Far less is it my desire to
enter into a discussion upon the various subjects that
have, since that fratricidal conflict, engrossed the at
tention of the student of history.
I trust, however, that I may be pardoned, if, for a
time, I depart from the main narrative and devote a
brief space to the consideration of that much dis
cussed subject, the campaign of the Peninsula. 1
make no pretension whatever to being a military
scholar, nor in any sense a military man, but my
connection with the government during the war, and
participation in the movements of the Army of the Po
[457]
458 THE REBEL FORCES
tomac, together with my long and intimate acquaint
ance with its commander, General McClellan, may en
title me to a brief expression of my own views of that
campaign. I may be pardoned, also, if I attempt to
ascribe to their proper source, some of the causes
which contributed largely to the disasters that at
tended it.
There can be no doubt of the fact, that the young
commander-in-chief was subjected to the persecu
tions of the most malignant political intriguers, who
feared that his growing popularity would result in
political exaltation. Taking advantage of the fact,
therefore, that General McClellan was an avowed
Democrat, a scheming cabal was working to weaken
his influence with the people by vague insinuations
against his loyalty to the Union cause. To further
that end, his plans, so carefully and intelligently ma
tured, for the speedy crushing of the rebellion, were
either totally disregarded by an unfriendly cabinet, or
were so frequently thwarted, that to successfully carry
them out was an utter impossibility.
As I have always been a faithful adherent of the
maxim, " speak the truth, though the heavens fall,"
and believing it to be a doctrine, that if practically
carried, will right all wrongs, uphold the innocent,
administer censure where deserved, and praise where
it is due, I have invariably attempted to form my
judgment of my fellow-men upon their own intrinsic
merits.
BEFORE RICHMOND. 459
Whatever may have been his faults as a man, his
mistakes as a General, he was throughout unflinch
ingly loyal to the cause of the North. With him it
was but one sentiment, and one ambition to whip the
rebels into subjection and manfully did he perform
his duty toward the accomplishment of that object.
Much of the censure which has been heaped upon
him and his conduct as Commander of the Army of
the Potomac, is due to a hasty and inconsiderate
judgment of the man and his motives, or the result
of direct prejudice and ill-will. In the eyes of his
critics his great fault lay m what they considered his
inexcusable delay in moving against the enemy in the
Spring of 1862, after, as they supposed, he had ample
time to prepare his army for the field.
From this point began the open and unfriendly
criticisms which were designed to excite an impatient
people, who did not, and could not, understand why
active operations were not at once begun. This delay
was adroitly used by scheming politicians to cast the
shadow of disloyalty upon a man, who never for one
moment entertained a disloyal thought, nor performed
a single action which he did not believe would re
dound to the credit and honor of the Union troops,
and of the Government which he served.
My acquaintance with General McClellan began
before the war, and when he was the Vice-President
of the Illinois Central Railroad. That corporation
had, on frequent occasions, employed my services in
460 THE REBEL FORCES
various operations affecting their interests, and in this
way I first met and became associated with the Gene
ral. From this date began my warm regard for the
man, which during the many years that have passed
has known no diminution.
I knew the man so well, and my confidence in his
integrity and patriotism was so thorough, that a doubt
of his loyalty never entered my mind. Many of my
old-line abolition friends went so far as to reproach
me for my steadfast adherence to McClellan, and
accused me of abandoning my principles. I, however,
knew my own ground, and held it. I knew that the
General was not an abolitionist, but that he was not
a patriot I could not believe for a moment. I have
always thought, and my opinion remains unchanged to
this day, that had he been left free to carry out his
plans in the Peninsula campaign, the Army of the
Potomac would have escaped the disasters that befell
it ; Richmond would have been reduced, and occupied
by the Federal troops ; and victory instead of defeat
would have crowned their heroic efforts from the
river to the rebel seat of government.
" How do you account for General McClellan s
1 masterly inactivity during all these months that his
army lay at Washington ?" is asked. Ah, there is the
mistake. It was anything but inactivity, and it is
beginning to be pretty generally understood now
what he was doing at that time.
More than one writer on the campaigns of the
BEFORE RICHMOND. 461
Civil War, has taken occasion to say that the splen
did achievements of the Army of the Potomac at
subsequent periods, and under other commanders,
were mainly due to the careful drilling and the rigid
discipline inculcated under McClellan. At the time
he was called to the command of the army it was
nothing better than a band of disorganized men, who
had not recovered from the defeat of Bull Run, and
whatever efficiency it attained, was accomplished by
the indefatigable efforts of General McClellan and
the officers under his command.
The South, at the outbreak, was far better prepared
for war than the North. For months preceding the
election of Mr. Lincoln the people of the South were
secretly preparing for a struggle. They had even
then determined, if beaten by the ballot, to resort to
the bayonet, and to decide upon the battle-field the
questions which they failed to settle by fair discussion
and honest legislation in the National Congress. The
people of the North, on the contrary, being so long
accustomed to submit to the expressed will of the
majority, apprehended no danger. While they were
keenly alive to the important nature of the issues pre
sented in the campaign, they did not dream that the
new party, if successful, would have a gigantic civil
war on its hands as the result of its triumph in a
contest peaceably decided by the silent yet all-power-
ful ballot Resting in this fancied security from
462 THE REBEL FORCES
danger, the war was a surprise, for which they were
but illy prepared.
I need not detail the situation of affairs when the
news flashed over the wires that Fort Sumter was
fired upon. Suffice it do say, that the South was up
in arms, in full preparation almost, before the North
could realize that war was at hand.
The first great battle of the war was fought, and
the Union troops suffered a most humiliating defeat,
falling back in disordered crowds upon Washington,
and at this time General McClellan took command
and brought order out of chaos.
The community did not seem to consider, or to
understand, that it was necessary to spend so much
time in drilling the troops and making elaborate prep
arations for the field. But the commanding officer
was too good a general to imitate the impetuous ac
tions of his predecessors, and to make an aggressive
campaign with raw and undisciplined troops. It was
in consequence of this, that months were spent in
the patient and persistent task of properly organiz
ing, drilling and equipping his men for the field, and
in the spring of 1862, when the army did move, in
the language of the General, it was one " from which
much was to be expected."
Unfortunately, however, at the very outset, the
General and the President had each matured a plan
for the conduct of the war, and, in many respects,
these where diametrically opposed to each other. At
BEFORE RICHMOND. 463
this point the question might be asked, whose plan
should have been followed ?
By the Constitution, the President is the Com-
mander-in-Chief of all the armies and the navy of
the United States, and is, of course, ex-officio, the
highest military authority in the land. " But if a
President disclaims all knowledge of military affairs,"
as President Lincoln did, " it then becomes a question
how far he should defer the conduct of a war to his
appointed Commander-in-Chief, who is supposed to
be chosen on account of his skill and sagacity in
military matters, and upon his presumed fitness for
the position."
In President Lincoln s hesitation between the ad
vice of his Generals in the field, and the views urged
by his Cabinet lay the foundation of many of the
blunders and mistakes of the war, the trouble being,
as one writer affirms, that " instead of one mind, there
were many minds influencing the management of
military affairs." As the result of this there was a
lack of concert and action between the two heads of
the military department, and at the critical period of
the campaign, McDowell s forces were held at Wash
ington when McClellan expected him to re-enforce
the army of the Potomac.
Notwithstanding all that has been said and writ
ten upon this subject, I have no hesitation in express
ing the opinion, that had not the President and his
advisors, stood in such ungrounded fear for the safety
464 THE REBEL FORCES
of Washington, and had not withheld McDowell s
forces at a time when their absence was a most
serious blow to the plans of General McClellan, the
close of the year would have seen the Rebellion
crushed, and the war ended.
At the commencement of the campaign I had an
interview with General McClellan, and he expressed
the utmost confidence in his ability, provided his
plans were fully supported and carried out, to gain
the objective point of the war, and to accomplish the
reduction of the rebel capital. My force of operatives
had been diligently at work in procuring what in
formation that was possible of attainment, of the
numbers of the enemy, and with such success that in
March I was able to report the approximate strength
of the rebel army at 115,500 men, apportioned about
as follows :
At Manassas, Centerville and vicinity, 80,000
" Brooks Station, Dumfries, &c., . . 18,000
" Leesburg 4,500.
In the Shenandoah Valley, .... 13,000
Total, .115,500
In gaining this important information, Timothy
Webster, Pryce Lewis, John Scobell and a host of
other efficient members of my force, some of whom
have already been mentioned in these pages, deserve
especial credit for their sleepless energy in prosecut
ing the work that had been assigned to them,
BEFORE RICHMOND. 465
On the 4th of April the f 3rward movement was
made, and the siege of Yorktown was begun. The
result of this seige the student of history already
knows, a simple detention of the Army of the Poto
mac, until the enemy could occupy and fortify Rich
mond. Here is where McClellan suffered from the
detention of McDowell at Washington he had pre
pared a plan with McDowell as one of its principal
actors, and with that force withdrawn, the General ^
intentions were not only radically interfered with,
but seriously deranged.
During this time the rebel army was being daily
reinforced and strengthened, until, by June 26th, its
numbers were swelled to nearly 200,000 effective
men. McClellan, on the contrary, starting as he did,
with a smaller army than he thought was necessary
to cope with the enemy, found himself, when before
their fortifications, after being deprived of McDowell s
division, with an army of less than 90,000 effective
troops.
Another element in this campaign must not be
lost sight of. The Navy, whose co-operation and as
sistance had been promised and relied upon, was un
able to aid him at all. Can it be wondered at, there
fore, that his plans, however well laid, and whatever
their merits, viewed from a military stand-point, or
the stand-point of common sense, failed in their
execution.
One writer> in speaking of the treatment of Gen-
466 THE REBEL FORCES
eral McClellan, has well said : " A general of high
spirit and sensitive soul might have found in the
government s action the occasion for sending in his
resignation ; but General McClellan continued in
command, accepted the situation, and endeavored to
make the best of it."
And still another has said, although inclined to be
partial and unfair, in his account of the battles of
Antietam and Fredericksburg :
"His capacity and energy as an organizer are
universally recognized. He was an excellent strategist,
and, in many respects, an excellent soldier. He did
not use his own troops with sufficient promptness and
vigor to achieve great and decisive results, but he
was oftener successful than unsuccessful with them ;
and he so conducted affairs that they never suffered
heavily without inflicting heavy loss upon their adver
saries. It may appear a strange statement to follow
the other matter which this volume contains, but it
is none the less true, that there are strong grounds
for believing that he was the best commander the
Army of the Potomac ever had." Concluding a com
parison, that redounds much to the credit of Gen
eral McClellan, both as a soldier and a patriot, the
same writer says :
" A growing familiarity with his history as a
soldier, increases the disposition to regard him with
respect and gratitude, and to believe, while recogniz
ing the limitations of his nature, that his failure to
BEFORE RICHMOND. 467
accomplish more was partly his misfortune, and not
altogether his fault."
General McClellan knew much better than soem
of his self-appointed critics the numbers and strength
of the enemy. He knew from the reports of the
secret service that the general estimate of the rebel
army at, and around Richmond, was far below their
real numbers.
My shrewd and daring operatives, men and
women trained for the work, moved in and out
among the Rebel troops at all times and places.
From actual observation they gathered the location,
character and strength of their fortifications, and
from actual count the estimates were made of the
numerical strength of the opposing army.
Suffice it to say, that I knew of my own knowl
edge, and General McClellan knew from the reports
I laid before him, the fearful odds against which he
had to contend in the bravely fought but disastrous
campaign of the Peninsula.*
* See detailed statement in Appendix. "
CHAPTER XXXII.
Webster s Expedition. His Gallantry. A Stormy Passage.
A Mysterious Package. Treason Discovered and Pun
ished.
IT was Christmas morning, in Washington, and
the bells were ringing merrily throughout the
city. The sun was just peeping over the hills, and
lighting up the winter landscape with a beauty and
brilliancy that would defy the skill of an artist.
Washington was alive with soldiers. Throughout
the city the military was the predominating element
and for miles around the country was dotted with the
white tents that marked the encampments of the
country s defenders. Thousands of muskets gleamed
in the morning light, as with the rattle of the drum
or the shrill blast of the bugle, the reveille awoke the
hills and valleys from the deathlike silence and slum
ber of the night.
The Union army was encamped around the
capital, and General McClellan was in command.
For months the process of drilling and disciplining
the volunteer troops had been going on under his
watchful eye and masterful hand, and the " Army of
the Potomac " was rapidly approaching a degree of
[ 4 68]
TREASON DISCOVERED AND PUNISHED. 469
efficiency that was eminently calculated to make them
formidable adversaries to their reckless and deter-
in i red enemies.
This morning, at my headquarters on I street,
Timothy Webster was engaged in completing his
arrangements for another extended journey into
Rebeldom. By this time he had succeeded in
thoroughly ingratiating himself into the favor of the
rebel authorities, and at the War Department in
Richmond he was regarded as a trusted emissary of
the Confederate government.
Upon the trips which he had previously made he
had carried numerous letters from Northern residents
to their secessionist relatives in the South, and then,
upon returning, he had delivered communications
from Southern people to individuals north of the line.
Of course these letters and communications, before
being delivered to the parties to whom they were
addressed, were first submitted to the inspection of
trusted employees of my office, and anything which
tended to convey information of the movements and
intentions of the Southern leaders was carefully noted,
and the Federal authorities duly notified. By this
means a double purpose was served. Webster not
only won the entire confidence of the Southern
authorities, but he was very frequently the bearer of
important dispatches, whose contents were often
valuable to the Northern leaders.
After finishing his preparations, Webster came in-
470 TREASON DISCOVERED
to my room, where Mr. Bangs and I were seated, and
announcing his readiness to start, inquired if I had
any further orders for him.
" I am ready now, Major," said he, cheerily, " have
you any further commands ?"
" No, Webster," said I, " I believe everything has
been carefully arranged, and I have no cpmmands to
give except for you to take good care of yourself."
" I ll try to do that," he replied with a laugh, and
then, tapping his breast lightly, where his letters were
sewed into the lining of his waistcoat, " I will take
care of my mail too."
With a warm clasp of the hand, and a hearty
good-bye, Webster went out into the bright sunlight
and frosty air of a winter s morning, and was soon
lost to view.
Procuring a conveyance, Webster left Washing
ton, passing the guards without difficulty, and made
his way toward Leonardstown, in Maryland. This
journey was accomplished without event or accident,
and early on the following morning, he drove up be
fore the hotel, and was warmly greeted by John
Moore, the landlord of the hostelry at that place.
This Moore was a strong secessionist at heart,
although openly professing to be a Union man, and
regarding Webster as a Southern emissary his greet
ing was always cordial, and his hospitality unstinted.
The air was cold and frosty, and riding all night in a
stagecoach, which was far from being weather-pr^f,
AND PUNISHED. 471
Webster was chilled through when the stage stopped
before the comfortable inn of John Moore. Very
soon, however, a jug of steaming punch, and the gen
ial warmth from a fire of crackling logs in the large
open fire-place, were instrumental in loosening the
stiffened joints of my tired operative, and contribut
ing materially to his comfort.
"Well, John," said Webster at length, "what is
the prospect for crossing the river to-night ?"
" We can t cross here at all any more, Webster,"
replied Moore, with an oath ; " the damned Yankees
are too sharp for us."
" Is there no way of getting over about here at
all ?" asked Webster, somewhat troubled at the un
expected information.
" There s a way for some people," replied Moore
with a laugh, and a significant wink, " and I guess
you are included in the number."
" All right," said Webster, immeasurably relieved,
"but how do we manage it ?"
"Well," replied Moore, "you will have to go up
to Cob Neck, and then I will see that you are taken
care of."
Cob Neck is a point of land extending out from
the main shore, about fourteen miles distant from
Leonardstown, and was very well adapted for the
purpose in view. On each side of the point, or neck,
there was a wide bay or inlet where a boat could put
out, and the ground, which was soft and marshy, was
472 TREASON DISCOVERED
completely covered with a growth of pine thickets
and underbrush, which prevented the placing of vigi
lant pickets at this point. Being perfectly acquainted
with the locality named, Webster had no fears of be
ing able to get safely across the Potomac into Vir
ginia, and then continuing his way to the rebel
capital.
" By the way," said Moore, " I have a favor to
ask of you, Webster."
" Well," replied Webster, " anything I can do
will be cheerfully done for you, Moore."
" I know that, Webster," said Moore, heartily,
" and there is no one in the world I would rather
oblige than you. The fact is, I have got two ladies
here, who are wives of army officers, now stationed
in Richmond, they have been living North for some
time, and are anxious to get to their husbands ; they
have three children with them, and I want you to take
charge of the party, and see them safely on their
way."
" I ll do that with pleasure," replied Webster,
" and I ll take good care of them, too."
That night, about nine o clock, a close-covered
carriage was driven away from the hotel, in the
direction of Cob Neck. John Moore and Timothy
Webster sat on the driver s seat, while within were
the families of the rebel officers, who had been placed
in my operative s charge. Reaching their destina
tion in safety, the party alighted, and walking out to
AND PUNISHED, 473
the end of the point, Moore uttered a shrill whistle,
which was immediately answered in the same manner.
Soon they heard the splashing of oars, and in a few
minutes a boat was discernable through the darkness,
and the voice of a man called out :
" Here I am, Cap n ! on time, as ye see."
"All right, Tom," replied Moore, " I ve got a
party here that you must take good care of."
" Very well, Cap n, I ll do the best I can, but I m
afraid the wind ain t right for landin on t other side."
"Well," said Moore, "you must do your best, and
I guess you will get over all right."
The night was dark and cold, the wind was blow
ing sharp and chill, and heavy clouds were shifting
overhead. The river was running swiftly, and was of
that inky blackness that invariably presages a storm.
The wind through the low pines was sighing like a
human being in distress, and the ladies gazed fear
fully and shudderingly at the dark waters and the
frail craft which was to carry them to the opposite
shore. Webster uttered words of courage and
assurance to the shrinking ladies, and assisted in com
fortably bestowing them in the boat, and then, with a
parting salutation to John Moore, the boat pushed off
from the shore.
After getting clear of the land they hoisted sail,
and were soon flying rapidly over the water, before
the driving wind. As the wind was against them,
they were obliged to make short and frequent tacks,
474 TREASON DISCOVERED
and thus their approach to the opposite shore was
accomplished by slow and labored degrees. The
ladies were huddled together in the stern, clasping
their frightened children nervously in their arms
while Webster, active and alert, rendered such assist
ance in managing the boat as was in his power.
" The storm s coming !" shouted the boatman,
after a long silence, " and the women had better cover
up."
The storm came, sure enough. A blinding rain,
icy cold, which beat pitilessly down upon the unpro
tected voyagers, while the little vessel rocked to and
fro at the mercy of the dashing waves. The wind
suddenly changed, the frail yacht gave a sudden
lurch, and in a twinkling the keel of the boat was
heard scraping upon the bottom of the riven and they
were aground. They had been blown out of their
course, and had drifted into the shallow water, a mile
below their landing place, and within a hundred feet
of the shore.
Without a moment s hesitation, Webster bade the
boatman lower his sail, and then, jumping into the
water, which was waist deep, and as cold as ice, he
took two of the children in his strong arms, and carried
them safely to the river-bank. Returning again, he
assisted in carrying the ladies and the remaining
child ashore, although he was so chilled that his lips
were blue and his knees knocked together with the
cold. The nearest place of shelter was a mile away,
AND PUNT SHED. 475
but unmindful of the cold and the pelting- storm,
Webster cheered his companions by his hearty words,
and bidding the boatman take care of one of the
children, he picked up another, and the weary party
set out to walk through the icy rain to the little hut,
whose welcome light was gleaming in the distance.
Thanks to a flask of good brandy, which Webster
fortunately had with him, the ladies were strength
ened and sustained sufficiently to make the journey ;
and when they arrived at last at the comfortable
cabin, their words of gratitude to Webster were
heartily and unstintingly uttered.
After warming themselves before the fire, and
drying their drenched and dripping garments as far
as practicable, the ladies retired to another room,
leaving Webster, who, overcome with fatigue, was
obliged to sleep in his wet clothing in the room to
which they were first admitted. Unmindful of him
self, however, his only solicitude was for the ladies
who had been placed in his charge, and after they
haa been comfortably disposed of, he prepared to
take his own much-needed rest.
He spread a blanket before the roaring blaze, and
was about to stretch his weary limbs upon it, when
he noticed, lying upon the floor, a short distance
from him, a small packet, wrapped in oiled-cloth, and
tied with red tape. It had evidently been dropped
by one of the ladies, and its loss had escaped her
notice. Picking It up, he examined it carefully by
476 TREASON DISCOVERED
the light of the fire and to his surprise he found that
it was directed to Mr. Benjamin, the Rebel Secretary
of War. As " all things are fair in love and war,"
Timothy lost no time in secreting the precious docu
ment about his own person. He had no objection at
all to assisting two ladies to reach their husbands,
even if they were enemies ; but he objected decidedly
to lend his aid to the forwarding of dangerous in
formation to those who were fighting against the
cause he held so dear. His conscience, therefore,
gave him but little uneasiness as he pocketed the
mysterious little packet, and with the resolve to dis
cover its contents on the morrow, he stretched himself
before the burning logs, and was soon sound asleep.
The next morning, when he arose, his clothing
was dry, but he experienced acute pains in his limbs,
and a sense of weariness, that boded no good to his
physical condition. Ignoring his own ailments, how
ever, he busied himself in securing the comfort of his
charges, and after a hearty breakfast, the party set
out upon their trip to Richmond. They traveled for
several miles in an ox-cart, and then by team, to a
place called Hop Yard Wharf, on the Rappahannock
River. Here the party embarked on a steamboat,
and traveled as far as Fredericksburg, where Webstei
was obliged to remain for two days, owing to an acute
attack of rheumatism, which was caused by his ex
posure in behalf of the ladies, whose safety he had
undertaken to insure. At this time he received a
AND PUNISHED. 477
striking illustration of the gratitude which one earns
by the performance of a kindly act of self-sacrifice.
No sooner had the boat landed at Fredericksburg,
than these ladies expressed their impatient desire to
push on directly to the rebel capital. Notwith
standing Webster s precarious condition, the danger
in leaving him alone, and the fact that his sufferings
had been occasioned by his efforts in their behalf,
these high-toned Southern dames, intent only upon
their selfish pleasures, left him to his own resources,
and without displaying the slightest interest in his
welfare they wen* their way, and Webster, unable to
move himself, was obliged to depend upon the services
of absolute strangers, for that care and attention of
which he stood in so much need.
It was while he was detained at Fredericksburg,
that he seized the opportunity of examining the pack
age, which had come into his possession in the little
cabin at Monroe s Creek. Removing the enfolding
wrappers, he discovered that the contents of the bun
dle were complete maps of the country surrounding
Washington, with a correct statement of the number
and location of the Federal troops. Several items of
information were also conveyed, in regard to the
probable intentions of the Union Commanders in
the coming spring. From the nature of this informa
tion, it was evident that a trusted officer of the
Federal government was unfaithful to his duty, and
was assisting the enemies of the country Webster
478 TREASON DISCOVERED
congratulated himself upon the lucky chance which
had thrown this little packet in his way, and he re
solved to forward the same to me at the first oppor
tunity that occurred.
On the second day, though suffering severely, he
was able to resume his journey, and taking the train
at Fredericksburg he was soon approaching the City
of Richmond. Immediately upon his arrival, he re
paired to the office of the Secretary of War, and de
livered the letters which he had brought with him
from the North, and which were to be forwarded to
their various addresses by the Confederate authorities.
Mr. Benjamin warmly congratulated Webster upon
his success in passing through the Union lines, and
for the information which he brought. He furnished
him with passports, which would enable him to journey
unrestricted and unquestioned throughout the South
ern dominions, and requested a further interview at
a later day.
Leaving the War Department, he went to the
Monumental Hotel, where he engaged a room for
himself, and where he found Mrs. Lawton, who had
remained in the city during his absence. Mrs. Law-
ton informed Webster that she had just received a
visit from Mr. Stanton, another of my operatives,
who had arrived in Richmond from Nashville, Tenn.,
and that he was going to attempt to leave for Wash
ington that night
This was a lucky chance, and Webster resolved
AND PUNISHED. 479
to see Stanton, and entrust to him the conveyance of
the packet that had so fortunately come into his
hands. Knowing the places at which he would be
most apt to be found, he made a tour of the city, and
was at length fortunate enough to discover the man
he was in search of. Selecting a secluded place,
Webster confided his package to Stanton, instructing
him to deliver it to no one but myself under any cir
cumstances, and then, feeling the need of rest, he
went back to the hotel, and shortly afterward retired
to bed. The next day he was unable to move. His
sufferings were excruciating, and for weeks he was
compelled to endure the agonies of an acute attack
of inflammatory rheumatism, which confined him a
prisoner to his bed.
Leaving Webster at the Monumental Hotel, we
will return to the movements of my operative, who
had been delegated to deliver the package which
Webster had found. Mr. Stanton arrived safely in
Washington, and after rendering a report of his own
observations upon his journey from Nashville to
Washington, he produced this packet of Webster s, a
careful examination of its contents revealed to me
the author of the treasonable communications.
His name was James Howard, a native of the
South, and he was a clerk in the Provost-Marshal s
office. I had frequently seen his handwriting, and
knew it perfectly. There could be no possibility of
mistake about this, and I lost no time in laying before
480 TREASON DISCOVERED AND PUNISHED.
the commanding officer, the proof of the suspected
man s guilt. Howard was confronted with the evi
dence against him, and finding it impossible to deny
the truth, he confessed his treason, and implicated
several others in the conspiracy. Before the shades
of night had fallen over the tented city, James How
ard, and his treasonable confederates, were placed
within the enfolding walls of the old capital prison,
and behind iron bars were left to meditate upon the
heavy price they had paid for an attempt to betray
their country.
" HAIL COLUMBIA !"
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Activity in Washington. Webster s Journey Through The
South. His Return to the Capital.
DURING the month of January, 1862, I was
actively engaged in the city of Washington.
With a part of my force, I was acting in conjunction
with General Andrew Porter, the Provost-Marshal of
the district, while the remaining portion was assisting
General McClellan in obtaining reliable information
about the topography of the Southern country, and of
the number and disposition of the Southern troops.
Almost every day witnessed some incident of im
portance to the national cause, and my time was fully
occupied with the numerous and responsible duties
which necessarily devolved upon me. Mr. George
H. Bangs, who is now the general superintendent of
my agencies, was detailed to the headquarters of the
army, while I remained in charge of my office on " I "
street, although I was kept fully informed by daily
reports of whatever transpired at both places. As
may readily be imagined, my office was no sinecure.
Many times I was obliged to deprive myself of
needed rest and sleep, engaged in laborious duties
31
482 WEBSTER S JOURNEY
from early morn far into the waking hours of the
succeeding day, and for weeks scarcely obtaining a
peaceful night s slumber. The capital was filled with
suspicious personages, with Southern spies, and their
Northern allies, and frequently officers of the govern
ment, holding elevated positions, would be discovered
in secret, but active correspondence with the rebel
authorities. Arrests were numerous, and the search
ing of suspected premises of almost daily occurrence,
while the large number of men employed by me re
quired constant and unceasing personal surveillance.
In the army it was astonishing what rapid prog
ress had been made in drilling and disciplining the
large, and, for the most part, untried force of soldiery.
The commanding general was engaged in perfecting
his plans for a campaign against Richmond, and in
order to do this intelligently, much information was
required of the condition of the country through
which the aimy must pass, and of the number of the
enemy he would be likely to encounter. The obsta
cles that must be overcome, the defenses which
would impede his passage, and all the minutia of
war-like particularities, were mainly left to be dis
covered by the men in the secret service department,
of which I was the authorized leader, and responsi
ble head. Engaged in these duties the month of
January passed away. Numerous operatives had
been dispatched into the hostile country before us,
and had made their examinations, and returned, con-
THROUGH THE SOUTH. 48 j
veying to me and to the commanding general items of
valuable information which could have been obtained
in no other way.
We will now follow the movements of Timothy
Webster, whom we left in Richmond struggling with
his old and relentless enemy, the rheumatism.
After a painful confinement to his bed for nearly
a week, he was at last able to move about once more,
and in a few days thereafter was strong enough to
uundertake a journey which he had been contemplat
ing for some time.
In company with one of the largest contractors
for the rebel government, he left Richmond for Nash
ville, Tennessee. Mr. Campbell, the contractor, was
engaged in the purchaser of leather and desirous of
purchasing directly from the tanner, instead of de
pending upon the dealers, who might not be able to
supply him in such quantities as he required. Trav
eling with this gentleman, and armed as he was,
with an all powerful passport from the Secretary of
War, Webster would have every opportunity for
making his observations without incurring the slight
est suspicion. During this journey he traveled
through Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville, in
Tennessee, then to Bowling Green, in Kentucky, and
then, on his return, he passed through Manassas and
Centreville, carefully noting in his passage through
the country the number and condition of the various
troops, the number and extent of batteries and forti-
484 WEBSTER S JOURNEY.
fications, and eliciting an amount of information that
seemed wonderful for one man to accomplish. He
made the acquaintance of commanding officers, and
conversed unreservedly with them upon the various
matters connected with their divisions, and their
movements, present and perspective. He carefully
examined the fortifications that had been erected, and
the number of guns they contained. He talked with
the private soldier and the civilian, and in fact, on
his return to Richmond, was as well informed with re
gard to the military resources of the enemy as were
the generals themselves. Rejoiced at his success,
and carefully noting what he had witnessed, Webster
prepared to return North.
