YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

!Eil.i, ,l.,:!i- AI-:!i '¦IIIKf, NATIDNAl !•< U.lc

HISTORY

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.

BY
GENEEAL L. C. BAKEE,
CDIEF NATIONAL DKTECTIVE POLirE.

PniLADELPniA:
PUBLISHED BY L. C. BAKER.
18G7.

2-7 CI . I'!?

KtittTcd avcordinj; to Act of ('nnL.'r(-*^s. in tho yvixr 1867,
By L. C. nXKKU.
In the (.'Ii:.rk"s (Klia- of the Distru-t Cuurt of the Gnitud States, In nnd for tho
E.istern Pistrit't ol rennsylvanin.

C^i7

\ t?-0

C. A. Ai.voni),
BtEUEOTVI'KP. AM) PllINTFlIl.

PREFACE

In- giving to the public this volume, it has been the
design to present the operations of the Bureau of the Nation
al Detective Police during the -tvar, so far as it is proper to
make them kno-\vn to the people. It is not a book of roman
tic adventures, but a narrative of facts in the secret history
of the conflict, and mainly an exposure of the manifold and
gigantic frauds and crimes of both the openly disloyal and
the professed friends of the Republic. Many rej^orts are
introduced, some of -which are lengthy, and portions of them
are dry, because they are the ofRcial records of the work
done, and the veriflcation of the statements made, and the
highest vindication of the character and importance of the
secret service. Passages occur in them, the propriety of
which many readers may question, but their omission would
have weakened the strength of the reports, and softened
down the enormity of the offenses charged upon certain
individuals. The whole volume might have been made up
of chapters very similar to those of the first hundred pages
or more, but we preferred to sacrifice the peculiar interest,
to some extent, of a merely sensational work — sketches of
exciting scenes and hair-breadth escapes — for the greater
object of an authentic official record of the vast amount of
indispensable service rendered to the Government, during
nearly four years of' bloody strife, with the months of trial

6 TREFACE.
and agitation which followed. The plan of the book was,
therefore, chosen by the responsible head of the bureau,
while the introductory cliapt(n-s were written by another,
whose editorial aid was secured in the general preparation
of the annals for the press. No desire or effort Las been
cherished to wantonly expose or Avound in feeling any man,
and therefore initials, for the most part, alone appear ; but a
faithful history of transactions under the authoi-ity delegated
to the Bureau, will unavoidably reach the sensibilities of
l^ersons of distinction, no less than those in humbler life.
The volume of war records, the most of which have
never before met the public eye, is offered to the people as a
part of the veritable history of the most extraordinary and
perilous times the Republic has known, or is likely to pass
through, again.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
GENERAL BAKER AND THE BUREAU OP SECRET SERVICE.
The- Ancestry and Birth-place of General Balcer — His Early Life — Residence in
California — Is a Member of the Vigilance Committee — Returns to New
York in 1861 — Visits Washington — Interview with General Scott — Enters
tlie Secret Service — Tho Great Facts established and illustrated by these
Annals  17
CHAPTER I.
ORIGIN OF THE BUREAU OF DETECTIVE SERVICE.
The first Visit to Washington — Interview with General Hiram Walbridge, and
Hon. W. D. Kelley — Introduction to General Winfield Scott — Return to
New York — A.' pointed by General Scott to renew the Attempt to visit Kirli-
mond — The first Failure — Crossing the Lines — Tlie Arrest — Examinations
— Sent to General Beauregard — On to Richmond  45
CHAPTER II.
RESIDENCE IN RICHMOND.
Summoned to an interview with Jeff. Davis — Subsequent Examinations by him —
Critical Emergencies — Mr. Brock — " Samuel Munsou " — Confidence secured —
Mr. "Munson" is appointed Confederate Agent — Original Letters from Davi.s,
Toombs, and Walker — Starts for the North — Unpleasant Delays — A Narrow
Escape — Reaches the Potomac — Deceives the Dutch Fishermen and runs the
Rebel Gauntlet safely  S6

8 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER in.
NORTHERN EXPERIENCES AS CONFEDERATE AGENT.
Hospitalities by the way — The Report to General Scott — Operations in Balti
more — The Janus-faced Unionist — A rich Development in Philadelphia — The
Arrests — Amusing Prison Scene  71
CHAPTER IV.
TREASON AND TRAITORS AT THE NORTH.
Baltimore — The Detective Service and the Arrest of the Maryland Legislature —
The Refugee and the Sp}- — The Pursuit and the Capture — Traitors at Niagara
Falls — Acquaintance with them — The Arrest — In Fort Lafayette  85
CHAPTER V.
A KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN SQUARE.
r. n. F., dlia,f Carlisle Murray, a Knight of the Golden Square — The Arrest —
Release — Papers of F. examined — Secretary Seward's Order for a Second
Arrest — On the Track — The Rural Retreat — "Mr. Carlisle Murray a Reformer
and Lover — The Official Writ — The Astonished Landlord and Landlady — A
Scene — Report  93
CHAPTER Yl.
DISLOYALTY AMONG THE POSTM.ISTERS.
A Mystery — The Result of Cabmet Meetings in Wasliington known in Rich
mond — The Detectives learn the Reason — A Visit to Lower Maryland —
Amusing Scenes — The Mysterious Box — The Reports — iV Rebel Letter  103
CHAPTER VII.
FRAUDS— DISLOYALTY IN MARYLAND.
Tic Frci.ghted Traveler— Treason and Frauds overlooked in the Rising Storm
of Rebellion— The Bankers — The Pretty Smuggler— Reliable Character of
the Detective Bureau — Disloyalty, and its Punishments in Lower Mary
land — The Friends of Hon. Montgomery Blair and the Quinine Traffic 
" Chunook " Telegrams  ^^2

CONTENTS. 9
CHAPTER VIII.
OFFICIAL SERVICES AND EMBARRASSiMENTS— NEW ORDER OF THINGS.
The Bureau transferred to the War Department — Dr. H., and the Perilous Ad
venture of which he was the occasion — Report of the Case— Arrest of the
Leaders of a great secret Southern Organization — Documents and Letters —
Rebel Poetry  1-27
CHAPTER IX.
AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO MANASSAS— THE WASTE OF WAR.
The Evacuation of Manassas by the Rebel Army — The Order to Visit the De
serted Battle-field — The Survey of it — Report to the Secretary of War —
Waste of Government Property  141
CHAPTER X.
FRAUDS BY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OTHERS.
False Returns — Restitution — Attempts to escape Arrest — Threats to intimidate
in the Performance of OEBoial Duty — Prison Life a Recommendation to
Special Favor — Removal of a Subordinate  1-17
CHAPTER XI.
STEALING— SMUGGLING LIQUORS INTO THE ARMY.
Horse-Stealing — 'VMiy many Ofiicers disliked the Detective Bureau — The Spirit
of War in Time of Peace— The Soldiers' Thirst for Strong Drink  152

CHAPTER Xn.
CARDS— TREASURES— FEMALE SPY.
Miss A. F. — Cavalry Stuart's Commission — The Arrest and Imprisonment  158

10 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER Xin.
THE BUREAU IN CANADA— IN THE ARMY.
Tricks of False Correspondence — Mr. Delisle and the " Secret Secession Lega
tion" — Disreputable Women in the Army — Collision with Major-General
 on their Account  174
CHAPTER XIV.
WEALTHY TRAITORS— FRUITLESS SCHEMES.
John H. Waring — His Operations — An Efficient Tool — Walter Bowie — A Wild
Career — Rebel Mail — Contrabands — Extracts from the Private Journals of
Rebel Spies  181
CHAPTER XV.
SLAVERY— PLAYING REBEL GENERAL— FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY.
The Hostages — Mr. Lincoln^Deceiving the Rebels — A Successful Game — Or
ganization of tho First District Cavalry — Its Services  193
CHAPTER XVI.
FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY.
Leaving Camp again — "Wilson's Raid" — Battles — The Escape of Kautz — The
End of Regimental Service  216
CHAPTER XVIL
THE ANIMUS OF SECESSION.
A Disloyal Pastor and his Friends compelled to " do justly " — The " Peculiar In
stitution " Dies Hard — Man-Stealera Foiled in their Schemes of Robbery .... 230

CONTENTS. II

CHAPTER XVIII.
ENGLISH SYMPATHY WITH THE SOUTH— NEGRO-HATE IN
WASHINGTON.
Au English Emissary of tho South— He Deceives the Secretary of State— My
Acquaintance with Him— The Fruitless BfTort to Betray Me— The Journey
to the Old Capitol Prison— Negro-hate in the National Capital  235

CHAPTER XIX.
GIGANTIC VICES OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
Gambling and the Gamblers— The Purpose to Break up the Dens Discouraged—
The Midnight Raid— Results— Drinking and Liquor Saloons — The Descent
upon them— Broken up— Licentiousness and its Patrons — The Raid on their
Haunts at Dead of Night — The Arrests  211

CHAPTER XX.
COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE BUREAU.
Tlie Detective System Vindicated — Reports — Cases of Infidelity in Subordinates
— Prompt and Decided Action — Vandalism in the Army — Family Relics re
stored — A Perilous Adventure  253

CHAPTER XXI.
INVESTIGATIONS IN THB TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Suspioiona of Corruption abroad — The Case of Stuart Gwynn  2C1
CHAPTER XXH.
INVESTIGATIONS IN THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
The Bureau suspected of Complicity with Bank Note Companies — Mr. Gwynu
in the Old Capitol Prison — The Congressional Committee call for Docu
ments — They are produced — Mr. Clark's Status — Report  287

1 2 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIII.
STARTLING DISCLOSURES IN THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Miss Ella Jackson's Affidavit— Miss Jennie Germon— Mr. Spurgeon and others —
Correspondence with Mr. Garfield, Chairman of Congressional Committee
— Minority Report — Concluding Statements  293
CHAPTER XXIV.
T-NFOUNDED CHARGES— MY OWN AND THE MINORITY REPORT.
Alleged Conspiracy against Government Officers — My Reply — Mr. Garfield —
Minority Report — A. C. Wilson — My Trial and Acquittal  303
CHAPTER XXV.
A PERILOUS ADVENTURE.
Pojie's Defeat — Banks's Advance — The Importance of communicating with him—
The Successful Attempt — Rebel Pursuers — The Escape  329
CHAPTER XXVI.
COTTON SPECULATIONS.
Mnnia for Speculation — Law of Congress in regard to Owners of Cotton — Hlicit
Traffic at Norfolk, Virginia— Frauds committed by a Paymaster and his As
sociate — Reports of their Cases  335
CHAPTER XXVII.
SPECULATION AND FRAUD.
h'-\ icc= of Contractors — Detection of Forage Contractor — Appeal to the Presi
dent-Further Frauds as "Silent Partner"— Report on Forage and Char
tered Vessels— Calumnious Cliarges Refuted — General Report of Transao-
t'Oi'S  369

CONTENTS. ! :;
CHAPTER XXVIII.
COUNTERFEITERS AND COUNTERFEITING
Bank-note Paper and Printing — Spider-leg Paper — Gwynn and Clark's Experi
ments — Corrupt Literature in the Army  "  ;', i
CHAPTER XXIX.
A FEMALE ADVENTURER.
Woman in the Rebellion — Her Aid indispensable in the worst as well as the
best Causes — A Spicy Letter — Miss A. J. — Vidocq's Experience  o.S4
CHAPTER XXX.
THE BOUNTY JUMPERS.
Fraudulent Practices of Bounty Brokers and Jumpers — Contrast between Eng
lish and American Deserters — Plans to check Desertion, and bring Crimi
nals to Justice  3'J5
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE BOUNTY JUMPERS AND BROKERS.
Quotas filled with Falsified Enlistment-Papers — Arrest of Brokers — Amusing
and Exciting Scene — The Hoboken Raid — Slanderous Charges — Large Num
ber of Arrests — Incarceration in Fort Lafayette — Other Arrests — Trial be
fore a Military Commission  431
CHAPTER XXXH.
BOUNTY JUMPING INCIDENTS.
Personal Experience in Bounty Jumping — A Perfect Trump — Detectives Enlist
ed — Passes obtained for Bounty Jumpers — Arrest and Surprise — Court-
Martial and Conviction  4;i5

14 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
BOUNTY JUMPERS IN" ORG.i-NlZED BANDS.
Gipsy-like Bounty Jumpers — Wholesale Bounty Jumpins carried on adroitly by
a Gang of Operators — Opposition from a Canadian Gang — Thirty-two Thou
sand Dollars in as many Daj'S — Frauds in Drafting — .\n Old Man put in
as a S'jbstitute — A Boy decoyed — His Adventures — A Mother of Thirteen
Children — Unavailing Efforts of a Mother in Search of her Idiotic Son  444
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE GREAT CONSPIRACY.
Assassinations — Eglon, King of Moab — Ciesar, Emperor of Rome — James I. of
England — Marat, the French Revolutionary Leader — Alexander of Russia —
Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States  452
CHAPTER XXXV.
THE ASSASSINS CAPTURED.
Excitement around my Headquarters at Washington — The Cliief Conspirator —
A Graphic Narrative of his Arrest — His Burial — Desire for Relics from his
Body — Hanging of the Conspirators  476
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE DETECTIVE POLICE— AND THE ARREST OF THE ASSASSINS.
Personal Relations to President Lincoln — His Kindness and Confidence — Jfy
Order to Pursue the Conspirators — Results — Statements of Subordinates
and Others  524
CHAPTER XXXVn.
LETTERS ON THE ASSASSINATION.
Jacob Thompson — Volunteer Suggestions respecting the Assassin's Hidin"-
Places before his Death, and the Disposal of his Remains afterward 
Threats of more Assassinations — A Mysterious Letter — J. H. Surratt  543

CONTENTS 15
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
FINAL REPORT OF RESULTS— THE CASE OF WIRZ.
The Auxiliary Aid of this Bureau in Government Investigations — Its Econo
my — Statement of Goods Seized — The Attempted Suicide of Andersonvillo
Wirz  667
CHAPTER XXXIX.
ATTEifpTED SUICIDE OF WIRZ.
My Connection with the Imprisonment of Wirz and Jeff. Davis — Vigilance in
Guarding the Prisoner — Mrs. Wirz visits her Husband — He desires a Call —
The Interview — Attempted Suicide  578
CHAPTER XL.
THE NEW PRESIDENT— ORDERED SOUTH— RESULTS.
The Presideni; — Mrs. Cobb, and ray Official Relations to both — Efforts to preju
dice the new President against my Bureau — The Success contrasted "with
that under the former Administration — Ordered to the South to get impor
tant Papers — Mrs. C. C. Clay — The Documents found — A new Order for
Investigation — Results — Jlrs. Cobb appears on the Stage of passing Events
at the Capital  582
CHAPTER XLI.
MAJOR AND MRS. COBB— PARDONS— INDICTMENTS.
The Career of Mrs. Cobb and the Course of her Friend the President — An Appli
cation to Mrs. Cobb for a Pardon — The Contract — The Pardon obtained —
The Arrest — Report to the President — How he received it — Subsequent
Interviews — He defends Mrs. Cobb — Gets Angry — Denounces the Detec
tives—The FareweU to the White House  589
CHAPTER XLH.
RE.SIGNATION OF COMMISSION.
The Request to be Relieved from Special Service^The Case of Mrs. Washing
ton — Popular Prejudices, and the Periodical Press — The Trial of Mrs.
Cobb — Her Testimony  605

IG CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XLin.
THE PROGRESS OF THE TRIAL.
Testimony of Alfred A. Spear, an Officer in the Bureau of tho National Detective
Police — Interesting Details of his Interviews with Mrs. Cobb, and Matters
connected with her  <'27
CHAPTER XLIV.
PROGRESS OF THE 'TRIAL.
Mr. Jacob Smith Testifies — A Clerk in the Detective Bureau — His Account of
the Interview at Headquarters with the Cobbs  641
CHAPTER XLV.
PROGRESS OP THE TRIAL.
Mr. Stanton examines Lieutenant Henry H. Hines — By order of the Secretary of
War, is connected with the Secret Service — His Story of what he saw of
Mrs. Cobb  646
CHAPTER XLVI.
CLOSINa SCENES IN COURT.
Eloquent Plea of Mr. Riddle — His able Resum^ of the whole affair — Scenes iu
the Court-House — Verdict of the Jury, and Decisions of the Court — Spicy
Bitterness of certain Papers — List of Pardons — Abuse of Executive Clem
ency and Power  G7

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.

GENERAL BAKER AND THE BUREAU OP SECRET SERVICE.
The Ancestry and Birth-place of General Baker — His Early Life — Residence in Cali
fornia — Is a Member of the Vigilance. Committee — Returns to New York in
1861 — Visits Washington — Interview with General Scott — Enters the Secret
Service — The Great Facts establislied and illustrated by these Annals.
Brigadier-Gexeeal La Fayette C. Bakee belongs to a family
of Ne-w England origin. In an early history of Vermont, entitled
the " Green Mountain Boys," the name fbr t-svo generations is con
spicuous among those of the heroic men of the French and Indian
wars. About the year 1770, the military organization bearing that
name was formed, to resist the arbitrary claims of the colonial gov
ernment of Xew York over the settlers and soil of the "Xew Hamp
shire Grants." Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, nnd Remember Baker
were acknowledged leaders of the heroic, self-sacrificing band of
patriots. We find it recorded, that "previous to 1770, many acts of
violence had been committed by both of the belligerent parties. It
was at this date that the governor of Xew York attempted to enforce
his authority over the territory in disi5ute by a resort to military
force. The Green Moimtain Boys having learned that a military
force of seven hundred and fifty men were marching to subjugate
them, immediately organized themselves, and appointed Ethan Allen,
colonel, nnd Seth Warner, Remember Baker, and others, captains of
the several companies under him. The Xew York force having ad
vanced at night upon the dwelling of a settler, were suddenly sur
prised by the mountaineers in ambush, and the whole posse inglori-.
ously fled, without a gun being fired on either side. The Green

18 INTRODUCTORY CUAPTER.
Mountain Boys were occasionally called out for military exercise and
discipline. In 1771, the governor of Xew York issued a proclamation
offering a reward for the arrest of Colonel Allen, and Captains War
ner and Baker. Several attempts were made to abduct them, bilt
none were successful."
Subsequently, in the Indian conflicts, Mr. Baker's toes wfcre cut
off, and other barbarities inflicted upon membeps of his family.
General Baker's father, who inherited the paternal nanjo, removed to
Stafford, Xew York, in 1815. La Fayette y,'sls born there, October
13, 1826. When three years of age, his father removed to Elba, .an
adjoining town, where he lived till thirteen years of age, when the
family started for the wilderness of the Great West. Mr. Remember
Baker chose his home within the limits of Michigan, where Lansing,
the capital, now stands, then a primeval forest, haunted by the abo
rigines. Soon the log-house and the clearing around it rewarded the
toil of the father and the son.
In the year 184^8 he returned to New York, where he remained
nearly two years, when he went to the city of Philadelphia, and was
engaged in mechanical and mercantile pursuits. Mr. Baker was
married December 24, 1852, to Miss Jennie C. Curry, daughter of
John Cui-ry, Esq., of Southwark. The next year he went to Califor
nia. An incident occurred on the Isthmus, illustrative of his bold,
fearless, and adventurous character. A native attempted to take
advantage of an Irish emigrant, and charge him for the passage of
two children the second time. Mr. Baker remonstrated. The party
of half a dozen were in a small boat, near Gorgona. The enraged
boatman seized one of the children, and threatened to throw liim in
the water unless the unjust demand were complied with by the
father. Mr. Baker told him to stop, but he refused ; when a -well-
directed blow from an oar staggered the man. Recovering himself
in a few moments, he diew his knife, and rushed toward Baker,
who, raising his revolver, shot him dead, the lifeless body tumbling
over the boat's side into the Avater. He suddenly became conscious
of his danger, aware that the native population would, if possible
kill him. Leaping from the small craft, he waded to the opposite
shore, the frantic pursuers at his back. Turning, he shot the leader
and crept into the tangleJ, matted thicket. Here he eluded search

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 19
and at length reached the American consul's house, where he was
concealed in a subterraneafi passage for two weeks, and then smug
gled on board of a vessel bound for California, and safely landed.
The next meeting -with one of his traveling companions, where tbe
tragic scene narr^cd occurred, was in Richmond. He was accosted
by him there, but, as it will be seen, having become " Mr. Munson,"
did not choose to know his friend of California memory.
Mr. Baker engaged in mechanical pursuits on the Pacific coast,
when the lawless period of 1856 called into existence the Vigilance
Committee. Mr. Baker was immediately enrolled in the army of
2,200 men, every one of whom was known by a number, his o-wn
being 208. In the summary work of ridding the country of reckless
gamblers and " ballot-box staffers," for exposing whose crimes James
Casey had murdered James King of William, editor of the San Fran
cisco Sulletin, Mr. Baker was an active and efficient member, giving
unmistakable evidences of that peculiar adaptation to the detective
service, which has made liim pre-eminent in it, on this continent,
since the long struggle for victory over a foe that gloried in treason
under a smiling face, and robbery in the name of inalienable rights,
called for and received the best men and treasure of the country.
With the disbandment of the extraordinary and formidable organiza
tion, Mr. Baker returqed to his peaceful occupation, in which he con
tinued till 1861, when he came to New York City, intending to
remain only a brief period. The appreciation of his services while a
member of the Vigilance Committee and engaged in a mercantile
agency, was very emphatically and tastefully expressed on New
Year's day, the date of his departure, by the merchants of San Fi-an-
cisco. They met at the Bank Exchange, and sent for Mr. Baker.
When he entered the room, to his entire surprise, a gentleman pre
sented him with a cane of raansinita wood, found only in California.
The head is polished gold quartz from the Ish Mine, Oregon, and
around it are nine oval stones of similar material from as many dif
ferent mines. The whole is richly mounted with solid gold, and
cost two hundred and fifty dollars.
At the very moment he was ready to return to the Pacific coast,
the tocsin of civil war startled the land. In common with the loyal
millions of the North, his patriotic indignation at the treasonable

20 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
revolt, and the desire to aid in its suppression, made all other pur
poses and plans of sraall importance. He immediately decided to
abandon his business schemes and serve the imperiled country. How
well he succeeded, and his public career from this point in his history,
will appear in his story of the National Secret Service.
In General Baker's personal appearance there is nothing, to a
casual observer, remarkable. And yet, physically, he is an extraor
dinary man. Before the exhausting labors of his ofiicial position
during the war reduced his weight, it averaged one hundred and
eighty pounds. His frame is of the firmest texture, and its powers
of endurance very great. For days together he has prosecuted his
duties without food or sleep, aud exposed to winter storms. He
is of medium height, lithe, and sinewy, and his movements are quick,
and yet having the air of deliberateness natural to a profession in
which circumspection and habitual self-control are among the first
conditions of success. Around his forehead of intelligent outline lies
a i:)rofusion of brown hair, and his face is partially covered with a
heavy brown beard. His gray eye, in repose, wears a cold expres
sion ; in his naturally cheerful mood, and in the unguarded enjoy
ment of social life, it is changeful and playful ; and, engaged in his
special duty of detecting crime, it becomes sharply piercing, often
making the victim of Ms vigilance to quail before its steady gaze.
Indeed, he was evidently the man for the place he filled during the
national struggle. The personal peril to which he exposed himself^
and the untiring service performed, at the head of a division, or even
a regiment, would have sotmded his name over the land as a daring,
untiring and heroic leader. He is probably the best " shot " in the
country, and also a fine horseman. Some additional and interesting
facts in his history will be noticed in the eloquent defense of General
Baker by Mr. Riddle, in the " Cobb case."
For nearly twenty years he has not tasted intoxicating drinks,
but has been enrolled among the Sons of Temperance; and what
seems still more i-emarkable, when we think of the associations
inseparable from his adventurous career, he has never been addicted
to the shameless profanity so common in the army and among men
of adventurous character. His fidelity and kindness of heart in his

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 21
domestic relations, and toward kindred less fortunate than himself
are well known.
Such are the general characteristics of the first national chief of a
Detective Bureau in the war record of this country.
Blackstonc's definition of the police is : " The due regulation and
domestic order of the kingdom, whereby the individuals of a State,
like members of a family, are compelled to conform their general
behavior to the rules of propriety and good neighborhood, and good
manners, and to be decent, inoffensive individuals in their several
stations." The definition is comprehensive, and certainly gives to this public
service both great utility and honorable, dignified character. Another
able writer divides the services of policemen into several distinct
duties; among which is "giving recent intelligence," the very work
of the detective police, when a specialty in time of public perils, and
one which awakens the prejudice and hostility of all classes.
The history of the police of the world, would be a most exciting
and instructive library of itself We can only glance at this service
in the two leading nations of Europe ; one Protestant and the other
Catholic. "The office of constable," says a "magistrate," in his
annals of the London police, "is as old as the monarchy of England."
He writes again, with reference to the unpopular character of the in
dispensable office : " The best laws are worthless, if the public impres
sion be cherished that it is a matter of infamy to carry them into
execution." Doubtless, the principal reason for the general disfavor
toward the police department, arises from the espionage inseparable
from it. People do not like to be watched, and are still less willing to
have their offenses against law and order reported to the tri
bunals of justice. Nevertheless, the records of the police, with all
that is unworthy of it, are irresistible evidence of its importance in
securing public and personal security from the depravity which scorns
all restraints but the iron grasp of law. In Britain, the police de
partment has never become a national institution ; but, until compar
atively a recent date, has been " a hand to mouth affair." About the
middle of the eighteenth century, Henry Fielding devoted his ener
gies and influence to the organization of the London police into an
efficient and able force under the acting magistrate of tbe city. And,

22 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
like the modern defenders of the " constitution," there were not a
few who wrote and talked about the dangerous infringement of the
rights of citizenship, and predicted the rapid decay of liberty, until
the " British lion would slumber ingloriously in the net of captivity."
But the reform went forward, and the charter of English freedom
remained unshaken by the dreaded power of an omnipresent police.
The Climes it exposed and the criminals convicted, for a single year,
were tens of thousands.
We tum to France for the most complete and successful system
of police service the world has yet seen. LTntil the latter part of the
fifteenth century, the kingdom had no effective police. Even in the
streets of Paris, "wolves roamed unmolested," and citizens forsook
their habitations. Charles VII. took charge of the criminal business
of the realm, to the sudden alarm of the lawless people, who lived on
the property and peace of the communities. Francis I., in 1520,
appointed a provost-marshal, with thirty constables. The next grand
advance in this department of justice, was the creation, by Louis
XIV., of a lieutenant-general, which office continued from March,
1607, to the memorable July 14, 1787. The most distinguished
officer during this period was De La Renye.
The storm of the French revolution, which swept away the entire
order of things, reduced the police organization to sixty petty com
mittees. After the restoration, the prefect was appointed. Through
all these changes, the national police of France stood alone in the
recognition of its worth, and the mighty power it wielded in secu
ring the public good.
The very vices of the great metropolis are so far regulated and
controlled by it, that their ruinous results in Paris are probably not
one-half they are in proportion to the population in Protestant Lon
don or New York. We shall quote a few passages from Vidocq's
memoirs, a man of doubtful character, but the great modern Parisian
detective, to illustrate the practical workings of the system there.
M. Henry, to whom Vidocq refers, was "the prefet" of police.
He thus describes his entrance upon his official duties : —
"As the secret agent of govemment, I had duties marked out, and
the kind and respectable M. Henry took upon himself to instruct me
in their fulfillment ; for in his hands were intrusted nearly the entire

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 23*
safety of the capital : to prevent crimes, discover malefactors, and to
give them up to justice, were the principal functions confided to me.
By thieves, M. Henry was styled the Evil Spirit ; and well did he
merit the surname, for, with him, cunning and suavity of manners
were so conjoined as seldom to fail in their purpose. Among the
coadjutors of M. Henry was M. Bertaux", a cross-examiner of great
merit. The proofs of his talent may be found in the archives of the
court. Next to him, I have great pleasure in naming M. Parisot,
governor of the prisons. In a word,M. Henry, Bertaux, and Parisot
formed a veritable triumvirate, which was incessantly conspiring
against the perpetrators of all manner of crimes ; to extirpate rogues
from Paris, and to procure for the inhabitants of that immense city a
perfect security.
" So soon as I was installed in mj' new office of secret agent, I com
menced my rounds, in order to take my measures well for setting
effectually to work. These journeys, which occupied me nearly
twenty days, furnished me with many useful and important obser
vations, but as yet I was only preparing to act, and studying my
ground. " One morning I was hastily summoned to attend the chief of the
division. The matter in hand was to discover a man named Watrin,
accused of having fabricated and put in circulation false money and
bank notes. The inspectors of the police had already arrested Wat
rin, but, according to custom, had allowed him to escape. M. Henry
gave me every direction which he deemed likely to assist me in the
search after him ; but, unfortunately, he had only gleaned a few
simple particulars of his usual habits and customary haunts : every
place he was known to frequent was freely pointed out to rae ; but
it was not very likely he would be found in those resorts which pru
dence would call upon him carefully to avoid ; there remained, there
fore, only a chance of reaching him by some by-path. When I learnt
that he had left his effects in a furnished house, where he once lodged,
on the boulevard of Mont Parnasse, I took it for granted that, sooner
or later, he would go there in search of his property, or at least that
he would send some person to fetch it from thence ; consequently, I
directed all my vigil.ance to this spot, and after having reconnoitred
the house, I lay in ambush in its vicinity night and day, in ord er to

24 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
keep a watchful eye upon all comers and goers. This went on for
nearly a week, when, weary of not observing any thing, I determined
upon engaging the master of the house in my interest, and to hire an
apartment of him, where I accordingly established myself with An
nette, certain that my presence could give rise to no suspicion. I
had occupied this post for about fifteen days, -n-hen one evening, at
eleven o'clock, I was informed that Watrin had just come, accom
panied by another person. Owing to a slight indisposition, I had
retired to bed earlier than usual ; however, at this news I rose hast
ily, and descended the staircase by four stairs at a time ; but what
ever diligence I might use, I was only just in time to catch Watrin's
companion ; him I had no right to detain, but I made myself sure
that I might, by intimidation, obtain further particulars from him. I
therefore seized him, threatened him, and soon drew from him a con
fession that he was a shoeinaker, and that Watrin lived with him.
No. 4, Rne des Mauvais Gargons. This was all I wanted to know :
I had only had time to slip an old greatcoat over my shirt, and
without stopping to put on more garments, I hurried on to the place
thus pointed out to me. I reached the house at the very instant that
some person was quitting it : persuaded that it was Watrin, I at
tempted to seize him ; he escaped frpm me, and I darted after him
up a staircase ; but, at the moment of grasping him, a violent blow
which struck my chest, drove me down twenty stairs. I sprang for
ward again, and that so quickly, that to escape from my pursuit he
was compelled to return into the house through a sash window. I
then knocked loudly at the door, summoning him to open it without
delay. This he refused to do. I then desired Annette (who had fol
lowed me) to go in search of the guard, and while she was preparing
to obey me, I counterfeited the noise of a man descending the stairs.
Watrin, deceived by this feint, was anxious to satisfy himself whether
I had actually gone, and softly put his head out of window to observe
if all was safe. This was exactly what I wanted. I raade a vigorous
dart forward, and seized him by the hair of his head : he grasped me
in the same manner, and a desperate struggle took place ; jammed
against the partition wall which separated us, he opposed mc with a
determined resistance. Nevertheless, I felt that he was growing
weaker ; I collected all my strength for a last effort; I strained every

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. ' 25
nerve, and drew him nearly out of the window through which we
were struggling : one more trial and the victory was mine ; but in
the earnestness of my grasp we both rolled on the passage floor, on
to which I had pulled him ; to rise, snatch from his hands the shoe
maker's cutting-knife with which he had armed himself, to bind him,
and lead him out of the house, was the work pf an instant. Accom
panied only by Annette, I conducted him to the prefecture, where I
received the congratulations, first of M. Henry, and afterward those
of the prefect of police, who bestowed on me a pecuniary recompense.
Watrin was a man of unusu.al address ; he followed a coarse, clumsy
business, and yet be had given himself up to making counterfeit
money, which required extreme delicacy of hand. Condemned to
death, he obtained a reprieve the very hour that was destined for his
execution ; the scaffold was prepared, he was taken down from it,
and the lovers of such scenes experienced a disappointment. All
Paris remembers it. A report was in circulation that he was about
to make some -very important discoveries ; but as he had nothing to
reveal, a few days afterward he underwent his sentence.
" Watrin was my first capture, and an important one too ; this suc-
cessftd beginning awoke the jealousy of the peace-officers, as well as of
those under my orders ; all were exasperated against me, but in vain ;
they could not forgive me for being more successful than themselves.
The superiors, on the contrary, were highly pleased with my conduct ;
and I redoubled my zeal, to render myself still more worthy their
confidence. " About this period a vast number of counterfeit five-franc pieces
had got into general circulation ; several of them were shown me ;
while examining them, I fancied I could discover the workmanship
of Bouhin (who had informed against me) and of his friend. Dr. Ter
rier. I resolved to satisfy my mind as to the truth of this; and ia
consequence of this determination, I set about watching the steps of
these two individuals ; but as I durst not follow too closel}-, lest they
might recognize me, and mistrust my observation, it was difficult for
me to obtain the intelligence I wanted. Nevertheless, by dint of
unwearied perseverance, I arrived at the certainty of my not having
mistaken the matter, and the two coiners were arrested in the very

26 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
act of fabricating their base coin ; they were shortly after condemned
and executed for it."
" In so populous a capital as that of Paris, there are usually a vast .
many places of bad resort, at which assembled persons of broken
fortune and ruined fame ; in order to judge of them under my own
eye, I frequented every house and street of ill-fame, sometimes under
one disguise and sometimes under another ; assuming, indeed, all
those rapid changes of dress and manner which indicated a person
desirous of concealing liimself from the observation of the police, till
the rogues and thieves whom I daily met there firmly believed me to
be one of themselves ; persuaded of my being a runaway, they would
have been cut to pieces before I should have been taken ; for not only
had I acquired their fullest confidence, but their strongest regard ;
and so much did they respect my situation, as a fugitive galley-slave,
that they would not even propose to me to join in any of their daring
schemes, lest it might compromise my safety. All, however, did not
exercise this delicacy, as will be seen hereafter. Some months had
passed since I commenced my secret investigations, when chance
threw in my way St. Germain, whose visits had so often filled me
with consternation. He had with him a person named Boudin, whom
I had formerly seen as a restaurateur in Paris, in the Rue des Prou-
vaires, and of whom I knew no more than that trifling acquaintance
which arose from my occasionally exchanging my money for his din
ners. He, however, seemed easily to recollect me, and, addressing rae
with bold familiarity, which my determined coolness seemed unable
to subdue, ' Pray,' said he, ' have I been guilty of any ofiense toward
you, that you seem so resolved upon cutting me ?' — ' By no means,
sir,' replied I ; ' but I have been informed that you have been in the
service of the police.' — ' Oh, oh, is that all,' cried he ; ' never mind
that, my boy ; suppose I have, what then ? I had my reasons ; and
when I tell you what they were, I am quite sure you will not bear me
any ill-will for it' — ' Come, come,' said St. Germain, ' I must have you
good friends ; Boudin is an excellent fellow, and I will answer for his
honor, as I would do for my own. Many a thing happens In life we
should never have dreamed of, and if Boudin did accept the situation
you mention, it was but to save his brother : besides, you must feel
satisfied, that were his principles such as a gentleman ought not tc

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 27
possess, why, you would not find him in my company.' I was much
amused with this e.xcellent reasoning, as well as with the pledge given
for Boudin's good faith ; however, I no longer sought to avoid the
conversation of Boudin. It was natural enough that St. Germain
should relate to me all that had happened to him since his last disap
pearance, which had given me such pleasure.
" After complimenting me on my flight, he informed me that after
my arrest he had recovered his employment, which he, however, was
not fortunate enough to keep ; he lost it a second time, and had since
been compelled to trust to his wits to procure a subsistence. I re
quested he would tell me what had become of Blondy and Deluc?
' What,' said he ; ' the two who slit the wagoner's throat ? Oh, why,
the guillotine settled their business at Beauvais.' When I leamt that
these two villains had at length reaped the just reward of their
crimes, I experienced but one regret, and that was, that the heads of
their worthless accomplices had not fallen on the same scaffold.
"After we had sat together long enough to empty several bottles
of wine, we separated. At parting, St. Germain having observed that
I was but meanly clad, inquired what I was doing, and as I carelessly
answered that at present I had no occupation, he promised to do his
best for me, and to push my interest the first opportunity that offered.
I suggested that, as I very rarely ventured out, for fear of being ar
rested, we might not possibly meet again for some time. ' You can
see me whenever you choose,' said he ; ' I shall expect that you wiU
call on me frequently.' Upon my promise to do so, he gave me his
address, without once thinking of asking for mine.
" St. Germain was no longer an object of such excessive terror as
formerly in my eyes ; I even thought it my interest to keep him in
sight, for if I applied myself to scrutinizing the actions of suspicious
persons, who better than he called for the raost vigilant attention ?
In a word, I resolved upon purging society of such a monster. Mean
while, I waged a determined war with all the crowd of rogues who
infested the capital. About this time, robberies of every species were
nuiltiplying to a frightful extent : nothing was talked of but stolen
palisades, out-houses broken open, roofs stripped of their lead ; more
than twenty reflecting lamps were successively stolen from the Rue
Fontaine au Roi, without the plunderers being detected. For a

28 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
¦wliole month the inspectors had been lyincc in wait in order to snr-
]irise them, and the first night of their discontinuing their vigilance
the same depredations took place. In this state, which appeared hke
setting the police at defiance, I accepted the task which none seemed
able to accjmplish, and in a very short time I was enabled to bring
the whole band of these shameless plunderers to public justice, which
immediately consigned them to the galleys.
" Each day increased the number of my discoveries. Of the many
who were committed to prison, there were none who did not owe
their arrest to me, and yet not one of them for a moment suspected
my share in the business. I managed so well, that neither within nor
.fithout its walls had the slightest suspicion transpired. The thieves
of my acquaintance looked upon me as their best friend and true com
rade ; the others esteemed themselves happy to have an opportunity
of initiating me in their secrets, whether from the pleasure of con
versing with me, or in the hope of benefiting by my counsels. It
was principally beyond the barriers that I met with these unfortunate
beings. One day that I was crossing the outer Boulev.ards, I w.is
accosted by St. Germain, who was still accompanied by Boudin.
They invited me to dinner ; I accepted the proposition, and over a
bottle of wine they did 'me the honor to propose that I should make
a third in an intended murder.
" The matter in hand was to dispatch two old men who lived
together in the house which Boudin had formerly occupied in the Rue
<l.'h Proi-.vaires. Shuddering at the confidence placed in me by these
villains, I yet blessed the invisible hand Avhich had led them to seek
my aid. At first I affected some scruples at entering into the plot,
but at last feigned to yield to their lively and pressing solicitations,
and it was agreed that we should wait the favorable moment for put
ting into execution this most execrable project. This resolution taken,
I bade farewell to St. Germain and his companion, and (decided upon
preventing the meditated crime) hastened to carry a report of the
affiiir to M. Henry, who sent me, withput loss of time, to obtain more
ample details of the discovery I had just made to him. His intention
was to satisfy himself whether I had been really solicited to take part
in it, or whether, from a mistaken devotion to the cause of justice, I
had endeavored to instigate those unhappy men to an act which would

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 29
render theni amen.able to it. I protested that I had adopted no such
expedient, and as he discovered marks of truth in my manner and
declaration, he expressed himself satisfied. He did not, however,
omit to impress on me the following discourse upon instigating agents,
which penetrated my very heart. Ah, why was it not also heard by
those wretches, who, since the revolution, have made so many victims 1
The renewed era of legitimacy would not then, in some circumstances,
have recalled the bloody days of another epoch. ' Remember well,'
said M. Henry to me, in conclusion, 'remember that the greatest
scourge to society is he who urges another on to the commission of
evil. Where there are no instigators to bad practices, they are com
mitted only by the really hardened ; because they alone are capable
of conceiving and executing them. Weak beings may be drawn
away and excited : to precipitate them into the abyss, it frequently
requires no more than to call to your aid their passions or self-love ;
but he who avails himself of their weakness to procure their destruc
tion, is more than a monster — he is the guilty one, and it is on his
head that the sword of justice should fall. As to those engaged in
the police, they had better remain forever idle, than create matter for
employment.' "Although this lesson was not required in my case, yet I thanked
M. Henry for it, who enjoined me not to lose sight of the two assas
sins, and to use every means in my power to prevent their arriving
at the completion of their diabolical plan. ' The police,' said he,
' is instituted as much to correct and punish malefactors, as to pre
vent their committing crimes ; but on every occasion I would wish it
to be understood, that we hold ourselves under greater obligations to
that person who prevents one crime, than to him who procures the
punishment of many.' *********
"At the words 'secret agent,' a feeling almost approaching to
suffocation stole over me, but I quickly rallied upon perceiving that,
however true the report might be, it had obtained but little faith with
St. Germain, who was evidently waiting for my explanation or denial
of it, without once suspecting its reality. My ever-ready genius
quickly flew to my aid, and without hesitation I replied, that I was
not much surprised at the charge, and for the simple reason that I
myself had been the first to set the rumor afloat. St. Germain stared

30 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
with wonder. ' My good fellow,' said I, ' you are well aware that I
managed to escape from the police while they were transferring me
from La Force to Bicetre. Well ! I went to Paris and stayed there
till I c'ould go elsGwhei-e. One must live, you know, how and where
one can. Unfortunately, I am still compelled to play at hide and
seek, £^d it is only by assuming a variety of disguises that I dare
venture abroad, to look about and just see what my old friends are
doing ; but, in spite of all my precautions, I live in constant dread of
many individuals, whose keen eyes quickly penetrate my assumption
of other names and habits than my own ; and who, having formerly
been upon tei-ms of familiarity with me, pestered me with questions
I had no other means of shaking off, than by insinuating that I was
in the pay of the police ; and thus I obtained the double advantage
of evading, in my character of "spy," both their suspicions and ill-
will, should they feel disposed to exercise it in procuring my arrest.'
" ' Enough — enough,' interrupted St. Germain ; ' I believe you ; and
to convince you of the unbroken confidence I place in you, I will let
you into the secret of our plans for to-night.' "
We add a single adventure -which is illustrative of the shrewdness
and success of the ever-active, fearless, self-reliant, and successful
Vidocq : —
" I was employed to detect the authors of a nocturnal robbery,
committed by climbing and forcible entry into the apartments of the
Prince de Conde, in the Palais Bourbon. Glasses of a vast size had
disappeared, and their abstraction was effected with so much precau
tion, that the sleep of two cerberi, who supplied the place of a watch
man, had not been for a moment disturbed. The frames in which
these glasses had been were not at all injured: and I was at first
tempted to believe that they had been taken out by looking-glass
makers or cabinet-makers ; but in Paris these workmen are so numer
ous, that I could not pitch on any one of them whom I knew, with
any certainty of suspicion. Yet I was resolved to detect the guilty,
and to effect this I commenced my inquiries.
" The keeper of a sculpture-gallery, near the Quineaux of the inva
lids, gave rae first the information by which I was guided. About three
o'clock in the morning, he had seen near his door several glasses in the
care of a young man, who pretended to have been obliged to station

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 31
them there while waiting for the return of hu porters, who bad broken
their hand-barrow. Two hours afterward, the young man, having
found two messengers, had made them carry off the glasses, and had
directed them to the side of the Fountain of the Invalids. According
to the keeper, the person he saw was about twenty-three years of
age, and about five feet and an inch (French measure). He was
clothed in an iron-gray greatcoat, and had a very good countenance.
This information was not immediately useful to me ; but it led me to
find the messenger, who, the day after the robbery, had carried some
glasses of large size to the Rue Saint-Dominique, and left them at the
little Hotel de Caraman. These were, in all probability, the glasses
stolen, and if they were, who could say that they had not changed
domicile and owner ? I had the person who had received them pointed
out to rae, and determined on introducing myself to her ; and that
my presence might not inspire her with fear, it was in the guise of a
cook that I introduced myself to her notice. The light jacket and
cotton nightcap are the ensigns of the profession ; I clothed myself
in such attire, and, fully entering into the spirit of my character, went
to the little Hotel de Caraman, where I ascended to the first floor.
The door was closed ; I knocked, and it was opened to me by a very
good-looking young fellow, who asked me what I wanted. I gave
him an address, and told him that having learnt that he was in want
of a cook, I had taken the liberty of offering my services to him.
" ' My dear fellow, you are under a mistake,' he replied, ' the ad
dress you have given me is not mine, but as there are two Rues
Saint-Dominique, it is most probably to the other that you should go.'
"All Ganymedes had not been carried off to Olyrapus, and the
handsome youth who spoke to me had manners, gestures, and language,
-Which, united to his appearance, convinced me in an instant with
whom my business lay. I instantly assumed the tone of an initiate in
the mysteries of the ultjra philanthropists, and after some signs which
he perfectly understood, I told him how very sorry I was that he did
not want me.
" ' Ah, sir,' I said to him, ' I would rather remain with you, even
if you only gave me half what I should get elsewhere ; if you only
knew how miserable I am ; I have been six months out of place, and

32 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
I do not get a dinner every day. Would you believe that thirty-six
hours h.ave elapsed and I h.ave not taken any thing ?'
"'You pain me, ray good fellow; what, are you still fasting?
Come, come, you shall dine here.'
"I had really an appetite capable of giving the lie I had just ut
tered all the semblance of truth ; a two-pound loaf, half a fowl, cheese,
and a bottle of wine which he had procured, did not make long
sojourn on the table. Once filled, I began again to talk of my unfor
tunate condition.
" 'See, sir,' said I, 'if it be possible to be in a more pitiable situa
tion. I know four trades, and out of the whole four can not get em
ploy in one — tailor, hatter, cook ; I know a little of all, and yet can not
get on. My first start was as a looking-glass setter.'
" ' A looking-glass setter ! ' said he, .abruptly ; and without giv
ing him time to reflect on the imprudence of such an exclamation, I
went on.
" ' Yes, a looking-glass setter, and I know that trade the best of the
four ; but business is so dead that there is really nothing now stirring
in it.' " ' Here, my friend,' said the young man, presenting to me a small
glass ; ' this is brandy, it will do you good ; you know not how much
you interest me. I can give you work for several days.'
" ' Ah ! sir, you are too good, you restore me to life ; how, if you
please, do you intend to employ me ?'
" 'As a looking-glass framer.'
" 'If you have glasses to fit, pier. Psyche, light-ofday, joy-of-Nar-
cissus, or any others, you have only to intrust me with them, and I
will give you a cast of my craft.'
" ' I have glasses of great beauty ; they were at my country-house,
whence I sent for them, lest the gentlemen Cossacks should take a
fancy to break them.'
" ' You were quite right ; but may I see them ?'
" ' Yes, my friend.'
" He took me into a room, and at the first glance I recognized the
glasses of the Palais Bourbon. I was ecstatic in their praise, their
size, <fcc. ; and after having examined them with the minute attention

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 33
of a man who understands what he is about, 1 praised the skill of the
workman who untVamed them, without injury to the silvering.
'"The workman, my friend,' said he ; 'the workman was myself;
I would not allow any other person to touch them, not even to load
them in the carriage.'
" ' Ah I sir, I am very sorry to give you the lie, but what you tell
me is impossible; a man must have been a workman to undertake
such work, and even the best of the craft might not have succeeded.'
" In spite of my observation, he persisted in asserting that he had
no help, and as it would not have ansvvered my purpose to have con
tradicted hira, I dropped the subject.
" A lie was an accusation at which he might have been angry, but
no did not speak with less amenity, and after having given me his
mstructions, desired me to come early next day, and begin my -work
as early as possible.
" ' Do not forget to bring your diamond, as I wish you to remove
those arches, which are no longer fashionable.'
" He had no more to say to me, and I had no more to learn. I left
him, and went to join my two agents, to whom I gave the description
of the person, and desired them to follow him if he should go out. A
warrant was necessary to effect his apprehension, which I procured ;
and soon afterward, having changed my dress, I returneil, with the
commissary of police and my agents, to the house of the amateur of
glasses, who did not expect me so soon. He did not know me at first,
and it was only at the termination of our search, that, examining me
more closely, he said to me : —
" ' I think I recognize you ; are you not a cook ?'
" ' Yes, sir,' I replied ; ' I am cook, tailor, hatter, looking-glass
setter, and, moreover, a spy, at your service.'
" My coolness so much disconcerted him, that he could not utter
another word. '
"This gentleman was named Alexander Paruitte. Besides the two
glasses, aud two chimeras in gilt bronze, which he had stolen from
the Palais Bourbon, many other articles were found in his apartments,
the produce of various robberies. The inspectors who had accompa
nied me in this expedition undertook to conduct Paruitte to the depot
but, on the way, were careless enough to allow him to escape, nor
3

34 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
was it until ten days afterward that I contrived to get sight of him,
at the gate of the embassador of his highness, the Sultan Mahmoud,
and I apprehended him at the moment he got into the carriage of a
Turk, who apparently had sold his odalisques.
" I am still at a loss to explain how, in spite of obstacles whicli
the most expert robbers judged insurmountable, Paruitte effected the
robbery which twice compelled me to see him. He was steadfast
in his assertion of having no companions; for on his trial, when
sentenced to irons .and imprisonment, no indication, not even the
slightest, could be elicited, encouraging the idea that he had any
participators." The annals of this Bureau, we think, will establish the three fol
lowing propositions :
I. The Detective Bureau, although contrary to the spirit of our
republican institutions in time of peace, is indispensable in time of war.
II. Some of the most important army movements and battles have
been made and fought entirely upon information obtained through
this Bureau.
III. There is nothing in the Secret Service that demands a viola
tion of honor, or a sacrifice of principle, beyond the ordinary rules of
warfare. Reference will be made to these statements in connection with
the striking and illustrative facts -which will be recorded in the
progress of the narrative.
There is an important distinction to be made between the service
of a scout and that of a detective. The principal qualifications in the
scout are courage and daring. He is to ride boldly into the enemy's
lines, generally during action, or while the army is in motion, to
ascertain the locality and movements of the hostile forces.
The detective must possess ability, shrewdness, great self-reliance
and self-control, discretion, courage, and integrity. He will have
complicated and important measures to carry forward, requiring no
ordinary amount of mental power, and plans and plots to unravel
which demand keen discernment and a profound knowledge of men;
critical moments, when vacillation, or even hesitation, would be fatal;
secrets, which without a complete mastery over feeling and all its
fomis of expression, -will be revealed; delicate questions of procedure

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 35
and duty, to decide which the nicest prudence will be necessary ;
dangers to meet, requiring a fearless spirit nothing can alarm or in
timidate ; and, to crown all, as the servant of the Government in
matters of the gravest responsibility, he must have reliability of
character to win and hold the unclouded confidence of its officers
in his revelations, on which the most momentous operations may
depend. A moment's reflection will convince any mind of the correctness
of this estimate of qualifications, among which the last-mentioned
has not been generally understood and appreciated. But the fidelity
to his trust of the Chief of the Detective Police must be such as to
command no ordinary faith in information which may decide the
victory or defeat of an army. Not only so, but he must be inap
proachable by bribery. Striking illustrations of this will be given in
the record of official services. Another interesting fact will appear;
General Baker's impartial justice to the colored race, in contrast
with the animus of slavery, whose most cruel wrongs he was com
pelled to meet, and endeavored to remedy.
The detective police has ever been an indispensable institution m
the old monarchies of other lands. The throne is apart from the
people, and under its shadow watchful eyes must guard the sover
eign's life and law, by observing and reporting the first symptom of
discontent, or intimations of a treasonable plot.
In a republic the people govern, and in the nature of things an
official espionage in the time of peace over their conduct, by some of
their own number, is contrary to the genius of the institutions they
create and control. But when war, especially its most fearful form,
a civil conflict, exists, the unnatural condition of things calls for tbe
detective service, to watch and bring to justice the enemies of the
State, who are plotting its ruin.
.There are reasons why such needful and valuable service has fallen
into dishonor, many regarding it as small and doubtful business in its
nature, thoroughly illustrated by the common adage, "It takes a
rogue to catch a rogue." In despotic countries, shrewd and unprin
cipled men have been largely employed to betray their companions in
guilt, nnd, guided by their experiences in vice, to put the police and
other officers of justice on the track of criminals.

36 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTEi:.
In this country, the Detective Bureau was entirely new; and
there was, for a time, mismanagement of its work in certain quarters
Department commanders, district and post provost-marshals, and
post quartermasters, permitted by military law and array regulations
to do so, have, in the contingencies of the case, employed detectives.
Most of these persons had only a limited knowledge of the detective
service. As an inevitable result, the most ignorant, unscrupulous,
and worthless characters were sometimes employed by them.
The fact is, the detective business for the war was commenced
with no head, system, or regulations, excepting such as were made by
those having no knowledge of the peculiar and difficult business.
Had Congress passed a law at the outset of the Rebellion, author
izing the organization of a detective police, with a head responsible
only to the War or some other Department, no complaints would
ever have been heard against a detective police system.
From the nature of the detective's professional work, he m\.ot
pre-eminently awaken prejudice at every step, and make bitter ene
mies, not only among those hostile to the cause with which his special
service is connected, but also among its friends.
He must interfere with plans of speculation, and cut off extra
rations, which unlawful appropriations niiglit secure. Then, again,
''iiis business forbids him to give his authority for certain acts, or
assign any reason for his procedure. Hence the clamor was often
raised, of rash and lawless abuse of power, when all the time he was
acting under the direct orders of Government. These statements
will have abundant confirmation in the pages of this history.
And we doubt whether any other officer, not excepting the
Lieutenant-General, has more patiently borne misrepresentation and
abuse in silence, for the sake of the common cause of the country,
than General Baker.
With sublime moral courage, for nearly five years he toiled on,
with the crushing weight of public opinion, and prejudice, and peril
of death constantly before him, sustained by exalted patriotism,
and a laudable desire to excel in his peculiar service or line of duty.
While the public press was filled with eulogies upon daring and valor
of officers in the field, the Chief of the Detective Bureau, whose
deeds are no less heroic, and the importance of whose achievements

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 37
cannot oe over-estimated, if noticiiJ at all by the press, is referred to
in a doubtful or contemptuous manner. And even when the chief
and liis subordinates frequented the presidential mansion, after the
execution of the assassins of Mr. Lincohi, because telegrams Mere
received from leading army officers, giving information of a design
by friends of the murderers to avenge their death, the object .and
motives of the protection were unappreciated and, by a member of
the cabinet, denounced. The facts will appear in the progress of
these annals.
He was not permitted to disclose his authority for the summary
work he was required to do. The propriety for such a course by the
War Department we do not question, for we know not the reasons
back of it — they are not given. The fact, however, presents clearly
the offensive position in which he was placed by the difficult and
perilous office he held, even while he desired to be transferred to a
more pleasant service. He was thus the target of unjust suspicion
and bitterest hate, when the true object of the popular and personal
displeasure was in reality the Government he was faithfully obeying.
We give here a single forcible illustration of the truth of these
statements, and of Gener.al Baker's uncomplaining endurance of un
deserved persecution.
During 1862, an order was issued to arrest a certain prominent
Pennsylvanian, on the char.^e of selling a large quantity of bandages
and lint donated by ladies benevolent societies in Philadelphia for the
benefit of the Union soldiers.
General Baker knew nothing about the case, having no acqu.iint-
ance even with the individual, nor the charges brought against
him. It was his official work only to arrest and confine him in the Old
Capitol prison. This duty he performed. Within an hour, a whole
delegation of friends called at General Baker's headquarters, and, in
an excited and boisterous manner, demanded the prisoner's release.
He was offered a large amount for bail. To all this outcry and ap
peal, he calmly replied, that he knew nothing of the charges ; was
simply executing orders. The same evening, an indignation meeting
was held, presided over by Judge B  , a prominent Union man of
Pennsylvania. Resolutions were passed, openly denouncing General

38 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
Baker as an arbitr.arv, vindictive man, and appointing a committee
to wait on the President and Secretary of War, asking for his dis
missal from service. In this instance, which is one among many of a
similar character, he was not permitted to show the order of arrest
to any citizei . A reporter was never allowed to enter his head
quarters, nor any communication allowed to be had by his bureau
with the pubhc press. Yet there are not wanting cheering tokens
of confidence and esteem. The citizens of Philadelphia presented
him with a badge of solid gold, neaily three inches square, sur
mounted by an eagle carved from the coin, and bearing on a scroll
the words "Death to Tr.aitors;" and on the back, "Presented to
L. C. Baker, by his friends." Its value was not less than two hundred
dollars. The officers of the First District Cavalry, raised by General Baker,
presented to him an elegant saber, with sash of China silk, valued at
about the same amount.
He was also the recipient, from officers, of the most elaborately
finished saddle and trappings probably in the country. Its value
was six hundred and fifty dollars. These and other mementoes of
regard confirm the statement, made by prominent officers, that his
siiliiordinates in the Bureau, numbering in all about four hundred,
were ready to fight for him.
We have received, among other volunteer testimony to his official
sagacity and achievements, the following — the first from a chaplain
in " Baker's Cavalry," the other from another army chaplain : —
"General Baker, I think, acquitted himself with marvelous tact,
energy, and success. He was the terror of all rogues, whether with
clean faces or dirty, in broadcloth or rags, with a general's star or a
corporal's stripe. I think that, during the most critical period of the
war, he was (next to Secretary Stanton) the most important officer of
the Government." Washington, D. C, Junt 18, 1866.
" In regard to Gen. L. C. Baker, Chief Detective of the War Depart
ment, during the late rebellion, I feel it a duty to say : Fint. It i3
scarcely possible to estimate the good he has accomplished iu strength
ening the armies afield. Second. In weeding out the mischievous and
the worthless. Third. In making copperheads, scoundrels, and traitors

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 39
feel the secret war power at home. I believe him to have done more
during the late war to save the country than any other single power.
His name carried with it a dread that made evil-doers tremble. He
was always .at his post when wanted (a rare trait), and raost efficient
when active. Booth knew that Baker was in New York, or he would
have delayed the tragedy of the 14th of April, 1865 ! And when he
knew that Baker was on his trail, his heart fainted in him, and lost
all hope !
" And now about certain facts Baker may state with respect to raen
high in official relation with the Governraent or otherwise : The half
he will not tell. I know of many things he will not state which I
would. I have no mercy on men who will corrupt and contaminate all
with whom they come in official contact ; and men who, in time of
peace, after treason has been put down, again secretly plot the over
throw of a Government at once the best and noblest that the sun of
the Eternal ever shone upon.
"I hope to see truth come, let it cut where it may, as I believe the
country to be still in danger ; and unless some master hand will seize
the knife and lay open the festering woimd, the disease of the Repub
lic will never heal! " I am, very respectfully."
It may interest the curious reader to give some illustrative inci
dents in regard to trivial circumstances which lead to detection, and
which would, escape the notice of men unaccustomed to the close
observation indispensable to success in the secret service.
The clue to a deserter's character was found in his bronzed face,
while his dress and positive declarations indicated the life of a quiet
citizen. In another case, the falsehood was exposed by the spur-mark
in the boot. A soldier in disguise, and asserting his innocence of
battle-service, was detected through an examination of his hand, on the
palm of which was a callous spot where the gun-lock had pressed in
the march.
The red line on Government stockings and the peculiar style of the
shirts have revealed the fact denied by the lips and all the rest of the
apparel. A deserter from the Twelfth New York Battery so well concealed
his " soldiering " that nothing about his person confirmed my suspicions

40 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
At last General Baker resorted to strategy. He watched for an
opportunity when he was lazily dozing in his office, and suddenly and
loudly shouted : " Fall in, men !" He started up, looked around, and
began to prepare for tho march. It was plainly useless to deny any
longer that he had been in the ranks.
At another time, General Baker was searching for a female spy,
and had his attention drawn to rather a delicate-looking young m.-in,
whom he followed, with some companions, into a saloon. When they
stood before the bar, drinking and talking, he noticed that this youth
threw up the fingers often to brush aside the hair. The form was
shaped like a woman's, and in a sitting posture the hands were crossed
just as women are in the habit of placing them.
He called the astonished stranger aside, and desired a private inter
view, in which he said the game of deception was finished — that he
knew both the sex and business in hand. She burst into tears, and
confessed all.
Not unfrequently the simplest disguises Avere entirely successful.
The slouched hat drawn down over the forehead ; the garb of
"butternut," or of an honest farmer; the dress and manner of an
itinerant Jew ; the face and gait of an inebriate, — each served the
purpose of an introduction to the desired company and scenes.
We might multiply illustrations, and make an inventory of dis
guises in apparel and modes of dressing the hair and face to which the
detective is compelled to resort. But, excepting the narratives which
will make further revelations of the kind, these will be sufficient to
indicate the varied language of raoral and professional character and
pursuits to a practiced eye.
Mention has already been made of the fact that the detective
police of the Government were brought into disrepute, and some
reasons assigned for it. His bureau was known as the only regularly
organized national police, although, as stated before, there wore
employed, at the headquarters of every department commander,
provost-marshal, and quartermaster, a large number of persons repre
senting themselves as Government detectives. These men had been
selected, in many instances, from the most worthless and disreputable
characters, and whenever they were found to be receiving bribes, or
committing other offenses, they were always denominated "Baker's

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 41
detectives." The reporters of the press invariably did this. Hence
he was held responsible to the public for the acts of these scoundrels,
when in fact he knew nothing of their operations, except as he might
have occasion, frora tirae to time, to arrest thera himself. The provost-
marshal of the District of Columbia, appointed under the Enrollment
Act, for the recruiting service, had employed at one time a large num
ber of these detectives. Scarcely a day passed but complaints were
made at his headquarters respecting these men. There was in tho vicin
ity of Washington a large military force; and a bounty had been offer
ed for the apprehension of deserters. The enrolling provost-marshal at
Washington had detailed a number of his detectives and placed them
on duty at the Baltimore depot in Washington, for the purpose of
apprehending them. A deserter, in citizen's clothes, would repair
to the depot, and attempt to enter the cars ; these officers would
arrest him, and for a small bribe allow him to go at large. This was
practiced for many months. Colonel Baker called the attention of the
Secretary of War to the fact, but there seemed to be no remedy.
Finally, he determined to ascertain who these detectives were. Assu
ming the garb and dress of a loafer and deserter, he one evening
repaired to the depot. He wa.s so completely disguised that his own
men did not recognize hira. On attempting to pass the gate and enter
the cars, he was stopped by an individual who said, "Let me see your
ticket." He showed him his railroad ticket, when he charged him
-with being a deserter. He replied that he was not ; that he was a
citizen, and did not want to be detained. One or two other detectives
approached, and all insisted that he should be arrested. Accordingly,
he was taken into a small room, with one or two others, who had also
been arrested and searched. They took from him his passage ticket,
a valuable gold watch, and some seventy-five dollars in treasury notes,
which he had marked for the occasion. He was then placed in charge
of a detective, to be taken to the provost-marshal's headquarters.
Instead of taking Colonel Baker directly there, the detective took
him to a low drinking-saloon on Seventh Street, near the avenue,
called the " McClellan House," which was the general rendezvous of
these detectives and deserters. He was here asked to take a drink, but
he declined, pretending to feel very badly about his arrest. He was
then taken into a back room, and in the presence of detectives No. 1

42 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
and 2, his watch and money were divided between the two detectives.
He was here told that he could go at large, provided he would leave
his watch and money. He complained bitterly of this treatment, and
threatened to report the facts to Colonel Baker, when they laughed,
and remarked that they were not Colonel Baker's detectives, but the
detectives of the provost-marshal. He consented to give them the
money, but declined to give up his watch, as it was a very valuable
one. This refusal induced detective No. 2 to take hira to the provost-
marshal's headquarters. On the way there, he had a conversation
-with the detective, who told him it was very foolish for him to go to
headquarters ; if he went there, he would be locked up for several
days, and finally sent back to his regiment, tried, and pei-haps shot as
a deserter. He persisted, however, in declining to deliver up the
watch. On arriving at headquarters. Baker was ushered into a room,
where, seated at a table, he saw the provost-marshal, with whom he was
well acquainted, and his clerks, none of whom recognized him. The
detective remarked to the provost-raarshal, " Here is a deserter,
captain, that we have taken at the depot. He won't teU what
regiraent he belongs to, but if we lock him up a few days, and put
him under the shower-bath, he will probably tell all about it." The
provost-marshal said to him, " What regiment do you belong to ?"
He said, " Sir, I am not a deserter, but a citizen." He remarked,
" Oh, that's played out. We know you ; we have been looking for
you for some time." Some other conversation occurred, and the pro
vost-marshal directed that Baker should be locked up. He took off
his old slouched hat, and, standing at the end of the table, said to the
provost-marshal, " I am Colonel Baker. I have assumed this disguise
' for the purpose of detecting your detectives, and ascertaining the
modus operandi by which deserters are allowed to escape." The
aspect of a proud superiority gave place to that of consternation. The
detective attempted to leave tho room, when Colonel Baker imme
diately arrested him, took him to his headquarters, searched him, and
found a portion of the money he had marked, in his pocket.
It was a standing complaint against the Detective Police Bureau,
that the force was liable to be corrupted. In no other branch of
public service were the opportunities so great for manipulation and
bribery as in the police department. It is a well-known fact that

GENERAL BAKER AND THE SECRET SERVICE. 43
nearly every individual arrested, who represented or personated an
officer of the Government, was alleged to be one of Colonel Baker's
men. At Barnum's Museum, in 1865, a man was arrested who
had a forged appointment from him. At Elmira, New York, an
other was arrested with a similar paper, endorsed by the Secre
tary of War. These, and hundreds of other instances of a similar
character, were heralded through the country as a sufficient reason
why the Detective Bureau should be abolished. In New York, two
individuals by the names of McNeil and Garvin had for a long
time represented themselves as attached to his force. They visited
saloons and gambling-houses, threatening to close them up unless
certain sums of money were paid. Their operations were principally
confined to the arrest of deserters, who were endeavoring to keep out
of the way of arrest. In the month of February, these individuals
arrested one John H. Harris, who was an omnibus-driver in the city
of New York, and demanded from him the sum of one hundred
dollars, in consideration of which they would allow him to go at
large. The fact was reported to Colonel Baker, and he immediately
detailed officers to search for these bogus detectives.
Harris not having the money with him, but having a friend in
Maiden Lane, by the name of Depew, he asked McNeil and Garvin to
come to his friend's store the following morning and he would give
them the one hundred dollars. In the meam time Baker directed a
detective to conceal himself in the store. At the appointed time the
detectives arrived, received the one hundred dollars, and were imme
diately arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to the penitentiary.
Report in cases of John McNeil and Charles Garvin.
John H. Harris, of No. 156 West Thirty-fifth Street, between
Sixth and Seventh Avenues, stage-driver, states : —
He has been arrested twice before this, on charge of being a
deserter ; both times discharged, and no proof against him.
On Febraary 17, 1865, McNeil and Garvin got into his stage,
rode with him to the end of his route, where they arrested him on
charge of being a deserter ; told him they were Government officers,
and proposed to compromise the matter with him. He took them to

44 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
his house, and arranged to pay them one hundred dollars if they
would meet him the next day at the office of a Mr. Depew. They
declined ; then went together to Depevv's hotel, represented them
selves to Depew as Govemment officers, and authorized to make
arrests ; agreed to let off Harris if Depew would become responsible
for the payment of one hundred dollars next day. Depew agreed to
do so ; parties arranged to meet at Depew's office, No. 53 Cedar
Street. Depew then gave information to Colonel Baker, who sent
one officer to the place of meeting. The parties met ; McNeil pro
fessing to have a descriptive list for Harris, which he said he would
tear up on receipt of the one hundred dollars. The one hundred
dollars were paid by Depew to McNeil and Garvin, when the officer
appeared and took them into custody.
The money and certain papers are transmitted to you with this
statement. The money will be needed in proof, after which I think
it should be returned to Depew.
J. H. Haehis.
It may be said, that the deception and misstatements resorted to,
and inseparable from the detective service, are demoralizing, and prove
unsoundness of character in its officers. But it must be borne in mind
that, in war, no commander fails to deceive the enemy when possible,
to secure the least advantage. Spies, scouts, intercepted correspon
dence, feints in army movements, misrepresentations of military
strength and position, are regarded as honorable means of securing
victory over the foe. The work of the detective is simply deception
reduced to a science or profession ; and whatever objection, on ethical
grounds, may lie against the secret service, lies with equal force against
the strategy and tactics of Washington, Scott, Grant, and the host of
their illustrious associates in the wars of the world. War is a last
and terrible resort in the defense of even a righteous cause, and sets
at defiance all the ordinary laws and customs of society, overriding
the rights of property and the sanctity of the Sabbath. And not
until the nations learn war no more, will the work of deception and
waste of morals, men, aud treasures, cease.