Visiting the War Department and the office of
the Provost-Marshal, he received from Mr. Benjamin
and General Winder a large number of letters and
several important commissions, which were to be
delivered and attended to after he should arrive in
Washington and Baltimore.
Leaving Richmond, he safely passed the pickets
and outposts of both Federals and rebels, and
reported to me. His trip had been a most important
and successful one, and the information he brought
was most invaluable. Webster seemed as well
pleased at his success as were either General
McClellan or myself, and after a short rest announced
himself as quite prepared to make another journey to
the South, whenever his services should be required
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Webster s Last Mission. Anxiety at his Long Absence. No
Tidings of the Faithful Scout. Operatives Sent in
Search of him. Webster III in Richmond.
IN the latter part of January, 1862, another packet
of rebel mail matter had accumulated, and the
various articles, which Webster had agreed to pur
chase for the residents of Richmond and vicinity,
were ready for delivery, and Webster prepared him
self for another journey into the South. While in
Washington he had not experienced any painful
reminders of his old disease, and he was impatient to
be actively employed once more.
Accordingly, everything was arranged for his trip,
and early one bright winter s morning he came, as
was his custom, to bid me farewell
I often recall, and with an emotion that I cannot
control, the appearance of Timothy Webster, as I
saw him that day. Brave, strong and manly, he
stood before me. The merry twinkle in his eyes seemed
to belie the sternness of the set lips, which were even
now curved with a smile of good humor. No trace
of fear or hesitancy was apparent in his manner.
He seemed to be animated solely by an earnest desire
[485]
486 ANXIETY AT WEBSTER S
to serve his country to the best of his ability. He
well knew, as did I, that his journey lay through a
hostile country ; that danger was lurking everywhere
around him, and that if his true character was discov
ered, the consequences would, no doubt, prove fatal to
him. Notwithstanding this, there was no quivering of
the compact muscles, the hand that grasped mine was
as firm as iron, and the brave heart that throbbed in his
bosom was insensible alike to a thought of shrinking,
or a desire to evade, the responsibility that devolved
upon him.
After a few words of necessary caution and with
good wishes for his welfare and safe return, Timothy
Webster took his departure, and went his way. I
did not know then that I had looked upon his .face
and manly form for the last time, and no hint or
warning of his subsequent fate came to me as I sat
watching his retreating figure. But to this day, I can
picture him with sentiments of pride, in his valor and
services, and regrets, deep and heartfelt, for the brave
man who but a few months afterwards laid down his
life for his country.
For some time previous to this journey of Web
ster s, Mrs. Lawton had been located at Leonards-
town, where she had assiduously cultivated the ac
quaintance of the most important people in that local
ity, whose sympathies were with the Southern cause,
and whose assistance to Webster and herself would
be valuable in time of need
LONG ABSENCE. 487
Among this number was a man whose name was
Washington Gough, a wealthy secessionist, who was
one of the most active in his efforts to assist the
Southern blockade-runners in crossing over into Vir
ginia, and in eluding the watchfulness of the Federal
pickets. Through her acquaintance with this man,
Mrs. Lawton was enabled to acquire much valuable
information from those who sought the aid of Mr.
Gough in obtaining the facilities for reaching the
rebel lines in safety.
With Gough, Webster was a prime favorite, and
so thoroughly had my operative ingratiated himself
into the favorable opinion of this rebel gentleman,
that any service which would be required would be
performed without question or delay. Mrs. Lawton
was invited to make the house of Gough her home,
while in Leonardstown, and by her charms of mnaner
and conversation proved a powerful ally to Webster
in the discovery of important secrets relating to the
movements and intentions of the enemy.
Webster s footing with the rebel authorities was
also firmly established, and every one of them with
whom he came in contact yielded to the magic of his
blandishments and was disposed to serve him when
ever possible.
An event which happened about this time fully
justified this assertion. It appeared that during
Webster s absence from Leonardstown, a gentleman
by the name of Camileai had crossed over the river,
488 ANXIETY AT WEBSTER S
and although a noted secessionist in his own immedi
ate vicinity, was not known to any one upon the
other side of the water. He was accordingly arrested
and placed in confinement. The appeals of his
friends and relatives were unavailing in securing his
release, and the captive chafed terribly under the
burden of his captivity. At length, on Webster s ap
pearance, the matter was presented to him, and he
was entreated by Camilear s relatives to intercede in
his behalf. He promised to do so, and indited a let
ter to the officer who had the prisoner in charge, re
questing his release, and giving assurances of the
man s fealty to the Confederate government. In a
few days the prisoner was returned to his home, and
was informed by the officer, that only the protesta
tions made by Webster had been sufficient to accom
plish his release. From the highest to the lowest,
the confidence in Webster was universal.
On this last mentioned trip Webster decided to
take Mrs. Lawton with him, and having obtained my
sanction to his proposition, he journeyed to Leon-
ardstown and communicated his wishes to the lady,
who was nothing loath to accompany him. They
accordingly made their preparations, and in the dark
ness of the night they made their way to the river-
bank where an oyster boat was in waiting to cross the
river. Mrs. Lawton wore an overcoat and felt hat
belonging to Webster, and to a casual observer ap
peared very masculine in her habiliments. The river
LONG ABSENCE. 489
was entirely clear of vessels, and the journey was
made in perfect safety. As they neared the opposite
bank the moon shone out brightly, and revealed the
" pungy " to the rebel pickets, who were known by
Webster, and from whom he expected no interference
or opposition.
The lights on shore revealed the stations of these
pickets, and as they were expecting his return Web
ster called out loudly : " Pickets ! Pickets ! !"
There was no response to this call, and to his
dismay the lights were suddenly extingiushed. The
boatman was greatly frightened at this proceeding,
and was in momentary dread of being fired upon ;
but Webster reassured him, and continued his loud,
but ineffectual calls for the guard.
Finding it impossible to attract the attention of
those who should have been upon the lookout for
him, Webster assisted the boatman in landing their
trunks, after which the " pungy " was pushed off from
the shore, and soon afterwards disappeared in the
darkness.
Webster and his companion wandered about for
more than an hour, and it was nearly midnight when
they came to a farm house, where their approach
was heralded by the loud barking of numerous dogs,
who were aroused by the unwonted presence of
human beings, and were diposed to resent their ap
proach.
The noise of the dogs brought the farmer to his
490 ANXIETY AT WEBSTER S
door, who demanded, in no very gentle terms, to
know who they were, and what had brought them
*here at that unseasonable hour. In a few words
Webster explained the situation, and the genial
farmer bade them welcome, and safely bestowed them
for the night.
They had scarcely retired, when they were aroused
by a loud knocking at the door, which was discovered
to have been made by the pickets from the adjoining
camp, who demanded to know who the new-comers
were, and stated that they had been ordered to bring
them immediately before an officer of the guard, two
miles away.
11 Why didn t you tell them that, when they called
out to you before?" inquired the farmer, in a con
temptuous tone.
" Well we did not know who they were," answered
the leader of the party, " and we did not think it was
safe."
" Oho ! you were afraid of them, were you, and
ran away ?"
At this point, Webster, who had heard the con
versation, made his appearance at the door, and
demanded to know what was wanted.
The leader of the guard again explained his nr is-
sion, and demanded that Webster should accompany
him to the camp
" Tell your commander that I will not stir from
this house until morning. My name is Timothy
LONG ABSENCE. 491
Weoster. I am in the employ of the Confederacy,
and if you had answered my call, there would have
been no difficult)
Finding that Webster was determined, the men
went away, and left the household to their repose.
The next morning Webster reported at the camp,
and requested to see Major Beale, the officer in com
mand. He was informed, that this gentleman was
stationed twenty miles away, and upon telegraphing
to him, the answer was returned : " Let Webster go
where he pleases."
The day was cold and stormy, and the roads were
in a wretched condition, but notwithstanding this
Webster pushed on to Fredericksburg, and after de
livering some letters and merchandise which he had
brought for residents there, he pushed on to Rich
mond.
Taking up their quarters at the hotel, they re
solved to wait until the following day before
commencing their operations. During the night,
however, Webster s malady returned, and he suffered
terribly from his old enemy, the rheumatism. In the
morning he was helpless, and unable to move.
From this time, I heard nothing further from him
directly, and for weeks was utterly ignorant of his
movements or condition. I began to grow alarmed.
Hitherto, his visits had not occupied more than three
or four weeks, and he had always succeeded in escap
ing suspicion, and evading being detained by either
492 ANXIETY AT WEBSTER S
force through which he would necessarily be obliged
to pass. As the days and weeks passed, and brought
no tidings from him, my apprehensions became so
strong that I resolved to send one or two of my men
to the rebel capital, in order to ascertain the cause
of his unusual and long-continued absence.
My anxiety was equally shared by General
McClellan, with whom Webster was a great favorite,
and who placed the utmost reliance upon his re
ports. One evening, early in February, the General
called upon me, and advised the sending of one mes
senger, or two, for the sole purpose of hunting up
Webster, or discovering some trace of him. I in
formed him that I had already considered the neces
sity of some such action, and was upon the point of
submitting the matter for his approval. Finding the
General thus fully in accord with the proposition, I
at once selected two of my men for this important
mission. After mature consideration, I decided upon
despatching Price Lewis and John Scully upon this
delicate quest. My reasons for this selection, were
that both Scully and Lewis had been connected with
other operations in Baltimore, in company with Web
ster, and had thus been enabled to form the acquaint
ance of a great number of secessionists in that city,
some of whom had gone South, while others, who
remained at home, had influential friends in Rich
mond. During these operations, both Lewis and
Scully had pretended the most earnest and sincere
LONG ABSENCE. 493
sympathy for the cause of the Confederacy, and were
known as ardent secessionists. This, I concluded,
would materially assist them after reaching Richmond,
particularly if they should be fortunate enough to
meet any of their old Baltimore associates. They had
also been engaged upon various investigations through
the Southern States, and especially in Western Vir
ginia, where they had rendered good service in the
early campaigns in that section of the country. I had,
therefore, no doubt of their ability to perform the
task assigned to them, and felt perfectly satisfied that
they would perform their duties to the best of that
ability.
Requesting their presence in my private office, I
broached the matter to them, and submitted the
question of their undertaking this task to their own
election. Upon operations of this kind, where there
was danger to be incurred, where a man literally took
his life into his own hands, and where death might be
the result of detection, I invariably placed the ques
tion upon its merits, before the person selected for
the mission, and then allowed him to decide for him
self, whether he would voluntarily undertake its
accomplishment.
I did this for various reasons. In the first place,
I felt very loath to peremptorily order a man upon
an enterprize where there was every possibility of
danger, for in the event of fatal result, I should be
disposed to reproach myself for thus endangering the
494 ANXIERY AT WEBSTER S
lives of those under my command. It is true, that
under their terms of service, and by virtue of the
authority vested in me, I had the undoubted right to
issue such order ; but I always preferred that my men
should voluntarily, and without urging, signify their
willingness to .undertake hazardous missions. Again,
I have invariably found, that the ready and cheerful
officer performs the most acceptable service, and that
the absence of fear or hesitation are sure passports
to success ; while on the other hand, should there be
timidity or unwillingness, or a disposition to avoid
danger, success is rarely, if ever, attained.
It is but just, however, to state that during my
entire connection with the secret service of the gov
ernment, I never found any jf my men disinclined to
undertake an operation that was delegated to them ;
but on the contrary, I alwa) s experienced the utmost
cheerfulness and ready support from those who so
valiantly served under my orders. Nor was I dis
appointed in the present instance. On presenting
the case, with all its attendant dangers, to Price
Lewis and John Scully, both of them signified, with
out the slightest hesitation, their voluntary desire to
go to Richmond, and to make the inquiries, which
were considered of so much importance by both
General McClelkm and myself.
But few instructions, and very little preparation,
were required for this journey, and in the afternoon
both men were prepared to start I did not deem it ad-
LONG ABSENCE. 495
visable to provide them with any goods, as was some
times the case, in order to furnish an excuse for their
blockade-running experiences, for the reason that
their journey would be much delayed, owing to the
impassability of many of the roads. I did, however,
cause a letter to be written, apparently by a rebel
spy, then in Washington, and which was directed to
Webster. This letter introduced the two men to
Webster as friends of the South, and informed him
that his old route back was no longer a safe one,
owing to the presence of Federal troops in that
locality, and advising him to select some other and
less hazardous one on his return to Washington. I
did this to guard against their being suspected and
detained after reaching the rebel lines, as, upon
presenting this, they would at once be known as
Southern emissaries, and given safe conduct to the
capital. Provided with this letter, and with full
verbal instructions as to their manner of proceeding,
they started from Washington late on the evening of
the 1 4th of February. As an additional safeguard, I
sent along with them an operative by the name of
William H. Scott, who was well acquainted with the
various Federal commanders, and who was to see
them safely across the Potomac river.
The three men departed in good spirits, and,
though fully conscious of the danger before them,
thoroughly resolved to successfully accomplish what
they had undertaken.
496 ANXIETY AT WEBSTER S
Prior to despatching these men, I had some mis
givings that there might be still remaining in Rich
mond some of those families who, while residing in
Washington, had been suspected of sympathizing
with, or furthering the cause of the Confederacy, and
whose papers had been seized, and themselves trans
ported beyond the lines. Among the most noted of
these were the families of Mrs. Phillips, of South
Carolina, and of Mrs. Ex-Gov. Morton, of Florida,
who had been residing in Richmond for a short time.
To satisfy myself upon this point, I made extensive
inquiries from deserters, refugees and contrabands,
and learned, from a variety of sources, that Mrs,
Phillips had gone to Charleston, and that Mrs.
Morton and her family had departed for their home
in Florida. Believing my information to be reliable,
I felt reassured, and then the men were selected.
While these men were making their way to Rich
mond, Webster was suffering excruciating pain, con
fined to his bed, and unable to move. During all
this time, he was carefully attended and nursed by my
resident operative, Mrs. Hattie Lawton, and through
the long, weary days and sleepless nights, no patient
ever had more careful nursing, or more tender con
sideration than did Timothy Webster, from the brave
true-hearted woman who had dedicated her life and
her services to the cause of her country and its noble
defenders.
This was the state of affairs on the last day of
LONG ABSENCE.
497
January, and when the information which Webster
had gained would have been of vast importance and
benefit to the cause of the Union, but which, lying an
agonized invalid in a Richmond hotel, he was unable
to communicate to those who were anxiously awaiting
his return. And now, leaving Webster at Richmond,
and with Price Lewis and John Scully on their way
to the rebel capital, we will return to Washington,
and watch the events which were transpiring at the
capital.
32
EXCHANGE OF PJtISONERS.
CHAPTER XXXV.
McClellan and the Government. Lewis and Scully Arrested
as Spies. An Attempted Escape. Trial and Convic
tion. Condemned to Die. Before the Gallows their
Mouths are Opened.
THE month of February added its slowly passing
days to those that had preceded it, and as yet no
tidings were received from Timothy Webster, or from
those who had gone in search of him. W. H. Scott had
returned, and reported that they had safely passed
over the Potomac River, and landed upon rebel soil,
but further than this, I had no information that tended
to allay my anxieties, or to give assurance of their
safety.
In the meantime, the troops around Washington
had not been idle. Reconnoissances had been made
from time to time, by the advance-guard of the army,
and skirmishes with the enemy were of frequent oc
currence. These movements were of great impor
tance, not so much from the actual results of victories
attained, as for the education which it imparted to
the troops, in accustoming them to the presence of
their foes, and giving them confidence while under
fire.
[498]
LEWIS AND SCULLY ARRESTED. 499
General McClellan had completed his plans for
the investment of the rebel capital, and the public
mind was in a state of feverish anxiety and expecta
tion for the forward movement of the troops. The
popular cry of " On to Richmond," was echoed from
lip to lip throughout the entire country. Every one,
except those who knew and realized the danger and
difficulties to be encountered and overcome, were
filled with an enthusiasm which only regarded results
and never considered the cost of their accomplish
ment. Extravagant ideas of a struggle which should
be "short, sharp and decisive," were the only ones
entertained by the great army of " stay at homes,"
and the question of caution, foresight and sagacity
was left to the consideration of those who must brave
the dangers of the field, and face the deadly fire of
their determined enemies.
Added to this a feeling of dissatisfaction began to
display itself in high circles at Washington. The
delay, which General McClellan wisely deemed neces
sary for the perfect equipment and education of his
army, was being used as a pretext by those who
envied the young commander, to detract from his
reputation, and to impair the confidence which a
united people had reposed in his loyalty and ability.
The President was besieged by importunate cavillers
the burden of whose refrain was the defamation of
the hero of West Virginia, and it is not surprising,
however much to be regretted, that Mr. Lincoln
LEWIS AND SCULLY
gradually permitted their clamors to disturb him,
and eventually partook of some of the distrust with
which they endeavored to impress him. From a
legitimate and wise desire to prevent an untimely di-
vulgence of his plans, General McClellan had, up to
this time, kept his ideas and opinions to himself and
confined his military discussions to but a few of his
immediate officers, and those whom he had known
and trusted for years. This manner of proceeding
was not to the taste of some of the leading men in
high places at that time, who deemed themselves as
competent to confer with and advise the commanding
general, as those whom he had chosen. In order to
soothe their wounded self-pride they had recourse to
a species of revenge not admirable, to say the least.
They plied the ears of the President with comments
derogatory to McClellan, and with innumerable sug
gestions of pet schemes of their own conception,
which would, in their opinion, undoubtedly end the
war with surprising alacrity. The result of these
onslaughts was, that McClellan was required by Mr.
Lincoln to unfold his own carefully arranged plans to
a council of generals, for their consideration and ap
proval. To this "wicked and ignorant clamor" he
was obliged to yield, and it is not to be wondered at,
that his proposed movements were betrayed, and
that not long afterwards he was subjected to the
mortification of having his army divided into
corps, against his wishes, and their commanders aj>
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 501
pointed without consulting him, and without his
knowledge. Subsequently he was compelled to sub
mit to having the conduct of the war in Virginia
placed in charge of inexperienced, irresponsible and
jealous-minded officers, whose antipathy to him was
as well known as it was unceasing and violent.
Notwithstanding all this, the general pursued his
way. His army was organized, his plans prepared.
The defense of Washington was provided for, as he
thought, in the most complete manner possible, and
in command of a noble army, which had grown up
under his immediate guidance and control, the brave
commander started upon his campaign.
During the month of March, 1862, the forward
movement was commenced. By divisions the army
was transported from Alexandria to their point of
destination upon the Peninsula, and on the first day
of April, General McClellan embarked, with his head
quarters, on the steamer " Commodore," reaching
Fort Monroe on the afternoon of the following day.
At this point we will leave the army, to follow the
movements of my operatives, and detail their experi
ences in the rebel capital, although the facts were not
reported to me until a long time after their actual
occurrence.
Price Lewis and John Scully reached the city of
Richmond without accident or delay, and at once
established themselves in the Exchange Hotel, where
they remained quietly for the night The next
502 LEWIS AND SCULLY
morning they started out to search for Timothy
Webster, and for the purpose of obtaining reliable
information of him they went to the office of the
Richmond Enquirer, for the proprietors of which
Webster had frequently carried letters, and purchased
gcx>ds while in the North. Here they were informed
that Webster was confined to his bed at the Monu
mental Hotel. Repairing at once to the place where
they were directed, they were shown to Webster s
room, and here they found the brave fellow, lying a
weak and helpless invalid, attended by Mrs, Lawton,
whose attentions to him were unremitting. There
was also in the room, a Mr. Pierce, a warm Southern
friend, whose friendship for Webster was of long
standing, and whose visits to the sick man were of
daily occurrence.
The recognition between them was a most formal
and undemonstrative one, and no one would have
suspected that they were engaged in the same
vocation, and acting under the same authority.
During the short interview that ensued, Webster was
fretful and ill at ease. Knowing the sentiments of the
people as he did, and associated as intimately as he
was with the most prominent of the Confederate
authorities, he was fearful that the precipitate and
unheralded appearance of his companions might lead
to their being suspected, as well as to attaching sus
picion to himself.
The few words of conversation, therefore, that
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 503
ensued, were marked by a constraint which was
uncomfortable to all parties, and the visit was of
short duration. When they called again upon Web
ster, they found with him a rebel officer from the
Provost-Marshal s office, who was a friend of Webster,
and who visited him frequently.
Webster introduced his two friends to Captain
McCubbin, for that was the man s name, and after a
few minutes, that officer inquired :
" Have you gentlemen reported at General Win
der s office ?"
" No, sir," replied Lewis, "we did not think it
was necessary, having fully reported to Major Beale,
and received his permission to travel."
"It is necessary for you to report to the Provost-
Marshal here, and I now give you official notice of
the fact," said McCubbin, laughingly.
"Very well," returned Lewis, "we will do so as
early as possible."
" Any time within a day or two will answer," said
the officer.
Webster watched the rebel captain carefully
while he was speaking, and. he thought he detected
beneath his careless, laughing demeanor, an element
of suspicion, which he did not like, and more than
ever he deplored the fact that my men had visited
him so soon, or had appeared to be acquaintances of
his. However, the mistake had been made, if mis
take it was, and he resolved to give the matter as
504 LEWIS AND SCULLY
little concern as possible, trusting that his anxiety
was ill-founded, and that all would be right in the end.
On the following morning my two operatives
presented themselves at the office of the Provost-
Marshal, and meeting Captain McCubbin there, they
were soon introduced to General Winder, who oc
cupied that position in the rebel capital. After they
had been formally introduced to General Winder,
that officer made very minute inquiries, as to the
antecedents and the business of the two men before
him, although no word was mentioned, that led either
of them to believe that they were suspected of being
other than they seemed. They informed the Marshal
that they were natives of England and Ireland, that
Scully had been in America nearly three years, while
Lewis had arrived only eighteen months before ; that
one of them had been connected with a prominent
dry-goods house in New York city, and the other
represented a London publishing firm, whose office
was located in the same city. They also stated that
in Baltimore they had become acquainted with W.
ri. Scott, who had informed them of great oppor
tunities for making money by smuggling goods into
the Confederacy, and that this visit had been made
to afford them the knowledge requisite to embarking
in such an enterprize. They had agreed to delivei
the letter, which Mr. Scott gave them, to Mr. Webster,
which they had done, and further than this their
intimacy with either gentlemen did not extend
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 505
This interview was conducted in a very pleasant
manner by General Winder, and after they had fully
answered all the questions which had been pro
pounded to them, they took their leave, being politely
invited by the General to call upon him whenever
convenient.
Congratulating themselves upon the fortunate
outcome of a visit which they had looked forward to
with more or less solicitude, they repaired to Web
ster s room to give him an account of what had trans
pired.
They had not been seated very long, when a de
tective from the Marshal s office made his appearance,
and after apologizing for his visit, inquired from what
parts of England and Ireland the two men had come ;
stating also, that General Winder desired the in
formation.
After this man had left, Webster turned to his
companions and in as firm a voice as he could com
mand, said :
" Get away from Richmond immediately ! There
is danger brewing. You are certainly suspected, and
it may go very hard with all of us, unless you leave
the city at once !"
"Why do you think so?" inquired Scully, in a
skeptical tone. " We certainly cannot be suspected,
and I am confident that you are alarming yourself
unnecessarily."
A spasm of pain prevented Webster from reply-
506 LEWIS AND SCULLY
ing immediately ; but when the agony had somewhat
subsided, he answered :
" I tell you that man never would have come here
with that question unless there was something wrong.
You must, indeed, get away, or the consequences will
be serious."
Scarcely had he uttered these words, when there
came a sharp rap at the door, which, upon being
opened, revealed the forms of two men, one of them
being George Cluckner, a detective officer attached
to the Provost-Marshal s office, and the other no less
a personage than Chase Morton, a son of ex-
Governor Morton, of Florida, whose house in Wash
ington my operatives had at one time assisted in
searching.
The consternation of Lewis and Scully may well
be imagined, and the latter, without uttering a word,
walked rapidly towards the open doorway and disap
peared, leaving Lewis, filled with astonishment and
apprehension, to pass the ordeal of an introduction.
The salutations between them were, as may be
conjectured, not of a very cordial character ; and after
the merest form of politeness, Lewis bade Webster
good-evening, and left the room. At the top of the
landing he found Scully awaiting him, and they were
about to descend the stairs, felicitating themselves
upon having escaped a threatened danger, when the
door of Webster s room was opened, and the Con
federate detective again stood before them.
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 507
"Are your names Lewis and Scully?" he in
quired.
"Yes, sir," answered Lewis, promptly, resolved
to put as bold a face upon the matter as possible.
"Then," said the officer, " I have orders to convey
you to General Winder s office."
There was no help for it, and they signified their
readiness to accompany him at once, intending to
make an effort to escape when they reached the
street. This hope, however, was dashed to the
ground ; for, as they descended the stairs, they found
three other officers awaiting their appearance, who
immediately took them in charge, and accompanied
them to the Provost-Marshal s office.
Several times, during their journey, Lewis noticed,
with increasing apprehension, that the gaze of young
Chase Morton was riveted fixedly upon them, and
he had no doubt whatever that they had been recog
nized, and would certainly be apprehended. This
prospect was far from being a cheerful one ; but they
mustered up all their latent courage, and conversed
good-humoredly with their escort, as they walked
briskly along.
Arriving at the General s headquarters, they
learned that that functionary was absent upon some
urgent business, but would shortly return, and had
left orders that they should await his appearance.
Lewis and Scully were accordingly admitted to a
private room, and requested to make themselves com-
5o8 LEWIS AND SCULLY
fortable until General Winder should desire ther
presence. The door closed upon the retreating forms
of their escort, and left them in a most uncomfortable
condition of mind indeed. There was now no doubt
of the correctness of Webster s suspicions, and they
bitterly regretted their haste in visiting him, and also
not having taken his advice at once. However, this
was no time for regrets, and they resolved to firmly
adhere to their original statements, and await the
disposition of their case by General Winder.
While they were conversing together, the door
was opened, and young Morton entered the room,
accompanied by an officer. Stepping directly up to
Price Lewis, he addressed him :
" Don t you remember me ?"
" I do not," responded Lewis ; " I do not
remember to have seen you at any time before
to-day."
He looked unflinchingly into the eyes that met
his, and the determined tones of his voice betrayed
no trace of the emotions that were raging within his
bosom.
" Don t you remember," continued young Morton,
coming to my mother s house, in Washington, as
an agent of the secret service of the Federal govern
ment, and making a thorough search of our premises
and its contents ?"
"You are mistaken, sir," replied Lewis, firmly
I know nothing of what you are alluding to."
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 509
"I am not mistaken." said the young Southerner,
" and you are the man !"
" Perhaps this gentleman will say that he recollects
me, next," said Scully, resolved to be as bold as pos
sible, under the circumstances.
Chase Morton gazed at him a few moments and
then answered, decidedly :
Yes sir, I recollect you also; you were one of
the men who assisted in searching my mother s resi
dence."
Both men insisted strongly upon their ignorance
of any such proceeding, and indignantly repudiated
the charges that had been made against them.
At this juncture General Winder came in, and
walking up to Lewis he greeted him cordially, warmly
shaking him by the hand, saying :
" How do you do, Mr. Lewis, and how is Mr.
Seward ?"
" I do not know what you mean," replied Lewis.
" Perhaps not," said Winder, with a disagreeable
smile, "but I am inclined to think that you know a
great deal more than you are willing to admit."
" I do not understand you."
" Very well," said the Provost-Marshal, " you will
understand me, and all in good time. Do you know
gentlemen, I suspected you were all wrong from the
start, and you were not keen enough to impose your
story upon me ? George," he added, turning to one
of his men, " go to the hotel, and get the baggage
6io LEWIS AND SCULLY
belonging to these gentlemen. We will see if that
will throw any further light upon their true charac
ter."
The officer departed, and during his absence,
General Winder plied them with questions about
their mission ; their knowledge of Timothy Webster ;
their visit to Richmond, and in fact about everything
imaginable, and all of them showing conclusively that
he believed them to be spies, and unworthy of cre
dence. Their satchels were finally brought in, and
a rigid examination failed to discover anything to
justify his suspicions, and Winder finally left the
room, angrily ordering them to remain where they
were, and directing his officers and Chase Morton to
accompany him.
A few minutes elapsed after their departure, dur
ing which the loud voice of Winder could be heard,
angrily declaiming against the two men ; he then came
back again, and addressing my operatives said :
" Gentlemen, your stories don t agree with what I
know about you, and we will give you time to think
the matter over ;" then turning to his deputy he com
manded, " Take them away !"
" Where to ?" inquired the officer.
To Henrico Jail," was Winder s response.
They were then conducted to the jail and placed
in a room in which six others were confined, where
the officers left them to their meditations, which, as
may be imagined, were far from pleasant. Not know-
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 511
ing what might be in store for them, and fearing that
their presence in Richmond might result in danger tc
Webster, they resolved to say nothing whatever, and
to adhere strictly to the story originally told by them,
and then to abide by the consequences, no matter
how serious they might be.
During the afternoon of the following day, an of
ficer accompanied by an elder son of Mr. Morton
made their appearance at the jail, and he, too, identi
fied the two men, as being concerned in searching his
mother s residence in Washington, and endeavored
to recall several incidents which had taken place on
that occasion. To all of his statements, however,
Price and Scully made emphatic denials, and vehe
mently asserted their entire ignorance of anything
connected with the Mortons, or their relations to the
Federal government.
Finding it impossible to obtain any admission
from the two prisoners, they took their departure, and
left the confined detectives to their own unpleasant
reflections.