CHAPTER I.
ORIGIN OP THE BUREAU OP DETECTIVE SERVICE.
The first Visit to Washiiip-ton — Intervie-w -with General Hiram Walbridge, and Hon.
W. D. Kelley — Introduction to General Winfield Scott — Return to Ne-n- York
— A.J pointed by General Scott to rene-w ihe Attempt to visit Richmond — Tlie flrst
Failure — Crossing the Lines — The Arrest — Examinations — Sent to General
Beauregard — On to Richmond.
In" April, 1861, I went to Washington, to learn, if possi-
We, in what capacity I could serve the loyal cause. At
Willard's Hotel, I met its able and fearless champion,
General Hiram Walbridge, of ISTew York, and the Hon.
William D. Kelley, of Philadelphia. W.e conversed freely
upon the condition of the country, and the necessity of more
reliable information respecting the strength and movements
of thejinemy. General Walbridge then said to me, "Baker, you are
the man of all others to go into this secret service ; you
have the ability and courage." General W., with the
Hon. Mr. Kelley, strongly urged an interview with Gen
eral Scott, Avho was in command of the Array of the
United States ; accompanied by him and the Hon. George
W. Wright, of California, I went to his rooms. My father
having fought under Gen. Scott in the last war with England,
I was introduced as the son of "an old friend, with dis
cretion, abiUty, and courage to do what was necessary."
After a little general conversation, the venerable com
mander requested those present to leave the room, when he
talked freely of my experiences as a detective, and the
services required to ascertain the strength and plans of the
enemy, requesting an interview the following day.
At the hour appointed, -with a deliberate purpose to accept
a,ny service for the country he might desire, I was again
closeted with the Lieut. -General. After stating that he had

46 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE,
thus far found it impossible to obtain definite information re
specting the rebel forces at Manassas, that of the five men who
had been sent to Ricliraond two were known to be killed,
and the other three were probably taken prisoners, with
patriarchal and patriotic interest, he said to me: "Young.
man, if you have judgment and discretion, you can be of
great service to the country."
I then told him that I could not immediately engage in the
service, but must at once return to New York, to arrange un
settled affairs ; and left him with the understanding that I
should report to him as soon as circumstances would permit.
The latter part of June, I was again in Washington, and
had repeated interviews with the General. The result was,
a definite arrangement for a journey toward Richmond, if
not irdo the rebel capital. Directions in detail Avere given
me respecting the difflcult service I was expected to perform.
Taking from his vest pocket ten double eagles of coin.
General Scott handed them to me, expressing the warmest
hopes of my success in the excursion to "Dixie."
July 11, 1861, I started for Richmond. Along the route
of my travel toward the Confederate Capital, and while
there, I was to learn, if possible, the localit}' and strength of
the hostile troops, especially of the dreaded Black-horse
cavalry, and also of their fortifications ; leaving no oppor
tunity to gather items of information concerning the move
ments and plans of the enemy which might be of any service
to the Government.
To one unacquainted with the nature of the service, it
may seem strange that oitr troops should not know my char
acter and design. But such concealment is not only always
practiced in the Secret service, but was pre-eminently needful
for us at that time, when we knew not whom to trust, because
traitors were in the Government and in the army. To let the
Union ti-oops into the secret, would be to send it to Rich
mond before I had reached INIanassas. Guarding the frontier
of the Confederacy, the rebel army lay before Washington,
stretching from a point three miles below Alexandria, toward
the Potomac, eight miles above the capital. At Alexandria,
then recently stained Avith the martyr blood of Ellsworth,
Gen. Heintzelman Avas Provost-marshal. No passes Avere

INTERVIEW WITH HEINTZELMAN. 47
recognized by either the Union or rebel army, and 1 must
necessarily run the risk equally, in the attempt to pass their
lines, of being arrested as a spy. The surreptitious move
ments Avould begin, therefore, with the first step from Wash
ington toward the " sacred soil of Virginia."
I Avent to a daguerrean establishment, and purchased for
four dollars an old box which had once contained photo
graphic apparatus, slung it3firos&m.y-back,. after the fashion
of an itinerant artist, and started for Alexandria. Four miles
out of the city I came to the Second Maine Regiment, and
proceeded at once to the headquarters of the colonel. He
received me politely, and-Aviahed^ me to take a vieAV of Jhe
camp, including his tent and the principal ofiicers standing
in the foreground. War scenes-W-ere.new to the people, and
the desire was natural enough, to gratify friends at home
Avith pictures of the martial field. After a good dinner, I
took my box, and told the caloneLL would go-to a neighbor
ing hill and take views of the encampment, then return to
photograph the headquarters. I Avas soon in the woods with
my hollow box, eluding guards, and pushing forAvard through
the tangled undergrowth, toAvard the heart of rebeldom.
When across the Federal lines as I supposed, I was startled
¦with the shout, " Who goes there ?" I looked up, to see a
sentinel, Avith lifted gun, standing upon a knoll just before me.
I had no alternative but to surrender, and march Avith
him to the colonel's quarters. This officer Avas sure he had
caught a spy, and, escorted by ten men, I was sent back along
the railroad, the same way I came, to General Heintzelman' s
headquarters. The lieutenant in charge presented me to the
commanding ofiicer, with the folloAving flattering and promis
ing introduction: "Here is a spy, general, that we found
lurking about our camp, trying to get through the lines."
" Oh ! you villain you, you," said Heintzelman, Avith hib
usual nasal twang and an oath, " trying to get through my
lines, are you? I've a good notion to cut your head oft"!
But ril fix you, you rascal ; I'll send you to General Scott."
Another guard, Avith a message from the brave general, who
was evidently gratified Avith the successful vigilance of his
men, Avas ordered for me, and I Avas hurried aAvay to Wash-
ingtnn. The escort was dismissed by General Scott, and my

48 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
story told. With an expression that indicated both amuse
ment at the r«.9f>, and its failure, and confidence in me, the
old veteran said : " Well, try again !"
The uprising North Avas noAV sending her legions to the
field of civil conflict, and in an almost unbroken line they
were marching over Long Bridge into Virginia. That night,
I took a position at the end of the bridge, and, Avhen a regi
ment came doAvn broken into considerable disorder, I stepped
into the ranks, hoping to be borne along Avitli the troops.
Unfortunately, a lieutenant saw the movement, and, taking
me by the collar, put me under guard, and sent me back to
the rear. Another night Avas spent in Washington, but not
wholly in sleep. My mind was busy Avith new plans for a
successful visit to the Confederate capital.
With the daAvn of the next morning I renewed my jour
ney afoot through the loAver counties of Maryland, toAvard
Port Tobacco, traveling thirty -five miles that day, and reach
ing that toAvn at night. Exhaustion prepared me for sound
and refreshing sleep. In the morning I gave a negro a tAventy-
dollar gold piece to roAV me across the river, Avhen I Avas
safely in the Confederacy, below Dumfries. The country
Avas wooded, and an unfrequented road, Avhose general direc
tion was toAvard Richmond, suggested the line of my ad
vance into the Old Dominion. I pursued my solitary journey
through the desolate country, slaking thirst, excited by the
heat of the Southern sun, at brooks which at intervals crossed
my path. I could necessarily have no settled plan of future
movements, but trusted to providential indications of what,
under the circumstances, it would be prudent and politic to
do. With that entire composure of feeling and self-reliance
Avhich attend a purpose, however daring, when once the
die is cast, to reach its final issue, I cast my eye over the
sparsely-settled country, Avith its old roads crossed with
paths, and studded with oaks, particularly careful to observe
the least sign of a human form within its horizon. Four miles
of distance lay between me aud the banks of the Potomac,
when two Confederate soldiers made their appearance, too
near me to make an escape possible. I was taken prisoner
under au order to arrest as a spy any stranger passing that
way, and marched off toward camp, eight miles distant. A

SECOND ATTEMPT TO CROSS THE LINES. 49
beer shop by the roadside tempted the guard, and we all
entered it. I Avas invited to drink. I saAv my opportunity,
and, although I never indulge in stinuilants, accepted the
offer of a glass of ale, and in return treated nij' captors. The
generous indulgence Avas repeated, until my escort were
stupidly under the influence of the potations, and fell asleep
on the stoop of the beer-house, leaving me to go unmolested
on my Avay.
I Avent up the road toward Manassas Junction, congrat
ulating myself on my easy escape, Avhen four rebel caA^alry-
men suddenly came out of the brush and ordered me to halt ;
then drawing their sabers, commanded me to surrender. I
replied to them : "I am a peaceful citizen, unarmed, and on
my way to Richmond." One dismounted, proceeded to
search me, and succeeded in finding a number of letters
introducing me to prominent rebels in Richmond. Among
thera were two written by the Rev. Mr. Shuck, for many
years a missionary in China. He returned to California,
Avhere I had formed his acquaintance, and came to the Atlan
tic States in the same steamer with myself. He Avas at this
time chaplain of a rebel regiment near Richmond. After
obtaining possession of all my letters, the boastful chivalry
Qould not read them. They requested me to be seated, Avhile
they heard from me the contents of the epistles.
Taking advantage of their ignorance, I read such portions
as I chose. They at once directed me to proceed undei
guard to Brentsville, distant about ten miles — they riding,
and keeping me on foot between thera, and constantly con
versing in a low tone of voice respecting the importance of
the arrest. Arriving at Brentsville at ten o'clock, p. m., I
was taken to the headquarters of General Bonham, of South
Carolina, commanding at that point, ushered into the large
tent occupied by General Bonham and staff officers, and
ordered to talve a seat. In a fcAV minutes, General Bonham,
in splendid uniform, took a seat beside me, and commenced
conversation, by asking the direct question, "Where did
you come from, and where are you going?" I replied: "1
came from Washington, and am on my way to Richmond."
Apparently unconscious of the deference due to tlie com
manding ofBcer, I sat with mv hat on. Observing it. he

50 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
said, "Take off your hat, sir." With the order, I at once
complied. The letters were then handed to General Bonham by one
of the captors.
After reading, he said, "Hoav dare you come inside of
my lines ?"
Exhibiting proper surprise and indignation, I replied, "I
am a loyal and peaceful citizen of the United States, engaged
in an honorable and legitimate pursuit. I have business in
Richmond, and desire to go there."
He replied, "Well, I will see that you do go there. I
believe you are a Yankee spy, and I'll send you to General
Beauregard at once." He gave the necessary order to detail
a guard, and, handing a sealed letter to a lieutenant standing
by, said, " Put this man in irons, and with this letter take
hira to General Beauregard's headquarters." Accordingly
I left Brentsville at twelve o' clock at night, protesting, how
ever, against being compelled to go on foot. He said, "As
you have chosen that mode of conveyance, sir, you ought
not now to find fault. Take hira away."
We arrived at Manassas Junction about daylight, and
went to General Beauregard's headquarters — the Weire
House. Corapletely exhausted by the walk, and the excite
ment attending the arrest, I laid down in front of the house
and went to sleep. At nine o'clock a. m., I was awakened
by the warm, bright rays of the sun, shining in my face,
and found rayself in charge of the guard attached to the
headquarters. I called for food, and was informed that
General Beauregard desired to see me. I was taken into his
presence, with Avhom were tAVO or three staff officers. Point
ing to an open letter (General Bonham' s, I supposed), he
said: "Frora this letter I see you have been found within
our lines. What explanation have you to make ?"
I replied, "I am from Washington, and going to Rich
mond, on private business. I have -not intended to violate
any law, regulation, or military rule, of the Confederate
army." "When did you leave Washington?"
"Day before yesterdaj-," I replied.
" Where did you cross the river ?"

AT BEAUREGARD'S HEADQUARTERS. 61
" In the vicinity of Port Tobacco."
"Hoav did you get across ?"
"In a boat."
"Who brought you across ?"
"A negro."
" So you are going to Richmond, are you ?"
" Yes, if I can get there ; but am willing to return if you
will permit me to do so."
' ' No ; I prefer that you should go to Richmond. Wliere
do you reside?"
"I have lived in California the last ten years ; but for
merly lived in the South."
" What part of the South ?"
"Knox ville, Tennessee."
"Hoav long since you were in Knoxville?"
"Ten or twelve years."
" What is your narae ?"
" Samuel Munson."
"Yes, I see from your letters that that is your name;
but Avhat was your name before you turned spy?"
"I am no spy."
" I believe you are ; and, if I was satisfied of it, I would
hang you on that tree,' ' pointing through an open window
to an oak-tree in full vieAV. " Orderly," he added, " take
this man out and put him in the guard-house."
"I am very hungry ; can you give me breakfast ?"
" You Avill find breakfast in the guard- house."
I was taken by the guard to a stockade- or pen, inside of
Avhich was a log-house. Following the officer in command,
I said :
" Sir, I am very hungry — can you give me something to
eat?" — taking from my pocket a gold eagle. At sight of
the coin, he said —
"What will you have?"
" Send out and get me the worth of that, or the best
breakfast you can get."
He soon returned with a good warm breakfast and a bot
tle of sour wine. The Avine I gave to the guard, and ate the
breakfast. Having put myself on good terms with the officer in

f)2 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
command of the guard-house, he asked me Avhat I was
there for.
I replied I did not knoAV — but, if not in violation of his
orders, would like to go outside in charge of a guard.
Whether it Avonld be so or not, the sight of a tAventy-dollai
gold piece relieved his mind of any doubt on the subject.
Handing it to him, he called a soldier and said :
" Take this man out, and Avalk hira around awhile."
I went to the hotel, treated my escort, and then Avent Avith
him to take a general survey of all the troops in the immedi
ate vicinity of Manassas Junction. One of my instructions
from General Scott, and not least in importance, was tp ascer
tain the numbers of the famous, and by the Union army
much dreaded, black-horse cavalry. In conversationAdth
my half-drunken guard, I referred to this cavalry, and in
quired Avhere they were.
He replied, "Doavu on the railroad."
I expressed a Avish to see thera.
He said, " Certainly — them's the boys to whip the
Yankees !"
We Avent doAvn the line of the railroad half a mile, and
there found the cavalry in camp. I asked him how many
men there were in that command.
He said, " Two hundred."
I made a thorough inspection of these troops. My accom
modating guard then took me to all the camps, pointed out
the different intrenchments in course of erection, the names
of the several regiments and brigades, who commanded them,
their strength, &c. When I had obtained this infoi-niation, my
guard met drunken friends, and left me to go Avhere I pleased.
Fearing I should be missed, I immediately returned to the
guard-house. I was not locked up, but alloAved to remain in
the stockade, Avhere I met tAvo felloAv-prisoners, as I then sup
posed, who at once began asking me questions. It did- not
take me long, however, to decide that they were decoys,
placed there for the purpose of eliciting from me, if possible.
my real character. They complained bitterly of their treat
ment, and one even requested me to take a letter to his wife
in Washington. I consented to take the letter. It was written in a way well

THE COLPORTEUR. ,;^y
calculated to mislead me. I Avent to the guard-house, called
the lieutenant on guard, and said : " You liave a spy in the
stockade " — handing him the letter. He said, " I Avill send it
up to headquarters." A few minutes later I saAV the same
man in private confidential conversation with the lieutenant,
at the same time pointing to me across the yard.
This satisfied me of the truth of ray suspicions. Repeated
efforts Avere afterAvard made, during my stay in the stockade, to
ascertain Avho I Avas, and my intentions. To all inquiries,
hoAvever, I had but one ansAver, and that was : " That they
had made a great mistake in arresting rae." My next ques
tioner Avas a AVoman, assuming the calling of a colporteur, or
tract distributer. I Avas standing by the pump — she ap
proached me and said :
" Sir, will you read one of my tracts?"
" Certainlj', thank you, madara."
Handing me two or three tracts, she remarked, "This Avar
is a terrible thing. Hoav long have you been here ?"
" Came here this morning."
She said — "Read those tracts, and then give them to your
felloAV-prisoners. ' '
" What are you here for ?"
' I do not knoAV, madam, but hope nothing very seri-

u

" Do you live in the South ?"
" No, I ara from the North — Avas arrested yesterday down
on the river."
"Oh, you are from the other side, are you — from Wash
ington 'i' '
"Yes, I left tliere three days ago."
" Are you going back ?"
"Well, that depends upon General Beauregard."
"Oh! he is a very kind man, and certainly Avould not
keep you here a moment without some good reason. Were
you born in the North ?"
" Yes, I suppose I am a Yankee."
" Is the North really going to fight the South ?"
" I think it will."
She then left me, to continue her mission, distributing
tracts to the prisoners and guards.

54 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Returning soon afterward, she said in a Ioav tone of voice,
"I am trying to do aU the good I can. Are you a Chris
tian?" I answered, " I thought I was once, but now have very
serious doubts on the subject."
She then added : " The lieutenant thinks you are a spy :
if you are, be very careful Avhat you say. I Avas born at tho
North, but have lived among these people seven years. My
sympathies are all Avith the Northern people. I am trying
now to get a pass from General Beauregard, that I may visit
my sister in New York, who is a teacher in one of the public
schools. I will gladly take any message you may want to
send to your friends. I think I shall get my pass to-mor
row." The only reply I made was, "I think I shall see my
friends before you do."
With this she shook my hand cordially, and left me.
Two years and a half later, I met my tract friend, Avho was
the famous "Belle Boyd," under very different circumstances,
which will be recorded in the order of their occurrence.
At eleven o'clock that night, the sergeant, with four
men, came to the guard-house, and took me to General Beau
regard' s headquarters, where I again caught a glimpse of the
attentive colporteur. After waiting in silence a brief time,
the sergeant ordered me to follow him.
" Where ara I going?" I asked.
" To Richmond. Fall in, men."
I was at once marched to the depot, and put into a freight
car Avhich had been used for the conveyance of troops, hav
ing the sides knocked off near the top, and started oS" at half-
past one o'clock, p. m. The train moved very slowly, and
Gordonsville Avas not reached until the next night. This
otherAvise irksome delay afforded me an excellent oppor
tunity to observe the number of troops moving toward Ma
nassas. At Gordonsville, I was turned over to another guard, put
into a passenger car, and entered Richmond at eight o'clock
the succeeding evening.
The tidings of my capture had gone before, and the value
of it to the Confederacy discussed and of course magnified,

IN RICHMOND. 55
as was everything by distance, on both sides, at that early
period of the war.
Instead of giving me a cell in Libby prison, I was con
veyed to the third story of an engine-house, an open, airy
loft, with a clean bed, and in all respects more comfortable
quarters than I anticipated. A guard of two soldiers were
my keepers.
I retired to rest, and reflected on the course to be followed
from this crisis in the enterprise. I Avas in the rebel capital,
must survey its military resources, and get back to Wash
ington, or die as a spy.

CHAPTER II.
RESIDENCE IN RICHMOND.
Summoned to an intervie-57 with Jeff. Davis — Subsequent Examinations by him —
Critical Emergencies — Mr. Brock — "Samuel Munson" — Confidence secured — Mr.
"Munson" is appointed Confederate Agent — Original Letters from Dari.s, Toombs,
and Wallcer — Starts for the North — Unpleasant Delays — A Narrow Escape —
Reaches the Potomac — Deceives the Dutch Fishermen and runs the Rebel Gaunt
let safely.
On the fourth or fifth day of my confinement, a commis
sioned officer, attended by a guard, entered the apartment
and said the President wished to see me. I obeyed the sum
mons, and after reaching his room Avaited nearly two hours
before I Avas presented to Mr. Davis Avith the simple expres
sion, "This is the man, sir!" The room occupied by him
in the SpottsAvood House was a front parlor connecting Avith
a bedroom. The weather was warm, and he Avore simply a
light linen coat, without vest, collar, or cravat. He then said,
"You have been sent here frora Manassas as a spy ! what
have you to say?'' I related the circumstances of my
capture, complaining bitterly of my treatment, to Avhich he
listened with perfect indifference. He then asked substan
tially the sarae questions Beauregard had proposed, and
Avhich were answered as nearly as possible in the words used
during the interview with him. I was taken back to the
engine-loft, and at the expiration of three days was once
more escorted to the executive apartment. The Confed
erate President was out, engaged in the inspection of troops
who had just arrived from the South, and I returned to my
quarters Avithout an intervieAv. At the expiration of a week,
I was ordered for the third time into the presence of Jeffer
son Davis. The following inquiries were made by him :
" How many troops do you suppose there are in Washing
ton and its vicinity ?"

CONVERSATION WITH JEFF. DAVIS. C7
I ansAvered, " I have no means of knoAving ; probably
75,000 or 100,000, with more daily arriving."
" Who commands the Yankee troops ?"
"I suppose. General Scott."
"AVhere are his headquarters?"
" In Washington."
" Then he is not Avith the troops ?"
" No ; General McDoAvell is in immediate command."
I was then marched back to ray prison-charaber.
At the next interview the arch-traitor determined to make
a thorough and satisfactory examination of his prisoner.
He began : " What is your name, sir ?"
" Samuel Munson."
" Where were you born ?"
" In Knoxville, Tennessee."
" What is your business here ?"
" The settlement of certain land-claims in California for a
man whose agent I ara."
" Who is the man ?"
" Rev. Mr. S  , of Barnwell Court-House ; now I
believe a chaplain in the army."
Having brought with me frora the Pacific Coast land-clairas
in behalf of a rainister, who returned to BarnAvell Court-
House, his former place of residence, and whose narae as
chaplain was on the Array Roll, my statement had certainly
an air of plausibility.
" How long have you resided North ?"
" I have been in California eight years."
" When did you leave California ?"
" On the first day of January, 1861."
" Were you in Washington?"
" I was."
" Did you come directly here frora Washington ?"
"Yes, sir."
" Were there many troops tn Washington ?"
" Yes, sir, a great many."
" How many ?"
" It is impossible to say, as they were constantly arriving
and departing."
" Where Avere they concentrating ?"

58 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
" In Virginia, opposite Washington."
" ThroAving up fortifications, are they ?"
"Yes, sir; I believe so."
" Are they fortifying Arlington Heights ?"
"I do not knoAV."
" Or in the vicinity of Long Bridge ?"
" I do not knrw."
"Are they fortifying about Alexandria?"
" I can not say, I have not been there."
" Can you tell me the names of any of the regiments now
in Washington?" I mentioned the names of a few of which he could not have
failed to know something through the press and rumors
afloat. He continued, "Where is General Scott?"
" I do not know. He is said to be in Washington."
"Do you consider yourself a Southern man ?"
"Yes, sir, I do."
"Do you sympathize with the Southern people?"
"I do."
" Are you willing to fight with them ?"
"Yes, sir."
"Will you enlist?"
"No, sir."
"Why not?"
"Because I am here on business which I ought first to
accomplish." The guard was summoned to take "Mr. Munson" to hia
prison again. Before leaving, I stepped forAvard to a table
on which stood a pitcher of ice-water, and, taming to the
rebel chief, said :
" Will you alloAV me to take a drink of ice-water ? I get
none where I am."
"Certainly," he replied.
I was soon in my upper room reflecting upon the diffi
culties in my way, and the probability that they would yet
thwart my plans, and leave me undisguised at the mercy of
exasperated enemies.
Three additional days of monotonous life in my loft were
passed, when I was summoned once more into the presence

ANOTHER EXAMINATION. 50
of Davis. He sat by his table Avriting, Avith his back toward
the door, while nearly opposite, reclining upon a lounge
half asleep, and looking much like a man who had imbibed
strong drink too freely, Avas Robert Toombs. He roused him
self as I entered, to listen to ray examination by the Presi
dent, who, laying down his pen, turned to me and said :
" Have you any other way of proving that your name is
Munson, excepting the letters found in your pocket ?' '
"I am not acquainted here, sir, and do not know any
one." Davis resumed his writing for a few moments, then said :
" Do you know how far they are running the cars on the
Alexandria and Orange Railroad ?"
" I don't know. I have not been on that side."
" Do you know whether they are running the cars on the
Leesburg road ?"
" I do not."
" How many Yankee troops do you think thei-e are in the
vicinity of Washington ?' '
"I have heard that there are one hundred and twenty
thousand, but have no means of knoAving whether it is
true." " I suppose you know who commands them ?"
" I believe General McDowell does."
" You say you are originally from Knoxville. Can you
give me the name of any persons Avhom you know there ?"
"It has been a good many years since I lived in Knox
ville, but I reraember some persons who were there Avhen I
left." I gave the names of several men whom I knew resided
in that city.
" Would they know you ?"
"I think so, though a residence of eight years in Califor
nia has, no doubt, changed me very much. If I should see
them, I think I could make them remember me."
I had taken the name of Munson, because I had learned
that several families of that name belonged in Knoxville, and
the son of a Judge Munson had been in California, whom I
could represent.
Davis rang a bell, a messenger appeared, and, taking a

eo UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
name, left the room. I suspected at once his errand. He
was dispatched for somebody from Knoxville, to identify
me, if my story were true. The crisis in my affairs had
come. I concluded the game Avas up, and my vocation gone.
It was a moment of great anxiety, and my thoughts Avere in
tensely active Avith the possibilities of escape from the snare
in which I seemed to be caught. Davis continued Avriting,
and Toombs closed his eyes. The messenger left the door
ajar, and, unobserved, I drew my chair nearly in front of it,
to gain a view of the outer hall. In it, on a small table, Avere
blank cards on which those Avho called to see the Confed
erate President wrote their names, and sent them by an or
derly, before they were admitted to an audience with him.
Soon the messenger with a stranger entered the hall.
The latter wrote his name, and handed it to the orderly, Avho
carae in AA'here I Avas sitting. I raised ray hand to take the
card, and he stopped to give it to me, when I glanced at the
name, and made a motion to have it laid on Davis's table.
The rebel Executive did not observe this, and Tombs Avas
apparently asleep. The orderly put the card before him,
was directed to admit the visitor, and retired. The Knox
ville raan came in, and, turning toAvard him with a look of
sudden recognition, I rose, grasped his hand, and exclaimed:
" Why, hoAV do you do. Brock?"
Toombs raised himself up and nodded to Davis, who said:
" Be seated, sir. Do you knoAV this man ?"
Brock was taken by surprise, but, not to appear ignorant
before the President, replied :
" Yes, I know him, but I can't call his narae now."
"My name is Munson, of Knoxville. Don't you remem
ber Judge Munson' s son who went to California?"
"What, Sara Munson?"
"That's my name."
"Oh yes," said Brock, turning to Davis, "now I remem
ber him. Yes, I know him very well."
"Do you know his people there ?" asked Davis.
"I know his father. Judge Munson, very Avell."
Toombs stood up and said, "That will do, sir, that will
do," and Brock walked out of the room.
Toombs then drew a chair close to Davis, and they con-

A SINGULAR SURPRISE. f51
versed in Avhispers for a feAV moments, when t.he guard
escorted me to my quarters. I fancied that I had made some
progress at this intervieAV.
The next raorning brought Mr. Brock to my loft, evidently
sent to satisfy himself fully that I Avas Sam Munson. A deli
cate and difficult task was before me, and the result to ray
own raind very doubtful. Brock, hoAvever, was talkative,
willing to carry on the conversation, and evidently q iiite sure
that he Avas not raistaken in his man. I knew something of
the Munsons, and localities in Knoxville, and, by the aid of
imagination, could fill any pauses in Brock' s conversation ;
eight years of absence excusing failures in raeraory. Brock
asked leading questions, saying, for illustration, "You know
so-and-so." "Oh, yes," I responded, though I had not the
remotest knowledge of the person. Then Brock Avould refer
to something very ludicrous, and I would burst into laughter,
as though at the recollection, Avhile Brock, greatly enjoying
it, Avould unconsciously tell the Avhole story, so that I could
put in a fitting reraark here and there, Avhieh seemed to come
naturally from recollection. Brock Avent aAvay entirely sat
isfied, and reported to Jeff. Davis. Two days later, a com
missioned officer entered the room with a parole, pledging
myself not to leave the city of Richmond without orders from
the provost-marshal. I signed it, and was released from con
finement. With the freedom of the city, I continued my
observations. Walking through a street one Sunday morning, by a
high board fence covered Avith posters concerning regiments
being organized and other militai-y announcements, from
which I gleaned additional information, a man came up and
slapped me on the shoulder with, —
"Hallo, Baker ! AVhat are you doing here ?"
The name sounding strangely, under the circumstances, I
was startled, but, looking around, calmly said :
" I guess you are mistaken, sir. My name is Munson."
" Ain't your name Baker ?"
"No, sir."
" Didn't you go to California in 1850 ?"
"No, sir. I have lived in California, but I did not go
there till '52."

62 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
" AVhy, didn't you go across the isthmus with me in
April, 1850, Avhen Ave had the fight Avith the natives ?"
"No, sir. I guess you have mistaken the man."
"AVell, I Avould have sworn that you were Baker.
Didn't you have a brother there !"
" I had a brother there, but he came home in '53."
"AVell," said he, turning aAvay, "it's all right, I sup
pose ; but I never saw tAVO men look so much alike in my
life !"
In the mean time I had obtained information of military
movements and plans, learned where the enemy had stationed
troops, or were building fortifications, and what they were
doing at the Tredegar AVorks. I had obtained the knowledge
for Avhich I came, and Avas anxious to return North.
Through the infiuence of Hayes, I got from the provost-mar
shal, a pass to visit Fredericksburg, making an appointment
to meet the forraer, Avhich, of course, I did not keep. Arri
ving in Fredericksburg, I made three or four ineffectual at
tempts to get into the country, and finally, by the aid of a
negro, crossed the Rappahannock one raorning four miles be
low the city. To reach the Potomac Avould tax all my poAv-
ers to the utmost, but the case Avas desperate and I must go
forAvard. As, when entering upon my Southern tour, it AA'as
indispensable to success that I should even araong friends be
incog.., so now I raust return Avith the precious epistles in my
pocket, through the Confederate lines, on ray oavu account,
having only the chances of escape which any wanderer at
large might have.
My face Avas toward AVashington, and the only question
remaining was, whether the success in the attempt to reach it
would equal that of ray journey to Richmond.
The Potoraac was the goal of ray solitary travel through
forest and over open fields ; for on its northern banks lay the
Union Array, and, once across its waters, I Avas safe. My
appearance Avas that of a common citizen, and I hoped to
pass unnoticed any persons with Avhom a meeting Avas un
avoidable. Scarcely two miles Avere traveled, when, by the
side of AVOods which bordered the road, an oflicer and soldier
on horseback appeared, and too near to give me time to seek
concealment in the forest.

A SLEEPY GUARD. 63
The officer reined up before me, and inquired : " Have
you got a pass, sir :"
"Yes, sir."
" Let me see it."
With the promptness of assurance, I drew forth and
handed him the pass from Richmond to Fredericksburg.
If able to read, I hoped he might be satisfied Avith a glance
at the paper, and let me proceed. He studied it awhile, till
his eye caught the word " Fredericksburg ;" he then said : —
" I don't think this will do, sir !"
"'Tis all right."
" AA^'ell, it may be, but you'll have to go back with me to
Fredericksburg.' '
My locomotion had not been observed, and, with a pitiful
limp, I remarked that it was hard for a lame man to be com
pelled to walk that distance ; and that, if I attempted it, I
must necessarily defer my journey till another day. I made
a painful effort to walk, and so far moved the compassion of
the officer, that he offered to take the pass to the command
ing general, and leave me in charge of the soldier. When
he Avas gone, after a little pleasant conversation, the day
being warm, I proposed to my guard that we go into the
shade of the woods. Tying his horse to a small tree, he
threw himself down on the grass. Half an hour was spent
in pleasant ch^t, and the officer did not make his appear
ance. "Ugh!" said the guard stretching, "How sleepy I am,
I didn't sleep a wink last night."
This fact, with the inviting greensward and shade, dis
posed him to snatch a nap ; and soon he was oblivious to
everything around him. It was no pleasure to rae to subject
him to punishraent or even censure on my account ; but the
law of self -protection necessarily overruled my regard for
the unwatchful guard, and, carefully appropriating his
revolver, I unloosed and mounted his horse. Riding
leisurely along the path a short tirae, I turned suddenh'' into
the woods ; but the ground was rough, and the bushes almost
impenetrable, making progress distressingly sIoav. As the
sun was sinking behind the trees, having traveled half a
dozen miles, I emerged into a clearing, where a white-haired

64: UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
old raan, who evidently had reached his threescore years and
ten, Avas making shingles.
With a respectful salutation, I inquired :
" AAHll you tell me the shortest road to the Potomac ?"
This Southern patriarch looked at me Avith surprise. I
said again :
" The river — the Potomac river— which way is it ?"
" I never heard of it in my life."
" How long have you lived here ?"
"Always; Avas born here."
" And don't knoAV Avhere the Potomac river is ?"
" I never heard about such a river."
He Avas equally ignorant of the existence of Aquia Creek,
or any of the streams or places along the river.
" Did you know that the South had seceded ?" I inquired.
"AVell, well! I've heard suthing was going on, but
hfiiu't taken much interest in politics no how since Jackson's
tin: -. ' Spose they are all the tirae getting up suthing ncAV."
AA^ith a cup of water frora the unsuspecting Jacksonian
democrat, who AA'as enjoying Co wper's lodge in the Avilder
ness, undisturbed by the alarms of Avar, I rode aAvay, to try
the next turn in the wheel of fortune. At length a house
was visible in the distance, and toAvard it I directed my
course. Dismounting near it, I hitched ray horse, and commenced
observations. Two negroes only Avere in sight, in an out
house. I Avent to them with a plausible story, and for ten
cents obtained some bread and milk, Avhich broke the day's
fast, Avith refreshment for the night's adventure before me.
Darkness Avas setting upon the forest, and, unable to^ discern
the mire and stones ahead, I became entangled among the
branches, and found I must abandon ray horse, and plunge
into the thicket alone. After Avandering about beAvildered
for an hour, I unconsciously returned to the very house 1
had left. I decided to risk a rest here till morning, and
AVorking my body feet foremost under a haystack, until com
pletely hidden, fell into a sound sleep. Just before the
daAvn of the next day, I Avas startled frora slumber, and, lis
tening, soon learned that rebel cavalry were in search of me,
and had surrounded the house. A dozen horsemen could be

A BRIGHT IRISHMAN. G")
seen through the lattice-work of h.ny, moving about in tlio
darkness. From the dwelling they went to the outhouses,
and finally came to the haystack. I prepared for the Avorst.
AVith my head thinly covered, I could watch ray foes, ansceii
by thera ; while my revolver lay before me. If discovered,
I resolved to shoot the successful man, and run for dear life
toward the woods. Several times the cavalry i-ode around
the stack ; then one of the nuraber, dismounting, began a
sword examination of ray lodgings. I could hear the thrust
of the blade into the hay, until it grazed my coat, and I
grasped ray six-shooter to spring ; but he passed on, saying :
" He ain't in there, boys."
Reraounting, with his corarades, he rode off.
Watching them till out of sight, I crept cautiously into
the deepening light, and started for the woods. The sun
rose gloriously over the near horizon ; but whether to light
me toward safety or capture, AA'as entirely uncertain.
AVithout breakfast or dinner, I hastened on, having not
even a glimpse of a human being, and avoiding every indira -
tion of his habitation. At two o'clock in the afternoon,
when emerging from a clurap of bushes, I came in full view
of a raan hauling timber. I could not retreat, and, changing
the coat hanging on one arm to the other, I put my hand on
my pocket, and stood in thinking posture. I saw that I had
an Irishman to deal with, and not a remarkably bright speci-
man of his race.
With the air of one interested, I asked :
" What is this timber for ?"
"It's fur the batthery doAvn here, in course."
This answer settled the question of the proximity of the
Potomac, and also apprised me that fortifications and plenty
of rebels were not far off. I Avalked along a stick of timber,
measuring it by paces, and then said :
" Tell these men they are getting this timber four feet too
short, Avill you?"
" Yes, sur, I will sur. It's only haulin, I am, meself "
" Well," I replied, leaving him, "tell them to cut it four
feet longer, wiU you ? Tell them I say so."
"I will, sur."
Into the woods again, and, making as good time as isos-
s

66 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
sible, I walked on two hours longer. Hunger began to
gnaw, and create that desperation which disregards the cooler
prudence of a fuU stomach. Striking a small creek or bayou,
running into the Potomac, I resolved to folloAV it till it de
cided my fortunes for the night. No sign of anything in
reach to appease hunger appeared, nor of a boat in Avhich
to get across the river. The very first sight of human
existence was in a form to excite fear — a white tent, snugly
pitched on the sloping point of a hill, by the water-side, and
surrounded Avith bushes. I paused to watch for further in
timations of what was there.
At length a soldier came up the bank Avith fish, and en
tered the tent. Soon after, with another man, he reappeared
outside, and they sat doAvn, lighted their pipes, and chatted,
after the fashion of good-natured Dutchmen. The imperious
demands of hunger urged me to join them, and, advancing,
I accosted tin mi. It turned out that they belonged to a bat
tery on tlie hill above, and had moved to the bank to catch
ish for the ofiicers. I told thera I lived up the creek, and
had come down to see hoAV things were getting on ; then in
quired :
"Have you got anything to eat in the tent ?"
" We got not much here to eat."
"Boys, I am very hungry. I hain't had anything to eat
since I came from home, and I'll pay you for something."
"Veil, dat ish tifferent matter. If you pays, dat ish tif-
ferent matter."
"Can't you cook some fish ?"
" Oh, ersh, I spose Ave get you some fish."
In a few minutes they set before me a supper simply of
fish, cooked in their primitive style, and yet no luxury was
ever so grateful to the taste. After it was finished, I asked
for a pipe, and began to puff away, entirely at home ; but
all the while revolving in my mind the chances and expedi
ents for a final parting Avith my Dutch friends. Finally, my
eye fell upon a small boat lying in the bushes below ; and
the conviction followed the discovery, that it was my only
hope of crossing the Potomac. Learning that the fishermen
OAVned it, I said to them :
"I want to bay that boat. AATiat will you take for it ?"

A NIGHT OF DIFFICULTIES. 67
"I no sells dat poat," replied one.
"I'll give you twenty dollars for it, in gold."
"It's worth more as that to us. The Yankees ish break
ing up all poats on the Potomac."
There was an end to the prospect of a purchase ; and a
new plan must be devised. The sun sank behind the trees,
and in the pleasant shade we smoked and talked aAvay the
hours. I found, in the course of conversation, that the battery
was not over tAvo hundred yards frora us, and the Potomac a
few rods below.
The evening advanced, and I begged the privilege of
sleeping in the tent, as I was too tired to think of returning
home before morning. Permission Avas reluctantly granted ;
and, spreading their blanket, they " turned in," while I con
tinued without, smoking, till the moon rose. I had practical
business on hand, which excluded contemplation of the
romantic scene — the silver light tipping and then flooding the
hills, and creeping down to the quiet spot of anxious wake
fulness. For the illumination was to aid me in my design to
escape. I could now Avatch the moA'ements of my compan
ions in the tent sufficiently to see Avhen they were apparently
asleep, depending on the ear for the further evidence of the
desirable fact. When all was still, indicating profound
slumber, suddenly a change of position, a grunt, and a look
outside, Avould dispel the illusion.
Toward midnight, I heard a shout :
" Hello, there ! you come to ped to-night ?"
"Yes, I am coming in."
Soon after entering the tent, I found that room for me had
been left between the men, and the effort to get on an outer
edge of the blanket was fruitless.
A suspicion evidently crossed the mind of the one who
had just spoken to me, respecting the stranger, and there was
a design to guard against any unpleasant results from the
visit. The day's fatigue made my own inclination to sleep al
most irresistible ; but I watched anxiously for the favoring
moment to leave the bed unobserved. Repeated trials found
the distrustful soldier sufficiently wakeful to look after his
guest. Overcome by the slumberous influences of fatigue.

68 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
my comfortable quarters, and the "stilly night," I sank into
a restless repose. Scarcely an hour had passed, when I sud
denly awoke, starting Avith alarm lest the opportunity to
escape was lost. On the contrary, I found my companions
Avere thoroughly asleep, their loud breathing the only sign
of life. I carefully craAvled from between them, till half my
body Avas out of the tent. The suspicious man, Avith a sound
of unrest, turned over. I remained perfectly still till he
made another turn and str(4clied out his arm to see if all Avas
right in the middle. I dreAV back to my old place, and. he
laid his hand upon me several times, before he seemed satis
fied that I was there. Several attempts to leave the tent
ended in a similar failure. Daylight began to steal into the
tent, and the night of suspense raust end in some decisive
effort to secure the boat and cross the Potomac. The soldier-
lishermen Avere sleeping quite as soundly as at any time
before, and in another moment I stood before the door watcli-
ing the effect of my movement. There Avas a little stir, and
I stood mechanically poking the embers of our evening fire,
as if looking out to see the breaking day ; but with my pistol
in one hand ready for service. Returning it to n^iy pocket
muzzle doAvn, I hastened to the bank. To my great disap
pointment, there Avere no oars in the boat. Upon making
search among the willows, I found a short one, partially de-
(-uyod. Noiselessly as possible I launched the frail bark,
fearing each sound on the sand or in the water would bring
my Dutch friends down the bank. In a few moments, which
suspense made oppressively long, I floated away into the
stream, at this point, not over thirty feet in width. Taking
the middle of the current, I pulled off my coat, and began
to row for life. The tide favored me, and I was congratulat
ing myself upon the prospect of an unmolested voyage,
Avhen a shout drew my attention to the vigilant Dutchman,
Avliose gesticulations could not be misunderstood. He
called loudly to his bi^dfelloAV : " Meyer ! Meyer ! the poat
ish gone ! the poat ish gone !"
He seized his rauslict and made for the bank, not more
than a dozen feet from me, shouting :
" Come pack here ! Come pack mit that poat !"
My only ansAver Avas a more vigorous use of the oar.

CROSSING THE POTOMAC. 09
Placing my right hand upon the pistol, and watching the
soldier, I propelled the boat with my left.
"Come pack!" he continued, following me along the
bank. He then paused, leveled his musket, and Avas about
to fire. I did not want to kill " mine host," but the law of
self-defense again demanded a sacrifice. AVith quick and
sudden aim, I fired — Avith a cry of distress, he staggered and
fell lifeless beside his musket. His comrade was running
down the hill, when, seeing what had happened, he turned
back to the tent. He soon returned with a double-barreled
shot gun, and stole along cautiously, through the bushes, till
within forty yards of the boat, and then fired. The shot fell
around rae, in tli« water. Catching a glimpse of my enemy
in the thicket, I discharged my revolver. He ran aAvay, evi
dently unhurt. The reports had given the alarm, and several
soldiers soon came in sight. An instant later, a bullet
whistled over my shoulder. I had reached the decisive mo
ments of my last effort to get out of "Dixie." Again getting
sight of the Dutchman in the bushes, I once more took de
liberate aim and fired. He threAV up one arm, gave a yell,
and fell to the ground. In a moment he rose again, and,
groaning, staggered away. Then tAvo or three shots saluted
me unceremoniously, striking and splintering the side of the
boat. "' I Avas uoav at the mouth of the creek, and rapidly left
the shore behind me. A squad of soldiers, by this time,
stood on the brow and at the base of the hill, firing their
muskets. The chug of the bullets in"the water reminded me
that my transit to loyal soil was not yet certain. Both hands
Avere laid to the oar, and, striking the broad current of the
Potomac, which was here four miles wide, I rapidly receded
frora rausket range. A high wind SAvept the Avaters, and, while
rounding a blufl', a sudden gust carried aAvay my hat, and
lifted my coat lying in the boAv of the boat, dropping it into
the river. But it was no time to look backward to those ar
ticles of apparel, floating betAveen me and my foes, whose
bullets still came unpleasantly near. Their shots continued
until they fell far in the wake of my boat. The sun had
risen above the horizon, warm and bright, while, for two
hours and a half, I Avorked with a single oar, and, aided by
i\\Q drifting tide, approached the Maryland shore. AVith an

70 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
inexpressible sense of relief, I heard the boat' s bow touch
the sand. I was near Chapel Point, ten miles below the
creek on which I embarked, and so exhausted, that with dif
ficulty I reached the bank. On its green carpet, and under
the cooling shade of its trees, I laid down to rest, leaving
the boat to Avhich I owed my deliverance to the winds and
waves of the Potomac.

CHAPTER III.
NORTHERN EXPERIENCES AS CONFEDERATE AGENT.
Hospitalities by the way — The Report to General Scott — Operations in Baltimore —
The Janus-faced Unionist — A rich Development iu Philadelphia — The Arrests-
Amusing Prison Scene.
Refreshed by an hour of rest sufficiently to renew my
journey toward AVashington, I soon came to a small and
poor habitation, in whose door stood a coarse and dirty
female. I asked her for something to eat.
"I have nothing to spare : can't give you a mouthful."
AVhether meanness, destitution, or my dilapidated ap
pearance were the exciting cause of her rudeness, I can not
tell. But to my plea for a crust, or inquiries where I might
find even a partial supply of the lost apparel, she closed
the door in my face. I wandered on, a solitary country mock
ing ray hunger. Toward noon a noble mansion, surrounded
by a large plantation, arrested ray eye, and on its porch an
elderly Avoraan sitting alone araid the rural quiet. Entering
the gate, I approached her Avith a morning salutation. She
returned it, Avith a suspicious glance at my unusual appear
ance. I inquired :
"Can I get a drink of Avater here, madam ?"
" Certainly," calling a colored girl to bring it.
The roar of the cannon at Matthias Point, Avhere the
rebels were practicing with the battery, could be distinctly
heard. I said :
" We are getting ready for the Yankees there pretty fast."
" Yes."
"They won't be able to sail up and down the river much
more." " No, that they Avon't."
The peculiar animation with which she made this reply

72 rXITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
showed me that I had not mistaken her character. AA^iile I
Avas drinldng, she inquired frora what place I had come.
I told her from Richmond, to see what the Yankees Avere
doing, and report to Jeff. Davis and Beauregard. She ther
inquired hoAV I lost my hat and coat. I told her they wert
blown off while crossing the river, and that I had just left
the shore, Avitli nothing to eat since the night before.
" Our dinner Avill be ready soon," she said, "and I shall
be A-ery glad to haA"e you stay and dine Avith us."
The invitation Avas acce})ted, and extra preparation made
for rae. An excellent ineal, many inquiries from my hostess
concerning the progress of the "holy cause," and predic
tions of its speed}' triumph folloAved. AVhen I was ready to
leave, she supplied me AA'ith a second-hand hat and coat, and,
Avith a cordial good-b3'e, expressed the hope that I should be
pros])ered in ni}' good Avork, and do much for the independ
ence of the South.
AVith no incidents of remarkable interest, I passed
through tho counties of Jlarjland, reaching Washington
after an absence of three eventful Aveeks.
I at once reported to General Scott, giving him all the in
formation desired respecting Manassas, Fredericksburg, and
Richmond, the resources and plans of the rebel chiefs, and
the blockade running of the Potomac.
He read, Avith a smile, tlte letters from the Confederate
Government, Avhen I expressed my design to use them in
tracking northern traitors in their treasonable alliance with
the South. Expressing his gratification, he recommended
my name to Mv. Cameron Ibr permanent service as a secret
ayent of the AA^ar Department.
I commenced, AA'ithout delay, ferreting out these sympa
thizers Avith secession. Two brothers named A., one of them
Avithin the rebel lines, Avere engaged in supplying munitions
of Avar to the Confederacy.
The apparently loyal man who lived in Baltimore had a
contract to furnish the regiment of Col.  , then on the Poto
mac, with forage. IL^ OAvned a small vessel on the river,
Avhose captain shared Avith him the profits of their secret
treachery. Filling the hold Avith small-arms, ammunition,
and other light materiel of Avar, they Avere covered with hay

TEE VISIT TO BALTIMORE. 73
and oats for the Union troops. Upon reaching Matthias
Point, the captain signaled A., Avho was Avatching for him,
and the contraband goods were landed, when tiie vessel pro-
ceedtnl to AA^'ashington with itfi light freight of forage. This
shrcAvd operation had been carried .on a considerable time,
with no suspicion attaching to the Baltimore brother from
his loyal neighbors, of the illegitimate traffic.
I proceeded to Barnum's Hotel in Baltimore, and dis
patched a note to A. , informing him that Mr. Munson, from
Richmond, would like to see him, and designating a time for
our interview. A. promptly called.
He entered the room, Avhen the following conversation
passed between us.
"This is Mr. A., I presume."
"Yes, sir."
" I am glad to see you, sir. Take a seat."
A. sat doAvn.
" Mr. A., I am a man of very few words. I came hero
un business, and I want to get through Avith it as soon
as I can conveniently. I am an agent of the Confederate
Government. I understand that you are Avilling to help us,
and have been doing so. I want to purchase goods, and I
have the gold to pay for them."
A., Avho was a short, impulsive man, with a German ac
cent, Avas throAvn entirely off his guard.
" I'm your man. I'm just the person you ought to have
come to. I help the South, and I make a little money out
of the North. I'll show you how easy it is."
From his coat pocket he drew an envelope, containing
two contracts — one of them to send goods to Richmond, and
tlie other to furnish a Union regiment Avith certain supplies.
His eye twinkled with delight, while he watched my perusal
of the documents. The delivery of the goods Avas a subject
of considerable discussion, and A. was very particular in
his inquiries about the pay. I replied : —
"Mr. A., I do not come here to make money out of my
government. I came here purely from patriotic motives.
AVhile I am willing to pay you a fair percentage on any
goods you may buy, and a liberal allowance for your services,
I of course can not submit to any extortion, or to any exor-

74 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
bitant charges. I am working for the interests of my people.
I, myself, do not want to make a cent out of this business."
"That is aU right — it is honorable and patriotic. But it
is not safe to buy the goods here, because men in this trade
have been detected, and the police watch us all the time.
AA^e can do better in Philadelphia, where I have friends to
help us."
AA^e agreed to start in the 4:20 train the same afternoon for
Philadelphia. AVhile standing in the depot waiting for the
train, talking Avith A., I saw Senator McDougal, whom I had
knoAvn in California, and George Wilkes, coming toward
me. I tried in vain to avoid their recognition, but McDougal,
taking my arm, exclaimed :
"AA'hy, how d'ye do, Baker?"
AVith a look of strange surprise, I said :
"You've got the advantage of me, sir. I don't know
you." "AA''ell, that's a good joke," replied McDougal, laughing.
"It may be, but I don't know you, sir. My name is
Munson." Suddenly McDougal seemed to fathom the mystery suffi
ciently to relieve me of farther embarrassment, by remark
ing, as he turned away :
"AVell, upon my soul, I believe I am mistaken. Excuse
me, sir ; you look very much like a friend of mine." The
incident raade but slight if any impression upon the mind of
A. , for he made no allusion to it during the ride to Philadel
phia. I stopped at the Araerican Hotel, when A. left me to find
B., Avho was connected with a large hardware house in
the city, and bring him to the hotel. MeauAvhile, by a cir
cuitous route, I reached the headquarters of the police and
had an interview with Ben. Franklin, the chief of the depart
ment. Acquainting him thoroughly with the business in
hand, his assistance was secured to make the arrests at the
proper time. He suggested that it might be well to have
the conference with my disloyal friends. To this I assent
ed, and, accompanying me to the hotel, he was concealed
under the bed. . Soon after A. and B. entered — the latter a
tall, gaunt, shrewd, and taciturn man. A. opened the con-

FRANKLIN UNDER THE BED. 75
versation, and talked on, whUe B. stroked his whiskers and
said nothing. I repeated the assurance that my object was to
serve the South and not speculation. I urged the risk of
delay in completing my arrangements, as a reason for prompt
action. In conclusion, I remarked to B. : "I learn from Mr.
A. that you are friendly to our people and willing to assist
us." " Yes, sir, my sympathies are with the South, and possi
bly I may be able to aid you."
B. desired to know the kind of goods that were needed,
and repeated the assurance that Philadelphia was a safer
place than Baltimore or New York for the purchase of them.
I then produced my letters, which B. read carefully and
with evident satisfaction ; but preferred to defer any further
negotiations for the present. As he rose to leave, he requested
me to call at his place of business that afternoon. A. re
mained and suggested another gentleman, who would be
glad to take hold of the business — a Mr. C, of Commerce
Street. I gratefully accepted the proposal, and we left the
room, releasing Franklin from his close confinement under
the bed. We found C. in his office, but disinclined to talk.
He inquired where I stopped, and I returned to the hotel.
Shortly after, C. made his appearance and comraenced con
versation in a very confidential way. He went for the South,
but did not like A., who, he affirraed, was siraply a money-
making Jew. I told hira I knew nothing of A., but sup
posed hira to be a reliable friend of our cause. The result
of the interview was a plan to keep A. interested in the
transaction, but ignorant of its most' important particulars.
In the afternoon I called upon Mr. B., whose confidence was
now unreserved, and stated to hira my conversation with C.
He then said :
' ' Now, Mr. Munson, you and I are actuated by the same
motives in this thing. These men, A. and C, are engaged in
it simply for the percentage they can make. I think you
had better get rid of them."
I replied, that this could not well be done, but that I
might withhold any further information than was absolutely
necessary. The conversation closed with an invitation to dine with

76 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
him that afternoon. I expressed a fear that it would give
offense to A., if I should go alone.
"AVell," said B., " You had better bring him along."
I went with A., at the appointed hour, and sat doAvn to a
sumptuous dinner. AA^'ine was abundant, and the health of
Davis, Beauregard, and other leading rebels Avas not forgot
ten. B. became exhilarated, and his secession songs were
sung so loudly that Ave were obliged to hint that possibly he
might be heard in the streets. The party broke up at a late
hour in fine spirits. I made arrangements with one of the
banks by which I would appear to have plenty of money at
my command. I Avent to a tinner' s and had several canvas
bags full of pieces of zinc cut the size of gold coin, and these
Avere deposited in the vaults. I began to make my purchases,
I bought two hundred thousand cannon-primers, two hun
dred Colt's rcA-olvers, a million friction caps, and other simi
lar goods. I also ascertained that these parties were carry
ing on systematically contraband trade with the South,
Franklin, Chief of Police, was informed of my operations,
and Ave concluded it was tirae to begin raaking arrests. On
a subsequent day, having an invitation to dine with A. at the
house of B., I told Franklin to watch us when we came
away, and if, when we were opposite the City Hall, I raised
my hand, he was to arrest them — otherwise to make no de
monstration. As we stepped from the house into a street
car, Franklin got on to the platform. When the designated
point Avas reached, A. got off first, and I immediately gave
the signal. Franklin,. laying his hand upon A.'s shoulder,
said :
"I want you, sir."
I was making off across the street, when Franklin
shouted :
"Here, sir, I want you, too."
I, of course, returned, looking somewhat alarmed.
Said Franklin :
"You will have to come with me, gentlemen, I have a
little private business with you."
A. and myself were soon in the station-house together.
Franklin, turning to me, remarked :
"I've been looking after you, sir, for some time. Your

TWO ARRESTS. 77
name is Munson, isn't it? You came here from the South to
buy goods, didn't you ? You were very bold about it ; a
little too bold, as you have just discovered. I've been
looking after you, too, A. You're a Baltimorean, ain't you?
You came here to get rebel supplies, too, didn't you? I
shall have to search you both."
AVe Avere searched, and, of course, the two contracts to
supply both the rebel and Union troops were found in A.'s
possession. "Take this raan to the Sixth Precinct station-house, and
lock him up by himself," said Franklin to an officer, "and
then come back after this man," pointing to me.
" Now, Ben," I said, when A. had gone, " we raust gob
ble up those other two men the best way we can, as soon as
possible." "All right," said Franklin.
I had an appointment to meet C. the next morning, to ex
amine sorae caps which he had received from New York.
AVhen we met according to this arrangement, C. inquired
for A.
I replied :
"He got a dispatch that his brother was in Baltimore,
and he has gone on to see him. He will be back to-mor
row." The caps were satisfactory, but C. stated that he must go
to New York, to get sorae telegraphic raaterial, which he
was to furnish — sorae sraall wires to wind the battery, and
asked me if I could not advance money.
" I haven't any with me noAV, but, if you will meet me at
the corner of Third and Market Streets, at half-past one, I
can let you have some, and you will be in time then to get
the two o'clock train for Ncav York."
I left and Avent to Franklin's office, requesting him to ar
rest us when Ave met on the corner. C. and myself arrived
a little before the time, and I made some preliminary conver
sation on that account. At the moment he was anticipating
the transfer of the funds, Franklin came up, and suspended
operations by saying :
" I am the chief of police here, and I want you two gen
tlemen."

78 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
C. laughed, and said :
" I guess you don't know who I am."
" Oh, yes, I do, and I know this other man, too. He's a
blockade runner, from Richmond, and you're not much
better." AA^e went to a station-house, and Franklin apparently
searched me, while another officer attended to C. He was
then taken to the Sixth Precinct station-house, and locked in
a cell by himself.
B. only remained to be arrested. But he was the most
important one of the number, and Marshal Milwood, of that
district, was to assist in his arrest. I called on Mr. B., Avho
said: " I think we have both got about tired of A. and C, and
I think you had better meet me to-morrow, and bring them
with you, so that we can settle up Avith them, pay them their
commission, and tell them that you have bought all you re
quire. Then Ave can go into Ncav York, to-morrow, in the two
o'clock train, and make arrangements for all the goods you
Avant, without the heavy commission you are obliged to pay
them." I promised to come to his office, at twelve o'clock, the
next day. Franklin and Marshal Milwood Avere duly in
formed of this appointment.
Mr. B.'s store Avas in a long, narroAV building, and in
the rear were two or three small offices, Avith desks for
writing. I Avas with Mr. B. in one of these.
After the usual salutations, B. asked :
" AA^here are A. and C?"
"They are running about town, somewhere. I didn't
want to bring them here. I will sit down and Avrite them a
letter, stating that my business is nearly done in Philadel
phia, and that I ara about to leave."
Mr. B. furnished rae Avith paper, and I took a seat at one
of the desks, to write. The time passed on, and I became
restless, for Franklin and Mihvbod should already have ar
rived. If they should fail me, I thought I should be in a very
disagreeable dilemma, having promised to go with B. to
New York

THE LAST ARREST OF THE TRIO. 70
I was thus meditating, when I heard two men coming
down the store from the front. In a moment raore Marshal
Milwood — a large, strong man, with a gold-headed cane and
a gold badge — entered the next office, and said :
"Is this Mr. B.?"
"That is my name, sir," responded R
' " I am the United States marshal of this district, and I ar
rest you, sir."
B. turned pale.
Meanwhile, Franklin, who had also entered, turned and
said :
"Here's another man that we want. This is that man
Munson." I tore off the paper I had written, and comraenced rolling
it up, as though secretly. Taking my black silk hat in my
hand, I quietly put the paper under the leather lining inside,
and placed the hat on my head. B. was watching me, and
conjectured that I had written something in the letter Avhich
could criminate them. If he had any doubt before that I Avas
Avhat I represented myself to be, this action would have re
moved his suspicions.
" I guess you are mistaken, gentlemen," said I.
" Oh, no, not at all," said Franklin ; "you can't fool us.
You are the man that came here from the South, to buy
goods. Let me see the letter you were writing."
, "I haven't written any letter," said I.
"Oh, none of that!" said Franklin, knocking my hat
from my head as roughly as though he had been in earnest.
"You thought I didn't see that little sleight-of-hand perform
ance, didn't you ?" he continued, taking the paper from the
hat. He read it, and handed it to Milwood
B. Avas Avalking up and down, stroking his beard, having
regained his composure.
' ' AVe want both of you , ' ' said Milwood. ' ' Mr. Marshal, ' '
said B., "I think you are entirely too fast in this matter. I
am an old citizen here, well known, and a partner in this
house. This gentleman is from the South, it is true. He in
quired me out and visited me, but I cannot believe he is
here for any improper purpose. So far as I am concerned,
I shall be able to show Avho and Avhat I am very easily."