For three days they remained in their place of
confinement, and during that time no word came
from the Marshals office or from any one concerning
their disposition or future movements. It seemed as
though the authorities had been content with simply
placing them in durance vile, and then had dismissed
them from their minds. This was the most favorable
view they were able to take of the case, and they
5ia LEWIS AND SCULLY
were solacing themselves with the fallacious hope of
having escaped a fate which they dreaded, and also
with the belief that Webster, their friend and com
panion, would not be associated with their presence
m Richmond, and that their discovery would not
operate to his injury.
Or. the fourth day, however, an attach^ of the
Marshal s office came to the jail, and calling for John
Scully informed him that his presence was required
by General Winder. Scully prepared himself for the
visit, and taking leave of his companion followed the
officer. He did not return that night, and for days
afterwards Lewis was in ignorance of what had be
come of him, or what fate he was to expect at the
hands of these minions of disloyalty and secession.
Lewis, meanwhile, had become acquainted with
his fellow prisoners, all of whom were in a ^tate of
anxiety as to what measure of punishment would be
meted out to them, and all nearly crazed with the
uncertainty of their impending fate. For days they
had been concocting a plan of escape, and finding
Lewis disposed to make an effort to be released from
his confinement, they developed their plans to him,
and requested his aid in the accomplishment of their
purpose.
Lewis hailed with delight a proposition that
promised to enable them to exchange the damp and
noisome air of a prison for the free breath of nature,
and the dark hours of captivity for the freedom and
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 513
liberty he longed for, and he became an energetic
and careful coadjutor of those who suffered with him
the degrading position of being imprisoned by a gov
ernment which they despised, and by which their lives
were menaced.
The part of the jail in which they were confined
was separated from the main building, and contained
four cells, two upon the ground floor and two imme
diately above them. These cells were reached through
a corridor from the yard outside, and secured by two
doors ; one a heavy iron one fastened on the inside,
and the other a stout wooden barricade, the lock of
which was placed on the outside of the building. It
was the custom of the old man, who acted as the
jailer, to allow the prisoners a half hour s walk in the
yard during the early evening, and then, locking them
up safely again, he would leave them alone in the
building, while he went to his home, several blocks
distant.
One of the men had managed to secrete a file about
his person, and with this they succeeded in making a
saw out of a knife. These were the only implements
which they had to work with. Notwithstanding the
meagerness of their implements, but a few days had
elapsed before the bolts on every cell-door were
sawed through so that they only required a few min
utes* labor to detach them from their fastenings
altogether.
It is impossible to detail the hours of feverish
33
LEWIS AND SCULLY
anxiety, of tireless energy, and of momentary fear of
detection, through which these men passed while en
gaged in their difficult and dangerous work or to
depict their joy, when at last their labor was com
pleted, and they awaited the time of carrying their
plans into execution.
The outside door was now the only barrier be
tween them and their coveted freedom, and various
plans were suggested to overcome this obstacle. At
length one was decided upon which promised to
secure the object of their desires. In one corner of
the yard in which they took their daily exercise,
there was a large pile of ashes and garbage, which
had been accumulating for a long time. It was re
solved that one of their number should be buried
under this rubbish, while several of the other prison
ers engaged the old jailer in animated conversation.
The man selected for this purpose was a good,
brave fellow, who was formerly a sailor, and had lately
been a member of an .artillery company from New
York. His name was Charles Stanton, and he had
come into the South upon his own inclination, and
for the Quixotic purpose of obtaining command of
a gunboat of the Confederacy, and then attempting to
run it through to the Union lines. He had, however,
been suspected, and remanded to prison, where he
had remained without a trial, and without hope of
release, for several months.
The prisoners were all turned out for their usual
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 515
exercise in the yard, on the evening which had been
agreed upon ; and in accordance with their arranged
plan, several of the prisoners surrounded the old
turnkey, and engaged him in an earnest discussion,
while others set actively to work to dig the grave of
Stanton in the ashes. In order that he might not be
unbearably uncomfortable, his body only was covered
with the contents of the ash-heap, while his head and
shoulders were concealed from view by some straw,
which one of the men brought from his cell for that
purpose.
In the jail, at this time, there were a number of
negroes, who had been captured while attempting to
make their way to the North, and although these faith
ful blacks were aware of the attempted escape, and
knew full well that they were not included in the
movement, their efforts were none the less active
in behalf of the white men who were struggling for
liberty.
They had been informed of the attempted escape,
from the first, and had kept the matter a profound
secret, at the same time rendering such service as
they were capable of to the whites.
Everything worked to their entire satisfaction.
The turnkey was unsuspicious ; the grave was made
without discovery, and St^nton was carefully con
cealed. In a few minutes afterwards the call for
retiring was heard, and the men, with throbbing
hearts, rushed in a mass toward the door of the corri-
5J6 LEWIS AND SCULLY
dor. This was done in order to escape the counting
of their number, in case the old man should attempt
to do so. They passed quickly into their cells, and
were not required to be counted. Thus far, all had
been done as successfully as could be hoped for, or
expected ; no suspicions were excited, nor was their
missing comrade called for. It had been the custom
of the old man to make a tour of the cells after the
prisoners had retired, to see if they were all there
before he went away for the night. In order to over
come this possibility of detection, a figure had been
made of straw, stuffed into the garments of the men,
and laid upon the bed, in order to look as much like
a human being as possible.
This precaution proved to be a good one, for just
before the time of closing up the prison arrived, the
glimmer of the old turnkey s lantern was seen in the
corridor, and shortly after, his face appeared at the
door, as he eagerly scanned the occupants of the
various cells. Apparently satisfied with his scrutiny,
the jailer went his way, the heavy outside doors were
closed and locked, and the retreating footsteps of
the old man could be distinctly heard.
The critical moment had at last arrived, and they
awaited in breathless silence the appearence of Stan-
ton. Fortune favored them in a peculiar manner
this evening. As the old man was passing the
pile of ashes under which Stanton was concealed,
he noticed the unusual appearance of the . straw.
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 517
Stopping for a moment, he drew a m^tch from his
pocket, lighted it, and then walked toward the heap as
though with the intention of setting fire to it. The
match fortunately was extinguished by a blast of
wind, and after searching in his pocket for another
match, but finding none, he slowly turned, and walked
out of the gate, locking it securely behind him.
Stan ton s feelings, under this ordeal, may be
imagined. If the old man had succeeded in igniting
the straw, under which he was concealed, detection
would have followed instantly, and no doubt serious
injury would have been inflicted upon the brave
fellow, who had willingly suffered the discomforts of
his unpleasant confinement for the purpose of assist
ing his comrades to escape.
No sooner had the gate closed upon the jailor,
than he crawled nimbly out from his place of conceal
ment, and hastily made his way to the door He at
once began his operations upon the lock. The ap
pearance of Stanton at the door was the signal for
the others, and in less than an hour the locks upon
the cell doors had been removed. Stanton had
wrested the lock from the outside door, and only the
iron inside one was now to be overcome. This bar
rier resisted all their efforts, and it was at last decided
that the lock must be removed by main force. This
was a proceeding which necessitated a great deal of
noise, and they were in an agony of apprehension
lest their clamor should attract the attention of
fi LEWIS AND SCULLY
people passing on the outside, and thus lead to theif
detection. To prevent this, the colored men, with
out any solicitation or instruction, came to the
rescue in a very important, though unexpected man
ner. They commenced to sing in concert, at the top
of their voices, snatches o-f plantation and camp-
meeting melodies, which effectually drowned the
sound of their blows, and enabled them to work with
out fear of detection.
The lock at last yielded to their combined efforts,
and the men issued silently forth into the darkness of
the night, breathing once more the stimulating atmos
phere of hope and promised liberty. Only the wall
around the prison yard was now to be surmounted,
and with the aid of some old planks that were lying
around, they succeeded in reaching the top, after
which they noiselessly dropped themselves to the
ground. Although this wall was very high, they all
readied terra fir ma in safety, and with one impulse
bre;i hed a prayer of thankfulness for the success
which had thus far attended their efforts.
Silently, and walking in couples, at long distances
apart, they started out to leave the city. The sky
was clear, and the moon was shining brightly over
head. The stars were twinkling merrily, as though
enjoying the success which had attended these brave,
patient men, in their labor and toil of days and
weeks.
This was on the eighteenth day of March, and
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 519
Martial law had been proclaimed some time pre
viously. It was now nearly eight o clock, and by the
provisions of the law any one found upon the streets
after nine o clock, must be in possession of a pass, or
be liable to arrest. Great haste was therefore neces
sary, in order to leave the city before that hour
With only the stars for their guide, they set out in a
northerly direction. Not one of the men was ac
quainted with the country, and their journey was all
the more perilous on that account.
By midnight they had reached the Chickahominy,
having succeeded, by the greatest good fortune, in es
caping any one who was disposed to make in
quiries or to molest them in any manner whatever.
Across this swamp their way led through quagmires
and deep pools, and was dangerous in the extreme.
Sometimes waist deep in the soft mud and water, and
scrambling over slipping places which furnished in
secure footholds, and threatened instant danger from
falling back into the pools through which they had
made their way. Their journey was full of hardship
and suffering. The air was cold and frosty, and their
wet garments clung to them like ice ; their limbs
trembled ; their teeth chattered with the cold, and
their condition was really a pitiable one indeed.
At length they reached the woods upon the
opposite side. Here they were obliged to stop and
rest, completely exhausted. Some of the hardier of
the party removed their dripping garments, and
520 LEWIS AND SCULLY
attempted to wring the water from them ; while
others, unable to stand the chilling air any longer,
built a fire, around which they gathered in the effort
to warm their bodies and to dry their water-soaked
clothing.
They rested for about two hours, and then pushed
on again until daylight, when they sought the shelter
of the woods and laid down, hoping to get some sleep
after their laborious and fatiguing journey of the pre
ceding night. Sleep, however, was impossible ; their
clothing was wet, and the air was cold. Their suffer
ings became intense, and at length, finding it
impossible to endure the freezing atmosphere
longer, they determined to build a fire, regardless of
the consequences. Proceeding further into the wood,
they gathered some boughs, and soon the cheerful
blaze afforded them sufficient heat to dry their frozen
clothing and to warm their benumbed and freezing
bodies. Thus passed the day, and when darkness
came on again they resumed their journey.
Already they began to experience the pangs of
hunger. They had eaten nothing since the evening
before, and had walked many weary miles. They were
foot-sore and tired and hungry. They had provided
themselves with the remnants of the corn cake which
had been served for their supper on the previous
evening, but these had become thoroughly soaked
with water on their journey through the swamps, and
had crumbled to pieces. Notwithstanding their
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 521
pitiable condition, their strong wills and brave hearts
sustained them, and they plodded on.
The night was intensely dark ; the stars were
obscured, and a pall of inky blackness hung over
them, which rendered their journey exceedingly
hazardous, as they could not see the way before
them, and were unable to tell in which direction they
were traveling.
They had not proceeded far when the storm
broke, and a drenching torrent of rain descended.
The wind whistled and howled through the trees, and
for hours the tempest raged with relentless fury.
Seeking the shelter of the woods again, they crouched
close to the trunks of the trees, and vainly attempted
to screen themselves from the deluge. It was of no
avail, however ; the leafless timber afforded them no
protection, and during the continuance of the storm
the poor, tired and almost exhausted fugitives were
exposed to the pitiless blast.
Shivering with cold, their teeth chattering, their
garments drenched through to their quivering skin,
they knelt or crouched upon the ground, and when
daylight dawned, and the storm at last cleared away,
they were almost too weak to help themselves.
Price Lewis looked around him as the faint
streaks of sunrise illumined the horizon, and to his
dismay saw that nearly all of his late companions had
disappeared, and that only three others beside him
self remained.
512 LEWIS AND SCULLY
With the greatest difficulty they succeeded in
building a fire, and were just preparing to enjoy its
comforting warmth, when they were alarmed by the
sound of the hasty tramping of feet, and in a moment
they were surrounded by a number of Confederate
soldiers, who commanded them to surrender at once
This sudden and unexpected appearance was a
crushing blow to their hopes. They submitted with
out a word ; and although bowed to the ground with
disappointment, they experienced a sensation almost
amounting to relief, at the prospect of receiving the
ewe and attention which even enemies would give to
those in such distress as were these poor fugitives.
Limping along, they were marched to an out
building, connected with a farm-house near by, when,
to their surprise, they saw the remainder of their
party, who had been captured by another band of
soldiers, huddled together in one corner of the room.
The soldiers were touched with pity, as they be
held the forlorn condition of the men whom they had
secured, and in a short time they had provided them
with a repast, which the famished fugitives devoured
with a rapidity which gave ample testimony of their
long and painful abstinence.
After dispatching this meal they were conveyed
directly back to Richmond, and returned to their old
quarters in Henrico jail. On their arrival each man
was placed in a separate cell, and doubly ironed, to
prevent a repetition of their efforts to escape.
.
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 523
While Price Lewis had been engaged in this un
successful attempt to gain his liberty, John Scully had
been undergoing a far different experience. A court-
martial had been hurriedly convened, where he was
fully identified by every member of the Morton fam
ily as the man who had searched their premises in
the city of Washington, and had, after a very sum
mary trial, been convicted and remanded back to
prison to await his sentence.
On the second day after the return of Price Lewis
he was conducted before a court-martial, and in a re
markably short space of time was accorded a trial, if
trial it could be called, and his conviction followed
as quickly as did that of John Scully.
They had been charged with being alien enemies,
and at one time acting in the service of the Federal
government in Washington. In addition to this,
they were charged with loitering around the fortifica
tions at Richmond and taking plans of the same.
Notwithstanding the fact that no witness could be
procured who would swear to having seen them in
such localities, or engaged in any such occupation, the
members of the court-martial, with singular unanimity,
found them guilty of the second charge, with as much
haste, and as manifest an air of solemnity, as they did
of the first.
The next day they were each informed of theif
sentence, which was that they should be hung by the
neck, as spies, and that their execution should take
5*4 LEWIS AND SCULLY
place in one week from the day of the communica
tion of the information to them.
This sentence was a heavy blow to the two pris
oners ; and from the character of the men by whom
they were surrounded, thay felt that hope was use
less. The spirit of animosity manifested toward them
by the court, the indecent haste with which their
trial had been conducted, and the rapidity with which
their sentence had followed their conviction, gave
them no reasons for hoping for clemency, or that they
would be able to escape the dreadful fate which now
was impending over them.
The conduct of the various members of the Mor
ton family in betraying my operatives to the author
ities, and in appearing as accusing witnesses against
them, in face of their promises, long ago made, to be
friend them if possible, was an act which did not re
flect very favorably upon their regard for truth, or
their appreciation of delicate treatment when they
themselves were suspected of treachery.
Lewis and Scully had never seen each other from
the time when the latter was removed from the cell
a few days after their first imprisonment, and eacli
was unconscious of the other s fate or of the state of
their feelings under the fatal sentence whicb hung
over them both.
After their conviction they had both been sent to
a prison called Castle Godwin, and had been placed
in irons, and in separate cells. During the first two
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 525
days that elapsed after their conviction, they were
visited by Judge Crump, who conducted the trial, and
by several members of General Winder s staff, all of
whom endeavored to obtain some admissions from
the two prisoners which would justify their action in
condemning them to death. All with no avail, how
ever ; the two men stoutly insisted upon their original
story, except so far as to admit that they had searched
the premises of Mrs. Morton, but each man was firm
in stating that he had become disgusted with the ser
vice, and had left it very soon after that act had been
committed.
On the day after their sentence had been com
municated to them, a letter was brought to Lewis,
from the commandant of the post, stating that Scully
was suffering with a serious illness, and having re
quested that Lewis be allowed to visit him, the privi
lege had been granted. On entering the cell where
Scully was confined, Lewis found his fellow-prisoner
in a very depressed condition of mind, although his
physical infirmities had been assumed in order to se
cure an interview with his partner in misfortune.
After discussing their situation as philosophically
as possible under the circumstances, seeking for some
ray of hope and finding none, they were at last com
pelled to the belief that their doom was sealed, and that
their only plan was to bear up manfully to the end.
Scully, who was a Roman Catholic, desired the
services of a priestly comforter, to whom he could
526 LEWIS AND SCULLY
make such statements as would relieve his mind in
the coming trial, and made known this wish to Lewis.
" You will not tell him what you know of Web
ster, and his connection with this matter, will you ?"
said Lewis, fearful that Webster might be betrayed.
" I don t know what I will tell him," answered
Scully ; " I have not decided what to say, nor do I
know what I will be commanded to relate."
" For God s sake, Scully, don t say anything about
Webster ; we can meet our fate like men, but to men
tion his name now, would be wrong indeed."
" I tell you," said Scully, " I don t know what I
am going to say. I don t want to do wrong, but I
cannot tell what I may have to do yet."
Lewis argued with his companion long and earn
estly upon this matter, and when at last the priest
arrived, and Scully followed him to another cell, the
warning admonitions of his fellow-prisoner were ring
ing in his ears.
What transpired during that secret meeting be
tween the condemned spy and his father-confessor,
Lewis did not know, but when he was conducted to
his own cell, late that night, he saw a man and woman
closely guarded, in the lower hall, and his heart grew
heavy and cold as his imagination conjured up the
direful fate which a confession from his imprisoned
comrade would bring to the faithful patriot Webster,
who lay suffering and anxious upon his bed of pain.
After a long and restless night, in which he tossed
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 527
uneasily upon his hard prison bed, vainly attempting
to court the rest-giving slumber of which lie stood so
much in need, Lewis arose from his couch, feverish
and unrefreshed, as the first faint rays of the morning
sun penetrated his damp and dingy cell.
His mind was in a state of confusion, and his
h( art was filled with fear. What had been done he
knew not, and yet those guarded figures of the night
before were ever in his mind. Could it be that they
were Webster and his faithful attendant Mrs. Lawton ?
He shrank involuntarily from this thought; and yet,
strive as he would, it recurred to him, with increased
force, and with more convincing power, after each at
tempt to drive it from him.
In a little while, the prison was astir. The guards
were making their accustomed rounds, breakfast was
served, and another day, with all its solemn activity,
and its bustle so death-like and subdued, had begun.
Unable to partake of the scanty meal that was
set before him, Lewis impatiently awaited the hour
when he would be permitted to visit his fellow-pris
oner whom he had left upon the eve of consulting
with his spiritual adviser, and, if possible, learn the
result of his interview with the priest.
About ten o clock the turnkey appeared, and he
was conducted to Scully s cell. As he entered the
dimly-lighted room, he noticed that the face of the
man whom he had left the night before, had under
gone a wonderful change. His cheeks were sunken
528 LEWIS AND SCULLY
and pale ; his eyes had a strange, wild expression, and
the shadows under the lids were dark and heavy.
His hair was unkempt, and his lips trembled with, the
emotions which he was struggling to repress. What
ever events had transpired since he had seen him last,
it was evident that their effect upon Scully had been
terrible and agonizing. He had been unable to sleep,
and the tortures of his mind had been almost t unbear
able. His greeting to Lewis showed a degree of re
straint which had been unknown before, and for a
moment he seemed unable to speak.
At length he grew calmer, and related to his
friend the events of the preceding night, and the
influences that had been brought to bear upon him.
The promise of freedom ; his loving family at home ;
the certainty of an ignoble death if he refused ; the
degradation of the impending scaffold; and the
promise that his admissions should result in injury to
no one, all combined against his weak condition of
both mind and body, and at last, yielding to the in
fluences which he could not control, he had told his
story, and had given a truthful account of all his
movements.
Who can blame this man ? Who, that has stood
before the frowning scaffold, and with a free world
before him, can utter words of censure ? Only those
who have suffered as he did, prostrated as he was,
can know the terrible agony through which he passed
ere the fatal words were forced from his trembling
ARRESTED AS SPIES. 529
lips. For myself, I have no judgment to utter.
Now, as when the news was first communicated to
me, I cannot express an unjust sentence. John Scully
and his companion were not heroic martyrs. What
then ? They were simply men who, after having
performed many brave acts of loyalty and duty to
their country, failed in a moment of grand and great
self-sacrifice. I cannot apologize for them I cannot
judge them. Their trial was a severe one, and they
were in sore distress. If they succumbed to a con
trolling emergency, it was because of a lack of the
heroic elements of humanity ; and who, in our day,
can claim their possession in the very face of death
and dishonor ?
Let us hasten over these unpleasant and disas
trous events. Finding that the worst had occurred,
and that further concealment was of no avail, Lewis,
too, opened his mouth. He was again visited by the
rebel authorities, and at last he, too, added his voice
to that of Scully, and made a revelation of his true
character, and of the nature of his mission to Rich
mond. The next day they were respited. They had
escaped an ignominious death, but, perhaps, in their
lonely cells they suffered a death in life, beside which
an actual demise might have seemed a blessing.
Leaving them to their reflections, we turn again to
Timothy Webster.
M
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Webster Arrested as a Spy. A Woman s Devotion and a
Patriot s Heroism. Webster is Convicted. The Execu*
tion. A Martyr s Grave.
A 7 TER the departure of Lewis and Scully from
Webster s room, where they were so closely
followed by the Confederate detective and Chase
Morton, my trusty operative heard nothing of them
for some time. Fearing to make inquiries concern
ing them, lest he should compromise them still
further, as well as bring himself under the suspicion
of the rebel authorities, he maintained a strict silence
with regard to the movements of his companions.
Several days of anxious suspense followed, which, to
one in Webster s critical condition, were fraught with
agonizing doubts and heartfelt fears for the ultimate
safety of himself and his friends. Resolving, how
ever, to utter no word which would compromise
them, he bore the solicitude with unmurmuring
firmness. Only to the heroic woman, who so faith
fully nursed him, did he unburden his mind of the
weight of care which oppressed him, and her words
of womanly friendship and encouragement were the
[530]
A WOMAN S DEVOTION. 531
only influences which supported him through the
trying ordeal.
One day, Mrs. Lawton came into his room as
was her custom but this time there was a gravity
about her manner, which, to Webster s quick percep
tions, boded no good. Finding him receiving some
friendly visitors, the lady withdrew, and repressing
his impatience as well as he was able to do, Webster
dispatched his friends as quickly as politeness, and a
due consideration for their kindly regard, would per
mit. When they had disappeared, Mrs. Lawton
again entered the room.
"You have news for me," said Webster, impa
tiently; "what is it?"
" Be calm, my dear friend," said the devoted lit
tle woman; "what I have to tell, calls for the
utmost calmness."
" Tell me what it is," said Webster ; " I will be as
calm as you could wish, but do not, I pray you, keep
me in suspense."
" Well," replied Mrs. Lawton, " I learned this
morning that Lewis and Scully have been arrested
and taken to Henrico Jail."
" When did this occur ?" asked the invalid, a great
weight pressing upon his heart.
" The very day they were here last," answered the
woman.
Then all is lost," exclaimed the sick man. " I
feared as much ;. and now the time has come I will
532 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
meet it manfully; however/ he continued, "it will
be only a short time before I will share the same fate."
" Why do you think so ?" anxiously inquired Mrs,
Lawton. "Surely they cannot connect you with
these men."
" I do not know why I think so, but I am as con
fident that I will be brought into this matter as
though the officers were already here to arrest me."
While he yet spoke, there came a knock at the
chamber door, which, on being opened, revealed the
form of Captain McCubbin.
As he entered the room he gazed furtively around,
and his salutation to Webster was very different from
the cordiality which had marked his previous visits.
" Good morning, Webster," said he, as he took
the offered chair, and for the first time since they had
known each other neglecting to shake the invalid by
the hand. " This is bad news about Lewis and
Scully, isn t it ?"
"What is it?" inquired Webster, apparently re
ceiving the information for the first time.
"They have been arrested as spies, are confined in
prison, and General Winder wants that letter which
they brought to you from the North."
There was something so cold and imperious in
the officer s tones, which confirmed Webster s fears
for his own safety ; but without evincing the slightest
alarm, he cheerfully made reply :
" I am sorry to hear this news, arid trust that they
AND A PATRIOTS HEROISM. 533
will be able to exonerate themselves from the charge.
Anything, however, that General Winder wants from
me will be cheerfully given. Mrs. Lawton, will you
get the letter, and hand it to Captain McCubbin."
There was no tremor of the voice, and the watch
ful Confederate looked in vain for any evidence of
fear in the face of the man, who, stricken by disease
as he was, still showed the bravery of a lion, and
gazed unflinchingly at him. Though the hand of fate
was upon him, Webster never lost his heroic courage,
and bore the scrutiny of the officer without the quiver
of a muscle.
Captain McCubbin received the letter, and almost
immediately withdrew. As he closed the door behind
him, Webster turned to his faithful companion, and,
in a low, solemn voice, said : "That letter has sealed
my fate !"
From this point. Webster s physical condition
seemed to improve, and although depressed with
fears for the fate of his companions, he gradually
became stronger, and was at length able to leave his
bed and move about his room.
The visits of his numerous friends had now almost
ceased. From General Winder s officers, with whom
he had previously been so intimate, he heard nothing,
nor did they make inquiries about his health, as had
been their custom. Of the many friends in private
life, who had surrounded him, only two remained.
These were Mr. Pierce and Mr. Campbell, with
534 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
whom Webster had traveled for some time, and his
family. This dropping away of old friends, and the
breaking up of old associations, was significant to
Webster of impending danger. It must be that he,
too, was suspected, and that the favor of the rebel
authorities had been withdrawn.
Day by day, during his convalescence, did the
brave little woman who had nursed him back to life,
endeavor to encourage him to a hopeful view of his
situation, and to impress him with her own sanguine
trust for a favorable outcome from this present
dilemma. Webster listened to the bright promises
of his devoted companion, but he was too profoundly
aware of the danger that threatened him to permit
himself to hope that the result to him would be a bene
ficial one.
After he was able to leave his bed, he accepted
the pressing invitation of Mr. Campbell, and was re
moved to the residence of that gentleman, where he
would be more quiet, and where he could receive that
care and attention which could not be afforded him
in a hotel. The kindness of Mr. Campbell and his
family was heartfelt and unceasing. They did every
thing in their power to make him comfortable, and
their courtesy to Mrs. Lawton was as marked and
genuine, as was their regard and care for Timothy
Webster.
Webster had been domiciled at the house of Mr.
Campbell but two days, when one of Winder s men
AND A PATRIOTS HEROISM. 535
came to know if Webster was sufficiently recovered
to go out, as his presence was imperatively demanded
at the court room, as a witness in the trial of John
Scully. The officer further stated that the evidence
of Webster had been solicited by Scully himself.
Finding him unable still to leave the house, the
officer stated that arrangements would be made by
which his testimony could be taken in his room. On
the second day after the appearance of the officer,
the court-martial adjourned to Campbell s house,
and Scully accompanied them. Seating themselves
around the bedside of the invalid, the court was
formally opened, and Webster was requested to state
what he knew of the antecedents of the accused.
Though very weak, and speaking with consider
able difficulty, Webster made his statement. He said
that he had known John Scully from April, 1861, to
the time of his arrest. That the prisoner was in
Baltimore when he first met him, and was always in
the company of known secessionists, and was con
sidered by them to be a good friend to the South.
So far as he had any knowledge of the accused he
was what he assumed to be, and that his appearance
in Richmond was a surprise to him. He was not
known to be in the employ of the government, and
Webster had never met him under any circumstances
which would indicate that fact.
This was all that he could say, and although
closely questioned by the president of the court, and
536 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
the attorneys present, he insisted that his knowledge
of John Scully was confined to what he had already
stated. Finding it impossible to obtain any further
information upon this subject from the sick man, the
court, in a body, left the room, and departed from
the house.
Mrs. Lawton, who had been compelled to retire
on the entrance of the Confederate authorities, and
who had been in a wild state of excitement and ap
prehension during their visit, instantly repaired to
Webster s room. When she entered the chamber,
she found that the brave man, after the exciting ex
periences through which he had been compelled to
pass, had fainted. His strength of will, which had
supported him through the investigation, had given
way, and he lay, limp and inanimate, upon the bed.
Several days of anxiety and solicitude now passed.
Unable to learn any tidings of his unfortunate com-
iades ? Webster tortured himself with all manner of
vague fears and doubts as to their probable fate, all
of which had their effect in retarding his recovery,
and keeping him confined to his room.
At last, after days of weary and anxious waiting,
the newspapers were brought in one morning, and
the information of the conviction of Lewis and Scully
was duly chronicled. The same paper also announced
the day upon which their death was so speedily to
follow. This filled the cup of Webster s misery to
overflowing, and, sinking upon a chair, he wept like
AND A PATRIOTS HEROISM. 537
a child. Refusing to be comforted, although Mrs.
Lawton exerted herself to the utmost, Webster
paced the room, half frantic with his grief, at the hor
rible fate which had overtaken his friends.
Slowly the day passed, and when the shadows of
evening were falling Webster was at last induced to
lie down, and attempt to snatch a few hours sleep.
He was soon slumbering quietly, although ever and
anon he would start nervously and utter an inarticu
late moan, as though his mind was stil troubled with
the sad events of the day. While he lay thus, at
tended by Mrs. Lawton, Mr. Campbell suddenly en
tered the room, with a look of fear upon his face,
which filled Mrs. Lawton with alarm.
" What is the matter ?" she hurriedly ejaculated.
" One of Winder s men is below, and I fear his
presence indicates misfortune for Webster," was the
reply.
" Who is it ?"
" Cashmeyer," answered Mr. Campbell. " He in
quired for Webster, and says he must see him at
once."
Webster, disturbed by this conversation, was
awake in an instant and inquired what was wanted.
" Cashmeyer has called, and wishes to see you,"
said Mr. Campbell.
" Let him come up at once," replied Webster, in
the hope that he might bring some tidings of Lewis
and Scully.
538 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
Mr. Campbell departed, and in a few moments re
turned with the Confederate officer. Cashmeyer s
salutation was cold and formal, and without any pre
liminary he addressed Webster.
" I have a painful duty to perform, Mr. Webster. I.
am directed by General Winder to arrest you, and
convey you at once to Castle Godwin."
As he spoke, two soldiers appeared at the door
way, f
" You cannot wish to take him away in this condi
tion, and at this hour of the night," said Mrs. Law-
ton. "Such an action would be his death, and
would be the worst of inhumanity."
Webster stood silent and unmoved. He did not
utter a word, but gazed fixedly at the officer, whose
visits heretofore had been those of sympathy and con
dolence.
" I cannot help it," said Cashmeyer, " my orders
are to take him dead, or alive, and those orders I
must obey."
"Then," said Mrs. Lawton, " I will go too. He
needs care and attention, without it he will die, and
no one can nurse him so well as I."
Cashmeyer gazed at the brave little woman for
a moment, and a shade of pity came over his face.
I am sorry to inform you, that my orders are
to arrest you also, and to search your trunks."
"This is infamous," exclaimed Webster; "what
can Winder mean by arresting this woman, and what
AND A PATRIOTS HEROISM. 539
am I charged with that renders your orders neces
sary ?"
"Webster," answered Cashmeyer, "as God is my
witness, I do not know ; I only know what my orders
are, and that I must obey them."
Without further parley, Webster and Mrs. Lawton
prepared to accompany their guards, and Cashmeyer,
demanding their keys, commenced a search of their
trunks, which resulted in his finding nothing that
would criminate his prisoners.
A carriage was procured, and Webster was assisted
into it, while Mrs. Lawton, under the escort of Cash
meyer was compelled to walk. It was quite late
when they arrived at the prison, and as Price Lewis
was ascending to his cell, Webster and his faithful
female companion entered the gloomy portals of the
jail.
General Winder was present when they arrived,
and after a hurried examination Webster was re
manded to a room, in which a number of Union
prisoners were already confined, and the atmosphere
of which was reeking with filth and disease.
As he entered the room, pale and emaciated, and
scarcely able to walk, the prisoners gathered around,
in silent pity for his forlorn condition.
" My God !" excaimed one of their number,
"they will send the dead here next."
Mrs. Lawton was conducted before the General,
but she stoutly declined to answer a single question
540 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
that was propounded to her. This so enraged the
valiant officer that he ordered her to be taken away
at once. She was then conducted to a room in
which another lady was confined, and left for the
night.
As midnight tolled its solemn hour over the city,
and the tramp of armed men resounded through the
streets, the noises within the prison died away. An
awful and impressive silence brooded over the place.
The dim light in the corridor shone faintly upon four
miserable human beings, who tossed restlessly upon
sleepless couches through the long, weary watches of
the night.
Who can tell the thoughts that thronged through
their brains, as the slow moving hours advanced
toward the dawn ? The brave woman who had been
cruelly deprived of her privilege to administer to the
needs of her suffering friend. The heroic Webster,
wasted by disease, weakened by his long and painful
illness, but still brave and defiant. Price Lewis and
John Scully, tortured with the thoughts of their im
pending fate, and harassed with reflections of a more
agonizing nature, which we may not analyse.
The trial of Webster was ordered for an early
day. With a haste that was inhuman, the Provost-
Marshal made his preparations for the farce of an in
vestigation. It seemed as though he was fearful that
his victim would die, ere he could wreak his ven
geance upon him. The court was convened, and,
AND A PATRIOTS HEROISM. 541
owing to Webster s weakened condition, their ses
sions were held in the jail. For three long, weary
weeks did the investigation drag its slow length
along, although it was apparent that those who tried
him had already decided upon his fate. Numerous
witnesses were examined, and testimony was admitted
which would have been excluded by any righteous
tribunal whose ideas of justice were not obscured by
an insane desire for revenge.
Price Lewis and John Scully were compelled to
give their evidence ; and although they attempted to
do their utmost to lessen the effect of their testimony,
it bore heavily against the poor prisoner, who sat
pale and emaciated before them, and whose heart
never failed him through the long and tedious ordeal.
What Webster s feelings must have been during
this harrowing experience is unknown to any one.
What thoughts were rushing through his brain, as the
damaging statements fell from the lips of his late as
sociates, were never revealed by him. No murmurs
escaped his lips, no words of censure or blame
against the men whose evidence cost him his life,
were ever uttered. A heroic calmness, born of the
very despair which oppressed him from the first, was
manifest throughout the long, weary investigation.
Indeed so manfully had he borne himself, so com
pletely had he controlled his feelings, that his
physical health perceptibly improved, so much so
that the tribunal removed their sittings to the court-
S4 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
house, and Webster was able to be in daily at*
tendance.
Webster had secured able counsel for his defence,
and they did all that was possible for man to do.
Although they were rebels, their efforts in behalf of
the accused spy were such, that if pleadings could
have availed him aught, his fate would have been
averted.
It was not to be, however ; the trial came to an
end at last. A verdict of guilty followed quickly
upon the heels of the partial and antagonistic charge
of the judge, and Timothy Webster was convicted of
being a spy in the employ of the Federal authorities.
Not even then did the brave spirit break down.
Firm and heroic he received the fatal verdict, and
the satisfaction of his enemies was robbed of its value
by the unflinching deportment of their victim.
After the trial, he was remanded to a cell, and
closely watched. But a little time elapsed, and then
came the warrant for his execution. An officer ap
peared in the cell, the paper was produced, and the
faithful, brave, true-hearted man was condemned to
be hung on the twenty-ninth day of April, but ten
days after the approval of his sentence.
#***#*
The Union army was before Yorktown. Mc-
Clellan had already sustained two serious disappoint
ments, and both of them at the hands of the govern
ment at Washington. In the first place, on his
OF TKK
UNIVERSITY
AND A PATRIOT S HEROISM. 543
arrival at Fort Monroe, he had ascertained that the
promised assistance of the navy could not be relied
upon in the least, and that their efficient co-operation
with him would be an utter impossibility. This inter
ference with his plans might have been overcome,
although the loss of the naval support was a serious
misfortune to him ; but a more surprising and dis
heartening act of the authorities was yet in store for
him. A few days later, he was thunderstruck at the
unexpected information that General McDowell s
entire corps, upon whose assistance he had confidently
relied, was detached from his command, and had been
ordered to remain in front of Washington, for the
protection of the capital, which was erroneously
believed to be in imminent danger of capture by the
rebels. These events rendered a scientific siege of
Yorktown a necessity; and while engaged in this
laborious work, I was in constant consultation with
the commanding General. Numerous scouts had
been sent out through the rebel country, and the secret
service department was taxed to its utmost. George
H. Bangs was busily engaged in examining the rebel
deserters and prisoners, Southern refugees and con
trabands, who were either captured or came willingly
into camp, and in preparing daily reports of our
movements, which were required to be made to the
General in command. I had accompanied McClellan
upon this campaign, and gave my untiring personal
supervision to the management of the large corps of
544 ^ WOMAN S DEVOTION
men and women, white and black, then engaged in
obtaining information.
During all this time, not a word had been received
of my missing operatives. Tortured by the uncer
tainty of their fate, I passed many an anxious hour.
At length all doubts were set at rest, and a dreadful
certainty manifested itself to my mind. A news
paper, published in Richmond, was received by me,
and in hastily perusing its contents, with a view of
acquring such military information as it contained,
my eye alighted upon a small paragraph, which filled
me with dread and sorrow. This paragraph was the
simple announcement that Price Lewis and John
Scully had been arrested as spies in the rebel capital,
and had been sentenced to be hung on the 6th day of
April.
I cannot detail the effect which this announce
ment produced upon me. For a moment I sat almost
stupefied, and unable to move. My blood seemed to
freeze in my veins my heart stood still I was
speechless. By degrees I was able to exercise a
strong command over myself. I then sought my
immediate associates, and communicated the fatal
news to them. Their consternation and grief were
equal to my own. Every man seemed to be im
pressed with the solemnity of the fate of their com
rades. What was to be done ? How to intercede in
their behalf ? I rushed to the tent of General Mc-
Clellan, and relating the news to him, besought his
AND A PATRIOT S HEROISM. 545
aid in this direful extremity. His sympathy and
sorrow were as acute as though the men had been
joined to him by ties of blood. Anxiously we dis
cussed the situation, in the vain attempt to seek some
mode of obtaining their release, and all without
definite or satisfactory conclusion.
All that night I paced the camp, unable to sleep
unable almost to think intelligently; and when
morning dawned I was as far from devising any
practical plan of relief as when I first received the
information.
I telegraphed to Captain Milward, Harbor-Master
at Fortress Monroe, and in charge of the flag-of-
truce boat for exchanging prisoners, asking him to
endeavor to ascertain from the Richmond papers, or
from any other source, anything definite as to the
fate of my unfortunate operatives.
Several messages were received from that officer
containing various statements of the case, and finally
came the crushing intelligence that Lewis and Scully
had been respited, after having given information
which implicated Timothy Webster, whom the rebels
now regarded as the chief spy of the three.
This was the crowning burden of all, and I was
almost prostrated by the blow. Hurried consulta
tions were held, every conceivable plan was suggested
and discussed, which would avail in the slightest
degree to avert so terrible a fate from the faithful
patriot who now was in such deadly danger.
35
546 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
I suggested that General McClellan should send,
by flag-of-truce boat, such a demand as would, if
possible, save their lives; but to this the General
demurred, fearing, and justly too, that such a course
might be productive of more injury than good that
it would be a tacit acknowledgment of their real
character as spies, and they would be hung without
further delay.
It was at last decided that I should go to Wash
ington, accompanied by Colonel Key, an eminent
patriot, and an efficient member of General McClellan s
staff. We were to confer with the President and the
members of the Cabinet, lay the matter before them,
and petition for the official interposition of the
government in their behalf.
With Colonel Key, I started for Washington,
about the middle of April. The interest of that
officer was scarcely second to my own, and he was
fully determined to exert every energy of his manly,
sympathetic nature in the work of saving their lives,
if possible.
The journey to Washington was quickly made.
Mr. Lincoln was readily seen, and he, too, filled with
sympathy for the unfortunate men, promised to call a
special session of the Cabinet to consider the case,
that evening.
In the meantime, Colonel Key and I occupied
ourselves in visiting the various heads of the depart
ments, in order to prepare them, before evening
AND A PATRIOT S HEROISM. 547
arrived, for energetic and speedy action. We felt
that no time was to be lost ; if, indeed, it was not
already too late to avert their dreadful doom.
Secretary Stanton, whom, among others, we saw,
expressed in strong terms his willingness to assist
Webster to the extent of the resources of the govern
ment, but he was but little disposed to assist the
others, who, he alleged, had " betrayed their com
panion to save their own lives."
In the evening the Cabinet was convened, and,
after a full discussion of the matter, it was decided
that the only thing that could be done, was to author
ize the Secretary of War to communicate with the
rebel authorities upon the subject. He was directed
to authorize General Wool to send by flag-of-truce
boat, or by telegraph, a message to Jefferson Davis,
representing that the course pursued by the Federal
government toward rebel spies had heretofore been
lenient and forbearing ; that in many cases such per
sons had been released after a short confinement, and
that in no instance had any one so charged been tried
for his life, or sentenced to death. The message con
cluded with the decided intimation that if the rebel
government proceeded to carry their sentence of
death into execution, the Federal government would
initiate a system of retaliation which would amply
revenge the death of the men now held.
Receiving a copy of these instructions, Cclonel
Key and myself, feeling that we had exhausted the
54 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
power of the government in this matter, returned at
once to Fortress Monroe. We arrived there on the 23d
day of April. General Wool was immediately found,
and without a moment s delay, he caused the required
dispatches to be forwarded, by way of Norfolk,
through General Huger, who was then in command
of that place, with the urgent request that he would
instantly transmit it by telegraph to the" Richmond
authorities.
This, I learned, was done as had been requested,
and I learned further, that it reached the officers of
the rebel government, and received their considera
tion in time to have been of avail, had there been
one spark of manly sympathy animating the breasts
of those who were the leaders of a vile conspiracy to
destroy the noblest government under the blue
canopy of heaven.
Feeling that all had now been done that was pos
sible to save the lives of my men, and believing that
the hate and malignity of the rebel officers would
not carry them to such a murderous extent as this, I
awaited the result of our mission with painful solici
tude.
******
After the day of execution had been fixed, Mrs.
Lawton was permitted to visit Webster in the room
to which he had been assigned. During all the time
that the trial had been in progress, they had never
been allowed to communicate with each other, and
AND A PATRIOT S HEROISM. 549
the noble little woman had been compelled to suffer
in silence, while Webster was undergoing the painful
experiences of the investigation, which had resulted
in his being condemned to be hung as a spy.
The meeting between Webster and Mrs. Lawton
was a most affecting one. Tears filled the eyes of the
faithful woman, as she gazed at the pale and emaci
ated form of the heroic patriot. Their hands were
clasped in a warm pressure, and her words of heart
felt sympathy and grief were choked by the sobs
which shook her frame. Even in the excess of his
despair, Webster s fortitude never for a moment for
sook him. He bore the burdens which had been im
posed upon him with a courage and firmness that
impressed all who witnessed it.
Under Mrs. Lawton s direction, the room in
which he was confined was soon made cheerful and
clean ; with her own hands she prepared for him such
delicacies as he needed most, and her words of com
fort were of great effect in soothing his mind, and in
preparing him for the dreadful fate which he was
called upon to meet.
Nor did Mrs. Lawton stop here. She sought an
interview with Jefferson Davis, but, finding him en
gaged with General Lee, she obtained the privilege
of visiting the wife of the Confederate president. With
Mrs. Davis she pleaded long and earnestly in behalf
of the condemned man. Besought her by every holy
tie of her own life to intercede for the pardon of
A WOMAN S DEVOTION
the poor invalid, whose life hung by so slender a
thread.
All in vain, however. While fully sympathizing
with the fate of the unfortunate man, Mrs. Davis de
clined to interfere in matters of state, and Mrs. Law-
ton left the house utterly hopeless of being able to
avert the dreadful fate which impended over Webster.
The hours flew swiftly by, and the day of execu
tion drew near, and still a ray of hope glistened
through the gloom which surrounded him. If
McClellan only succeeded in capturing Richmond all
would be well. But as the days passed, and this re
sult seemed further from accomplishment than ever,
even that flickering ember of hope died out, and he
prepared to meet his fate like a man.
One thing, however, impressed the doomed man
more than anything else the thought of being
hung. Any other mode of punishment would have
been accepted with joy, but to be hanged like a mur
derer, was a disgrace which he could not bear to
think about. On the day before his execution, he
requested a visit from General Winder, and that of
ficer, evidently expecting a revelation from the lips
of his victim, soon made his appearance at the prison.
As he entered the cell where Webster was reclin
ing upon his couch, he roughly accosted him:
" Webster you have sent for me ; what is it that
you desire?"
"General Winder," replied Webster, "I have
AND A PATRIOTS HEROISM. 551
sent for you to make an appeal to your manhood ;
my fate is sealed I know that too well I am to die,
and I wish to die like a man. I know there is no
hope for mercy, but, sir, I beseech you to permit me
to be shot, not be hanged like, a common felon,
anything but that."
" I am afraid that cannot be done," said Winder,
coldly.
" It is not much to ask," pleaded Webster; " I am
to die, and am prepared, but, sir, for God s sake let
me not die like this ; change but the manner of my
death, and no murmur shall escape my lips."
" I cannot alter the sentence that has been or
dered."
Mrs. Lawton, who was present, and unable fur
ther to restrain herself, exclaimed :
" General, as a woman I appeal to you you have
the power, and can exercise it. Do not, I pray you,
condemn this brave man to the odium of a felon s
death. Think of his family, and his suffering. Let
the manliness of your own heart plead for him.
It is not much that he asks. He does not sue for
pardon. He seeks not to escape your judgment,
harsh and cruel as it is. He only prays to be
alloyed to die like a brave man in the service of his
country. You certainly can lose nothing by granting
this request, therefore, in the name of justice and
humanity, let him be shot instead of the dreadful
death you have ordained for him;"
552 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
While she was speaking, the hard lines about the
rebel s mouth grew still more harsh and rigid. He
did not attempt to interrupt her, but when she had
finished, he turned coolly upon his heel, and, as he.
reached the door he said :
"His request and yours must be denied. He
hangs to-morrow."
" Then," ejaculated the undaunted woman, " he will
die like a man, and his death will be upon your head,
a living curse until your own dark hour shall come !"
Without deigning to notice them further, he
passed out of the cell, violently closing the door be
hind him.
The shadows of the night came down over the
prison. The last night on earth to a brave man who
had met death in a hundred forms ere this. How
many times the gaunt, repulsive form of the fatal scaf
fold, appeared to the vision of the condemned man, as
he sat firm and rigid in his dark cell, we may not know.
How many times he lived over again the bright
scenes of his past life ! The happy, careless days of
childhood, when the fond eyes of a loving mother
beamed upon him in his sportive gambols. His
school days, the lessons conned by the evening lamp
in the dear old home of long ago. The merry days
of youth, which glided away amid scenes of mirth and
jollity. The first dawnings of the passion of his life,
when a soft hand nestled lovingly in his, and earnest
eyes, full of love and trust, seemed to speak a world
AND A PATRIOT S HEROISM. 553
of affection. Then the stirring scenes of active life,
he a man among men battling with the world, per
forming his daily duties, mingling honorably with his
fellows, and upheld by a pride of honor and self-re
spect. His sacrifices for his country in the dark hour
of her peril. The lonely marches, the weary bur
dens, the unflinching steadfastness of his fealty to his
government The long nights of storm and danger,
the varying episodes of pleasure and of pain, conflicts
with enemies, and happy hours with friendly compan
ions all these thoughts came upon him with a dis
tinctness which brought their actual presence near.
Now he was listening to the sweet lullaby of his
mother s voice, now he stood in the hall of the " Sons
of Liberty," in the midst of affrighted conspirators
and blue-coated soldiers anon he strayed by a purl
ing stream, with a loved one upon his arm and again
he breasted the dashing waters and the deluging storm
on the bay, as he rescued the women and children
from the stranded boat. So vivid were these pictures
of his mind that he lived again a hundred scenes of
his past life, partook of a hundred pleasures, shared
in a hundred sorrows. Suddenly in the midst of
some thrilling vision of by-gone days, the flickering
of his lamp or the tread of the sentry outside would
recall him from a delightful reverie to the dark and
dreadful present. Then gloomy and despondent
thoughts would come to him. He would picture
minutely the scenes of the morrow, the rude platform,
554 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
the dangling noose, the armed soldiers, the hideous
black cap, the springing of the gallows trap.
Then, unable to bear the agony of his thoughts,
he would start to his feet, press his hands to his ears,
as if to drown the fearful sounds, and pace rapidly
the narrow cell. Mrs. Lawton never left him ; ever
alert to his needs, ever ready with sustaining words,
although her own brave, tender heart was breaking,
she did her utmost to strengthen and sustain him.
Gradually he became calmer. The slow moving
hours passed on, and he resolutely performed the last
duties that devolved upon him. Messages were con
fided to his unwavering nurse for the dear friends
at home ; expressions of love and regard for his
kindred, and unswerving breathings of devotion to
his country.
" Tell Major Allen that I met my fate like a man.
Thank him for his many acts of kindness to me. I
have done my duty, and I can meet death with a
brave heart and a clear conscience."
The first faint streaks of the early dawn came in
through the grated window ; the sun was rising in the
heavens, brightly and gloriously lighting up a day
that should have been shrouded in gloom. Its beams
illumined the little chamber, where Webster lay calm
and wakeful, his hands clasped by the woman who
had so nobly shared his captivity.
A silence had fallen upon them. Each was busy
with thoughts which lips could not utter, and the
AND A PATRIOT S HEROISM. 555
deathlike stillness was undisturbed save by the tramp
of the guards in the corridor.
Suddenly there came the sound of hurried foot
steps. They paused before the door. The heavy
bolts were shot back, and in the doorway stood Cap-
Alexander, the officer in charge.
The little clock that ticked upon the wall noted a
quarter past five o clock.
" Come, Webster, it is time to go."
There was no sympathy in the rough voice which
uttered these words.
" To go where ?" inquired Webster, starting up in
surprise.
" To the fair grounds," was the laconic reply.
" Surely not at this hour," pleaded the condemned
man ; " the earliest moment named in my death-
warrant is six o clock, and you certainly will not
require me to go before that."
" It is the order of General Winder, and I must
obey," answered Alexander. "You must prepare
yourself at once."
Without another word Webster arose from his
bed, and began his preparations. Not a tremor was
apparent, and his hand was as steady and firm as
iron. When he had fully arranged his toilet, he
turned to Mrs. Lawton, and taking both her hands
in his, he murmured :
" Good-bye, dear friend ; we shall never meet again
on earth. God bless you, and your kindness to me.
556 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
I will be brave, and die like a man. Farewell, for
ever !" then turning to Captain Alexander, who stood
unmoved near the door, he said :
" I am ready !"
As they went out through the door, a piercing
shriek rent the air, and Mrs. Lawton fell prostrate to
the floor.
Arriving at the entrance to the prison, they found
a company of cavalry drawn up before them, and a
carriage, procured by Mrs. Lawton, awaiting their
appearance. Webster crossed the pavement with un
faltering step and entered the vehicle, the order to
march was given, and the procession started for the
scene of execution.
At Camp Lee, the scene was one of bustle and
excitement. Soldiers were moving about in compa
nies, and in small detachments. Eager spectators
were there, curious to watch the proceedings, and the
streets leading to the grounds were lined with people
whose prevailing emotion seemed to be that of idle
curiosity.
On arriving at the camp, Webster was conducted
into a small room, on the ground floor of one of the
buildings, and was left alone with the clergyman who
bad been requested to accompany him.
Thus he remained for several hours. At ten min
utes past eleven, the carriage was drawn up before
the door, and Webster appeared leaning uf on the arm
of the jailer, and attended by his spiritual adviser.
AND A PATRIOT S HEROISM. 557
The doomed man wore a look of calm composure.
His face was pale, and the feebleness of his condition
was manifest in his tottering walk ; but his eye was
clear and steady and not a muscle of his face betrayed
his emotion.
They reached the scaffold, which was erected on
the north side of the parade ground. Slowly and
painfully he ascended to the platform. Amid a
breathless silence, he stood for a moment and gazed
about him. The bright blue sky overhead, the mus
kets of the soldiers glistening in the rays of the sun,
the white,, eager faces which surrounded him. His
last look on earth. Though much exhausted by his
long illness, he stood alone and firmly whilst his arms
were tied behind him and his feet were bound to
gether.
The black cap was placed over his head, and then
followed a moment of solemn stillness. The entire
assembly seemingly ceased to breathe. The signal
was given, the trap was sprung, and, with a dreadful,
sickening thud, Webster fell from the gibbet to the
ground beneath. The hang-man s knot had slipped,
and the man, bound hand and foot, lay in a confused
heap, limp and motionless, before the gathered throng.
He was lifted up and carried to the scaffold.
" I suffer a double death," came from the lips of
the dying man as he was again placed upon the read
justed trap. The rope was again placed around his
neck, this time so tight as to be excruciatingly painful
558 A WOMAN S DEVOTION
" You will choke me to death this time," came in
gurgling tones from within the enveloping hood.
In a second the trap was again sprung, and the
brave patriot was swinging in the air, between heaven
and earth.
Rebel vengeance was at last satisfied, the appteite
for human blood was sated.
Treason had done its worst, and the loyal spy was
dead.
Early in the afternoon, Captain Alexander re
turned to the prison, and informed Mrs. Lawton that
all was over. He found her deathly pale, but now
firm, and giving no other outward sign of the agony
of the past few hours.
" May I see him before he is taken away ?" she
asked.
" There is no objection to that."
Accompanying the officer, she went to the room
in which the body lay, incased in a metallic coffin
which Mrs. Lawton had procured. His face was not
discolored in the least, and the features indicated the
same Roman firmness which he exhibited when he
left the prison. He died as he had lived a brave
man.
Several rebel officers stood around the coffin.
Turning suddenly upon them, and facing Captain
Alexander, Mrs. Lawton, in a burst of passion, ex
claimed :
" Murderers ! this is your work. If there is ven-
AND A PATRIOT S HEROISM. 559
geance or retribution in this world, you will feel it
before you die !"
As if stung to the quick by this accusation, Cap
tain Alexander stepped up to the coffin, and laying
his hand upon Webster s cold, white forehead, said :
"As sure as there is a God in Heaven, I am
innocent of this deed. I did nothing to bring this
about, and simply obeyed my orders in removing him
from the prison to the place of execution."
Application was made to General Winder for the
privilege of sending Webster s body to the North,
where it might be buried by his friends ; but this the
rebel officer peremptorily refused. A petition was
then made that it be allowed to be placed in the vault
in Richmond, with no better success. Not content
with heaping ignominy upon him while living, the
fiend was determined that even in death the patriot
should be the subject of odium and contempt.
In the dead hour of the night, he ordered the
remains to be carried away, and buried in an obscure
corner of the pauper s bury ing-ground.
Farewell, brave spirit ! I knew thee well. Brave,
tender and true; thou hast suffered in a glorious
cause, and died a martyr s death. Thy memory will
long be green in the hearts of thy friends. When
treason is execrated, and rebellion is scorned and
despised, the tears of weeping friends will bedew the
sod which rests above the martyred spy of the Rebel
lion Timothy Webster.
$6o A WOMAN S DEVOTION.
After the war was over, and peace once more
reigned throughout the land, I procured his body,
and it now lies in the soil of a loyal state the shrine
of the patriot the resting-place of a hero.
But little more remains to be told. After weary
months of captivity, Mrs. Lawton, Price Lewis and
John Scully, were sent to the North, where their
stories were told, and from whose lips I learned the
particulars I have narrated.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
The Defeat of General Pope at the second Battle of Manasias.
McClellan Again Called to the Command. The Battle
of Antietam. A Union Victory. A Few Thoughts about
the Union Commander. McClellan s Removal from
Command and his Farewell Address.
O
N the second day of September, 1862, the
following order was issued :
" War Department, Adj t-Gen. s Office,
"Washington, Sept. 2, 1862.
" Major-General McClellan will have command of
the fortifications of Washington, and of all the troops
for the defense of the Capital.
" By order of
* E. D. TOWNSEND, " Maj.-Gen. HALLECK.
Ass t Adj t.-Gen."
At this time the Federal troops, under General
Pope, were retreating in great disorder from the disas
trous defeat in the Virginia campaign, and the roads
leading to Washington were, for the second time during
the war, filled with stragglers from the ranks, making
their way to the capital. It will be remembered that
while McClellan and the main Eastern army were in
the Peninsula, the divisions of McDowell, Fremont
36 [561 |
$62 MCCLELLAN AGAIN CALLED
and Banks were, by orders of the government, htJd
near Washington, for the protection of the national
capital. On the 26th day of July, these forces were
consolidated as the Army of Virginia, and placed
under the command of General Pope. This army
was guarding the line of the Rapidan,
Soon after the retreat of the Union army under
General McClellan, the Confederates, in August,
1862, began to move towards Washington. Stone
wall Jackson, leading the advance of the Southern
army, attacked Banks force at Cedar Mountain, on
the 6th day of August. Banks, however, was able to
hold Jackson in check for some time; but the main
body of the rebels arriving, Banks was compelled to
retreat. Lee now pressed heavily upon Pope, who
retreated northward from every position then held by
him.
When this movement became known to the
authorities, General McClellan was ordered to hastily
ship the Army of the Potomac back to Washington,
and so persistent was General Halleck in his orders
to that effect, that at the second battle of Manassas
McClellan found himself completely stripped of his
army literally without a command and compelled
to submit to the mortification of listening to the roar
of the battle from afar, and without being allowed to
participate in its conflicts. Some idea of his feelings
may be learned from a dispatch sent by him to Gen
eral Halleck at this time:
TO THE COMMAND. 563
" I cannot express to you the pain and mortification
I have experienced to-day, in listening to the distant
sound of the fighting of my men. As I can be of no
further use here, I respectfully ask that if there is a
probability of the conflict being renewed to-morrow,
I may be permitted to go to the scene of battle with
my staff, merely to be with my own men, if nothing
more ; they will fight none the worse for my being
with them. If it is not deemed best to intrust me
with the command even of my own army, I simply
ask to be permitted to share their fate upon the field
of battle."
These appeals, however, were utterly disregarded
Gen. Pope was to command the army, and to do the
fighting, and in the end the contemptuous superiors
of the heroic commander suffered a crushing defeat
in the bloodiest battle of this campaign. The second
battle of Manassas was a most disastrous one, and on
August 29-30 Pope s army was utterly defeated.
Lee was now pressing forward, flushed with
victory, and threatening Washington. On the ist
of September the battle of Chantilly was fought, and
in which those brave Generals, Kearney and Stevens,
lost their lives.
Learning by bitter experience the culpable folly
of ignoring the genius and bravery of Mc-
Clellan, and with the rebel army besieging the
capital, General Halleck, in the excess of fear, was
forced to again call for the services of the gallant
commander of the Army of the Potomac, and General
564 M CLELLAN AGAIN CALLED
McClellan was once more placed in command of an
army defeated and demoralized by the incompetency
of its generals.