80 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
B. was searched, and quite important papers for evidence
were found on him. He Avas then sent to the Sixth Precinct
station-house. That evening Marshtil Mihvood, Ben. Franklin, and I,
went down to see the prisoners, I keeping carefully out of
their sight.
"Let us see Avhat they Avill say to each other," said one
of the party. An officer took A. into C.'s room.
"MyG— d! what are you doing here ?" exclaimed A.
"Doing here ?" answered C, angrily. "I'm arrested."
" AVhy, when Avere you arrested ?"
"I was standing on the corner of Market and Third Streets
•with Munson, and Ben. Franklin took us both."
" My G— d, I was arrested Avith Munson," said A.
" You can't play that on me. You're a  JeAV, and it's
you Avho have brought all this trouble on me."
A. was enraged at this, and conversation followed of the
roughest sort.
AVhen the excitement subsided, B. was put into the same
room Avith them, Milwood, Franklin, and myself, still out of
sight, listening.
"My G — d, B., you arrested too?" said A.
B. stroked his Avhiskers and looked sternly.
"I understand it all," said he. "You are tAvo scoun
drels, and one or the other of you either betrayed this matter
or let it out by your cursed carelessness. I believe A., that;
that you came from Baltimore Avith Munson to beat him out
of his money and get him arrested."
They abused each other for nearly an hour, and A.
wanted to fight the rest. Each declared that he Avas arrested
Avith Munson, and not one would believe a Avord the other
said. "Come, you're making too much noise," said the officer,
finally. " AA''e'll have to separate you again."
Early in the morning they Avere taken to a prison out of
town, and in the afternoon Milwood and Franklin went with
me to visit them again. I was put into a cell, and A. brought
and locked in Avith me.
" Mein Got, Munson, what a troubles this is!" said A.,
his German accent more noticeable in his dejection. " Mein

THE PRISON SCENE. 81
Got, when we got out of that cars and that man Franklin
came up, I thought I should have died. And B. and C. are
arrested too."
" AA^ell, we're all in the same boat," said I : "I suppose
they'll hang me."
In a short time A. Avas told to come out and get his din
ner, and B. was locked in Avith me ; I putting on the aspect
of chief mourner over our fate.
" Well, I'm sorry for you, Munson," said B. " I suppose
my friends Avill have me out this afternoon or to-morrow, and
if I can do any thing for you I shall be glad to. I ncA-'er
liked that Jew, and I am convinced that this is all his
doing." After a whUe B. Avas removed, and C. put in the cell. He
came in with a knoAving leer on his face. He had suspected
the truth.
"I'm glad to see you, Munson," said he; "that was a
splendid thing we played on them fellows, wasn't it? Oh,
that's the way to catch them !"
" AVhat do you mean ?" said I.
" Why, I knew who you were all the time. You couldn't
fool me ; I wanted to help you catch the scoundrels."
" AVho do you think I ara ?"
"You are a detective from Washington. I kneAV you
well enough. I Avas just going up to Marshal Milwood, to
tell him Avhat we had done."
" C, it is too late to tell that story now. It won't do."
A statement of the cases was forwarded to Washington,
and A., B., and C. Avere sent to Fort AVarren. A., probably
frora the excitenient and mortification attending his arrest
and imprisonment, became insane, and was sent to Black-
well's Island, and afterward to the asylum near Baltimore,
where he still remains. Before A. left, in a fit of passion, he
struck C. in the face, breaking his nose. B. and C. were
released on bail for trial.
A leading New York daily paper contained the very
correct account of the case as quoted below : —
"The most important arrests that have been made during
the rebellion came to light in this city to-day. Most of
6

82 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
those previously incarcerated in Fort Lafayette had been
devoting their influences to treason; but the parties here
arrested Avere contributing arms and munitions of war
daily, bribing officers of the United States Army to further
their designs, and had organized a system of treason so skill
ful and so complete, that only after the utmost vigilance,
and Avhen the detectives had tested all means to entrap and
decoy them, the full proofs came to light.
"The names of these men are J. M. H., F. AA^., and AV.
G. — H. is a Baltimore Israelite, Avhose business is the making
of military trimmings, epaulettes, sword-handles, &c. He
had obtained a hay contract from the United States Govern
ment, to more effectually conceal his plans, and was armed
with numerous letters from Federal functionaries, that he
intended to jDroduce in emergencies. This man conducted
contraband trade from Baltimore until General Dix and the
provost-marshal showed him up. He Avas first observed
in this wise : — A package, containing several thousand fric
tion tubes and cannon-primers, had been left at Adams's
Express office in this city, addressed to a well-known firm
in Baltimore. Being threatened with arrest, the latter firm
confessed that they Avere the agents of J. M. H., and it was
further educed that the same Avas shipped under a fictitious
name by AV. G.
••Detective Benjamin Franklin, a sagacious and fertile
Philadelphia officer, now determined to seduce H. to this
city ; for which purpose he resorted to certain ingenious
means, not uoav ripe for publication. Convinced that heavy
orders aAvaited him here, and that Philadelphia was less
under espionage than Baltimore, H. came on. A cele
brated Lincoln detective uoav took part in the matter, and
the means by which they inveigled all the parties consti
tute the richest item in the history of criminal surveillance.
The Israelite Avas so played upon that he is not yet aware
of the eneraies who ruined him, and Avhen the matter was
ripe the Avhole party were taken up, their goods and papers
seized, and they are now in Fort Lafayette, having gone
forward on Sunday night.
"AV. G. is a razor and cutlery importer, whose estab
lishment is situated at Fifth and Commerce Streets. He

THE HAY CONTRACT. 83
has never taken the oath of allegiance, being an Englishman.
His game Avas to pretend himself a Federal agent until the
worst came, when he Avas to claim the privileges of a British
subject. In his establishment were found surgical instru
ments, caps, pistols, boAvie-knives, &c., packed and di
rected to go south AA'ard. The ijroperty amounts to $10,000
in value. ' ' F. W. is a Virginian, formerly in partnership with
C. B. C, 205 North Water Street. He has always been
a rabid traitor, and his wife has been six times to Rich
mond and back within as many weeks, taking each time
trunks heavily filled with weapons and goods contraband.
She passed our lines by bribing an officer of the army, Avho
obtained passes for the purpose. Said officer has been ar
rested, and will probably be shot. At W.'s house an
extensiA'^e correspondence with parties in the South was
found, and his complicity with the rebels was proved by
his papers, even in the absence of any other evidence.
Among other articles seized, there was a pair of epau
lettes, marked with the name of Captain R., an officer
in the rebel army. There were also a photographic group
of worthies, of which W. Avas the center. A gentleman,
who is familiar with the likenesses, says that they repre
sent Captain R., Captain J. A. C, Lieutenant C. D. F.,
of Georgia, and B., mayor of Savannah, all decided
rebels. "The hay contract in which H. was engaged was to have
been worked to good advantage. Two vessels, one loaded
with bales of hay, and the other Avith bales containing war
munitions, were to have been dispatched up the Potomac,
and at Aquia Creek, at a given signal, the bog as hay Avould
have been run under the Rebel batteries. All this was
proved by seized letters, and also the fact that the late cap
tures of Federal sloops and small craft by the Rebels, off
the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, were the work of
design aud not of accident, the same containing contraband
matters. New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore mer
chants are thus implicated, and the proofs are too plain
and startling to be set aside. These three men were leagued
together, and among their several correspondence were lat**

84 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
letters from Rebel contractors, acknowledging the receipt of
pistols and side-arms.
"After being arrested, they Avere shifted from station-
houses to prison, being one night taken out of town to
stave off judicial decisions, writs of habeas corpus, &c.
Finally, on Sunday, Marshals Jenkins and Steele drove
them to the Ncav York boat — AV. defiant, G. cowed and
sullen, and the Israelite trembling like a leaf.
' ' A part of the corresiDondence implicating them was
obtained from the wife of a lieutenant in the Federal army,
who had been rather delicately implicated with N. H. AV.,
now in Fort Lafayette. She has been arrested in NoAvark,
New Jersey, Avhere she resides.
" The Government decoy Avho assisted detective Frank
lin in these labors is said to be a daring Californian, full
of nerve and fertile in expedients, who has been twice in
Charleston and thrice in Richmond since the battle of Bull
Run. His manner of making the arrest cannot now be dis
closed, although it rivals in interest and danger the exploit?
of the best Boav Street officers."

CHAPTER IV.
TREASON AND TRAITORS AT THE NORTH.
Baltimore — The Detective Service and the Arrest of the Maryland Legislature — ^Tho
Refugee aud the Spy — The Pursuit and the Capture — Traitors at Niagara Falls —
Acquaintance with them-^The Arrest — In Fort Lafayette.
Of aU places north of Mason and Dixon' s line, Baltimore
had the pre-eminence in the early development of treason,
and its defiant audacity. It is doubtful whether any other
city furnished as largely and promptly for the rebel army the
sons of aristocratic families^ Here originated, practically,
armed resistance to the Governraent.
The blood of the Massachusetts Sixth was the first mai-tyr-
blood of the war, and it stained the pavements of Baltimore.
From that city was sent the first expedition to destroy a rail
road — that to Gunpowder River.
Whatever Baltimore may have done since to redeem her
name from treason' s darkest hue, at the beginning of the civil
sonflict it was a hot^bed of crime, and its manifold products
served well the garner of all its harvest — Richmond.
To make the most of the information obtained in Rich
mond, and of my letters from the authorities, I sought the
acquaintance of leading secessionists, and was soon on excel
lent terms Avith them ; indeed, I was adraitted into their secret
councils. This was more readily done at this tirae, when any
representative of the South was cordially welcomed to the
traitorous circles of that city. And my commission from the
Confederate government gave me distinction among the
friends of the revolt.
So determined and persistent were the people in their
opposition to the Government, that a weU-devised and
deeply-laid plan was nearly consummated to carry the State
out of the Union and to link its destinies with the South.

86 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
This Avas to be accomplished through the secret assembling
of the Legislature of Maryland. So dark, disloyal, and un-
knoAATi to the public had been the meetings of this Legisla-
tui-e, that none (or very few) of the most prominent rebels
were ap})rised of its movements. As a confidential and
trusted friend of the authorities at Richmond, there could be
no objection to revealing to me the plot.
At many of the private meetings Avhicli I was invited to
attend, I Avas shocked and amazed at the cool and deliberate
manner in which they declared their intentions to meet at
Frederick, pass the ordinance of secession, and by it make
and proclaim Maryland a Confederate State. These facts, as
fast as they Avere obtained, were forwarded to AVashington.
The rebel legislators arrived in Frederick, in accordance
with a previous understanding, at different times, and from
various directions, to avoid suspicion in loyal minds as to
their real object. This was about the middle of September,
1861. Those that did reach Frederick were quietly arrested.
and others en route, or just ready to leave Baltimore to me.
their fellow-conspirators, were taken with so little demonstra
tion, scarcely any one of the number kneAV of the arrest of
his fellow-traitor.
The prompt action taken by the Government and its im
portance, I believe, haA'e never been appreciated by the
people of the loyal States.
It is startling to contemplate for a moment the result
which must have foUoAved the vote of this body of treason
able men.
It Avould have been taken at once as the signal for the
immediate organization of a large rebel force in the State;
and, instead of AA'ashington having been the capital of the
Union in the civil Avar, it Avould hfeve been the capital of the
Confederacy. Instead of the Potomac river being the picket line be
tween the hostile armies, that line Avould probably have been
someAvhere on the borders of Pennsylvania.
AVhatevfer may be the estimate put upon the military or
civil status of Benjamin F. Butler, to his energy, courage, and
executive power in an emergency, the country is indebted
for the position which Maryland occupied during the war.

THE REFUGEE AND THE FEMALE SPY, 87
Had he faltered on his arrival in the State, or even hesitated
a moment, Maryland would have been a Confederate Stiite.
Had he done nothing more, the country would have OAved
General Butler a lasting debt of gratitude.
September 28, 1861, Avhile stopping at French's Hotel, in
NeAV York, I made the acquaintance of Mr. C, the book
keeper. Having had occasion to make inquiries of the char
acter of his guests, I Avas compelled to disclose my office.
AVhile conversing with him on one occasion about the
hardships of the loyal people of the South, he called my at
tention to a man stopping there, who said he was a refugee
from Mobile, and Avished me to hear his story of wrongs.
I consented, and was introduced to an apparently respect
able and honest mechanic, who stated that he Avas a North
ern man, and had been South for some time, as locomotive
^ineer. AVhen the rebellion began, he inadvertently declared his
sentiments, and the vigUance committee ordered him to go
North. He owned a small house, worth a few thousand dollars,
and wished to stay long enough to sell it and take his family
with him. But he was required to start at once, leaving his
family behind.
An intimation to him by Mr. C. that I might influence the
authorities at AVashington and get a pass, induced him to
apply to me for assistance.
I took a deep interest in the case, gave him my address in
AVashington, and asked him to call upon me there. Subse
quently, when the incident had passed from my mind, one
day my refugee friend came rushing into my apartment at
AVashington, and excitedly said :
"I have just met B. on the avenue, a young man from
Montgomery, Alabama, Avhere I Avas once employed, ele
gantly dressed in female attire, and accompanied by a man
whom I do not know. I believe he is a spy."
" Why did you not follow him ? "
" I was so much excited, I did not think ofit."
My informant then gave me some account of B., when I
requested him to go with one of my assistants through the
principal streets in search of the mysterioas strangers.

88 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
The search was continued for six days.
One morning he came Avith the haste of great excitement
into my quarters again, saying :
"AA^ell, I met B. and his friend just uoav, and followed
them to the National Hotel."
I Avent there with my informant, procured two tickets for
dinner, and Ave Avere soon seated at the table, Avhere I found
the couple. They were registered in the book as "Dr. McC.
and wife. Harper's Ferry, Va." I did not lose sight of them
again. On Saturday they left Washington. I followed them to
Philadelphia. They stopped at the Continental Hotel, regis
tering their names "Dr. McC. and Avife, AA^'ashington, D. C."
Under their names I put my own as "John Brown." After
some further disclosures, Avhich Ave shall not here detail, on
Sunday night they started for the AA^est.
I was dressed in the garb of a farmer, and managed with
out suspicion to sit near them and hear much of their con
versation ; all of Avhich proved clearly their treasonable
character. Monday night we reached the Burnett House, Cincinnati,
Ohio. I saw thera safely domiciled in the fourth story, and
Avaited until after one o' clock at night, Avhen I knocked at
the door. It was cautiously opened, Avhen I said :
" Doctor, I Avant to see you privately a moment."
His wife Avas sitting Avith her feet on the mantel-piece,
smoking a cigar, and her dress unhooked.
I said, "Doctor, I have followed you from Washington;
I know the character of this young man in female dress."
At this moment I noticed a revolver on the mantel-piece,
and remarked :
" This might be dangerous in the hands of an ill-mindecl
person ; I guess I will take possession of it."
The doctor was boisterous and threatening. I told him I
did not Avish to make him notorious there, and alarm the
house ; that I knew all about thera, and resistance would not
help the matter. McC. commenced pulling on his boots,
when I noticed the glitter of the handle of a bowie-knife
which was thrust into a pocket in the side of his boot. I
added, reaching out my hand :

THE GREAT REBELLION LONG PREMEDITATED. 89
"Doctor, I think I will take this also ; you might hurt
yourself." AVith a slight resistance on his part, I secured it. The
search of his baggage revealed, drawn on tissue paper, elab
orately prepared plans of the fortifications and number of
troops in and around AA'ashington, Avith a large number of
letters of great importance to tbe Governraent.
All of these were put into the trunks, again locked up,
and Avith the keys in my possession, at four o'clock a.m.,
I was on my way to AA^ashington with the travelers and their
precious freight. They were safely quartered in the Old
Capitol prison, and the maps, &c. , delivered to Mr. ScAvard.
As an eA'idence that the great rebellion had long been
premeditated by the prominent politicians of the South, it is
only necessary to observe how completely they seemed to
have the machinery of their treason in operation. For,
before the roar of the cannon around Sumter had ceased
to echo in the bay of Charleston, the secret emissaries of the
cause had received their instructions, and each kneAV dis
tinctly the part he was to play in the great drama.
From Floyd to the lowest traitor, the certainty of success,
and the matured plans, had so emboldened them, that but
little discretion or concealment was deemed important. And
while Breckinridge was daring the North in Congress to
oppose the right of the South to secede, its traitorous agents
were boasting in the streets of Washington Avhat they in
tended to do.
AVith a view to the arrest of these rebel agents, October
18, 1861, I went to Canada, as the subjoined letter will show :
WiBiimoTOM, Octoier 25, 1861.
Hon. Secuetart op State :
Deab Sik — I returned from Canada this morning. I found at the Clifton
House, Niagara Falls, a large number of prominent secessionists, who have
just returned from Europe.
I would like an order for the arrest and conveyance to Fort Lafayette of
8. W. A. and O. B. C, the first-named being a member of the so-called Con
federate Congress at this time. These traitors are waiting an opportunity to go
South. They have very important correspondence in their possession, some
tf which I have seen. I am confident I shall succeed in inducing them to
\isit our side of the river, which of course will be the only opportunity for
arresting them. Yours, very respectfully, L. C. Bakke.

90 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Having obtained the desired order from the Secretary of
State, I immediately started for Niagara Falls. At Roches
ter I employed a colored servant, for I had determined to
play the part of some prominent rebel from the South, and
wrot(^ three letters, all addressed to the name at the Clifton
House Avhich I had assumed.
One of these letters was mailed in NeAV York, one in St.
Louis, and the third in AVashington. On my arrival at the
Clifton House, where my secession friends alluded to Avere
stopping, I registered my assumed name, and put on the airs
of a Southern gentleman. I secured tAVO of the most spacious
rooms in the house.
The obliging landlord brought to me my letters, and in
view of the honor conferred upon him he Avas more than
ordinarily ciA'il.
He remarked that he had often heard my name mentioned
by his Southern friends. Upon my adding that I desired to
live in perfect quiet, he said that it would be impossible for
one so distinguished to do this ; especially would my ac
quaintance be sought by fellow-exiles from the " sunny
South." I Avas allowed to pass that evening in seclusion ; but early
the next morning a servant handed me the card of S. AV.
Ashley, Avith his compliments, and expressing a desire to
see me.
I graciously granted Mr. A.'s request, and told the ser
vant to shoAV him up.
I may here remark that the chances or risks so often taken
of being detected in the assumed name by some acquaintance
of the real person, sometimes do prove fatal to the plan ; but
even a defeat by the discovery of the real object by those
I am seeking to entrap is only the failure of that particu
lar plot, leaving a hundred others open for farther experi
ment. Fortune favored me, however, in this case, as Mr. A. had
no personal acquaintance vnth. the traitor whose name I had
assumed. Our aims and purposes apparently being alike, we were
soon on the most familiar terms. We talked over the pros
pect of glorious successes by our gallant troops, and laughed

PERILS OF "SUSPENSION BRIDGE." 91
at the absurdity of the attempt of the Yankees to resist the
valor of the chivalric South.
Mr. A., having preceded me several days in the visit
to the Falls, had become acquainted Avith the interesting:
localities, and politely invited me to accompany him on a
tour of observation. I gladly accepted, and spent a day
among the AVonders of the great cataract.
The foUoAving morning he called again, to repeat the kind
attention. At my suggestion, Ave decided to visit that marvelous
monument of engineering skill, the Suspension Bridge. I
was enthusiastic in praise of the designer, and tried to ex
plain how the first Avires were thrown over the chasm ; and,
to have a farther inspection, proposed that Ave should buy
tickets to cross, intimating to my friend that we had better
not go over, but simply advance a sufficieni distance to make
an examination of the structure.
I entertained my friend Avith remarks upon the scenery,
the cables, &c. ; and, to go into the scientific observation of
the different parts of the bridge, I went over the national line
a hundred feet perhaps, toAvard the American shore. WhUe
deeply interested in conversation, we were suddenly accosted
by a mild, gentlemanly man, who said to my friend, Mr. A. :
"Your name is A., sir? I have an order frora the Sec
retary of State for your arrest. In your admiration of this
structure, I think you have ventured a little too far. You
will please accompany rae with your friend."
I replied : " Sir, certainly you can not have an order for
my arrest ; if so, will you produce it ?"
¦ He then took from his pocket the order for the arrest of
Philip Herbert, my assumed name.
I suggested to Mr. A. that we should accompany the
officer, quite sure that, upon the proper explanation, we
should be at once released.
Our protestations were of no avaih He said: "I have
been watching this bridge for you three weeks ; quite sure
you could not resist the temptation to examine it. You
must go with me." We started immediately for Ncav York.
Mr. A. had been quite thoughtful and sombre on the
way to Rochester, and there remarked to me that his mind

92 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
was not perfectly clear in regard to the part I was playing ;
he had his suspicions that he had mistaken his man. Philip
Herbert, it will be recollected, while in Congress, killed a
waiter in AVillard' s Hotel, and after the date of this affair
was himself killed in the war while colonel of a regiment.
AA^e were taken frora New York to Fort Lafayette, where
I remained an hour and my less fortunate friend eight months.

CHAPTER V.
A KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN SQUARE.
P. IT. F., alias Carlisle Murray, a Knight of the Golden Square — The Arrest-
Release — Papers of F. examined — Secretary Seward's Order for a Second Arrest
— On the Track — The Rural Retreat — Mr. Carlisle Murray a Reformer and
Lover — The OCBcial Writ — The Astonished Landlord and Landlady — A Scene —
Report.
It Avas during the month of November, 1861, that the ex
istence of certain treasonable organizations, having for their
object the overthrow of the Government, began to attract
attention. October 17, 1861, a communication was received
by the Hon. Secretary of State, purporting to give the his
tory of a secret society in Texas, knoAAai as Knights of the
Golden Circle. The particular objects of this organization
Avere not, hoAvever, fully explained. A fcAV days later, an-
otlier letter was received at the State Department, giving
similar information. On the 24th of October, Benjamin
Franklin, Chief of the Philadelphia Police, arrested, ou a
telegraphic dispatch, a one-armed man, named Carlisle Mur
ray, and confined him in the station-house of that city. On
searching his person, mysterious papers Avere found, appar
ently containing the constitution and by-laAvs of the Knights
of the Golden Square. Franklin sent a dispatch to me, in
forming me of the arrest.
I came to Philadelphia, compared the docuraents with the
original records of the Knights of the Golden Circle in the
State Department, and found them to agree — the tAvo societies
were clearly essentially one in character. In a further con
versation with Murray, he claimed to be an intimate friend
of a well-known merchant-prince of Boston, for whom he
acted as agent. At this stage of the war so little Avas known
of the Knights of the Golden Cirdle, no great importance Avas
attached to Murray's papers, and he was released.

94 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Before this, hoAvever, I recognized him as a somewhat
distinguished individual. His name was P. H. F., who
figured as Fillibuster AA^alker's minister from Nicaragua in
1848. A subsequent examination of the papers in Murray's
possession, taken in connection with those before referred
to, satisfied rae that he was really a member of the Knights
of the Golden Circle.
Clothed Avith the authority conferred by the following
order, I entered upon the search after F. : —
Depaktmknt of State, |_
Washington, Xovemher -2, 1S61. (
To L. C. Bakeb, Esq., Washington, D. C. :—
You will please arrest P. II. F., alias Carlisle Murray, and convey him to
Fort AVarren, Boston, Massachnsetts. Examine his person and baggage, and
send all papers found in his possession to this Department.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) William H. Sewaed,
Secretary of State.
He had been released sorae Aveeks before his real charac
ter Avas discovered. To find hira then seemed a hopeless
task. By intercepted letters postmarked Branford, Conn.,
I was soon on his track. Assuming another name, he had
selected this quiet town as his temporary residence. His
assumed name there I did not know ; consequently must
devise sorae plan which would lead to the knowledge
of his locality. Accompanied by Franklin, I proceeded to
Branford. To avoid suspicion on the part of the citizens, it
was necessary that Mr. Franklin and myself should appear
under an assumed character. We represented ourselves to
be gun manufacturers in behalf of the Government, seeking
for an eligible spot and building in which to carry forward
our business. An old machine shop, not then used, answered
my purpose.
AVhen it Avas known that two intelligent men were about
establishing business for the loyal cause, the good people of
course were very anxious to serve us. The only hotel in
Branford Avas a quiet inn, kept by a venerable couple. Here
we found ourselves, strangers to all and in pursuit of a
stranger, with no tangible clew to his person or place of
abode. To get on good terms with "mine host" and hostess

THE ASTONISHED LANDLADY. 95
it was only necessary to state prospective plans, and that
their house would be ray headquarters. The old man ttilked
freely of the facilities for my contemplated business, and of
the moral and social condition of the people ; inviting
Franklin and myself to dine Avith them. Up to this time Ave
had made no inquiry for the object of our visit, trusting to
circumstances for farther developments. AVe soon sat doAvn
to an excellent dinner. AA-'hile at the table, the old lady in
quired of her husband, "Is Mr. Jackson coming down to
dinner? You had better ask hira." This question satisfied
me that we had a distinguished guest. Who Avas that Mr.
Jackson ? I immediately rose, giving Franklin the cue, and,
to the astonishment of the honest pair presiding at the table,
rushed up stairs to search the house. Hurrying from room
to room, at length I found the strange boarder occupying the
only bedroom and parlor in the house. I said, extending
my hand :
"Hoav are you, F?"
He arose, and, politely taking my hand, said :
""iou have the advantage of me."
I replied : " I believe I have ; for I have a warrant for
your arrest ; and I don't think you have one for me."
" Oh, yes," he replied ; "I recollect you now. You are
from California?"
And in the coolest and most off-hand manner said :
" AVhy, I am glad to see anybody from California. Here
is sorae good brandy. WeU, hoAV are ray friends, McDougal
and Tillford ? "
He then added : " Why, Baker, this is a good joke.
Hoav did you find out where I was ? I thought I had got
beyond the reach of detectives. Noav, the people here think
me a very good man. I have lectured on temperance and
religion ; have a class in the Sabbath-school ; and am court
ing one of the prettiest girls in Connecticut. This is too
bad." By this time the landlord and his wife had entered the
room, having learned from Franklin French' s real character,
when she said :
' ' AVhy, Mr. Jackson, how could you be so wicked ?
These gentlemen say you are a rebel spy. To think that a

96 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
secessionist has even slept under our roof. I'll have to air
the bed and purify the whole house."
Then, looking at her hands and crying bitterly, she
added :
" And I have washed your clothes ! May the Lord for
give you, for I can't."
The sc(>ne AA^as a mixture of the pathetic and comic rarely
Avitnessed. The unsuspecting landlord, who had nearly
reached his threescore and ten years,, stood trembling with
the pal sy, and Avith a most woebegone expression, while his
more demonstrative companion seemed beyond the reach of
a conirorting Avord. Then followed a hasty packing up of
French's effects, and sending them doAvn stairs, when he
paid his Aveekly bill, and said to the landlady :
" I Avill return and explain this AA'hole thing to you."
In les.s time than it has taken to tell the story, the news
had spread through the village. The pastor Avhose r ilpit
French had occupied, the postmaster, and blacksmith were
at the hotel. But one person could be found who r bjected
to the proceedings, and he was a newly arrived M. D. from
Texas, Avho at once declared his purpose to resist the order
of arrest, and called upon the people to assist in rescuing the
prisonfn^. The display of a six-shooter immediately quieted
his rebellious spirit. F. was taken to New HaA^en, thence
to Fort AA'^arren. After a brief incarceration, he Avas paroled
by Secretary SeAvard ; and so the matter ended. The dis
loyal order of the Knights of the Golden Circle Avas so
vaguely understood that it was thought, after all, harm
less to the Government.
The subjoined report to the Secretary of State Avill shed
more light ui3on the character and career of F., and illus
trate further the necessity of a detective police when traitors
in arms and in the disguise of loyal citizens are plotting with
unscrupulous hate against the Government :
Washington, November 17, 1861.
To the Hon. W. H. Se-waed:—
Deak Sib- -On the 2d of November, I received an order from the State
Department to arrest and convey to Fort Warren one P. H. F., alias Carlisle
Murray. From an intercepted letter found in the Philadelphia post-office, I
had reason to believe that F. was at or near Branford, Connecticut. On

A KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN SQUARE. 97
the 6th instant, I took officer Ben. Franklin, and proceeded to tlio above-
named place. After some delay, I succeeded in finding F. at a small hotel,
where he had been stopping for some raonths. I immediately placed him
nnder arrest, searched his person and effects, and found a number of letters,
most of which seem to be a correspondence between him (F.) and a dis
tinguished merchant, relating to the sale of certain steamboats to the United
States Government belonging to this merchant. F. had represented him
self to the confiding gentleman as one Carlisle Murray, who had been
driven out of the South because of his Union sentiments. He also exhibited
what purported to be genuine letters from the Hon. Mr. Etheridge, Andrew
Johnson, Parson Brownlow, and others, authorizing him to collect moneys
from loyal people of the North, for the support of Parson Brovvnlow's paper
(the Enoxville Whig). I have ascertained that he did collect, from the mer
chant already mentioned, and others, about four thousand dollars. A careful
perusal of the correspondence between these parties shows that the latter
did make an engagement with Mr. F. to sell two steamers to our Govern
ment, and that he was to receive a certain commission for tlie same. During
the time he was trying to sell or negotiate for the Bte.aniboats, he visited the
merchant at his conntry residence, was invited to spend the Sabbath, and
dine with him (which invitation F. accepted), receiving letters of introduction
to prominent and wealthy citizens of Boston, New York, Brooklyn, and
other places. There can be no doubt but that F. is one of the most accom
plished villains in America, nor that the merchant did bona fide enter into
a contract or agreement with F. to sell certain steamboats to tho United
States; nor that his patron was informed of the true character of F. long
before he took any steps for his arrest. The correspondence and all the
facts in the case go to show : First, that F., by forged letters and misri'pre-
sentations, deceived his patron; second, that the merchant, finding F. a very
shrewd, intelligent man, did employ him to sell the steamei's: and third, that,
when he learned the real character of F., the authorities were not iminediately
notified by him; and when said merchant ascertained that F. could not, or
would not, make a sale of the boats, he telegraphed to the authorities in
Philadelphia to arrest Carlisle Murray for swindling. These are, in my opinion,
about the facts relating to the matter, as far as the merchant is concerned.
Among the papers found in F.'s possession, was a manuscript purporting
to be the constitution and by-laws of a secret order or association, known
as the Knights of the Golden Square. This document is copied almost ver
batim from the constitution and by-laws of the Knights of the Golden Circle.
an order that originated in Texas, some two years since, the object of which
was, the overthrow of the United States Government. By an ingenious word
ing of these papers — that is, whenever the name and objects of the order
occur — the terms have been used, evidently intending to convey the impres
sion that it was a Union order, designed to he secret in its nature, but the
object of which was to be the maintenance of the cause of the North.
I am satisfied that F. is a member of the Knights of tlie Golden Circle;
that he has copied their constitution .and by-laws; that the papers found in
his possession have been altered or worded differentiy from the original, so
7

98 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
that, if he should at any time he suspected or arrested, these papers could not
be used as evidence against him. All the letters and papers found in F.'s
possession are forwarded to your Department. Yours, very truly, L. C. Bakee.
In the early stages of the war, before any police organ
ization of the Government had been perfected or set in
operation, and before blockade restrictions had been es
tablished, the whole North was flooded by a class of south
ern spies, correspondents, and incendiaries. That the spy
ing and detective business was not confined to those who
had made it a profession would seem to be indicated by
the foUowing letter. The writer of this precious document
was an Episcopalian rainister from the South, who had been
employed by the rebel government to visit the North, with
a view to ascertain the movements then on foot toward the
organization of the army. It was written to Bishop Gen
eral P. The "Joe" spoken of, was a sergeant in one
of the Federal regiments, with whom an arrangement had
been made by the writer to convey through the lines to
the rebels any documents that might be forwarded to him
for that purpose. "Joe" was ferreted out and arrested,
and made a confession of the whole scheme which is re
ferred to in the communication ; to wit, the organization of
a force in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware, to seize
the Arsenal, Navy Yard, and public property at Philadel
phia. The "friend Bob" spoken of was Bob B. (ex-senator
B.), of Delaware. When the ringleaders of this conspiracy
discovered that I was on their track, they immediately
abandoned the scheme, or transferred their field of opera
tions to the West, where an organization was perfected,
but broken up by the arrest of Dr. D. at IndianapoUs,
in 1864. PniLADELpmA, jyecember 26, 1861.
WoBTHT Sie — Various good and sufflcient reasons have detained me north
of this point several days beyond the time specified in your instructions. First
of these, I, in a room in Boston, was expatiating, as usual, npon the horrors and
sin of slavery, as a raatter of course, and misrepresenting, in a blundering way,
its real condition. One of the chaps took up the cudgel in good earnest. He
had sailed South, been in Southern ports, knew Southern people well, they
were kind to the nigger, &c., &c. I invited talk, solicited conversation and

A SPICY CLERICAL EPISTLE. 99
information — gained his confidence, finding how freely ho let himself out. I
had several interviews, and finally threw off the mask, and told my real object
was to gain information, in which he aided me to the extent of his utmost
ability. Ho is a man about sixty years of age, but strong and active ; and
although a native-born New Englander, he hates, with a perfect ferociousness,
the name of New England. Several reasons conspire to produce this. First,
he has been swindled by a pious deacon, his brother-in-law, who induced his
wife to forsake him ; then he has mingled, to a great extent, with our people
South, and cherishes a fond recollection of many of our citizens. Oh, how he
swears at the Yankees. I soon ascertained that I might place implicit reliance
upon his word. My respect and confidence were confirmed by the opinions
entertained and freely expressed here by all classes. They represent him as a
bold, outspoken secessionist. Being a man of tried and sterling bravery, tli«
people know well that it would never do to trifle with him ; and, added to
this, he is worth some twenty or twenty-five thousand dollars ; being quite
judiciously invested, enables him to realize an income of at least three or
four thousand a year, at least three-fourths of which he gives away- — not in
the form of common charities altogether, but gifts in the shape of loans to
deserving beginners. In this way his popularity among a great many is solid,
not only with those whom he has benefited, but others, whose respect for
such unostentatious nobleness is challenged and secured.
Well, he is the man we need. He will go into the scheme with heart and
soul. His plan is, receive orders for a stanch, swift sea-steamer from a South
American power, have her quietly and expeditiously built, manned with the
right kind of a crew, give out that he is going with her, let her take in a
cargo of just such articles as we need at present — boots, shoes, &c. — sail, and
enter the flrst Southern port that looks clear. I would here remark, that his
plan is to have three just such steamers under way at the same time. Either
this, or he will buy — each, however, from different points. Marine signal
No. 8 (eight) of the Confederate States of America will be used upon entrance
of our port. This, you remember, is the plan agreed upon to deceive the
blockade fleet.
The day after my arrival in this place I was accosted by a venerable old
beggar, who stood at a corner soliciting alms. His touching tone of voice,
coupled with his meek yet respectful appearance, although in rags, attracted
and interested me. I gave him a dime, and asked him carelessly where he
lived, with no intention, however, of paying him a visit, but hardly knowing
what to say, and feeling I ought to say something.
He replied, " You aint got any Jeames River tobacky, I reckon, to give a
fellow a chaw."
Imagine my surprise when my beggar friend proved to he our old Nebo.
Cute as ever, he plies his artful game. He tells me that he was in Washing
ton last week ; says old  is drunk one-half his time.  and  are
laying up big piles of United States money both for themselves and friends,
though  is the sharpest in the way of money. That old stupid feol,  ,
is completely under the thumb of  ,  ditto.
Nebo says that, unsuspectingly, he has been permitted to enter both the

ICO UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
civil and military department in Washington and Alexandria. As his means
of communicating with head-quarters is so very expeditious and complete, I
deem it both impolitic and unnecessary to detail, in this communication, the
vast amount of useful information which he is enabled to pick up. One thing
I must mention. He says that in less than three months we will have Phila
delphia and Baltimore. He says that as soon as the advance is made upon
the lines at W., a party here, now numbering over five tliousand, in this city,
together with thrice that number in the adjoining counties, will seize tho
Navy A'ard, Arsenal, &o. His experience tallies with mine, that is, that New
Jersey is sound to the back-bone for ns : yes, far more so than Delaware,
although a Southern State.
I am afraid to advise you to take that trip, for, notwithstanding the clerical
cut of my coat, I ara watched very closely, as are all strangers, by the Govern
ment spies. The people are heartily sick and tired of this war, but are afraid to
utter such sentiments, it being treason, or so ruled by that drunken thief,  .
Nebo says that whenever  needs money he sends ahead some startling
telegraph communications, manufactured, as a matter of conrse. Soon the
streets of Pliiladelpbia and New York ring with the cry of extras : " Glorious
news (in big letters). Fifty thousand secessionists routed by a Union force
of only one hundred and fifty. We took thirty thousand prisoners, two liri-
dred and seventy-five thousand stand of arms, one thousand fonr hundred
cannon, and an immense stock of ammunition. The rebel general shot in the
mouth by a Buck-tail, which would have proved fatal, but just as the ball hit
him he spit out a quid of tobacco, whicli turned the ball aside. It, however,
glanced from the quid and killed a colonel and eleven iirivates. Our loss
(Union) — two killed, three wounded, one missing."
Sucli, my dear general, is the windy stuff which  uses to draw money
out of the AVall Street kings. Verily, this is a humbuggy age. To my mind
it is past my comprehension how the two sections can ever meet together,
e\-en in ordinary intercourse. A'ou can form no concei)tion of the bitter feel
ing of hostility entertained by all classes here. An instance or two will
suflice. An interesting pious family, whose savory discourse did my soul much
good in its growth in grace, (fee, &c., whose hospitality I often enjoyed, one
day last week, in making a call, I found them mnch excited. Upon inquiring
the cause, Miss Annie informed me that they hiid just learned that the bonnet-
maker was a vile secessionist. I straightened my eye-brows, turned up ray
-whites, and made an appropriate pious ejaculation, and inquired how she had
made the discovery. By accident, sir. Well, to sift the testimony from their
verbiage, Mrs.  , a poor widow, who makes a living for herself and
children in the bonnet business, had been so imprudent as to say to my friend,
" Well, I hope if they do liberate the negroes, they will make some provision
for their support, for they will no longer have their owners to look to." Now,
for this vile secession (!!!;, my pious friends are determined not to pay their
bonnet-bills until the war is over. Don't yon admire their spunk? The other
instance is this :— A picms elder in one of the Presbyterian churches here has
a datigliter married to a Southern elder, who is in the Southern army ; and so
bitter is liis feeling, that neither daughter, child, nor husband is ever alluded

SECESSION PICTURES OF THE NORTH. IQl
to, even [in] his prayers. Indeed, my dear sir, the spirit of the wolf, the
hyena, ay, rattlesnake, and all vicious animals, are let loose in the hearts of
this people. There is no language sufficiently strong to describe the malignity
of their feelings. Ages hence will this feeling burn. I thought some of our
Hotspurs went far in their expressions of hatred and contempt, but it don't
begin to touch bottom with Philadelphians. But with all this, I understand
that we have a goodly heritage in this city and its vicinity. Old Nebo tells
me that there is now in process of completion a scheme to be inaugurated
soon upon a grand scale. It contemplates the seizure of Philadelphia. He
says there is over three millions of dollars invested. He could not make me
acquainted with the particulars. They are called the "Regulators." He says
that several prominent military men have it [in] charge. It embraces New
Jersey and Delaware. I find, however, I am repeating what I have already
written in this letter.
Dr.  's church, during the week, is turned into a tailor shop. Tlie
Doctor is a strong coercionist in the pulpit ; in the parlor he is a secessionist,
or, I should say, an apologist for that vile heresy. Dr.  , ditto. Dr.  ,
ditto, and many others, who were converted during the days of terror last
April, when our friend Bob escaped the halter in Philadelphia. Thousands
here entertain earnest and anxious desires for peace, but dare not utter their
thoughts even to their nearest kin. In my clerical capacity I say, that this
people is given over not only to believe a lie, but lies. The truth is too tame
and commonplace. They are confident that ten of their raen can beat and put
to rout one hundred of the South. I then ask them why their Array of the
Potomac, which outnumbers the South, don't move, and crush Beauregard.
They say, "Oh, that is the fault of politicians." As an Englishman, some
avoid and wheedle me. Your obedient servant, Thomas, the D. D.
I will be in Cleveland ten days from time first noted.
The following is a copy from a letter which accompanied
the former, in similar handwriting : — Philadelphia, December 27, 1861.
Deae Phil — Joe tells me that you are about Sin sin naughty, as he drawls
it out. I detained this to say a word about the M. and G. difficulty ; but you
see the papers — all bosh. Send word by this, if you choose, that it will end
in smoke-— a flash in the pan. You can read and remember as much of the
inclosed as you can. Be sure to note the figures, as they mark the name of
the Sea Dog. Burn the letter unless you can safely carry, and then get iu
your hole and skeet for Dixie. It ought to have gone before, but I was far
away when F. was here, and did not see hira. Oh, how these Northern
papers lie about us. Joe is a sergeant in a company of one of the regiments
here— will start for Washington soon. If he gets on picket duty he will com
municate. Direct your letters to Rev.  , D. D. (be sure to put the D. D.),
of Bath, England. Good-by, and G. B. Y.
Tom.

CHAPTER VI.
DISLOYALTY AMONG THE POSTMASTERS.
A Mystery — The Result of Cabinet Meetings in Washington knovm in Richmond—
The Detectives learn the Reason — A A'isit to Lower Maryland — Amusing Scenes
— The Mysterious Box — The Reports — A Rebel Letter.
It was a surprising fact during the first six or eight
raonths after the war began, that the result of every Cabinet
meeting at Washington was reported in Richmond within
tAventy-four hours after it Avas held. The secret was, that
every postmaster in Lower Maryland, comprising the coun
ties of St. Charles, St. George, and St. Mary's, with three
exceptions, were disloyal. It had been taken for granted
that the State was true to the Government, while rebel emis
saries were constantly conveying information from Washing
ton to the post-ofiices along the Potomac, from which it was
transmitted to Fredericksburg by blockade-runners and
spies, and thence telegraphed to Richmond. By this arrange
ment, uninterrupted and unrestrained communication was
kept open between the rebels North and South until Novem-
lier 20, 1861, when I decided, if possible, to break up the
treasonable correspondence. Accordingly, the Secretary of
War directed that three companies, of one hundred men each,
from the Third Indiana Cavalry, then in General Hooker's
division at Budd's Ferry, be detached, and report to me for
the purpose of visiting and, if necessary, permanently occu
pying Lower Maryland.
The first post-office upon which I called was at Chaptico,
a smaU village at the head of a bay of the Potomac, bearing
the same narae, and about sixty miles from Washington. I
reached the village late one afternoon, when an amusing
incident occurred, illustrating the ignorance in the country
generally, more profound, perhaps, in some portions of it

THE MYSTERIOUS BOX. 103
respecting military afiairs, resulting from the peaceful pur
suits of the people during a long period of declining martial
spirit and demonstrations.
The first military seen in Chaptico was my advent with
three hundred of " Uncle Sam's boys," which naturally cre
ated intense excitement among this rural people.
My force was composed principally of Germans, who be
came brave soldiers subsequently in the western battle
fields. They were addicted, of course, to the use of intoxi
cating drinks ; hence it was necessary to encamp apart from
places where liquors were sold. I entered the town with my
orderly, to notify all vendors of strong drink to close their
bars, and under no circumstances to seU to the soldiers under
my command.
In the evening, to my surprise, when passing one of the
drinking-houses, I found it full of troops who, Avith the land
lord, were having a jolly time over their potations.
I immediately stepped in and inquired of the host :
"Did I not give you an order not to sell liquor to my
men?" " Why, Colonel," he said, " these ain't no soldiers ; they
are oificers. They have got swords on."
Ofiicers generally wearing swords, the cavalrymen thus
armed deceived the benighted dealer in poor whisky and
beer. He was sure that he was honored with men quite
above common soldiering.
I proceeded to the post-office, and found the postmaster
sick and all the family in about the same plight, excepting a
bright little girl, twelve years of age.
I rapped at the door, when she raised the window and
said: "Father told me I must not let any of the Yankee sol
diers in."
T replied : "I am not a Yankee soldier, but an agent of
the Post-office Department."
I was then admitted ; and asked where the office wag
kept. She pointed to a box of pigeon holes. While exam
ining it, I accidentally observed a rough pine box with iron
hasp and hinges and a United States mail lock. It was par
titioned through the center, with a hole for letters in each

1C4 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
division. Over one part was " Southern Letters ;" over the
other, " Northern Letters."
I said : " AVhat is this box for ?"
She innocently answered, pointing to the inscriptions :
" Why, the letters put in that hole (the Southern) go to
Richmond ; and those in the other go to Washington."
The postmaster, who was in bed, overhearing her, spoke
somewhat excitedly :
"No, that ain't so ; why do you tell the gentleman such
a story?" I answered : " I guess the girl tells the truth."
Taking the box, Avhich, upon examination, was found to
contain letters from rebels on the way to the Confederacy,
and those Avhose hearts, if not their faces, were toward rebel
dom, I placed it in the Post-office Department at Washing
ton as a curiosity, where it still remains.
At L., the largest village in all that part of LoAver Mary
land, another amusing incident occurred. It had long been
the residence of aristocratic families. A weekly noAVspaper
was published there — a paper Avhich was pre-eminent in fan
ning the fires of rebellion throughout that region.
Arriving within two miles of the town at evening, I en
camped in a grove of pines. With a captain, sergeant, and
two orderlies I rode into the village, and found the people
had heard of our arrival. The principal men of the place
waited upon me and protested in the most violent manner
against Yankee troops disturbing their peace ; for they Avere
"State-rights people, who only wished to be let alone."
They made threats of personal violence if my soldiers were
brought into Leonardtown.
I replied : "I am here under orders of the Secretary of
War, on a peaceful investigation, and not as charged, to steal
your slaves, to burn your houses and barns, or to molest
the inhabitants. I have money to pay for forage and rations
if you will sell them ; if not, shall take them."
By this time the editor of the paper had become bois
terous in his condemnation of the Government and its
officers. I quietly directed a guard to be placed around his
printing-office. Selecting from my command Judge L., of

A SUDDEN CONVERSION. 10.5
Cleveland, Ohio, an officer who had some experience as an
editor, I directed him to Avrite an article for the paper, in
which the rebel editor was made to recant his secession
heresy and declare for the Union, advising all his sub
scribers to do the same. The compositors Avere compelled
to set it up, and then the pressmen reluctantly struck off" the
paper. The subscription book was consulted, and to each
name a copy of the paper was mailed. The excitement and
indignation which foUoAved the distribution of the suddenly
loyal sheet, and the discovery of the serious joke, made one
of the most ludicrous incidents in my official experience.
The further results of this expedition are presented in the
subjoined note and reports : AV-AjsniNGTON, Ntyvember 25, 1861.
Brigadier-General Hookee, Coramanding at Budd's Ferry :
Dear Sir— -The expedition under my command to the lower coast of
Maryland has proved successful. We captured four mounted traitors and one
rebel spy. Mr. Seward is much gratified at the promptness with which you
responded to the orders given to me. Also obtained many valuable letters
and documents, frora which important results will follow. To Captain
Keister and Lieutenant Lemon, I am under many obligations; I found them
very promjit and ready to act at all^ times. The men under their command
conducted themselves with the greatest propriety. A detachment of sixteen
men, as a guard, accompanied me by steamer via Baltimore to this city. I
return them to their quarters to-djiy. Allow me to return you my thanks for
your extreme kindness to me during my short stay at your headquarters.
Yours, truly, L. C. Bakee.
Washington, November 2T, 1861.
To the Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State :
Dear Sir — In compliance with orders issued from your Department,
under date of November 18th, I repaired to the headquarters of Brigadier-
General Hooker, at or near Budd's Ferry, and was promptly furnished with
one hundred men from the Third Indiana Cavalry, under command of Captain
Keister. The object of the expedition was to arrest parties suspected of
rendering aid to Virginia rebels, to discover the channel through which con
traband correspondence was being carried on, and, if necessary, to take into
custody any persons found in arms against the United States Government.
On my arrival at Port Tobacco, the headquarters of Colonel Graham's regi
ment, I found the inhabitants complaining bitterly at their alleged ill-treat
ment, and depredations committed by the soldiers under his command. In
justice to Colonel G., however, I found, on inquiring, that the inhabitants

106 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
had been the first aggressors. There are residing at this place but four
or five Union men— the b.alance either being sympathizers with secessionists,
or open and avowed aiders and abettors of treason. The postmaster at this
place is secretly doing all in his power to further the interests of the Con
federacy. Eight miles frora the above-named locality is a small town, known
as Allen's Fresh. There are hut two Union men at this place. I found
in the post-office here five letters, addressed to fictitious names ; on oiiening
them, I discovered that they cont.aioed sealed letters, addressed to well-known
secessionists in Virginha. The postmaster was one of those who assisted and
contributed to organize and equip Confederate soldiers now in Virginia. At the
Newport po.st-ofiice, some two miles from Allen's Fresh, I found a package
of thirty-four letters, post-m.arked "Newport P. O., Maryland," all ready to
be forwarded to different localities at the North. On examining these letters,
I found that they were all written in Virginia, and had all been dropped into
the ofiice by one person. At Chaptico, a place of about two or three hundred
inhabitants, located at the head of a small inlet opening into the Potomac,
I found but four Union men, the traitors at this point having threatened to
hang aud burn the property of any raan who dares to avow Union sentiments.
At this point, there has been carried on for months a regular communication
with' Virginia. The postmaster here openly declares himself a traitor; I
should have placed hira under arrest, but found him confined in his bed with
chills aud fever, besides having a large family depending on him for their
daily support. I next stopped at Leonardtown. This is the largest and by
far the most prosperous village in Lower Maryland. I do not consider it safe
to say that there is one Union man in the town or vicinity, although many
declare themselves State Eights Men, which is but a milder terra for secession
ists. At this place has been enlisted, equipped, and conveyed to Virginia, a
very large nuraber of men for the Confederate army. But very few hesitate
to declare openly their secession sentiments; I think this is attributable
almost wholly to the publication of a bitter and uncompromising secession
paper, published in this place. I found in the post-office a large number of
letters going to and coming frora A''irginia. The postmaster, a Mr. Yates,
declared himself to me a good Union man ; I, however, afterward obtained
the most undeniable proof of his disloyalty to the Government and sympa
thy with the rebels. I think that Leonardtown should be at once placed
under martial law, and a provost-marshal appointed, in order that the few
Union men residing there may have some kind of protection again.st these
traitors. Frora Leonardtown I went to Great Mills, a distance of twelve miles.
There are but few inhabitants residing directly on the road, the population
being mostly on the Potomac and Pawtuxent rivers. Daily steamboat com
munication from Baltimore to Millstone Landing (a point en the Pawtuxent
river, near its mouth) has, in my opinion, made this the most important point
in Lower Maryland. That you may more readily understand with what
facilities correspondence and goods of all descriptions have and are being
transported into Virginia by this route, I annex a map of the country. Tho
distance from Millstone Landing, on the Pawtuxent, to Redmond's Landing,
at the head of St. Mary's river (four miles from the Potomac), is bnt eiglit

REBELS IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND. 107
miles, the road being excellent at all seasons of the year. There are bnt fonr
or flve Union men in this vicinity ; most of those who have declared them
selves as such have either been driven from the county, or dare not avow
themselves in favor of the Government. A number aro now residing in the
neighborhood who hold commissions in the rebel army. It is, however,
exceedingly difficult to arrest them ; the approach of any considerable number
of troops is a signal for these cheats to leave their houses, or secrete them
selves, and it can only be accoraplished by the most shrewd and well-laid
plans. I made the following arrests, viz. : E. H. J., W. M. A., E. M. S., and
R. L. H. These men were a part of an organization known as the Lower
Maryland Vigilance Committee.
Mr. E. H. J. resides at what is known as the Old Factory, St. Mary's
County, is engaged- in merchandising, farming, &c. When the present diffi
culties broke out, J. went to Baltimore, and was there during the riot of
April 19th. On his return hence, he brought not less than four hundred
stands of arms from Baltimore, which afterward were sent to Virginia. He
has had wagons for hauling contraband goods frora the Potoraac to the Pa-
tuxent, during the greater part of the summer and fall. He made his house
the headquarters of secession spies, passing to and from Virginia; has enlisted,
equipped, and forwarded a large number of men for the Confederacy ; has
notified Union men to leave the county ; and has, on all occasions, cursed and
abused the Government.
D. W. M. A. resides about one mile from J., openly defies the Govern
ment, was a co-operator with J. in all his treasonable operations ; is said
to be the secretary of the Vigilance Committee, and stated to me, after his
arrest, that he would yet kill a Yankee for every day that he was imprisoned
by the Government.
E. M. S. is a Confederate spy. He was indicted by the Baltimore grand
jury for engaging in tho riot of the 19 th of April, but made his escape into
Virginia, and, up to the time of his arrest, had kept out of the way. Soriio
memorandums of importance were found in his possession.
The arrest of B. L. H. will prove of the greatest importance to the
Government. H. resided at the landing on the Patuxent River, and
made his hotel the rendezvous for all the secessionists in the county. At his
house were held all their meetings and deliberations. He had two teams
constantly running from the landing to the Potomac River. I have the most
positive proof that, the night before his arrest, he took three hundred Colt
revolvers to Virginia ; I found two large boxes buried in the sand, about two
hundred yards from his house, from which he took these revolvers. Mrs.
H. informed me that she had frequently cautioned her husband that he would
yet be caught and imprisoned by the Government, but he disregarded her
advice, and told her that he was determined to make money in some way.
Some letters were found in his possession of the strongest secession character,
also Confederate envelopes, stamps, circulars, &c. H. was the master spirit,
and the worst man in the county.
Much difficulty was experienced in making these arrests. The county
is wild and unsettled ; a complete set of signals had been established among

108 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
the inhabitants, and notice of our arrival had been given to the entire country,
making it necessary to move only at night-time. I endeavored, stating that,
as soon as the troops left, their building would be burned, and they them
selves assassinated or hung by the Committee.
I am much indebted for viy success to Brigadier-General Hooker, for hia
promptness in furnishing men ; to Captain Keister, for the energy, patience,
and promptness with which he aided me at all times; to A. G. Lawrence,
Esq., who accompanied me from this city, for the very efficient aid and
advice he gave at all times. Some small-arms, two kegs of rifle powder,
secession flags, and other articles were seized.
Since ray return, I have had some conversation with the Postmaster-
General ill relation to mail matters. AVhen I go down again, he has autho
rized me to displace all disloyal postmasters, and if safe and reliable Union
men can be found, to recommend them for appointment ; if such can not be
found, discontinue the offices altogether. This course, I have no doubt, will
induce them to better regard and appreciate the favors they have and are
still receiving from the Government. In order that the channels of commu
nication with tho South may be effectually broken up, and protection
afforded to Union raen in Charles and St. Mary's counties, I would most
rL'S|iectfully recoraraend that a military force be sent there at once. Two or
three hundred men could subsist themselves and horses, without being com
pelled to transport forage. Should you deem it proper or advisable to send
such a force, I would gladly go with them, and render all the assistance in
my power. Asking pardon for this my lengthy coraraunication.
I reraain, dear Sir, most respectfully.
Your obedient servant, L. C. Bakeb.

• AViBniNGTON, January 14, 1862
To the Honorable Postmasteb-Genekal : —
Dear Sir — At your request, I herewith send report of the condition in
which I found the several post-offices located in Charles and St. Mary's
counties, Maryland. At Port Tobacco, numerous and repeated coraplaints
have been forwarded to me by detective agents of the Government, concerning
the loyalty of the postmaster at this place. Cliarges of the most grave and
aggravated character have been made by the few Union men residing in this
vicinity. On investigation, I found that he has, on tliree different occasions,
received packages of letters, post-marked at Baltimore, and forwarded sarae
to Virginia. On or about the loth October, a Confederate spy mailed at this
(iff ce one hundred and forty letters, which he (the spy) brought direct from
Virginia. This was done with the full knowledge and consent of the post
master. In addition to this, he has aided and advised a number of young
wen in the neighborhood to cross the river and join the Confederate army.
Allen's Fresh. — The postmaster at this place seldom if ever attends per
sonally to the duties of the office, but leaves the business in the hands of a
young boy, some twelve or fourteen years old. I found in this office nine

MARYLAND POSTMASTERS. 109
nncalled-for letters, having been addressed to fictitious names ; on opening
them, I found they were addressed to individuals in the so-called Confederate
States. The postmaster in this place is disloyal and can not be trusted.
Newport. — In this office, I found a package of fifty-two letter.s, written
by parties now residing in the rebel States, addressed to persons in Baltimore.
The postmaster is a first-class rebel. In my opinion, this offlce could be
discontinued, it being located but two miles from Allen's Fresh.
Charlotte's Hall. — But one contraband letter was found in this office. The
postmaster assures me that he is a good Union man, and is doing all he can to
assist and forward the interests of the Government. I think hira a highly
intelligent gentleraan, but hardly sound.
Oakville. — This office is located in a thrifty, settled community, and is but
of little importance ; being some distance from the Potomac, has less facilities
than other offices for conducting contraband mail matter. I consider tbe
postmaster a loyal, good, and reliable man.
Chaptico. — From the peculiar location of this office (being situated at the
head of Chaptico Bay), the postmaster has very superior facilities for con
ducting a large contraband business, which he has not failed to improve to
a greater extent than any other officer in Lower Maryland. Indeed, he
openly boasts that he holds two appointments as postmaster — one frora
Washington, aud one from Richmond. A large number of contraband letters
were found in his office. In addition to this, he is an habitual drunkard,
neglecting the duties of his office ; he has repeatedly neglected to lock the
mail-bag ; has often left the key in the bag, and often refused to open the
mail at all. Frora tho iraportance of this office, it could hardly be dis
continued without a positive injury to a large number of good and loy.al
citizens. Leonardtown. — This is the largest village or town in Lower Maryland.
Charges of disloyalty have repeatedly been made against the postmaster of
this place, many of which I have thoroughly investigated. He (Yates) stylos
himself a State Rights man, which is but a mild term for secession. A
number of contraband letters were found in his office, but he positively denies
knowing the writers, or the parties to whom they are addressed. Tho
citizens generally speak in the highest terms of him, and, so far as I can
judge, the offlce was well managed. Everything seems to be conducted
with a great deal of system and regularity. As no better man could be
induced to take the office, I should think a change not advisable at present.
Great Mills. — This is an office of some importance, being located midway
between the Pawtuxent river and the head of St. Mary's, by opening directly
into the Potomac. In September last, acting under an order from your
department, I seized the entire contents of the offlce. About one-fourth of
the raail was directed (under cover) to the Confederate States. I think,
however, the postmaster is a loyal citizen, but has been very negligent in his
duties. Not desiring to incur the hatred of the secession community in which
he resided, he has allowed letters to be received at his offlce from the rebel
States, addressed to well-known traitors, without reporting the same to the
prope." authorities. I think a change shouM be made at this office at once.

110 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Saint Inagoes. — This offlce is of but little importance ; but few letters
received or mailed. I have heard no complaints against the postmaster here,
hence I conclude he is loyal.
Frora the very meager amount realized, I have found it exceedingly diffi
cult to find good, reliable, loyal men, who would accept the appointment of
postmaster. Many who are competent will not devote the necessary timo
required to perform the duties of the office. I have, however, obtained the
names and consent of loyal citizens who will accept an appointraent at a
number of the offices mentioned iu this report, and, as soon as I can complete
the list, I shall forward the sarae to your department. I consider it a matter
of the greatest iraportance to the Government, at this time, that our post
masters should be loyal and true to the Union, particularly when their offices
can by any possibility be used in any manner as a medium to convey informa
tion to the Confederate States. To discontinne altogether our mail facilities
in Lower Maryland, at present time, would result in a great inconvenience
and injury to the few loyal people residing in that section, as well as our
military forces, which, at my suggestion, have been stationed along the
Potomac, to break up the contraband trade so successfully carried on during
the past summer. I am, most respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Bakee.
Special Agent P. O. Depart., and Governraent Detective.

A letter which was intercepted about this time will reveal
the demoniac spirit of the rebellion, which, I regret to know,
exists stdl to an alarming extent in the conquered South :—

Nanjemot, December 19, 1862.
Dr. Hatling: —
I expect to go from home soon, under another permit, to Nanjemoy, and
want to make a good thing of it — better than before. What I say about the
permit, is confidentijil ; don't forget.
I suppose you have heard but little of the truth of the little skirmish
before Fredericksburg. Abolition, with Bumside at its head, was somewhat
scorched. At least thirty thousand were made to bite the dust. The strangled,
newspapers on this side dare not tell half the truth. I have my information
from officers and men who were on the field, and in the battle. They say tho
slaughter can never be described or forgotten by those who saw it. They
lay by thousands upon a single acre. The Southern blood was fully up;
they spared nothing, but slew the cringing, cowardly, wiglish Abolitionists
with an unsparing hand.
The Southern loss was comparatively small, it is thought not over fifteen
hundred, though nothing can be definitely known, yet awhile, on the subject.
It was doubtless the greatest slaughter ever made on this continent. But

A REBEL LETTER. HI
will it teach the fools at Washington wisdom ? I hope so. Report reached
here yesterday, that Burnside, Stanton, and Halleck have resigned. Lincoln,
Seward, &c., ought to follow suit. And then commence and hang every
Abolitionist and Black Republican, and the balance may have some peace
The sooner this is done the better. """our friend,
(Signed) G. W. 0,

CHAPTER VIJ.
FRAUDS— DISLOYALTY IN MARYLAND.
The Freighted Traveler — Treason and Frauds overlooked in the Rising Storm of
Rebellion — The Bankers — The Pretty Smuggler — Reliable Character of thr
Detective Bureau — Disloyalty, and its Punishments in Lower Maryland — The
Friends of Hon. Montgomery Blair and the Quinine Traffic — "Chuuook'
Telegrams.There Avas about this time a rather marked illustration of
a common means of transporting contraband goods across the
lines. The extent to Avhich such methods of deception were
resorted to by both men and AVomen shows tbe stringency of
the blockade at which the rebels sneered for a while, and the
mania for speculation amid the horrors of Avar.
I Avent to the Avharf at Baltimore to watch the movements
of a suspicious passenger who had gone just before me to
embark. «
He succeeded in passing the scrutiny of Provost-Marshal
McPhail, and went on board the steamer bound South. 1
folloAved him, and became satisfied that I had tracked an old
offender. I accordingly addressed him, when he denied any
disloyal designs. His hat had a peculiar appearance — seemed
heavier than it ought to be. Removing it, I saw that the
interior was conical in form, the base fitting his head. I
struck the top of the crown upon the rail of the boat, when
a cloud of quinine dust rose in the air. The rogue stood
disclosed ; and my first business was to secure his Aveapons
of defense, if he had any. A pistol was found and seized.
This weapon and the knife are the universal means of pro
tection, and used in ways unknown to any but villains and
their captors. On one occasion a man had his Deringer iu
his pantaloons pocket, and with his hand was turning it to
fire at me througTi Ms pocket, when I sprang upon him and
took it.

AN ENTERPRISING TRAVELER. 113
The brief report, Avhich will give further particulars in
Wilson's case, alludes to the search for him in Maryland,
where, to escape the detectives, he sprang from a windoAv in
the second story of a dwelling and got away : —
"Wabhington, December 30, 1861.
To the Honorable Secretary of State: —
Dear Sir — On the morning of the 19th instant, I arrested, on board the
steamer Mary 'Washington, in Baltimore, one William Wilson. Upon search
ing his person, I found concealed in his overcoat pocket a large druggist's
jar, containing three ounces of quinine, a package of letters addressed to
parties in Europe, and a nuraber of photographs. I also found in Wilson's
>iat, very ingeniously concealed, twenty ounces of quinine. From reliable
information received since the arrest, I ara satisfied that Wilson is tho
notorious "Bill Wilson," of St. Mary's county, Maryland, and the individual
for whose arrest the Government lately offered a large reward. Wilson had on
his person British papers, showing that he had traveled in Europe as an
Englishman. He is now confined in Fort McHenry, awaiting the orders of the State
Department. I consider him a very dangerous man to be at large.
Yours, very respectfully, L. C. Baker.
The storm of civil war came so suddenly upon us, that
how to meet it was the great, absorbing question. The
Cabinet, Congress, and the loyal masses at the North were
intensely aroused to the need of men and money to beat back
the wanton assault of treason upon our nationality.
Consequently, scarcely a thought was given to the possi
bility of disloyalty and frauds at home. The eye was fixed
upon the dark horizon of Southern revolt ; while within our
own brighter one were plots and robberies of the public
treasury, whose disclosure was as startling as it was sicken
ing to every patriotic heart.
An example of rebel perfidy and disregard of oaths in the
highest class of capitalists was discovered toward the close
of 1861. The house of J., Bros. & Co., bankers, in Baltimore,
Avhose business previous to the rebellion was principally
with Southern banks, applied to the Hon. Simon Cameron
for a permit to visit friends at the South. Mr. Cameron
had known the members of this firm to be of the first
respectability, and gave the desired pass.