The broken army of Pope was now united with
that of the Army of the Potomac, and the army of
Virginia ceased to exist as a separate organization.
With the intense enthusiasm of the soldiers for Mc
Clellan, he soon brought order out of chaos, and in an
incredibly short space of time he faced them about,
in orderly columns, and started to repel the invading
army of Lee, who was now crossing the Potomac.
From reports made by my operatives at this time,
it was ascertained that Lee had abandoned, if, indeed,
he ever seriously entertained the idea of advancing
directly upon the capital, and was now contemplating
carrying the campaign into Maryland. Longstreet s
division had left Richmond about the 5th day of
August for Gordonsville, marching to Orange Court
house, he fell back to Gordonsville. Jackson fell
back at the same time, and they both participated in
the battle of Manassas, and in the fighting that fol
lowed. Jackson then crossed the river into Mary
land, before Longstreet, who crossed a few days later,
at or near Edwards Ferry.
On the 4th day of September, my operatives, who
were watching the movement of the rebel army, re
ported that Lee had his headquarters on the Aldie
turnpike, near Dranesville ; while Jackson was near
Fairfax Court-house. On the Qth, it was under-
TO THE COMMAND. 565
stood that the rebels had moved their entire army in
to Virginia, and it was presumed that his objective
point was Baltimore.
General McClellan left Washington on the 7th
day of September, and established his headquarters
at Rockville, having first made all arrangements for
the defense of Washington, and placing General
Banks in command of the troops at that place. By
this time it was known that the mass of the rebel
army had passed up the south side of the Potomac
river, in the direction of Leesburg, and that a part of
the army had crossed the river into Maryland.
The uncertainty of Lee s intentions greatly dis
tracted the authorities at Washington for the safety
of that city, and they were fearful that he would make
a feint towards Pennsylvania, and then suddenly seize
the opportunity to attack the capital.
Some writers have animadverted freely upon the
alleged " slowness " of McClellan s movements up the
Potomac, and his " delay " in offering battle to Lee
before the latter had time to unite his army and
occupy the strong position he held at Antietam ; but
they persistently ignore the fact that the dispatches
from the commander-in-chief at Washington, to
McClellan in the field, from the ;th to the i6th of
September, were filled with cautions against a too
hasty advance, and the consequent impropriety of
exposing Washington to an attack. Indeed, it seems
evident to me, when I regard the career of the Army
566 M CLELLAN AGAIN CALLED
of the Potomac, that had those in power in Washing
ton been less concerned for their own safety, and
trusted more to the skill and sagacity of the general
in the field to direct its movements, the history of
that army would have been widely different from
what it is. The campaign of the Peninsula termi
nated disastrously to the Union arms, and it was
mainly due to this real or assumed fear of the author
ities for the safety of Washington.
It is not presuming too much to say, that McClel-
lan knew far better than those at Washington the
movements and intentions of the enemy, and that he
was apprised of them sooner ; but it is equally true
that a certain element in the Cabinet was unfriendly
to the secret service branch of the army, and, with
characteristic stubbornness, placed but little reliance
upon the information obtained from this source.
For instance, General Halleck was of the opinion,
on the evening of the day before Antietam, that
Lee s whole force had crossed the river, and so tele
graphed McClellan, when the fact was that the rebel
army was actually in our front, and ready for the bat
tle that so speedily followed.
Still, the importance of moving with extreme
caution was kept constantly in view, and the army
was moved so that it extended from the railroad to
the Potomac River, the extreme left flank resting on
that stream.
On the twelfth of September, a portion of the
TO THE COMMAND. 567
right wing of the army entered Frederick, Md , and
on the following day the main body of the right and
the center wings arrived, only to find that the e^-my
had marched out of the place two days before, t^jig
the roads to Boonesboro and Harper s Ferry.
Lee had left a force to dispute the possession of
the passes, through which the roads across South
Mountain ran, while he had dispatched Jackson to
effect the capture of Harper s Ferry. In these plans
he was partially frustrated, for while Jackson suc
ceeded in capturing Harper s Ferry, McClellan drove
the rebel troops from the passes, after short but
vigorous engagements at South Mountain, on Sep
tember 1 4th, but failed in his efforts to relieve
Harper s Ferry, and that place was surrendered on
the following day.
Immediately following the actions at South
Mountain, Lee, being closely pressed by McClellan,
turned at bay in the beautiful valley of the Antietam.
Here he resolved to endeavor to hold his position
until he could concentrate his army. His forces at
this time numbered about forty thousand men.
On the sixteenth, he was reinforced by Jackson s
gallant corps, numbering about five thousend men,
which, together with other reinforcements, received
during the day, swelled his numbers to fifty thousand
men, which, in the language of one of their own
writers, constituted " the very flower of the Army of
Northern Virginia."
568 M 1 CLELLAN AGAIN CALLED
Our own forces did not exceed eighty-five thou
sand men, and it is but correct to say that not seventy
thousand were actually engaged on the day of the
great battle. My own judgment is, that at no time
during the fight was the Confederate army ever con
fronted by a force outnumbering their own.
Confederate writers have sought to make it ap
pear that Lee, at Antietam, fought and practically de
feated a force in excess of his own in the ratio of
three to one. This assertion is proven to be a
glaring ei ror, for the facts are that the odds were less
than three to two, even in point of actual numerical
strength present, while, all things considered, these
were reduced until the two armies faced each other
on the morning of Antietam pretty evenly opposed,
and with no decided advantage in favor of either
contestant.
To explain : taking it for granted that McClellan
had eighty-seven thousand men at roll-call on the
morning of the seventeenth, it is now known that the
battle was mainly fought by the First, Second, Ninth
and Twelfth Corps, while the Fifth and Sixth Corps
and the Cavalry Division were scarcely used at all.
In addition to this, it should be remembered that
ours was the attacking force ; that the enemy oc
cupied a chosen position, and therefore, in this view
of the situation, the odds were by no means great in
favor of the Federal troops.
On the morning of the sixteenth, being then at
TO THE COMMAND. 569
headquarters, and desiring to learn from personal ob
servation something of the position of the enemy, I
accompanied a party of cavalry sent out to recon
noitre across the Antietam. Here it was discovered
that the enemy had changed the position of some of
their batteries, while their left and center were upon
and in front of the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown turn
pike, and their extreme left rested upon the wooded
heights near the cross-roads to the north.
While returning from this reconnoitering expedi
tion, fire was opened upon us from a masked battery
upon the hill, and my horse, a beautiful sorrel, that
had carried me for months, and to which I was much
attached, was shot from under me while I was cross
ing the stream. Several of the men who accom
panied me were seriously wounded, and I narrowly
escaped with my life.
The next morning, at early dawn, the battle com
menced, and raged with unabated fury until nightfall,
when the rebels withdrew, and our soldiers slept that
night upon a dearly won, yet decisively victorious
field. McClellan determined not to renew the attack
upon the following day, for which his critics have cen
sured him severely ; yet, I am satisfied, that not a
few writers, who have fought, on paper, the battle of
Antietam, just as it should have been fought in their
own estimation, have not, in a single instance, given
the subject more painful and anxious thought than
did the General himself, during all that night, while
570 M CLELLAN AGAIN CALLED
his weary troops lay resting on their arms, on a field
covered with their own and their enemy s dead.
No better reasons can be assigned, and. indeed,
none better need be given for the course he pursued,
than he, himself, has stated in his own report of that
battle. He says : " I am aware of the fact, that,
under ordinary circumstances, a General is expected to
risk a battle if he has a reasonable prospect of success ;
but at this critical juncture, I should have had a nar
row view of the condition of the country, had I been
willing to hazard another battle with less than an
absolute assurance of success. At that moment, Vir
ginia lost, Washington menaced, Maryland invaded,
the National cause could afford no risks of defeat.
One battle lost, and almost all would have been lost.
Lee s army might then have marched as it pleased on
Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia or New York.
It could have levied its supplies from a fertile and
undevastated country, extorted tribute from wealthy
and populous cities, and nowhere east of the Alle-
ghanies was there another organized force able to
arrest its march."
The day after the battle, however, General
McClellan gave orders for a renewal of the attack on the
morning of the nineteenth ; but when morning dawned,
it was discovered that the rebels had suddenly aban
doned their position and retreated across the river,
leaving nearly three thousand of their unburied dead
on the late field of battle. Thirteen guns, thirty-nine
TO THE COMMAND. 571
colors, upwards of fifteen thousand stand of small
arms, and more than six thousand prisoners, were
taken in the battles of South Mountain, Crampton s
Gap and Antietam, while not a single gun or color
was lost by our troops in any of these encounters.
The Battle of Antietam, in its effects, was a bril
liant and decisive victory for the Union arms, as it
was a terrible blow to the South, who had expected
much from Lee s sudden and daring invasion of a
loyal state ; and their losses, from the time they first
invaded Maryland until the end of the Battle of An
tietam, were in the neighborhood of thirty thousand
men.
Whatever, therefore, has been said by unfriendly
critics, concerning General McClellan s achievements,
they must be regarded by the intelligent and fair-
minded student of history, as far from being failures.
Nor were they merely the achievements of an ordinary
man. It is an easy, and no doubt a tempting task,
nearly twenty years after a battle has occurred, and
with the knowledge and materials now at hand, for
writers to fight this battle over again, and point out
alleged blunders here and there, and in their vivid,
and not always truthful, imaginations conduct affairs
as they should have been conducted.
It may be safely asserted, that no General in the
history of the Nation was ever so shamefully treated
by his government, as was General McClellan. With
a brave and noble devotion, and with a self-sacrificing
572 M CLELLAN AGAIN CALLED
love for his country and her flag, he fearlessly offered
his life and his services in sustaining the honor of the
one, and the perpetuity of the other.
Reviewing his career from the date of his taking
command of all the armies, down to the close of the
battle of Antietam, he received the bitter opposition
of the Cabinet, and the ill-concealed enmity of the
politicians ; and scarcely had he been called to this
important position, than his enemies began working
to effect his downfall. With such persistence and
success did they devote themselves to their task, that
by the time he had his Army of the Potomac ready
for the field, they had practically deposed him as the
Commander-in-Chief.
His plans of the campaign were required to be
submitted to a body of twelve of his subordinates for
approval, and this ridiculous proceeding ended in
their adoption by a vote of eight to four. The next
day the enemy abandoned Manassas, a move which
was the result of direct treason, or, at least, criminal in
discretion on the part of some member of that com
mission, either directly or indirectly. After his plans
were adopted, and their execution commenced, he
was hampered and distressed by orders from his su
periors at Washington, conflicting with his own well
formed ideas and deranging his carefully prepared
plans in the field.
He, however, bore all these things patiently, and
at all times faithfully endeavored to do the very best,
TO THE COMMAND. 573
under the adverse circumstances which surrounded
him. He, however, at all times, had the courage to
speak his convictions, knowing the purity of his own
actions, notwithstanding the fact that he was fre
quently called upon to execute orders that his own
better judgment convinced him were conceived in
ignorance or malice, and which could but do harm to
him and to the cause he loved.
On July 7, 1862, we find him writing to the Presi
dent his views on the conduct of the war. He said :
" In carrying out any system of policy which you
may form, you will require a Commander-in-Chief of
the army, one who possesses your confidence, under
stands your views, and who is competent to execute
your orders by directing the military forces of the
nation to the accomplishment of the objects by you
proposed. I do not ask that place for myself, I am
willing to serve you in such position as you may as
sign me, and I will do so as faithfully as ever subor
dinate served superior. I may be on the brink of
eternity, and as I hope for forgiveness from my
Maker, I have written this letter from sincerity to
wards you, and from love for my country."
Through all his correspondence, while in the field,
with his superiors, there breathed a spirit of earnest
and sincere devotion to country ; and rarely was he
tempted to utter words which proved how sorely he
was tried and how much he resented the interference
of incompetent authority. When p ushed beyond all
574 APCLELLAN AGAIN CALLED
control by the foolish, unfriendly and unjust course
of those at Washington, and when their interference
had caused the failure of his plans, he wrote to Secre
tary of War Stan ton, " You have done your best
to sacrifice this army," and even then the words were
written more in a tone of regret than of anger.
Nearly a month later, when the order was issued
for the withdrawal of the Army of the Potomac before
Richmond, under the full force of his convictions, he
uttered a manly protest against such action, and en
treated that the order might be rescinded. " All
points," said he, " of secondary importance elsewhere
should be abandoned, and every available man
brought here. A decided victory here and the
strength of the rebellion is crushed, it matters not
what partial reverses we may meet with elsewhere.
Here is the true defense of Washington ; it is here, on
the banks of the James, that the fate of the Union
should be decided. Clear in my convictions of right,
strong in the consciousness that I have ever been
and still am actuated by love of my country, ....
I do now, what I never did in my life before, I
entreat that this order may be rescinded."
How true these words were, and how prophetic
the/.r scope, may be proven by the words of General
Sheridan several years later. When Grant was
compelled at last to adopt the very plans of Mc-
Clellan, thus giving as practical a vindication of that
general as could be desired, Sheridan sent a mes-
TO THE COMMAND. 575
sage to Grant, but a little while before the surrender,
urging him to come with all the force he could com
mand in pursuit of Lee, saying, "Here is the end
of the rebellion A fit corollary to McClellan s
dispatch from James River to Halleck : " Here, di
rectly in front of this army, is the heart of the rebel
lion."
No general in this country, or in any other, was
more universally beloved and admired by his troops,
and no commander ever returned that affection with
more warmth than did McClellan. Troops that
under other commanders suffered defeat after defeat,
until dismayed and discouraged they fled to Wash
ington, followed by a pursuing and exultant enemy,
were in a few days, by his magical influence over
them, again transformed into brave and hopeful
soldiers, ready to follow anywhere their trusted com
mander might lead.
It is a strange fact, but a fact, nevertheless, that
the Army of the Potomac received all its good words,
words of cheer and encouragement, from McClellan
alone. Those in power at the capital were painfully
blind to its sufferings on the toilsome march, or its
deeds of valor on the bloody field. After the battle
of Antietam, and after the Army of the Potomac had
driven Lee from Maryland, General McClellan tele
graphed his chief as follows : " I have the honor to
report that Maryland is entirely freed from the
presence of the enemy, who has been driven across
576 M CLELLAN AGAIN CALLED
the Potomac. No fears need now be entertained for
the safety of Pennsylvania ; I shall at once occupy
Harper s Ferry."
Two days later, receiving no word of acknowl
edgement for his troops, whom he felt had earned
them from the Commander-in-Chief, he, in a tele
gram of September 2Oth, said : <( I regret that you
have not yet found leisure to say one word in com
mendation of the recent achievements of this army,
or even to allude to them."
Before this, he had taken occasion to remind
General Halleck of the fact that the army deserved
some credit for its labors, and appreciated any
acknowledgment of the_same which the Commander-
in-Chief might make.
On August 1 8th, 1862, and after the fighting
before Richmond, he wrote to General Halleck as
follows :
" Please say a kind word to my army, that I can
repeat to them in general orders, in regard to their
conduct at Yorktown, Williamsburg, West Point,
Hanover Court-house, and on the Chickahominy, as
well as in regard to the seven days, and the recent
retreat. No one has ever said anything to cheer them
but myself. Say nothing about me ; merely give my
men and officers credit for what they have done. Jt
will do you much good, and strengthen you much with
them, if you issue a handsome order to them in
regard to what they have accomplished. They
deserve it"
TO THE COMMAND. 577
Is it any wonder, then, that the army exhibited
such splendid enthusiasm for their leader, when they,
above all others, were fully acquainted with his char
acter as a man and a general ?
Self was his last and least consideration. Always
mindful of the comfort of his men, yet inculcating,
by his splendid discipline, the essential requisites of
the true soldier, he led his troops through the cam
paigns of the Peninsula and of Maryland, achieving a
record that was a credit to him, his army, and the
nation, and is an enduring monument to the faithful
devotion and the gallant services of the Army of the
Potomac. I cannot close this chapter in more fitting
words than those used by General McClellan, in his
brief and affectionate farewell to his officers and men,
after the battle of Antietam, when, having won a vic
tory at a critical period, he was, as a reward, relieved
from his command.
"November 7th, 1862.
" Officers and soldiers of the Army of the Potomac :
" An order of the President devolves upon Major-
General Burnside the command of this army. In
parting from you I cannot express the love and grati
tude I bear you. As an army, you have grown up
under my care. In you I have never found doubt or
coldness. The battles you have fought under my
command will proudly live in our nation s history.
The glory you have achieved, our mutual perils and
fatigues, the graves of our comrades fallen in battle
and by disease, the broken forms of those whom
37
578 WCLELLAN AGAIN IN COMMAND.
wounds and sickness have disabled the strongest
associations which can exist among men unite us
still by an indissoluble tie. We shall ever be com
rades in supporting the constitution of our country
and the nationality of its people. 1
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
General Burnside in Command. My Connection with thi
Secret Service Severed. Reflections upon Important
Events. Conclusion.
ON the evening of the seventh of November, fol
lowing the battle of Antietam, General Mc-
Clellan was removed from the command of the Army
of the Potomac. After having spent weeks in the
laborious effort of reorganizing his forces, which had
been severely shattered and weakened by the hard
marching and the still harder fighting in the recent
battles with Lee, the brave commander, upon the eve
of an important forward movement was deprived of
his noble army. General Burnside was named as his
successor. Again had the political cabal at Washing
ton succeeded in their opposition to the noble com
mander of the Army of the Potomac, and this time
effectually.
McClellan s tardiness was the alleged cause of his
removal. No one in authority seemed to consider
for a moment the necessity, which was apparent to
their immediate commander, of affording the Federal
[57Ql
580 CONCLUSION.
troops an opportunity to recuperate from their ex
hausted condition. The serious losses sustained at
South Mountain, Crampton s Gap, and Antietam had
left the army badly disorganized, and the privations
and hardships to which they had been subjected, ren
dered a delay, for the purpose of allowing the worn
and weary soldiers time to rest and recuperate, an ab
solute necessity. In the language of McClellan,
" The Army had need of rest." After the terrible ex
periences of battles and marches, with scarcely an in
terval of repose, which they had gone through from
the time of leaving the Peninsula ; the return to
Washington ; the defeat in Virginia ; the victory at
South Mountain, and again at Antietam, it was not
surprising that they were, in a large degree, desti
tute of the absolute necessities for effective duty.
Shoes were worn out ; blankets were lost ; clothing
was in rags ; the army was unfit for duty, and time
for rest and equipment was absolutely necessary.
McClellan at once notified the authorities of the
condition of his troops, and made the necessary requi
sitions on the proper departments for the needed
supplies. For some unaccountable reason unac
countable to this day the supplies ordered were
so slow in reaching the men, that when, on the
seventh of October, the command came for him to
cross the river into Virginia, and give battle to the
enemy, a compliance with the order was practically
impossible.
CONCLUSION. 581
Then, too, reenforcements were needed. In or
dering the advance, the President, through the Gen
eral-in-Chief, had submitted two plans, of which
McClellan could take his choice. One was to ad
vance up the valley of the Shenandoah with re-
enforcements of fifteen thousand troops, the other
was to cross the river between the enemy and Wash
ington, in which case he was be reenforced with
thirty thousand men. McClellan s first inclination
was to adopt the movement up the Shenandoah Val
ley, believing, that, if he crossed the river into Vir
ginia, Lee would be enabled to promptly prevent suc
cess in that direction by at once throwing his army
into Maryland. Owing, however, to the delay of
the supplies in reaching the army, it was nearly the
end of October before the troops were ready to
move. About the twenty-sixth, the army commenced
to cross at Harper s Ferry, and by the sixth of Novem
ber the advance upon the enemy was begun. On the
night of the seventh, therefore, when the order came
relieving him from the command, McClellan s advance
guard was actually engaged with the enemy.
I had already learned that Longstreet was im
mediately in our front, near Culpepper, while Jack
son and Hill s forces were near Chester s and Thorn
ton s Gap, west of the Blue Ridge. McClellan had
formed the plan of attempting to divide the enemy,
with the hope of forcing him to battle, when it was
believed, an easy victory would be achieved.
582 CONCLUSION.
At this junctnre, however, and when the army
was in an exellent condition to fight a great battle,
when officers and men were enthusiastic in their
hopes of being able soon to strike an effective blow,
McClellan was removed, and Stanton had, at last, ac
complished his revenge, Not only this, but he had
also secured the failure of, what was undoubtedly
destined to be, a great and decisively victorious
campaign.
McClellan s plan on discovering the position of
the enemy s forces, was to strike in between Culpep-
per Court House and Little Washington, hoping by
this means to separate the rebel army, or at least to
force their retreat to Gordonsville, and then advance
upon Richmond, either by way of Fredericksburg or
the Peninsula.
Burnside, on assuming the command, submitted a
plan of his own, which was to make a feint of doing,
what McClellan really intended to do, before adopt
ing the move upon Fredericksburg or the Peninsula,
and then to advance from Fredericksburg.
This plan, however, did not meet the approval of
General Halleck. That General had a long confer
ence with Burnside, at Warren ton. Pi ere their
various plans were discussed, without either agreeing
to the plan of the other, and the matter was finally
referred to the President for his decision. After a
further delay of several days, Mr. Lincoln adopted
Burnside s plan, and the advance was ordered.
CONCLUSION. 583
The success of this plan depended upon the im
mediate possession of Fredericksburg by the Federal
army. The intelligent student knows full well that
this was not even attempted until Lee had ample time
to heavily re-enforce the rebel army already there.
The subsequent results show Burnside s delay to have
been fatal to his success.
There was a time when he could certainly have
taken Fredericksburg, with but little loss ; but that
time was passed when he permitted the enemy to fully
garrison the place, and make ample provision for its
defense with an army of nearly ninety thousand men.
At this time, however, my connection with the
Army of the Potomac, and with the military concerns
of the government, ceased. Upon the removal of
General McClellan, I declined to act any further in
the capacity in which I had previously served,
although strongly urged to do so by both President
Lincoln and the Secretary of War, Edwin M.
Stanton.
From my earliest manhood, I had been an ardent
and active abolitionist, and I have endeavored to
demonstrate this fact throughout these pages. My
deep admiration, therefore, for General McClellan,
was the result of my knowledge, of my intimate
acquaintance with him, and a consequent high regard,
based upon his innate and intrinsic qualities, both as
a man and a soldier, and not from any political affinity
whatever.
584 CONCLUSION.
Refusing longer to continue with the army under
its new commander, I was afterwards employed by
the government in the work of investigating the
numerous claims that were presented against the
United States. While acting in this capacity, I was
instrumental in unearthing a vast number of fraudu
lent claims, and, in bringing to justice a large number
of men who were engaged in the base attempt to
swindle and defraud the nation in the dark hours of
her need and peril.
In the Spring of 1864, I was transfered to the
Department of the Mississippi, under General
Canby, and my headquarters were located at New
Orleans. Here I was engaged in looking after cotton
claims, and the frauds which were sought to he
perpetrated against the government in that region of
the country.
In 1865, I severed my connection with the " Secret
Service of the United States," and returned to
Chicago, where I have since been engaged in the
active prosecution of my profession as a de
tective.
Very often, as I sit in the twilight, my mind re
verts back to those stirring scenes of by-gone days ;
to those years of war and its consequent hardships,
and I recall wjth pleasure my own connection with
the suppression of the rebellion. My subsequent life
has been none the less happy because of my having
assisted, as best as I could, in putting down that
CONCLUSION. 585
gigantic act of attempted disunion, and in upholding
the flag of our fathers. More than all do I rejoice in
the freedom it brought to nearly half a million of
people, who, prior to that time, had been held in in
human bondage, striking the shackles from their
bruised limbs, and placing them before the law free
and independent.
My task is done. In a few brief pages I have at
tempted to depict the work of years. The war is
over, the rebellion has been crushed, peace and plenty
are everywhere apparent. The flag of the Union
floats from every port in the United States, the slave
is free, the South is recovering from the ravages of
war, and the stories of those stirring times seem now
like the legends of an olden time.
One more scene remains, and I will then draw the
curtain.
It is a Sabbath morning, the air is fragrant with
blossom and flower, the birds are carolling sweetly a
requiem for the dead. Around us, sleeping the sleep
that knows no waking, lie the forms of those whom
we knew and loved. We are in the " city of the dead."
The wind sighs through the waving branches of the
trees, with a mournful melody, suggestive of the
place. Near by is the bustling city, but here we are
surrounded only by the mute, though eloquent testi
monies of man s eternal rest. Here beneath a droop
ing willow let us pause awhile. Flowers are bloom
586 CONCLUSION.
ing over a mound of earth, saturating the atmosphere
with a grateful aroma. Let us lean over while we
read what is inscribed upon the marble tablet.
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
TIMOTHY WEBSTER,
WHO
WAS EXECUTED AS A SPY,
BY THE
REBELS, IN RICHMOND, VA.,
APRIL 29, 1862,
AFTER GALLANT SERVICE IN THE WAR
OF THE REBELLION.
HE SEALED HIS FIDELITY AND DEVOTIOJT
TO HIS COUNTRY
WITH HIS BLOOD.
Alike to him are the heats of summer, or the snows of winter.
Peacefully and quietly he sleeps. The Spy of the Rebellion l at rest.
APPENDIX.
REBEL FORCES BEFORE RICHMOND.
IN submitting the following detailed statement of
the rebel troops opposing General McClellan in
his advance upon Richmond, and in the various bat
tles that followed, a few words of explanation may be
necessary.
On the 26th day of June, 1862, as Chief of the
Secret Service, I submitted a report to General
McClellan, showing the estimated strength of the
enemy at the time of the evacuation of Yorktown to
have been from 100,000 to 120,000 men, and that the
number of the rebels on the day of the report was
estimated to be about 180,000 men.
My reports, it will be remembered, were made
daily, in writing, and were also matters of almost
daily discussion among the general officers and their
staff. My sources of information were not confined
to my large corps of experienced detectives, who
were constantly employed as spies, but every contra-
[587]
588 APPENDIX.
band, deserter, refugee, friendly Southerner and pris
oner, taken in daily picket skirmishes, were examined
by me, and their statements verified by incontestable
proofs. The Richmond papers, also, were promptly
and regularly obtained, and these gave detailed lists
of sick and wounded soldiers received at the Rich
mond hospitals during the progress of the fighting.
From the above-mentioned report, as far as could
be ascertained, the force of the enemy consisted of
the following organizations, viz.: 208 regiments of in
fantry, including the forces of Jackson and Ewell,
just arrived ; 9 regiments of cavalry ; 39 battalions of
artillery ; 30 companies of infantry and independent
cavalry ; besides 63 batteries of artillery; amounting in
all to from 40 to 50 brigades. There were undoubt
edly many others, whose designations I did not learn ;
and I am confident that my estimate did not exceed
the actual strength of the rebels at that time.
In the list which follows, I have detailed and
classified, as far as possible, the information then ob
tained and submitted to the commanding General,
and this will furnish to the impartial reader, a com
paratively intelligent idea of the nature, the extent,
and the approximate correctness of our system of ob
taining information, as well as the almost definite re
sults which we were enabled to achieve, while the
country was in a state of conflict and the two armies
were in almost constant action.
APPENDIX.
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THE
HARDSHIPS AND PRIVATIONS
OP
A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
EVERY person who may have survived the expe
rience has undoubtedly a lively recollection of
the wild groups of people which the building of the
Union and Central Pacific Railroads brought together
from all directions, and from all causes.
There were millions upon millions of dollars to be
expended ; and as the points of construction neared
each other, and the twin bands of iron crept along the
earth s surface like two huge serpents, spanning
mighty rivers, penetrating vast mountains, and trail
ing through majestic forests, creeping slowly but
surely towards each other, there was always the
greatest dread at the most advanced points, which,
like the heads of serpents, always contained danger
and death; and the vast cities of a day that then
39
6io A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
sprang into existence, and melted away like school-
children s snow-houses, were the points where
such wild scenes were enacted as will probably never
again occur in the history of railroad building.
Everything contributed to make these places
typical of Babelic confusion, or Pandemoniac conten
tion. Foreigners were told, of the exhaustless work,
and the exhaustless wealth, of this new country which
was being so rapidly developed, and they came ; men
brave men, too who had been on the wrong side
during the late irritation, and who had lost all, having
staked all on the result of the war, saw a possible
opportunity of retrieving their fortunes rapidly, and
they came ; the big-headed youth of the village whose
smattering of books at the academy, or the seminary,
had enlarged his brain and contracted his sense so
that he was too good for the common duties and
everyday drudgeries which, with patience, lead to
success, learned of the glory and grandeur of that
new land, and he came ; the speculating shirk and the
peculating clerk came ; the almond-eyed sons of the
Orient in herds herds of quick-witted, patient, plod
ding beings who could be beaten, starved, even mur
dered came ; the forger, the bruiser, the counterfeiter,
the gambler, the garroter, the prostitute, the robber,
and the murderer, each and every, came ; there was
adventure for the adventurous, gold for the thief,
waiting throats for the murderer; while the few
respectable people quickly became discouraged, and
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 611
fell into the general looseness of habits that the loose
life engendered, and gradually grew reckless as the
most reckless, or quickly acquiesced in the wild orgies
or startling crimes which were of common occurrence.
In fact, as in the human system, when any portion of
it becomes diseased and all the poison in the blood
flows to it, further corrupting and diseasing it until
arrested by a gradual purification of the whole body,
or by some severe treatment, so from every portion
of the country flowed these streams of morally cor
rupt people, until nearly every town west of Mis
souri, or east of the mountains, along these lines,
became a terror to honest people, and continued so
until an irresistible conflict compelled a moral revul
sion, sometimes so sweeping and violent as to cause
an application of that unwritten, though often exceed
ingly just law, the execution of which leaves offenders
dangling to limbs of trees, lamp-posts, and other con
venient points of suspension.