114 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
After this was used, another was obtained, until a large
number had been obtained and had served well the purpose
of the enterprising bankers.
I received information that one of the firm was engaged
in conveying large amounts back and forth in connection
with the banking house of P. M., Richmond ; and that this
means was resorted to for the transaction of business which
months before had been pronounced contraband.
I determined to detect the offenders in the act, and ex
pose their disloyalty.
Mr. J. Avas arrested at the Relay House, with his servant,
and upon examination of his baggage a large amount of
exchange and rebel correspondence was found.
When the pass taken from Mr. J. and all the tacts were
presented to Mr. Seward, he directed the seizure of the
bank. It was decided to make a thorough examination of
the vaults. The firm refusing to give up the keys of them,
they were broken open, and revealed the shameful truth
that the house had been for months acting contrary to a well-
known order of the President prohibiting trade with the
South. The next day I was directed by Mr. Seward to visit the
War Department by eleven o'clock a. m. I repaired ac
cordingly to his office, and was ushered into the presence of
President Lincoln, Secretaries Seward and Cameron, and
Thomas A. Scott, and requested to identify the passes issued
to J. I cannot pretend to say how far Mr. Cameron was
imposed upon by his banking friends, or to what extent
the disclosure subsequently influenced his course. Mr. J.
was sent to Fort McHenry, and the bank remained for a
long time closed.
Not far removed in date of occurrence, another form of
fraudulent speculation, of which an instance among the
male traitors has been recorded in the experience of "BiUy
Wilson," presented itself under a new and very amusing
aspect. I was standing on the steamboat wharf at the foot of Sev
enth Street, Washington, with some of my assistants, when a
pretty and tastefully dressed woman stepped from a carriage

THE FAIR SMUGGLER. 115
and cast a restless, inquiring glance upon the miscellaneous
crowd around her. This little peculiarity attracted ray at
tention. For, not unfrequently, the clew to a crime and its
perpetrator is given by such signals, of both which only a
detective of sorae experience would observe. An anxious
look, a passing expression of the face, a confused manner or
answer to a question, becomes the key to unlock a great and
dark mystery of wrong.
I closely watched the fair traveler as she walked upon
the narrow, springy plank to the boat, and saw that the foot
bridge yielded to her step quite too much for her natural
weight. I was satisfied, upon a nearer observation, that
under her light outer dress there was a heavier garment than
anything in the usual contents of the female wardrobe.
I politely accosted her in the saloon, and said :
" Madam, what have you concealed under your dress ?"
"JSTothiag, sir," she sharply replied, "that I have not a
right to carry."
"See here, my lady ; just step into that state-room, and
relieve yourself of the contraband goods without further
ceremony or trouble."
She disappeared, and a moment later, from the partially-
opened door spitefully threw a skirt, in which was quilted
forty pounds of soAving silk, saying:
" I suppose you think that you are very smart."
I quietly replied: "Smart enough for you, madam;"
rolled up the valuable garment, and left her to her OAvn
reflections. In the introduction to this volume, I said that it was the
aim, and to some extent a successful one, I think, to give to
the Detective Bureau a character second to no other part of the
national service in reliability. No man, however successful
in his particular work, was allowed to remain in my employ
ment if found to be wanting in integrity. I quote one case
from several on this point.
Mr. M., in accordance Avith the subjoined order, was
arrested and confined in the Old Capitol Prison :
Washington, March 12, 1862.
To the Honorable P. H. Watson, Assistant Secretary of War :
Dear Sir — In compliance with your order of the 8th, I herewith forward

116 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
report in the case of S. M. M., a detective agent of the United States Govern
ment, charged by John Evans, John Bradshaw, and others, captains of schooners
engaged on the Potomac, with having at sundry times blackmailed or extorted
money illegally from them.
1st. Mr. S. M. M. is not, nor has been at any time, in my employ. On
or about the 12th of January, 1862, Mr. M. was appointed by the State
Department as a detective agent, and was ordered to report to me. I imme
diately sent him to Alexandria, Virginia, for the purpose of watching all
suspected persons; giving him no authority to arrest or seize property of any
description without flrst obtaining, through me, the proper order from the
State Department.
On the 10th instant, I applied to Mr. Allen, before and by whom the
affidavits forwarded to your department were acknowledged, and ascertained
that the charges were true, except as to date, and some other minor discrep
ancies, which do not in any manner alter the charges or affect the matter. So
far as Mr. M. is concerned, I consider the charges made in the affidavits
proved, and deeply regret that any officer with whom I have had any connec
tion should be guilty of such conduct.
If any class of raen in the employ of the Government at this time should
be honest and trustworthy, it is its confidential agents.
I respectfully suggest that you order me officially to discharge Mr. S. M. M.
immediately. I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. 0. Bakee,
Government Detective, War Department.
Several weeks before the occurrences which will soon be
narrated, information had been conveyed to the War De
partment, from Lower Maryland, of treasonable designs and
operations of the people residing there. The loyal few en
tered their complaint in words which I shall quote :—
GlHIAT Mius P. O., 1
St. Maet'5 Codnty, November 18, 1S61. f
Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War : —
Dear Sir — Being a loyal citizen of Maryland, I regard it an imperative
duty to inform the Government of some facts which I hope the Government
may recognize.
There is a set of men here who have done, and are still doing, all in their
power to aid the rebel army. They have used the most treasonable language
toward the Government ; they have harbored, fed, and equipped, in every
sense of the word, a great many men, and then have conveyed thera to Vir
ginia. I also firmly believe they have arms buried in a churchyard, ready to
use upon the Union people here, should the opportunity offer. These men
have done much against the Union cause here. At the recent election, they
tried to have men vote who acknowledged they had been to Virginia to bear

THE MARYLAND UNIONISTS COMPLAIN. 117
arms against the Government, and did finally succeed in regard to some who
had been to tho rebels, in the face of all I could do. We polled many more
votes than they anticipated, and they now threaten our lives and property,
and say they will drive us from our homes.
They organized a vigilance committee, and waited upon many Union men,
and even forced one citizen to leave the county ; this, sir, would be confirmed
by all the Union raen in the district. I shall take here the liberty to append
the names of these men. As I have said before, if the chance offers itself, our
lives and property are in danger. Since the election, their hatred has become
bitter, since they see the majority in the State for the Governraent.
I now beg to say a few words in regard to the gentlemen who have been
elected by the disunionists to serve in the Legislature. They have publicly
said they owe no allegiance to the Governraent, and they further say they are
not citizens of the United States, and also say they had rather see the Govern
ment sink to hell, than to see the Southern Confederacy lose the slightest
victory. These, sir, are the men elected as our guardians in the two branches of the
Legislature. We, the Union men of St. Mary's county, do solemnly protest
against these men, and contend, as the true and loyal citizens of Maryland,
they do in no wise represent our views, and believe that these men will
not defend our rights, and redress our grievances in the both Houses. We,
sir, believe that a Camanche has as much right, and would as soon recognize
one, as tlie men forced upon us by the rebels. We beg protection in our
county, and in the Legislature, by the removal of these men from our midst.
They are still carrying a great many goods, and I believe some ammunition
and arms to the rebels.
Captain Gray, of one the cutters in the Potomac, I much fear will have
trouble by his gentlemanly conduct and courtesy toward the rebels here. I
heard from them that they intended a party of them, sufficient in number, to
go aboard to dine or exchange courtesies, and seize the vessel and crew, and
run them into Virginia. This is from these men whom I shall give the names
of. We beg that these men may be taken out of our midst, and sent away
from us. They threaten us in the most unmeasured terms. I beg to know if
we are recognized, that I may appease the fears of our people here. Many of
them are much frightened, as the rebels are largely in the ascendency, and
they threaten desolation. Take the men whose names I here append, aud all
will be well with us — as loyal people.
Your obedient servant,
John R. Bisoob,
Great Mills P. O.,
St. Mary's County, Maryland.
To Hon. Simon Oamebon, Secretary of War.
Those elected to the Legislature : for Senate, L. B. ; House delegates, B. G.
Harris, Esq., J. F. D. ; Aiders and abettors : H. J. 0. and son, J. D. F. and son, !
B. K., B. H., Dr. F. S., Dr. A. L., L A., and J. A., E. H. J., S. H., M. H.,

118 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
F. C, T. S., J. G., Dr. A., W. C. A., B. H., aud in fact every rebel here,
have done something to contribute to the rebel forces. Yours, J. B.
The paper had this indorsement : —
Hon. William H. Seward : —
Inclosed is a list of candidates that I think are fair subjects for Fort
Warren. Thomas A. Soott, Asst. Sec. of War.
Before leaving Washington, I Avas directed by Mr. Sew
ard to exercise my own judgment and discretion as to the
arrest of these persons, furnished with the following order :—
Depabtmknt of State, J
Wabuington, November 19, 1361. j
To Brigadier-General Daniel E. Sioin,E3, &o., &c., &c., or General Hookeb :—
General — The bearer of this is Mr. L. C. Baker, a detective in the employ
of this department, whom I have requested to look after some disloyal per
sons in St. Mary's county, Maryland. I will thank you to render him anv
assistance in the discharge of his duty that he may requii-e.
I am. General, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
F. W. Seward,
Assistant Secretary.
Further facts, in addition to those already in my posses
sion, determined my action in this matter.
I selected the names of eight persons to be arrested;
araong them, one H., residing on Patuxent river, near its
mouth, at a place called Millstone Landing.
H., aside from his secession heresy, was a man of
notoriously bad character, and the terror of his neighbor
hood. An old resident, he had become familiar with all the
streams, bays, inlets, &c., of that region, including the Po
tomac and Patuxent rivers, and Chesapeake bay. The
character of the man, and this knowledge of the country,
made him a fit tool, and valuable member of the band of
blockade runners and spies, who resorted to his house as
their place of rendezvous.
For ten days before I was on his track, he had slept in the
woods, from fear of being taken.
As an evidence of rebel zeal, they had arranged a system

THE ARREST OF REBEL EMISSARIES. HQ
of signals, to give the alarm whenever a detective or Gov
ernment agent appeared in the vicinity.
During the day, strips of white cotton cloth were careless
ly suspended from the windows of their residences, or from
a tree or shrub, to give notice of the arrival. In the night,
the signal was the blowing of tin horns.
In view of these facts, and to accomplish the purpose of
arresting the traitors, the greatest caution was necessary.
I therefore divided my force of a hundred men into eight
or ten parties, giving each officer a minute description of the
residence of the man to be arrested. Aware that the arrest
of any one of the band before the others would immediately
alarm them, these squads all left camp at the same time, Avith
the understanding that, whether the arrests were made or
not, the whole company should rendezvous at a certain
point the next morning at eight o' clock. A more inclement
and a wilder night I have rarely known.
The streams were swollen by rains, and the darkness
great, Avhich tended to make the expedition very uncertain
and uncomfortable.
With the thirteen men who accompanied me, at two
o'clock A. M., I surrounded the house of H. On knock
ing at the door, I gained no response. Forcing my entrance
into the house, I was confronted by H. with a loaded pisto^
who desired to know my errand. I replied :
"H., your house is surrounded, and I have come to
take you prisoner. Give me that pistol." He did so reluct
antly. Upon searching the house, I found six notorious blockade-
runners in the upper story. Two were on their Avay to
"Dixie" with mail, and four returning, and conveying letters
of more or less importance North.
Naturally enough, the company were greatly disconcerted.
I put these under arrest, and, while searching outhouses,
found the ' ' intelligent contraband. ' ' Upon questioning him , I
learned where a large number of pistols and sabers, which
he had carted to their place of interment, on their way South,
were buried. From him I also ascertained that a large
square box, containing Sharp's rifles, was buried in a Catho
lic church-yard three mUes from the river.

120 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Upon application to the Rev. Mr.  , pastor of the flock
worshiping there, he treated my statements with ridicule,
and refused to let me desecrate the "hallowed ground," pro
nouncing the act wanton sacrilege. He denounced the Gov
ernment for permitting it.
I proceeded to the burial-place with the contraband, who
pointed out the grave. When my men commenced throAving
out the dirt, the priest approached, and with uplifted handt*
exclaimed : " Is it possible that, in this enlightened age, men
can be found who will wULfuUy desecrate the resting-place
of the dead!"
I continued the work of exhuming the treasure until a
neAV and large pine box was found and raised to the surface.
It contained fifty-six Sharp' s rifles, with fifty rounds of am
munition each.
My clerical friend exclaimed, Avith apparent surprise, "I
wonder hoAV those arms could have got there !"
It may be well to state here, that one of the fondest
dreams of the people of Lower Maryland was, that at some
future day the rebel army would cross the Potomac, and
have on the nearer shore to Washington a base of operations
against the capital. Therefore these people had long been
secreting arms and ammunition, to be ready for this grand
movement. My plan, which has been before referred to, but par
tially succeeded, owing to the fact that the arrival of the
military was known.
Dr. S., a prominent rebel, had left his home on the first
intimation of our approach. His house was visited the next
day, but he was not at home.
My squad were hungry, and asked for dinner. The
women at once began to prepare it. Among the inviting
dishes was a roasted opossum. We all ate heartily, and,
besides paying liberally for the meal, we kindly thanked
our fair hostess for the satisfactory repast.
Upon reaching camp we were taken ill, and in a few
hours three out of the five were in a dangerous condition.
A physician was called, who said: "These men have
been poisoned. What have they been eating ?"
No explanation could be then given ; but it was after-

SMBGGLING QUININE SOUTH. 121
ward ascertained that the opossum had extra dressing for
our special benefit.
H., with seven of his companions, was confined in Fort
Lafayette a year.
The name will again appear in the record of a later period,
in a light no more flattering.
I learned about this time that persons connected with dis
tinguished politicians were engaged in suspicious business
in Washington. The names were Mrs. T., Miss L. B. B.,
and M. B. B., a Baptist rainister.
I also learned that Mrs. T. was the mother of Miss B.,
the sister-in-law of Hon. Montgomery Blair, Postmaster-
General, and that Mrs. T. and her friends resided in Fau
quier County, Virginia. The passes had been procured
on the recoraraendation of Postraaster Blair, to give these
persons the opportunity to get a few of the "necessaries
of life." •
An espionage of the visitors disclosed a traffic in quinine
of considerable extent.
They had visited three drug stores, and purchased six
hundred ounces. This was taken to the house of Mr. Gal
lagher, brother of Miss B. To ascertain in what way the
quinine was to be conveyed, resort was had again to the
contraband. A. negro servant at Mr. Gallagher' s house soon reported
that Miss B. was engaged in raaking a skirt formed of sec
tions, or long pockets, lined with oiled silk.
The smugglers were so closely watched that every move
ment in the purchase was known within half an hour after it
occurred. I had decided not to arrest them until they were over our
lines. After they left Washington, I called on the Hon. Mr.
Blair, and told him the particulars in regard to his friends ;
when and where the medicine was obtained ; the manufacture
of the skirt for its transportation, &c. I further apprised him
that they had that morning started for home. Mr. Blair lis
tened to my story, and then pleasantly remarked: "Why,
Baker, those persons are as loyal as you are, and I loaned
tliem the money."
Then taking his bank book fi-om his drawer, he added :

122 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
" See ; I have just had my note for five hundred dollars
discounted to help these poor people."
I replied : " Mr. Blair, I cannot be mistaken about this."
Exhibiting much impatience at my positiveness, he said :
"Well, arrest them ; and if you find the quinine, put them
in the Old Capitol."
Three miles over the lines, I stopped the travelers, and
informed Miss B. that I wanted to examine the skirt. She
immediately went into a farm-house, took off the garment,
and threw it down indignantly, saying : "So this is the way
you treat Southern ladies."
The Avhole party were then escorted to Washington.
Miss B. and Mr. B. were lodged in the Old Capitol
prison. Upon reporting the facts to the Secretary of War,
he directed me turn the quinine over to the medical director,
the horse and wa^on to the quartermaster, and the groceries
to the hospitals.
The next morning the Hon. Montgomery Blair and
Miss B. called, and demanded the restoration of the prop
erty. I informed them of its disposal.
On the afternoon of that day, Mr. Blair came back with
written order from Mr. Lincoln to deliver up the goods.
I told him that this was impossible, for it had already
been handed over to the Government by authority of the
Secretary of War.
He then demanded my removal from office.
Mr. Lincoln did not see that I had disobeyed any order,
and failed to appreciate his Postmaster's regard for law and
his Southern friends.
The parties were kept in prison several weeks, and then
paroled. We add Mr. B.'s statement, made under oath : —

M. B. B. makes the following statement : —
I was born in Loudon County, Virginia. Aged twenty-three years. Be
side in Fauquier County, Virginia. On or about the 27th of October, 1862,
Mrs. T., her daughter (Miss L. B. B.), and myself, came to Washington city,
in a buggy or carriage, which was owned by Mrs. T.— the horse belonged to
me. Mrs. T. also had in her employ a wagon and team, which, I believe.

MR. BAYLY'S COMPANION. 123
were the property of the driver, and which were engaged by her to convey
groceries to her home, for family use.
My visit to Washington, at the time referred to, was at the written
request of Mrs. T., desiring me to accompany her to Washington. After
making her purchases, she (Mrs. T.) obtained the necessary passes for our
return; we started for home, and arrived in Alexandria, Virginia. The
weather being rainy, Miss B. and myself commenced the preliminaries for
taking medicines through the lines, on a speculation. After the agreement
to do so, I ordered some of the medicines in Alexandria, when our party
(Mrs. T., Miss B., and myself) concluded to return to Washington, D. C. ;
but Mrs. T., to my knowledge, knew nothing of the contraband arrangement
between Miss B. and myself.
The purchases were all made by me, both in Alexandria and in Washing
ton. Miss B. and myself jointly expended about flve hundred dollars in the
enterprise. Miss B.'s arrangements for the conveyance were completed at Mr. Gal
lagher's residence on Fifteenth Street ; mine were completed in Alexandria.
After taking every precaution for success, we started for home in the same
conveyance that brought us, and the same parties, viz. : Mrs. T., Miss B., and
myself. AVe proceeded homeward until stopped by the pickets, near Chantilly, and
wtere then taken to Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, where we were
searched, and the contraband medicines found and taken from us. I had but
two letters, which were taken from me when arrested — one was given me by
Miss B. H. (who, I believe, boards on Four-and-a-Hcalf Street), remarking at
tbe time, that it was from her mother to her sister ; Mr. McV., of Alexandria,
handed me the other, requesting me to send it to his father, remarking that
there was nothing treasonable in it.
I did not know of any letters on the person of Miss B., previous to
our arrest. When arrested, Miss B. and myself regretted the cause
thereof, as we imagined Postmaster-General Montgomery Blair might be
censured for aiding and assisting us in obtaining passes, our actions, as
detected, having the appearance of disloyalty. It is but justice to that gen
tleman to say, that he knew nothing of the matter between Miss B. and
myself. Besides the contraband medicines taken from me, I bad two carpet-bags,
which contained my clothing. I also hold a receipt from detective officer
Lee, for " forty dollars in treasury notes, thirty dollars in Virginia State notes,
twenty-four dollars in Confederate notes, and two dollars on broken bank,"
together with my horse, which was in the buggy when arrested. I believe
all these are in the possession of Mr. L. 0. Baker, Provost-Marshal of the War
Department, and, being my individual property, I respectfully ask their return
on the disposal of my case.
Ha-ving thus truthfully stated my case, and my lady companion (Miss B.)
having been discharged, I presume that justice and punishment should be
administered without partiality. I, therefore, respectfully ask my discharge
from confinement on the same conditions and privileges as were conceded to

124 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Miss L. B. B., my comp.anion in the unfortunate matter which caused my
arrest and confinement.
M. B. B.
Personally appeared before me, this eleventh day of Deceraber, a. d. 1862,
the above-named Marcus B. B., and, being sworn according to law, de
clares the above statement to be true. L. C. TnRNKE,
Judge-Advocate.
Witness my hand and seal the day and year aforesaid.
The telegraph lines were especially guarded after the war
commenced. Great failures in army movements were caused
by the improper use of the telegraph.
When battles Avere impending, guards and censors to
watch it were sent by the Government to the offices, for two
reasons : first, to prevent intelligence from reaching the ene
my ; secondly, to keep it out of the hands of unscrupulous
persons, who would use it for speculation. Two millions
of dollars were made in Wall Street in an hour by a single
telegram. The business of that money market Avas governed
by the army movements. Various tricks and expedients
were resorted to for the concealment of the traffic in blood
and gold.
Very few exceptions, however, were made to this general
rule. The commanding general, chief quartermaster, and
a few others, were permitted to send dispatches not subject
to the usual censorship. A prominent officer attached to
headquarters, who had spent his early life in Oregon, with
the army, had become familiar with an Indian jargon called
OhunooJc, introduced by cast-away sailors, seventy-five
years ago. No trade but that of whale-ships was then
carried on along that coast. The sailors taught the Indians
certain expressions, pretending them to be English, which
remain in use among them.
A prominent Oregon politician, then in Washington— a
friend of the army officer before referred to— had also learned
this "Chunook." Presuming that the knowledge of this
jargon Avas confined to themselves at the East, they had
arranged a system of telegrams, to speculate in gold.
December 12, 1862, after a temporary repulse of the Union
Army, I was sent for by the Secretary of War, who said :

CHUNOOK TELEGRAMS. 125
" Colonel, can you tell me what this means ?" handing me a
telegram, which I recognized at once as Chunook, The dis
patch Avas signed " — ^  ," and sent to 
I replied : " Oregon Indian jiargon."
He added : " What is jargon ? "
I explained.
He asked me to write out a translation of it.
The Secretary did not seem fully to appreciate my
knowledge of the language.
He inquired if there were others who understood it.
I replied: "Yes, several."
Retaining the telegram, he sent for Mr. D., clerk in the
Department of the Interior, who had also been in Oregon.
He translated it substantially as I had done. The Sec
retary, still incredulous, sent for General  , who is a
fine linguist.
He said: "Mr. Secretary, why, this is Hungarian:" a
reply which was for some time a standing joke at the gener
al's expense.
The dispatches continued to arrive that and the next day.
They were altered, transposed, &c., then forwarded, to the
great wonder and bewilderment of the recipients.
We copy the original telegrams Avith the two translations,
intimating that the Chunook system of telegraphing was re
jected by the Government.
The expressions, apparently so disconnected, had each a
significance well understood by the army speculators : —

Nesika ibcvu Fabsicsicesbueo.
Hin nesika pooh cononay okok sun copa hin bias guns. Wake bin tilicum
mameloos. Tomolloh tenas sun nesika puck puck copa musket pe cononay
pire ictas. Nahnitka clunas silcum nesika mameloos kata wake chaco ole
nez. Where is S. Where H. S. Come here to-day. My soldiers come as you
told me. Now tell me, old N., suppose you want to see one big firing. All
well, you make haste here now. News why mad, yes, to-morrow.
Where is S. Tell H. S. to come here to-day. The soldiers come as you
told me. Now tell old N., suppose he wants to see one big firing, all right,
make haste here. They wiil be mad to-morrow

126 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
United States MiLiTAitT TELEGiiAPn, Wak Depaetmeht, I
WASniNQTON, D. C, December 12, 1862. (
Wake siyah cultlis mitlike nesika conoway okok sun nika tumtum claska
rebels puck puck nesika tomallah kagna pilitin divils klash nanitch conoway
sun tomallah klark aiyum mika.
We have come to Fredericksburg. A great many we shoot all this day.
with a great many big guns. A great many of your people are killed. To
morrow morning we shoot with muskets and all fire-arms. Yes, probably
half of us will be dead. Why don't you come.
We have come to Fredericksburg. We have killed a great many to-day,
with big guns. A great many of their people are killed. To-morrow morn
ing we shoot with muskets, and all kinds of fire-arms. Probably half of ns
will be dead. Why don't old N. come.
It appears to patriotic "outsiders" incredible that such a
morbid spirit of speculation could exist amid the tragedies
of civil war ; but those who escaped the contamination in the
arena of tempting opportunities were the select and incor-
ruDtible few, at whose head was Abraham Lincoln.

CHAPTER VIII.
OFFICIAL SERVIOES AND EMBARRASSMENTS— NEW ORDEE OP THINGS.
The Bureau transferred to the War Department — Dr. H., and the Perilous Adventure
of which he was the occasion — Report of the Case — Arrest of the Leader of a
great secret Southern Organization — Documents and Letters — Rebel Poetry.
Department of State, )
Wabuington, February 15, 1862. f
Sir — Permit me to introduce Mr. L. C. Baker, who has been employed
by the State Department in the detective service, and who, so far as known,
has discharged his duties in a manner entirely acceptable. In consequence
of Executive Order No. 1, dated February 14, this department has no further
use of his services. He is commended to your consideration as a capable and
efficient officer. I have the honor to be, very respectfully. Your obedient servant, W. H. Seward.
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
Some interesting adventures soon after foUowed.
Dr. G. H. was from Leesburg, Va. ; graduated in the
Medical College of Philadelphia, and became engaged, while
attending lectures, to the daughter of a prominent citizen,
and subsequently married her.
Immediately after the rebellion broke out, he took sides
with the South, and became so obnoxious to the people of
Gemiantown, by the declaration of his secession sentiments,
that a committee waited upon hira requesting him to leave,
which he refused to do. This so exasperated the citizens,
that they warned him to take a peaceful farewell of the com
munity. He decided, at length, to go South. Removing to
Baltimore, Avith others of similar character, among thera Cap
tain WardeU, of the Shenandoah, he entered into the exciting
but lucrative business of blockade-running. In the selection
of his associates, as will appear, he took one of my detec
tives, and gave the details of the plan, dates of intended
operations, and the kind of goods to be sold. The schooner
chartered by them was the James Buchanan — a fitting
narae.

128 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
HaA'ing learned all the facts, I provided a tug, and was
lying off Annapolis two days and nights, expecting every
moment the appearance of the schooner; whose departui-e
was delayed by a terrible snow-storm.
And here I was obliged to resort to one of the subter
fuges which were employed afterward so successfully by
my assistants.
Putting on the old oily clothes of an engineer, and with
an oil can in my hand, I went, to the store where the excur
sionists were getting supplies.
While there, I found the entire company engaged in the
purchase. I Avas in no hurry to leave the place, but managed to get
close to one of the corapany who belonged to my force, aud
was admitted to the circle in disguise, trying, by nudging
him and pulling his coat, to let him know who I was. It
was all in vain : so complete was my transformation into a
common and greasy engineer.
Captain WardeU asked me on what boat I was engineer
I said of a tug-boat.
WardeU, then turning to one of his companions, re
marked : " Why, here's a man who can tow us out." Then
again addressing me, he inquired :
" What will you ask to tow a small schooner out into
the bay?"
I 'replied : " On moderate terms. If you are aU ready,
for ten dollars. Where is your schooner?"
"At the wharf."
" Well, if you are ready in an hour I'll do the job. My
tug is at the end of the pier."
I went on board and told my twelve assistants to go into
a sraaU cabin aft, and not to show theraselves till signaled
by me. Soon after the blockade-runners came down, stepped
aboard the schooner, threw me a line, bade adieu to their
friends on shore, and we started down the bay.
Their vessel being smaU, with Uttle room under Ihe deck,
they remained above.
Six miles frora Annapolis, where they could sail their
vessel, they liaUed me, and told me to cast off the line.

THE CAPTURE. 129
I invited them on the tug to take a glass of good cheer
before leaving. They came on board, and, Avhile gathered
around the bottle, I gave the signal ; my men rushed up the
hatchway. I told my guests who I Avas, and that they Avere
my prisoners. Among them was one of my detectives, who,
to be distinguished readily, wore a red shirt and black belt.
He had been three weeks with these blockade-runners. A
little warlike demonstration Avas soon quieted by the display
of a carbine. I took them to Fort McHenry, in a snow-storm
of great severity ; and, having let my subordinates return
Avith the boat while I adjusted business details, found the
walk of nearly three miles, in the night, no pleasure walk
after the excitement and fatigue of the day.
My report recounts the official course of events partially
narrated : — -Washington, February 24, 1862.
To the Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: —
Deae Sie — Herewith please find my report in the case of Dr. H. H.,
arrested at Annapolis, on the 18th instant. The doctor is a resident of
Germantown, Pennsylvania. During the excitement last summer, the doctor
made himself particularly obnoxious to the Union people in his vicinitj
by his open denunciations of the Government and his avowed sympathy
with the so-called Confederate States; so dista.steful had he become, at
one time, that the police authorities in Philadelphia were compelled to
interfere to protect his person and property. Dr. H. was, until the last
two years, a resident of Winchester, Virginia; he married the daughter
of F. B., Esq., of Philadelphia (a good Union man and a worthy citizen).
On or about the first of the present month, the Doctor began making arrange
ments for going South, for the purpose of joining the Confederate army as a
snrgeon. He came on to Baltimore, Maryland, mingled freely with the
secession element in that city. On the 10th instant, an organization or party
of rebels, in Baltimore (of which the Doctor was one), chartered the sloop
James Buchanan to carry them to Virginia. Being advised of their intended
movements, I chartered (by order of Major-General Dix) a steam tug, with a
view to intercept them, it being understood that the party, consisting of
thirteen persons, were to embark at Annapolis. The day fixed upon for their
departure being very stormy, the sloop did not leave Baltimore. I, however,
went to Annapolis on Tuesday last, and found the expedition ready to sail
Having no boat at my disposal, I immediately arrested Dr. H. I searched
his baggage, and found letters which settle the question as to his guilt
and intentions to join the Confederates. A quantity of gold coin and
Confeder.ate bank-bills were found in his possession, also pistols, rubber
blankets, ready-made clothing, &c., &c. The prisoner, with the letters,
9

130 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
p-ipera, money, and all other effects belonging to him, were turned over to
Gener.il Dix, at Baltimore. The prisoner is now confined in Fort McHenry,
subject to the disposal of your Department.
I ara, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker.
Alexandria, notwithstanding its proximity to Washing
ton, became headquarters of secession councils. This state
of things culminated, early in the struggle, in the death of
EUsAvorth. At Baltimore, while I was apparently in sympathy with
the rebels, I learned of a secret organization at Alexandria.
It was formed ostensibly for the benefit of the families of
both Union and Confederate soldiers. This will account for
the connection of Mr. Louis McKenzie Avith its proceedings.
He became a member, unaware of its real character ; and
Avhen its disloyal spirit Avas apparent, he absented himself
frora the meetings of the society. The seizure of the records
put me in possession of its entire history. There AA^as "a
Avheel Avithin a Avheel" in this organized benevolence, de
signed to bring out all the sympathy available for the cause
of treason. The Peel correspondence will be found es
pecially rich in expressions of feeling ; while the rebel
poetrA", Avhich graced one of the meetings of the association,
presents very forcibly its ruling animus. In this report,
as in other narratives I shall quote, sometimes uninteresting
details occur, because inseparable from the record: —
-WABmHOTON, March 4, 1SC2.
To the Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
SiK — I have the honor herewith to transmit my report in the following
cases, .arrested at Alexandria by myself and assistants, February 26th and
27th, 18C2. Accompanying this report are two books — one containing the
proceedings of a secret organization, or society, for the benefit of the families
of soldiers now in the Confederate army, also the manufacture of nniformB,
rlothing, ifec, which have from time to time been forwarded to the so-called
Confederate States. This association was organized in June last, and, as
appears from the minutes of their proceedings, the Ladies' Relief Association,
coraposed of the wives and daughters of its members, were admitted, in order,
as it is alleged, to extend the usefulness of their operations.
Repeated complaints have been made to me, during the past fall nnd
winter, conoerning the meetings and treasonable transactions of this society.

* CITIZENS OF ALEXANDRIA ARRESTED. 131
Owing to the high social standing and position of these traitors, and the ex
treme secrecy with which all their operations were carried on, I found it
very difficult to ascertain, with any degree of certainty, their places of meet
ing, their number, or the names of the parties comprising the organization.
During the past four mouths, large numbers of cards were picked up in
the streets and bar-rooms at Alexandria, on which were printed words and
sentences, disconnected, which (since the arrests were made) I have ascer
tained were intended as a notice to the members of the society to meet at a
certain time and place. So dark and secret were all their proceedings, that
it was with the utmost difficulty, and after months of patient and constant
surveillance, that this board of secret plotters against the Government were
brought to light.
The book containing the minutes of these meetings was found in the pos
session of Henry Peel, who, at the time of tlie arrests, was secretary of the
association. This book, fortnn.ately, contained the names of all tlie officers,
which subsequently led to their arrest. The book marked "Dangerfield"
was found in his (Dangerfield's) possession. It contains a statement of the
object of the association, the names of its contributors, names of subscribers,
amount subscribed, and how disbursed.
There can be no question as to the real object of this association. Let
ters, papers, and memorandums, found in possession of nearly all the parties
arrested, show most conclusively that these individuals were engaged in a
treasonable conspiracy to levy war against the United States Government,
and ail have refused to take the oath of allegiance. Muoh of the proof on
which I rely to convict, under the act of 1861, is verbal conversations with
and between these rebels, which have been overheard by many of the most
reliable citizens of Alexandria, and, I ara satisfied, will convince any jury in
tho land of their guilt.
On or about the 4th of March, 1861, Mr. Louis McKenzie (now Mayor of
Alexandria) was called upon for consultation with J. B. Dangerfield, W. F.
Booth, W. H. Taylor, W. H. Marburg, General Johnston (now in the Con
federate army), James Green, aud J. W. Burke, for the purpose of devising
some plan for the seizure of Washington, the seizure of steamers running on
the Potomac, and destroying tho buoys marking tlie channel up the Potomac.
They also gave information and personally assisted in the seizure of tho
steamer Paige, now in possession of the Confederates. All the facts causing
this meeting can be proved by a nuraber of reliable witnesses now residing in
Alexandria. All the above-named parties (except the rebel General John
ston) are now confined at the Old Capitol prison.
Owing to the recent arrests, and seizure of contraband correspondence,
but few letters directly implicating the parties were found.

HENRT FEEL.
The following letter was written to Henry Peel by his brother now in Rich
mond : —

132 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
P.icnMOND, November 80, ISOl.
Mt Dear Beothee— You can not imagine the source of pleasure your letter
gave us. It was the first line I had received frora Alexandria since I left.
The letter you wrote me in answer to mine I have never received, but hope it
raay come along in tirae. Since I came to Richmond I have been busily engaged
selling off the goods I shipped to the country, and have been operating in
other articles out of my usual line, and have succeeded very well so far. The
truth is, almost anything you could buy can be sold at a profit and for cash.
Money is more abundant tli.an I ever knew in all my business life. Richmond
is the center of trade; it is the point from which the army draw raost of their
supplies. The supplies are .abundant and coming in from every quarter. The
noble sons of the South have just laid down their all upon the altar of patriot
ism, determining to maintain their rights against such a nation of Yankee
invrraidons, as are in fact the Northern States. When the South determined
to separate from so vile a community, they have to confess that they did not
know that they were so mnch like land pirates as they have shown themselves
to be in their effort to crush the Southern people. Of all civilized nations
known, a more brutal, despicable crusade against the South is not recorded.
They (the South) now fully know with whom they are dealing, and will act
accordingly — an eye for an eye — and all prepare to meet them any and every
where. AVhenever a contest has taken place, the Southern soldiers have proven
successful. This is true ; their papers to the contrary. The whole purpose is
to deceive the people, and their papers are under such surveillance that they
can not dare to give any other report. Tlie actual loss in the Leesburg fight,
.s.ay prisoners, killed, wounded, drowned, and missing, was thirty-three hun
dred. Your papers state no such result. Every few days a large batch of
prisoners are brought here. Yesterday, twenty-three cavalry were brought
down; their horses and all captured. Sent off two hundred and fifty to
Alabama on Wednesday ; about fifteen hundred still remain here. If they
attempt to hang those taken as privateers, their rank will be hung here.
Already lots have been drawn, and each unhappy man is confined in the cell
for criminals prepared for the condemned. In no way can the North get
ahead of the South. Plenty of stout hearts, abundance of provisions, fall
supply of ammunition, army well equipped. The finest long-range rifle cannon
and colurabiad, that stiikes terror whenever fired. The whole South, with a
united voice and solemn resolve, have willed to be free from the North or
perish in the effort. All feel hopeful and sanguine of success, willing to eh-
dure any and all privations, even to life itself. If the North could only know
how vain their efforts to conquer the South, or subdue the rebels, they would
give it up. If they do know the fact, their acts are only to damage the
South, to gratify an intense h.atred for losing so good a customer as the South
has been ; but in carrying on the war, every blow they give strikes back with
redoubled force, in loss of life and building up a debt which they will never
see paid. As for the Union must be preserved, it is all a farce ; the old Union
is broken, never again to be united. This is a fixed fact. Every day the
blockade lasts only tends to make the South more independent of the North,

REBEL CORRESPONDENCE. I33
as every variety of mannfactnre is springing up. Just tliink of it: a few
months since there was no Government whatever here ; now it is fully organ
ized, and every department is in successful operation. A large army has been
organized and well sustained, and can whip three times their weight in
Yankee flesh or foreigners either. The crops have been abundant, money is
plentiful, and confidence between man and man, all standing shoulder to
(honlder, determined to undergo extermination before subjugation. The
women and children uniting in the one common effort, besides the slaves all
at home laboring to sustain our army with provisions to repel the common
foe against us. To conquer such a people, relying upon the God of battles
to sustain them, is simply ridiculous. In all our struggles, the hand of the
Almighty is plainly visible ; for our raany sins we may be scourged and have
to suffer much, but putting our trust in Him, though many be slain, yet He in
tends all for our good. It is a source of no little gratification to feel that God
is with us in this struggle, and to expect some reverses is natural enough, bnt
the result is only a question of tirae : the longer we are persecuted, the greater
loss of life and money the North will sustain, and accomplish nothing at last.
In one thing the Yankees have been mistaken : that was, to incite the negroes
to insurrection ; but be it said to their advantage when the struggle is over,
that where one black face with a true heart has turned against us, ten white.
faces with black and false hearts have done so ; and I regret so many in
Alexandria are of that class, but most of foreign-born or Yankees, who never
had any sympathy witli the institutions of the South. Amidst all the horrors
of the war, Richmond is increasing in population and realizing great and un
paralleled prosperity. Nearly every branch of business is a success. Manu
factories are, dojng well. We have a very large number of Alexandrians here,
and most of them have profitable employment. John McC. J. is here in office
at one thousand dollars salary ; Wells A. Lockwood is in a bank at one thou
sand dollars salary. I could extend the list of friends here. Mr. E. K.AVitraer
and child arrived safely ; all of them will keep house together. Tell H. P.
I received a letter from his partner, S., and he sent me a letter for H., which
I will forward with this, hoping it raay reach him, as I trust all our letters,
safely. As you all have both piano and melodeon, we would like for Lu. to
send round and get F.'s piano and melodeon and take care of it for me, using
both as much as they please. If not inconvenient, we would like them to
send and get them. I have never heard one word from Mr. B. since I left.
I hope he will be able to get .along without trouble and meet with no reverses.
It is a sad state of things that friends should thus be separated, and for no
fault of ours, the fault being at the door of demagogues and politicians. Awful
will be the account to settle at the Day of Judgraent for so much cruelty wan
tonly inflicted upon innocent men, women, and children. Surely their cup is
fast filling up, and vengeance will overtake them. We have been disappointed
in sending this as I expected, but now have a chance in a day or two. Onr
General Assembly met in Augusta, Georgia, last Wednesday, to organize
anew for the South. They expect to get along without large boards to man
age their affairs — only a sraall committee responsible to the Assembly. Theresa

134 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
goes over to Petersburg next Thursd.ay, to spend a week or so. Our Congress
and Legislature are in session. The State Convention has adjourned. We
have seen Lincoln's message — a poor thing. How vastly he is mistaken about
Tennessee and North Carolina. He will find both Kentucky and Missouri
going with the South. He may well recommend the fortifying of Northern
cities, fearing European intervention or aid from that quarter. It is all for
no purpose this detestable land-pirate war is carried on ; they never can con
quer the South. We are getting stronger every d.ay. Men enlisting and
implements of warfare increasing weekly. Sorae new engines of warfare have
beeu invented that will be used in the next battle, that will carry death and
destruction to any army coming in contact with it. Of this I can not speak
further; but only an opportunity offer to use them, and they will rue the day
they ever thought of subjugating a free and enlightened people. We all
unite in affectionate love to you all, praying a merciful Providence may watch
over and keep you. I ara, affectionately, your brother, S.
Copy of letter written by John M. Stearns, now in tho Confederate Army,
to Henry Peel : Camp Piokbns, Jwnt 27, 1801.
Mt Dear Peel — I have just seen Brown, and was very glad to hear that
jou were still in the land of the living. I find a letter here for Mr. Peel
which I inclose. Everything is in such confusion here that I've only time to
say that we are well and are staying at Bloomfield. I wrote to you froin
Middleburg. If you can send a letter to me here by some one coming up,
directed to me at Ivy Depot, Robinson will send it to me. He (George W.
Robinson) is postmaster here now. I can't say anything about our forces
here, as the letter might be intercepted. Suffice it to say, that we are pre
pared for any number of men that Lincoln may send. Our men are in fine
spirits and anxious for a fight. I often think of you with deep sympathy.
Love to Mr. Peel. In haste, yours, truly,
(Signed) John M. Stevens.
I inclose two copies of letters found at Peel'shouse. There are, however,
on file in my office about forty or fifty letters from officers and soldiers in the
Confederate army, showing conclusively that he (Peel) has kept up a constant
correspondence, which must have passed through our lines. In some of these
letters to his brother he instructs him how and when to pass our pickets.
JOHN B. DAXGERFIELD.
From the high social position occupied by Mr. D. (being a man of emi
nence, wealth, and extensive business acquaintance throughout the South), he
has done more to keep alive an uncompromising hostility to our Government
than any other man in Northern Virginia. It appears from the books of tlie
association, mentioned in this report, that he has contributed more largely for
the benefit of the rebel soldiers than any other individual whose name appears

CONFEDERATE CHARITIES IP,.-;
on the list as a subscriber. At his house were held, from time to time, the
secret meetings of the organization. In March last, a nuraber of the leading
spirits in these treasonable operations assembled at the house of Dangerfield,
and devised and wrote out a plan for the capture of Washington, stating
minutely the unprotected, defenseless condition of this city, the nuraber of
our forces, &c. This communication or statement was signed by Dangerfield,
and forwarded by General Johnston to Governor Letcher, at Richmond.
When called upon, I can procure the witnesses to this transaction.
Since the 21st day of June last, Dangerfield has shipped from Alexandria
to Baltimore, and frora thence to Europe, not less than two hundred thou
sand dollars' worth of sugar, cotton, and tobacco, all the property of mer-
eha-its who had fied from Alexandria when our forces took possession of that
place, in April last. Tlie proceeds of these sales have, from time to tirae,
been forwarded to the owners of the property, now in arras against the Gov
ernment. The invoices and bills of lading are in ray possession, also letters
from the consignees in Baltimore and Europe, clearly showing the whole
transactiim. By no possibihty could this property have belonged to Danger-
field, as he some tirae since retired ff-oni active business pursuits, aud lived on
an income derived from his large estates.
The following are the proceedings of a meeting held at the house of John
B. Dangerfield, June 21, 1861, and written in a book found in Dangei-field's
possession: — Aleiandkia, YiKGiNiA, June 21, 18G1.
At a meeting of gentlemen, held this day, to devise means for the further
support of those needing assistance, and to provide for the families of our
volunteers, there were present, Messrs. J. B. Dangerfield, Eobert S. Ashly,
B. H. Lambert, Robert Jamieson, W. Arthur Taylor, and J. Louis Kinzer.
Mr. Sylvester Scott submitted a statement that the number of families who are
now receiving aid from the supply-room was upwai-d of three hundred, em ¦
bracing nearly one thousand persons, and that the expense amounted to about
two hundred dollars per week. He briefiy explained the plan he had adopted
in the distribution of provisions, which was approved, with entire confidence
in the manageraent of Mr. Scott. Mr. Kinzer reported that he had canvassed
the city several times, and that, while the subscriptions had been prompt and
liberal, it would, under existing circumstances, be impossible to raise from
the citizens now in town the means necessary to continue the aid which had
been afforded, and that, unless means could be raised from other sources, tho
support of the families of our volunteers, as well as the poor generally, must
be immediately abandoned. The absence of many of onr most liberal citizens,
the immediate and pressing wants of the poor, and the consequent results
to our houses and property, should the supplies be cut off, and the feeling
of our volunteers, if informed that their families were starving for food,
while they -were standing up in defense of the State, were duly considered.
The meeting unanimously believed that our absent friends would cheerfully
contribute if they were here, and, relying on their devotion to our common
cause, and their entire willingness to share with their fellow -citizens the bur
dens imposed upon this city, determined, upon the faith in the liberality of

136

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.

tho.ie who were ab.sent, to rai.se by loan a sum of money sufficient for a month
or six weeks' supply, and to rely on the liberality of the absent citizens to
make up the amount by contributions, on their return. As a means of arri
ving at the amount which would thus be contributed, the meeting estimated,
and confidently believed, that tlie following persons would cheerfully give tha
several amounts set opposite their names, as follows, viz. :
As a loan 
Henry Dangerfield  $200 00
Mr. Fitzhugh  100 00
Mr. Beveriev  50 00
AVm. N. McVeigh  100 00
J. H. McVeigh  50 00
Francis L. Smith  50 00
J. McI). Goldsboro  25 00
F. B. Robertson  50 00
D. F. Hove  50 00
Rev. J. F. Johnston  50 00
Thirty-one other parties  755 00
fl,480 00
Contributions from 168 parties, in difl'erent
amounts, from 25 cents up to $50  802 35
Total  $2,282 35
OOPT.
Memorandum found in the house of J. B. Dangerfield, showing the names
of the officers of the Ladies' Relief Association :
MANAGER:
Mes. j. B. Dangerfield.

Miss Mary Wilson,
Mrs. Louis Hooff,

Mrs. Robert Jamieson,
Mr. H. Pell,

Miss V. Gordon,
Mrs. Dr. French,
Mrs. J. W. Stewart,
Miss Eliza Dangerfield,

COMMITTEE: Is* Ward.
2d Ward.
Sd Ward.
Ath Ward.

Mrs. George H. Smoot,
Miss Mary McKenzie.
Miss Mary Stuart,
Mrs. J. H. Parrott.
Miss Kincaid,
Mrs. Monroe Newton.
Miss Vandegrift,
Miss Hughes.

Meeting every Tuesday and Friday, at 10 o'clock.

REBEL CORRESPONDENCE. 137
The following is a copy of a letter written by Henry Dangerfield, now a
major in tlie Confederate army, to his brother, J. B. Dangerfield, showing
conclusively, th.at J. B. Dangerfield was in constant correspondence with the
officers of the Confederate army ; also that he was acting as agent for the
dispos.al of their property, the proceeds of which were forwarded South.
The bills of lading for the cotton and tobacco spoken of are now in my office
BiOHMOlO), 18th November, 1S61.
Dear John — It has been a long time since I have been able to communi
cate with yon, and h.ave just heard of a reliable opportunity. You have no
doubt heard of our crushing affiiction in the death of our lovely little Lewis.
All the trials of the war never broke my spirits ; bnt ray he.ad drooped, and
my heart sunk when the sad blow was struck. Oh ! he was too lovely, and
sent to be taken from us. He was the idol of the whole family. I went
down to Bazel's, where Mary was so ill, and was nnder serious apprehensions
you and Rebecca were to be afflicted as we have been. She was too ill for
me to see her. I ara h.appy to know she has recovered, and have reason to
believe that she is now probably with you. Poor Willy was very happy with
us at Charlotteville. I have everything provided for him, through Mrs.
Taylor, and paid all her bills, and the advance to Mr. Ambler for six months,
or the entrance fee, as it is called. He wrote me, a short tirae ago, for five
dollars, which I will forward the first chance. You raay feel assured that
Willy is well placed, though he writes that he would like to bo with us
again. I feel very anxious to hear from you, and if you will inclose a letter
to Dr. F. Donaldson, 31 Franklin Street, Baltimore, requesting hira to for
ward it to me here, I will probably receive it in a few days. This goes to
hira. I sent you a message, early in the month, that another of the one hun
dred and fifty dollar interest notes was due on the 11th instant, and that I
wished you to arrange it with Robert H. Miller to have it paid through his
house in St. Louis, or in some other way. I have conversed with some of
the most respectable and intelligent men of that city, and they recoraraend
by all means to have it paid, that the property will be valuable, under any
circumstances, &c. It is Edward Plale's note, payable to Evans Rogers, due
11th instant, for one hundred and fifty dollars (probably in Merchants' Bank).
Do tell me what has happened at the Island Farm. What became of the
wheat, hay, corn, servants, &c. ? I hope you have the wheat and hay sold ;
if not, please do it. I feel very anxious to hear from my cotton and tobacco
shipments. Open any of my letters, either in your hands or Mr. Marbury's,
and tell rae the result. Tobacco is as high here as before the blockade.
New crop short and inferior. Do tell me all about yourselves, Lurz and all,
and those about the Taylor family. I have felt deeply for thera. I hope Mrs.
Taylor has drawn the interest on Virginia stock. You had better anthorizo
me to collect the raoney due you from the railroad on account. The coupons
would all be paid now, if you can get them to me. The road is quite flush.
May God bless you all. With my fervent prayers for your welfare, and love
and kisses to Rebecca, &c., &c., I am, in great haste,
Your devoted brother,
(Signed) Henkt.

138 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Lot rae hear frora the Philliss McQuinn, or of them, and the state of things.
'Ir.^. Whitmore gives a favorable account. Do you hear of any of my runa-
vavs from the farms?

H. O. CLAUGHTON.
This individual is a practicing attorney. From tho breaking out of the
present rebellion, Claughton has, on all occasions, openly denounced the Gov
ernment and its policy toward the South. At the tirae the Union forces first
entered Ale.x.andria, large nurabers of prominent rebel merchants and others
took a liasty fiight, leaving behind unsettled business of every kind. Stores
were left open and unprotected ; bank accounts unsettled, &c., &c., &c.
Claughton has been acting as agent for these traitor.s, in collecting and for
warding .all moneys so collected. From letters found in Claughton's' pos
session, it seems he has kept up an uninterrupted correspondence with tbe
Confederate States.
Copy of a letter written by F. A. Reed, forinorly a merchant in Alexandria,
now a capt.ain in the Second Virginia Cavalry, to H. O. Claughton.
WAauiHSTOS, April 32, 1861.
H. O. CLAroHTON, Esq.: —
Dear Friend — I left Alexandria this evening, very unexpectedly to rayself.
I was anxious to get Mrs. Reed on, and found, when I went to dinner, that by
coming at half-past four I could connect here in the morning with the train to
Baltimore. I feared to delay longer, not knowing what a day might bring
forth. AVill you do me tlie favor to take charge of ray books and papers,
which you will find in the counting-room. Please say to Ned, my clerk, that
I have left money with Mr. Baker, to pay him, and am very sorry to part
with him.
I thought best to leave quietly, as there was such a; tremendous excite
ment on, and I did not know what I might encounter if I let it be generally
known. Please say to old Mr. Jamieson that I ara sorry I was so liurried I
could not call upon him for the letter I was to take for him. Now, my friend,
do not judge me harshly, as I felt it my duty to do as I have done. I le.ave
with deep regret, I assure, and was it not for my wife and mother, I never
would have left old Virginia, but would have thrown in my lot with you for
better or worse. God grant, if we never meet again in this life, we raay meet
in that bettor land where partings are no more, and where the evil passions
of men shall no more disturb us. Remember me particularly to all my friends.
Much love to Mr. Liftnich. If the mails are ever again resumed, you will pos
sibly hear from me. Much love from Mrs. R. and myself to your wife. Please
take charge of the books and papers for me. Ned will give thera to you. I
may be back in the course of ten days. Yours, truly, but sadly,
(Signed) F. A. Reed.

REBEL POETRY. 139
Copy of letter written by R. B. Smith, one of the frightened rebels, now
a commissary in the Confederate army :
TJ r. n T- .JTay 10, 1861.
11. O. Claughton, Esq. :
Dear Sir. — I left Alexandria this day week, very hastily, in company with
many Alexandrians, who seemed to think only of " Escape for thy life, look
not behind thee." A week's reflection has, however, enabled rae to recollect
that starving would as certainly destroy me .as tho Yankees could, and, in
order to prevent that contingency, it is absolutely necessary for me to col
lect money due me in your city. I write now to ask you if you would act for
me as agent, and attend, during my absence, to some business. As there is
no difficulty about it, and will not occupy much of your timo, I hope it raay
suit your convenience to attend to it. When I hear from you, I will state all
the particulars. At present, I am writing in a room full, and all talking
around me, which will account for my miserable writing. Direct to care of
Doctor J. Gray. Respectfully,
(Signed) R. B. Smith.
Middleburg, Va.
Copy of a letter written by H. O. Claughton, in answer to the preceding
letter, addressed to the wife of R. B. Smith : Alexandsia. -7a.
Mrs. R. B. Smith:
Respected Madam — I wrote yon a few days since, via Fortress Monroe.
I informed you that Mr. W. N. Buckley declined to pay any portion of the
rent, but that belonging to you, without more explicit authority to rae to col
lect. If you have power of attorney from your daughters, say so in your
next letter, and authorize me to collect for you, as their agent. If Hesseline
wishes to have me collect for hira, let him so instruct me. There is to your
credit, in the Bank of the Old Dominion, one hundred and forty-six dollars
and fifty cents, in Virginia funds. I think Mr. B. ought to have paid in par
funds for rent due since 1st July. Your dwelling-house is now occupied as a
beer saloon and eating-house, the front room subdivided as a store. I do not
know who is attending to it. Some one informed me that Mr. B. G. Violette
was. If you desire me to take charge of that property also, state that fact
clearly in your next letter. I must apologize for not responding to your first
letter. It was received when everything was in the greatest excitement, and
entirely overlooked. I found it among my papers after the receipt of your
last, aud could but regret that I had forgotten all about it. They are trying
to ruin ine, but I think I shall be able to ride the storm through.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) H. O. Claughton.
The following is a poetic effusion by H. O. Claughton, published in the
Richmond Enquirer:

140 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
REBELS.
" Rebels !" 'Tis a holy name !
The name our fathers bore
Wlien battling in the cause of Right,
Against the tyrant in his might.
In the dark days of yore.
"Rebels!" 'Tis our family name!
Our father, Washington,
Was the arch rebel in the fight,
And gave the name to us — a right
Of father unto son.
" Rebels !" 'Tis our given name !
Our mother. Liberty,
Received the title with her fame.
In days of grief, of fear, and shame,
AVhen at her breast were we.
" Rebels !" 'Tis our sealed narae !
A baptism of blood !
The war — ay, and the arm of strife —
The fearful contest — life for life —
The mingled crirason flood.
" Rebels !" 'Tis a patriot's name ;
In struggles it was given.
We bore it then when tyrants raved.
And though their curses, 'twas engraved
On the doomsday book of heaven.
"Rebels!" 'Tis our dying narae!
For although life is dear.
Yet freemen born and freemen bred
Would rather lie one freeman dead.
Than live in slavish fear.
Then call us Rebels if yon will —
We glory in the name —
For bending under unjust laws,
And swearing faith to an unjust cause.
We count a greater shame.

CHAPTER IX.
AN OFFICIAL A'ISIT TO MANASSAS— THE WASTE OF WAR.
The Evacuation of Manassas by the Rebel Army — The Order to Visit the Deserted
Battle-field — The Survey of it— Report to the Secretary of War — Waste of Gov
ernment Property.
The evacuation of Manassas by the rebels placed in pos
session of the Union forces a large portion of northern Vir
ginia. The abandonment of this region, the hasty flight of
the troops, and the limited facilities for transportation, com
pelled these rebel legions of the " Old Dominion " to leave
behind them a great amount of valuable property. The
torch lighting the scene of desolation at night, as before
stated, was the large Avarehouse in flames. In the lurid
glare that fell upon the track of ruthless war, lay army
wagons, cars, and all the variety of the materiel of war,
with the implements and products of agriculture, scattered
over the ground on every hand.
March 12th, by the direction of the Secretary of War, I
went to Manassas to survey the field of desolation, and of
miUtary occupation by the Union forces. The result of my
examination of this interesting and important theater of the
conflict, is stated in a report to the Secretary of War : —
Washinqtom, March 17, 1862.
To the Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Dear Sir — In compliance with your order of the 12th instant, I went to
Centreville and Manassas, and other points in its immediate vicinity. I
arrived at Centreville on the morning of the 13th. After a general survey of
the enemy's deserted posts at tliat point, I proceeded to Manassas Junction.
None of our forces had arrived at 2 p. m., except a large number of straggling
soldiers belonging to General Sumner's division, then encamped at Union
Mills, four miles from Manassas Junction, on the Orange and Alexandria
Railroad. These troops were engaged in searching the smoking ruins for

142 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
relics and such abandoned property as had not been destroyed by the retreat
ing rebels.
At 4 p. M. General French arrived, with portions of four regiments, and
took possession of the enemy's deserted quarters, some distance from the rail
road junction.
At G p. M. General Stoncraan arrived, with two regiraents of cavalry and
one of infantry, and encamped in the immediate vicinity of Gener.al French's
brigade. On the 14th I made a tliorongh investigation of the rebel fortifications and
intrenchments, a map of which accompanies this report.
I have ascertained the following facts from a Mr. Crockett, now lying
sick at his father-in-law's house, near Manassas Junction.
Mr. Crockett was an engineer on the road from Manassas to Richmond,
nnd under his supervision was conveyed nearly all the troops, guns, and muni
tions of war.
lie informs me that the first intimation he had of the intended evacuation
was on or about the 27th of February, when he was ordered to concentrate
at Manassas Junction as many cars as possible, which he at once proceeded
to do. On Friday, the 8th of March, ho arrived frora Richraond at about four
o'clock, p. M., and was inforraed that he must return imraediately to Rich
mond, with his train, for the purpose of conveying troops. From the 8th
until the following Sunday evening, the 10th, every locomotive and car was
brought into requisition.
But few troops left Manassas by railroad, as it required nearly all the
transportation for conveying cornmiss.ary stores, araraunition, &c.
After the raost careful and thorough inquiries as to the enemy's forces at
Centreville and Manassas, I learned the following facts. Previous to Decem
ber 2, 1861, their total nurabers were as follows: Virginia had sixty-seven
regiments in the field, numbering in all, including privates, teamsters, and
officers, about forty-two thousand meu. South Carolina had twenty-three
regiraents (about one-half of which were full), numbering in all about eighteen
thousand men. North Carolina had fifty-seven regiments (most of which
were full), numbering about fifty-two thousand men. Georgia had twenty-
eight regiraents (nearly all full), numbering about twenty-six thousand men.
Louisiana had twenty-two regiments (not all full), numbering about nineteen
thousand raen, including officers and teamsters. Mississippi had thirty-one regi
ments (nearly full) and seven independent companies, numbering in all about
twenty-nine thousand men. Alabama had nineteen regiraents (nearly full),
numbering about eighteen thousand men. Tennessee had eight regiments
(not full), in all about six thousand nine hundred men. Kentucky had eleven
regiments (nearly full), numbering in all about seven thousand four hundred
men. Maryland had eight regiments and two battalions of artillery, amount
ing in all to about seven thousand men. Arkansas had five regiments, of
about fonr thousand five hundred and fifty men. These statistics have been
gathered from various sources. A partial list of these regiments was found
among documents at Manassas. In addition to these I have obtained, what

REBEL FORCE AT MANASSAS. 143
in my opinion is very reliable information, from persons residing at Manassas
and other points now deserted by the rebel army.
This estimate includes the entire Confederate force, which I think is as
near correct as can possibly be arrived at without an official list. From the
muster-rolls I beg leave to submit the following statement as to the enemy's
force at Centreville, Manassas, and vicinity. During tlie months of August,
September, October, and November, from tho best information I can gather,
there were encamped at Centreville and immediate vicinity seventeen regi
ments, viz. : Virginia, four, with four full batteries of eight guns eacli ; North
Carolina, three; South Carolina, three; Alabama, two, with one field bat
tery ; Maryland, one, and one battery of four field-pieces ; Georgia, two ;
Mississippi, one; and Tennessee, one.
The forts, fortifications, and intrenchments at Centreville were of the mo.st
extensive and defensible character, tho main defenses being situated on an
eminence, from which nearly every foot of ground within one mile, at least,
can be seen. On this ridge or high land, stretching to the right of the Little
River or Warrenton Turnpike, a distance of one thousand two hundred yards,
is an intrenchment, thrown up for the protection of infantry and field artil
lery. To the left, and lying directly on the turnpike, is a fortification in-
, tended to mount eight guns, well protected on the north by a high embank
ment, evidently anticipating - an attack from that direction. In this fort was
found the Quaker or wooden gun. To the left of the road, distant about a
quarter of a mile, is situated another fortification, of inferior diraensions, con
structed for four guns. All the quarters at this point were well constructed,
being made of logs, and inudded in and out. To the left of the road, leading
to Bull Run or Manassas Junction, about two miles from Centreville, were
located houses sufficient to quarter about three thousand men. These were
occupied by two Virginia regiments and a portion of a regiment from North
Carolina, under comraand of General Bonham. After crossing Bull Run, to
the left of the main road or turnpike are very extensive quarters, in the vicin
ity of which was General Beauregard's headquarters. Here were encamped
most of the extreme Southern troops, consisting of regiments from Alabama,
Mississippi, and Georgia. From the most reliable information I could obtain,
there were about fourteen regiments, of about eight or nine hundred men
each — probably twelve to thirteen thousand men, with but few pieces of artil
lery, and no forts, fortifications, or intrenchments.
Frora this point, on the road leading to Manassas Junction, I found sorae
quarters, but no forts or intrenchments of any kind. At the Junction the
defenses were of a very inferior character. One large fort, situated on the
left of the railroad, was forraidable .and well constructed, but no guns had
ever been placed in position, it having but very recently been completed.
After making thorough and careful inquiries from persons living at this
place, I learn that only about eighteen pieces of heavy ordnance were at any
time in position at Manassas Junction, which, when added to the eight in the
large fort at Centreville, makes twenty-six. This comprises the sum total of
all the heavy forts or large guns of the entire Confederate Army of the Poto
mac, except those at Leesburg and on the Lower Potomac. For a better

144 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
description, as to the strength and location of these works, I respectfully refer
to a map accompanying this report. To the left of the Orange and Alexan
dria R.ailroad, between the Junction and Union Mills, are a very large num
ber of log quarters, sufficient to hold, conveniently, not less than fifteen thou
sand troops. I learned, however, th.at only about twelve thousand troops
occupied these quarters, comprising regiments from Virginia, Tenneiisee,
North Carolina, and Mississippi, with four batteries of light artillery.
In the vicinity of Union Mills, four miles from Manassas, lying directly on
the Orsinge and Alexandria Railroad, were encamped three or four regiments.
This comprises, so far as I can learn, all the encampments at Centreville,
Manassas, and vicinity. I have no means of ascertaining the number and
location of tlie Confederate forces on their extreme right or left. It is said,
however, to have been large. It is evident, frora the great destruction of
commissary stores, gun-carriages, tents, and otiier property at Manassas Junc
tion, that the rebels did not intend to abandon their position entirely for
sorae days. Many of the few remaining inhabitants in the vicinity of Manas
sas are Northern people, professing the strongest attachment to the Uniou.
Had the military authorities acted with promptness, on their arrival at
Manassas, a Large amount of military stores and provisions could have been
s.aved. The conduct of our own troops is a disgrace to the cause for which
they are fighting. Hundreds from Gener.al Suraner's division were allowed
lo roara around araong the defenseless inhabitants. The most gross and dis
graceful acts were comraitted by these soldiers. They entered private dwell
ings, insulted ladies, killed and carried off chickens, turkeys, pigs, and
searched for valuables, &c. In justice, however, to Brigadier-General French,
I would state that, as far as I could learn, no depredations were committed by
soldiers under his coramand. General F. rendered me every assistance in his
power for the successful prosecution of ray duties, while General Stoneraan
entirely ignored and set aside the order furnished rae by the honorable Secre
tary of AVar, refusing to furnish an escort, or even rations for the few men
under my command.
I succeeded in securing some valuable documents, viz. : official reports
and orders frora brigade and division commanders to General Beauregard,
and letters from individuals, many of which have thrown much light upon
the number, location, and condition of the rebel army. All of which were
handed over to the honorable Committee on the Conduct of the AA'ar.
In closing this report, I beg leave to state that I have not attempted to
give the number of the entire rebel force opposite Washington; indeed this
would be impossible without an official list, obtained from their muster and
pay-rolls. I am, sir, your obedient servant, L. C. Baker,
Detective Agent AVar Department.
Unsolicited on my part, a few days later, I received the
following order : —

GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AT MANASSAS. 145
War Department, Washington, March 80, 1862.
Ordered, That L. C. Baker be, and he is hereby, appointed Sjiecial Agent
of this Department to take possession of all abandoned rebel property in the
territory lately occupied by the rebel forces aroand Washington, and that ha
take an account thereof and safely keep the same and turn it over to the Com
missary or Quartermaster's Department, taking a receipt for the same frora
the officer to whom it is turned over and filing it in this Department. All
officers and persons in the Government service are directed to afford him
necessary assistance and protection, and all persons in the Quartermaster or
Commissary Department are directed to afford him necessary transportation.
He is directed to make special report of his proceedings from time to time to
this Department. By order of the Secretary of War :
(Signed) L. Thomas, Adjutant-General.
It Avill ahvays be an historical fact, over which the loyal
heart Avill sadly wonder, that, while the cause of treason was
rarely betrayed by its professed friends, the most threaten
ing danger at the North was the treachery of those who lived
under and and even hurrahed for the old flag.
No future historian of the civil war will probably ever
attempt, nor will the records of the quartermasters' de
partment ever show the vast amount of public stores and
other property wantonly abandoned and destroyed by its
faithless servants.
All over the boundless arena of conflict were scattered
the best materiel of war — its most abundant supplies — in
fragments and decaying masses ; a spectacle not beheld, and
therefore unappreciated, by the people at home.
It is, however, no new thing under the sun, and peculiar
to no party in power.
The Mexican war was, perhaps, never surpassed in this
aspect of national conflicts. The speculations were so re
mote from the great commercial centers of the country, the
people knew but Uttle of the manifold and lawless specula
tions. The late war offered opportunities of every possible sort
for unprincipled traffic ; some of them lawful, and many
more unmitigated robbery. "Uncle Sam" was the victim
of this sharp practice, and therefore it flourished with the
air of respectability and comparative impunity.
In one instance, a telegraph operator retained important
official messages, and even charged for Government dis-
10

146 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
patches. Death itself has no barrier to the mercenary trade.
The embalming of the dead, and the transportation of the
bodies to friends at a distance, were occasions for unblush
ing extortion.
As we have suggested, the atmosphere of war is petrify
ing to the moral sensibilities of men who yield to its de
moralizing influence, and they will do deeds in the presence
of death, and with their own threatened every moment, •
which, in the purer, calmer air of their domestic and social
life, would be utterly repulsive and unthought of by them

CHAPTER X.
FRAUDS BY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OTHERS.
False Returns — Restitution — Attempts to escape Arrest — Threats to intimidate in
the Performance of Official Duty — Prison Life a Recommendation to Special
Favor — Removal of a Subordinate.
Clerks and employees of the Government, whose business
it was to make returns of the amount of forage and supplies
received from the contractors, it was found Avere bribed by
the latter to make false entries, and thus increase the weight
fraudulently, to a greater or less figure. My investigation
of the transactions disclosed the astounding fact that these
employees had increased the amount of supplies furnished by
sixteen contractors to the amount in money of over tAvo hun
dred thousand dollars ; which, in compliance with my sugges
tion, was deducted from the sum to be paid the contractors,
on their final settlement with the Government.
Office Pbovost-Marshal War Dufastment, |
WA6II1NGT0N, November 30, 1862. f
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Sir — I have the honor herewith to transmit the names of contractors who
have tworn to having paid at different times suras of money, from ten to two
thousand dollars each, to clerks and employees of the Government. These
sworn statements of contractors are fully corroborated by the voluntary
sworn depositions of the clerks themselves. These .amounts were in nearly
every instance paid to employees, with the express understanding and agree
ment, between contractors and employees, that they, the employees, should
make false and fraudulent entries to the Governraent of the amount of forage
or other property being delivered by said contractors to the Government. I
find these facts fully sustained by the investigations now being made in the
different departments in Avhich the clerks referred to have been employed.
I would respectfully suggest, that the assistant quartermasters at Washing
ton and Baltimore be at once notified and instructed to withhold tlie payment
of any and all araounts that may now be due to the list of contractors whose
cimes are given below. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. 0. Baker,
Provost-Marshal War Department.