As a rule, in these places, every man, whatever
his business and condition, was thoroughly armed, the
question of self-defense being a paramount one, from
the fact that laws which governed older communities
were completely a dead letter ; and the law of might,
in a few instances made somewhat respectable by a
faint outline of ruffianly honor, alone prevailed, until
advancing civilization and altered conditions brought
about a better state of society ; so that in these reck
less crowds which pushed after the constantly chang-
is A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
ing termini of tae approaching roads, any instrument
of bloodshed was considered valuable, and stores where
arms and ammunition could be secured did quite as
large a trade as those devoted to any other branch of
business ; while so outrageous was the price extorted
for these instruments of aggression or defense, that
they have often been known to sell for their weight
in gold ; and just as, during the war, the army was
followed by enterprising traders who turned many an
honest penny trafficking at the heels of the weary
soldiers, so the same class of people were not slow to
take advantage of such opportunities for gigantic pro
fits which, though often lessened by the many risks
run in such trading, were still heavy enough to
prove peculiarly attractive.
As a consequence, there were many firms engaged
in this particular business, but probably the heaviest
was that of Kuhn Brothers, who were reported to
be worth upwards of one hundred thousand dollars,
which had principally been made along the line of the
read, and who, with headquarters at Cheyenne, had
established various " stores " at different points as
the Union Pacific was pushed on, always keeping the
largest stock at the most advanced point, and with
drawing stocks from the paper cities which had been
left behind, though only in those towns which had
not been altogether destroyed by the periodical ex
odus occasioned by each change of terminus.
For this reason the firms were obliged to entrust
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 613
their business to the honesty of many different em
ploye s, who were subject to the vitiating influences
and temptations, which were unusual and severe un
der the circumstances already mentioned, while the
distances between the points, and the scarcity of
secure means of safely keeping the large sums of
money which would occasionally unavoidably accrue
at certain points, left Kuhn Brothers, in many in
stances, really dependent on those dependent on
them.
In this condition of affairs, and after a slight de
falcation had occurred at one of their smaller stores
in the spring of 1867, the firm were seeking a man
whom they could place in actual charge of one or two
of their establishments at the larger towns, and give
a sort of general supervision over the others, when
the senior member of the firm, being in Laramie, casu
ally met a young gentleman, who happened to be
able to do him so great a favor that the incident led
to a close friendship and ultimate business relations,
eventually resulting in this narrative of facts.
It was a pleasant May evening, and Mr. Kuhn
had decided to returned to Cheyenne in order to
secure a proper man for the superintendency nearer
home. He was to have left Laramie for the East at
a late hour of the evening and, being at a loss how
to pass the intervening time, strolled out from the
hotel with no particular destination in view, and his
mind fully occupied with the cares of his business,
A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
only occasionally noticing some peculiarity or strange
sight -more than usually striking among the thousands
of weired things, to which his frontier business had
compelled him to become accustomed, when suddenly
he found himself in front of a mammoth dance-house,
anc yielding to a momentary impulse of curiosity,
turned into the place with the stream of gamblers,
adventurers, greasers, and, in fact, everybody re
spectable or otherwise, who, so far from civilization,
found such a place peculiarly attractive.
The dance-house was a sort of hell s bazaar, if
the term may be allowed and it is certainly the
one most befitting it and was really no "house" at
all, being merely a very large board enclosure
covered with a gigantic tent or series of tents, be
decked with (lags and gaudy streamers. The en
trance fee to this elegant place of amusement was
one dollar 1 , and you had only paid an initiatory fee
when you had gained admission.
On either side as you entered were immense bars,
built of the roughest of boards, where every kind of
liquid poison was dispensed at the moderate sum of
twi^rs-i ive cents a drink, five-cent cigars selling at
thr same price, and the united efforts of a half-dozen
mu-xr,-rous looking bar- tenders at each side were re
quired to assuage the thirst of the quite as murder-
cms looking crowd that swayed back and forth within
the space evedently prepared for that purpose.
Beyond this point, and to either side, as also
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 615
down the center for some distance, could be found
almost every known game of chance, dealt, of course,
"by. the house," while surrounding the lay-outs were
every description of men crazed with drink, flushed
with success, or deathly pale from sudden ruin ;
while everywhere the revolver or the bowie intimated
with what terrible swiftness and certainty any trifling
dispute, rankling grudge, or violent insult would be
settled, one way or the other, and to be marked by
the mere pitching of an inanimate form into the street !
After these attractions came a stout partition which
had evidently been found necessary, for beyond it
there was the strikingly strange heaven of a mushroom
city a vast department where there were music and
women ; and it seemed that the " management " of
this grand robbers roost had shrewdly calculated on
the fact that if a poor fool had not been swindled out
of every dollar he might have had before he reached
this point, those two elements, all powerful for good
or evil the world over, would wring the last penny
from him.
Here was another but a finer bar, where more
time was taken to prepare a drink and drug a man
with some show of artistic excellence, and where a
half dollar was changed for a single measure of
poison ; women, shrewd, devilish women who could
shoot or cut, if occasion required, with the nicety and
effect of a man, "steering" every person giving
token of having money in his possession to the more
616 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
genteelly gotten up "lay-outs," and acting in the
same capacity, only with far more successful results,
as the ordinary " ropers-in " of any large city ; a wild,
discordant orchestra that would have been hooted out
of the lowest of the " varieties " east of the Missouri ;
but in this place, and to these ears, so long unused to
the music of the far-away homes beyond the Missis
sippi, producing the very perfection of enchanting
harmonies ; but above all, and the crowning attraction
before which every other thing paled and dwindled
to insignificance, a score of abandoned women,
dancing and ogling with every manner of man, rob
bing them while embracing, cheering and drinking
with them, and in every way bedeviling them ; the
whole forming a scene viler than imagination or the
pen of man can conceive or picture ; grouping of wild
orgies and terrible debaucheries, such as would put
Lucifer to a blush, and compel a revolution in the
lowest depths of Hades.
Kuhn had strolled through the place, and now,
out of compliment to general custom, purchased a
cigar and was just turning to depart, when he sud
denly found himself being hustled back and forth
among several hard-looking fellows, who, evidently
knowing his business, and surmising that he carried
large sums of money upon his person, had determined
to provoke him to resistance ; when there would, ac
cording to the social codes then in existence at Lar-
amie, have been a just cause for either robbing and
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 617
beating him, or murdering him outright and robbing
him afterwards ; when a tall, finely-formed man sud
denly stepped into the crowd, and in a very decided
tone of voice said :
" I say, gentlemen, that won t do. You must
stand back !"
Then taking the terror-stricken ammunition dealer
by the coat collar with his left hand, but keeping his
right hand free for quick use and certain work, if nee-
esssary, he trotted him through the now excited
throng and out into the open air, hastily telling him
to " cut for the hotel," which were quite unnecessary
instructions, as he made for that point at as lively a
gait as his rather dumpy legs could carry him.
The person who had thus prevented the mer
chant s being robbed, and had also possibly saved his
life> was a tall, comely young man of about twenty-
eight years of age, and with a complexion as fair as
a woman s, pleasant, though determined, blue eyes,
and a long, reddish, luxuriant beard, all of which, with
a decidedly military cut to his gray, woollen garments,
and long fair hair falling upon his shoulders the
whole crowned, or rather slouched over, by a white
hat of extraordinary width of brim, gave him the ap
pearance of an ex-Confederate officer, and right good
fellow, as the term goes, perfectly capable of caring
for himself wherever his fortune, or misfortune, might
lead him which proved the case as he turned ancji
confronted the desperadoes, who had immediately
6iS A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
followed him in a threatening manner, and whom he
stood ready to receive with a navy revolver half as
long as his arm, mysteriously whipped from some
hiding-place, in each steady hand.
A critical examination of the man as he stood
there, and a very casual survey of him, for that mat
ter, would have instantly suggested the fact to an or
dinary observer that a very cool man at the rear ends
of two navy revolvers huge enough to have been
mounted for light-artillery service, was something
well calculated to check the mounting ambition on
the part of most anybody to punish him for the char
acter of the interference shown ; and the leader of the
gang contented himself with remarking, " See here,
Captain Harry, if it wasn t you, there d be a reckoning
here ; lively, too, I m tellin ye !"
" Well, but it is me ; and so there won t be any
reck ning. Will there, now, eh ?"
The ruffians made no answer, but sullenly re
turned to the dance-house, when Captain Harry, as
he had been called, rammed the two huge revolvers
into his boot legs, which action displayed a smaller
weapon of the same kind upon each hip ; after which
he nodded a pleasant " good-night " to the bystanders,
and walked away leisurely in the direction Mr. Kuhn
had taken, pleasantly whistling "The Bonnie Blue
Flag," or "The Star Spangled Banner," as best
suited him.
The moment that Mr. Kuhn s protector appeared
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 619
at the hotel, the former gentleman expressed his live
liest thanks for the opportune assistance he had been
rendered, and introduced himself to the Captain, who
already knew of him, and who in return gave his
name as " Harry G. Taylor, the man from some
where," as he himself expressed it with a pleasant
laugh.
It was easy to be seen that there was a stroke of
business in Mr. Kuhn s *eye, which his escape from
the dance-house had suggested, as he told Taylor
that he had intended to return to Cheyenne that
night ; but he further stated that as he had so unex
pectedly been befriended, he should certainly be
obliged to remain another day in order to secure a
further acquaintance with the man to whem he already
owed so much.
Mr. Kuhn then produced some choice cigars, and
the gentlemen secured a retired place upon the hotel-
porch, at once entering into a general conversation,
which, from the merchant s evident unusual curiosity,
and Taylor s quite as evident good-humored, devil-
may-care disposition, caused it to drift into the Cap
tain s account of himself.
He told Mr. Kuhn that his family resided at that
time in Philadelphia, where they had moved after his
father had failed in business at Raleigh, N. C., but
had taken so honorable a name with him to the
former city that he had been able to retrieve his for
tunes to some extent The Captain was born at
620 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
Raleigh, and had received his education in the South,
and, being unable to share in his father s regard for
the North, even as a portion of the country best
adapted for doing business, sought out some of his
old college friends in Louisville, Atlanta, and New
Orleans, who had been able to secure him a fine busi
ness position at Atlanta, where by care and economy
in 1860, though but a mere boy yet, he had accumu
lated property that would have satisfied many a man
twenty years his senior.
Being impulsive, and a warm admirer of Southern
institutions, he was one of the first men to join the
Confederate army at Atlanta, and fought in a Georgia
regiment under Johnson and Hood during the entire
war, at Jonesville and Rough-and-Ready Station
seeing the smoke ascend above the ruins of the once
beautiful city, and realizing that the most of his
earthly possessions had disappeared when the flames
died away.
Having been promoted to a captaincy, he had
fought as bravely as he could against the " blue-
coats," like a man, acknowledging their bravery as
well as that of his comrades ; and at the close of the
war, which of course terminated disadvantageously to
his interests, he had sold his lots at Atlanta for what
ever he could get for them, and with thousands of
others in like circumstances, had come West and
taken his chances at retrieving his fortunes.
This was told in a frank, straightforward way,
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 6ai
which seemed to completely captivate Mr. Kulin, for
he at once spoke to Taylor concerning his business in
Laramie, and bluntly asked him, in the event of
mutual and satisfactory references being exchanged,
whether he would accept the engagement as superin
tendent of his business over that portion of the road,
and take actual charge of the store in that place,
and the one about to be established at Benton City.
The result of the evening s interview was the
engagement of Taylor by the firm at a large salary ;
his immediately taking supervision of the business
without bonds or any security whatever ; and for a
time his management and habits were so able and
irreproachable that, with the gratitude for his protec
tion of Mr. Kuhn at Lamarie still fresh and sincere,
the firm felt that they had been most fortunate in
their selection of an utter stranger, and were in every
way gratified with the turn events had taken.
II.
DURING the early morning of a blustering Decem
ber day of the same year, I was quite annoyed by the
persistence of a gentleman to see me, on what he
insisted, in the business office of my Chicago agency,
on terming " important business."
622 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
It was not later than half-past eight o clock ; and,
as I have made it a life-long practice to get at
business at an early hour, get ahead of it, and keep
ahead of it during the day, I was elbow-deep in the
mass of letters, telegrams, and communications of a
different nature, which, in my business, invariably
accymulates during the night, and felt anxious to wade
through it before taking up any other matter.
The gentleman, who gave the name of Kuhn,
seemed very anxious to see me, however ; and letting
drop the statements that he greatly desired to take
the morning train for Cheyenne, where he resided ;
might not be able to be in Chicago again for some
time ; felt very desirous of seeing me personally ; and
would require but a few moments to explain his
business, which he agreed to make explicit ; I con
cluded to drop everything else and see him.
On being ushered into my private apartments, he
at once hastily gave me an outline of the facts related
in the previous chapter, adding a new series of
incidents which occasioned his visit, and to the effect
that the firm had made the necessary arrangements
for increasing their busines under their new superin
tendent, having added largely to their stock at Lar-
ainie, and placed about twenty thousand dollars worth
of goods at Benton City.
According to the agreement, he was required to
forward money whenever the sales had reached a
stated sum at each point, and was given authority to
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 6*3
take charge of goods or moneys on hand at any of
the less important stations, when convinced that
things were being run loosely, or whenever it in any
way appeared for the interests of the firm for him to
do so.
It will be seen that under this arrangement, which
was in every respect injudicious, no security having
been given by Taylor, he immediately became
possessed of great responsibility, as well as power ;
but appeared to appreciate the unusual confidence
reposed in him, and conducted the business of Kuhn
Brothers with unusual profit to them and credit to
himself. Matters progressed in this way for some
time, when suddenly, about the first of October, the
firm at Cheyenne began to receive dispatches from
different employees along the road, inquiring when
Taylor was to return from Cheyenne, and intimating
that business was greatly suffering from his absence.
The members of the firm were astonished. They
knew nothing of Taylor s being in Cheyenne. On
the contrary, their last advices from him were to the
effect that he should be at their city on the tenth of
that month, with large collections ; and the announce
ment was accompanied with glowing accounts of the
prosperity of their business under his careful manage
ment.
After the startling intelligence of Taylor s unac
countable absence, a member of the firm immediately
left for Laramie, Benton City, and other points, to
624 A DETECTIVES LIFE.
ascertain the true condition of affairs, still unable to
believe that the handsome, chivalrous captain had
wronged them, and that everything would be found
right upon examination of matters which was imme
diately and searchingly entered upon ; but the first
glance at affairs showed conclusively that they had
been swindled, and it was soon discovered that he
had gathered together at the stores under his own
charge, and at different points along the line, under
various pretexts, fully fourteen thousand dollars, and
had been given two weeks in which to escape.
Mr. Kuhn did not desire to give the case into my
hands on that morning ; but explained that he had re
turned from a fruitless trip to Philadelphia in search
of his former superintendent, and had been advised
by a telegram from his brothers to lay the case before
me and request my advice about the matter ; at the
same time securing information about the probable
pecuniary outlay necessary for further prosecution of
the search, and such other items of information as
would enable him to counsel with the remainder of
the firm concerning the case, and be able to give the
case into my hands, should they decide to do so,
without further delay.
This was given him ; and I, in turn, secured from
Mr. Kuhn all the information possible concerning
Taylor, which was scant indeed, as they had seen very
little of him, could give but a very general descrip
tion of the man, and here they had injudiciously given
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 625
him over two .months start, during which time he*
might have safely got to the other side of the world.
Only one item of information had been developed
by which a clue to his whereabouts could by any pos
sibility be imagined. He had often spoken to Mr.
Kuhn in the most glowing terms of life in both Texas
and Mexico, as he had passed, so he had said, a por
tion of a year in that part of America, since the close
of the war, and in connection with the subject, he had
stated that he should have remained there had he
been supplied with sufficient capital to have enabled
him to begin business.
This was all ; and I dismissed the swindled mer
chant with little encouragement as to the result of a
chase for a thief who had got so much the advantage ,
or, rather, intimated to him that though I had no
doubts of being able to eventually catch him, it would
be rather a poor investment for the firm to expend
the amount of money which might be necessary to
effect his capture, unless, in looking into the matter
further. I should be able to see opportunities for
securing much better knowledge as to his present
whereabouts, or clues which could be made to lead
to them.
With this not very cheering assurance, Mr. Kuhn
returned to Cheyenne.
Not hearing from the firm for several days, I
finally dismissed the matter entirely from mind ; but
on arriving at the agency one morning, I received in-
40
6i* A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
structions from the Cheyenne firm to proceed in the
matter, and with all expedition possible endeavor to
cage the flown bird for them.
I at once detailed William A. Pinkerton, my eldest
son, and at present assistant superintendent of my
Chicago agency, to proceed to Cheyenne, and look
over the ground thoroughly there, and also, if neces
sary, to proceed along the line of the Union Pacific,
and, after ascertainig who were Taylor s friends and
companions, work up a trail through them, which
would eventually bring him down.
The latter course was not necessary to be followed,
however, as on arriving at Cheyenne, with some little
information gleaned from the firm, he was able to
ascertain that a young lawyer there named La Grange,
also orginally from the South, had been a quite inti
mate friend of Taylor s so much so, in fact, that La
Grange had for the last six months regularly corre
sponded with the Captain s sister, who had been de
scribed to him as not only an exceedingly beautiful
woman, but as also a lady possessed of unusual
accomplishments and amiability.
My son "cultivated" La Grange largely, but
could secure but little information through him. He
seemed to know nothing further concerning either
Taylor or his family, save that he had incidentally
met him along the line of the Union Pacific ; they had
naturally taken a sort of liking to each other, and in
that way became friends in much the same manner
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 627
that most friendships were made in that country. He
further recollected that he had always directed his
letters to a certain post-office box, instead of to a
street number ; but seemed perfectly mystified con
cerning the action of the brother. He had just re
turned from a three months absence in Kentucky,
and it was the first intimation he had had of the Cap
tain s crime. La Grange also said that as he had
been very busy, he had not written to Miss Lizzie
(evidently referring to the sister), nor had he received
any communication from her during that time. He
had had a photograph of Harry, taken in full-dress
uniform while stationed at Atlanta, which had been
copied in Philadelphia, but a thorough search among
his papers failed to reveal it.
This was all that my son could secure, as La
Grange, evidently suspecting that, in his surprise at
Taylor s crime, he might say something to com
promise himself and endanger Taylor or wound his
beautiful sister, to whom he seemed greatly attached,
positively refused to have anything further to say
concerning the matter ; and with what information he
had, William returned to the hotel in a brown study,
determined to take time to exhaust the material at
Cheyenne before proceeding on the proposed trip
along the Union Pacific.
After summing up and arranging the points he had
got hold of, he telegraphed me fully, adding his own
impression that Taylor was in Texas, but expressing
**8 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
a doubt as to whether he had better proceed along
the Union Pacific for more information, or go on to
Philadelphia at once, and in some way secure informa
tion of the family as to their son s whereabouts.
On the receipt of this telegram, which arrived in
Chicago about noon, I at once resolved upon a little
strategy, being myself satisfied that Taylor had pro
ceeded, via St. Louis and New Orleans into either
Texas or Mexico, and was then engaged under his
own or an assumed name, in some business agreeable
to his taste, as formerly explained to Mr. Kuhn, and
immediately telegraphed to my son :
" Keep La Grange busied all day so he cannot
write, or mail letters. Study La Grange s language
and modes of expression. Get La Grange s and
Taylor s handwriting, signatures, and Miss Taylor s
address, and come next train."
Agreeable to these instructions, he secured several
letters from Taylor to Kuhn Brothers, concerning
business matters, with the last one, containing the
announcement that he would be in Cheyenne on the
tenth of October with collections ; and immediately
sent by a messenger a courteous note to La Grange,
desiring an outline of Taylor s life so far as he might
feel justified in giving it, and requesting an answer,
which was politely but firmly given in the negative
over Adolph La Grange s own signature, which com
pleted a portion of his work neatly.
The balance was more difficult. He ordered a
A DETECLIVE S LIFE. 629
sleigh, and after settling his hotel bill, but reserving
his room for the night, at once drove to La Grange s
office, where he in person thanked him for his court
eous letter, even if he did not feel justified in giving
him the information desired. A little complimentary
conversation ensued during which time my son s quick
eyes noticed in the lawyer s waste-basket an envelope
evidently discarded on account of its soiled appear
ance, addressed to " Miss Lizzie Taylor, Post-office
Box , Philadelphia," which on the first opportu
nity he appropriated. The next move was to prevent
La Grange s mailing any letter, as it was evident he
had written several, including one to Taylor s sister,
which were only waiting to be mailed.
Seeing that he had made a pleasant impression
upon La Grange, who appreciated the courtesy of the
call under the circumstances, and informing him that
he had decided to make no further inquiries there, but
was to proceed west on the following morning, he pre
vailed upon him to take a ride in his company about
the city and its environs. In leaving his office, "La
Grange hesitated a moment as if deciding the pro
priety of taking the letters with him, or returning for
them after the sleigh-ride ; but evidently decided to do
the latter, as he left them, much to my son s relief.
The drive was prolonged as much as possible, and
the outlying forts visited, where, having letters of in
troduction from myself to several army-officers sta
tic ned there, both he and his companion were so hos-
630 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
pitably treated that the afternoon slipped away
quickly, and the two returned to town evidently in
high spirits. La Grange felt compelled to recipro
cate as far as in his power, and billiards, w.th frequent
drinks for the lawyer and a liberal supply of water
for the detective, were in order until within a half
hour of the eastern bound train time, when La Grange
succumbed to an accumulation of good-fellowship,
and on his own suggestion, as he "wash rising y n g
torny y know !" accepted the hospitalities of my son s
room, at the Rawlins House, where he left him
sweetly sleeping at a rate which would prevent the
mailing of the letters he had left locked in his office
for at least two days to come ; as " rising young at
torneys," as a rule, sober off in a carefully graduated
diminishing scale of excesses of quite similar con
struction to the original.
On the arrival of my son in Chicago, I immedi
ately caused to be written a letter addressed to Miss
Lizzie Taylor, at her post-office box in Philadelphia,
of which the following is a copy :
" SHERMAN HOUSE, CHICAGO, Jan. 1868.
" Miss TAYLOR,
" MY DEAR FRIEND : You know of my intended
absence from Cheyenne in the South. During that
trip, I really never had the time when I could write
you so fully as I desired, and even now I am only
able to send you a few words. I am en route to
Washington on business, and have now to ask you
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. fei
to send the street and number of your father s house,
even if it is not a magnificent one, as you have told
me, to my address, at the Girard House, in your city,
on receipt of this, as I shall be in Washington but
one day, and would wish to see both you and your
people without delay. I not only greatly wish to see
you for selfish, reasons, which our long and pleasant
correspondence will suggest to you as both reason
able and natural, but there are other good reasons,
which you all will readily understand when I tell you
that I met him accidentally just before my return to
Cheyenne, and that I have a communication of a per
sonal nature to deliver. While not upholding him
in the step he has taken, I cannot forget that I am
his friend, and he your brother.
"In great haste,
" Your true friend,
"ADOLPH LA G -.
" P. S. I leave here for the East this morning.
Please answer on immediate receipt.
A. L."
This was posted on the eastern-bound train not
an hour after my son s arrival from the West ; and
another note was written upon the back of an en
velope which had passed through the mail, and had
got a very much used appearance, and ran thus :
" FATHER OF LIZZIE :
" Treat Adolph well, you can trust him. Give him
one of the photos taken at Atlanta in my full-dress
uniform ; keep one other of the same for yourselves ;
but destroy all the rest. Have been so hurried and
63* A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
worried thc.t I don t remember whether I have said
anything about photographs before. But this is a
matter of imperative necessity. Adolph will explain
how he met me. " Good-by,
" H. "
It was impossible to detect any difference between
this handwriting and that of Captain Taylor s in his
business correspondence to Kuhn Brothers ; and,
armed with this document, with the assistance of the
epistolary self-introduction which had preceded it, I
directed my son to leave for Philadelphia that
evening, secure admission to Taylor s residence and
the family s confidence, agreeable to the appointment
made by mail, and thus not only secure the man s
photograph, but other information that would be
definite.
On arrival at Philadelphia, he secured the services
of an operative from my agency in that city, to fol
low any member of the Taylor family who might call
for the letter, to their residence, in the event of an
answer not being received at his hotel in due time
from the one assumed to have been sent from the
hotel in Chicago from La Grange, who found Taylor s
home, an unpretentious house on Locust street,
while my son remained at the hotel, fully expecting
the coveted invitation to visit the Captain s beauti
ful sister, which arrived at his hotel only a half day
after he did, and strongly urged him to call at his
convenience.
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 633
He was satisfied from this that our theory regard
ing his being in Texas, or Mexico, was correct ; that
the family had not the slightest suspicion of his iden
tity, and that, wherever Captain Taylor might be,
communication with his people had been very infre
quent, and that, with what he would be able to invent
after being received at Taylor s house, he could
secure at least sufficient information to put him
upon his son s trail. Not desiring to play upon their
feelings and friendship as another person any longer
than necessary, however, he sent word by a messen
ger, not daring to trust his own handwriting, that he
would call that evening, though necessarily at a late
hour ; and, accordingly, that evening, about nine
o clock, found him at the door of a pleasant Locust
street cottage, ringing for admission.
A tall, handsome young woman greeted him at
the door, and accordingly bade him enter, saying
pleasantly, as she ushered him into the cozy little
parlor, that she was Miss Lizzie Taylor, and pre
sumed he was Mr. La Grange, with whom she had
had so long and so pleasant a correspondence ; and of
whom " poor Harry," as she said with a shade of
sadness and tenderness in her voice, had so often
written, before he had made his terrible mistake, and
become a wanderer.
After hastily satisfying her that he was the gen
uine La Grange, and profusely apologizing for his
not having written for so long a time previous to his
6 3 4 * DETECTIVE S LIFE.
arrival at Chicago, from Cheyenne, he took up the
thread she had dropped, as quickly as possible, and
said that he felt sure that Harry would retrieve
himself soon, and return the money, as he had
no bad habits, and everything would be all right
again.
"But yet, Mr. La Grange," she continued, "it
makes me shudder whenever I think of all my
brothers being away off there on the Rio Grande,
among those terrible people !"
" But, you must remember," he replied, encourag
ingly, " they are strong men, and can well defend
themselves under any circumstances."
" Harry is strong and brave, I know," answered
Miss Taylor, rather admiringly ; " but brother Robert
is not fit for such a life. Why, he is but a boy yet."
"Ah, a younger brother?" he thought, making a
mental note of it, in order to assist in shaping his
conversation after which he said aloud : "I almost
forgot to give you this note ;" and he took the
piece of envelope out of his note-book, as if it had
been sacredly guarded, and handed it to her.
Miss Taylor read the hastily written lines with
evident emotion ; and after studying a moment, as if
endeavoring to reconcile matters, while her face was
being searchingly read by an experienced detective,
she rose, and, apologizing to him for the absence of
her father, who was in New York, on business, and of
her mother, who was confined to her apartment, a
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 635
confirmed invalid, she asked to be excused so as tc
show the note to her mother.
The instant the door closed, my son had seized
the album, which he had located during the preceding
conversation ; and rapidly turned its leaves to assure
himself that he was not treading on dangerous
ground. He found a half-a-dozen different styles of
pictures of the Captain, including three of the copies
taken in Philadelphia of the original Atlanta picture,
and felt reassured beyond measure at the lucky turn
things had taken. He would have abstracted one of
these, but it was impossible, and had barely time to
return the album to the table, and himself to his seat,
when he heard the woman s step along the hall, and
in a moment more she entered the room.
III.
GIVING the door a little impulsive slam, as she
closed it, Miss Taylor at once came to where my son
was sitting upon the sofa, and seated herself beside
him. She said that her mother was anxious beyond
measure to learn how and where he had met Harry,
how he was looking, and what he had said.
The imagination and resources of the able detec
tive are fully equal to those of the most brilliant
636 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
newspaper reporters, and a pleasant and plausible
fiction was invented, how he (as La Grange, of
course), having taken a run from Louisville down to
New Orleans, by boat, was just landing at the levee,
when he suddenly came across Harry, who had hastily
told him all ; how great had been his transgression,
how deeply he had regretted it ; but that now he was
situated in his business matters so that, if let alone,
he would be able to return to Kuhn Brothers
every dollar which he had taken, and have a fine
business left ; how it had been necessary for him to
come to New Orleans on imperative business, and
that he should not come east of the Mississippi again
under any circumstances. He further said, that
Harry seemed hopeful ; that he had stated that his
younger brother Robert was well and enjoying the
frontier life ; and that, further than that, he had no
time or disposition to talk, as he was on the very eve
of departure for Texas, only having time to write the
little note concerning the photographs.
Miss Taylor excused herself for a moment to
convey the truthful intelligence to her anxious
mother ; and on her return suggested that they go
through the album together at once, and attend to the
photographs, an invitation which was accepted with
unusual readiness.
Every gentleman who has had the experience,
and there are few who have not, know that looking
over an album with a beautiful woman who has some
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 637
interest in her companion, is a wonderfully pleasant
diversion. In this instance it was doubly pleasant,
for it meant success to my son, whose zeal is as
untirihg as my own when once on the trail of a
criminal.
4< I wonder why," asked Miss Taylor, as if
wondering as much about Mr. La Grange as about
any other subject ; " I wonder why Harry desires those
photographs destroyed ?"