148 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
All means were resorted to, by men who attracted the
notice of the bureau, to escape arrest. When bribery and
coaxing faUed, threats were used, to secure their immunity
from merited exposure and punishment. I was not unfre
quently cautioned by a member of the Cabinet, against ex-
, posure to personal violence and even assassination. Tlie
letter copied below refers to a communication of an attorney.
A German, named Volk, who had in his possession a large
number of horses, nearly all of which belonged to the Gov
ernment, Avas arrested, and the horses taken from him. As
usual in similar cases, Volk employed an attorney. After a
full and patient hearing of the case, I returned to Volk nine
of the horses, Avhich could not be proved to belong to the
Government. The attorney, after exhausting legal argument
to get the rest of the animals, Avrote a letter, in which he in
timated that he had possession of certain papers reflecting
unfavorably upon my private and official character, and that
their presentation to the President would make my immediate
dismissal from the service certain. But, if I Avould recom
mend the Quartermaster-General to restore the horses, and
appoint a friend of his on my police force, he would forward
me the papers, and spare me the disgraceful exposure hy
Mr. Lincoln. In reply, I wrote as follows : —
Office PROTosT-MARsnAL War Department, >
Wabuington, December 15, 1862. J
To F. B., Attorney and Counselor at Law,
Washington, D. C. : —
Sir — Your note of this date is received. Previous to my giving you any
order for the payment of the nine horses, I took mnch pains in investigating
the case, and satisfied myself that Volk was entitled to the pay for the said
nine horses, and no more. I have, as yet, seen no proof or facts that would
warrant me in recoraraending the Quartermaster's Department to pay for
any more horses on Volk's account.
If you can produce any satisfactory proof that any person or persons in
my employ extorted money from Volk, I will not only cause the amount to
be refunded, but will immediately discharge and arrest such person or per
sons. In relation to certain papers you refer to, which you say you will fur
nish rae with, that might be used greatly to my annoyance, I beg leave to
reply, that I am not in the m.arket as a purchaser of any such documents.
Tne parties you speak of as being on my track, and whom you say you
will exercise your skill to keep off, I have no fears of; therefore you are st
liberty (so far as I am concerned) to let them loose as soon as you may think
proper.

REBEL BRUTALITY TO SLAVES. 143
If, after conversing with your friend Maloney, I find him a capable and
trustworthy man in every respect, I may employ him.
Respectfully yours,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Provost-Marshal War Department.
In the latter part of 1862, I was sent for by Mr. Lincoln
to make an investigation respecting the brutal treatment of
slaves in Lower Maryland. This whole section had been
visited by the Union troops, and, as a natural consequence,
the slaves were escaping. There seemed to be something so
fascinating to the ignorant bondmen, that they would follow
them, as if charmed by the glittering bayonet and blue
uniform, which never failed to awaken a strange longing for
liberty. It is not military arabition, but an inspiration,
which seizes them. They are ready to fall in and keep step
to the martial airs of freedom.
An illustration of the interesting peculiarity of the race
came under my observation during one of the well-known
raids by General Kurtz, from Suffolk, on the Weldon rail
road. The First District Cavalry, a regiment I had raised,
and of which further mention will be made, was divided
into front and rear guard. The advance of the forces was
the first appearance of Union troops araong these patient
"servants" of the region. To be inforraed that we were
"Yankees," was enough, without the slightest hint of our
plans or destination, to stir the most stupid toUer like a
trumpet-call. The hoe was dropped, the plow and cart
abandoned. Even the women, moved by the same wild
impulse, deserted their cabins, and all together rushed to
the rear of the army, and stepped to the music of the march
for days, and sometimes for weeks. They dreaded more
than death the return to their owners, or recapture by them.
When it became necessary to leave several hundred at
Reams's Station, in our hurried movement backward, they
lingered about instead of going forward, and their frantic
agony was heart-rending.
A very cruel instance of the welcome given to a recap
tured slave, occurs to me in this connection. One Carpenter,
a notorious secessionist, was a ruffian and a terror to all
Union men. To frighten the slaves, and prevent them from

150 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
running away, he tied a captured man to a tree, in a nude
condition, Avhipped hira Avith a board till exhausted, then
set his slaves at Avork. When this master and fiend was
rested, he returned to the beating, until death closed the
scene. There Avas a formal arrest, but the majority of his
"felloAV-citizens" Avere in sympathy with him, and he was
soon at liberty. Subsequently, hoAvever, he was arrested
for treason, and confined in the Old Capitol prison.
It is a matter of history, that at this period of the National
struggle for existence, the cause of the war was ignored by
the North. Not so with the South ; there, the " corner
stone" was brought forth to the world's admiring vieAV, and
the flag of treason waved proudly over it. There was then
some excuse for England' s sneer at our unbroken loyalty to
the South in her defense of the aristocratic claim of superi
ority over all other American races.
I have never had the honor of being called a reformer,
or an ^'•abolitionist,^'' but I do not deny that my sense of
justice, and my sympathies, have been with the injured
and oppressed, irrespective of color, or position in society.
I have, therefore, during the entire period my bureau has
served the loyal cause, unhesitatingly given the whole
power of the department to the protection of the defense
less negro, whenever he was the victim of prejudice or
passion. In common with thousands who were brought to face
the practical effect of the slave system during the war, I
have seen the soul of tyranny in it, Avliose last of power
spared not the blood-bought Union, but longed to crack
the whip over the hated " Yankee."
Necessarily "behind the scenes," I saw the demon dis
guised by the bland expression of the "chivalry," and
learned that the " kind. Christian masters" Avere so in spite
of the system which they sustained— they were naturally
magnanimous men, or governed by genuine reUgious prin
ciple, modified by a wrong education to the approval of
gigantic wrong.
I could fiU pages with the narratives of fiendish scorn
of the "nigger," while he was docile and unresisting as
the lamb led to the slaughter. Nor haa the spirit of the

FEARS FOR THE FUTURE. 151
peculiar institution died with the formal existence of slavery
and the defeat of its sworn friends — a fact the country may
realize when the retributive storm evoked by the countless
mounds of starved prisoners of the loyal North, and the
nameless graves of the murdered bondmen, shall again,
though in a new aspect, bewilder with darkest fears our
wisest statesmen.

CHAPTER XI.
STEALING— SMUGGLING LIQUORS INt8 THE ARMY.
Horse-Stealing — AVhy many Officers disliked the Detective Bureau — Tho Spirit of
War in Time of Peace — The Soldiers' Thirst for Strong Drink.
Allusion has been made to the effect of war in weaken
ing the sense of honor and right ; no one development of
this is more striking than the small importance attached to
offenses against the Government in the various forms of
fraudulent speculations. It was scarcely a disgrace to spend
a few days, or Aveeks, or months even, in the Old Capjtol ;
indeed, this fact Avas sometimes the occasion of special effort
by friends to secure an appointment to a former, or a new
official position.
A verj' clear instance we cite. The man referred to
was caught in the act of coraraitting the crime. He was
superintendent of a Government corral, and as such had the
authority to take to the hospital any of the animals which
Avere sick. I suspected he was speculating, and sent an
assistant to test his honesty. For six nights in succession,
the detective purchased a horse taken frora the corral, ap
parently for the hospital, but to sell, while the Superinten
dent pocketed the raoney received. Office PEovosT-MAEsnAi, War Depaetmekt, I
AVashington, January 20, 1868. )
C. H. Snow, Superintendent of Transportation : —
Sir — Mr. A. W. J. has called on me for a certificate or letter to yon,
requesting that he (J.) be reinstated in his forraer position. After care
fully reading his statement, or confession, I must respectfully decline giving
such certificate. From conversation had with hira (J.), since his release,
I am inclined to the opinion that he would not repeat his former acts. Ha
seems to feel his present unpleasant position keenly. It is not my province,
however, to recommend any man to a position that he has once dishonored.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Provost-Marshal AVar Department.

A DETECTIVE IN TROUBLE. 153
Aware of the suspicion abroad, too well founded, in
regard to many Avho have been employed as detectives, both
in time of peace and Avar, it was my purpose to establish a
character above just reproach in the National department
of this service. In this, I was favored by the fact that my
assistants Avere generally recommended to my notice by
members of the Cabinet, Congressmen, or other prominent
citizens. I was not, however, beyond imposition in this
matter, as Avill appear in the communication which follows :—
Ofpioh Provost-Marshal War Department, }
Washington, January 26, 1863. )
GHEKRT LowE : —
Sir — Positive and reliable information has been received at this ofiice that
on Frid.ay evening last you entered a giirabling house in this city without
orders ; that you engaged in the game then being played, and won fifty dol
lars. Having confidence in your integrity and ability, and the recoraraendation
brought by you from the Hon. Simeon Draper, I was induced to appoint you.
Inasrauch as you have admitted the charges to be true, no further investi
gations are necessary. You are therefore discharged from this Department.
You will deliver your badge and pistol to Deputy Assistant Quartermaster
Lawrence. (Signed) L. 0. Baker,
Provost-Marshal War Department.

Although some explanation has been made of the un
willingness of military officers to have detectives come
within their respective commands, the narrative of array
frauds which will now be given will not only shed further
light on this raatter, but be a full and unpleasant disclosure
of the corruption which festered under cover of a "little
brief authority." And whatever raay have been the honor
able purpose of upright officers, the trial and conviction of
an offender in any of the departments of service in the field
almost never occurred. Such was the indifference, if not
connivance, in respect to the petty robberies and specula
tions, common as the camp and march, and more so than the
battle, throughout the war. Officers did feel jealous of their
rights in the field, and many of them intended to mete out
justice ; but more were too deeply interested in dishonorable
transactions to consent to a thorough investigation.

154 UlTITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
An additional consideration on this point, is the disgrace
ful but Avell-known prevalence of intemperance in the army.
Many officers, whose bravery and achievements have won
the admiring plaudits of the people, have dimmed and almost
eclipsed with total darkness the glory of their miUtary career
by the thirst for strong drink. There is nothing a soldier,
who has learned to love the intoxicating bowl, will not
sacrifice for its excitement. I have seen hira barter to the
sutler a whole month's pay for a pint of whisky. I have
seen him sell his last shirt to a comrade to obtain money
Avith Avhich to buy a single glass.
Could the people have seen what I have known, that
important battles have been lost to the Union cause, and
ranks of heroic men slain, through the maddening or stupefy
ing effect of liquors, they would cease to wonder that defeat
not unfrequently saddened their hearts, when victory was
confidently and justly anticipated. On fields covered with
our slain, might have been thrown out the black flag of in
temperance, the single sign of the useless slaughter. To
mention the names of sorae, who were conquered by the
rebels because first overcorae by the deraon who enslaves
soul and body, would thrill and grieve every loyal heart.
Nothing in the conduct of the war pained more deeply,
even to tears, our departed President, than this very prac
tice. He once remarked, in my hearing, to the Secretary of
War, of a great commander: "Of General  , I have
but a single fear. I look upon him as the best fighting officer
we have in the army to-day. If he can restrain his appetite
for intoxicating drinks, he is bound to succeed." We could
fill pages upon this melancholy topic.
To no member of the Cabinet was this condition of things
better known and understood than to the Secretary of War ;
and no single subject in his department received more care
ful thought, to reach the evil, and the adoption of some plan
to prevent the shipment of the fire-water to the army.
In his official orders, the severest penalties were imposed
on their violation. Notwithstanding, the great demand for
liquors in the army, and their high prices, were a powerful
inducement for the traffic.
The position of sutler or purveyor at headquarters is

ALCOHOL THE ARMY CURSE. 155
one of peculiar influence Avith the officers. He caters to
their appetites, and supplies all their Avants ; placing them
under obligations Avhich they do not refuse to recognize.
It will, therefore, be readily understood, that any en
deavor to interfere with the itinerant saloon or bar of the
sutler would aAvaken the hostility of every drinking officer
in the army. I made the attempt, however, to suppress the
enormous traffic, by seizing all liquors not conveyed in
accordance with orders. I was not disappointed, conse
quently, in receiving the following protest, in which, as in
all the army communications, the phrases "private property"
and "private stores," that are used, mean simply Avhisky,
or other liquors. Let this be distinctly borne in mind when
perusing the indignant effusions of the inj ured parties.
Headqitartrrs 8d Brigade, 2o Division, 8d Corps, )
Camp near Falmouth, Va., January 8, 1863. f
CoLONEt — On the 28th ultimo, sorae cases containing liquors and wines
for my private use, marked to the address of Brigadier-General Revere, and
in charge of our private steward, furnished with your pass, were taken frora
him, at the office of the Government steamer, foot of Seventh Street, Wash
ington, seized and "confiscated," by one Captain Robinson, or his subordin
ates. As said steward was bringing these stores to us, in violation of no
order, that I am aware of, attempting no concealment or disguise, I certain
ly look upon it as un outrage, and an invasion of my rights as a general
ofiBcer. I respectfully request that said steward may be furnished with such a
pass as will enable him to recover said property, and that he may not meet
with the same difficulty again.
Excuse me for troubling you with private grievances, but I know of no
other method of removing them than an appeal to the Major-General com
manding. I am, sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) G. Mott,
Brigadier-General, U. 8. V.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Dickinson, Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Army op the Potomac,
Camp near FALMonTH, Va., January 19, 1863.
Official: Lewis Richmond, Assistant Adjutant-General.
HxAcgvAKTEBS ExcELHoR Beioadz, 2d DIVISION, 3n Corps, I
Camp hkae JJ-almouth, Va., January 1, 1863. j
OoLONEL — Od the 28th ultimo, sorae cases, containing liquors and wine«
for my private use, marked with my official address to this camp, and in
charge of my private steward, who was furnishad with your pass were prob-

156 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ably taken from him at the office of the Government steamer, foot of Seventh
Street, Washington, seized and " confiscated " by one Captain Robinson, or his
subordinates. As ray steward was bringing these stores to' rae, together with
others, in violation of no general (or other) order, that I am aware of, without
concealraent or disguise, I can not help looking upon it as a high-handed out
rage and unwarrantable invasion of my rights, and, in fact, a theft of my
property. I have also respectfully to say, th.at it has been reported to me that the
employees of the transportation service are in the habit of charging fees and
taking bribes frora officers who have goods and stores to bring down with
them ; and this evil is so great that it is almost impossible to carry stores to
this army, even in charge of a commissioned officer, without submitting to
their extortions.
I would respectfully request that my steward may be furnished with such
a pass and order from the proper authority, that I may be en.abled to receive
my property, and that the person who took it may be punished.
I regret, Colonel, to be obliged to trouble you with private grievances, but
in this case there seems to be no other mode of obtaining redress, save in a
respectful appeal to the Major-General coramanding, who I doubt not will
grant it, and also resent an indignity offered to a general officer of his com
mand. I ara, Colonel, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) W. H. Revere,
Brigadier-General Commanding.
HEAnQTTARTERS ArMT OP THE PoTOMAO,
Camp near Falmouth, January 19, 1863.
Official : Lewis Richmond, Assistant Adjutant-Generai.
Headquarters First Cavalry Mabsaciiusettb Vols., I
First Cavalrt Brigade, C. G. D., A. of P., y
Potomac Creek, January 11, 1808. )
Colonel Lewis Richmond, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Army U. S. : —
Colonel — It is stated that, by a general order, provost-marshals are em
powered to examine the private luggage of officers and remove certain articles.
It is certain th.at raany packages addressed to officers do not reach their
owners, and others be.ar evidence of the roughest hands.
I have the honor to ask the favor of an oflacial copy of this order, if it ex
ists ; and I would also beg permission to inquire if any channel of transmission,
safe from this unscrupulous scrutiny, would be permitted, npon any certificate
of character, to a commissioned officer intrusted with the command of a cav
alry regiment. I have the honor to be,
very respectfully. Colonel,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) Horace Binnet Saroext,
Colonel First Cavalry, Mass. Vol.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
Oamp near Falmouth, Va., January 19, 1863.
Official : Lewis Richmond, Assistant Adjutant-General.

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE. 157
R OVVICE, I
i^iiARF. y
tary I-t, 1803. )

Asbibtakt Qitartrrmabtrr's Ovvice,
Sixth Strert Wharf
Wabhinoton, D. C, January :

Colonel D. H. Ruoker, Quartermaster, U. S. A. : —
Colonel — I have received and read the communications relative to the
seizuresof liquors from Brigadier-General M. R. Patrick, Provost-Marshal Army
of the Potoraac, and, in answer, can only say, that no liquors have ever been
seized by me, or by my order, at any time since I have been in charge of
transportation at this wharf.
The seizures, if any, have been raade by the " Provost-Marshal's Detective
Ibrce," under Colonel L. C. Baker, and over whom I have no control.
As to the charge, " that employees of the transportation service are in the
habit of charging fees," &c., I know of but one instance which has any rela
tion to the snbject, and this was, that one of ray laborers asked an officer to
pay hira for carrying his trunk from the carriage to the boat, and as soon as
it reached my ears I immediately discharged liirn, and have notified all the
remaining employees that they will be similarly disposed of if it again occurs.
I 'haw refused to give transportation for liquors, according to your instruc
tions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) J. M. Robinson,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
Headquarters Army op the Potomac,
Camp near Falmouth, January 19, 1863.
Official: Lewis Richmond, Assistant Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Army op the Potomac, )
January 19, 1&63. f
Brigadier-General L. Thomas, Adjutant-General U. S. Army,
Washington, D. C. : —
General — By direction of the Coramanding General, I have the honor to
forward for your information copies of a correspondence in relation to the
seizures of officers' private stores, and to respectfully request that tliese head
quarters be furnished with a copy of the order under which these seizures are
made. I have the honor to be, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant, Lewis Richmond,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Keadquabterb Army of the Potomac, )
Office of the Provost-Marshal-Genkral, V
January 23, 1863. )
Sir — On the 16th instant, I forwarded, through the headquarters Army
of the Potomac, certain papers relating to seizures of property belonging to
officers of this army, en route from Washington.
It is believed to have been taken by persons claiming to have authority
from the War Department; but, from information received through Major

158 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
H.aller, Seventh U. S. Infantry, attached to these headquarters, it appears
probable that the seizures were made without any proper authority whatever.
As there is a great deal of ill feeling throughout this array, in consequence
of the confiscation of officers' property, I respectfully urge upon the Depart
ment an investigation of the whole matter of seizures at the wharf in Wash
ington, and on the boats by detectives.
On the 19th instant, some two or three of these detectives were arrested,
to be held until some action is had in these cases. An attempt was made by
these persons to exercise authority at the landings occupied by this army,
where officers of my own department have charge, and who have instructions
to allow no such persons to land or exercise any authority whatever, at any
place within the lines of this army.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. R. Patrick,
Provost-Marshal-Geueral.
Lieutenant-Colonel McKeever, Assistant Adjutant-General.
The above communications, having been forwarded to the
War Department in the form of coraplaints and charges
against my bureau, were referred to me for a reply.
It may be proper to add, that General Patrick took occa
sion in sorae of his communications to attack my private
character, the object of which I shall endeavor to show in
the progress of these annals. The answer to the attacks
upon my service here iu question follows : —
Office Provost Marshal -War Drpartmbkt, i
Wabuington, January 28, 1868. f
Brigadier-General M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General U. S. A. : —
Sir — The communication addressed to Colonel Rufus Ingalls, Chief Quar
termaster of the Army of the Potoraac, by Captain F. E. Hall, quartermaster
at Aquia Creek, referring to the arrest of Captain Hall's agents by my order,
and the reference made thereon by Colonel Ingalls to the Quartermaster-
General, and by tlie Quartermaster-General referred to me, is received.
In reply, I beg leave respectfully to submit the following statement: —
About tlie first of Deceraber last, complaints and charges were brought to
this office by numerous persons, that large sums of money were being paid
by sutlers to certain officials at Aquia Creek for ferrying such sutlers, with
their goods, across the Potomac, from Liverpool Point to Aquia Creek, on
Government transports.
So notorious and universal had this practice become, that I deemed an in
vestigation necessary, in order to determine by wliose authority these things
were being done. When my investigations proceeded sufficiently far to
prove, beyond a possibility of doubt, that certain persons then in the employ
of Quartermaster Hall had been guilty, for weeks and months, of receiving
frora these sutlers various sums of money, of which no return or account had
been made to any one, I applied to the Secretary of War as to what couisv.

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE. I59
it was best to pursue ; nnder the circumstances, he directed rae to make a
thorougli and impartial investigation into the matter at once.
In pursuance with these instructions, I applied to Captain C. B. Fergorson,
who furnished me the steam-tug Sawtell. I immediately dispatched ot\ board
this tug four of my detectives, with written instructions to bring to this city
the following-named persons, who I was positive could give the desired in
formation concerning the transportation of sutlers, &c., Messrs. B., M.,
E., and C, the latter being harbor-raaster at Aquia Creek ; all but E.
were* found at the Creek, and were put on board the tug and brought to
Washington. The detectives learning that E. was at Mill Point, one of them (Mr.
WiUiam Speer) went to that place, and, on the following morning, found hira
(E.), and returned to the Creek, intending to take the morning boat for
this city; but, on going on board with E., the provost-marshal at Aquia
Creek arrested both the detective and E., aud put thera on board the
prison-ship in the harbor.
E. is still there, Mr. Speer was released by order of the Secretary of
War on the 25th instant.
On the arrival of M., C, and B., at my office, I immediately examined
them, as to what they knew concerning sutlers crossing the Potomac; their
statements were taken in writing, and were in my opinion important, partic
ularly that of C, in which he admitted, under oath, of having received large
sums of money from sutlers and others as Iribes, while acting as harbor-
raaster, under Captain Hall's orders.
On submitting these sworn statements to the Secretary of War, he com
mitted 0. to the Old Capitol prison.
Colonel Ingalls, in referring Captain Hall's coraraunication to you, states
that he certainly feels corapetent and willing to detect and punish all em
ployees for any neglect of duty or abuse of regulations. We had the ma
chinery of military governraent perfect here, and I claim that the persons
should be tried here. If any one had discovered collusion between quarter
masters' agents and sutlers, he should have reported the matter to Captain
Hall, the assistant quartermaster, or to Captain Forsyth, the provost-marshal,
or to me.
In reply to the above remarks of Colonel Ingalls, claiming that he is com
petent and willing to ferret out and punish the class of persons referred to, I
would respectfully state, that the most glaring and outrageous practices have
been resorted to by persons employed in the qu.ai-terniaster's department con
nected with the Array of the Potoraac, in receiving bribes from sutlers and
others, granting permits to sell goods at Aquia Creek, allowing seized or
stolen property to pass to this city on Government transports, allowing, and
even granting, permits to persons (not sutlei-s) to bring to Aquia Creek large
quantities of merchandise, to be hawked and sold to soldiers and persons in
the employ of the Government.
These facts, no doubt, never came directly to the notice of the Chief
Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac, or I am satisfied this evil would
have been remedied at once.

160 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
From the laborious and incessant duties devolving npon Colonel Ingalls,
I am convinced that he could not give the matter the personal attention that
it demands, hence I must conclude that Colonel Ingalls overestimates his
ability in this particular branch of business, viz., catching rogues.
I will further state, that in arresting and bringing to justice persons en
gaged in defrauding the Government, as well as discharging my various other
duties, I would appreciate and most gladly receive the co-operation of the
military authorities.
The peculiar nature of my duties often makes it impracticable to make
known to the employees, subordinate officers, and soldiers of the army, my
real business and intentions, particularly when I am making investigationn
concerning these very officers, soldiers, and employees.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Provost-Marshal War Department.
Office Pbotobt-Maebhal, -War Department, (
Washi.sgton, February 8, 1868. f
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Sir — In compliance with your order of the 5th instant, directing me to
furnish reports in relation to seizure of liquors, alleged to be tlie private
property of officers attached to the Army of the Potoraac, I beg leave to sub
mit tlie following: —
Accompanying the order from the War Department directing me to re
port, &c., are eight communications, written by officers, who represent that
the detectives attached to and acting under the orders of the Provost-Mar
shal of the War Department have, without authority, seized, stolen, and
confiscated the private property of officers attached to tho Army of the
Potomac. In the prosecution of ray various duties, I have repeatedly called the
attention of the proper authorities to the large amount of liquors and other
contraband property being transported on Government transports.
Immediately after the steamers Nelly Baker and Wilsoii Small were char
tered by the Government to run between this city and Aquia Creek, I re
ceived instructions from Colonel D. F. Rucker to place on board these boats
detective officers, for the jiorpose of preventing the passage to the Army of
the Potomac of all liquors not being transported in accordance with the rules
and regulations of the quartermaster's department. I next applied to tho
Quartermaster-General for information as to what passes or orders for trans
portation of liquors were to be respected. He (the Q. M. G.) informed ms
that no permits to carry liquor were granted by his authority.
Subsequently, however, orders were given by the military governor and
Major-General Heintzelraan, to recognize the orders of all commissioned
officers of the Army of the Potoraac.
About this time. Colonel Rucker instructed Captain Robinson, assistant
quartermaster, at Sixth Street wharf, to give transportation on the orders of
these commanding officers. In consequence of the issuing of these orders, I
deemed it advisable to take the detectives frora the Government transports

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE. *l61
and wharf, for the reason that it was impossible, under these orders, to pre
vent the indiscriminate and wholesale shipment of liquors. Immediately on
the withdrawal of the detectives from the transports and wharf, I addressed
a communication to the Quartermaster-General, briefiy stating the difficulty
under which I labored, and asking that ray letter be referred to tho Secretary
of War. To this communication I received the following reply : —
QUARTERMASTER-GENF.RAI.-fl OPPIPR, |
"WASiilNOTON, Decc)i>b(.r 'i(j, IbG-i. ("
Respectfully referred to the Secretary of War.
I am of the opinion that the detectives detect and prevent much abuse
which officers would not be able to control.
The followers of an array are ingenious, enterprising, often unscrupulous,
and it requires police officers of much experience to detect attempts to smug
gle improper articles and persons within the lines.
(Signed) M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General.
Quartermabtkr-Oentral's Office, I
¦Washington, January 1'2, 1863. f
Colonel L. C. Baker, Provost-Marshal War Departraent : —
Colonel — Your letter of 5th of January is received. Your letter of 22d
December was referred to the War Department, with the above indorsement.
I shall regret the removal of the detectives frora the Government trans
ports between this city and Aquia Creek, for I believe that they can much
raore effectually put a stop to contraband trade than any inspection which it
is possible for the overburdened officers of the assistant quarterraaster's
department to enforce. The detective policemen, however, are not subject
to iii« orders of the quartermaster's department, nor does the quartermas
ter's department decide what may or raay not be carried as legitimate or
contraband. This is decided by the regulations concerning trade with the disloyal
territory, issued by the Secretary of the Treasury, by the general and special
orders of the War Department, and of the commanders of troops and of dis
tricts or departments, and by the laws and regulations governing the sutlers'
trade. Wines and liquors, private stores for officers, are ranch desired by the
officers, and instructions have been given to the Chief Quartermaster at this
post to permit such private stores, really the property of the officers of the
Army of the Potomac, to go down upon the transports, upon proper passes
from the provost marshal, or other sufficient authority.
If your detectives are withdrawn, I fear that tbe passage of improper
persons to Aquia Creek, which was so great an evil last spring, will be again
resumed, and I advise, therefore, that you apply to the officer of the War
Dep.artment, under whose directions you act, for instructions.
I sent a copy of this letter to the War Departraent, with your letter of the
5th of January, in order to raake my views known to the authorities.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General
11

162* UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
In compliance with the recommendation of the Quarter
master-General, the Secretary of War directed me to put
detectives on board all Government transports plying be
tween this city and Aquia Creek ; also, to continue the ser
vices of the detectives stationed at Sixth Street wharf.
I detailed the detectives, as ordered. The foUowing is a
copy of the written instructions from me : —
Office Provost-Marshal Wak Department, }
Washington, January 17, 1863. (
To J. J. Camp —
Sir — On receipt of this, you will go on board the Government transport
Zephyr, running between this city and Aquia Creek, for the purpose of pre
venting the passage to and from of all persons not furnished with proper passes
and transportation. You will also thoroughly inform yourself as to what
l>asses and orders are to be respected on board your boat.
In the exercise of your duties, you will observe the strictest decorum and
politeness toward all officers and citizens with whom you may be brought in
cDutact. You will report to this office daily.
By order of tho Secretary of War :
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Provost-Marshal War Department.
These detectives were only allowed to discharge their
duties for a few days, when they were arrested, by order of
General Patrick, and placed on board the prison-ship at
Aquia Creek.
In order to show that my detectives were authorized by
the Quartermaster-General to inspect what officers call their
private stores, I submit the copy of a letter forwarded to me
by Colonel D. H. Rucker : — Quartermaster-General's Office, I
Washington, December 20, 1802. J
Colonel D. H. Rucker, Chief Quartermaster and A. D. C. : —
Colonel — This department, at your request, repeats in writing an author
ity heretofore verbally given to you, to allow transportation upon the public
transports between this place and Aquia Creek for proper private stores, the
property of officers and soldiers of the Army of the Potomac, so far as it can
be done without interfering with the pubhc service and delaying the supplies
of the array.
All such supplies should be open to the inspection of the agent of the
provost-marshal, to prevent improper or contraband articles going forward
without your knowledge. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) M. C. Meigs, Quarterma.^tor-Gener.al.

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE. 163
In reply to the communication of Captain A. G. Morrison,
assistant quartermaster, addressed to General Patrick, con
cerning the seizure of his hand-trunk, I beg leave to report,
that I was on Sixth Street Avharf on the morning of Decem
ber 28th, and took frora a Mr. Wheeler (mail agent) a small,
new hand-trunk containing twenty-four bottles of whisky.
Said trunk was not marked or addressed to any one.
Wheeler did not inform rae that it belonged to an officer
attached to General Burnside' s staff. There was neither a
pass or transportation for said trunk ; neither has there ever
been an application raade to rae for said trunk or whisky,
both of which are now stored in the Governraent warehouse,
on F Street, under the superintendence of Captain E. L.
Hartz, assistant quartermaster.
The following is frora ray report in answer to the cora
raunication addressed to Colonel D. H. Rucker, by Briga
dier-General G. Mott, concerning the seizure of private
stores or supplies alleged to have been seized by order of
Captain Robinson, at Sixth Street wharf : —
" In order to enable the detective, whose duty it was to examine the con
tents of the package going on board the transports, I requested Captain Rob
inson, who had charge of the wharf, to post up notices requiring officers and
others to bring their freight to the wharf one day previous to the sailing of
the steamers, in order that said freight might be examined. This suggestion
was raade to prevent confusion on the wharf on the morning of the sailing of
the steamers.
" On the raorning of the 28th of December, some ten or fifteen minutes be
fore the steamer left the wharf, a person not dressed in nniforra applied with a
pass (for himself only), stating that he wished to take those boxes down, at
the same tirae pointing them out. I asked him to show his pass and trans
portation for the boxes. He replied that he would do so ; that his friend h.ad
thera, and that he would get thera. The boat left the wharf in a few mo
ments, and I have never seen the person since. I ara satisfied that it was an
atterapt to srauggle the liquors on board the boat, and accordingly ordered
them sent to the warehouse.
" It is proper to remark that there was no address or direction on the.se
boxes, which were all filled with liquors, except one which was marked to
General Mott's headquarters.
" In answer to the charge raade by Brigadier-General Reeve, concerning the
seizure of some cases of liquors, which he alleges were being forwarded to his
address, I can only say that no passes or transportation, as required by the
orders of the military governor of this District, or Colonel Rucker, who alone
was authorized to give transportation, was ever presented to me or ray detect-

164 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ives, so far as I have any knowledge of the matter. I .am informed, however,
by Detective Lee and Captain Robinson's clerk, that some boxes or cases,
marked as General Reeve states, were brought to the wharf by sorae person
to thera unknown, and desired to have said boxes forwarded; but as no trans
portation for the liquors had been obtained, the detective, of course, refused
to allow them to go on board. The person who brought these boxes to the
wharf did not call for thera, and on the following day they were sent to the
Governraent warehouse, no application having been ra.ade to me for them.
"The above are all the cases referred to in the communications forwarded
to me on the 5th instant. The liquors or goods seized by detectives acting
nnder my orders are turned over to Captain E. L. Hartz, assistant quarter
master, whose receipts for the same are now on file in my offlce."
The unjust and unkind charges preferred against me, by
General Patrick and Colonel Ingalls, compelled me, from
regard to personal honor and self-respect, to add the foUow
ing, to the Secretary of War : —
Office Protost-Marbhal "War Department, I
Wabuington, March 2, 1863. )
Honorable E. M. Stanton, Secretary of W.ar : —
Sir — Feeling that I cannot longer, in justice to myself and friends, rest
quietly under the serious charges made against me by Brigadier-General
Patrick, Provost-Marshal-General of the Army of the Potoraac, I beg leave
respectfully to submit the following: —
In my communication to the Secretary of War of the 8th ultimo, I did not
seek to vindicate ray personal character against the charges raade by General
Patrick and other officers of the Array of the Potomac, but siraply endeavored
to explain where certain property had been seized, why seized, and the dispo
sition made of it.
It cannot be possible that General Patrick could place so low an estimate
upon the intelligence and business sagacity of the Secretary and Assistant
Secretary of War as to think, for one moment, that, with a knowledge of the
fact, they would employ, or even tolerate, an officer whose character and an
tecedents are what General Patrick represents mine to be. In looking for a
cause or reason why these unfounded charges have been made against me, I
am compelled to believe that they were instigated and represented as true to
high officers in the army, by others who feared exposure of certain delinquen
cies, thefts, and frauds, practiced by men wearing the uniform, and calling
themselves officers of the United States army.
In an official communication, written by General Patrick to the Secretary
of War, he (General Patrick) asserts most positively that he has made a thor
ough investigation concerning the seizure of certain private property belong
ing to officers of the Army of the Potoraac, and could not trace said property
beyond the detectives who seized it. I beg leave to state —
First— That General Patrick, neither verbally nor in writing, h.as at any
time made application to me for the return of any property whatever, seized

PILLAGE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY. 165
by my order; nnd that, if he had done so, all proper information would have
been afibrded him.
Sec(md — I am not informed that General Patrick has, either verbally or in
w-riting, ever applied for or made application to any proper officer, or made
any investigations whatever, concerning the losses of what he terms the private
property of officers, other than such iiKjuiries as he might have made from the
officers themselves.
It would be but an act of justice to me to require Gener.al P.atrick to state
officially who made the investigations referred to, and to what departraent or
office application was made for information, so far as it has a bearing upon
my official conduct, in order to determine whether his statements are justifia
ble on the evidence before hira.
I informed General Patrick, myself, while he was acting provo.st-marshal
at Fredericksburg (I think in August last), that I was acting under the direct
orders of the Secretary of War, and exhibited to hira my authority.
If, in General Patrick's opinion, I was guilty, as is alleged by hira, of
stealing private property, his duty was to have reported the facts to the Sec
retary of War forthwith. This was not done until some time after his alleged
investigation concerning the seizure of property by ray detectives, and afte'-
ray investigations into the frauds at Aquia had begun.
As Provost-Marshal-General of the Army of the Potoraac, General Patrick
is at the head of the police department of the array, and raany of his in
spectors and other staft" officers are detective police officers under another
name, and there certainly never was a wider field for the display of detective
ability than tliat of his operations.
Not having succeeded in preventing the wholesale plunder and pillage of
private houses, of the poor, defenseless, and panic-stricken inhabitants of
Fredericksburg, he ought not to harass or embarrass me in the performance
of tlie duty assigned to me by th^ order of tlie Secretary of War.
Imraediately after the battle of Fredericksburg, information was received at
this office that a large quantity of pillaged or stolen property was being sent for
ward by officers and soldiers of the Army of the Potomac, to their families and
friends residing in the North. Acting npon this information, I detailed two
detective officers to remain at the express offices, for the purpose of intercept
ing this plunder. It is shown, by my monthly property return to tho Quar
termaster-General, that no household family property or relic was exempt or
safe from tlie sacrilegious hands of these ruthless army thieves. Ladies'
wearing apparel, such as silk dresses, velvet cloaks, toilet articles, silver and
china-ware, surgical and dental instruments, sheets, pillow-cases, bed-spreads,
dainask window-curtains (torn from their fastenings), portions of the library
of the Young Men's Christian Association, ladies' bonnets, raedical and liter
ary works of great value, knives and forks, silver spoons with the initials of
the owners raarked on thera, a large bronze horse, weighing nearly two liun-
dred pounds, and a great variety of other property pillaged or stolen from
Fredericksburg. General Patrick and Colonel Ingalls assert and maintain they have
the machinery of military law in complete working order in the Army of

166 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
the Potomac, and that they are fully competent to arrest and punish al.
offenders. It is due alike to their own honor and that of the Government, whose
commissions they hold, tliat they should explain why it is that [lillage ami
robbery .so extensive have been permitted by them, and what honorable or
justifiable motive h.as led thera to interpose .all manner of obstacles to my
ferreting out and exposing that and other vill.anies.
During the past six months, I have repeatedly called the attention of the
Quartermaster-General, in official communications, to the fact that the most
gross and outrageous frauds are being perpetrated by the employees of the
quartermaster's department at Aquia Creek. So public and notorious had
tliese facts become, that I determined, if po<^il)le, to break it up. I accord
ingly sent an able, honest, and faithful officer, William Speer, to Aquia Creek,
with in-itruotions to bring to this city a number of witnesses, who, as I had
been reliably informed, would give important information.
Tlie officer found two of tlie witnesses, and forwarded thera to this city;
and went after another, a Mr. Evans. While the officer was about going on
board the steamer for this city, accompanied by Mr. Evans, they were both
arrested by order of (ieueral Patrick, treated with great indignity, and sent
on board the prisoii-shii) lying in the harbor, and confined below decks.
Mr. Speer remained on board five d:iys, when he was released by order of the
Secretary cf War. Mr. Evans remained over a month, and was released, as I
ain informed, by order of General Patrick.
It seems impossible to conceive this act to be any thing else than a pre
meditated imd deliberate attenijit to stifle an investigation already begun by
me, wliich was likely tn result in the detection of fraudulent practices, and
the distirace of high officers of the .\rm_v of the Potomac.
At Acjiiia Creek, on the day previous to the arrest of William Speer,
Mr. J. J. Camp — another of my detectives, detailed by order of the Secretary
of War to make daily trips from this city to Aquia Creek, on board the Gov
ernment transport — was arrested by order of General Patrick, placed on
board the prison-ship, with the officer first mentioned. On the day after the
arrest of Mr. Camp, Thom.as C. Speers was arrested whila in the discharge of
his duties at Aquia Creek. He also was placed on the prison-ship, where he
remained five days, confined in the hold, and not allowed even the necessaries
of life. Frora the fact that these detectives, acting under my orders, h.ad, owing
to certain investigations wbich they were then making, incurred the displeas
ure of certain officers connected with the Army of the Potomac and quarter
master department at Aquia Creek, and in consequence of an antieijiated
exposure of the frauds and peculations, my detectives were arrested, thrown
into a loathsome den, with negroes and rebels, by the order of General
Patrick. If such treatment would not stifle and put an end to investigation
into franils, nothing short of taking our live.s conld do so.
Whatever odium or discredit raay have been cast upon rae, my officer.^, oi
my position, by General Patrick in his official communications, those who
have known me through life, I am confident, will bear me out in asserting,

DEMORALIZING INFLUENCES OF WAR. 167
tuat I am unstained by crime, and neither in morality nor honor, nor in any
thing save military rank, inferior to General Patrick.
In closing this coraraunication, I must respectfully, but earnestly, require
that Brigadier-General Patrick and Colonel Ingalls be called upon officially
by the Secretary of War to furnish proofs of the various charges made
against myself and officers acting under ray orders, or to retract those charges,
and thus relieve rae frora accusations as cruel as they are unfounded.
I am, sir, your obedient servant, L. C. Baker,
Provost-Marshal War Department.
It is hardly necessary to add, that such impeachment was
not attempted ; but the matter was very quietly dropped by
those who began the attack upon ray own official character,
and that of my assistants.
The alarming increase of intemperance, the stupendous
frauds and bank robberies of late, never so bold aud start
ling in this country as since the rebellion, are a legitimate
outgrowth in time of peace of those loose principles and
practices which, during the conflict, were common in the
highest places of power and responsibility •; and were to a
great extent, as already intimated, the natural effects of the
demoralizing influences of war.

CHAPTER XII.
CARDS— TRE.VSURES— FEMALE SPY.
Colonel Stuart's Contraband Trade — Corrupt Literature and Art — Captured Treasuro
— Miss A. F. — Cavalry Stuart's Commission — The Arrest and Imprisonment
We have seen that whisky was a great staple in our
array, and it Avas no less so in the rebel field. Next to it,
playing-cards were in demand, aud afforded to the importers
from the North large profit, and were consequently an article
of extensive blockade-running transportation. The demor
alizing effect of gaming will appear in another connection.
The case of Colonel Stuart, reported here, will afford an
interesting view of this traffic, and present some new aspects
of disloyalty in official quarters. The rebel trader, when
taken to my office, sang a secession song in defiance of the
Government and its officers. February t6,1SIS.
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Sir — On the 18th instant, two of my detectives arrested a Colonel W. A.
S., on the Little River Turnpike, between Alexandria and Fairfax Court-
House, on his way to Warrenton, having in his possession four large trunks,
containing fonr thousand packs of playing-cards ; one box, containing tea,
sugar, coffee, boots and shoes, dress goods, &c.
It appears that Colonel S. carae to Alexandria about one week since, and,
with the postmaster at Alexandria, went to New York, purchased the goods,
returned on Friday last, and applied to Colonel Tate, provost-raarshal, for a
pass to take his goods to his house. Colonel T,ate made tlie examination,
and gave S. the necessary passes, certifying that the articles were not contra
band, and permitting them to pass. In S.'s pockets were found a large number
of letters addressed to persons in Charlottesville, Culpepper, Richraond, and
various other points in the Confederate States. From these letters it appears
that S. has recently come from Richmond, for the purpose of purchasing these
identical goods. Colonel Tate could not certainly have given this pass inno
cently, as he examined the goods in person. So large an amount of playing-
cards purchased, and being transported .at one tirae through our lines, would
bo, in my opinion, a very suspicious circumstance.

VINDICATION OF THE DETECTIVE BUREAU. 1G9
Colonel S. informed the detectives that, had he succeeded in getting
through the lines with hia contraband articles, he could have made five thou
sand dollars easily by the operation.
In view of certain facts recently brought to niy notice, concerning the
.transportation of large quantities of contraband goods frora Alexandria
through our lines, I ara satisfied that there is collusion in this matter between
the military authorities and the blockade-runners, and would respectfully ask
that some stringent order be issued to put a stop to this illegal traffic.
Colonel S. is in the Old Capitol prison, and his goods are in my pos
session. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Provost-Marshal War Departraent.
I shall introduce here statements made at this date, in
defense of the Detective Bureau against unjust suspicions of
dishonesty, arising from the very secrecy and consequent
mystery of its moveraents. Because publicity was not and
could not be given to all its operations, there were raany
persons who were sure that darkness was preferred to light,
because its deeds were evil. Especially was this true re
specting the disposal of captured raoney and other valuable
property, in regard to which it was more than hinted that
these had strangely disappeared. Without selecting a rare
and solitary case, I shall present one of many reports on
such reprisals, which will vindicate the fidelity of the bureau
to its trust. Office Provost-Marshal -War Department, \
Wabuington, March i, 1863. f
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Sir — I h.ave the honor to submit the following report of facts and pro
ceedings relative to the arrest and detention of the following-named persons,
charged with being blockade-runners, viz. : Solomon Adler, Jacoma Bacigtupe,
Reuben Simon, Joel M.ann, August J. Eriokson, A. J. M. Tiller, M. Witholtz,
Ange Apere, Jaroraa Cuttabona, Charles Manreback, Leon. Bersey, il. Wolfe.
All of these persons were arrested near Leesburg, Va., on the 18th, 19th, and
20th days of February, 1863, by Officers Sherraan, Trail, and J. L. Baker. The
property found on the persons and in the possession of these men consisted
of the following items, viz. : —
Southern bank notes  $8,688 90
United States Treasury notes  460 00
Maryland and Eastern bank notes  183 00
Confederate notes  4,580 00
Gold  '.  4.859 50
Silver  211 65
$18,989 05

170 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Three gold watches, a sraall package, containing silk handkerchiefs, knives,
spool cotton, &c.
Passes, issued by the Confederate authorities at Richraond, were found in
the possession of each of the prisoners above named, and, in addition to this
conclusive evidence of guilt, I may add that several of these parties are known
to the military authorities at Berlin as active and successful participants in
the business of smuggling goods and property through our lines. From the
character of the arrested parties, and the peculiar nature of the property, &c.,
found in tlieir possession, I would not entertain a doubt as to the fact of their
being engaged in an unlawful and treasonable attempt to smuggle property
and goods through our lines.
I have, therefore, ordered the goods and property above described to be
detained, subject to the order of the Secretary of War, and have placed the
parties arrested in confinement in the Old Capitol prison.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Provost-Marshal War Department.
Fairfax Court-House was for two years within our lines,
and occupied as an outpost by our army. Here lived a
citizen b}' the Jiame of F., with whora boarded several of
the staff" officers. His daughter. Miss F., was a young
and decidedly good-looking woraan, with pleasing, insinua
ting mann(>rs. She discoursed fluently, and with enthu
siasm, of the Union cause, irapressing her adrairing guests
with her loyalty and intelligence. Meanwhile, she carried
her commission as a rebel spy. This docuraent, in its original
form, was fouud through the confidence reposed by Miss
P. in a female subordinate in my bureau, who played the
part of a Southern lady going to her friends. Miss F. opened
her heart to the young adventurer, and also her bed, in which,
between the mattress and its nether companion, was con
cealed the prized and useful paper. It was found there
when the fair spy was arrested by ray order.
The public have not forgotten the capture of General
Stoughton and staff, at Fairfax Court-House, by Moseby,
¦\diich drew from Mr. Lincoln the reraark, when he was
told that a hundred horses were captured with the officer :
"Well, I ara sorry for that— for I can make brigadier-gen
erals, but can't make horses."
It turned out that Miss F. was accustomed to go out
at night and meet Moseby, the famous guerrilla, and im
part whatever information might be of service to the enemy.

MISS A. J. F. 171
Indeed, one day she was invited by a staff officer to take a
horseback ride into the country, and met Moseby, whom she
introduced to her escort under an assuraed name, and passed
along, -with loyal words upon her traitorous lips.
The story of her career, until safely lodged in the Old
Capitol, is related in my report to the Secretary of War.
Office Provost-Marshal -War Department, I
-\Va8iiinotom, Mardi, 17, ISW. )
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Sir — I have the honor to submit the following report relative to the arrest
of Miss F., on the charge tliat, while holding a commission in the Con
federate army, and performing active service under such commission as an
aid-de-camp to Brigadier-General J. E. B. Stuart, now coramanding a
brigade in said army, the said Miss F. came within the Union lines as a spy,
for the purpose of obtaining and comraunicating to officers in tho Confederate
army information o'f the movements, localities, and purposes of the Union
forces, and that the said Miss F. did secretly and perfidiously obtain such
information and treasonably communicate the same to officers and others in
the Confederate service.
In order more clearly to indicate the character and purposes of the said
Miss F., and the positive commission by her of the treasonable acts with
which she is charged, I am compelled to refer to certain military events of
recent occurrence at and in the vicinity of Fairfax Court-House, Va. On
the night of the 10th instant, the pickets and outposts of the United States
forces stationed at Fairfax Court-House were disgracefully surprised and
captured by an attacking party of Confederate cavalry, under command of
Captain Moseby ; following up this success, the rebel force penetrated our
lines, surprised and captured the commanding officer, Colonel Stoughton, in
his quarters, and succeeded in carrying away with them a large amount of
valuable Government property, including over one hundred horses. The
time, circumstances, and mode of this attack and surprise, the positive and
accurate knowledge in possession of the rebel leader, of tbe numbers and
position of our forces, of the exact localities of officers' quarters, and depots
of Government property, all pointed unmistakably to the existence of traitors
and spies witliin onr lines, and tlieir recent communication with Confederate
officers. Acting npon this conclnsi(ra, I ordered a female detective belonging to
this office, in whose discretion and abilities I had great confidence, to proceed
at once to Fairfax Court-House, and, under color of attachment to the seces
sion cause, place herself in contact with and obtain the confidence of the
person suspected.
In compliance with such order, tbe detective mentioned visited Fairfax
Court-House, and in the assumed character of a friend aud agent of the Con
federates, asking advice and assistance in efibrts to reach Warrenton and
find a refuge within the Confederate lines, met with a warm reception, and

172 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
was rewarded for her pretended devotion to secession by confidential dis
closures not less valuable then interesting.
The person visited by my detective, .and to whom suspicion had already
pointed as an active and unscrupulous Confederate agent, was Miss F. In
the exercise of a credulous simplicity and sympathy scarcely to be expected
from a staff officer of the rebel army. Miss F. displayed to the anxious gaze
of the detective a military coraraission, of which the following is a copy : —
To ALL WHOM IT MAT CONCERN : 
Know Yb : That reposing special confidence in the patriotism, fidelity,
.and abihty of Miss F., I, Jaraes E. B. Stuart, by virtue of the power
vested in me, as brigadier-general in the Provisional Army of the Confede
rate States of America, do hereby appoint and commission her my honorary
aid-de-camp, to rank as such frora this date.
She will be obeyed, respected, and admired by all the lovers of a noble
nature. Given under ray hand and seal, at the headquarters Cavalry Brig.ade, at
Camp Beverly, the seventh day of October, a. d. 1801, aud the first year of
our independence. (Signed) J. E. B. Stuakt. [seal.]
By the General: L. Tieman, Assistant Adjutant-General.
This document, undoubtedly authentic, and bearing the genuine signsiture
and private se.al of General J. E. B. Stuart, is in my possession, aud is of itself
strong evidence of the appreciation in which Miss F.'s tre.ason.able services,
as a spy and informer, were held by her rebel employers. The i)roof of Miss
F.'s former employment in the rebel service maybe considered indisputable;
that of her more recent services, and especially in connection with the lute
attack upon our outposts at Fairfax Court-House, is not less conclusive: that
proof consists in the voluntary acknowledgment and declaration by Miss F.
that she raade herself acquainted, while a resident within our lines at Fairfax
Court-House, of all the particulars relating to the nuraber of our forces there
and in the neighborhood, the location of our camps, the places where oflicei-s'
quarters were established, the precise points where our pickets were stiitioned,
the strength of the outposts, the names of officers in command, the nature of
general orders, and all other information valuable to the rebel leaders;
that such information had been coinmunicated by her to Captain Moseby,
of the Confederate army, immediately before the attack on our outposts be
fore mentioned; and that it was in consequence of the precision and correct
ness of such information that Captain Moseby had been enabled successfully to
attack and surprise the pickets and outposts of our forces, to find without de
lay or difficulty the quarters of Colonel Stoughton and other United States
officers, to capture that officer and a large amount of Government property,
and effect a safe return within the Confederate lines.
Miss F. also stated to my informant that Captain Moseby had, but a short
time before the rebel raid at Fairfax, visited and been a guest at her (Mi.ss
F.'s; house at that place; that he had remained there three days and three

MISS F.'S PERSONAL EFFECTS. I73
nights, disguised in citizen's dress, and that during such visit she had given to
liiin (Moseby) all the information and details which afterward enabled him
successfully to attack our force.
Miss F. also stated, that on an occasion while she was taking a ride on
horseback, accorapanied by a raeinber of Colonel Stoughton's stafi', they were
met by Captain Moseby, also on horseback, but in citizen's dress, and that she
(Miss F.) and Captain Moseby recognized and saluted each other.
The suspicions which had heretofore attached to Miss F. being fully
confirmed by her voluntary statements, she was forthwith arrested by Officer
Odell, of my force, and conveyed to this city. Upon the person and in the
possession of Miss F. were found a nuraber of private letters from officers
and others in the rebel service, eighty-seven dollars in Southern bank-bills and
Confederate notes, and Miss F.'s commission as aid-de-camp to General
Stuart. Officer Odell also discovered and seized at the same time, at the resi
dence of Miss F. at Fairfax Court-House, a large quantity of Southern and
Confederate raoney and evidences of debt, amounting in the whole to tho sum
of five thousand seven hundred and sixty -five dollars. The property so seized
I hold in ray possession, subject to the order of the Secretary of War.
I have ordered Miss F. to be placed in confinement in the Old Capitol
prison. I ara, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Provost-Marshal War Department.

CHAPTER XIII.
THE BUREAU IN CANADA— IN THE ARMY.
Tricks of False Correspondence — Mr. Delisle and the " Secret Secession Legation
^Disreputable Women in the Army — Collision with Major-General  on
their Account
The operations of the bureau Avere embarrassed unavoida
bly by the transmission of false intelligence through unrelia
ble persons for mercenary ends, of the gravest importance to
this or some other department of the Government. Bogus
correspondence was sometiraes thrown into ray hands to mis
lead me, and secure to the writers sorae personal advantages.
For illustration: Early in 1863, a man, who signed him
self " C. M. Delisle," wrote to the State Department, ex
pressing an earnest desire to forward important information,
dating from Prescott, Canada East, but post-marked at Og
densbnrg, New York. Delisle claimed to be the agent of
the "Secret Secession Legation, Canada," through whose
hands passed all the correspondence between the province
and Eichmond, The letter below is from this gentleman :—
OoDBKSRURO, May 4, 1803.
To the Honorable W. H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington: —
Sir — Certain facts having of late come to my knowledge, of the existence
of a secret Soutliern society, the oliject of which is most detrimental to the
Federal Government of the United States ; and although a British subject,
and residing in the States but for a few months, I deem it my duty to inform
you of the fact. Having myself been engaged, in 1837 and '38, in quelling
the Canadian rebellion, when I had the honor of holding a coraraission in a
British troop of cavalry, besides having since held several coniinissions and
aiipointinents under the Canadian Government, I can understand the very great
injury caused by it to a well-constituted Government as yours. However, I
ara one of those who are strongly in favor of the Union, and would consider
it a very great misfortune if such a promising republic should ever be broken
up. Being unwilling that it should be known that I have addressed yn\i on
tliis subject, I trust that the confidence reposed by me in you will be stridly

SECRET SECESSION LEGATION. 17.'}
priv.ate and confidential; and should your Government think proper to fur
nish me the means of going to Washington, I shall then be most happy to
substantiate my assertions by undeniable evidence. Had I had the raeans at
my disposal, I should certainly have lost no time in seeing you personally.
As to my character, it is beyond censure, and with regard to my family con
nections, they are of the highest standing in Canada, where I was born and
brought up. As it might occur to you that this is a ruse to obtain money, I
can assure you that it is not so; and I am confident that when I shall have
made you acquainted with the whole of the facts connected with ray infor
mation, it will put yon in a position to discover and reap invaluable informa
tion for the good of your Government. I may also state that I sh.all have no
objections in offering ray services in bringing the whole thing to light, as some
one would have to be employed by you on the frontiers and in Canada, every
inch of which is raost familiar to me.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient, &c.,
C. M. Delisle.
Four or five letters more, of a simUar character, were for
warded to me by Mr. Seward, with the indorsement that
he believed much valuable information could be procured
from Delisle respecting persons in connection with whom he
professed to be acquainted.
Accordingly I met hira, when he unfolded to rae one of
the grandest and raost skillfully arranged plans ever devised,
the great iraportance of which had rendered it necessary
that an organization should be forraed, with the sounding
title already quoted, whose secretary was "Wm. Sibbald."
So corapletely had these villains made out their programme,
the single object of which was to obtain large suras of
money, that it was with much difficulty that their plot was
finally discovered. The letters which follow were well cal
culated to deceive the raost vigUant servants of the Govern
ment : — Montreal, April 27, 166.1
Sir — The president of the "Secret Secession Legation in Canada," being
desirous to appoint an agent on the border of the United States and Canada
for the purpose of facilitating the conveyance of the secret mails, &c., from
Richmond, Va., to Europe ma Canada, and your name having been transmit
ted to hira by a fi'iend of yours in the United States, as a person in whom all
confidence can be placed, for your intelligence, integrity, and forbear.ance, I
therefore, sir, beg, at his request, to make you the following offer, for your
acceptance or refusal, viz. : —
First. That you will consent to become "Secret Agent" in the United
States for the above Legation.

176 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Second. Th.at you will endeavor, by seeret means, to forward in package.",
so made up and of such size as to avoid detection at the hands of the United
States Governraent, all the letters, &c., delivered to yon monthly by persons
from Richraond, Va., and who will have been previously instructed in New
York of the nature of their mission toward you.
You will also give them any information they may require to m.ake a
silent and secret entrance in Canada, by indicating to them the roads hy
which the crossing of the boundary lines can be more easily effected and with
less danger.
It will also be your duty to deliver to them, on their raaking themselves
known to you by means of countersigns, which in all cases will be given to
you in tirae by the Legation in Canada, any letters, papers, money, &c., tli.at
will have been secretly given to you for them, either from here or from other
secret agents serving in Canada or the United States.
Also, th.at you will find means to carefully conceal any documents, &c.,
from the vigilance of the United States Government police, till such docu
ments, &c., are safely delivered into the hands of the " emissary" it may
please our worthy President, Mr. Jefferson Davis, to send to ns.
Third. That you will be willing and ready to move from one place to the
other, at six hours' notice from the Legation here, at any time the said Lega
tion may order sueh a raove, and everywhere act as secret agent to them,
seeking and gatliering any inforin.ation they may require, and then faithfully
transmitting the same to the President here.
Should this offer meet your approbation, your remuneration will be as
follows, viz. : two dollars aud fifty cents for every letter, paper, &c., not
bearing an official stamp; ten dollars for .any document, letter, paper, <Sie.,
bearing our official Government stamp, and which in both cases you will
succeed in forw.arding safely to the Legation in Canada.
On the other h.and, should you be ordered to move from one city to
another, twenty-five cents per mile will be allowed you on journeys per
formed by rail or by boat; and fifty cents per mile for distances crossed in
vehicles drawn by horses — all payments to he made to you in gold. Iu con
clusion, I hope, sir, that the confidence the President of the Legation here
has placed in you, based upon the recommendation of your recominender,
will never be betrayed, and the strictest secrecy will be kept by you, should
you accept or reject this proposition.
Awaiting your early reply, which, sir, please address to Wm. Sibbald, sim-
pily, General Post, Montreal, 1 remain, sir, your raost obedient serv.ant, Wm. Sibbald,
Secretary to the Secret Secession Legation, Canada.
To C. M. Delisle, Esq., Ogdensburg, New York.

Montreal, May 1. 1863.
SiE — I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your answer to ray communica
tion of the 27tli ultimo, and I avail rayself of this opportunity to tender you

"LEGATION" SCHEMES. 177
I am aware that the Agency, should you accept it, might become a little
annoying in case of detection ; but no such accident can happen, if secrecy
bo your course of conduct, and much will depend upon yourself whether the
police agents of the United States seize the dispatches.
The character your benefactor in the United States, who has desired us to
suppress his name, has given yon, has induced us to broach such a subject to
you. Suffice to say, that his motive is one prompted by the personal esteem
he entertains for yon, and also to have the felicity of withdrawing you from
your present embarrassiJig position.
The post cannot of course be one except of great lucrativeness, as the
arrangements raade here are very complete, and on a large scale, although
strictly ignored by any stranger to the " Legation.'''
To state positively what you might derive monthly from the agency, is a
mere impossibility, as no one here is aware of the number of packages the
"emissary" maybe able to convey; but you can rest assured that a very
large income must un.avoid.ably be drawn from it.
The letters and official dispatches will be in all cases written upon the
thinnest paper manufactured, to make concealment easier, and in mail)' cases
wOl be mere press copies.
Your rerauneration will be paid you by the "emissary" himself, on de
livery of the docuraents, by draft on New York, to an amount equal to gold,
or, if more convenient and suited to you, in specie.
When ordered to raove, sufficient raoney will be sent you from here, with
the orders to take you, all expenses paid, to any place chosen and back to
Ogdensburg, as the latter place will be your headquarters, except you think
another spot would facilitate the entrance of mails in Canada: this point,
however, is entirely left lo your suggestion.
The President, in thanking you, wishes me to say that he is well pleased
with the character he has of you, and that no person is better suited than
you for the fulfillment of his object ; and that, from your honesty, genteel and
gentlemanlike bearing, you will manage to initiate yourself into the Ameri
can agents' favors, and acquire from them valuable inforraation regarding
the "lookout parties" on the frontier and outlets around Richmond.
I remain, sir, your obedient servant, Wm. Sibbald,
Secretary to the Secret Secession Legation in Canada.
To C. M. Delisle, Esq., Ogdensburg, New York.
I will be glad to hear your answer on receipt of this, whether the proposi
tion is accepted or rejected.
No pains were spared by these conspirators to impress
the officers of the Government with the reality of their lying
scheme to rob its Treasury. In harmony with this cool pur
pose and policy, comraunications were forwarded to individu
als anticipating that they would ultimately reach my hands.
On this point I shall quote certain correspondence with
12

178 UNITED STATES SECRET SERV^ICE.
Captain H. B. Todd, provost-marshal of the District of
Columbia : — Headqfakter9 PRovoaT-MARsnAL^s Office, (
Washington, D. (J., May 20, 1863. f
Colonel L. C. Baker : —
I am credibly informed that one Charles Michael Delisle, now living in
0;_'deiisliui-g, Xew York, has made arrangements w-ith the Secret Secession
Leiiiition, in Montreal, Canada, or with their secretary, William Sibbald, to
convey the rebel mails and dispatches into Canada, as soon as the emissaries
from Richmond deliver thera to him.
Delisle is paid by this Secret Legation, .and now stops at Johnson's Hotel,
Ogdensburg; of late he has eutereil his narae as F. .V. Delisle, instead of 0.
M. My informant has seen his correspondence with said Legation, and read
his (Delisle's) proposition.
He has already sent dispatches to Montreal, undetected, which have been
forwarded to ^Messrs. Mason and Slidell, through the mails of the Montreal
Ocean Steamship Company, and others .are very soon expected to go through.
I ara, sir, your obedient servant, Henry B. Todd,
Captain and Provost-Marsh.a'

It is only necessary to add that, on the arrost of DelLsliN he
confessed that there was no "Secret Secession Legation" in
Canada, so far as he knew, but that the design of the parties
engaged in the transaction was siraply to defraud the United
States Government ; and, had it not been defeated by tho
vigilance of this bureau, it would have proved, of course, a
very handsome speculation for them.
There is a more delicate and humiliating violation of la-iv
and social order, I feel it necessary to record, that the unsus
pecting people may exercise the vigilance demanded pre
eminently in a republic, over the virtue of its public raen,
which a knowledge of the facts detailed must, to some
extent, awaken. I refer to the presence of disreputable
women at the headquarters of the army officers during the
war. V\"Mle the wives of sick soldiers c<;idd not get passes
over the lines, because of the standing order that no females
should be allowed to enter the battle-field, presuming they
would be in the way of military movements, these fancy
Indies could telegraph their arrival at Wasliington ; an order
would be the response, giving them a pass and free transpor
tation to the designated headquarters of the favored officers.

FEMALES WITH THE ARMY. I79
The subjoined communication will indicate the nature of
the unpleasant business on my hands : —
OrFioK Provost-Marbhal War Department, i
Washington, June 1, 1S68. f
Honorable E. M. Stantou, Secretary of War : —
Sir — I deem it my duty to inform the War Department that, notwithstand
ing the very stringent and almost prohibitory orders of the Secretary of War
concerning the granting of pa.sses for ladies to visit the Army of the Potoraac,
large numbers are still passing on Government transports.
These passes are furnished by the Provost-Marshal-General of the Army
of the Potomac, and, I am reliably inforraed, are frequently forwarded by
mail or private hands to persons who have been repeatedly refused by the
officer detailed to issue citizens' passes in this city.
I ara, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Bakek,
Provost-Marshal War Department.
Some days previous to the battle at Chancellorsville, a
woman applied to me for a pass to the Army of the Potomac.
It required but a hasty glance to read her character and
object. I called her attention to the order of the Secretary
of War, already referred to, and asked her what was her
business. She simply replied that she desired to visit a
distinguished general of the army. I objected to her going.
" I will have a pass, in spite of you !" she added.
She then went to the telegraph office, and transmitted the
following message : —
" I have just arrived ; send me an order to come down."
She did not pretend to be the wife, mother, or sister of
any one in the army ; neither did she profess to have any
business, other than a pleasure trip to the field. In less
than an hour she showed me a telegram, which read : —
"You will permit the bearer, Mrs.  , to visit the
Array of the Potomac. By order of  , Commanding
General." I informed her that I should entirely disregard the order.
My orders were from the Secretary of War, and I should
"obey them to the letter." I instructed the guard not to
accept the military order.
Refused admission on board of the steamer, she applied
to Mr. Stanton, who assured her that no exception could be
made in her case. In three days, I received, through the War

180 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Department, a passionate and insulting letter, saying : — " I
am sony that you are not in my jurisdiction. If you were,
I would soon teach you the respect due to a superior officer.
Your whole course has been raarked by a recklessness and
intermeddUng -with officers, which would not be tolerated
Lq any other officer under the Government."
To such an extent had this granting of passes to unprin
cipled women been carried, that, on a single boat, on one
day, I counted no less than twenty-three on their way to
the army, with no legitimate object, whose only vocation
was prostitution.

CHAPTER XIV.
WEALTHY TRAITORS— FRUITLESS SCHEMES
John H. Waring — His Operations — An Efficient Tool — Walter Bo-nae — A Wild Career
— Rebel Mail — Contrabands — Extracts from the Private Journals of Rebel Spies.
The insane treason of the Marylanders revealed itself
very strikingly in an incident wliich now occurred.
Mr. John H. Waring, a wealthy and respectable planter,
residing on the banks of the Patuxent River, had long been
suspected of assisting the enemy, and devoting his dwelling
to the secret service of the blockade-runners, spies, and
mail-cari'iers of the Confederacy. His family had ever been
known as the most scornful haters of the Federal Govern
ment, outspoken, and fearless. The female members of it,
by their connection with disloyal friends of high standing
in Baltimore, had special facUities for communicating with
the South. He, individually, did not enter into the bitter
denunciations of the Government, owing partly to his ad
vanced age, and partly to his occupation of tirae on the
plantation. Walter Bowie, whose faraily resided in Maryland, and
whose uncle gave the name to the favorite weapon of the
chivalry, had- early in the struggle cast in his lot with the
traitors. A reckless, unprincipled, and daring young man, with
considerable culture, he was selected by the Secretary of
War to act as a spy. Born and brought up in Lower
Maryland, he was thoroughly acquainted with the country.
To him are many families there indebted for the loss of
fathers and sons. He raised, at diffijrent times, squads for
the rebel service, ran across the Potomac and sold on specu
lation ; now with Moseby' s guerrillas, then with the authori
ties at Richraond, and soon, perhaps, in Washington. I
decided, if it were possible, to capture him. Aware that he

18-3 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
was assisted and concealed by the Waring ladies, I directo^v
my attention to that quarter. Sending four detectives to the
house, I ordered them to surround it on a certain night.
They secreted themselves accordingly, waiting for the dawn,
the usual Avay of detour moveraents. The proximity of the
men somehow became known to the inmates of the house,
but every precaution had been taken to prevent escape.
As the light of day appeared, an aged negro servant left
the dwelling with a washtub upon her head, and walked
toward a spring near by for water. Upon her approach, an
officer stopped her, and inquired about the family. She
could give no information, and Avas allowed to pass. When
sufficient time had elapsed for her return, the detective sus
pected that he had been deceived, and taking the path to the
spriiiu,-, discovered the tub, and just beyond a horse saddled
and bridled, tied to a tree. The whoh; ruse at once flashed
upon his mind. The venei-al-.le negress was no other than
Walter Bowie. He saw that the horse was watched, and
went on aibot.
Chagrined at the defeat of his plan, the officer returned to
the house, and found, on searching it, the spy's uniform,
sash, and sabr(\ It was ascertained later that a daughter
of Mr. W., Mrs. Ducket, had blackened and dressed Bo-wie
for the occasion. A more careful examination of the prem
ises led to the discovery of several suits of rebel uniform.
From this time till auturan he was successfully engaged
in raids upon defenseless sutlers and unarmed citizens, until
at last, crossing the Potomac with a company of his asso
ciates, Avent to Sandy Hill, broke open a store, and pillaged
it, I dispatched a squad in pursuit, and surrounded his
camp next morning at Booneville. A skirmish ensued, and
Bowie was shot with a double charge, and instantly killed.
The foUo-wing episode in the darMy romantic history
flings a lurid Ught into the "habitations of cruelty" which
have been protected by the " starry flag " of freedom, reveal
ing their domestic scenes : — Office Provost-Marshal War Department, \
Washington, July 9, 1863. )
Honorable E. M. Stanton-, Secretary of War : —
Sir — I respectfully submit the following statement, and request further
directions in the matter.

CRUELTY TO NEGROES. 183
On Monday last, having received information that Walter Bowie, a noto
rious rebel and spy, had been on a recent visit to the house of Mrs. Lizzie
Bowie, in Prince George County, Maryland, and also, th.at subsequent to said
visit, on Sunday night last, a loaded wagon containing clothing had been sent
from Mrs. Bowie's house to the house of a Mr. Worthington, near the Poto-
m.ac, for transmission to Virginia, I detiiiled a force from this office to inves-
tig.ate the matter, and arrest the said Walter Bowie and any other parties en
gaged in disloyal practices.
Walter Bowie succeeded in ev.ading the search raade for him, .but it was
ascertained that on Sunday night a two-horse wagon was sent from Mrs.
Bowie's house, driven by a colored man named Daniel Grant, and in charge
of Mr. Contee Warren ; that two large trunks were in said wngon, and that
the same were taken some miles from Mrs. Bowie's, and then taken from the
wagon and deposited by the side of the road, and there left, the driver,
Daniel Grant, stating to the said officers th.it he understood that said trunks
contained clothing, &c., and were intended for Walter Bowie. My officers
then visited the house of Mr. Worthinaton, charged with forwarding clothing,
goods, &c., from Mrs. Bowie's into Virginia. A full examination of his house
and premises was raade, but nothing found of a contr.aband nature. In the
process of such examin.ation, ray officers, on reaching the garret of Mr. Wor-
thington's house, found the entrance closed and fastened with a padlock.
Upon being refused adraission, the door was forced open, and, to their surprise
and horror, found there two alraost naked negro girls, chained together by the
wrhsts, and exhibiting upon their persons evidences of a most brutal and
bloody punishment. Their backs were covered with blood, and g.ashed, as
with a sharp "knife, frora the shonhlers to the loins, presenting a spectacle of
horrid cruelty and suffi.>ring which words cannot describe.
One of these girls was owned by Mrs. Lizzie Bowie, and the other by Mrs.
Worthington; and it is understood that they had been beaten with a. trace
chain by three raen, namely, Mr. Worthington, Contee Warren, and Mr. HaU,
overseer of Mrs. Bowie, and that Mrs. Bo-wie had ordered the punishment on
the girl, who was her slave. I do not understand th.at any law, human or di
vine, confers the right to inflict upon helpless women, black or white, the
frightful torture borne by these poor and defenseless negro girls. Moved by
pity, and the hope that speedy justice from tho strong arm of the Government
would be visited upon the cowardly miscreants who have dared to commit so
infamous a crime, ray officers arrested Mr. Worthington .and Contee War
ren, and brought thera to this city, and they are now in the custody of this
office until 'further orders of the War Department are received. I regret to
say that the officers, not feeling authorized to act as liberators, left the negro
girls chained and bleeding in the garret of Worthington's house.
Respectfully yours, L. C. Baker,
Provost-Marshal of the War Departraent.
The captives were released, and, with an expression of
the deepest gratitude upon their sad faces, they crawled out

181 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
of the garret, in which they had not room to stand erect,
only to suffer again. I was inforraed that one of them was
soon afterward found in the woods, di^ad, with marks of the
terrible scourge upon her body. The only crime of the poor
girls was, obeying the instinctive love of freedom, fired into
in irresistible impulse at the sight of the " boys in blue."
A large rebel raail was found between the beds of Mrs.
Ducket's roora, and speciraen packages of blockade goods
in transitu from Europe were secreted in different parts of
the house. Opening the mail, we ascertained that Mr.
Waring' s mansion had long been the rendezvous of all who
served the Southern cause, and a post-office for their cor
respondence. "Waring was conveyed to Washington, and tried by
military commission, and sentenced to two years in Port
Delaware. On his trial it was shown, that for months he
had used his horses and wagons to carry rebel recruits to
the Potomac ; and, even the very night of his arrest, he had
brought Bowie, in his Confederate dress, to his house for
concealment. After his conviction, the Secretary of War
directed that all of his animals and other property should
be confiscated and sent to Washington. Accordingly, I
repaired to the plantation, and found one hundred and ten
slaves, impatient to be free. Unwilling to act without in
structions, no proclamation of emancipation having then
appeared in behalf of the millions in bondage, and in sym
pathy with our cause, upon appealing to Mr. Lincoln, -with
a detailed account of the case, and saying to him, "I did not
Uke to assume the responsibility of their liberation," he char
acteristically replied : " Baker, let them alone, and they wfll
free themselves!" I took the hint, and returned to the
plantation, whither I had sent forty Governraent wagons to
transport to the capital the confiscated property.
The raore intelligent slaves appointed a committee to
wait on me, to inquire what action I intended to take in
their case. I reported my intervicAV with "Massa Linkum,"
as they always called him, and his significant remark. It
was quite sufiicient for them.
The next raorning, with ray train, I started, but refused
to recognize their escape by affording Government convey-

WARING'S ARREST. Jsr>
ance ; when, in a surprisingly brief time, each family was
seen with the humble stock of domestic furniture packed,
and ready to follow the wagons of "Massa Linkum."
Such patient endurance of fatigue, and uncomplaining
toil, to secure the coveted boon of liberty, I never before
saw; patience in the pursuit of freedom did "its perfect
work." It was soon known to the neighbors of Waring that his
"servants" were en route to Washington, who gathered
in large numbers, and, fully armed, demanded from me the
return of the caravan of laden fugitives. I, of course, re
fused to do it. The conviction of Waring, and the taking of
his property, in my opinion, released the slaves — morally, if
not legally.
They 'then threatened violence, and even attempted to
stop the train. The arrest of the ringleaders quieted the
mob, and the refugees arrived safely in Washington.
Waring' s arrest, and the consequences to him, have been
much criticised, and regarded by the South as an arbitrary
act ; but when we consider that he, with his entire family,
were engaged directly in the rebel service, the evidence of
which was overwhelming, it must appear to all loyal minds
that the proceeding was justifiable, and even necessary.
I copy extracts from the pages of a private journal of
the rebel spies captured on the Potomac, whicli afford a
gUmpse of life in such adventurous service, that will interest,
I am sure, many of my readers : —
JAMES R. MILBURN.
July 23d, 1863. Crossed the Potomac River, frora Md. to V.a.
24th. Virginia House, Heatharville, Northumberland County, Va. ; arrived
at Union Wharf, Rap River, 8 p. m.
25th. Miller's Hotel, south side of Rapidan ; started for Richraond in com
pany with Captain Cox, of North Va. ; walked to Princes, thirty-five miles
from Rap.
26th. Breakfasted at Old Church. Arrived in Richmond i p. m., Pow
hatan Hotel ; wrote home.
27th. Called on Mr. Barton. '
28th. In Richmond. "Disconsolate.''
29th. Richmond.
30th. Left Richmond for Buffalo Springs, Mecklenburg County, Va. ; passed
through Petersburg, Va., and Weldon, N. C.

186 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
31st. Buffalo Springs, 2 p. xi. Room 49, Rowdy Row.
August 1st. First impressions of Springs not very pleasing.
2d. Fiorwed the acquaintance of several pleasant gentlemen.
3d. Found more agreeable company.
4th. Took a long walk in corapany with Mr. Frank Hobbs, of Md. ; talked
of dear old Maryland.
5th. Large arrivals ; unlimited scope for the study of human nature; to
rae a look, word, or mere motion of body, hand, or he.ad,. will often analyze a
person's character; first impressions are often lasting, and generally correct.
6tli. Each trying to outwit the other. Grouping of nature.
7th. Wrote to Captain Carlisle, Moseby's Cavalry, and to my friend E. N.
Spiller, Atlanta, Ga.
8th. Introduced to Mrs. Paxon, wife of the proprietor of Springs. I have
closely observed her ; think she is well suited to make married life — yes—
painfully disagreeable. Sorae talk of the freedom and bliss of persons before
marriage. If this be true, what is the state of one coupled to a disagreeable
person ; concentrated hell surely.
9th. Tried to meditate on a portion of the Bible ; mind uusettled ; thoughts
like chaff before the -ivind. Left cottage for a walk to compose myself.
10th. Drinking the oozings of human nature.
11th. Nothing to do ; yet not like Miss Flora McFlimsey, nothing to wear.
12th. Enjoyed myself by dancing ; find very little intellectual conversation;
thus far during my visit have not heard a solid subject discussed.
13th. Like a butterfly on the wing, pursuing pleasure.
14th. How various are the classifications of the mind; sorae appear to be
guided by reason, others by a species of brutal instinct.
15th. As a geheral thing the visitors seera to be friendly.
16th. Ladies very agreeable; endeavor to repay their kindness.
19th. Modesty is a polite accomplishment, .and often .an attendant npon
merit; it wins the hearts of aU. None are raore disgusting in company than
the impudent and presuming.
20th. What a fine place to show a person's breeding. Train up a child,
&c., &o.
21st. This day to me is a memorial one, no one can tell my feelings, perhaps
the thoughts of another one the sarae; whether it is a day of folly or happi
ness, the future will show. My intention was honest, howsoever this affair may
terminate ; perhaps sympathy was the cause of my action and words. I must
say, I do not understand myself in this case. Wrote a long letter to ray friend
Spiller. 22d. Miss Lucy A. Merritt, of Brunswick County, Va., returned to Buffalo ;
a long walk and confidential t.alk with her. Having noticed ray letter to Mr.
Spiller, asked to see it. Miss Merritt had no evil intentions when she made
this request, this I firmly believe; I complied with her wish, as it seemed to
be a test of friendship.
23d. Placid as a lake, nothing unusual transpired.
24th. In some young peo[)le the milk of human kindness seems long since
to have curdled ; I would advise a little soda to correct the acidity of their

J. R. MILBURN'S JOURNAL. 187
n.atnro. A lady should at all times command her tongue, especially in a publio
assembly, where a word is an index to intellect and cbanactor.
25th. Nothing extraordinary to-day.
26th. Preparing to leave Buffalo Springs.
27th. Good-bye, all friends. Confusion to my enemies, if any.
28tli. Left Buffalo for Richmond, Va.; at Linwood House.
29th to 31st. Richmond, Va.
September 1st. Enlisted in the Confeilerate States Navy.
2d. Left Richmond, with Capt.ain John W. Ilebb, of Louisiana, for a cruise
on the Chesapeake and its tributaries. Left tho oars at Milford Station; dined
at Lloyd's, Oarohne County, Virginia; camped at Central Point, Caroline
County. 3d. Camped on the Rapid.an River, at Mr. Warren's; one me.il at 11 p. m.
4th. Lighton's Ferry, Essex County ; breakfast, dinner, supper, 9 p. m.
ffth. Crossed the Rap. S^ p. m. ; one meal, 9 p. m. ; camped in the woods.
Carap Rust, Westmoreland County, five miles from Rap. River.
Gth. Camp Rust ; two meals.
7th. Received a new supply of arras from Richmond ; visited Miss Rust ;
two meals.
8th. Detailed to go on special duty; arrested William Hammond, a half-
breed Indian, for boating Confederate deserters across the Potoraac. In camp,
11 p. M., tired and hungry.
9th. Camp Rust.
10th. Broke carap, 10 a. m., for Noinoni River, twenty-five miles ; dined
in the road ; camped in Richmond County.
11th. Marched all day ; camped, 9 a. m. ; one meal.
12th. Dined at 8 p. ii. ; r.ained all night, hall' drowned next morning.
13th. Roasted corn early this morning; went out gunning for something
to eat, hog, calf, or any thing ; nothing procured.
15th. Went to Nomoni Ferry, 5 p. m. ; duck, crab, corn bread, butter, and
milk. 16th. Dined with Miss Arnest.
17th. Fight between Manning and Fitzgerald ; drew my pistol to shoot
Fitzgerald, who threatened to strike me, while in charge of camp, with a sword.
I wisely desisted frora the intended blow. Nothing to eat.
18th. No provisions; sent out a party to forage, no sua ess.
19th. Killed a hog early this morning.
20th. All quiet; truly a placid state. Strolled about t' e woods as if I had
no home. Home is the dearest place on earth, especially 'hen it is impossible
to be there.
21st. Killed another hog.
22d. On picket, fork of road.
23d. About to break camp.
24th. Yanks attacked our forces, at Mathias Point, with infantry and gun
boats ; shelled us out.
25th. Moved camp. ,
2 Gth. Sick all day.

188 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
27th. On Nomoni again ; off on .an expedition.
28th. Unwell.
29th. Feel better.
30th. Sick.
October 1st. Still sick.
2d. Headache.
3d. In hospital at Bethel M. E. Church.
4th and 5th. Chill.
6th to 11th. Sick at Mr. Ames's.
12th. Colonel Blackwell's, on Potomac.
13th. Crossed to St. Mary's County, last night.
14th. Patuxent River.
15th to 17th. Calvert County, Maryland.
18th. Sharp's Island.
19th to 28th. Tilligiuan's Island.
31st. Chills.
November 1st. Tilligraan's Island.
3d. Tilligraan's Island. Captain Ilebb captured last night.
4th. Yankee cavalry crossed the bay to Fair Haven, A. A. County.
30th. Cove Point. Cast away.
Deceraber 1st. Cove Point. Boat repaired.
2d. On the way to the Confederate States.
22d. Calvert County. Slept in .an unoccupied house.
23d. do. do. do. Nothing to eat.
29th. St. Mary's County. Went to Rob. Thorapson's, cold and hungry ;
would not let me warm myself, or give me any thing to eat. Slept near Poin*
No- point.
30th. Took to the woods; afraid of the Yanks.
31st. In a hogpen ; wet and cold.
January 1st, 1864. Live in hope that I raay safely reach ray destination,
confident of ultimate success, though every thing seems to oppose.
12th. Pasquith's. Yankee raid from Point Lookout.
14th. do. Yankees gone.
17th. Corinth Church.
18th and 19th. Heathsville. (18th. Boat stolen.)
25th. Heathsville. Went to Maohota Creek, in woods.
February 1st and 2d. Heathsville. Yankees about.
12th. Attempted to cross the Potomac last night in company with two
ladies and Charley ; wind fair from S. W., but too heavy ; compelled to turn
back. Slept at Mr. Bailey G. Haynie's.
13th. WindS.S.E. ; at B. G. Haynie's ; crossed the Potomac ; rowed from
Precher's Creek, Va., to Point Lookout ; sailed to Patuxent "River ; landed
ladies, 7 a. m. Sunday, 14th.
15th. Plum Point, Calvert County, Md. Slept in an unoccupied house on
shore.

0. W. MILBURN'S JOURNAL. 1S9

CHARLES W. MILBURN.
July 23d, 1863. Ran the blockade across the Potomac; a little cloudy;
landed at Cone River ; slept on the beach the remainder of the night ; mos
quitoes very thick, and large enough to bite through my coat.
24th. Arrived at Heathsville; dined at Virginia House; started at 3 p. m.
for Union Wharf, on the Rap. River; arrived too late to get across the river;
remained all night.
25th. Crossed the river ; started for Bowler's ; procured conveyance frora
the ferryraan to Millar's; dined at Brown's Hotel; irapossible to obtain con
veyance to Richmond; after finding a berth in a, market-wagon for my bag
gage, I came to the conclusion to walk ; started at 4 p. m. ; walked to Mr.
Princess's, seventeen miles ; remained all niglit.
26th. Started at daybreak for Old Church, 10 miles ; arrived at 8.30 a. m. ;
breakfasted; arrived at Richmond, 4 p. m. ; Powhat.an Hotel ; wrote home.
27th. Obtained a pass from General Winder, to pass unraolested in the city
for thirty days ; called to see Mr. Barton.
30th. Left Richmond for Buffalo Springs, Mecklenburg County, Va. ;
passed through Petersburg, Va., and Weldon, N. C, and arrived at ray desti
nation, 31st, at 2 p. M.
31st. Occupying roora No. 49; prospect very pleasing.
August 7th. Still at Buffalo, enjoying rayself wonderfully; wrote to Cap
tain Carlisle, C. S. A., and Mr. Spiller.
22d. Wrote to Mr. Spiller, Atlanta, Ga. ; Miss Lucy A. Merritt returned
to Buffalo, stayed till Sunday; had a very ple.a-sant time during her visit.
31st. A beautiful day. Received orders from Captain H. to prepare to
leave Richmond to-morrow morning, under coramand of Captain Walter
Bowie, C. S. N.
September 1st. After arriving at the depot, received another order, to
wait until Wednesday. Went to new R. Theatre ; a splendid plot, though not
well acted.
2d. Left Richmond on the Fred, train, with Captain Walter Bowie,
twenty-two men in all ; dined at Lloyd's in Caroline County, Va. ; encamped
at Center Point, Caroline County, Va.
3d. Got something to eat at Sp.arta, about 11 p. m. ; camped on the Rap
pahannock River, at Mr. Warren's.
4th. Camped at Leighton's Ferry, Essex Co., Rappahannock River ; got
some cabbage and bacon about 9 a. m.
5th. Acting cook under difficulties; crossed the Rap. River, 3.30 p. m. ;
supped in Westmoreland County, 9 p. m. ; camped in the woods, on Mr. Rust's
plantation, five miles from Rap. River.
6th. Breakfasted about 9 ; corn bread and crackers, comraonly called
"shortcakes;" araused myself by gathering fox-grapes near the camp; con
structed a chebang in the new camp. Captain Hebb arrived with arms and a
guiird of eight raen ; went to sleep .at 9 o'clock.
7th. Breakfast sent to me by Miss Lizzie Rust ; accepted an invitation to
dine at Mr. Rust's ; had quite a pleasant time with ladies.

190 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
8th. Jira, with thirteei. others, detailed, at 3 a. m., to go frora camp on
special duty; they arrived in camp about 11 p. m., with one prisoner, named
William Hammond, who seemed to be very uneasy ; on guard frora 12 p. ii.
to 2 o'clock. Beautiful night.
9th. Left carap with Captain Bowie, to raake a reconnoissanee; break
fasted in camp; returned to camp, .about 11 p. m., tired aud hungry; "scene
on the road."
10th. H. H., a prisoner, started for Richmond in charge of Private Rusloe ;
broke up camp at 10 a. m. ; started with Captain Bowie for banks of Poto
mac, Mathias Point; another party, under Captain H., started for Nomoni
River ; marched all day, without any thing to eat ; slept at Mr. McOlanna-
han's, Machota Creek.
nth. Marclied till about 4 p. m. ; slept at Dr. Hooes' ; Captain Band and
rayself had quite a pleasant time with the ladies.
12th. Captain B. sent me to Waterloo, and orders to Lieutenant K.,
C. S. S. C. ; started from W. about dusk, for Mathias Point.
12th. Raining very hard ; slept in rain all night without a blanket.
13th. Capt. B. left about dark, with eight mon, for Maryland (beautiful nigat
for cros.sing), leaving rae in charge of carap.
14th. Nothing unusual transpired ; short of rations ; mosquitoes a great
plague ; no sleeping for them.
15th. Sent out a foraging party; nothing procured.
Ifith. Impossible to got provisions ; prepared to go into Maryland after
some. 17tli. Wind high ; no prospect of crossing to-night ; dined with Mr. Wash
ington ; sent Phil. Key out to get something to eat ; obtained very little.
18th. A slight supper last night ; nothing since, except sorae green
corn. 19th. All quiet on the Potomac ; nothing to eat; 8 p. m. crossed the Poto
mac (raen in full uniform and arms) ; landed in Charles County, Md.
20th. Went, in corapany with P. K., to visit Dr. C. ; kindly treated. How
glad I am to be once more in old Maryland.
21st. This morning two men missing; supposed to have deserted.
22d. Heard from Captain B. ; a slight skirmish with the Yanks ; prepare
to return to Virginia.
23d. Two Confederate prisoners escaped from Point Lookout and came to
us to-day. Having procured what we desired, we returned to Virginia.
Wrote home before leaving Maryland.
November 20th. Left Baltimore, 1 a. m., on the steamer John Penti, for
West River.
21st. F.air Haven, Herring Bay, A. A. County, Md., Medley House.
22d. F.air Haven. Set out on my journey.
23d. Plum Point, Calvert County, Md. Breakfasted at a negro hut; slept
at S. Y. Dorsey's ; rained all night.
29th. Mr. Bowers. Started for Virginia at dark ; wind overblew me ;
forced to beach my boat near Cove Point ; slept in woods.
30th. Cove Point, Calvert County, Md.

LETTEU TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN. IQl
I will close this chapter of treason and oppression's
crimes, with a letter to the President, which, I need not say,
elicited all the sympathy and aid the great heart and high
position of the President could extend : —
Office Provost-Marsiiai. -War Department, I
Washington. September 30, 1SC3. f
AiiP.AnAM Lincoln, President of the United States: —
Sib — I beg leave respectfully to call your attention to the facts set forth
below. The colored people, slave and free, of this District and the adjoining coun
ties of Maryland, are daily subjected to a more ferocious despotism, and more
flagrant and sharaeless outrages, than were ever before tolerated by any Gov
ernment claiming to be either wise or humane.
It is well known to you, sir, that large nurabers, owned in Maryland, actua
ted by a suprerae desire to participate in the blessings of freedom enjoyed
by tlieir fellows in this District, are daily, alraost hourly, making attempts to
escape frora their raasters, and fly to this city.
The slave-owners of Maryland, whose plantations are becoraing desolate
b)- this constant exodus of tlieir chattels, no longer relying on tlie protection
of their own laws and legally constituted authorities, have, iu many cases,
forraed theraselves into armed bands for the purpose of pursuing and recap
turing escaped slaves.
Parties of slaves, raen, woraen, and children, have been pursued within
the bounds of this District, have been fiercely assailed aud shot down, or re
morselessly beaten, and the survivors shut up in prison, or conveyed across
tbe Potomac, within the protecting arras of the rebel Confederacy.
Not less than forty slaves (human beings), by these lawless encounters,
were killed ; and I have inforraation, that no less than three dead bodies of
slaves, thus cruelly slaughtered, are now lying in the woods almost within
sight of your own homes.
Not a month since, an armed band of Maryland slave-owners surrounded
tho house of a free negro woman, less than three miles frora the Capitol, broke
open tlie door, presented loaded pistols to the heads of its frightened inraates,
and, after exercising all their powers of abuse and insult, took away by vio
lence three free negroes.
Visiting this city, and protected by the assumed authority of Mr. Commis
sioner Cox, these depredators break into the houses of colored citizens, thrust
loaded pistols into the faces of terrified women and screaming children, and,
protected by legal papei's, bear off their victims to the tender mercies of the
lash and prison, or the hopeless inartyrdora of Southern slavery.
Along the borders of the Potoraac, below this city, male shaves are now
being mustered in gangs, and sent to Virginia, as contributions by their raas
ters to the cause of rebellion ; and if these raen make an effort to escape, they
are pursued and shot down by their unmerciful owners.
There is now in Marlborongh jail, a negro man, whose eyes have been ut
terly destroyed by a charge of shot fired wantonly into hi.s face ; aud, not long

l._)2 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
since, two colored girls were found chained in the garret of a private Louse,
in the neighborhood of this city, who, after having been cruelly beaten by
three men, one of them using a trace chain to inflict the blows, were left, witli
their backs one mass of festering wounds, to the further horrors of chains and
darkness. An instance has just corae to my knowledge, of a negro woman and three
daughters, owned by a citizen of this city still resident here, who were sent to
Baltimore a few days before the late Emancipation Act was passed, for the
sole purpose of evading its provisions. One of these daughters, an intelligent
woraan, has succeeded in returning to Washington, and is now claimed as a
slave and threatened with seizure through the agency of Mr. Coraraissioner
Cox's suraraary and illegal writs.
It can not be that such atrocities will be longer permitted, and that men,
whose every sympathy is with slavery, and its legitimate offspring, treason,
shall be longer suffered to visit upon the poor slave the hatred they feel to
freedom and the Union.
I respectfully ask for such instructions as shall enable me effectually to
protect the now helpless victims of the slave-masters' vengeance, and the per
jured oaths of their friends, official and otherwise, in this city and District.
I am, sir, your obedient servant, L. C. Bakbr,
Colonel and Provost-Marshal War Department.

CHAPTER XV.
SLAVERY— PLAYING REBEL GENERAL— FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY.
The Hostages — Mr. Lincoln — Deceiving the Rebels — .\ Successful Game — Organiza
tion of tho First District Cavalry — Its Services.
About this time, one hundred rebel citizens, in Lower
Maryland, took possession of two contraband teamsters in
my employ, and refused to give any account of the reclaimed
property. I immediately arrested and confined t-\\-o of the
leaders, and put them in the Central guard-house, Washing
ton, as hostages, till the former were returned. The indigna
tion, at my assumption that a negro was equal to a white
man — especially to one of the chivalry — was intense. An
appeal was made to Mr. Lincoln, and I was summoned to
report in person to him, which I cheerfully did.
He said: "Well, Baker, you think a white man is as
good as a colored man ? ' '
I assured him that in this case, at least, I did ; and pro
posed to keep the gentlemen in prison till the free negroes
were returned.
The President acquiesced in the justice of the arrange
ment, and, soon after, the contrabands were restored, and the
insulted, excited prisoners set at liberty, to the great relief
of their friends, and amusement of the irreverent "Yan
kees," who could not see the superiority of Southern blood.
I shall notice here some incidents which will ibrcibly
show the self-sacrifice of the Maryland secessionists, who
were vastly in the majority, along with the more inipor-tant
and melancholy truth, that the rebellion could never have
succeeded without the sympathy and assistance of "North
ern friends." In addition to these facts, the means some
tiraes necessary to ascertain who were disloyal, wUl also be
apparent. A few days previous to the rebel Generals Stuart and
13

194 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Early's raid into Pennsylvania, I had the following paper
prepared : —
To THE FkIEXDS of THE SOTJTH: 
The Confederate army is now on your border. The Stars and Bars can
be seen from your hills. The hirelings of the North are fleeing before usi
We want your aid. We want horses, raules, and wagons. Seventy artillery
horses are needed for our batteries. The bearers of this appeal -are autho
rized by me to accept of contributions. If I receive the required aid, I will
pledge rayself that our flag shall float, within ten days, frora the Capitol in
Washington. (Signed) J. E. B. Stuaut, C. S. Cavalry.
With this sounding proclamation in my pocket, I reached
that garden of Maryland, " Middle town Valley," a few miles
north of Harper's Ferry. Upon making application to the
leading — to tlie principal secessionists, and exhibiting the
paper, the highest expressions of patriotism greeted it. Prop
erty and life were at my disposal. And it was suggested
to me that a secret meeting be called, to afibrd aU the oppor
tunity to contribute.
The hour came ; and I was introduced to those present
as a Confederate officer who had ventured over the Potomac.
By this means a correct list of all those who were openly
or secretly the emissaries of Jeff. Davis, with the names of
those who contributed horses, was made out, and the next
day I called at their residences. After selecting the best, I
left the animals in the hands of the owners, to be called for
subsequently. Meanwhile, during the few days I continued
in the valley, I learned the strength, resources, and condi
tion of the rebel cause there. I then went around and gath
ered up the horses, and, with many warm benedictions upon
my head, left with sixteen of the choicest horses the region
afforded. That night I started for Washington, and the suc
ceeding day I turned them over to the quartermaster's de
partment. They afterward did good service on the battle
field for the Union cause.
The information I obtained, respecting the forward move
ment of the enemy, was followed by General Hooker's cele
brated march toward Gettysburg, during which he waa
reUeved by General Meade ; and'the inference is legitimate,

*1

L*^X.

u\

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 195
that it had no unimportant bearing upon the great and
decisive struggle, which saved us from a disastrous if not a
fatal invasion.
Some two months later, several of the former owners of
the horses appeared in Washington, and demanded the resto
ration of their property. Of course, the animals themselves
were comparatively of no consequence, but the intelligence,
of Avliich they were made the occasion, was invaluable. The
claimants were pointed to the proclamation, their prompt
response to which, was no less the evidence of disloyalty
because it was a lure instead of treason' s actual demand.
The iraportance of the bureau, and its rapidly accuraula-
ting business, rendered a military force, exclusively under
my control, a necessity. Scarcely a day passed without some
occurrence calling for cavalry troops to execute orders.
Accordingly, the Secretary of War issued an order creating
me colonel, and authorizing me to raise a regiment of cavalry.
War Department, WAsniNaTON, June 29, 1S63.
Sir — You are hereby inforraed that tlie President of the United States has
appointed you colonel of the First Regiraent District of Columbia Cavalry, in
the service of the United States, to rank as such from the twenty-ninth day of
June, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
Imraediately on receipt hereof, please to corainunicate to this departraent,
through the Adjutant-General of the array, your acceptance or non-accept
ance ; and, vvith your letter of acceptance, return the oath herewith inclosed,
properly filled up, subscribed, and attested, and report your age, birthplace,
and the State of which you were a permanent resident. You will report for
duty to — Edwin- M. Stanton,
Colonel L. C. Baker, Secretary of War.
First Regiment District Columbia Cavalry.
Previous to this, being only a citizen, I was viewed in
the light of no more than a civil agent. To obviate the
hinderance in official service the fact interposed, I received
the coraraission. Iraraediately I had thousands of applica
tions from men who desired to serve in my battalion. It
was ray desire to organize a corps of intelligent, moral, a-nd
worthy raen. So common had it become, in raising regiments,
to sell commissions to the highest bidders, that it was a

196 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
matter of regular traffic. This did more to demoralize and
bring into disrepute our whole volunteer service than any
other singlt^ wrong.
At tlie outset of the war, morality and fitness were seldom
considerations in the selection of officers. I have seen vol
unteer companies, and even regiraents, under the command
of thosi- wiiose capacity and character were inferior to the
majority of the privates in the ranks- For illustration of
this method of getting commissions, I add the subjoined
communication, in answer to an offer of one hundred dollars
for a place iu my regiment : — Office PRnvosT-MARinAi. War TIe-'Artment, I
Wasiiini.jon, May IS, 1803. (
Mr. J. F. Sixoni, Company D, Fourth Maine Regiment,
Array of tlie Potomac:—
Sm — Your letter, offering one hundred dollars in gold for a commission in
my _ battalion of cavalry, has been received. It is my intention to recruit
liona-.t mr)i, and not rogues. AVith this explanation, you will at once perceive
tbat you are entirely ineligible for service under my command, either as
officer or private. (Signed) L. C. Bakek,
Provost-Marshal War Department.
The regiment was a splendid body of troops, and achieved
all that was anticipated from it ; and its services will appeal
at intervals during the progress of the war.
]\Iuch of the service performed for the country will nevei
be Avritten. The detachraents of raen moving stealthily ovei
the lines of encampment and battle ; guarding me or my
subordinates in perilous adventures ; and other quiet, un
heralded, and unreported duties, Avill have no record but the
pages of memory, and, with the death of the actors in the
varied scenes of such a life, be forgotten.
But since this volume has been in progress of prepara
tion for the press, a history of the troops Avliom, I may he
permitted to say here, I Avas proud to comraand, has been
published by their former chaplain, the Rev. S. H. Merrill,
of Portland, Maine.
The chaplain states, correctly, that this regiment Avas
organized to remain on duty Avithin the limits of the District
of Columbia. The entire military force of the District had
faUed to check the operations of Mosby' s band. I pledged

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 197
myscif to the Secretary of War that, if he Avould give me
permission to raise a battalion of cavalry, I would drive
from the region the rebel chief.
After the troops Avere raised, and armed Avith six-shooters,
thej' became the object of intense and unjust suspicion on
the part of the commanding officer of the Departraent of
Washington and West Virginia, founded on the apprehen
sion that his military honors Avould be periled by the suc
cesses of the brave raen Avho were to range freely through
Western Virginia.
The Secretary of War had so ranch confidence in the
battalion, that he authorized the purchase of the best horses
that could be procured in the country, and remarked that
the Government coald afford to pay the expense of main
taining the force, if for no other reason than the poAverfully
restraining influence upon disloyalty and crime in the
District. The legitimate duties of the battalion were so constantly
embarrassed by orders emanating from the department com
mander, that I decided to ask the Secretary of War to increase
it to a full regiment of tAvelve hundred men. The request
was granted, and eight additional companies were raised in
the State of Maine, under the direction of its patriotic Gov
ernor Coney, whose services during the rebellion will ahvays
be gratefully remerabered by the lo3-al North.
On the corapletion of the organization of the regiment, I
requested that it should be sent to sorae distant field of
action. The deeply seated prejudice in the raind s of the
officers of the Potoraac array against raj' bureau, convinced
me that my troops would there have small opportunity to
display their ability and heroism. When I had occasion to
scrutinize some of their acts, a major-general remarked to
me, during a visit to the front, in regard to the injustice of
which I had complained, "Your men are a set of d  d
spies, and ought to be killed ; and the officers of the regi
ment are detectives in disguise, reporting to you Avhatever is
said by the army commanders." Even the long raids, the
fights Avith Mosby' s men in Northern Vii'ginia and Mary
land, have scarcely an allusion made to them by any of the
army officers or reporters. For nearly two years the regi-

198 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ment accompanied nearly every raid made by the cavalry
along the front of the Potomac array.
It formed the advanced guard of General Kautz' s raid
from Norfolk to the Weldon Railroad. At Notaway Bridge,
Reams' Station, and other points, it is a matter of official
record, that this body of troops did three-fourths of all the
fighting. My urgent request to be relieved from duty in
Washington, and alloAved to lead my regiment to the arena
of battle, Avas refused by the Secretary of War, and the
active comraand was given to Lieutenant-Colonel E. J.
Conger, who had no superior in the quaUties of a brave
chieftain. Before he assuraed his duties, he had been wounded
three times, and twice left on the field for dead. At the
tirae of Wilson's celebrated raid, he was again shot through
the body, and carried from the scene of carnage by hia
orderly. Major J. S. Baker, next in rank, coraraanded the regi
ment until the close of the war. A more brilliant record
than his has never fallen to the lot of a young officer.
He entered the service, Avith the organization of the regiment,
as Captain of Corapany A, which he commanded, until the
addition of the Maine companies, in all the celebrated scouta
and raids. While a student at Madison University, in
Wisconsin, at the beginning of the rebellion, he left hia
books for his country's service. He was the first Federal
officer that entered Lynchburg, after its surrender by Lee.
Major D. S. Curtis, of the same State, next in command,
was also a truly brave, discreet, and worthy officer. His
coolness in battle was the theme of general remark among
the officers of the entire brigade.
A raore complete and interesting history of the regiment
has been Avritten while this volume has been in press, hy
the Rev. S. H. Merrill, chaplain of the regiraent. Frora
these annals I shall quote the history of the regiment in its
general outline of achievement — the raore freely, because
written by another, who gives to the brave troopers the
honors which they so richly won. I shall give the con
densed narrative uniform with ray own records, Avith this
credit for it awarded to the worthy chaplain :

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 199
The First District of Columbia Cavalry Avas composed of
a fine body of men. A single battalion, raised in tlie District
of Columbia, for special duty at the seat of Government, un
der comraand of Colonel L. C. Baker (Provost-Marshal of
the AVar Department), and familiarly known as "Baker's
Mounted Rangers," formed the nucleus of this regiment.
Long Avill ''Baker's Cavalry" be reraerabered iu Wash
ington, and through a wide region around, as the " terror of
evil-doers." To this command eight companies were added in 1863,
embracing about eight hundred men enlisted in Maine, so
that it became, to this extent, a Maine organization.
No charge of bad faith is intended, nor is it knoAvn who
was responsible for the change of the original destination of
the regiment, if any change there Avas ; but it is due to the
men from Maine, and due to historic truth, to record the fact
that they enUsted under the distinct assurance that they
would never be required to serve outside the District of Co
lumbia ; and if the coramand was in no degree demoralized
by the subsequent disappointment of the raen, in being sent
to the front, and being placed in the raost perilous positions
there, it is all the raore to their credit.
Company D, numbering one hundred and forty men, un
der command of Captain J. W. Cloudman, left Augusta on
the 22d day of October, 1863, and arrived at Carap Baker, in
Washington, on the 25th.
The three officers of this corapany were comraissioned by
the President of the United States, while those of the other
companies from Maine were commissioned by the Governor
of Maine. A feAV days after its arrival in Washington, the company
was ordered to Anandale, ten miles west of Alexandria,
where it remained on duty, under command of Lieutenant
HoAve, till the 27th of January, when it was ordered Avith the
battalion to Yorktown.
Embarking on board the steamer Conqueror, it arrived at
Yorktown on the 28th, and Avent into camp about two miles
from the city, on the bank of the beautiful York River. A
morning so summer-like and scenery so charming. feAV of our
men had ever seen before in mid- winter.

200 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
The next day they moved about eight miles west, and
went into camp about three miles frora Williamsburg.
January COth, at daybreak, the bugle sounded "boots
and saddle.^" and in half an hour they Avere off on a raid.
If the reader should ask Avhat this means, the ansAver
would be, it means an armed expedition into the enemy's
country, for the purpose of gaining information, or of cap
turing or destroying public property, or both, always
respecting private property, excepting so far as "military
necessity" requires its capture.
In tlie raid just referred to, the men marched about twelve
miles, and returned to carap with nothing of special interest
to report. An expedition was made to Bottom Bridge, on the Chick-
ahorainj-, twelve miles from Richmond, on the .'ith, 6tli, 7th,
and 8th of Februarj^, Avhich will not soon be forgotten by the
men Avho participated in it. They did little fighting, but
much hard Avork. From the time they left camp, on the
5tli, till they returned, on the 8th, they Avere hardly out of
the saddle.
Three days later the battalion Avas ordered to Newport
NeAvs, on the James River, a distance of tAventy-five miles.
On the 19th tliey moA'cd out on a scouting expedition, but
had not proceeded ftir Avhen an order Avas received to return
and be ready in one hour to take transports for Norfolk,
where they arrived the next morning. From this point they
were ordered to Great Bridge, on the Elizabeth River, ten
miles south of Norfolk. The Aveather at NeAvport News,
and during this day's march, has been spoken of by the
men as the coldest experienced during their whole term of
mUitary service.
On Sunday, the 21st, Lieutenant Howe marched for Pun-
go Bridge, in command of Companies D and E, to relieve
another regiment.
The march of twenty-five miles through the enemy's
country, intersected by unbridged streams and swamps,
and infested by guerrillas, was sloAV and tedious, consuming
tAVO days.
On the 2-2d they relieved the Tenth New York Cavalry,
and remained on duty, Avell Avorked and Avell fed, till the 1st

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 201
of March, when they were ordered to Deep Creek, bouth of
Norfolk, ou the borders of the Dismal Swamp.
Here we leave them for the present, while Ave bring up
the history of the other companies. The remaining seven
companies from Maine Avere mustered into the service of the
United States at Augusta, on the 8th of February, 1864.
Two days later. Company F, Captain Sanford commanding,
left Augusta for Washington. Reaching Camp Baker, a
short distance east of Capitol HiU, on the 14tli, they found
comfortable barracks. Two days later they were mounted,
and frora this time till the 7th of AprU a part of each day
was spent in drUling. This company was followed, on the
29th, by the remaining six companies.
The regiment was organized as follows : —
Colonel. — L. C. Baker, Washington.
Lieutenant-Colonel. — E. .J. Conger.
Majors.  Baker ; J. W. Cloudman, Stetson, Me. ; D. S. Curtis, Wis
consin. Adjutant.  Sprague.
Quartermaster.  Baker, Le Roy, New York.
Surgeon. — George J. Northrup, Portland, Maine.
Chaplain. — Samuel II. Merrill, Portland.
Sergeant-Major.  Howard.
Quarterm.aster-Sergeant.  Miller.
Commissary.  Wolfer.
Hospital Steward.  Lovejoy, Meredith, New Hampshire.
Chief Musician.  Bigelow, Winthrop, Maine.
Company A.  Hamilton, Captain ;  Wilkins, thirst Lieutenant;
 Clark, Second Lieutenant.
Company B.  McN.im.ara, Captain ; George A. Dickson, First Lieu
tenant ;  Wolfer, Second Lieutenant.
Company C. — George Griffin, Captain ;  McBride, First Lieutenant ;
 Goff, Second Lieutenant.
Company D. — William S. Howe, Stetson, Maine, Captain ; Eli Parkman,
Charleston, Second Lieutenant.
Company E. — T. C. Spears, New York, Captain ;  Jackson, First
Lieutenant ;  Spaulding, Newport, Maine, Second Lieutenant.
Corapany F. — Edw.ird T. Sanford, Warren, Maine, Captain ; Jaraos
Maguire, Portland, Maine, First Lieutenant; James F. McCusick, AVarren,
Maine, Second Lieutenant.

202 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Corapany G.— Thoraas G. Webber, Gorham, Maine, Captain ; Daniel P.
Sargent, Brewer, M.aine, First Lieutenant ; Leandor M. Coiuins, Lincoln,
Maine, Second Lieutenant.
Conipany H. — Andrew M. Benson, Oldtown, Maine, Captain ; Zebulon B.
Blethen, Lewiston, Maine, First Lieutenant ; L. R. Jackson, Foxcroft, Maine,
Second Lieutenant.
Company I. — Robert F. Dyer, Augusta, Maine, Captain ; James H. Rus
sell, Houlton, Maine, First Lieutenant ; Joseph W. Lee, Calais, Maine, Second
Lieutenant. Company K. — John W. Freese, Bangor, Maine, Captain ; Vincent Mount-
fort, Bowdoin, Maine, First Lieutenant ; C. B. Lakin, Stetson, Me., Second
Lieutenant. Company L. — Charles C. Chase, Portland, Maine, Captain ;  .
First Lieutenant ; AVilliam S. Farwell, Rockland, Maine, Second Lieutenant.
Company M Avas subsequently organized and officered as
foUoAVS : —
Company M. — D. F. Sargent, Brewer, promoted from Company G, Cap
tain ; Edward P. Merrill, Portland, Maine, First Lieutenant; Henry D. Fuller,
Corinth, Maine, Second Lieutenant.
This regiment was distinguished by the superiority of the
carbines with which it was armed. It Avas the only regiment
in the array of the Potomac armed with " Henry's Repeating
Rifle." The peculiarity of this gun is, that it will fire six
teen shots without reloading. It is cocked by the same
movement of the guard that opens and closes the breech—
the exploded cartridge being Avithdrawn and a fresh one
supplied at the same tirae and by the same moveraents. The
copper cartridges are placed in a tube, extending the entire
length of the barrel, on the under side. Frora this they are
fed into the gun by the operation of the lever guard ; mean
time a spiral spring forces down the cartridges as fast as they
are discharged. The whole device is of the simplest nature.
The Avork is strong, and the Avhole thing is so nearly perfect,
that it is difficult to conceive of any improvement. The sub
sequent history of this regiment proves it to be a terribly
effective weapon. Fifteen shots can be given Avith it in ten
seconds. Thus, a regiment of one thousand men would fire
fifteen thousand shots iu ten seconds. After having witnessed
tl.e effectiveness of this weapon, one is not surprised at the

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 203
remark, said to have been made by the guerrilla chief, Mosby,
after au encounter with some of our men, that " he did not
care for the common gun, or for Spencer's seven-shooter, but
as for these guns, that they could Avind up on Sunday and
shoot all the week, it was useless to fight against them."
On the 16th of February, Company F Avas mounted, and
remained at Carap Baker, engaged in daily drilling until the
7th of April. At that date it left Washington for Norfolk,
and the next day joined a squadron of the old battalion on
picket at Great Bridge.
On the 14th the corapany raarched to Deep Creek, Avliere
it was joined by three companies of the old battalion, already
referred to as having been on picket duty at Newport News.
These companies remained here on picket duty until the
organization of the cavalry division, under General Kautz,
two weeks later.
On the 5th of May they marched with the cavalry divi
sion under Kautz, on his first raid. The object of these raids
Avas tAVofold, viz. : to weaken the eneray by destroying pub
Uc property, and by draAving off detachments in pursuit. A
successful raid requires a judicious selection of routes, rapid
marches, short halts, and sudden and unexpected bloAVS. In
this service, General Kautz was "the right man in the right
place." In this movement he had passed through Suffolk and
crossed the Black Water (Avhere his march could have been
easily arrested by destroying the bridge), before the enemy
became aware of his purpose. At half -past tAvo o' clock on
the afternoon of the 7th, he had marched a distance of sev
enty miles, and struck the Weldon Railroad just in time to
intercept a body of rebel troops on their way to Petersburg.
A thunderbolt from a clear sky could hardly have been
more astounding to the eneray. Instantly he Avas attacked.
In an incredibly short time the action Avas over, the enemy
was Avhipped, the railroad Avas cut, the public buildings
were in flames, and the gallant Kautz was again on his
march, with some sixty prisoners in his train.
Turning southward, the march Avas continued to the
point Avhere the railroad crosses the Notaway River. Here
an obstinately contested fight took place in which the gal-

204 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
lant Lieutenant Jackson, of Company E, fell mortally wound
ed. Here, too, fell a brave private, Samuel de Laite.
In this engagement, as in others, the bravery of the men,
and the efficiency of their sixteen-shooters, Avere put to the
proof. Major Curtis AA'as ordered to deploy his battalion as
skirmishers, and charge a much larger force of the enemy,
along the railroad, near the bridge. It Avas a covered bridge,
and the rebels soon ran to it for shelter. Our brave boys
charged boldly after thera, driving them through and into
their fortifications on the other side, killing some and taking
several prisoners, with small loss on our side. Some of the
prisoners said they "thought we must have had a Avhole
army, from the Avay the bullets flcAV."
One lieutenant asked if we "loaded up over night and
then fired all day." He said "he thought, by the way the
bullets came into the bridge, they must have been fired by
the basketful."
The result of the affair was that the bridge was burned,
and Kautz Avas again on the inarch, Avith forty rebel prison
ers added to his train.
The immediate object of the expedition having been
accomplished, the command raarched to City Point. Cross
ing the Apporaattox on the 10th, they encaraped for a day
near General Butler's head-quarters. Twenty-four hours,
howcA'er, had not elapsed, Avhen the division raoved again
on another raid, Avliich proved to be one of the most hazard
ous and effective of the Avar. During the time that General
Butler' s forces Avere engaged Avith the eneray, betAveen Ber
muda Hundred and Richmond, General Kautz adroitly
slipped through the lines, and again boldly dashed into the
heart of Dixie.
He passed rapidly through Chesterfield County, pausing
at the court-house only long enough to open the jail and lib
erate tAVO prisoners.
As Ave dislike to be laughed at, the reader may pass over
the foUowing explanatory statement : —
One of these prisoners Avas a Avoman, who refused to
leave the jail after the doors Avere opened, seeraing to doubt
the authority of the Yankees to discharge her. The other

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 205
stated that he had been imprisoned on account of his Union
sentiments, and seemed very grateful to his deliverers. A
feAV hours later, hoAvever, he disappeared from the column,
taking Avith him the horse and equipments Avitli Avliich he
had been kindly furnished, and forgetting to give notice of
his intended route. The loss of the horse, hoAvever, Avas
subsequently raade up. A rebel, living not far from our
encampment, had a valuable animal, which he was very
particular to declare should never be taken from him. Ac
cordingly he armed himself, and took up his lodgings in the
stable. But he must needs sleep, and the boys kneAV it ; and
it so happened that he. opened his eyes one morning on an
empty stall. Certain AVords were spoken, decidedly raore
energetic than pious, but they did not bring the horse back.
Leaving the court-house, the column raoved on to Coal
field Station, on the Danville Railroad, thirteen railes Avest
from Richmond. On the arrival of the troops, at about half-
past ten in the eA^ening, the inhabitants Avere surprised and
alarmed quite out of their propriety. That the Yankees
should have had the audacity to visit that section, seemed
actually incomprehensible. But there was no remedy.
Instantly, guards Avere posted on all the roads leading to
and from Petersburg and Richmond, and the work of the
hour was hardly begun before it Avas ended. No harm was
done to persons, or to private property, but the railroad Avas
destroyed, the telegraph came down, and trains of cars,
depot buildings, and large quantities of Government stores,
Avent up in smoke.
On the 12th, the "history of this affair" repeated itself
at Black's and White's Station, on the South side Railroad,
thirty miles west frora Petersburg, and forty from Coalfield
Station. The railroad was torn up, and the telegraph torn
down, while the depot buildings, together Avith large quanti
ties of corn, and flour, and meal, and tobacco, and salt,
designed for the rebel array, Avere subjected to the action of
fire, and resolved into their original elements.
Wellville Station, five miles east, on the sarae railroad, a
few hours later, shared a similar fate. The column uoav
moved in the direction of Bellefield, on the Weldon Rail
road. When within tAvo miles of that place, General Kautz

206 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
learned that the enemy Avas in force to receive him. As his
object Avas not so much to fight as to weaken the enemy, by
interrupting his communications and destroying his supplies,
he avoided an engagement, turning to the left from Belle-
field, and marching, via Jarratt's Station, to the Notaway
River. When the advance reached Freeman's Bridge, on this
river, at ten o'clock p. m., it Avas discovered that the whole
command Avas in a trap. One span of the bridge, forty feet
in length, had been cut out. The river, for a considerable
distance, Avas unfordable. The fords, above and below,
were strongly guarded, and the enemy Avas gathering in
force in the rear. The position was not a desirabte one.
The river must be crossed, or a battle must be fought on the
enemy' s chosen ground, Avhere little was to be gained, but
where every thing raust be hazarded. A raajor of a New
York regiraent, coraraanding the advance, declared that the
bridge could not be raade passable before the afternoon of
the next day. But on the assurance of Captain Howe, that
it could be done in a ranch shorter tirae. Company D was
ordered up and told Avhat Avas Avanted. Working parties
were instantly organized. In a short tirae, tall pines in the
neighboring Avoods had fallen before the axes of one party,
and stahvart men, by means of the drag-ropes of a battery,
had drawn them out. Another party had, in the mean lime,
crossed the river on a Uttle float they had fortunately found,
and stood on the remaining part of the bridge on the other
side. The ropes were throAvn to them, and the string-pieces
were drawn across the chasm and placed in position. To
cover them with rails Avas but the work of a few moments,
and in less than three hours from the time the Maine boys
began the work it was completed, and the column passed
over in safety.
The division reached City Point on the 19th. During the
last nine days it marched, on an average, twenty hours out
of the twenty -four, leaving only four hours for rest. It will
hardly be believed, that in some instances hunger compelled
the men to eat raw corn like their horses, but such was the
fact. On this raid they cut the Richmond and Danville and

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 207
Southside RaUroad iu six different places, and inflicted an
amount of damage upon the enemy's communications and
array stores Avhich told severely upon them afterward.
On their arrival at City Point, both raen and horses were
much exhausted. On the 20tli the command crossed again to
Bermuda Hundred, and went into camp about a mile frora
the river.
Ou the 7th of April Ave embarked on board a fine steamer,
with a pleasant company, for Fortress Monroe, where Ave
arrived at an early hour next raorning. For many years
Fortress Monroe had been to us a familiar name, but we
were not long in discovering that the descriptions of it and
its surroundings as they were, conveyed no correct idea of
them as they are.
Then, there was little to be seen save the formidable walls
of the old fort, rising from the sand and rocks, at the dis-
tcince of a few rods from the water' s edge, and the solitary
sentry, sloAvly pacing the lofty parapet; while scarcely a
human voice broke the tomb-like silence of the place.
Now, a busy scene was presented. Numerous newly con
structed piers had been pushed out into the sparkling waters
of the bay, and the grounds outside the walls were occupied
with a curious and compact group of buildings of rude archi
tecture, clearly designed for temporary use. The scene on
the wharf Avas one of unusual animation and of picturesque
effect. Looking down frora the hurricane deck, Ave beheld a
sea of faces, and could not well preserve our gravity as we
marked the curious variety it presented.
There was the brown-visaged raan in dusky gray, the
worse for wear, the seedy representative of an hurabled aris
tocracy, and there was the lean, lank, salloAv, dirty, hang
dog speciraen of the " poor trash" of the South. There Avere
heads adorned with handkerchiefs of raany brilliant colors,
and heads that had no covering but wool. There were pre
posterous bonnets and stove-pipe hats, with a " sraart sprink
ling" of railitary and naval headgear. There were rich silk
dresses and tow frocks. There Avas crinoline of enorraous
proportions, and there were flat feet peering from beneath it,
perfectly innocent of either shoes or stockings.
It was a motley group— big and little, old and young,

208 UNITED ST.VTES SECRET SERVICE.
civil and military. While aU Avere busy and animated, it
Avas easy to see that the whites of southern blood felt least at
home, Avhile the negroes Avere in their element. They talked
the most, made the best show of Avhite teeth, and, of aU we
could see, seemed decidedly the most comfortable.
Tliere is truth in the old adage, that "it is an ill Avind
that bloAVS nobody any good." While the "red tape" busi
ness was drawing its " slow length along," some of us took
a stroll out to Hampton, or rather to the site of that ancient
and once ])leasant village.
It Avas but a short Avalk, leading, for the most part,
through a collection of Governraent storehouses, and huts
and tents so disorderly in their arrangeraents as to suggest
the idea of reading the riot act Avithout delay. On the Avay
Ave noticed one or two handsorae places, among them the
residence of the Hon. Mr. Segar, surrounded hy venerable
trees, and commanding as charming a scene as one could
desire, in the beautiful expanse of Hampton Roads, dotted
Avith Avhite sails and stirred by innumerable paddle-wheels.
We next came to the McClellan Hospital, Avith its outlying
wards and its broad and beautiful gardens.
Hampton Avas reached by crossing a bridge about four
hundred paces long. Before the rebellion it was a jeAvel of
a village, embosoraed in noble trees, Avhich threw their Avel-
corae shade over the streets and ample grounds Avhich fronted
the tasteful residences.
Hampton Avas settled ten years after Jamestown, and
was, at the tirae of its destruction, the oldest Anglo-Saxon
settlement then inhabited in the United States. Noav it is a
scene of utter desolation, inhabited almost exclusively by
blacks. With the exception of an occasional grocery store,
and a very few dwellings of a more respectable appearance,
the residences Avere of the rudest description, nearly all of
one room, and situated as if they had been flung out of a
great architectural leather apron.
The "Old Church," cruciform in shape, and colonial in
date, presented a singularly picturesque appearance, and
Avas alraost the only object about the toAvn Avhich indicated
its former condition. The tower, from Avhich a noble old
bell once pealed out its mellow tones had fallen into a heap