He was turning the leaves for her and, as La
Grange, of course, had a perfect right to take plenty
of time to explain the matter soothingly and sympa
thetically.
"But do those horrid detectives track a man out
and run him down, when, if he were let alone, he
might recover from his misfortune, and right the
wrong he has done ?"
Mr. La Grange remarked that he had heard that
some of them were very much lacking in sentiment
and sensibility, and would go right forward through
the very fire itself to trace the whereabouts of a crimi
nal ; and all those little things helped, he could assure
her.
She began to see how it was, she said ; but sud
denly firing up, she shook her pretty fist at some im
aginary person, exclaiming :
" Oh, I could kill the man who would thus dog
my brother Harry." And then, after a little April
shower of tears, quite like any other woman s way of
A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
t
showing how very desperate they can be under
certain circumstances, began slowly taking the Cap
tain s pictures from the album, commenting upon
them, and then handing them to the bogus La Grange
to burn, who would occasionally step to the fire-place
for that purpose, where he would quickly substitute
miscellaneous business cards, which answered the pur
pose excellently.
An hour or two was passed with Miss Taylor in
conversation upon various topics which might lead
the really estimable young lady to divulge all she
knew about the Captain, or concerning his where
abouts and business, which was certainly not much.
It appeared that, immediately after the embezzle
ment, and while at St. Louis, Taylor had telegraphed
to his brother Robert to meet him at New Orleans at
a certain time, as he was going into business in that
section, and should need his services, for which he
would be able to pay him handsomely ; the brothers
had met there and had proceeded to some other
point ; the Captain claiming that \ it would be
injudicious to make that fact known as he had also
sent a full and complete contession to his parents
of his embezzlement from Kuhn Brothers, which he
had directed them to burn, and which he finished by
requesting his family not to write to either himself
or his brother for some time to come ; or at least
until he should indicate to them that it would be safe
to do so ; and under no circumstances to give any
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 639
person an iota of information concerning himself of
his brother.
My son left Miss Taylor s hospitable home with
a pang of regret for the deception which had seemed
necessary in this case ; for whatever may be the
opinion of the public regarding the matter, a detect
ive has often quite as large and compassionate a
soul as men of other and apparently more high-toned
professions.
So long as intelligent crime is the result of a high
standard of mental culture and a low standard of
moral conscience conditions which now exist and
have for some years existed intelligent minds must
be trained to battle criminals with their own weapons ;
and these two questions, of speedy detection of crime
and swift punishment of criminals will be found quite
as essential to a preservation of law and society as
lofty arguments or high moral dissertations on the
right or wrong of the expediencies necessary to
bring wrong-doers to immediate and certain jus
tice.
As soon as I had received a full telegraphic re
port of the success of the Philadelphia experiment, I
directed him to proceed to Louisville, where he would
be met by operative Keating, from Chicago, who
would bring letters of introduction from myself to
Colonel Wood, commanding the First Infantry at
New Orleans ; Captain White, chief of the detective
force of that city ; General Canby, commanding the
6 4 o A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
Department of Texas, at Austin ; Col. Hunt, Chief
Quartermaster of the Department of Texas, and
other army officers, requesting them to render my
son and his assistant any aid in their power should
the necessity for such assistance arise ; the requisition
from Governor Foulke, of Dakotah Territory, for
Henry G. Taylor, upon Governor Pease, of Texas,
and general instructions concerning his conduct of the
search for the handsome captain after he had got
beyond mail and telegraphic communication.
I was sending him into a country which was at
that time in many portions utterly unsafe for the
securing of a criminal should the pursuer s mission
become known, so as to allow the person desired time
to apprise his friends of his danger, or give him even
an opportunity to rally any number of acquaintances
for defense ; for the reason that, as Texas had become
a sort of refuge for ruffians, they became clannish
through the general peril of being pursued each ex
perienced ; and would, as a rule, on the slightest prov
ocation, assist in the rescue of any person under ar
rest, not knowing how soon it might be their turn to
cry for help ; but I have invariably sent my sons into
danger with the same expectation that they would do
their duty regardless of consequences, as I have had
when sending other men s sons into danger. Happily
I have never mistaken their metal ; and, in this in
stance, felt sure that I could rely upon him to exercise
both discretion and intrepidity in exigencies to which
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 641
his long experience and careful training have at all
times made him equal.
The two detectives met in Louisville, and at once
proceeded to New Orleans, where they arrived early
in the morning of the 7th of January, 1868, and were
driven to the St. Charles Hotel. No time was lost ;
and while my son presented his letters to different
parties, and made cautious inquiries regarding the re
cent appearance in New Orleans of Taylor, Keating,
in the character of a provincial merchant, investigated
as far as possible the business houses dealing in stock,
leather, or wool, as to whether any such person had
made arrangement for consignments from the interior
or seaport Texan cities. No trace of their man was
found, however, until my son was able to get at the
register of the St. Charles Hotel for the preceding
three months, which was attended with some difficulty,
on account of the crowded condition of things at that
house ; and any detective, or other expert, will under
stand how much time and -patience are required to
discover one signature from among ten thousand,
when that one may be an assumed name, and perhaps
five hundred of the ten thousand be so similar to the
one sought, that a disinterested person could scarcely
be convinced it was really not the person s handwrit
ing desired; but after a good deal of trouble and
searching, the names of " H. G. Taylor & clerk, w
were discovered on the last half line at the bottom of
a page under date of November 3Oth, 1867, which,
41
642 A DETECTIVE S LIFK.
by constant wear and thumbing in turning pages, had
been nearly defaced, but which, in his handwriting,
beyond a doubt told the story of their presence.
Further inquiry of the clerk on duty at that time,
and with his memory refreshed by a glance at
Taylor s photographs, developed the facts that he had
certainly been at the St. Charles on the date shown
by the register, and that he was accompanied by a
young man about nineteen years of age, who was re
cognized as Taylor s clerk.
The peculiar register then kept at the St. Charles
Hotel in New Orleans was also instrumental in as
sisting the detectives. It gave the guest s name, re
sidence, hour of arrival, and hour of departure, with
name of conveyance at arrival and departure, in the
following manner :
H. G. Taylor and Clerk, \ Mobile, \ 12 m. \ Fed.
2 Dec. | 7 a. m.
This told anybody curious about the matter that
H. G. Taylor and clerk, assuming to reside in Mouile,
arrived at the St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, at
noon on Saturday, the thirtirth day of November,
1867, either afoot or by some mode of conveyance
unknown to the clerk of the house, and that they left
the house in an omnibus at seven o clock on the
morning of the third day following.
Naturally the next inquiries were directed to as
certaining to what boat or railroad lines omnibuses
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 643
^ould be ordered at that hour of the morning ; if to
different ones, then to discover who had driven the
particular omnibus which conveyed Taylor and his
brother from the hotel ; and then make an effort to
learn to what point they had been conveyed. This,
however, proved less difficult than had been feared ;
for it was found that on the morning in question the
omnibus had gone from the hotel to but one point,
and that was to the ferry connecting with Berwick
Bay route, by the New Orleans and Opelousas Rail
road and the Gulf, to Galveston, although a large
number of passengers had been booked, and it was
impossible to ascertain whether Taylor and his brother
had actually gone that route or not, though every
thing was in favor of that presumption.
The death of General Rosseau had caused quite
a commotion in New Orleans, and it seemed a pretty
hard matter to get anything further of a definite
character in that place ; and I therefore instructed
my son and detective Keating to proceed slowly to
Galveston, stopping at Brashear City, where Taylor
might have diverged, supposing he had taken that
route with the other passengers from New Orleans,--
and to particularly search passenger lists aboard any
lines of boats, and all hotel registers, before arriving
at Galveston, so as to have the work done thoroughly
nearest the base of operation ; as I knew that for any
party to get on the wrong scent in that vast state,
thinly settled as it was, with no means of quickly con-
644 ^ DETECTIVE S LIFE.
veying needful intelligence, was to enter upon both a
needless waste of money for my patrons, and an ob
jectless and wearying struggle against insurmountable
obstacles for my detectives, whom, whatever may be
said to the contrary, I have never in a single instance
needlessly or injudiciously exposed to privation or
danger.
In Brashear conductors of trains were applied
to ; the hotel and omnibus men were questioned, the
postmaster was appealed to, and even the passenger-
lists of the boats which had been in port, and to
which they were able to gain access for a period of
three months, had been searched in vain. Every
trace of the man seemed lost ; and I was appealed to
for a decision as to whether they should proceed to
Galveston by boat, with the presumption that Taylor
had taken passage under an assumed name, or take a
few days trip up along the line of the New Orleans
and Opelousas Railroad and seek for information
of their man at different points through Central
Louisiana.
I decided on the former course, and they accord
ingly embarked from Brashear immediately after the
receipt of my telegram of instructions, on the hand
some steamer " Josephine," the only boat whose books
they had had no opportunity of examining ; and, hav
ing received my telegram but a few minutes before the
steamer left, were obliged to do some lively running
to reach it ; for, in anticipation of a message from me
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 645
to take that route, my son had directed Keating to set-
tie the hotel bill, and with both valises in hand wait at
a convenient corner, where, should William receive
a dispatch from me of the character expected, within
a certain time, they might yet make the boat.
Everything transpiring as my son had hoped, they
were just in time, after a lively run, to be hauled up
the gang-plank by two stalwart negroes, and were
soon steaming down the bay and thence out to sea.
IV.
As the two ascended to the cabin they were con
gratulated by the officers of the boat and many of the
passengers on their graceful and expeditious board
ing of the steamer ; and being something of objects
of interest on account of the little incident, they con
cluded not to lose the opportunity to blend the good
feeling evoked into a thoroughly pleasant impression,
and consequently took the shortest way to accomplish
that desired end by at once walking up to the bar
where the assembled gentlemen, to a man, apparently
in coripliance to general custom, seemed to under
stand that they had been incited before a word had
been uttered by either of the detectives, so that when
my son asked, " Gentlemen, won t you join us ?" it
046 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
was an entirely superfluous request; for on either
side, behind, and extending a solid phalanx beyond
the " gentlemen " had already joined and were de
scribing the particular liquor that in their minds
would do honor to the occasion in the most lively and
familiar manner possible, and interspersing their de
mands upon the leisurely bar-keeper with such re
marks as " Gen lemen had narrow scape ;" "Gen le-
men made a right smart run of it ;" " Gen lemen not
down from Norlens (New Orleans), reckon come
down Opelousas route," and other similar comments ;
but invariably prefacing each and every remark with
the stereotyped word " Gen lemen," which men were,
without exception, assumed to be in that country at
that time, at least in conversation ; as any neglect to
preface a remark with the word laid one liable to be
come immediately engaged in a discussion regarding
the propriety of the use of the term, behind navy re
volvers, rifles, double-barreled shot-guns, or any other
available pointed or forcible means of argument.
After the thirst of the crowd, which upon a Gulf-
coasting steamer is something terrible to contemplate,
had been in a measure assuaged, my son excused him
self, and with Keating repaired to the office, remark
ing to the clerk :
"I presume you would like to transact a little
business with us now ?"
1 Any time to suit your convenience," returned
the clerk hut getting at his books with an alacrity
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 647
which showed that he would be a little more willing
to attend to the matter of fares then than at any
other time.
William handed him an amount of mcney large
enough to pay for both the fares of himself and Keat
ing from Brashear to Galveston ; and, while the clerk
was making change, said, by way of getting into con
versation with him, " I m afraid we re on a fool s
errand out here."
The clerk counted out the change, inked his pen
to take the names, and then elevating his eyebrows,
although not speaking a word, plainly asked, " Ah,
how s that ?"
"Well, you see," replied the detective, " we re
hunting a man that s had right good luck."
" He can t be in these parts," replied the clerk,
with a slightly satirical smile. " Names ?" he then
asked.
" James A. Hicks and Patrick Mallory."
j " Where from ?" ,
" Pittsburg."
" Which is which ?" asked the clerk, in a business
tone of voice.
" I am Hicks, and that pretty smart-looking Irish
man by the baggage-room is Mallory," was the re
ply.
" Your age and weight ?" asked the clerk mechan
ically, at the same time looking at my son keenly, and
getting the rest of his description at a glance.
\
648 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
These questions were pi operly answered, and as
the clerk was noting them he asked, " Might I ask
what was the gentleman s good luck ?"
" Certainly ; he has fallen heir to a coal mine in
Pennsylvania, and we are endeavoring to hunt him
up for the executors of the estate."
" Ah ?" said the clerk, driving away with his pen ;
"will you be so good as to ask Mr. Mallory to step
this way ?"
My son stepped up to Keating and remarked
aloud, " Mr. Mallory, Mr. Mallory, the clerk would
like to see you ;" and then as Keating stepped to his
side, remarked as if for his better information, " He
knows your name is Patrick Mallory and that we are
from Pittsburg, hunting Taylor, so he can come home
and enjoy the property the old man left him ; but he
wants your entire description."
" Quite so," said the quick-witted Irishman,
dryly.
"You ve got me, now," said Keating, winking
familiarly at the clerk, "when we came over we went
under ; and so many of us was lost that those saved
wasn t worth mendin as to age, ye see ; but concern
ing heft, why I d not fear to say I d turn an honest
scale at a hundred an sixty."
The clerk smiled, but concluded not to ask Mr,
Mallory from Pittsburg any more questions.
As soon as he had made his notes, however, Wil
liam told him that he had examined the lists of all
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 649
other boats plying between Brashear and Galveston
save those of the "Josephine," and requested him to
look through them, concluding by describing Taylor,
and stating that he might register either as H. G.
Taylor and clerk, or under an assumed name, as he
was somewhat erratic, and through family troubles,
not necessary to explain, he had got into a habit of
occasionally traveling incognito.
The clerk readily complied with his request, scan
ning the pages closely, and repeating the name mus
ingly as if endeavoring to recall where he had heard
it. By the time he had got on with the examination
of a few pages, William had selected a photograph of
Taylor, and on showing it to the clerk the latter
seemed to have a certain recollection of having seen
him, but a very uncertain recollection as to where, or
under what circumstances. He went on repeating
the name, however, turning back the pages with his
right hand and tracing the names back and forth with
the index finger of his left hand, occasionally looking
at the photograph as if to assist in forcing a definite
recollection, but without any result for so long a time
that Messrs. Hill and Mallory of Pittsburg became
satisfied that their last hope before arriving at Gal
veston was gone, when suddenly the clerk carelessly
placed the picture beside a certain name and in a
manner very similar to a dry-goods clerk on securing
a successful " match," in two pieces of cloth, quietly
remarked :
6sc A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
" Yes, can t be mistaken. There you are , I ve
got him."
" Then we ve got him !" exclaimed my son, in the
excess of his gratification, shaking the hand of Mr.
Mallory, from Pittsburg.
" It s a joy," said the latter, beaming.
" Think of the immense property !" continued my
son.
" And the surprise to his friends !" murmured
Keating.
" The surprise to himself, I should say," interrupt
ed the clerk.
" Quite so," said Mr. Keating.
It appeared that Taylor and his brother had
missed one or two boats at Brashear from some cause,
but had finally taken passage on the "Josephine,"
November ;th ; and as the detectives had not been
able to ascertain whether the "Josephine" had carried
the fugitives or not, on account of her being belated
by adverse weather, and was now returning to Gal-
veston, after having had barely time to touch at Bra-
shear, they had felt that perhaps they might be upon
the wrong trail, which, with unknown adventures
before them, had been peculiarly discouraging ; so
that now, when they ascertained that his apprehension
was only a question of time and careful work, they
could not repress their gratification.
Nothing further worthy of note transpired on the
voyage from Brashear to Galveston, save that the
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 651
trip was a pretty rough one, and they finally arrived
in the latter city, hopeful and encouraged, notwith
standing the unusually dismal weather, which seemed
to consist of one disconnected but never-ending
storm, the " oldest inhabitants" of the place contend
ing with great earnestness that " it peared like s they d
never had nothin like it befoah !"
Arriving in Galveston early Sunday morning,
they went to the Exchange Hotel, and after break
fast set about examining the hotel registers of the
place, ascertaining that Taylor and brother had been
in the city, stopped a day or two, and then, so far as
could be learned, had gone on to Houston. They
were satisfied he had made no special efforts to cover
his tracks, although he had not made himself at all
conspicuous, as the difficulty encountered in getting
those who would be most likely to recollect him, to
recollect him at all, clearly showed ; and it was quite
evident that he had not anticipated pursuit, at least
of any nature which he could not easily compromise,
and intended going into some legitimate business
under his own name, and with his brother s assist
ance.
Before he could be arrested in Texas, however, it
would be necessary to secure Governor Pease s war
rant, which obliged a long, tedious trip to Austin, the
capital of the State ; nearly the whole distance having
to be done by stage, which at that time seemed a for
bidding piece of work, as it had rained every day ol
651 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
the year, so far ; and it might be a question of helping
the stage through rather than being helped through
by it. Besides this, according to my son s reports
which gave a true description of things in Texas at
that time, everything beyond Houston had to be paid
for in gold, as sectional sentiment and counterfeiting
had pronounced a ban upon greenbacks, and not only
in gold, but at exorbitant prices ; hotel rates being
five dollars per day ; single meals from one to two
dollars ; railroad fares eight cents per mile, and stage
rates nearly double that amount ; with no assurance
that you would ever reach a destination you had paid
to be conveyed to ; all attended by various kinds of
danger, among which was the pleasant reflection that
you might be called upon at any time to contribute
to the benefit of that noble relic of chivalry, the Ku
Klux Klan, who at that day were particularly busy in
Texas.
All of these pleasant considerations made the
departure from Galveston for Austin, in a Pickwickian
sense, unusually agreeable.
At Houston they discovered from different
persons, including the postmaster, that Taylor had
been there, but had made inqu : ~ies about points
further up country ; and the general impression was
that he had gone on, though at Brenham, the
terminus of the railroad, where they arrived Monday
evening, they could find no trace of him.
The next morning, when my son arose and looked
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 653
on the vast sea of mud, a filthy, black earth below ;
a dirty, black sky above ; with nothing but driving
rain and wintry gusts between , while the lackadaisical
Texans slouched about with their hands in their
pockets, with only energy enough to procure tobacco
or " licker ;" their sallow faces, down-at-the-heels,
snuff-dipping wives desolately appearing at the doors
and windows, only to retire again with a woe-begone
expression of suspended animation in their leathery
faces, he fully realized the force of the remark
attributed to General Sheridan, and more expressive
than polite : " If I owned Texas and hell, I would live
in hell and sell Texas !"
The stage was crowded, however, and the dreary
conveyance splashed and crunched on until noon,
when dinner was taken at Wilson s Ranche, a long,
low, rambling, tumbledown structure, which, like its
owner, who had at one time been a "General" of
something, and now retained the thriving title out of
compliment to his departed glory, had gone to a
genteel decay with a lazy ease worthy of its master s
copy. The dinner was one long to be remembered
by the detectives, as it was their first genuine Texan
dinner, and consisted merely of fat boiled pork, and
hot bread of the consistence of putty cakes of the
same dimensions, which, when broken open after
a mighty effort, disclosed various articles of
household furniture, such as clay pipes, old knife
handles, and various other invoices, probably playfully
654 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
dumped into the flour barrel by some one of the half-
score of tow-headed, half-clad children, which the
" General " and his buxom helpmeet had seen fit to
provide for torturing another generation with rare
Texan dinners at a dollar a plate.
It was an all-day s labor getting to La Grange,
but thirty-five miles from Brenham, where they
arrived at ten o clock, tired and exhausted from the
day s banging about in the stage and out of it, for
they were obliged to walk many times in order to rest
the jaded horses so that they could get through to
La Grange at all ; but before retiring made all the
inquiries necessary to develop the fact that their man
had not been at that point.
The next day, Wednesday, was rather more try
ing than the previous one. Two miles out of town
the stage got "bogged," and the entire load of pas
sengers were obliged to get out and walk through
three miles of swamps, the stage finally sticking fast,
necessitating prying it out with rails. After this
Slough of Despond was passed, the Colorado river
had to be forded three times, and then came a " dry
run," which now, with every other ravine or depres
sion, had became a " wet run," and was " a booming "
as the drunken driver termed it between oaths. There
was at least four feet of water in the dry run, and
the horses balking, the buckskin argument was
applied to them so forcibly that they gave a sud
den start, and broke the pole off short, which further
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 655
complicated matters. My son, being on the box,
sprang to the assistance of the driver, and stepping
down upon the stub of the pole, quickly unhitched
the wheel horses, so that the stage could not be
overturned, and then disengaged the head team,
finally appropriating a heavy wheel horse, with which
he rode back to Keating, who was perched upon a
rear wheel to keep out of the water, which was rush
ing and seething below, sweeping through the bottom
of the stage, and at every moment seeming to have
lifted the vehicle preparatory to sweeping it away like
feathers, and also holding on to the baggage, which
he had got safely upon the roof of the stage ; and,
taking him aboard his improvised ferry, after securing
the valises, rode to the muddy shore, forming with
his companions about as fine a picture of despairing
" carpet-baggers " as the South has ever on any occa
sion been able to produce. The bedraggled passen
gers ascertained that the next town, Webberville, was
several miles distant, and that there was no house
nearer, save on the other side of the rapidly rising
stream ; and as night had come on, the best thing
that could be done was to penetrate the woods, build
a rousing fire, and shiver and shiver through as long,
wet and weary a night as was ever experienced.
There was never a more longed-for morning than
the next one, and the moment that the sickly light
came feebly through the mist and rain, and straggled
into the dense cotton-wood trees, where the discour-
656 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
aged passengers had a sort of fervent out-doors
prayer-meeting, they started forward for Webberville,
hungry, drenched, and so benumbed as to be scarcely
able to walk. It was five miles into town, but one
mile of that distance stretched over a quagmire known
and described in that section as " Hell s half-acre ;"
and the truthful inhabitants of Webberville related
of this delectable ground that during the rainy season
its powers of absorption were so great that it would
even retain the gigantic Texan mosquito, should it
happen to take a seat there.
This bog was impassable to the travelers, who
finally bartered with the owner of a hog wagon to be
carried over the marsh for a silver half dollar each.
This was far better than remaining on the other side,
and they finally trudged into the town more dead
than alive.
Fortunately for the detectives, the brother of
ex-Governor Lubbock, of Texas, was one of the party,
and as they had all become so thoroughly acquainted,
as common misery will quickly make travelers, he
took my son and Keating to the residence of Colonel
Banks, a merchant of Webberville, whose good wife
never rested until she had provided the party with a
splendid meal, something with which to wash it down,
and beds which seemed to them all to have been com
posed of down.
After they had a good rest, the passengers foi
Austin were got together, and explained the situation
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 657
of things. The creek the other side of Webberville
was a mighty river. The driver thought he could
possibly get the stage across, but was certain he
could not do so with any passengers or baggage to
make it drag more heavily ; but he thought that if
once on the other side, they might get to Austin the
same day. William was anxious to push ahead, and
looking about town discovered a rather venturesome
negro who owned a monstrous mule, and at once
entered into negotations with him for the transfer of
the party and baggage, sink or swim. So when the
stage arrived at the creek, the baggage was unloaded,
and the stage successfully forded the stream. But as
the waiter covered so broad an expanse, was so deep
and rapid, and altogether presented such a forbidding
appearance, the passengers refused to try the mule ex
periment unless William, who had proposed the mode
of transfer, and had secured the novel ferry, which
stood with the grinning negro upon its back ready for
passengers, would first cross the Rubicon to demon
strate the convenience and safety of the passage. So,
handing the captain one of the valises, he mounted the
mule, which after a few whirls, a little " bucking,"
several suspicious sidewise movements, and a shouted
" Ya-a-oop, da, Dani-el ! done quit dis heyah foolish
ness !" plunged into the current without further
ceremony.
The passengers saw that Dani-el and his master
were up to a thing or two in that section of the
42
658 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
country ; and after seeing Keating cross the stream
in safety also, they one by one ventured upon the
transfer, which was finished without accident, but with
a good deal of merriment; and the colored clown
paid even beyond his contract price, the stage was
enabled to go lumbering on to Austin, where it ar
rived at a late hour of the same day.
V.
RAIN, drizzle and mist; mist, drizzle and rain.
It seemed all that the country was capable of produc
ing ; and the same preface to the befogged condition
of the English chancery courts used by Dickens, in
his introduction to " Bleak House," with a few of the
localisms expunged, would have fitly applied to the
condition of things in Texas, which afterward culmi
nated in a flood which swept everything before it.
In Austin though the seat of the State govern
ment and the headquarters of the military depart
ment of Texas, full of legislators, lobbyists, officers
and soldiers, everything had the appearance of having
been through a washing that had lasted an age, and
had been prematurely wrung out to dry, but had been
caught on the lines by an eternal rain day. Involun
tarily, with the spatters and dashes of rain and the
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 659
morning wind, Longfellow s " Rainy Day " came drift
ing into the mind, and the lines :
"The day is cold and dark and dreary ;
It rains, and the wind is never weary ;
The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,
While at very gust the dead leaves fall.
And the day is dark and dreary !"
were never more appropriate than when applied to
any portion of Texas during the months of January
and February, 1868.
The very first man my son met in the office of the
hotel, the next morning, was a member of the Legis
lature from Besar county, who, hearing his inquiries
of the clerk concerning Taylor, informed him that he
had been introduced to him in San Antonio a few
weeks previous ; that he was in company with a much
younger man whom he represented as his brother,
and that he had ostensibly come to San Antonio to
make some inquiries concerning the hide and wool
trade ; but whether with an idea of settling at that
point, or whether he could yet be found in San An
tonio, he was unable to state.
In any event this was cheering news ; for it as
sured my detectives that their long and weary search
would not prove unavailing ; and William directed
Keating to make himself useful about the different
hotels and hide and stock dealers, as it is a detec
tive s business to work all the time, and the slightest
cessation of vigilance after the beginning of an opera-
660 A DETECTIVES LIFE.
tion might at the most unexpected moment cause the
beginning of a series of circumstances eventually per
mitting a criminal s escape, while he himself sought
out General Potter, who escorted him to General
Canby s headquarters, where he was most cordially
received, and not only given an order for military aid,
should it be required, but General Canby himself
went with him to the capitol and introduced him to
Governor Pease, vouching for the reliability of any
statement made in connection with the business which
had brought him so far from home ; as, while I had
charge of the secret service of the Government,
during the war, with myself and sons had had an in
timate acquaintance with, and personal friendship for
him.
Governor Pease frankly stated to William that
the affidavits were rather weak, and that should some
of the "shysters" of that state, who did a thriving
business in habeas corpus releases, get an inkling of
his business and the nature of the papers, they might
give him a deal of trouble, even if they did not get
his man away from him eventually. He said he
would make the requisition as strong as possible,
however, and expressed his hope that the reputation
for ingenuity in devising and executing expedients
possessed by Pinkerton s men would be more than
sustained in this instance ; and General Canby termi
nated the interview by giving the document approval
over his own signature.
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 66 1
My son thanked them both for their kindness,
and withdrew, only too anxious to get to where his
man was before any information that he was being
sought for should reach him, and either scare him
beyond the Rio Grande, or enable him to act on the
defensive, as only a man can act who has plenty of
money, plenty of friends, and, as we already knew, a
great plenty of bravery on his own account.
Soon after he had returned to the hotel, Keating
came in with undoubted information that Taylor had
a permanent residence at or near Corpus Christi ;
that either he or his brother owned a sheep ranche
near the coast, not far from that city, while the
other dealt in hides and wool there ; and that one or
the other penetrated into the interior as far as San
Antonio, soliciting consignments.
My son at once concluded that it was the Captain
who had done the dealing, as well as stealing, and
whose money and business ability had been brought
to bear upon the trading at Corpus Christi, and upon
the ranche in the country near it ; the brother, though
probably entirely innocent of complicity in the rob
bery, or even a knowledge of the source from whence
the money had come, only being used for a con
venient repository for his ill-gotten funds in case of
Kuhn Brothers following him before he was ready
to meet them.
He therefore decided to get through to Corpus
Christi in the very shortest time in which the trip
662 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
could be made vid New Braunfels, San Antonio, Vic
toria, and Port Lavaca, hoping that he might be able
to pick him up along seme portion of that route, as
it was quite evident he made frequent trips in that
direction ; and, at whatever point he might be started,
should he seem to be going much farther into the
interior, which would be improbable, as San An
tonio at that time was quite a frontier city, arrest
him at once, and hurry him back to Galveston along
the route he was already familiar with ; but, should
he be going toward the coast, to let him take his own
course, keeping him well in hand until he had
reached Corpus Christi or some other seaport city,*
and, waiting a favorable opportunity, arrest him and
get him aboard a boat before he could recover from
the surprise.
Not a half hour before they left Austin, he fortu
nately met Judge Davis of Corpus Christi, who was
there attending some political convention, and who
gave him a letter to his law partner at home, should
his services in any way be needed, as I had been of
some service to him on a previous occasion ; so that
when my two detectives left Austin on the seven
tecnth of January, they felt perfectly satisfied of
ultimate success, though the same terrible experi
ences as to staging were again encountered.
It required the entire day to traverse the few
miles between Austin and Blanco Creek, where they
secured a sort of a supper ; the Onion Creek and its
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 663
branches having been waded and forded numberless
times. At Manchell Springs, the stage pole being
again broken, they were only able to proceed after
improvising a tongue out of a sapling, chopped from
the roadside with a very dull hatchet. At Blanco
Springs a good rest was taken, and the driver, having
the day s experience in his mind, objected to going
further that night ; but the detectives insisted that
they had paid their money to be taken to a certain
destination, and, as they had shown a disposition to
more than earn their passage besides, no excuse for
their detention should be offered.