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 209
of rubbish at the western end of the cross, while massive
walls rose aloft in gloomy grandeur. A wUderness of young
aspens and willoAvs, Avith here and there a dense growth of
hardy roses, disputed the possession of some once cherished
graves, Avith a savage intrusion of undergrowth. Fragments
of tombs, sorae with armorial blazonry, were scattered about,
iud the whole place bore sad evidence of the terrible scourge
of war. Nor could we resist the conviction that the people
Avho have thus felt it Avill be sIoav to invoke it again.
Failing of the main object of our expedition, partly, per
haps, frora our want of acquaintance with the occult science
of "red tape," we returned to Washington, and Avere there
mustered into service, under a special order of the War De
partment. On the 12th of May these six companies, still unmounted,
and having drilled only on foot, were ordered to Fortress
Monroe. Leaving Washington the next afternoon on board
of transports, after touching at Fort Monroe, we proceeded
to Norfolk, and, reporting to General Shepley, Avere ordered
to Portsmouth, Avhere Ave disembarked and Avent into camp
in the rear of the town.
On the morning of the 22d we re-erabarked on board a
transport for Jaraes River. Dropping anchor about sunset,
opposite Fort Powhattan, Ave passed the night quietly under
the protection of the guiis of the Atlanta. This craft Avill be
remembered as the strange sea-monster designed by the reb
els to destroy the blockading fleet off Charleston harbor, but,
by a higher power, to do good service for the Government.
One of the boys thought it "looked like the devil." An
other could see no such resemblance, but said it "looked
like a big sea turtle on a raft, Avith his ' back up.'' "
A short run of about a dozen miles, the next raorning,
took us to Berrauda Hundred, Avliere we diserabarked, and
went into camp about a mUe from the landing, beside the
other six companies. The regiraent was now together for
the first time.
At one o'clock a. m. of the 24th, one battalion was ordered
to City Point, to take the place of a detachment which had
been sent to Fort Powhattan. That fort, manned by colored
troops, had been attacked by a considerable force under Pitz
14

210 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Hugh Lee. They were, however, gallantly repulsed, and,
before the arrival of the reinforcements, had retreated, and
the battalion returned.
General Butler, commanding the army of the James, con
sisting of the tenth and eighteenth army corps, had taken
possession of City Point and Bermuda Hundred on the 5tli
instant, greatly to the surprise of the enemy.
His fortifications extended from the Point of Rocks, on
the Appomattox, northwardly to near Dutch Gap, on the
James River, a distance of about five miles.
General Grant Avas fighting his way to the south side of
the Jaraes. The bloody battles of the Wilderness and of
Spottsylvania Court-House had been fought, and an order
was received by General Butler, for the eighteenth corps to
proceed to the White House, to co-operate Avith the Army
of the Potomac.
On the 25th this corps left, and the cavalry, acting as
infantry, Avas ordered to the front to take their places in the
intrenchments. The position of this regiraent Avas about mid-
Avay of the line, between the tAvo rivers, in an open field and
on level ground. The tents were pitched a few rods in the
rear of the breastworks, and with no protection from the
shot and shell of the eneray.
The enemy held a formidable line of AVorks in our front,
varying in distance from half a mile to two miles. Directly
in front of our camp, at the distance of about forty rods from
our main line of works, a thick Avood prevented us from see
ing the eneray' s position. A little to our right, the country
Avas open, and there, on an eminence sorae eighty rods in
advance of our breastworks, we had a small redoubt, known
as Fort Pride, defended by a section of a battery, and com
manded by Captain Pride, an artillery officer, from whom it
took its name.
Corapany M, Captain Sargent commanding, was stationed
in this fort as an artillery support. A portion of the regi
raent was constantly on picket, in front of our main line of
works. We Avere to hold this line. It was here that the six
sompanies referred to as having recently reached the front,
loaded their pieces for action for the first time : and it was

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 211
here that the pluck of the raen and the efficiency of their
guns were first put to the test.
The eneray shelled us nearly every day from behind his
breastAVOrks, and though Ave received no damage, still a
vivid recollection is retained of the shelling. The guns of
the enemy, on a part of his line, Avere trained on the redoubt,
and when the shells failed, as they often did, to explode a^
the point intended, they came directly into our camp, the
WhitAVorth whistling Avith a sound like that produced by
the wing of a pigeon swiftly cutting the air — others scream
ing over our heads or tearing up the ground. In one in
stance, the fusee of a shell was bloAvn out and struck a
colored boy in the face, but inflicted no serious injury.
Sorae of the boys proposed to wash his face, to see if the
fright had not bleached hira. The humor of these people is
^'¦irrepressible.'''' When the fusee Avhisked across this fel-
loAv's face, he opened his eyes Avide, and seeing a friend,
exclaimed, "By golly. Bill, did you see dat ar snipe ?"
"Yah, yah, yah," exclaimed the other, "you nigger. I
reckon you Avouldn't like to have dat ar snipe pick you."
At three o'clock a. m. of the 28th, the rebels opened on
us Avith artillery, all along the line, and the whole force was
ordered to "fall in." It Avas supposed they Avere about to
assault our works. DraAvn up for the first tirae in close line
of battle, a foAV paces from the breastworks, in anticipation
of a bloody conflict, the Avhole bearing of the men Avas such
as to make their gallant commander proud of them. When
all Avas ready, as the intrepid Colonel Conger mounted on
old "Barney," as his war-horse was called, the inevitable
pipe in mouth, puffing as quietly as if sitting at his tent-door,
the chaplain passed along in front of the line with AVords of
cheer to the raen. As he told thera what Avas expected of
thera, and that he trusted they would give a good account
of themselves in the coming conflict, they answered Avith the
utmost enthusiasm, "We Avill, Chaplain, we will; that is
what we carae here for. We Avill do it." The expected as
sault, hoAveA'"er, was not made, and three hours later they
returned to their quarters.
On the picket line the time did not entirely pass without
enlivening incidents. An officer, one night, discerned a sus-

212 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
pieious looking object moving stealthily toAvard our fortifi
cations. Making a detour, he got into its rear unperceived,
and soon discovered that it Avas a man, reconnoitering our
works. By cautious movements, uoav stepping behind this
tree, and noAV crouching behind that stump, still Avhen the
game was still, and moving quickly Avhen it moved, he suc
ceeded in getting sufficiently near, Avhen, taking deliberate
aim, he roared out, "Lay doAvn." Disarmed and brought
in, the captive proved to be a lieutenant in the rebel service.
On the 30th, the thunder of artillery all day gave us a
welcorae intiraation that General Grant Avas coraing. Beyond
incidents like these, nothing occurred Avorthy of note till the
4th of June.
The part of the picket line Avhich extended along in front
of our camp, from left to right, about one mile, Avas held by
our regiment. On our right, the line extending on in front
of Fort Pride, and some distance beyond, Avas manned by
another regiment. Before daybreak on the morning of the
4th, the enemy comraenced a furious shelling, which Avas
continued till sunrise. Meantime he had throAvn out a s^ong
line of skirmishers to attack our pickets on the left, for the
purpose, doubtless, of diverting attention from the point at
which he intended to strike. The attack Avas sudden and
vigorous, but the reserve rallying promptly, with their supe
rior arras, the eneray was repulsed. The skirraishing con
tinued, hoAvever, till about nine o' clock, when a regiment of
South Carolina troops left their intrenchraents, further to our
right, and advanced on Fort Pride Avith a yell peculiarly
their own. The pickets of the regiment referred to left their
, posts and came in.
Captain Sargent at once sent out tAventy-one men, under
comraand of Lieutenant Blethen. This sraall party, taking
advantage of the ground, got a position from which, as the
enemy advanced on the fort, they could give him an enfilad
ing fire. The first volley told with terrible effect ; another
equally destructive instantly foUowed. Another, another,
and another, tore through their thinned and thinning ranks.
It seemed as if a whole brigade was on their flank. In the
mean tirae our artillery opened on them with grape and can
ister. A moment more and the survivors were seeking the

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 213
shelter of their Avorks, leaving their dead and wounded on
the field. Araong the dead Avas the colonel of the regiment.
A detachment of our raen Avas sent out to raan the pi(;ket
line. Lieutenant Blethen returned, bringing in thirteen pris
oners, among Avhora Avas one coraraissioned officer. It is a
singular fact, that we had not a raan harmed.
Tavo hours after the fight, the body of the rebel colonel
who fell Avas sent, under a flag of truce, across the enemy' e
lines, together with his gold Avatch, a diamond ring, and
various other articles of value found upon his person.
It is a notcAvorthy fact, that the Sabbath Avas sometimes
"remembered" in the army, even in the midst of a vigorous
carapaign. When the troops were on a march, it Avas differ
ent. But, during the ten months the two great armies con
fronted each other before Richmond, no instance is remera
bered in Avhich the religious services of the Sabbath Avere
interrupted by the eneray. As by coramon consent, aggres
sive movements on both sides, with rare exceptions, were
suspended on that day.
Usually on the Sabbath, "all Avas quiet along the lines."
Especially so were the tirst Sabbaths we passed at Bermuda
Hundred front. At the suggestion of Colonel Mix, of the
Third Ncav York CaA'-alry, that regiment and the First Dis
trict of Columbia Cavalry attended a united service, Avhile
stationed at that point, the chaplains of the tAVO regiraents
officiating alternately.
At one o'clock on the raorning of the 10th, the six raount-
ed companies of the First District of-^ Columbia Cavalry
moved Avith the division under General Kautz, as it after
Avard appeared, to capture Petersburg. The cavalry Avas
to attack the city on the south, Avhile the tenth corps of
infantry, under General Gilmore, Avas to attack on the north
side. The cavalry moved promptly. All the troops did
their duty well. No further account of the matter, however,
can here be given than is necessary to show the part borne
by this regiraent. As the column, marching by the Jerusa
lem turnpike, approached the enemy' s defenses, Lieutenant-
Colonel Conger, commanding, ordered Major Curtis to dis
mount his battalion and charge the enemy's works. Every
fourth man Avas left in charge of the horses The balance of

214 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
the battalion moved steadUy forward, firing rapidly as they
advanced, nor did they pause at all tUl they were inside the
rebel works, securing prisoners and destroying such camp
equipage as they could not remove.
It was then discovered that they had done this against
three times their own nuraber, fighting behind breastAvorks.
With the common arm, this Avould hardly have been possi
ble. Sorae of the prisoners said : ' ' Your rapid firing con
fused our men ; they thought the devil helped you, and it
was of no use to fight." During the action. Captain Griffin,
of Company C, Avith a small detachment from his oavu and
another company, charged and took a twelve-pound brass
howitzer, against large odds of good fighting men. They
could not stand the ready-loaded and instant- firing arms
which our men used against them.
After the defenses had been carried, it was ascertained
that the infantry had returned to Berrauda Hundred without
striking a bloAV, and as the eneray was rapidly bringing up
i-einforceraents from Richraond and elsewhere. General Kautz
Avas corapelled to retire, which he did Avithout molestation.
In the early part of the action. Lieutenant Maguire received
a painful wound in the leg. This was our only casualty.
While this affair Avas in progress, a detachment from that
portion of the regiment Avliich remained behind reconnoitered
the enemy's works in our front, found them deserted, and
demolished thera.
On the 13th we were reUeved from duty in the in
trenchments, by a regiment of one hundred days men from
Ohio. The next day the balance of the regiment was mounted,
and raoved at once with the cavalry division, in concert with
the eighteenth corps of infantry, for a second demonstration
on Petersburg. The disadvantage under wliich they labored Avill be
appreciated, Avhen it is stated that a portion of the District
of Columbia raen took the saddle that day for the first time
in their lives. And yet the regiment Avas highly compli
mented for its gallantry in the engagement, which resulted
in forcing the enemy back to his inner line of intrench
raents.

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 215
Lieutenant Parkman, of Corapany D, a brave and accom
plished officer, and an excellent man, Avas killed.
While at Bermuda Hundred, as Avell as elsewhere, the
kindly ministrations of the Sanitary and Christian Comrais-
sions called forth grateful acknowledgments from many a
Euffering soldier.

CHAPTER XVI.
FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY.
Leaving Camp again — "Wilson's Raid" — Battles — The Escape of Kautz — The End
of Regimental Service.
Hitherto one-half the regiment had served as infantry.
Now, mounted and released from duty in the intrenchments,
they Avere so far prepared to take the field as cavalry. Pro
bably, however, no other regiraent in the service took the
field in a condition so unfavorable to success.
Noav if (as we shall hereafter see), notAvith standing all the
adverse influences, they Avere distinguished for their bravery
and efficiency on every fleld in which they fought, the fact
AvUl prove the sterling qualities of the men.
On the 19th, we broke camp near the breastworks at
Berrauda Hundred front, and raoved north about five miles,
to a point near the James, about two miles below Jones's
Landing. At four o'clock p. m. of the 20th, an order was received
to be ready to march at an hour's notice. At nine o'clock
our horse equipments arrived from Washington. The differ
ent parts of the saddle were in different boxes, and so unac
quainted were the men with horse gear, that rtiany of them
were unable to adjust the various parts Avithout assistance.
Nor was this strange. Before their enlistment they had no
occasion to learn, and subsequently, no opportunity, and
yet, three hours later, they started on the celebrated "Wil
son's Raid."
At one o'clock, on the morning of the 21st of June, the
regiment moved Avith the third division of cavalry, under
General Kautz, and joined another division from the Army
of the Potomac. The whole force numbered about eight

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 217
thousand men, with sixteen pieces of artillery, and was com
manded by General Wilson.
The object of the movement, Uke that of similar ones
Avhich had preceded it, Avas not to fight, but to weaken the
enemy by cutting his comraunications, and by destroying
army stores and other public property.
The Array of the Potomac Avas now intrenched on the
south side of Richmond. All supplies for the rebel capital
must be draAvn from the South and West. The question of
its reduction Avas only a question of tirae, while every inter
ruption of its coraraunications, and every dirainution of its
supplies, would hasten the time.
On the night of the 21st, the coramand bivouacked at
Blanford, on the Suffolk Railroad, four miles south of
Petersburg. Of the use of this road the enemy had already
been deprived. Passing on the 22d to Prince George's
Court-house, thence marching in a southerly direction, they
struck the Weldon Railroad at Reams's Station, twelve miles
from Petersburg. The place was guarded by a small body
of militia. A portion of them were captured and the
remainder dispersed.
Here the sad but necessary work of destruction began.
All the buildings at the station, together with a locomotive,
aud a train of five or six cars, were consigned to the flames.
After tearing up the road for a considerable distance, the
coramand marched to Ford's Station, on the South Side
Railroad, eighteen miles southwest from Petersburg. Here
the work of destruction was resumed. The public build
ings, together with three locomotives and fifteen cars, shared
the fate of those at Reams' s Station.
On the 23d, they advanced to Black's and White's, fif
teen miles southwest, on the same road, destroying the three
intervening stations, and tearing up the road along their line
of raarch. On the morning of the 24th, a march of eight miles led
thera to Notaway Court-house, where they destroyed a rail
road station, together with a large storehouse, filled with
cotton. Resuraing the Une of raarch, they advanced to Keysville,
on the Richmond and Danville Railroad, leaving behind

218 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
them a track of smouldering ruins, as far as the public
property of the enemy furnished combustible matter. Nor
is it to be denied that, within certain limits, a good deal of
foraging Avas done.
In a healthy subject, free exercise in the open air, espe
cially on horseback, tends to give an appetite, whose
cravings nothing can appease but food. This Avas the
experience of our boys. And if their haversacks were
sometiraes erapty, and they Avere fain to gnaw the raAV corn,
"which the horses did eat," their appetites were all the
more clamorous when they carae within reach of food. At
such times, bread, and meat, and butter, and milk, and eggs,
and cream, in a word, Avhatever the smoke-house, or the
spring-house, or the field, or garden, or stall, or pasture of a
rebel contained, which was capable of being readily con
verted into good food, Avas remorselessly appropriated,
Avithout waiting for either commissary or quartermaster
process. These acts of the boys were never denied ; and
yet, for the life of us, we could never discover any signs of
penitence on account of them. It should be stated, how
ever, that the law of magnanimity was not entirely ignored.
The boys were one day in want of meat, and, as they had
no other means of getting it, they "confiscated" the con
tents of a smoke-house on the plantation of a Avealthy rebel.
While the distribution was going on, the victim demanded,
in no very pleasant tones, whether he was to have none for
himself. "Certainly," a quiet Yankee replied. "Now is your
time. Pitch in, pitch in, and take your share, whUe it is
going !"
After passing Drake' s Depot, eight railes further south,
and paying it the same compliments they had paid to others,
they approached Roanoke Bridge, which crosses the Staun
ton River, at the mouth of the Little Roanoke. As this was
a point of great iraportance to the enemy, it was fortified and
strongly guarded. On this side of the river, at the distance
of about three-fourths of a mile, running parallel with it,
was a range of hills. Between the hills and the river, the
ground was open and level. At the left of the railroad was
a broad field of Avheat, while on the right a luxuriant growth

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 219
of grass and Aveeds, rising nearly to the height of a man's
shoulders, covered the ground. The blufl* on the opposite
side of the river Avas lined with earthworks, and bristled
with cannon, both above and below the bridge, while a
strong line of the enemy's skirmishers had been thrown
across the bridge, and deployed along the shore.
Wilson's object was to burn the bridge, and Lieutenant-
Colonel Conger, of the First District of Colurabia Cavalry,
was detailed to do it. The regiraent was coraposed of new
recruits, with little experience, and had received less in
struction than any other regiment in the comraand. The
undertaking was a perilous one. Its wisdora the reader will
be likely to question. And yet, when the final order Avas
given to charge across the level ground, in the face of the
rebel batteries, the gallant First District of Colurabia raoved
forward in splendid style, dismounted (except the intrepid
Conger, who, being lame frora previous wounds, was com
pelled to ride). The advance squadron, commanded by
Captain Benson, had not advanced far, when, from the line
of the enemy's works in front, a murderous storm of grape
and canister was hurled into their ranks with terrible effect.
Officers and men went doAvn in large nurabers. Still, with
out the least protection, in the face of that withering fire,
and at too great a distance from the enemy to effect much by
their own, those brave raen pressed on till near the bridge.
Efforts were made to burn it, but they were unsuccessful.
The regiment did but little actual fighting here, for the
simple reason that they could not get at the enemy, but the
cannonading was rapid and heavy. The hills presented a
line of fire and smoke, and the earth trembled with the
terrific concussions. Shells screamed across the horizon,
bursting into deadly iron hail — the grim forms of smoke-
masked men, the gleam of burnished guns in the wheat
field, where the men were not engaged, and the flashing of
sabers where they were, with horsemen in the distance,
sweeping to and fro, formed a scene of exciting grandeur
such as few of our men had ever witnessed before.
When at length it was discovered that the object could
not be accoraplished but at too great a sacrifice of Ufe, the
advance was ordered back, and, as nothing else was to be

220 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
done in this direction, the return raarch was commenced.
The enemy foUoAved all day, but raade no attack. After a
march of thirty-two miles directly east, through Greens-
borough, the coluran halted for the night near Oak Grove.
A march of thirty-eight miles brought thera to the Iron
Bridge across Stony Creek, at about ten o'clock on the
raorning of the 28th. Here a heavy force of cavalry and
artUlery Avas found in position to dispute the crossing. The
cavalry consisted of Hampton's command, together with that
of Fitz Hugh Lee.
A severe engagement took place, in Avhich this regiment
lost about eighty men in killed, wounded, and missing.
The result Avas indecisive. The enemy was pressed back,
while our column turned to the left and crossed the creek at
a point above.
General Kautz' s division had the advance, this regiment
moving at the head of the coluran, and the Eleventh Penn
sylvania next.
On approaching Reams's Station, which had been sup
posed to be in our possession. General Kautz found himself
confronted by the enemy, both infantry and artillery.
Mahone's Avhole division, and one brigade from another
division, had been sent out to intercept Wilson's command,
Avliich Avas now outnumbered tAVO to one.* The enemy was
draAvn up in strong line of battle, extending from the Nota
way River, on our right, to a point far out on our left. This
regiraent and the Eleventh Pennsylvania charged directly
through. General Wilson, hoAvever, instead of following
on, fell back, abandoned his artillery, Avagons, and ambu
lances, and, by making a wide detour, avoided the enemy,
and abandoned these tAVO regiments to their fate.
Kautz had marched but a short distance, Avhen he found
himself iu a triangle, two sides of Avhich, including his rear
and left front, were held by the eneray in overwhelming
nurabers. Extending along his right front Avas the railroad,
running through a cut from ten to twelve feet in depth.

* stung to madness by the previous daring and destructive raids of Kautz, Lee
is said to have declared that he would crush these raiders, if it cost him his whole
army.

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 221
Beyond it, and running nearly parallel with it, Avas a muddy
stream of considerable depth, and beyond that, an extensive
SAvamp, supposed to be impassable.
The enemy noAv thought himself sure of his prey. Under
the circumstances, alraost any other raan Avould have sur
rendered. Not so the indomitable Kautz.
It Avas a AA'ild and exciting scene to see those mounted
men slide down that steep embankraent to the railroad track,
and scramble up the opposite bank, and dash down the next
declivity into the stream, and walloAV through mire and
Avater, the horses in some instances rolling over, and the
men going under, araid the thunder of artillery, and Avith
solid shot plunging, and shells exploding, and grape and
canister raining, and musket balls Avhistling around them,
till they reached the opposite shore, and disappeared in the
swamp. Following tlieir indefatigable commander, they pressed
their Avay through, and reached their old camp at Jones's
Landing, the next da3^*
Lieutenant-Colonel Conger, Major Curtis, and Captain
Sanford Avere severely Avounded. Captains Benson and
Chase, who had been wounded at Roanoke Bridge, fell
into the enemy's hands as prisoners, when the ambulances
were abandoned at Stony Creek.
The damage to the eneray by this raid was immense.
Besides the destruction of buildings, of cotton, of commis
sary stores, and rolling stock, Richmond and Petersburg Avere
cut off from all railroad communication for several Aveeks.
The whole Army of the Potomac Avas noAV in front of
Petersburg, and Avas intrenching in the direction of the
South Side Railroad.
One of our companies Avas on duty in Fort Pride. AVith
this exception, the history of the regiment, for the next few
weeks, is little else than a history of alternate rest and drill.
Once or twice it was ordered out on reconnoissanee, and
once on foot to repel an expected assault, which, however,
was not made.
* This swamp had been made passable by a drouth of almo?*- Tinprecertented
severity.

222 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
On the 27th, orders Avere received to be ready to move
at six o'clock, P. :m., Avith three days' rations. The Avhole
cavalry force, together Avith the second corps of infantry,
had been ordered to the north side of the James. The objet't
was to draAV the enemy from Petersburg, Avhere an assault
Avas to be made in connection Avith the mine explosion.
The head of Sheridan's column arrived from the Avest side
of the xYppomattox at nine; P. M. At three o'clock, a. .ai., the
First District of Columbia joined the rear, and, after march
ing to Jones's Landing, halted for the coramand to cross the
pontoon bridge. Late in the day the crossing Avas effected,
and the regiment bivouacked for the niglit.
Some skirmishing occurred on the next day, in Avhich
Lieutenant McBride, of Company C, Avas AVOunded.
On the 30th, the regiment returned to carap, and on the
same afternoon marched to the Avest side of the Appomattox.
On the 2d of August, it Avas ordered on picket near the
enemy's Unes, on the extreme left of the army.
Our main line of Avorks iu front of Petersburg conformed
very nearly to that of the eneray on the left, bending south
Avard, so as to face the Weldon Railroad. A picket line
extended from the left of our line of fortifications, in an
easterly direction, through Prince George's Court-House,
Lee's Mills, S3'camore Church, and Cox's Mills. On the
3d of August, the headquarters of the regiment Avere estab
lished at Sycamore Church, Major Baker commanding.
This place Avas about ten miles southeast frora City Point.
From the 8th to the 21st of August, the regiment was on
picket duty on the Weldon Railroad, four miles from Peters
burg. On the 18th, Avhile a demonstration was made on the
north side of the Jaraes, in front of Richmond, by Generals
Gregg and Hancock, Avith tlieir respective commands of
cavalry aud infantry, and Avhile a portion of the rebel troops
Avere withdrawn frora our front to meet the emergency, the
fifth corps of infantry advanced and took possession of the
Weldon Railroad. Desperate but fruitless efforts Avere made
by the enemy to recover it. Severe fighting occurred on the
21st, in Avhich this regiment participated. Dismounted, and
deployed as skirmishers on the left of the fifth corps, they

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 223
participated in the capture of a brigade of rebel troops, with
three stands of colors.
After picketing again, on the 22d, the regiraent becarae
engaged with a body of rebel troops the next morning, and
drove them four miles, destroying a quantity of army stores.
In the afternoon, Hampton's Legion Avas encountered. It
was "Greek meeting Greek." It was impossible, hoAvever,
for hira to stand against the sixteen-shooters, and he Avas
driven back, leaving his dead and Avounded on the field-
We also took some prisoners. During this last engagement.
Captain Sargent, of Corapany M, was killed while charging
the enemy. We lost tAVO men besides.
On the 24th, the fighting was resumed at various points,
and at some was severe, but with no decisive results. On
the 25th, this regiment met the enemy in three distinct en
gagements, repulsing him in each.
At four o'clock there were indications that he intended
a flank movement, and this regiraent was ordered to the
extrerae left of the line, and disraounted, to fortify against
the expected attack at that point. After the hard and
alraost incessant fighting of the day, the raen could hai'dly
have been in the best AVorking condition, and yet, in
momentary expectation of an attack, they wrought with a
will. Without intrenching tools, their own " hands minis
tered" to the necessities of the hour. Logs, stumps, brush,
roots, whatever movable material the forest afforded, was
brought into requisition. The extemporized breastwork Avas
hardly corapleted, when the eneray opened on us with artil
lery. Against this our AVorks were no protection. But
the raen stood firra. Only one man was killed, and one
wounded. There was no enemy in sight, but all under
stood what this shelling boded.
The men had received their orders, and all was silent
along the line. Every man Avas at his post. Every eye
was open, and every ear attent. No sound Avas heard but
the roar of the enemy's artillery, and the scream and crash
of shells around us. This, however, had continued but a
short time, when the eneray was seen in strong line of battle
advancing through the woods. No sooner had they dis
covered our position than they raised a yeU and rushed

224 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
on to the charge. But they paid dearly for their temerity.
Our men reserved their fire — coolly Availing till the enemy
Avas sufficiently near. Their first volley told Avitli startling
effect. Many a poor fellow droAV short breath and never
breathed again. Another and another volley folloAved in
instantaneous succession, and the enemy Avas SAvept from
our front. Unfortunately, hoAvever, the infantry on our
right, pressed by superior numbers, had fallen back, and
the enemy was on our flank. The regiraent held its posi
tion tUl dark, and Avas the last to leave the field. The next
day it returned to Sycaraore Church and resuraed picket
duty. While here, our officers formed an acquaintance Avith
some of the " F. F. V.'s." For the raost part, the acquaint
ance AA^as pleasant, but not always. The foUoAving incident
Avill illustrate the spirit sometimes encountered : One of our
officers, Avhile out on a scouting expedition with a small
squad of raen, halted near a fine old Virginia mansion, at a
considerable distance outside of our lines, Avhile he ad
vanced and politely accosted the lordly proprietor, as he
sat puffing his cigar in the cool shade of his piazza. His
lordship at once commenced a furious tirade against "Lin
coln and his dirty minions." The lieutenant listened
patiently, meanwhile observing one of the colored AVOmen
carrying a fine churning of butter into the house from a
building near by, Avhere it seemed to have been just made.
At the first pause in the furious tirade, he said, in substance,
" Well, sir, the Avar is a costly thing. It has made it neces
sary to tax almost every thing, especially luxuries. Now,
as this sort of talk seems a luxury to you, it must be taxed.
You will please send out to my men a few pounds of your
neAV butter."
AVhether from generosity or some other motive, the but
ter was furnished, but the spirit of the raan Avas not at all
improved. He Avent on to abuse the Government, and all
who supported it, in terms more violent than before. At
the next pause, his tormentor quietly remarked : "For this
fresh indulgence, you will please furnish us Avith half a
dozen of your best hams, and a sack of flour ; and the
sooner ii is done, the better/"

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 225
The negro who executed the order clearly indicated, by
an exhibition of his fine white teeth, aud a mischievous
twinkle of his eye. that he enjoyed the thing much better
than "raassa" did. The raaster, in the mean time, was
foaming Avith rage, and venting his feelings in terms of the
most intense bitterness.
At length, the imperturbable lieutenant interposed coolly :
" Sir, 3'^our indulgence has gone far enough. You will square
the account by turning out the tAVO beeves I see in yonder
lot, and if I hear any more of this abuse of ray Government,
I Avill take you along too." With a polite good-by, he
was left a sadder, if not a wiser man. For sorae days after,
the boys ate good, ncAV, soft bread and butter, instead of
hard-tack, and fresh be^f aud ham, instead of salt pork.
The portion of the picket-line held by the First District
ot Columbia, now numbering about four hundred effective
men, was nearly five miles in length, extending along a road
running nearly east and Avest, mostly through a Avooded
country. Major Baker, in immediate comraand of tAvo bat
talions, held the right of the line, Avith the reserve at Syca
more Church, whilst Captain HoAve, Avith one battalion, held
the left, with the reserve at Cox's Mills, Iavo miles east.
Such was the position of this little devoted band of four
hundred raen, on the outer picket-line, five miles frora any
support, when at daybreak, on the 16th of September, they
were suddenly attacked by the whole force of Hampton's
cavalry, supported by three brigades of infantry.
In some way, which has never been explained, one
detachment of the enemy's force had passed through the
picket-line on the right, held by another regiment. Another
had gone round our left flank, where there were no pickets.
This must have been done hours before the assault, for (as
it afterAvard appeared) they had barricaded the roads three
miles in our rear.
If the reader inquires why the enemy threw so forraida
ble a force against a point so remote, so Aveak, and appa
rently so unimportant, the answer is, that just in our rear
was a herd of twenty-three hundred cattle, and the rebel
army Avanted meat.
If the position, purpose, and strength of the assaulting
16

226 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
party had been known, any attempt at resistance Avould
have been madness.
The first intiraation of an assault at Sycamore Church
was given by the charging shout of the eneray. Instantly
our men rallied under their intrepid commander, to meet
the furious onset. So rapid and terrible Avas their fire, that
three times the enemy fell back in confusion. But the con
test was too unequal. This little handful of men Avas in a
few moments surrounded, their horses captured, and they
were compelled to succumb.
As illustrations of this sudden, short, Avild, and terrible
fight, we give one or two incidents. At the first note of
alarm. Lieutenant Spaulding, of Corapany E, mounted his
horse, which had been kept saddled all night, and started
out to reconnoiter. Meeting a body of cavalry, he mistook
them for a party of our own men, and found himself among
them before discovering his error. As he was taken by them
for one of their oavu men, he rode along Avith them till the
order was given to charge, when, Avith stentorian voice, he
roared out, "Charge — charge!" and, putting spurs to his
horse, he dashed forward, and turning into the bushes made
good his escape.
Nearly at the same moment he started down the road to
reconnoiter. Lieutenant Mountfort, of Corapany K, started
with a sergeant, AV. F. Lunt, and a small squad of men,
dismounted, in the same direction. They had gone but a
short distance, Avhen they met the enemy charging up the
road. Comprehending the situation at once, the lieutenant
shouted, "Give it to them, boys, give it to them!" atthe
same time setting the example. Two men at the head of the
column were seen to sway and fall from their saddles, before
the unerring aim of the lieutenant. Other saddles were
emptied, and the advance fell back. A moment later, how
ever, they came on in line of battle. The lieutenant now
ordered his men to fall back to a tree, which had fallen
across the road. On reaching it, they found the enemy all
around them. Observing a squad of them Avho had just
seized Major Baker, Sergeant Lunt fired on them, when
instantly several carbines Avere leveled on him. Struck in
the head and stunned, he fell forward into the thick tree

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 227
top. Falling between the limbs, they closed over him, their
thick foliage concealing him. AVhen consciousness returned,
the body of the gallant lieutenant lay within a few feet of
hira, dead, and the enemy Avas plundering the camp. CraAvl-
iug cautiously out, he succeeded in reaching the bushes,
Avhere, falling in Avith a sraall squad of raen who, like him
self, had thus far escaped capture, he started with them for
the next picket post. But as they were passing through a
deep cut in the road, the sergeant, from exhaustion, being
somewhat in the rear, as those in advance of him emerp-ed
from the cut, they were met by a party of the enemy, and
nearly all captured. The sergeant escaped, in consequence
of being in the rear. Who would have thought that the
exhaustion, which seemed to put him to such a disadvantage,
Avould have been the means of saving him frora a horrible
captivity ? Such are the ways of Providence. Of twenty-
five raen of Corapany G, who were captured on that fatal
raorning, only three are knoAvn to have survived the bar
barities of their imprisonment.
The attack on Cox' s Mills Avas raade at nearly the same
moment with that at Sycaraore Church.
A little to the left of Captain Howe' s position, and at the
foot of a very considerable descent, the road crosses a bridge
over a sraall streara. To coraraand this bridge, a slight
breastwork had been throAvn up upon the high ground on
this side. At the first notice of the approach of the enemy,
the command rallied just in tirae to reach this breastAVork,
behind which they formed. A heavy force of mounted
rebels had crossed the bridge, and Avith wild yells Avas
charging up the hill, outnumbering our raen ten to one. On,
ou they carae, expecting an easy victory. Coolly our men
waited. Not a shot was fired till they were within easy range.
Then a few volleys from the sixteen-shooters sent them back
in confusion. A second time they charged, with the same
result. This tirae they did not return. After waiting some
time, in expectation of another attack, scouts were sent out
to ascertain what they Avere about. They found a formida
ble force in front, and a strong force advancing on each
flank. No alternative now remained but to fall back to Syca-

228 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
more Church, as Captain Howe had been ordered to do, in
case a retreat became necessary. The enemy had been so
severely punished, that he was careful to keep at a safe
distance, and the command fell back in good order, and
without the loss of a man. At the church, hoAvever, a sad
fate aAvaited them. Ignorant of what had occurred there,
they expected to join Major Baker's reserve, and to make a
stand. But in the mean time, the eneray, having secured
their prisoners, and plundered the camp, had formed in a
semicircle across the road, and, dressed in our uniform, were
mistaken for our oavu raen. Successful resistance was now
irapossible, and, having done all that brave men could do,
like raen they yielded lo their fate.
Sorae men seem to bear a charmed life. Lieutenant E. P.
Merrill, of Company M, commanded a squadron under Cap
tain Howe. During a few moraents of suspense, anxious to
knoAv the position of the eneray, he sprang upon the first
horse that carae to hand, and, plunging the spurs into his
flanks, dashed forward to reconnoiter.
The horse sturabled, and, coraing suddenly to the ground,
threw his rider over his head, far down the hill. Instantly
he rose, raade a hasty reconnoissanee, and returned to the
line in safety.
During the subsequent raelee, a rebel officer made his
appearance in the edge of the Avoods, and, taking deliberate
aim at the lieutentant, fired three shots in quick succession,
neither of which took effect.
Our loss in killed and wounded was small, but in prison
ers, large, numbering several hundred. They were among
the bravest raen Maine had sent to the war, and here their
services in the First District of Columbia Cavalry ended.
There was much speculation at the time, as to who was
responsible for the exposed position of the cattle-herd which
invited this rebel raid. It seems to have been a high officer
of the army, who in all other respects has deserved well of
his country, and whose name is for this reason withheld.
Shortly after this affair, this officer dined with the com
mander-in-chief at the headquarters of General Kautz. In
the course of conversation, he put this question : " General,

FIRST DISTRICT CAVALRY. 229
how long are we to remain here ?" The reticent Grant
smoked on a few seconds, then took the inevitable cigar
from his lips, and, while dislodging the ashes with his little
finger, quietly answered : "I don't knoAV, General; if you
keep on feeding Lee' s army with beef, we shall have to stay
a good while."
The questioner blushed, and Grant resumed his smoking.

CHAPTER XVII.
THE ANIMUS OP SECESSION.
A Disloyal' Pastor and his Friends compelled to "do justly " — The " Peculiar Institu
tion " Dies Hard — Man-Stealers Foiled in their Schemes of Robbery.
Another phase of disloyalty presented itself Avith tho
advent of the autumn of 1863 ; an example of the conflicting
elements in Southern communities during the rebellion,
whose sharpest, most unrelenting outbreak was seen in the
alliance of religion with treason.
It was notorious that the clergy and women were the
" best haters," and loudest talkers, in the ranks of secession.
The reason lay, perhaps, in the nature of things. Never is
wrong feeling and action so intense as when it takes the
sanctions of Christianity ; while the strong impulses and the
lively sensibilities of woman's nature lend a similar strength
and activity to it in a bad cause.
I was making an excursion, in an official way, toward
Point Lookout, upon a Sabbath evening. While approaching
it with a force of about fifty men of my cavalry, we came to a
small church, about twenty-four miles frora Washington,
Avhich was closed, and a number of people standing before
the door. I naturally asked the meaning of the strange
scene. It seemed that the majority of the people in the
parish were disloyal, and, after permitting the Unionists to
occupy the sanctuary a portion of the time, nearly in pro
portion to their relative numerical strength, had voted to
exclude them altogether.
I inquired : " Who has the key to this church ?"
"Rev. Mr. P., who lives down the road a quarter of a
mile."

A DISLOYAL PASTOR. 231
I immediately rode away to the parsonage, and knocked
at its door, A gentleman with white cravat and dignified
demeanor opened it, Avhen I asked him : —
"You preach in the Uttle churcli up at the Corners, do
you not?"
"I do."
" And you keep the key ? "
"Yes, sir."
" So you won't let the loyal people Serve God there ?"
"No; the parish voted to exclude those who didn't
agree with us."
" Well, I want you to unlock the church."
"Oh, no; I can't do that."
"Then you will go with me to AVashington ; and you
can have three minutes to decide Avhich you will do."
He reached out his hand to take the key, which was
hanging on the wall, near the door.
"That AvUl not do ; you must go and unlock the church
yourself." "No, I can't."
"Then start for Washington."
" Of course, you have the power."
" Yes, and I intend to exercise it."
The aggrieved pastor then reluctantly followed me with
the key. We approached the church, before which stood the
wondering and waiting people, when my clerical friend hand
ed the key to a brother, requesting him to open the door.
I interposed. "Don't you take that key ; he must unlock
the church."
There being no alternative, he doggedly obeyed ; and, one
after another, the outsiders went in, till the house was nearly
full. I said to them: "Now you can serve God according to
the dictates of your own conscience."
The loyal minister, who had vainly attempted to occupy
the pulpit for several successive Sabbaths, entered it, and
commenced the usual service. Meanwhile, an officer of my
cavalry force reported that the horses were suffering for
Avant of water. I directed them to be taken to a ford four
miles distant for watering.

232 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
When the rebels found my cavalry Avere gone, they also
went into the church, and commenced a disturbance of the
meeting, first by scraping their feet upon the pews, then by
audible expressions of their hatred. I rose, and, in no gentle
mood, called an orderly, and told him to ride in hot haste
after the cavalry, and tell the officer in comraand to send
back ten men as quickly as possible.
In a short time, the force came on the full gallop to the
church, when I ordered a halt. The frightened disturbers
of loyal Avorship attempted to get ®ut of the way, when I
directed the arrest of about a dozen of them, and told them
they raust march Avith us to Washington that night. They
begged for mercy, but it was too late.
They certainly didn't play by the way ; for we reached
the city before daylight the next morning.
After I had risen, in single file, and Avith drooping heads,
and hats in hand, they formed a ring of chop-fallen chivalry
around me — a comical and pitiful sight. Upon giving their
parole they were released, and no further quarrel interrupted
the Union worshipers, who gratefully assembled upon the
recurrence of their appointed service in the rural temple.
In every thing and everywhere, it Avas evident to the
casual observer that slavery was the soul of the rebellion —
the educator in treason, perverting laAV, religion, and social
order, and laying on its altar, like the idolatry of Hin-
doostan, unsparingly, human victims.
The determination of the Government, and of the army
officers generally, notwithstanding, to save the "peculiar
institution" Avith the Union, in the beginning of the war,
was equally apparent. Under the notorious fugitive slave
law of 1857, which offered a premium upon the re-enslave
ment of the refugee from unrequited toil and personal abuse,
the commissioner appointed to enforce its provisions in
Washington was a secessionist by the name of Cox, who
took care to restore every chattel to the claimant, without
nicely discriminating between the bond and free. As a
consequence, not a few persons, who, by birth or purchase
of freedom, were citizens, Avere seized and forced into bond
age. I had some very interesting cases of the kind.
A free-born mulatto girl was kidnapped by the slave

NEGRO-STEALERS FOILED. 233
catchers, and through perjury the proper order was ob
tained, and she was taken to her pretended owner. Intel
ligent, and resolved to be free, she had the facts conveyed
to my headquarters. By a military order I compelled the
woman-stealer to restore to her friends the captive robbed
of her rights in the name of law. The tinge of African hue
alone made the outrage a trivial incident to aU but the grate
ful and, I might add, graceful young lady.
Upon my return from an expedition into Lower Mary
land, when within a mile from the State line, I met a farmer
with a wagon load of slaves, consisting of a father and
mother, with their two smaU children, and a Avife's sister,
all in charge of a constable and a force of armed citizens.
The slaves, tied hand and foot, and thrown upon the straw
in an old country wagon, were on their way back to bond
age. And this was done in the name of laAV, to pacify the
men who were plotting to destroy the Union I
I was completely exhausted ; but, nerved to action by
indignation too intense for expression, I demanded the autho
rity for the horrible proceeding. The claimant produced
his parchment, bearing the seal of Commissioner Cox. He
flourished the precious document before me, and directed
my attention to the great seal of the United States.
Upon careful perusal of it, I found that it bore the names
of only four slaves, while the load included five. When I
pointed the chivalrous and confident owner to the apparently
unimportant circumstance, he repUed: "We don't count
that baby," pointing to an infant three months old, in the
arms of a mother, whose feet were tied, while she leaned
against the side of the vehicle.
I answered: "The mother was a slave, and the child
was born in bondage. You claim the mother, and of course
the child is kidnapped ; and as you profess to be a law-
abiding citizen, and are violating the statute, I arrest the
entire company."
He warmly protested, and threatened resistance.
He said, " Take the baby ; what in h — 11 do we want of
the baby ? We Avaut grown people."
The mother began to weep. One of my men was touched,
and, turning to me Avith pleading tone, inquired if I would
separate the mother and child.

234 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
The display of a dozen of Colt's revolvers, by myself and
assistants, satisfied my excited friend that I was in earnest in
expressing ray interpretation of the law. I sprang into the
wagon, and with my saber's point cut the ropes.
This, I think, was the first practical application of the
principle of the famous Emancipation Proclamation of later
date. I directed the horses' heads to be turned toward Wash
ington, when the owner and driver of the load remonstrated,
and said, Avith an oath :
" Let the niggers walk to AVashington."
I said, "No. You brought them here, and raust carry
thera back."
The poor captives sank on their knees ; the venerable old
man exclaiming, Avith uplifted hands, "Bless God !" and the
mother adding, "God bless Colonel Baker !"
I took them to ray headquarters and set them at liberty.
This transaction, of course, brought upon my head the
curses of the slaveholders of Lower Maryland. But I had
violated no law, on account of the fortunate presence of the
baby. A delegation called on Mr. Lincoln the next morning, pro
testing against the arbitrary act, producing, as before, the
sacred parchment. I was summoned to the White House.
The President said :
"Baker, a serious charge is preferred against you;"
directing my attention to the document, with the inquiry,
" AVhat do you know about the case V
I briefly made my stateraent, giving prominence to the
number of the slaves, and the juvenile supernumerary.
The Chief-Magistrate, worthy of the nation he repre
sented, replied jocosely : " Well, Baker, I guess the baby
saves you!" and dismissed the whole aftair, leaving the
"contrabands" at large, and myself to the prosecution of
my thankless profession.

CHAPTER XVIII.
ENGLISH SYMPATHY WITH THB SOUTH— NEGRO-HATE IN
WASHINGTON.
An English Emissary of the South— He Deceives the Secretary of State— My Ac
quaintance with Him — The Fruitless Effort to Betray Me— The Journey to the
Old Capitol Prison — Negro-hate in the National Capital.
Much has been said and written about EngUsh sympathy
and co-operation with the South. Perhaps nothing can give
the extent and success of this alliance a more just prominence
in the record of the war than some account of its practical
operations, involving the highest official position, but with
out the least intimation of inability or disloyalty. On the
contrary, the narrative only reveals the deliberate and skillful
conspiracy of the abettors of treason in the "mother coun
try," deceiving the most intelligent statesmanship, because
it seemed impossible that the betrayal of confidence could
appear in the disguise of culture, friendship, and appreciated
courtesies from the most eminent men in the Governraent.
During the first years of the rebellion, an Englishraan
made his appearance in Washington, whose apparent interest
in the loyal cause, and his open denunciations of the rebel
leaders, attracted the attention of our able Secreta.ry of
State. He gained ready access to other officers of the Gov
ernment. So completely had he won the confidence of Mr. Seward
that he received letters to the commander of the Department
of the Shenandoah Valley. With them he waited upon that
officer, and was shown the usual attentions which foUoAV
such an introduction. From the commanding general he
received a carte blanche to visit the outposts whenever he
thought proper. Disregarding the obligations such favors
imposed, he passed the Federal Unes beyond AVinchester,
and boldly entered the camp of Stonewall Jackson, boasting

236 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
of his deception, and receiving similar civilities to those
shown him by the Union officers. He remained several
days on hostile soil, and then returned to AVashington, after
having received from Jackson permission to cross his fines
at any tirae, day or night.
AVhile he was in AVashington, he soon, by his suspicious
bearing, his secret raeetings with well-known secessionists,
aAvakened ray suspicions. Upon inquiry, I learned that he
was a sympathizer with the South, and a reputed correspond
ent of a London paper.
In the prosecution of my inquiries, I ascertained that he
was an accredited writer for the English press, and was
assured that the stranger was a reliable gentleman. But
believing that, if my British friend had facilities for passing
the lines of both armies, he could give me important intelli
gence, I decided to cultivate his acquaintance. I accordingly
wrote him a friendly note requesting him to call at my head
quarters, which he soon after did. He opened the conversa
tion by an effort to impress my mind Avith his importance as a
detective in the Union service, being able to cross both lines
at pleasure. He further informed me that he had j ust returned
from Stonewall Jackson' s camp, and had given to our Gen
eral B. valuable information. He claimed to occupy neu
tral ground, and naturally had but little interest in either
side. Still, if I would employ and pay him, he could render
great service to the Republic ; and he could obtain a cer
tificate, from the British rainister which would give him free
entry even to the rebel capital. During the interview, I
detected in his conduct a revelation of his real character.
Notwithstanding his indorsement by Government, I was
sure of his treasonable designs. If so, he Avas clearly a
dangerous raan, and I determined to know more about him.
I desired him to obtain the certificate from the EngUsh minis
ter referred to by him. An examination of it convinced me
it was a forgery. I applied tc the rainister, who informed
me that he knew of no such raan in Washington. At our
next meeting, upon the succeeding day, I expressed my
regret that I had not the means of getting to rebel camps
which he had ; adding, that with them, how easily I could

AN ARTFUL ENGLISHMAN. 237
get the plans and movements of the enemy. The bait was a
success. He replied : " Nothing is easier. Go with me, and I will
pass you along as a friend, and associate correspondent."
He detailed minutely the plan, and we agreed to leave
in company the next raorning for Harper' s Ferry, en route
to General Jackson's quarters.
About eleven o'clock that night, when leaving ray office,
I received the foUoAving note, handed rae by a colored raan : —
Colonel Baker: —
Beware of that Englishman! He has devised a plot to betray you. For
God's salce, don't go with him.

Mes.

The raissive was written by a true-hearted Union woraan,
a seamstress in one of the aristocratic secession families of
AVashington. This revelation increased my anxiety to become his trav
eling companion. I left Washington with him, according to
appointment, and reached Winchester in due time, by rail.
The rebel picket-line was betAveen that place and Stanton.
Remaining incog, myself, ray friend proceeded to General
B.'s headquarters and procured passes for both. Hiring
a horse and buggy, we proceeded toward Stonewall Jack
son' s headquarters, he suggesting that it would not probably
be safe to go directly to them without giving notice of our
arrival within the lines. Four miles frora thera, we halted
at a farm-house, where he said he was acquainted, and pro
posed to send the message to carap. I Avas introduced prop
erly, and, after an excellent supper, a letter was Avritten and
read to rae by hira, addressed to the rebel chief, announcing
our proximitj^, and that we would report to hira in the raorn
ing. A trusted house servant was called, and received his
instructions in regard to the delivery of the note.
Carelessly sauntering forth into the yard, I foUoAved him
by a circuitous route to his shanty, and asked him if he had
the letter.
"Yes, massa," he replied ; " which of de letters 1 " hand
ing me two — the one which I had seen, and another to the
Chief of Staff, running thus : —

238 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Have jnst arrived, and am at Mr.  's house. Have with mc the
Yankee detective, B.aker. Send and capture us both.
I took these notes, sealed the envelopes, gave them to the
be.arer, and told him to hurry as fast as possible. He left,
and I returned to the dwelling, where my companion Avas
conversing with the lady of the house.
It was seventeen miles to the rebel headquarters, and I
kneAV the servant could not get back until morning. I de
termined to aAvait the issue. I occupied the same bed Avith
the Englishman ; but passed a sleepless night. He was
singularly restless toAvard morning, often going to the win-
dow, to catch a glimpse of the expected cavalrj% or hear the
echo of the hoofs. He complained of being ill. At seven
o'clock the raessenger arrived; I had detected, from the
moveraents of all around rae, some great event was expected.
The servant Avas eagerly questioned, Avho said he had
delivered the letters according to orders.
Breakfast was dispatched, and nine o'clock came, when
I proposed to my associate that we wait no longer for a
special invitation, but go forAvard to General Jackson's
carap. He acquiesced ; our carriage was brought to the
door, the farewell spoken to the family, and we were on
our way.
Great surprise was expressed by my friend that no reply
had been received to the note. I apologized for the ap
parent neglect, on the ground of urgent business, and urged
that Ave hasten on.
AA^'hen about four miles from our hospitable home for the
night, Ave came to four corners, and I inquired : —
" AA''hich road leads to Winchester?"
He pointed Avith his Avhip, saying : "That one."
I said : " Stop a moment ! " sprang from the buggy, drew
and cocked my six-shooter within six inches of his head,
exclaiming : " You scoundrel, you are my prisoner. I have
only been waiting to see how far you would go, and what
shape your base design would take."
He turned deadly pale, and tried to speak, when I added :
"Don't open your mouth; if you do, I'll blow your brains
out."

THE TABLES TURNED. 239
Directing him to alight, I drew a pair of handcuffs from
my pocket, wrapped in a neAVspaper, Avhich I deliberately
unrolled ; and with ray pistol in my left hand, with my right
I clasped the manacles on his Avrist, and said : —
"You have attempted to betray me; if you raake an
effort to alarra any one, or try to indicate who I am, I will
shoot you dead. If you go quietly along, you shall not be
hurt. Noav, get into the buggy."
I took my pistol, put the muzzle under the cushion of the
seat, and with my left hand drove the horse. Fortunately,
we met no rebel soldiers, and not a word was spoken until
Ave came to Avithin half a mile of the rebel picket-line, when I
drove to the side of the fence, told my prisoner to alight, and
entered Avith him a strip of Avoods, passed safely the picket,
and at four o'clock the foUoAving morning Ave Avere at Win
chester. I handed the traitor temporarily over to the military
authorities, and sought repose. A fcAV hours later, I started
for AVashington, and upon my arrival placed him in the Old
Capitol prison, whose records will disclose his name.
In this connection, chronologically, one or two incidents
will present in bold relief the unparalleled malignity of
feeling cherished by the rebels and their friends toAvard an
unoffending race, because it was the providential occasion
of their troubles, and true to the instincts of humanity in its
desire for freedom ; a malignity intensified by the despotic
possession and control of the body, and, so far as possible,
of the soul of the enslaved.
One day I Avas riding toward the railway depot iu Wash
ington, when I noticed a croAvd, and saw blows descending
upon the form of a colored boy. Upon getting nearer, I
found that a large and brutal raan was arausing himself and
the spectators by beating a well-dressed mulatto lad, who
was bitterly crying. I sprang from the carriage, and, taking
the ruffian by the arm, inquired what he was about. Turn
ing a savage look upon me, he drew back to strike ; but it
has been my custom, when necessary to use weapons of
defense, to get the first blow or shot. Before he could take
his aim, he was lying on his back under my feet. The
injured child ran away, while a comrade, who somehow

240 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
recognized me, foUoAved, repeating my narae. I then re-
entered the carriage and drove on unraolested.
There Avas another instance of fiendish hate, in which a
woman was the principal actor. I Avas crossing the street,
upon a dismal night, when just before me Avalked a lady in
splenlid attire, attended by a gentleman. Further on Avas
a poor colored girl, clearing the pavement, as well as she
could Avith her dilapidated broom, frora the suoav water and
mud, for the penny any passer-by might drop into her hand.
She stepped back at the approach of the couple referred to,
and extended her hand. The Southern lady leaned toAvard
the little mendicant, and, Avith a spiteful push, laid her flat
in the flooded street. She rose again, dripping and shiver
ing. I confess I was angry ; and, going before her, I re
marked :^
" That was very unladylike ; a specimen of the politeness
of the chivalry, I suppose?"
She replied excitedly: "Hoav dare you speak thus to
me !" adding epithets of scorn toward the abolitionist.
Her escort then took up the gauntlet, and inquired my
narae, handing rae his card. I told him, and invited him to
call. Both parties Avere bound for the post-office, Avhere we
again met, and again the lady's friend demanded satisfaction.
I gave hira a glimpse of my six-shooter, and intimated that
he had better drop the subject, which he decided to do, and
I heard no more from him.

CHAPTER XIX.
GIGANTIC VICES OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
Gambling and the Gamblers — The Purpose to Break up the Dens Discouraged— The
Midniglit Raid — Results — Drinking and Liquor Saloons — The Descent upon thera
— Broken up — Lioontiousness aad its Patrons — The Raid on their Haunts at Dead
of Night — The Arrests.
I HAVE made some disclosures respecting the contraband
trade in gaming-cards ; but it remains now to record the
prevalence and ruinous effects of the vice of gambling itself,
during the war, pre-eminently in the National capital. I
have no desire to exaggerate the evils that lurk in the high
or low places of society ; to speak of Washington in a carp
ing tone, as if it had been, or is, a Sodom beyond redemp
tion ; nor do I wish to magnify my office at the expense of
any man's fair fame, whatever his position.
But I can not be true to myself, the bureau I represented,
nor yet to the people for whose sake X send forth these
annals, and omit a narrative which will surprise and sadden
thousands. And may the country we love, the families, the
youth of the land, profit by the recital. It is well known,
that there have always been in large cities what are called
"gambling hells" — costly houses, fitted up with elegance,
and furnished with everything to attract the eye, and lend
fascination to the destructive pastime. Indeed, many virtu
ous citizens earnestly defend the existence of this and other
unblushing vices as necessary evils ; when, there can be no
crime which the law should not reach, and will, if fearlessly
wielded by its officers, and they, in turn, are sustained by
the people.
In Washington, gambling increased naturally and inev
itably, Avith the progress of the war. It is not a pleasant
thing to say, that the patronage of the gaming-table had
been drawn largely from members of Congress; to whom
16

L>42 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
were added, with the increasing number of officers gatherintr
to the capitaj, many high in military comraand. With the
demand for such haunts of "sporting men," their number
multiplied until I had a list of more than a hundred houses,
many of which were gorgeous beyond description. The
fitting up of a single place of this kind cost twenty-five
thousand doHars.
The terrible fact which drew my attention to the subject
was the discovery that nine in every ten of the defalcations
by paymasters, and others in the employment of the Govern
ment, Avere occasioned in every instance by losses at the
card table. I recovered forty thousand dollars Avhich had
passed into the hands of gamblers from those of a trusted
and respected official.
I called on the military commander of the district, and
Avas discouraged in my purpose of testing the statute on
gaming in the capital. The popular acquiescence in this
state of things, the patronage of distinguished men, and the
character of the proprietors of the "hells," Avere the argu
ments used by that officer. Still, I Avas not convinced, but
the raore decided to proceed to business.
I accordingly raustered my entire force of assistants, and
detailed to them my plans. We were to move at the same
moment, surround the dozen or raore garaing-houses on
Pennsylvania Avenue, and at the designated time, to pre
vent any concert of action by the proprietors, or conceal
raent of their business, to enter and break them up. It was
half-past two o'clock in the morning, when the dash was
made, the gamblers arrested, and their houses closed.
The next morning brought intense excitement among the
sporting gentlemen — some denouncing the interference, and
others offering bribes. A number of them raised a sura of
more than twenty thousand dollars for me, if I would allow
them to resume their lucrative calling. It is scarcely neces
sary to say, that I refused to pause in the reform commenced.
Mr. Lincoln sent for me, and I repaired to the AVhite
House, to find hira carelessly sitting in shirt-sleeves and
slippers, ready to receive me. He said : —
"AVell, Baker, what is the trouble between you and the
gamblers?"

GAMBLING AND GAMBLERS. 248
I told my story. He laughed, and said : —
"I used to play penny-ante when I ran a flat-boat out
West, but for many years have not touched a card."
I stated to hira the havoc gambling was making with the
army, alluded to before, when he approved ray course, but
reminded rae of the difficulties in the way of reforra.
I repUed : "I can not fight the gamblers and the Govern
ment both."
The President replied : "You won't have to fight vree."
I added : "It is a, fight ; and all I ask is fair play : that
the Government Avill let me alone, and I will break up the
business." And, wii;h this perfect understanding, we parted for the
time. Remarked one of the gamesters to me : "After all, I don't
care ; it has cost me five thousand dollars a month to keep
officers still."
The result was, the business was effectually spoiled in
Washington, and some of the leaders in it removed to other
cities ; the power of wholesome law was vindicated, the offend
ers punished, and AVashington saved, for the time, from one
of its greatest curses ; men of coraraanding position exposed,
and young raen saved frora the serpent's charra and fang.
I shall leave this topic with the final report made to the
proper authority: — Office Provost-Makbhal War Department, I
Washingtok, August 26, 1863. f
Hon. E. A. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Sib — I have the honor to submit the following statement in relation to
certain illegal establishments in this city, and the steps taken by me for their'
suppression. I refer to the gambling-houses of Washington. The evils that grow
directly out of the unrestrained pr.actice of gambling are too apparent, and
have beei: -loo often and eloquently described, to require more than the mere
mention to awaken the indignation of all honest and true men, and call forth
the most strenuous efforts for their suppression. The peculiar character of
the population of this city, composed largely of young men removed from the
restraints of home, and the influences of the family circle, offers inducements
to the gambling fr.aternity by which they have thus far largely profited.
There are more professional gamblers in this city to-day, than in the city of
New York, and two weeks .since there were more gambling-houses.
I have had renorted to me no less than one hundred and sixty-three of

244 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
these est!«blishments, where games of chance were openly permitted, and
where gathered nightly, hundreds, and I might perhaps say with trn*h, thou
sands of the yonng and middle-aged men of this city, including always a largo
proportion of persons in Government employ. In such dens of ruin could be
found almost every night officers of .all grades, paym.isters and other disburs
ing officers, clerks in the different departments, and persons whose escape
from certain ruin lay in the direction of abusing the public trusts confided to
them, anil retrieving their losses at the expense of the Government.
I might cite cases of this nature where disgraced officials of prominent
standing have openly pointed to gamblers and gcambling-hon^es as the causes
of their downfall ; and in more thjin one instance Government raoney to a
large amount has been recovered from parties who knew perfectly well that
their plunder was the proceeds of official crime and dishonor.
So gigantic had this evil become, so utterly, through powerful local influ
ences, beyond the control of the civil authorities, so intense the desire for its
suppression by those who know its significance as a leading inducement to
crime, and the most prominent element in demoralizing both the officers and
men of our armies, that I resolved upon the adoption of the only reraedy
available and sure of success, and that was to peremptorily close every
known gambling-house in the city.
About *wo weeks since I received orders and detailed officers for that
purpose, and those orders have been so effectively carried into execution,
that public gambling has entirely ceased, and will not be resumed so long as
the control of the matter is left to me. It is true that the men who have
carried on this infamous business still reraain in the city, that they are labor
ing, by every means that money can purchase or influence command, to pre-
cure a reversal of my orders, and recommence their depredations upon Gov
ernment officials, under the shadow of Government authority.
I am credibly informed that movements are being made, hy parties claim
ing high consideration in official quarters, with the view of protecting the
interests of the unemployed gamblers, and reopening the doors of those
gambling hells which I have summarily closed, but which, if unlocked, will
again be filled with crowds of swindlers and their unhappy victims.
I have thought it my duty, under a full knowledge of all the facts in the
case, to tlius briefly call your attention to the matter, in the earnest hops
that the efforts I have made to rid this city of its greatest pest and nuisance
will receive the approbation and earnest support of the War Department and
of the Government authorities. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Bakeb,
Colonel and Provost-Marshal War Department.
Upon reading the above report, my conrse was fully sus-
taiaed by the Secretary of AVar, who, when convinced of
the existence of a wrong, was ever ready and prompt to

LIQUOR-SHOPS. 245
act to the extent of his jurisdiction and influence for its sup
pression. Another kindred and gigantic vice was uublushingly
doing its work of death, which I could not overlook. The
most superficial observer of AVashington must have noticed
the unusual number of drinking places, in every form and
under every possible disguise. Wherever soldiers Avere
stationed, or army work in progress, there Avas seen at least
the beer barrel and whisky demijohn. Old street corners
and vacant lots Avere occupied with the bar, around which lay
the intoxicated victims of their poison — the "boys in blue."
In the suburbs, under the shadow of hospitals, and beside
bridges, the liquor booth was reared, until it was estimated
that not less than thirty-seven hundred such fountains of
ruin Avere in active operation. In spite of the most stringent
municipal and military regulations, the traffic Avent on un
checked, and daily increasing. The imposition of a fine, or
incarceration for a few hours in a guard-house, was a mere
joke to the speculators in the morals and lives of men. But
to enter the saloons, and, with the heavy blows of the ax,
to crush in the barrel-head, bring decanters in fragraents to
the floor, and then lay the structure itself in ruins, was too
expensive a jest to be often repeated.
In the vicinity of Twenty-second and G Streets were the
headquarters of the depot quartermaster. Here were located
the Government warehouses, storehouses, workshops, manu
factories, and corrals, employing eight thousand men or
more. Two sides of an entire square were occupied by the low
est places of intoxication. In many of them, the entire stock
in trade was a cask of lager beer and a gallon of unknown
and villainous compound called Bourbon whisky, dealt out
in an old rusty tin cup, at ten cents per drink. In these
dens could be seen, at all hours of the day and night, the
common soldier, the teamster, and the mechanic. I distinct
ly recollect, that on the eve of an important battle, when
necessary to dispatch to the front, at an hour's notice, a
train of one hundred wagons, not five Government teamsters
were sufficiently sober to move forward.
When all other means, laws, and agents had failed to

246 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
reach and remedy the frightful evil, my aid, it will appear
from the correspondence quoted, was invoked. I officially
gave notice to the occupants of these saloons, that they must
close them by four o'clock, the next day, or take the conse
quences of a refusal to comply.
They had so often before been warned, that no attention
was given to ray caution. At the expiration of the appointed
time, with ray employees, all armed with axes, I proceeded
to the dens of Bacchus, and comraenced the work of destruc
tion. Soon the long lines of liquor shops were leveled to
the ground, and only broken and empty barrels, crushed
decanters, and rubbish remained.
In one case, when the demolition began, the proprietor,
Avitli pencil and paper, made an inventory of his property.
When asked what he proposed to do With it, he rephed ;
"Make a bill," and scratched away.
I replied : " It is hardly Avorth the while to present to
the Governraent a bill for a few decanters and rattlesnake
whisky ; I think I will tear down the house over your head,
and then you can raake out a bill worth your while."
Iramediately complaints were carried to the military
governor of the district, which elicited the correspondence
of Avhich raention has been made. Office PRoroar-'MARSnAL -War DRrAETMENT, )
Wasiu.vutom, September 2, 1868. )
Brigadier-General J. H. Martindale, Military Governor : —
SiK — I beg leave, in compliance with the order of the Secretary of War,
respectfully to submit the following explanations and report relative to my
action in closing certain "liquor shops" and other places where liquor has
been sold or supplied to soldiers in the service of the United States. So far
as the statements and affidavits inclosed are concerned, I liave to state that in
such of those cases positive information, of a character which I considered en
tirely reliable, was submitted to me, that every one of the parties therein
named bad sold liquor to soldiers, in direct violation of well-known regula
tions. And I acted in those cases as I have done in every otiier instance where
a positive violation of military restrictions was attempted or committed, with
the one design, not of alleviating or tolerating a known misdemeanor, but of
absolutely and forever putting an end to it. In so doing, I have believed my
self not only to be acting under the autliority of the War Department, bnt in
direct unison with the designs and purposes of the Secretary of War. In rela
tion to the violence alleged to have been offered to a woman, I have to state
that the officer charged with this offense not only explicitly denies its com-

LIQUOR-SHOPS. 24V
missiou, but from his well-known character, courteous and kindly bearing, I fully
and conscientiously credit his statement. The property taken from said parties
has in almost every instance been retained in my possession, wheie it still re
mains, subject to the order of the Secretary of War. In some instances, I have
summarily destroyed liquor of a quality which, with a knowledge of its villain
ous and poisonous character, it was doing humanity a service at once to destroy.
So far as these individual cases are concerned, I have no doubt that in
every one of them liquor was daily supplied to soldiers ; and with my knowl
edge of the facility with which parties in the liquor business can manufacture
evidence to avoid the consequences of their vile traffic, I am not surprised at
either the quantity or the quality of the testimony which in this particular in
stance has been summoned to their aid. I am directed to give my reasons why
the liquors, &c., taken from said parties should not be returned, and tliey per
mitted to resume their business. My reasons are, that to do so would be to
absolutely nulhfy every effort made by Government to prohibit the sale of liquor
to soldiers; it would be saying to persons knowingly guilty of a grave offense,
that they were in the right and the Government in the wrong; it would have
the immediate effect of adding a thousand new and authorized rum-holes to
the vast number already engaged in this city and district in demoralizing and
destroying the soldiers of our army.
To imagine for a moment that this infernal trade can be put down by the
process of inflicting a paltry fine of frora two to five doU.ars, the usual pun
ishment inflicted by police justices, is an utter absurdity, and has already been
proved a remedy as worthless as it is puerile.
Another reason why I would not permit the resumption of such business by
any person, under the circumstances named, is that nineteen out of twenty of
all the crimes comraitted by soldiers and employees of the Government con
nected with the camps, corrals, wagon-trains, &c., in and around this city, are
traceable directly to the rum-holes, saloons, restaurants, cake-shops, and hotel
bars, where liquid poison is freely dealt to the soldier and Government work
man, and where, under its influence, he becomes a deserter or a thief, sells to
willing purchasers his uniform and arms, or the stores or clothing stolen from
the mess-room or wagon-train. Scarcely a place of this kind has been clo.sed
by my officers, without affording evidence, in concealed uniforms, blankets,
arms, saddles, and Government stores, of the double traffic carried on by its
proprietor — a traffic which, while it decimates the army, swells its gains by
encouraging and sharing in the wholesale plunder of Government property.
In m.any parts of the city in the vicinity of wagon camps, corrals, and hospi
tals, the influence of liquor-shops in producing discontent, rioting, disorder,
drunkenness, and insubordination, has been so unmistakable, and its effects so
insupportable, that I have been called upon by officers in charge of depart
ments, by superintendents of wagon-trains, and by surgeons in charge of
hospitals, to adopt the most stringent measures for suppressing the liquor
dealers in their vicinity. The following copy of a letter lately received from
Captain C. H. Tompkins, A. Q. M., will sufficiently indicate the nature of the
complaints consta|ntly urged upon my attention, as well as the views of its
writer as to the kind of remedy demanded.