After a good deal of grumbling, fresh horses were
got out, a new pole put in the stage, and the proces
sion again took up its weary march over the then
most horrible of roads, crossing the innumerable
brooks and runs which now pushed torrents into
York s Creek. All night long they slushed and
splashed, and tramped and cursed ; though the rain
had ceased for a time, there was but little light from
the sky, which seemed full of black heavy clouds
ready to burst asunder, to again drench them and
swell the torrents afresh. My son, Keating, and a
man sent along from Blanco Creek, "took turns,"
trudging along ahead of the lead-team, and, with lan
terns, picked out the way. Often they would be mis
led where the ground was so bad as to almost defy a
passage over it, when the patient animals behind
them, steaming from the toil of straining along with
56 4 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
nothing but an empty coach, would stop, as if guided
by a keener instinct, where they would quietly remain
until the united search of the three men had discov
ered the road, when the intelligent creatures docilely
plodded along again.
And so, through seemingly bottomless quagmires ;
over corduroys, where the shaky ends of timbers,
struck by a horse s hoof, would mercilessly splash
those walking beside the useless vehicle, or, suddenly
relieved from the weight of the ponderous wheel,
would fly upwards to heave gallons of slime upon the
coach ; laboring around the bases of far-extending
mounds of sandy loam ; descending into unexpected
and sometimes dangerous depressions, along creeks,
and plunging into streams, where drift and changing,
sandy bottoms always made it a question whether the
coach could ever be got across ; they marched only as
Sherman taught soldiers to march, or as honest
detectives will crowd all obstacles between them
selves and their duty, and came with the gray of the
morning to the beautiful, forest-shaded Guadaloupe.
Fording this river without nearly the trouble
presented at some of the petty runs and creeks
which had been passed, they came to New Braunfels
with the sun, which had shown itself for the first time
since their arrival in Texas, and which also shone up
on the first city which had shown any of that wide
awake " go-aheaditiveness " and thrift so common to
nearly all northerr cities.
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 665
The reason that New Braunfels differed so materi
ally from the ordinary Texan towns lay in the fact
that it was almost exclusively settled by Germans ; and
it was a welcome sight to the detectives to be able to
enter a place where, from suburb to center, up and
down long, finely-shaded avenues, it was plain to be
seen that the most had been made of everything.
From the pleasantest cottage of the extreme
suburb, and past the more pretentious residences,
every home being provided with an exterior bake-
oven, the same as in Germany, Pennsylvania, or por
tions of Wisconsin and Minnesota, to the shops,
stores, hotels and public buildings, every yard, in
many instances, fenced with stone gleaned and cleaned
from the soil, and, for that matter, every spot upon
whioli the eye rested showed that thrift and not
whisky-drinking ruled that place ; and that fact alone
entitles the little German city to respectable ele
vation from the obscurity which has heretofore sur
rounded it.
As nothing at this point could be learned regard
ing Taylor, though leaving the town and its extra
ordinary attractions with some reluctance, they im
mediately proceeded to San Antonio, the roads to
which place were quite passable, and arrived at that
city Friday afternoon. I had telegraphed to Colonel
Lee, of San Antonio, to hold himself in readiness to
assist my son and Keating, on the score of personal
friendship, whenever they might arrive there, not
666 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
knowing, from the terrible condition of the roads, at
what time it would be possible for them to reach that
point, and he, being ignorant from what direction
they might come, where they might stay, or undej
what name they might register, had caused an adver
tisement to be inserted in the San Antonio Herald,
of which the following is a copy :
PERSONAL. WHENEVER THE SON OF A. P., of
Chicago, may arrive in San Antonio, he will learn of
something to his advantage by calling upon Lieut-
Col. Lee, at the Mengler House.
Keating s sharp eyes first saw the item at the sup
per table of the Mengler House, where they were
stopping, and they both learned, by listening to the
conversation about them, that the Colonel was sitting
at the same table.
After supper William made himself known to
Colonel Lee without attracting attention, the latter
kindly offering him any help needed, after which in
quiries of a guarded character were instituted for the
object of their search. The landlord of the Mengler
House stated that Taylor had called upon him about
three weeks before to inquire for letters, but as he
was stopping elsewhere but little attention had been
paid to him or his questions ; all of which William
had reason to believe absolutely true, on account of
the strong corroborative testimony which would lie
in the statement of any landlord that no civility was
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 667
shown to a man who quartered at any hostelry save
his own.
The next morning he called upon Chief of Police,
H. D. Bonnet, who extended every imaginable cour
tesy, went with him to the offices of the different
stage-lines, and assisted in examining their lists for
some time previous with a view to ascertaining what
direction Taylor had taken when he left San An
tonio ; introduced him to the Mayor and Chief Mar
shal, and even went with him on an extended tour
through the old Mexican quarter of the town ; but
no other information was secured save through the
German landlady of a hotel, who was as positive as
her limited knowledge of the English language would
allow her to be, that Taylor had stopped at her house
without registering at all, and had gone directly from
San Antonio to Port Lavaca or Corpus Christi on
horseback, which, after all, in the exceptional condi
tion of the weather that year in Texas, seemed quite
probable.
It was evident nothing was to be gained by re
maining any longer at San Antonio, and was quite as
plain that all possible expedition should be used in
getting on to the coast.
As if the fates were ordained perverse, the
moment the two left San Antonio a steady drenching
rain again began to fall, and as the stage was crowd
ed, the discomfort of those within could not very well
be increased. About twelve miles from San Antonio
668 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
the driver succeeded in tipping over the stage, and
giving the occupants "an elegant mud varnish all
over," as operative Keating aptly expressed it. The
driver remarked that he was "going up the new
road," but some of the more profane passengers swore
that, if so, he was hunting it three feet under the
old one. On arriving at Lavernia station the dismal
announcement was made by the lean, long stage
agent, who seemed to have never done anything from
time immemorial save sit in the door of his tumble
down hovel to make dismal announcement that "the
Cibolo (prounced there Cuillou ) is just a scootin
and a rippin up its banks like a mad buffler
bull ! ye ll all be back to stay at my tavern all
night."
It was the contemplation of this man s pure
cussedness, as he sat there doting on the big bills he
would charge when the Cibolo should drive back a
stage load of hungry travelers, that nerved them to
push on at all hazards and attempt a crossing at some
point where the Cibolo " scooted and ripped up its
banks " with less ardor than across the regular route
to Victoria; but on reaching Southerland Springs,
seven miles distant, it was found that it would be
necessary to wait until Thursday morning, when they
might possibly make a passage, as the stream was
running down to within something like ordinary
bounds very fast.
Thursday afternoon came before an attempt to
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 669
foid the stream was made, when the driver agreed to
land the passengers in the middle of the stream on
an immense fallen tree, from which point they could
reach the other side, when they might be able to get
the empty stage across also.
The trial was made, and was successful so far as
landing the passengers was concerned, but while this
was being done the wheels of the coach sank deeper
and deeper into the mucky bed of the stream, and
though but a few minutes had elapsed, the strange
action of the water had caused deposits to form about
the coach so rapidly that it became firmly imbedded,
and could not be moved by the four horses attached.
At this juncture an old farmer came along, who
carried the evidences of some of his propensities
strongly marked in his face, which was a thin one,
like his conscience, but with bright tips on his cheek
bones and as red a nose as ever the devil-artist in
alcohol tipped with crimson. No importunities or
amount of money could prevail on him to assist the
discouraged travelers with his fine mule train ; but a
pint of good whiskey, to be delivered the moment
the stage had been drawn from its peril, with a small
drink by way of retainer, accomplished what would
not have been done in any other manner, and set the
travelers joyfully on their way again. They jour
neyed on at a snail s pace until one o clock Friday
morning, when they arrived at Kelly s ranche, kept by
Bill Kelly, uncle of the " Taylor boys," notorious for
670 A DETECTIVE S LIFE,
their connection with the Ku Klux and various other
gangs of villainous desperadoes.
The family were unceremoniously awakened, and
at once good-humoredly proceeded to provide the
ravenous passengers with something to eat ; after
which they made a " shake-down " on the floor, into
which substitute for a bed everybody turned, and slept
late into the morning, awakening stiff in every joint
and scarcely able for that day s journey, which, with
its complement of accidents and delays, took them
safely over Esteto creek and into Yorktown early in
the evening, where the detectives secured certain in
formation that Taylor had been in Corpus Christi
the week previous, and was undoubtedly there at that
time, as Texas by this time had become a net-work of
resistless streams, almost impassible quagmires and
far-reaching lagoons.
VI.
LATE the next morning they left Yorktown, hav
ing taken on a passenger of no less importance than
ex-Confederate Governor Owens, of Arizona. He
was a pleasant, voluble old fellow, and my son at once
fell in with his ways, and treated him so courteously
U DETECTIVE S LIFE. 671
that it perhaps averted a greater disaster than had at
any previous time occurred.
Governor Owens was largely engaged in the Rio
Grande trade of supplying frontier points with pro
visions and merchandise, and was just on his way to
Indianola, on the coast, where he was to meet his
Mexican freighters, comprising thirty wagons and
carts, of all characters and descriptions, driven by the
inevitable lazy Greaser. Even as late as the same
period, 1867-8, a vast amount of freighting was done
between St. Paul, Minnesota, and Fort Garry, Mani
toba, in the famed Red River carts, driven by the
inevitable, lazy half-breed.
William, knowing the position held by Governor
Owens during a portion of the war, and realizing that
an ex-office-holder will never lose his tenderness for
the political regime which made him titled, assumed
to be a Mississippian, from Vicksburg, with an Irish
acquaintance, on a trip of inspection through Texas,
and, so far, terribly disappointed with the State.
During those periods when, owing to the depth of
the mud, the passengers were obliged to walk, they
would fall behind or walk ahead of the stage, when
they would chat pleasantly upon general subjects.
On one of these occasions Governor Owens eyed his
companion sharply a moment, and then asked :
" Can I trust you, sir ?"
" Certainly."
" On the word and honor of a gentleman T
672 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
" Yes, and an honest man, too," William answered
" I believe you ; thank you. You know stages
are robbed out this way ?"
"I do."
" Did you ever see it done ?"
" No ; nor have I any desire to be around on such
an occasion," he replied, laughing.
"I reckon you hadn t better, either," said the
Governor earnestly. "It wouldn t make so much
difference if they would do the work a trifle genteelly,
in a gentlemanly way ; but the fact is, we have low
fellows along our Texas stage-lines. They have no
regard for a man s family. Why," he continued,
warmly, "they ll just pop out from behind the trees,
or up through some clumps of bushes, ram a double
barreled shot-gun, loaded to the muzzle with slugs
and things, into the coach from both sides at once,
and just blaze away all that are not killed outright
are scared to death. There s nothing fair about it !"
William expressed his curiosity to know if the
drivers were ever killed.
"Drivers? Never, sir, never. Why. those ruf
fians are too smart for that. Let it be known that
they have begun killing drivers, and there isn t a
stage company in Texas that could send a coach
past the first timber. They couldn t afford to kill
stage-drivers, for the moment they began it, that
would be the end of staging."
My son expressed his thanks at learning so much
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 673
of the business principles of these land pirates, and
the old gentleman continued :
" You see, it takes a peculiar kind of a driver for
a Texas coach. You want one, first, that can dilnk
right smart of whiskey, for the water isn t good along
some of these branches. You want one that can
swear a hoss s head square off, too. He s got to be a
coward, or he would help put this robbing down ;
and yet, he has got to be rather brave to drive right
along up to a spot where he knows he is to see his
passengers butchered ! and that," continued the Gov-
enor, earnestly, " is just what I want to talk to you
about, as I feel sure that I can trust you."
The Governor then explained to him that a cer
tain member of the Ku Klux, whom he was sorry to
say was too intimate with those roadside plunderers,
had informed him that morning, just as he was leav
ing Yorktown, that preparations had been mad6 to
rob their stage at a point between Clinton and Mis
sion Valley ; and that he very much desired some
organization among the passengers for defense, as he
himself had upwards of thirty thousand dollars, to be
paid out at Indianola, for goods, and to his freighters
for wages.
On the receipt of this alarming intelligence, my
son took the responsibility of informing the rest of
the passengers what might possibly be expected ; and,
as Governor Owens had six fine carbines, which he was
also taking down to Indianola for the protection of
A3
674 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
his freighters on the Rio Grand, preparatory to any
attack that might be made.
About six miles from Mission Valley the stage
route traversed a low piece of bottom-lands covered
with timber, and a considerable growth of underbrush.
A corduroy road had been built through the place,
and as the coach was obliged to be driven slowly
across it, the locality offered particularly fine induce
ments for a robbery of the character described by the
Governor ; so that the precaution was taken of
walking along with the coach, three on either side,
with carbines ready for instant use.
Just before entering the timber, two men were
seen prowling about, and, evidently fearing their
actions might cause suspicion and frustrate the plan
they had in view, made a great effort to appear to be
two respectable hunters in search of only wild game ;
and, before leaving the timber at the other side, two
more persons were seen, who, evidently, not having
been given any signal, had come as near to the stage
as they dared, to ascertain for themselves why their
comrades had failed in their calculations; but skulked
away after seeing the force which grimly trudged
alon^, guarding the empty vehicle, into which the
passengers were glad enough to climb when the dan
ger was gone by, and be carried with sound bodies
and whole pockets to the supper which had been
some time n waiting when they reached Mission
Valley.
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 675
Dinner the next day was taken at Victoria, from
which city William and Keating expected to be able
to go by railroad to Port Lavaca, only twenty-eight
miles distant. They were doomed to disappoint
ment in this, as the railroad had been abandoned
since the war, eiv^er the Union or Confederate
soldiers having taken it up bodily and turned it up
side down, like a gigantic furrow, from Victoria to
the sea.
After many years somebody had come along and
turned it back ; but to this day the steam-engine has
never thundered over it again ; the most that has ever
been done having been to drag an occasional freight
car over the road by the not peculiarly thrilling appli
cation of mule power ; and so it was said a hand-car,
worked by a gang of negroes, was used for trans
porting passengers, the trips being made back and
forth whenever a load could be got, and not before.
As they were obliged to remain for this new mode
of conveyance, their time was entirely unoccupied,
and they could not but have leisure to make some
thing of a study of Texan life, as it then existed ; and
on Sunday afternoon were witnesses to one of those
little episodes which sometimes make extremely lively
certain periods that would otherwise remain hum
drum and ordinary.
The bar-room of the hotel had been crowded all
day, and a good deal of liquor had been drunk, while
there had also been a large amount of money lost and
676 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
won over cards, so that there was that feverish, ex
plosive condition of things which always follows large
winnings or losses at games of chance, although there
had as yet been no disturbance of a serious character.
At one of the little gaming tables, John Foster,
county clerk of Victoria County, and another
person, named Lew Phillips, who had been one of
the Andersonville prison-keepers during the war, but
had drifted out to Victoria and had secured charge of
a large livery-stable there, were engaged at a game of
poker, when Foster was heard to quietly say :
" See here, Lew Phillips, you stole that card !"
" You re a liar !" was retorted, with an oath.
The two men were up over the card-table in a
twinkling, looking at each other, and both very
white.
" Apologize !" demanded Foster, still quiet, but
with a terrible earnestness in his voice.
" I don t do that sort of business, you white-livered
coward !" shouted Phillips.
Without another look or word, the two parted,
one passing out one door and the other out of
another, while the crowd in the hotel canvassed the
matter as coolly as though there had been no diffi
culty worth mentioning, while a few quietly laid
wagers on who would get the first shot.
In about fifteen minutes more, Foster was seen
returning with a double-barreled shot-gun, and
Phillips, who had a wooden leg, came stumping up
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 677
another street, with an immense navy revolver in his
hand. It was noticeable that the space between the
advancing men was made very clear, so that nothing
should interfere with their sociability. In a moment
more. Phillips had fired at Foster, and evidently hit
him ; for, as he was bringing his gun to his shoulder,
his aim had been badly disturbed, and before he had
time to fire, Phillips had fired again and wounded his
man the second time. Foster now leaned against a
porch column, desperately resolved to get a good
aim, his antagonist, all the while advancing,
attempted to fire again, but missed this time, the cap
refusing to communicate the deadly flash to the
chamber of the revolver, then there was a blinding
flash from Foster s gun, accompanied by a thunderous
report, and the two men fell almost instantaneously.
Foster had discharged both barrels of his weapon,
heavily loaded with buck-shot, at Phillips, the entire
charge having entered his wooden leg, and sent him
spinning to the ground, like the sudden jerk and
whirl of a nearly spent top, the recoil of the gun also
"kicking" Foster flat as a Tennessee "poor white s"
corn pone.
The " gentlemen " who had been looking on and
quietly criticising the little by-play, now rushed for
ward and surrounded the combatants, the anxiety of
each of whom was to be assured of the other s death ;
or, in case of his being alive, to have some one to be
the immediate bearer of tender regards and profuse
**8 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
expressions of friendship ; thus terminating satis
factorily to all parties what the chivalrous inhabitants
of Victoria informed my detectives was called a " stag
duel," the most common and effective method known
for settling the little difficulties liable at any time to
occur among gentlemen, the only conditions imposed
by custom being that neither party shall offer to
shoot in a crowded room, or be allowed to fire at his
opponent unless he is also prepared, when other citi
zens who may be using the streets at those times
withdraw from them as rapidly as consistent with the
proprieties, when the occasion is immediately made
interesting to the participants, who advance and fire
upon each other as rapidly as a liberal practice in
this and other "codes" of taking human life will
permit
As the next sensation to a " stag duel" in Victoria
was the arrival of the " train " from Lavaca, in the
shape of the hand-car manned by four burly negroes,
who with the original superintendent of the road had
formed a soulless corporation with which nothing
could compete, it was not long before the detectives
had secured seats with four other passengers, making
ten persons in all, to be conveyed twenty-eight miles
on a broken-down hand-car over probably the most
villainous excuse for a railroad ever known.
The fare was six dollars in gold for each passen
ger, which might seem to have a shade of exorbitance
about it when it was considered that the accommoda*
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 679
tions consisted of two very insecure seats, constructed
over the wheels, upon each of which three persons
might cling with a constant expectation of being
joilted off by the unevenness of the road, or of falling
off from sheer fatigue in endeavor to cling to the
ramshackle boards beneath them.
" All abo d !" shouted the negro conductor, with
all the style and unction of the diamond-pinned aristo
crat of a New York Central train ; and then, as the
" train " started out of Victoria the passengers and
the admiring lookers-on were greeted with the follow
ing song, tuned to the " Ra-ta-tat " of the wheels
upon the rails, and sturdily sung, or chanted rather,
by the jolly but powerful crew :
" Heave ho !
Away we go
Winds may wait, or de winds may blow !
Heave ho !
Away we go
For to cotch de gals at Lavac o [ *
In the sense that this mode of traveling had the*
charm of novelty and the thrilling attraction of dan
ger combined, it was a success. There was freshness
and variety about it, too ; for, whenever one of the
negroes had " done gin out," the conductor would
call for volunteers from among the passengers, and
give the demand a peculiar emphasis by the remark,
" Takes brawn n sinyew to pump dis hy r train into
Vacca ; n de Lo d never did make no men out Q*
cl ar iron n steel !"
68o A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
The argument was so forcible that some one
would work with the negroes while the " clean done
gone " man and brother rested and meditated upon
" catchin the gals of vacca !" which the song brought
out so feelingly.
Besides this, new interest would be added to the
excursion whenever the wind was favorable ; for,
stopping the car, a mast, to which a sort of " mutton-
leg sail," as they termed it, would be attached ; the
conductor would brace himself and would lengthen or
shorten the sail as was most judicious, and then the
hand-car ship would speed along the billowy tract
like a majestic thing of life for a mile or two, when
the party were again forced into a realizing sense
of the plodding nature of the means of transit, which,
after all, at times became monotonous.
On one of these occasions of momentary fair sail
ing and enthusiasm, they were also favored with a
down grade of quite a stretch ; and, as everybody was
happy at the wonderful rate of speed acquired, while
the negroes were singing snatches of songs in the
gayest manner possible, a "spread" of the track let
the car upon the ties, from which it leaped at one
bound into the swamp, completely immersing several
of its occupants in the muddy slime.
No damage was done, however, as the spot where
everything and everybody alighted was too soft
to cause anything to be broken ; and after righting
the car, and repairing the disaster as much as possible,
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 681
William and Keating safely arrived in Lavaca early
in the afternoon, were at once driven to Indianola,
where they cleaned up, including a most welcome
bathing and shaving, at the Magnolia House ; em
barked on a little schooner carrying the government
mail down the coast ; were becalmed in Aranzas Bay,
and late during the night of the twenty-seventh of
January the light from a quaint seaport city danced
along the waves of its beautiful harbor, and welcomed
the worn-out but indefatigable detectives to Corpus
Christi.
VII.
GOING ashore, the two proceeded to a sort of
hotel or boarding-house on the beach, where they
found Judge Carpenter, formerly of Chicago, who
had become district judge there, and who, on learn
ing my son s name, inquired if he were not a relative
of Allan Pinkerton the detective.
He replied that he was very distantly related,
which was a literal truth at that time, when the Judge,
claiming an acquaintance, proffered any assistance
which might be desired, whatever his business. The
courtesy was courteously accepted, but no questions
were asked concerning Taylor.
After breakfast the next morning, they strolled
A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
up-town with Judge Carpenter, when passing a Mr.
Buckley s store, Keating, while catching step, took
occasion to nudge my son, who carelessly looked into
the place, as any stranger might, and there saw the
object of his long search pleasantly chatting with one
of the clerks ; but they walked on quietly with the
Judge as far as the post-office, when he kindly intro
duced them to another Mr. Taylor, the postmaster.
After a few moments pleasant conversation, Wil
liam asked the postmaster if he could direct him to
ex-Sheriff John McLane s residence. It proved to be
but a block distant, but on inquiring there, it was
ascertained that he was absent at his store, farther
down-town. He was the only person in that city, be
sides Keating, whom my son felt that he could trust,
as I had not only previously rendered him service,
but also held him in the light of a friend ; and he had
already been requested by me to render him any ser
vice in his power, should William pass that way, so
that he knew the first thing he should do was to go
to him, explain his business fully and secure his im
mediate advice and assistance.
Finding him, he told him that he did not feel jus
tified in arresting Taylor unless the mail-boat in
which he had arrived was, in some way, detained for
an hour. McLane said he would attend to that, and
brought Captain Reinhart to the store, but not telling
him why the delay was desired, arranged for the same,
and at once hunted up Sheriff Benson, to wfeom my
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 683
son delivered the warrant and demanded the pris
oner.
Benson at first hesitated, expressing the utmost
surprise, as Taylor was a fellow-boarder, and he could
not realize, so he said, that he was other than a brave
and chivalrous gentleman, and began to question the
validity of the requisition, but William told him that
there was the order of Governor Pease approved by
General Canby, and that he did not propose to be
dallied with or imposed upon in any manner.
Seeing that my son had come too far and under
gone too many hardships to be trifled with, he went
with him to Buckley s stoie, where they found Tay
lor, who was given into the detectives hands, though
utterly astounded and completely unnerved at the
idea that the strong hand of ihe law was upon him.
In this condition, and before he could collect his
scattered senses and decide to make a legal resistance,
which would have caused my son a vast amount of
trouble, if indeed it had not resulted in the liberation
of the elegant swindler, he was placed on board the
schooner.
After they had left Corpus Cbristi behind, Wil
liam began a system of soothing argument, with the
end in view of convincing Taylor, who was now be
coming nervous and restless, and evidently ashamed
of being carried away so ingloriously, that it would
be the best thing for himself, his brother, and even
his people in Philadelphia, to go along quietly, with-
684 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
out creating any disturbance, as, should he do so, he
would treat him like a gentleman in every instance ;
but should he give him any trouble whatever he
would be obliged to put him in irons, and not only
treat him like a criminal, but would serve him roughly
in every particular.
Taylor saw that he was in my power, and that I
had put two men after him who would have gone to
Cape Horn for him, and that his only chance of
escape lay in strategy.
He had the periect freedom of the boat, and,
when he desired, chatted with the captain and the
crew, who were not apprised by my son of the char
acter of his new companion, and everything was done
to make him comfortable.
At first he kept entirely to himself, but of a sud
den his manner changed entirely, and he became par
ticularly pleasant, especially to the captain of the
boat ; and as they were nearing the little barren
Saluria Island, at the entrance to Matagorda Bay,
William accidentally overheard the captain say to
Taylor, "The tide is high enough, and I will be able
to run close to the island." This caused him to have
no particular suspicion of Taylor, as the remark might
equally apply to a hundred other subjects besides the
one to which it did ; but in a few moments after, he
noticed the schooner, which had hugged the island
pretty closely, now suddenly take a still closer tack,
and rapidly neared the barren coast. Feeling alarmed
A DETECTIVES LIFE. 685
lest the iielmsman was not attending to his duty, my
son yelled :
" Captain, what under heaven do you mean ?
Don t you see that in another moment you ll have us
beached ?"
He had scarcely uttered the words when Taylor
was seen to spring into the waves, and then disappear,
and the boat at the same moment stood off from the
island, as if in obedience to the warning my son had
given.
The truth flashed into his mind in an instant :
Here, after this hard, unremitting toil, the discom
forts, the annoyances, the dangers, everything
through which they had been obliged to pass, after
their hopes for success, and after they had earned
it if two men ever had earned success just when
they were beginning to feel the pleasure of work well
done, and be able to experience the genuine satisfac
tion it is to any man who is honest enough to ac
knowledge it, in securing the regard of the public for
assisting in its protection, the commendation of one s
employer for good sturdy care for his interests, and
the self-respect one gains in doing one s duty, even if
it has led him a hard life of it, they were to be
cheated and outwitted. Half crazed, my son, with
anger and indignation, and a perfect flood of humiliat
ing thoughts filled his brain in the first great ques
tion, " What was to be done ?"
His first impulse was to plunge in after him, and
686 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
in pursuance of that impulse he had freed himself of
his boots and coat, when, seeing Taylor rise to the
surface and make but little headway against the tide,
which was ebbing strongly, he call to the captain to
round to, and began firing with considerable rapidity,
so as to strike the water within a few feet of the man
who was so unsuccessfully struggling against the tide,
but whom he could not blame for making so brave
and desperate an effort to free himself.
He was provided with two magnificent English
Trenter revolvers, which will carry a half-ounce ball
a fourth of a mile with absolute accuracy ; and as he
could use it with great precision he could easily have
killed the man in the water. Both the captain and
Taylor were terribly scared, and as Taylor held up
his hand, and yelled " I surrender !" the balls were
cutting into the water all about him savagely, and the
captain shouted, " For God s sake, don t kill the man !
Don t you see I m rounding to ?"
Keating, who had been almost worn out from the
Texas trip, had been sleeping in a bunk below, and
who had been roused by William s firing and the
strange motion of the schooner, now came on deck
rather thinly clad, and the two detectives covered
Taylor with their revolvers ; while the captain, him
self at the wheel, handled the schooner so that it was
only necessary for him to keep himself above water
in order to float with the tide against the side of the
boat, when my son, rather too indignant to be partic-
A DETECTIVE S LIFE. 687
ularly tender, grabbed him by the hair and his luxu
riant whiskers, drew him aboard, and soundly kicked
him into the cabin, where he began crying frorn ex
citement and fright, even going to such depths of dis
couragement that he begged for a revolver with
which to kill himself, which being handed him by my
son for that purpose, he very properly refused, and
was put to bed for the purpose of drying his clothes
like a truant school-boy.
It was my son s intention to take the steamer at
Indianola for Galveston immediately upon arriving
at the former place ; but on account of a heavy
" Norther," which had blown all day Friday, the
steamer had been obliged to put out to sea, and
the party were consequently compelled to put up at
the Magnolia House, and wait there until the follow
ing Monday; and it required all the detective s
shrewdness to keep Taylor quiet, as he had learned
from some source that the creation of Wyoming
Territory, which occurred a short time before his
capture, had caused Cheyenne to be a city of quite a
different Territory than when the requisition was
issued, which would have amounted to so grave a
technical flaw that the requisition would not have held
against a habeas corpus.
Court had just set at the place, and Indianola was
full of lawyers, hungry as vultures for just such a
rich case; but by constant persuasions, partial
promises, leading to a hope, at least, that a
688 A DETECTIVE S LIFE.
promise might be effected at New Orleans, and dark
hints of irons, and that, should his brother come on
there and create any disturbance he would be imme
diately arrested as accessory both before and after
the crime ; with constant drives out into the country,
rambles down the sea-shore, and every pretext known
to the mind of the ingenious detective, everything
was managed successfully ; a receipt for nearly two
thousand dollars in specie secured ; the turning
over of the money to Taylor s brother stopped ; and
Taylor himself taken to New Orleans without an
attempt at rescue ; and receiving a dispatch there
from me to the effect that a compromise could not be
for a moment considered, the party left that city
Thursday, February 4th, arriving in Cheyenne six
days later, my son accounting for his prisoner to the
authorities into whose hands the case then passed ;
the last being seen of " Harry G. Taylor, the Man
from Somewhere," being behind the bars of the
guard-house at Fort Russell, where he had been
placed for safe-keeping previous to his trial ; and I
have related these facts, not so much to show any
startling phase of crime, as to give the public a single
illustration, out of thousands upon my records, of how
men must overcome every known obstacle while
leading the hard life of the detective,
THB END.
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