248 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Acting under the orders of General Rucker, as indorsed on Captain Tomp
kins's letter, a copy of which is also submitted, I closed the rum-holes com
plained of, and restored order and subordination, where before all was rioting
and drunkenness. Copy.
Assistant Qoartermastec's Office, Washington, August 10, 1863.
Brigadier-General D. H. Rucker, Chief Depot Quartermaster : —
Geneeal — I have the honor to report that I had a conversation with Colo
nel L. 0. Baker, Provost-Marsiial War Department, in relation to the whisky
shops around the corrals, repair-shops, stables, store-houses, &c., in which he
said, if I would make an application, he would destroy thera, or put un end
to them. Tlierefore I have to request that, in view of their being the fright
ful source of all the troubles and insubordination among my men, application
be made to Colonel Baker to close them permanently, or that tliis note be
referred to him, with authority to act upon it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) Chas. H. Tompkins,
Captain and A. Q. M., U. S. A.
Copy of Indorsement.
Chief Quartek.master-s Office, Washington Depot, Aug-uai ID, 1868.
Respectfully referred to Colonel L. C. Baker, Provost-Marshal War De
partment, with the request that the liquor-shops referred to by Captain
Tompkins be closed up, if he has the power to do so.
(Signed) D. H. Ruoker,
Brigadier-General, and Q. M.
I have thus, General, briefly, but I trust satisfactorily, presented my ex
planations and report on the matters submitted to rae. I have assumed no
authority not, as I understood, fully committed to me by the War Depart
ment — an authority which compels ray instant attention to every violation of
its regulations, and the exertion of every means in my power to prevent de
sertion, protect Government property, and bring to just retribution the
guilty parties who contribute, directly or indirectly, to either of those results.
I ara, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel and Provost-Marshal War Department.
Office Provost-Marsiiai. War Department, I
Wasuixgtun, September 9, 1S63. f
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Sir — In compliance with your order, I have the honor to submit the fol
lowing report relative to the seizures of property in this city, and the accom
panying report and recommendations thereon by Brigadier-General Martin-
dale, Military Governor of this district. It is unnecessary for me to enter
into any detailed statement relative to the particular cases of seizure com
plained of by General Martindale, inasmuch as the accompanying reports,

LIQUOR-SHOPS. 249
made by me to General Martindale, fully explain the causes which led to snch
seizures, and to those reports I respectfully refer. I beg to state, however, in
relation to the case of Jouvenal, that the officers making that seizure distinctly
and emphatically deny the appropriation or taking of any cigars or other
property for their own use, and Mr. Jouvenal has himself stated, that the said
officers behaved in his house with kindness and propriety; and further, that
the statement made by him (Jouvenal) to General Martindale was got up and
suggested by one Roth, a detective under Captain Johnson, and that he
(Jouvenal) signed it because he supposed, and was told by Roth, that it was
all riglit. I beg further to state, in no one instance have I acted in the cases
referred to by General Martindale, or in any others of a like nature, until after
repeated complaints had been urged before rne, and examinations made and
reported upon by my own officers, and even then I have acted, because I fully
believed that no other authority, either civil or railitary, had the inclination
or will to abate the nuisances coraplained of. I have neither sought nor desired
opportunities for seizing liquors or closing liquor-shops, and it has only been
as the last resort, when all other means had been tried and found powerless,
that, acting as the provost-marshal of the War Department, and fully clothed,
as I believed myself, with authority to protect its interests and those of tlie
soldiers under its care, I determined upon the adoption of decisive measures.
In relation to the question of authority, I respectfully submit the following
statement of facts: As early as April last, Captain Tompkins, assistant quar
termaster, made application to General Martindale, respectfully asking the
interposition of his authority for the purpose of closing certain liquor shops
where the men and employees of the Quartermaster's Department were daily
supplied with intoxicating drinks, and which were the scenes of constant
rioting and drunkenness, to the great injury and loss of the Government ser
vice. No notice was taken of this application, and it was renewed again and
again, with the same result. The matter was then presented to General
Ruoker, assistant quartermaster-general, and a further application was made
by hira to General Martindale, and, as no notice was taken. General Rucker
again laid the case before the Military Governor, and again without eliciting
any action or reply. The increasing disorder and riotous indications of tbe
employees of the Quartermaster's Department, fostered by an unlimited sup
ply of liquor and unrestrained opportunities of obtaining it, culminated at
length in a serious outbreak, and refusal of said employees to obey the orders
of their superior officers. Upward of one hundred of them banded together
in a riotous demonstration on last Thanksgiving Day, and it became necessary
to call in the aid of armed soldiers to arrest the rioters, and compel obedience
to orders. Under these circumstances, and all other appliances failing, Captain Tomp
kins wrote to me for assistance; and, upon his representations, accompanied
by the order of General Rucker, I assuraed the responsibility, and summarily
closed the liquor shops complained of. I respectfully call attention to the
accompanying official communications, addressed by General Rucker, under
dates of April 20 and May 25, 1863, to Major T. P. Sherburne, assistant adju
tant-general, headquarters military district of Washington, and on which,

250 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
aa I have hefore stated, no action appears to have been taken ; and also to the
official communication of Captain Tompkins to General Rucker, under date
of August 10, with the indorsement of General Rucker thereon.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel and Provost-Marshal War Department.
Office Provost-Marbhal War Department, \
Washington, September 9, 1863. f
Brigadier-General D. H. Ruoker, Assistant Quartermaster-General : —
Sir — I am directed by the Secretary of War to state the reasons and
authority by which I closed up the liquor-shops and saloons in the vicinity of
the quartermaster's department, Government corrals, and workshops. In
order to answer these inquiries correctly, will you please forward copies of
your correspondence with Captain Tompkins and Brigadier- General J. H.
Martindale, referring to the raatter, also inforra rae if the complaints and sug
gestions made by you in your comraunications to General Martindale, in
which you urged that immediate action be taken, were responded to by the
Military Governor, and the places closed as recommended by you, and whether
you, finding all appeals to the Military Governor of no avail, did not apply to
me, as a last resort, to abate the nuisance complained of. You will very
much oblige me, General, by replying to these inquiries at as early a moment
as possible, as I am desired by the War Department to make my report with
out delay. I am, General, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel and Provost-Marshal War Department.
Office PROvosT-MARSnAL War Department, )
Washington, September 10, 1863. )
Honorable E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Sir — I respectfully submit the following report, in relation to a report of
Brigadier-General Martindale, and accompanying papers, referred to me by
your order.
Frankly admitting that the seizures referred to in General Martindale's
report were made by my orders, I desire to state distinctly under what cir
cumstances and by what authority I acted.
On or about the 10th of August last, I received a communication addressed
by Captain Toinpkin.s, assistant quartermaster, to Brigadier-General Rucker,
requesting General Ruoker's interference in closing certain liquor shops, with
an indorsement by General Rucker, referring the matter to rae, and directing
me to act if I had the power. On reception of this communication and order,
I waited upon the quartermaster-general, who desired that I should act in the
matter, emphatically declaring that the places coraplained of by Captain
Tompkins raust be closed, and that immediately. In compliance with such
orders, I did at once close said shops, and summarily terminated the evils
complained of by Captain Tompkins.

HOUSES OF ILL-FAME. 251
I respectfully call attention to the accompanying copies of official commu
nications addressed by General Rucker to General Martindale, under date of
April 28 and May 35, 1863, and the original letter above referred to, of
Captain Tompkins to General Rucker, under date of August 10, with Gen
eral Rucker's indorsement, together with an official coraraunication, of this
date, from General Rucker to rayself, as affording a full explanation of tha
causes which led to my action in the matter.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) Ii. C. Baker,
Colonel and Provost-Marshal War Departraent.
The assembling of a large army at the capital also drew
after it those camp-followers who, of all lost humanity, are
the raost degraded — faUen women. WhUe the gambler and
liquor-seller' s den sprang up at the first sound of war, as if
spontaneously from the earth which echoed the tramp of
armies, from every city came the painted wreck of woman
hood, and hired the room at the fashionable hotel, the
dwelling, the abandoned chamber, or the negro cabin, to
traffic in the virtue, health, domestic peace, and highest
interests of men. Along the Potomac, in front of Washing
ton, stretching for fifteen miles along the banks, lay the
Union troops.
The horses of staff officers, the ambulance, and orderlies,
could be seen during the night, and after the sun had risen
even, waiting before the kennels of vice, for those who were
within them.
Nor are the instances few, where the pretty, vain wife
or daughter has been enticed over the lines, to become the
member of the domestic military circle. So notorious had
this vice become, that I appealed to the Secretary of War,
who issued an order that no coraraissioned officer or private
could enter the city without a written pass frora his cora
manding general. A violation of the order would subject
the offender to a lodgraent in the guard-house.
For a time, the order was partially regarded, but soon set
aside, and the corruption seemed to gain strength by the tem
porary check. At length, for the two-fold purpose of en
forcing the order and exposing to public contempt the trans
gressors, I decided to make a descent upon some of the
representative houses of this class.

252 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
The scenes which transpired at the hour of midnight, in
these dens of corruption, beggar language.
At an hour appointed, and with a concerted plan, similar
in all its details to that whicli Avas sprung upon the gamblers,
with my force I made a raid upon the disreputable houses.
The moraent carae, the signal was given, doors were
opened, the windows raised, and a scene of confusion and
coraico-tragic nature followed, which must have been wit
nessed to have been appreciated. Faces quite coA'ered to
avoid recognition, gas turned off, and a general stampede of
gentlemen sporting martial emblems, were some of the inci
dents attending the onset upon the intrenchments of vice
in midnight quiet of the nation's capital. Between sixty
and seventy officers and men were arrested and locked up
in the guard-house, for reflection upon their suddenly inter
rupted debauchery.

CHAPTER XX.
COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE BUREAU.
Tho Detective System vindicated — Reports — Cases of Infidelity in Subordinates —
Prompt and Decided Action — Vandalism in the Army — Family Relics restored —
A Perilous Adventure.
It will not be forgotten by the reader, that throughout
these pages the just and thorough vindication of the bureau,
and the fearless exposure of disloyalty and vice, and the
defense of public morality, is kept in vieAV. Therefore it is,
that reports like one which avUI here be introduced, although
in part perhaps uninteresting to many, is copied entire.
I have in former statements referred to the scorpion brood
of traitors infesting lower Maryland during the war, and
their enmity toward me, venting itself in all possible ways.
About this time fresh charges were presented, wliich, with
the answer to them, will be found in the official documents : —
Office PROVosT-MAKsnAL War Department, I
Washington, August 28, 1S63. f
Honorable E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: —
Sir — I have the honor to submit the following report in the matter of cer
tain corarannic.itions addressed to the "President of the United States" and
the "Governor of Maryland," by several citizens of St. Mary's County, Mary
land, complaining of certain outrages committed by officers attached to this
force. As these comraunications contain specific charges preferred by five eminent
citizens of Maryland, and indorsed by the Hon. Charles B. Calvert, ex-member
of Congress, and as the presumption of loyalty to the Government attaches to
every man who voluntarily invokes its protection, I propose to meet said
charges as directly as they are made. It is charged, first, " that our citizens
have been arrested by men professing to act under the orders of Colonel Baker,
and their goods carried off, without investigation or time allowed for either
investigation or trial."
In reply to this charge, I have to state that officers of my force, acting by
my orders, have, in several instances — among them, that of Colonel Waring—

254 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
arrested citizens of Maryland charged with treasonable practices, and have
seized their property as property subject to confiscation upon proof of gnilt.
That such parties have not been allowed, at the time of their arrest, a chance
for either "investigation or trial," and this for two reasons: one, that the
offenses for which they were arrested were triable only by military tribunals,
on the order of the Secretary of War ; the other, that it would have been an
utter impossibility, if civil process could have been resorted to, to impanel a
jury of twelve loyal men in any county where such arrests have been raade.
It is charged, secondly, " that women and children, passing peaceably from
one house to another, have been fired upon, and their lives endangered without
cause or provocation, in a spirit of mere wanton outr.age."
In reply to this charge, I have to state that I am thoroughly convinced,
after a close examination of officers whom I know to be reliable, and who
must have witnessed such an occurrence h.ad it taken place, that this entire
charge is false, and undoubtedly the ciiinage of the s.ame class of diseased
imaginations that have already basely and falsely charged upon our armies the
foulest deeds of lust and brutality.
It is charged, thirdly, " that servants have been taken frora the employment
of their masters, and in one instance against their remonstrance."
In reply to this charge, I have to state, in the first place, that my instruc
tions to offi.cers on service in Maryland have always been positive, forbidding
any interference witli the rights of slave-owners, by tampering with the slaves,
or aiding or encouraging them to run away. In the one or two instances where
such persons have been brought to Washington, it was in the character of wit
nesses to prove transactions in which they had been compelled to take part,
as in carting or shipping goods, &a., intended for rebel use. I might, with
entire truth, cite liundreds of instances where myself and the officers of my
fiirce have refused to aid slaves in escaping, and removed them from our wag
ons and boats, in which they had concealed theraselves. At the same time,
I fully believe that, if treason in the master justifies the acquisition of freedom
by the slave, there ought to-d,ay to be none but freemen iu Southern Maryland.
It is charged, fourthly, " that the houses of our people have been entered
and searched," and negroes in the company of the officers allowed to plunder
articles of dress, &c.
In reply to this charge, I interpose an explicit denial, so far as any knowl
edge of such transactions on the part of myself or my officers is concerned. If
any officer has permitted or encouraged depredations by negroes or slaves, he
has dune it in disobedience of express orders, and no one will be more ready
than myself to disgrace and punish the offender. I may here be allowed to
remark, as offering a probable explanation of tliis charge, that wherever our
forces have visited slave territory, the negro has exhibited a disposition, not
only to escape from bondage, but to despoil his oppressors. To charge every
act of pillage by slaves to Union officers, who may happen to be in their vicin
ity, is siraply an absurdity, but none the less loudly insisted upon by pillaged
slave-owners. It is charged, fifthly, that C. C. Spaulding, a merchant of Chaptico, wa»
arrested, and his goods seized ; that Mr. Spaulding was not informed of his

DETECTIVE SYSTEM VINDICATED. 255
arrest until he was placed in a position of security, and thai the officer in
command of the force sold and gave away such goods, &o., as " the hangets-
on, negroes, and others," thought proper to carry off, and that Mr. Spaulding's
faraily only escaped starvation through the humane efforts of one Captain
Hughey. To the first part of this charge I raake no reply, because none seems neces
sary. To the latter part I can only say, that upon the return of my officers,
after the arrest of Mr. Spaulding, information was given me that one of my
force, Captain Hughey, late of the rebel service and a recent deserter, tem
porarily employed by me on special duty, had appropriated some part of the
goods frora Mr. Spaulding's store. Captain Hughey, upon being questioned
by rae, adraitted that he had taken some of said goods ; that he had, from
a fellow-feeling, secretly returned a part to Mr. Spaulding's faraily, and kept
the rest. After obtaining from this sympathizing rebel deserter the goods in
his possession, I dismissed him from any further eraployraent in my force.
It is ch.irged, sixthly, that Mr. Oscar G. Hayden was arrested by Officer
Somers ; that he escaped from arrest, afterward came to Washington, and
was again arrested hy ray order.
It will, perhaps, be sufficient for me to say, that Mr. Hayden and Mr.
Spaulding were arrested on information, which I considered reliable, that they
were both engaged extensively in smuggling goods into Virginia, and that
they both were active and unscrupulous agents for the rebel cause.
In relation to the chickens alleged to have been taken by Officer Somers. it
is true the four chickens were taken, and probably from the party mentioned,
bnt it is also true that this was done only after persistent refusals of the people
in the neighborhood to sell any supplies to my officers, and that when the
chickens were t.aken, the owner was tendered one dollar each for them, and
refused to accept.
With regard to the rector of the parish, I have only to state, that he was
treated with quite as muoh respect and courtesy as were manifested by him
self toward my officers, that person exhibiting a supercilious and offensive
manner quite in keeping with that of his parishioners.
I have answered at length, and I trust satisfactorily, the specific charges
brought forward by the Hon. Mr. Calvert and his friends. It remains for me
now briefly to allude to the peculiar condition of the country where the offenses
are charged to have been committed, and the position its inhabitants hold
toward the Union and the Government. The counties of St. Mary, Charles,
and Prince George, bounded on the north by the Patuxent River, and on the
south by the Potomac, offer striking facilities for the purposes of the smug
gler, the spy, and the rebel emissary. Its population, controlled and overawed
by a few men of wealth, is identical in feeling and sympathy with the neigh
boring people of Eastern Virginia. There is scarcely a family in the whole
district that has not a representative in the ranks of the rebel army — scarcely
a dwelling that does not offer refuge and protection to the smuggler, the spy,
or the rebel recruit. In its villages, every country store has become a depot
for supplying Virginia with food, clothing, and arras. It is in possession of a
code of signals, under supervision of an oK^^r of the rebel signal corps, and the

256 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
people everywhere, with the exception of the blacks .and a few timid Union
raen, are as ranch the worshipers of secession and the enemies of our Govern
ment as are their fathers, sons, and brothers, who fight the b.ittles of treason
under Lee or Beauregard. I have, at different times, attempted, with more
or less success, to break up tliis nest of plotting traitors, and bring to punish
ment the vile miscreants who encourage treason that they may fatten upon its
necessities. In doing this, I have brought upon myself the malignant and
cowardly attacks of men who, while prating of "human rights," have inflicted
the raost cruel tortures upon weak and defenseless negro woraen — who de
nounce as " wanton outrages " the summary arrests of spies and smugglers hy
Union officers, and at the same tirae band together, under cover of night, to
surprise some lonely negro cabin and hurry off its free-born inmates to the
tender mercies of the lash and slave-pen— who appeal to Governraent for pro
tection, and at the sarae time aid its enemies .and plot its ruin.
I submit, as illustrations of the subject-matter of this report, copies of
correspondence in my possession. Copy.
IT. S. Stbaueb Ccbub de Lion, Mattaowan Cbkee, August 19, 1863.
Colonel Baker : —
Sir — By direction of Commander Harwond, I desire to call your attention
to the state of affairs on the Maryland shore in this vicinity. There is a
number of stores here engaged in selling goods to blockade-runners. The
names of the most prominent are, Stines, Simmons, Millstead, and Skinner.
The most prominent raan engaged in aiding and abettiug is a citizen named
Porey, and a farmer, living at the mouth of the Chickamoxan Creek. Some
four weeks since, a man naraed Gurley carae frora Virginia, and proceeded to
Baltimore, where he purchased a large lot of goods, worth about ten thou
sand dollars, and forwarded them to this point to run thera across. An ex
tensive business has forraerly been done by Stines (who is a Jew) and others
in selling citizens' clothing to deserters frora our army. There is one Union
family on shore, Mr. Anderson's. Should you see fit to send a portion of
your force to work up this locality, I sh.all be happy to afford any assistance
in my power to bring these rascals to justice.
Hoping to hear from you shortly in reference to this raatter, I remain, very
respectfully, your obedient servant, W. G. Morris,
Acting Master Commauding.
Verified charges, I am prepared to show conclusively,
even when they fell upon my department, received the same
prompt action as those aimed at any other.
During the tive years of service, including the assistance
of more than four hundred subordinates, I can recall but two
instances in which fraud or malfeasance could be fairly
proved. Much time was spent in obtaining testimony, and,

LETTER CONCERNING A PRISONER. 257
after protracted prosecution of the cases, they were con
victed and sent to the penitentiary, where one of them still
remains. Office Provost-Marsitat. -War Department, )
Washinuton, September T, 18G3. (
Honorable E. M. Stanton-, Secretary of War : —
Sir — In compliance with yoir- order of date, in relation to my report under
date of 28th August, and herein inclosed, I have the honor to state that since
the diite of that report I have closely and steadily pursued the investigation
of the coraplaints urged by certain citizens of Maryland. The result of such
investigations has satisfied me that certain officers employed by rae have
largely exceeded their instructions; that they have in sorae instances appro
priated the property of citizens of Maryland to their own uses, and in others
have behaved themselves in an offensive and discourteous manner. I beg to
state that, in raaking this investigation, I have been governed entirely by the
desire to deal justly with all the parties concerned. No one more than my
self can regret the occurrence of any acts of wrong and injustice to the citi
zens of Maryland. Be assured, sir, that no one will act with greater deter
mination in putting an end to such wrongs and punishing the ofifenders. To
this end, I have already sent to Charles County three times for witnesses, and
have procured their statements in confirmation of charges other than those
mentioned in the memorial to the Governor of Maryland, but similar in char
acter. Acting upon snch evidence, I have arrested and imprisoned Officer
Emerson of my force, and U. P., and I respectfully ask such order as
maybe necessary to secure the .speedy trial of these men, and their punish
ment, if found guilty. From the evidence in my possession, I believe that
the charges made of the taking, giving away, and selling a portion of Mr.
Spaulding's goods are so far correct, and that a few articles of small value be
longing to hira were so taken, but hiive been recovered, and are now in my
custody ; also that the property of a Mr. Boswell of Charles Cuunty was im
properly appropriated by P., who was acting without my orders, but in
connection with officers of my force. I can but repeat that my instructions
have always been positive to the officers detailed on duty in Maryland to act
with extreme caution, to injure neither property nor person, and give no just
cause for complaint. In every case where proof of disobedience of sucli
orders shall be afforded mo, I will not only render every redress in my power,
but will cheerfully aid in bringing the guilty to punishment.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Provost-Marshal War Department.
One of these men sustained a character that won my
confidence ; and the following is the copy of a letter which
was written, in reply to one from a friend, while he was in
prison : — n

258 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
WAsniNOTOx, February 18, 1861
John H. Jones, Philadelphia : —
Sir — I am in receipt of yonrs of 11th instant, and in reply would say, that
T. R. H. was employed by me on the 17tli of May, 1863, as an engineer.
Some time in July last, he, in company with a raan naraed P., without
orders frora me, illegally entered the house of Mr. John Boswell, in St. Mary's
County, Maryland, and took about five hundred dollars in gold and silver,
which they appropriated to their own use. These facts were fully proved on
the trial before a military commission, held in this city, composed of highly
respectable commissioned officers.
Every facility was afforded Mr. H. for his defense, and every witness he
desired was brought forward, but he failed to rebut the testimony of Mr.
Boswell and his faraily.
Mr. H. promised to return to Boswell his proportion of the stolen
money, but failed to do so. Soon after H.'s arrest, he (H.) wrote a number
of letters to a certain woman in Alexandria. Supposing this woman to be his
wife, I directed her to be brought to this office, when it was ascertained
that she was H.'s mistress, and not his wife. In the possession of this woman
was found a quantity of drygood.s, which she informed me had been givea
her by H. These goods were identified as property taken from a lot
which I ordered to be seized from a block.ade-runner in lower Maryland,
since convicted and sentenced to a term of five years in the Albany peniten
tiary. The woman and letters referred to are still in this city. For the truth
of these statements, I refer you to the proceedings of the court-martial, and
also Mr. H.'s own confession, which are on file in this offlce. No one
can appreciate or feel more keenly the destitute condition of Mrs. H. and
her children than myself. Up to the tirae of Mr. II.'s arrest, he posesssed
my unlimited confidence, and his friends can not regret more than myself his
present unfortunate and degraded situation.
If the friends of Mr. H. desire to present a petition for his release, I will
do what I can, consistent with my position and the honorable discharge of
ray duties to the Government, to aid in the matter, based solely, however,
upon the principle of humanity toward his poor wife and children.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Agent War Department.
When General Burnside opened fire upon Frederickg-
burg, which was the first assault upon the town, the notice
of bombardment given to the inhabitants was so short,
that their flight from the city was a wild and hasty stam
pede, leaving the many palatial residences of this ancient
seat of Virginia aristocracy in all the completeness of their
peaceful occupancy. Among the first troops who crossed the
river Avere those commanded by Brigadier-General 

A GRATEFUL SOUTHERN LADY. 259
Upon reaching the elegant mansion of Commodore G., they
immediately tore down the rich curtains, and pillaged the
apartments adorned with expensive Works of art, brought
by members of the famUy from Europe. The feeling among
the troops then seemed to be, that an enemy's house and
" chattels personal " were common plunder. OU paintings,
bronze statuary, and famUy relics, were appropriated by the
military visitors to the house of Commodore G., and seized
by me upon their arrival at Washington. A few days later,
the accompUshed and beautiful Mrs. T., sister of Commodore
G., came to the capital, and, dreading to meet me, as I after
ward learned, on account of the rumors which had reached
her, that I Avas gifted with a special ferocity of nature,
appUed to Dr. S., a distinguished physician of Washington,
whose acquaintance I had formed in a sick-room, who vol
unteered to accompany her to my office, assuring her of
respectful treatment.
With evident trepidation, she entered the roora, and
stated her errand. An elegant bronze horse, which had
ornamented her brother's house, was then standing on my
safe. I told her I saw no reason why these domestic trea
sures, including heavy silver-ware, bearing the family name,
should not be restored. The next day she called again, and
spent some time looking over the opened boxes of these
family relics. She said at length : —
" Can I have these again ? "
"Certainly, madam; they are of no use to the Govern
ment." She burst into tears, thanked me, and retired.
I ordered the goods to be carefully packed and sent by
express to Mrs. T., who acknowledged their safe arrival in
the foUowing graceful note : — Baltiuobe, November 9.
Colonel Baker : —
Dear Sir — Although I may be trespassing on your time, I can not refrain
from sending you this note, again to thank you for the kindness and courtesy
extended to me when I visited your office some days since.
I appreciate a kindness at all times, but never more so than now, when
my heart is so sore from trials of various kinds.
I never will forget your patience while ende.ivoring to aid me in my
searches. It was through your great assiduity to do justice to absent persons

260 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
that I learned of my brother's bronze being with you. My brother is in no
-way connected with the army, but he has suffered everything but death. He
has been a refugee for more than a year, with a few weeks' exception. While
the bombardment of Fredericksburg was going on, he escaped with a child
almost in a dying condition, having just lost two. They have had three homes
destroyed. But I will not intrude my sorrows upon you.
He is my only brother left, of a large family, and the best brother in tho
-world. You can readily imagine how happy I am, through your kindness, to
reclaim some of his works of art.
His family are in such a destitute situation that I have, in my desperation,
written Mrs. President Lincoln to beg that she will allow me to send a trunk
of clothing to his family of bare-footed children.
I was unfortun.ate enough to have a dear son of eighteen exiled, three
raonths ago, by Colonel Fish (Provost), for having given three cigars to a pass
ing prisoner. He, however, kindly allowed him to take clothing, which was
stolen while a prisoner in Fort Norfolk. Through the kindness of Mr. Stanton,
who gave me a permit, I sent him a trunk of clothing. May God's blessing
rest on hira for it.
I hope you will pardon this long family letter ; for I have mentioned some
of my troubles to show you how pleasant your kindness is iu contrast.
I ara truly sorry that you are going to leave Washington, as I never can
hope to find another such friend as you proved to be.
Before you leave, could you find tirae to write me, and advise me what
course to pursue to recover the things belonging to my mother and brother ?
Now, will you, my dear sir, please excuse the liberty I have taken in
writing ? With kind regard,
I am, most respectfully, &o.,
Annie C. Thomas.
Direction :
Mrs. Jno. Hanson Thomas,
Mt. Vernon Place.

CHAPTER XXI.
INVESTIGATIONS IN THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Suspicions of Corruption abroad — The Case of Stuart Gwynn.
Up to the present date of the narrative, my investiga
tions and arrests have been confined to matters which came
properly Avithin the sphere of the War Departraent ; but I
shall now present a condensed report of operations in an
other direction, to which no allusion has been raade.
As early as the latter part of 1862, there were frequent
hints of gross iraraoralities and fraudulent operations in the
Treasury Department. It was more than intimated, by
those who ought to have known, th.at among the hundreds
of females employed there, some Avere not virtuous, while
in the regular operations of the estabUshment fraud had a
place. The suspicions, which at first were little heeded, at
length took the form of bold complaints of vices and dis
honesty, practiced by those high in authority. The neAVS-
paper press, which is not unfrequently raistaken in its
statements, but represents pretty fairly public opinion, de
manded an investigation. Congressmen, urged on by their
constituents, demanded an examination of the affairs of
the Treasury.
To resist the clamor was impossible. The threat of a
Congressional investigation induced the Secretary to under
take the inquiry himself.
On the twenty-second of December, 1863, he sent for
me, and briefly made known his suspicions respecting the
integrity of certain of his employees, requesting me to take
the matter in charge. I informed him that, in addition to
frauds in the printing bureau, the character of the females
employed there, to a great extent, was such as to make it

262 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
a byword and reproach wherever the facts were known.
But I also said, that I did not think it possible to undertake
a work of such magnitude and iraportance, with my mani
fold and exhausting duties in my proper department. He
replied that he knew of no other person who was so weU
qualified to enter upon the scrutiny. Accordingly, he for
warded the letter here quoted to the Secretary of War : —
[Confldentlal.] Teeabttrt Department, December 23, 1863.
Sin — -W^ill you oblige rae hy directing Colonel Baker to make such investi
gations and arrests, and exercise such custody of persons arrested, as I may
find needful for the detection and punishment of frauds on the Government
committed by persons in this department ? Tours, truly, S. P. Chase.
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
P. S. — Please send me a copy of whatever order you may issue to Colonel
Baker. S. P. C.
A true copy. C. A. Dana,
Assistant Secretary of War.
Upon the reception of the above communication, Mr.
Stanton sent it to Mr. Watson, with this indorsement : —
December 24, 1863.
Referred to Mr. Watson, with direction to detail Colonel Baker to report
to tho Secretary of the Treasury for special duty under his directions.
Edwin M. Stantoit.
On the twenty-sixth, an order came to report to the
Secretary of the Treasury until further orders. Upon ap
plying to him, without any further instructions, he directed
me to report to Mr. Jordan, Solicitor to the Treasury.
From the latter, I learned that suspicion pointed to one
Jaraes Cornwall, who was at the head of the Redemption
Bureau, where mutilated treasury notes were canceled by
fire. I at once commenced the work assigned rae, which result
ed in Cornwall' s conviction of pocketing thirty-two thousand
dollars, instead of burning the paper. He was incarcerated
in the Old Capitol prison seven months, turned over to the
civil authorities, and found guilty before their tribunal.

STUART GWYNN— HIS ARREST. 263
My next investigation was directed to Stuart Gwynn, an
eccentric and erratic man, who had by some means gained
admission to the department in the relation of an inventor.
Gwynn professed to have invented a new method of print
ing, the principles of which wUl be presented, with other
important particulars, in the official report. Another gen
tleman, named Henderson, who had charge of the Requisition
Office, also came under my notice. S. M. Clark, a still more
prominent actor in the scenes I shaU narrate, wiU figure large
ly, though not creditably, in this chapter.
I certainly had no reason, at the outset of this investiga
tion, to doubt the sincerity of desire and purpose of Mr. Chase
and Solicitor Jordan to get the real moral status of the de
partment. To my surprise, however, I soon discovered that
I was expected to confine my scrutiny to such individuals
and to such kind of supposed frauds as Mr. Jordan might
designate. Instead of letting the hand of justice reach and
hold the guilty wherever found, a few victims only were to
become the examples, and feel the sword of punishment.
I sent in before this report, from day to day, many dis
closures of the unprincipled course of Stuart Gwynn, in his
frauds upon the Government, to Hon. S. E. Chittenden,
Register of the Treasury, the Hon. M. B. Field, Assistant
Secretary, and Hon. Hugh McCulloch, Comptroller of the
Currency, and General Spinner, United States Treasurer.
Apparently these gentlemen were all anxious to assist in
bringing to light frauds in the department.
Finally, it was decided by Messrs. Jordan and Chitten
den to arrest Gwynn. A long conversation Avas held upon
the best mode of attaining this object. I concluded to pro
ceed immediately to his roora, and bring him to the solicitor's
office. When we got there, Mr. Jordan was absent, and I
took my prisoner to ray quarters, then opposite WiUard's.
He became boisterous, and declared he would go on with
his experiments in the Treasury, in spite of the Secretary, or
even the President himself. He was comfortably lodged in
my building, and the next morning I forwarded the follow
ing communication:—

264 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Wasiiinotok Citt, D. C, January 1, ISU.
Hon. Edward Jordan, Solicitor of Treasury Department : —
Sir — Will you please forward me, at your e.arliest convenience, a commit
ment to the Old Capitol prison for Stuart Gwynn. The rules of the prison
require a written order from the Solicitor of the Treasury.
Accustomed, as I had always been, not to discriminate
between scoundrels, I Avas shocked and discouraged at the
unmistakable intention to make me the tool of designing
men, through whom a statement or report could be prepared
and circulated, apologizing for the sins of those whose official
position was raost exalted.
Congress had now asserabled, and the result of my in
quiry could be used to prevent any Congressional action iu
the affiiir. But just in proportion to the evidence of a pur
pose to suppress or whitewash the truth, did my own desire
and determination to unearth completely the criminality of
all who Avere implicated in it increase. I can not better
explain my conduct in this transaction, perhaps, than hy
quoting from my report : — Exhibit CO. WASnisGTOX Citt, D. C, April 1, 1864.
Sir — I have the honor to submit the following report in relation to the
arrest of Stuart Gwynn, late a contractor to the United States Treasury De
partment for furnishing paper and presses for the fractional currency.
This arrest was raade on the sixth day of January last, since which time
the investigation of the case has been carefully made. This report has been
delayed by the apparent indisposition of parties fully cognizant of the facts to
testify in such a manner as to compromise Gwynn.
Ill several instances this indisposition is attributable to the fact that tlie
settlement of their unpaid bills of large araounts, contracted by Gwynn with
these individuals, depended entirely upon the exculpation and restoration of
Gwynn to the confidence of the Treasury Department.
The investigations made clearly justify the wisdom and propriety of the
arrest of Gwynn.
His criminality consists in his willfully and wickedly defrauding the Gov
ernment of the United States in this : That while representing to the Secre
tary of the Treasury his ability to improve the fractional currency of the
country, having been respectably introduced, and his statements sustained by
some one or more (doubtless interested) parties within the tre.isury building,
he, the said Stuart Gwynn, has been pursuing a course of experiments in
volving the outlay of enormous sums of money, bringing disgrace upon the
Treasury Department by his abortive attempts at postal currency, in the

A MONOMANIAC— MEMBRANE PAPER. 26.')
prosecution of nn untried scheme or idea which ho never before had the
raeans to develop.
Except by the summary process of his arrest, these facts might have been
suppressed for a time, as they have been heretofore. The prospect of his suc
cess at times furnishing sufficient inducement to those whose duty it was to
long since give the information contained in this report to the honorable Sec
retary to withhold aud suppress the true facts of the case.
Stuart Gwynn, as I am informed by his wife, who came to Washington
City to obtain his release frora the Old Capitol prison, was a lunatic at one
tirae, having been confined in a lunatic asylum. Frora parties who have
known him for years, I learn that he is an erratic, eccentric, and visionary in
dividual, and a monomaniac on the subject of inventions; always has had on
hand some plan involving large expenditures of money, and never himself in
the possession of any raeans.
He has been engaged in various enterprises, and by the correspondence
found upon his premises, copies of which accompany this report, I find within
the past eighteen months, from immediately prior to his operations in the
United States Treasury, he has been directly, or indirectly, in the following
enterprises : The plating of iron-clad steamers by a new process ; the con
struction of telegraph lines by a new insulatory wire ; the boring of the
Hoosio tunnel ; the sale to the Government of a steamship called the A7e-
phon ; the charter of a j^ropeller; a new ordnance heavy gun of some
description, &c., &c., &c.
Sufficient has been gathered to show that the making of paper was not his
legitimate calling; that it was one of liis ideas ; and his suggestions to the
Treasury Departraent on that subject were merely incidental to the general
objects he had in view in coraing to Washington, which evidently was to im
prove his financial condition.
The manufacture of membrane paper, as he calls it, was the first proposi
tion he raade to the departraent. He claims to be the inventor of this paper,
although, by the correspondence submitted, it would seem one Samnel C.
Hart, of Boston, had been making the experiments.
His introduction to the Secretary of the Treasury, I ara informed, was
made by the Hon. Mr. Hooper, member of Congress from Massachnsetts, who
was introduced to him by General H. Haupt, late superintendent of the
United States military railroads. Mr. Haupt's connection with Gwynn, and
his interest in the paper contract afterward awarded to Gwynn, are referred
to hereafter. The membrane paper furnished by Gwynn could not be treated like other
descriptions of paper in preparing for printing. It was peculiarly different
from any paper ever before made, and this peculiarity constituted its only
merit. By all processes of printing heretofore known, the paper is moistened
with water, dampened before being placed in. the press. This membrane
paper, when dampened, swells up and becomes shriveled, like vellum or ani
mal skin of any description. With this great objection so apparent, which
should have cauSed the abandonment of all ideas of its practicability, Mr.
Gwynn suggested the idea of dry plate printing ; thus, in order to effect the

266 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
sale of his peculiar paper to the Government, the economical process of plate
printing, for so many years in use throughout the civilized world, was aban
doned in the United States Treasury to give way for hydraulic printing-
presses, to enable Mr. Gwynn to print on dry paper, which could not, from
its nature, be dampened, and which no known process, short of hydraulic
pressure, could give sufflcient force to print dry.
I have carefully examined the subject of plate-printing, and desire to make
the result of my investigations a part and parcel of this report. I have re
ceived information upon the subject from practical persons, who have been
working for years in that line of business, and whose experience, conse
quently, entitles their views to the raost respectful consideration.
The respective raerits of the hydraulic presses introduced into the Treasury
Department by Dr. Stuart Gwynn, in comparison with the roller press com
monly used for plate-printing, I shall consider in regard to quality, quantity,
and cost of the work done.
A hydraulic press, such as those in operation in the Treasury Department,
will never print fractional currency or other notes as well as it can be done
by the roller press, for the following reasons : In spreading a sheet of paper
over the engraved plate, a greater or less quantity of atmospheric air is caught
underneath the paper. This air, if submitted to an equal pressure at one and
the same time upon all parts of the sheet, will take refuge in the space left
between the ink in each line and the paper. This air prevents the ink from
reaching the paper and adhering to it; therefore, wherever such compressed
air is present, the lines will appear very pale, or perhaps not show at all.
The common letter-press is constructed similar to the hydraulic press —
that is to say, the pressure is equal on all parts and applied at the same time ;
but the types being raised, and having space between each other sufflcient to
accommodate this compressed air, it is forced under those parts of the sheets
which are to remain white and on which no pressure is exerted.
A wood engraving consists of raised lines, and the remarks about type-
printing are equally true with reference to the printing of a wood engraving.
If sorae parts of such a print appear lighter than others, it is generally caused
by an inequality of the back. An experienced printer will increase the thick
ness, if necessary, by pasting paper upon the block. If, on the other hand,
sorae portions of the print are too black, the block is too thick at this point,
and then it is made thinner by scraping the back, or by cutting a hole of the
required size in the paper which is laid over the sheet to be printed.
The copper or steel- plate printer, printing on a roller press, employs simi
lar means under the same circumstances as above mentioned, and does it with
the sarae effect, because the air caught underneath a sheet of paper is pressed
out by the rollers passing over it, and does not therefore prevent the ink from
adhering to the paper.
This lining with paper or cutting out will avail nothing in printing with
the hydraulic press, and the increase of the pressure would not help the mat
ter; for, no matter how much compressed, the air will reraain a compact body,
separating the ink from the paper. It can not escape, for it has not force suf
ficient to burst the iron case which imprisons it. Besides, the means above

HYDRAULIC PRESSES. 267
alluded to would be of no avail; for the air which is caught under the sheet
of paper does not always accumulate at the same place of the plate. These
defects in printing will not always be noticed by an unpracticed eye on a
sheet of currency notes; bnt the fact might be established very clearly by
printing an entire black surface, which could never be printed equal on a
hydraulic press. It is, therefore, not to be wondered at, that the irapres-
sions made by such a press appear tolerably satisfactory to persons not accus
tomed to examine prints ; but even such persons will observe that the face of
the notes becomes smutty and indistinct after the back has also been printed.
This is caused by the following circumstance: Each printed line, formed by
the ink adhering to the paper, represents a projection or eminence ; if submit
ted to the pressure required to print the back, these lines, forming the draw
ing or design of the face, will be flattened in a manner partly to fill the white
spaces between thera, besides having a cragged appearance. The stiffer the
ink used, the raore this will occur.
Before proceeding, I wish to remark with reference to the membrane
paper furnished by Stuart Gwynn : Its texture is very hard, and therefore its
surface does not take the ink ; that is to say, none of the oily substance of the
ink enters the paper, the effect of which would be to raake the printing ad
here better.
In printing upon the membrane paper, all tho ink stands on the surface,
and might be removed almost entirely by mechanical raoans. The ink usual
ly used in printing on the common roller presses, and on good soft paper,
would give very had results on Swynn's paper. If membrane paper must be
used, it can only be done by printing it dry, which, however, is utterly im
possible on a roller press, and can only be done on a hydraulic press, which
for this reason was introduced into the Treasury Department by Gwynn.
From this explanation it is obvious that under any circumstances, even if bet
ter paper than Gwynn's is used, the roller press will produce better printed
currency than the hydraulic press.
In regard to quantity or speed, the hydraulic presses are still more in dis
advantage, at least, judging from the experience of the past few months, with
those in the Treasury.
The hydraulic presses worked by steam have attained only seventy-five
impressions per day of eight working hours of one side of the currency.
On a roller press, a good printer prints in the sarae time one thousand, or
an average of seven hundred impressions of the same plate. The difference
will be shown best by example : I shall, for instance, calculate the time re
quired by one press of each kind to print one million of dollars in five-cent
notes from plates containing twenty-five each. The average number printed
by a hydraulic press in one work day being seventy-five on one side ; two
working days of sixteen hours will be required for seventy-five sheets, each
containing twenty-five complete five-cent notes. The product of a double
work day's work is therefore one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five
five-cent notes.
In one year there aro three hundred and eight working days of eight
hours, and therefore one hundred and fifty-four double working divys. To

268 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
print twenty million five-cent notes, at one thousand eight hundred and sev
enty-five for each double work day, would take ten thousand six hundred and
sixty-six double working days, equal to sixty-nine years and eight days, upon
a hydraulic press.
A roller press prints in such a double working day seven hundred times
twenty-five, or seventeen thousand five hundred five-cent notes.
In regard to speed, therefore, one roller press is equal to six or seven hy
draulic presses.
Stuart Gwynn proraised to print four impressions in one minute ; and, not
discouraged by the expenses of the past few months, he was confident of at
taining this speed.
He also devised a plan for increasing the pressure, which he deemed neces
sary in printing by hydrauHcs. Of this fixture I shall write hereafter in this
report, and refer to it as a " receiver,'' as he termed it.
In regard to cost, the disadvantages in using hydraulic pres.ses as against
roller presses of the long-established character aro much raore apparent and
far greater than in regard to quality and quantity of the work done. A
hydraulic press costs twelve hundred dollars, and the attachments to com
plete it five hundred dollars, making, together, seventeen hundred dollars
complete. A roller press costs one hundred nnd twenty dollars, and its work being
equal to six hydraulic presses, the sarae araount of work is furnished, well
done, and in a workmanlike manner, upon a capital of one hundred and
twenty dollars that is furnished by hydrauhc presses, indifferently done, on
a capital of ten thousand two hundred dollars. This is bad enough, bnt the
disproportion becomes still more startling.
During the three months prior to the 1st of J.anuary last, twelve of the
hydraulic presses placed in the Treasury Departraent by Gwynn broke down
and were rendered utterly worthless. Of all the roller presses used during
this time, not one broke down, or required any rep.iiring worth mentioning.
One million of dollars in five-cent notes, I have shown, requires about
sixty-nine years to print upon a single hydraulic press, at the average speed
attained. Presupposing that twelve presses should break down during each
and every three months out of twelve, as has been the case, we should re
quire two hundred and seventy-three presses for printing one million of dol
lars, representing a loss of four hundred and sixty-four thousand dollars.
From the reasoning of the case, as I have presented it, I conclude that the
roller presses are preferable in every respect to the hydraulic presses for
printing our currency, and already Gwynn has caused a loss of nearly two
hundred thousand dollars to the Governraent by introducing these hydraulic
presses, in order to profit by his paper contract. In order to satisfy myself
of the truth and accuracy of the statements relative to the comparative speed
of the two methods of printing in use in the National Currency Bureau, I
accompanied the honorable Solicitor of the Treasury to the press-rooms of
the bureau.
By actual observation of time, I learned that three minutes and forty-one
seconds was the average time of six hydraulic presses occupied in taking im-

STATEMENT OF CHARLES NEALE. 269
pressions on one side of a single sheet, while by the roller presses two im
pressions per minute were easily made.
Mr. Clark asserts that this test is not a fair one, as the hydraulic presses
are now being worked by hand; when steam presses are used, he expects to
obtain greater speed.
It is not contended, however, by Mr. Clark, that the application of steam-
power will by any means improve the character of the work performed, and
it will not decrease the liability in the least of the presses to break.
I have the honor to call the attention of the honor,ible Solicitor to the fol
lowing statement of Charles Neale, assistant superintendent of printing for
the fractional currency, in verification of ray expressed opinion herein rela
tive to the hydraulic printing:
"I was appointed to my position on the llth of October, 1862, and was
iramediately sent to Philadelphia and New York to procure the necessary
presses and workmen to print the fraction.al currency. The men were to re
port at any tirae after the 1st of November, 1862.
"The roof was not on the building in the Treasury Departraent till some
tirae in January, 1863, and we had the presses up sorae tirae in March. I then
wanted Mr. Clark to furnish bank-note paper, and go on printing in the
old mode, in order to supply the demand for currency ; but this he decUned
doing. Dr. Gwynn's experiments with the membrane paper, and his new
mode of printing (printing on dry instead of dampened paper), have been going
on from that tirae till October last. The doctor was very sanguine, but all
practical men pronounced the plan impracticable. The paper would not ab
sorb ink, and although one face of the paper might have a good impression, it
was very difficult to print the other side ; it required two-thirds more power
to do so, and many of the presses could not bear the necessary strain, and
broke. When we came to print the second side, the paper would have be
come so very hard that it wonid not take the ink.
"Nevertheless, the doctor came to the conclusion that the thing was a suc
cess, and he ordered some ' eighty-five ' presses to be built, costing frora eleven
hundred dollars to eighteen hundred dollars each ; there are some forty-five
presses in the large room, but we never could use more than half a dozen of
thera at a time ; and at present we have only three of these hydraulic presses
at work. It costs as much to run one of these presses, by steam, as it would
if they were all at work.
"The process of this plan of Dr. Gwynn's is very slow, and it requires
much better ink than the ordinary copper-plate press printing. With six of
the presses, the average daily number of impressions (single) would not exceed
seventy-five. With the other bank-note paper and the commim copper-plate
press, there can be eight hundred impressions of tlie same size taken in a day.
" We are now working off impressions on the ordinary presses, having
about fifty of them running day and night, and about one hundred men em
ployed. "I mentioned to Dr. Gwynn that I expected the Comptroller of the Cur
rency would soon be appointed to organize the bureau. He said that he
was over and above Comptrollers, and that his arrangements with the Gov-

270 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ernment were such, that if the Secretary himself shonld come in, it would only
be as a raatter of courtesy. I wanted to know a little more about the process,
in order to see whether I would take an interest in the patent, so as to secure
myself a perraanent situation, and he reraarked that hereafter there would be
no changes in the departraent; that it would be man.iged like the Bank of
England, and that the men who were faithful, honest, and capable, would bo
retained." From Mr. Clark, Superintendent of the Currency Bureau, I have received
the following inform.ation: — Mr. Clark claims that the principle of Gwynn is
correct. The presses, however, vvhich were designed by Gwynn, are not made
correctly, being the weakest in the most important parts. In consequence of
these errors, the castings of the presses are being constantly fractured, the
pressure necessary in printing by this method being greater than the iron can
withstand. Mr. Clark further informs me that all the presses will burst when
the requisite pressure is applied to them.
Out of seventy-seven presses made and placed in the department building
at the instance of Stuart Gwynn, at an average cost of seventeen hundred dol
lars each, including the necessary attachments, twenty have already been dam
aged beyond repair, and with those remaining it is only a question of time as
to when they will be rendered valueless.
This imperfection in the design for hydraulic presses has been discovered
after an outlay of over one hundred thousand dollars had been made for ma^
chinery, and, so far as any practical benefit to the Government is concerned,
has proved a miserable failure.
It is with these hydraulic presses, and the machinery appertaining thereto,
that the Government, through Stuart Gwynn, has been placed in a false posi
tion toward several extensive machine manufacturing companies, and they in
turn have been placed in a false position toward the Government, with a fair
prospect of great pecuniary loss to thera (the machinists).
It will be shown that the assumed official position of Stuart Gwynn led
parties to credit his orders and instructions implicitly as frora the Government
of the United States, while he (Gwynn) w.as at the sarae time rendering bills
to the department in his own narae, and for his own benefit, for the identical
machinery these parties had, in some instances, charged on their books to the
United States Treasury Departraent.
By reference to the copies of letters, &c., accompanying this report, it ap
pears that Stuart Gwynn, without any adequate means for such an enterprise,
and without any explanation as to his ability to carry out such a scheme, com
menced making preparations in the early part of the year 1863 to print by
hydraulic pressure the issues of fractional currency; and also to change the
whole char.icter of the paper upon which it was printed, by substituting what
he called membrane paper for the United States Governraent.
In connection with parties equally irresponsible, as is shown by the copies
of correspondence between thera, naraely : C. W. Bond, New York ; H. Haupt,
Washington City; Sarauel C. Hart and Edward Hamilton, of Boston; Stuart
Gwynn inaugurated an enterprise involving a large cash outlay and investment
of capital. This all, too, in the prosecution of an untried experiment, and

IRRESPONSIBLE PARTIES. 271
-without tho ability upon the part of either or all the parties to respond to the
loss in case of failure.
General Haupt claims, in a letter to Stuart Gwynn, under date of May 17,
1863, " before he (Gwynn) got the contract, he (Haupt) exerted himself to
bring his discovery to the notice of the Secretary of the Treasury, used the
influence of his position and associations to bring him (Gwynn) into notice,
but not for pay, but from personal friendship ; still Gwynn gave hira to un
derstand that he was to be interested ;" he also refers in this letter to the
interest of a C. A. Browne, of Boston, in the following language : —
"And as Browns had not performed any real service in procuring the con
tract, you decided to liquidate his (Browne's) interest often thousand dollars,
to be paid from time to tirae, but mine was left undeterrained and indefinite ;
occasionally you inquire if ray brother Lewis acted as agent for Mrs. H., and
expressed an intention of putting a paper in his hand."
It was through General Haupt that Stuart Gwynn was introduced at the
Treasury by Mr. Hooper, M. C, as well as by Major-General McDowell.
C. W. Bond, of New York City, forraerly commission merchant of San
Francisco, California, whose letters to Gwynn aro evidence of the statement,
-was to act as the banker for Stuart Gwynn ; under this arrangement to accept
Gwynn's drafts in payment for the necessary machinery, and to be placed in
funds by Gwynn out of his receipts. For Mr. Bond's want of responsibility,
pecuniarily, the letters referred to furnish abundant proofs.
Samuel C. Hart, it would appear by the tenor of his letters to Gwynn, was
the inventor of the membrane paper, which Gwynn was to furnish the depart
ment for the fractional currency, although Gwynn claims to have perfected the
invention previous to July, 1862, as will appear hy reference to his written
statement accompanying this report. He constantly appeals for remittances
of small sums of money with which to prosecute his experiments.
Edward Hamilton, ex-commissioner of emigration for the State of Massa
chnsetts, at Boston, writes for the return of about four hundred dollars, ex
pended in experiments for account of Gwynn in various matters ; is interested
with Gwynn in telegraph and railroad matters, also iron-clad armor. Has no
money ; must lobby at Boston ; can realize about twenty dollars per day from
charter of a vessel, if Gwynn can help him get a charter from the Govern
ment; speaks of coming to Washington, "if he can be of use, so that he and
Gwynn can labor together for good."
These parties named, judging frora the correspondence submitted, and ex
tending over a period of twelve raonths, are the intimate associates ol Gwynn
in various enterprises, including the special one of printing fractional currency
upon membrane paper by the new process of hydrauhc pressure. Without
money and without credit, they undertake an enterprise of the great magnitude
of supplying the fractional currency of the country.
The prolific brain of Gwynn soon suggested the method of obtaining the
machinery required.
He at once fitted up elegant apartments for officers in the Treasury build
ing, by permission of Mr. S. M. Clark ; had an extensive laboratory arranged

272 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
for his chemical experiments in the preparation of colored inks, &c., required
in the printing of currency.
He was active in his assistance to Mr. Clark, the superintendent of the
National Currency Bureau, and by identifying himself with Mr. Clark as closely
as possible, .and with the various apartments of the Currency Bureau, the im
pression was readily taken by the public that he was a Governraent employee
of distinction. The effect was striking in the case of Messrs. Poole & Hunt, inaohinists, of
Baltimore, Maryland. This firm had been furnishing, at odd times, parcels of
machinery to the order of S. M. Clark, superintendent of the National Cur
rency Bure.au of the Treasury Department. They were waited on by Gwynn,
who ordered large amounts of work for use in the Treasury Department.
Messrs. Poole & Hunt had been inforraed of Stuart Gwynn's erratic and eccen
tric character, and, before taking his orders seriously into consideration, they
visited Washington, coming to the Treasury Department to consult, as they
intended, with Mr. Clark, as to the propriety of filling so large an order for
Gwynn. When they reached the apartments of Gwynn, and found a messenger sta
tioned at his door, and all the formalities of the chief of bureau observed in
their approach to the gentleman, they really reproached themselves for per
mitting themselves to doubt the true character and position of Mr. Gwynn in
the Treasury Dep.artment, and returned to Baltimore without even consulting
Mr. Clark, lest affront might be given to Gwynn thereby, and they lose the
oi-der. In proof of their impressions, the work they furnished has been all
charged to the United States Currency Bureau on their books.
After the delivery by Messrs. Poole & Hunt of several thousand dollars'
worth of machinery, they rendered their first bill, made ont against the United
States, sent under envelope to Stuart Gwynn, Washington City. Much to
their surprise, Gwynn returned the bill, and requested them to render it in his
(Gwynn's) own narae, as the collection of the account would be greatly facili
tated. Shortly after this, Stuart Gwynn called on Messrs. Poole & Hunt, .ind pro
posed to them that a party in New York, a Mr. Bond, would accept his draft
for a commission of two and one-half per cent, for the bills of machinery,
thereby s.aving time and greatly siraplitiying the collection of the accounts.
Messrs. Poole & Hunt agreed to this arrangement, and were paid an araount
of money in this w.ay, the draft being drawn by Stuart Gwynn on C. W. Bond,
of New York, and the paper upon which the drafts were written was the
official letter headings of the National Currency Bureau, Treasury Depart
ment. Messrs. Poole & Hunt, who are likely to be largely losers by these trans
actions made with Stuart Gwynn, state distinctly, that upon his own respon
sibility Gwynn could never have had one dollar's credit with them: and had
they not been under the full belief that Gwynn's acts were, if not official, under
official sanction, and their work being placed in the Treasury Department
building, he never could have had one dollar's worth. Here, as if to strengtlien
the conviction of Messrs. Poole & Hunt, as to the Governmental character of

MR. GWYNN AND MR. CLARK. 273
the orders of Stuart Gwynn, a new feature was presented . Brigadier-General
Haupt, known to them and the publio as the manager of the United States
military railroad only, and not as the associate and friend of Gwynn, caused
United States military railroad cars to be detailed for transportation of the
presses and machinery furnished by Messrs. Poole & Hunt, to run between
their (Poole & Hunt's) shops in Baltimore and the City of Washington.
In the case of Messrs. Hayward, Bartlett & Co., machinists, of Baltimore
City, the original charges on their books are raade to Stuart Gwynn. They
(Hayward, Bartlett & Co.) had known Mr. S. M. Clark as superintendent of
the Currency Bureau, and finding th.at Gwynn was in daily communication
with Mr. Clark, also that Gwynn had elegantly fitted up offices in the Treasury
building, could not doubt the propriety of crediting so important a personage
in the department; when, as they saw themselves, the work which Gwynn
ordered was for Government use, and was placed, on its receipt in Washington,
in the Government buildings, they (IL, B. &, Co.) felt sure that if any thing
had been wrong, Mr. Clark would have apprised them of it.
In the case of the Woodruff & Beach Manufacturing Company, of Hartford,
Connecticut. Mr. Woodruff, of that concern, states that his knowledge of Mr.
Gwynn's previous history would entirely forbid his crediting him one dollar
on his individual responsibility; that he (Mr. Woodruff) has known Mr. Clark
m connection with the Treasury, and w.as influenced by the impression that,
if Gwynn's enterprise was not officially sanctioned, he (Clark) would have
apprised the Woodruff & Beach concern of the fact.
The pres.ses and machinery ordered by Gwynn of the Woodruff & Beach
Company were charged direct in their books to the United States Treasury
Department, but on rendition of their bill, Gwynn returned it, and requested
that it he made out in his (Gwynn's) own name, as it would greatly fiicilitate
the prompt payment of the money. IIovv true this statement was may be
judged from the fact that the original bill, sixteen thousand eight hundred
dollars, is still to this day unpaid, with the exception of eight hundred dollars.
for which Gwynn remitted to Hartford, Connecticut, his draft on C. W. Bond,
of New York City.
All of these parties named here reluctantly st.ated tho facts hereinbefore
recited in reference to Gwynn and their transactions with him, as their whole
hope of recovering doubtful claims, ainounling in tho aggregate to over sixty
'thousand dollars, is, as before reraarked, centered in the restitution of Gwynn
to place and power again. The claims they might have had against the Uni
tod States have been vitiated by the recognition of Gwynn as the purchaser of
their machinery in the rendition of their several bills ; and although the prop
erty delivered by these parties is yet in the possession of the United States, its
entire worthlessness for the uses and purposes intended as is now clearly de
monstrated by the few months' test it has been subjected to, will cause the
Government to abandon its use and to decline recognizing the claira upon
Stuart Gwynn, which these parties have, as the Government can possibly
derive no benefit from the machinery thus left upon its hands.
The following is a copy of the voluntary statement made by Stuart
Gwynn : —

274 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
My business is that of a consulting engineer, chemist, and inventor; 1 am
forty-six years old ; have a family of wife and five chi-ldren. The homestead
of ray family is in Cortlandt Township, Westchester County, New York. The
real estate, household furniture, &c., belongs to Mrs. Gwynn ; I have been in
Boston a considerable portion of the time since 1855, but always considered
New York City as ray residence, having rooms and places of business there.
My first correspondence with the Treasury Department commenced about
June or July, 18C2. It was in regard to having that department adopt a new
kind of paper of my invention. After a few letters had passed, some contain
ing samples of the paper, I heard nothing frora the Tre.asui-y for several inontlis,
up to about October, 1862, when I received a telegram from the honorable
Secretary of the Treasury asking me to come to Washington immediately. I
hesitated, as I was then very busy with other matters, as railroads, gas .ip-
par.atus, new telegraphic instruments, &c., making at least five thousand dol
lars per J'ear, with excellent prospects of increasing it, as one of the parties
(Mr. E. Crane, as chief, and others) promised to increase my income (their
share) some three thousand dollars per annum. I was then receiving from
thera up to ten thousand dollars per annum, if a charter and other legislation
could be obtained to consolid.ate certain railroads. This charter, &c., was
obtained in the spring of 1803, and I am now acting as the consulting engineer
of the party for the [iromised salary. I was also to receive from the stime
piirty, at an early day, such sums as I might require, to an extent, if necessary,
of fifty thousand dollars, to carry out several of my inventions connected with
steam-engines and railroads.
I was at that tirae also receiving advances frora other parties (among them
C. Allen Browne, George Odiorne, &c.) to assist me in completing inventions
and in obtaining p.atents I was then engaged on. I consulted with the parties
interested with me, and they consented to my going to Washington to learn
what the honorable Secretary, S. P. Chase, wanted of me in regard to the
" paper." The result of this and a subsequent visit to Washington was
making a contract with the Treasury Department for the new "bank-note
paper." The price named in the contract was (I think) five dollars and sixty cents
less per one thousand sheets than the kind of paper then used ; I calculated
that I should raake three to fonr dollars (twenty-five to thirty-three per cent.)
per one thousand sheets profit, which was about the percentage made at that
time by paper-makers, and it was no secret to the parties in the Treasury
what I expected to make. The peculiarity of the "paper'' was such that it
was to be partly made at the mills, and, under the direction of my assistants,
by my operatives in the Treasury building. And rooms, power, &c., were to
be assigned for the purpose, as the "contract" will fully .show. The "con
tract " in rough draft was drawn by me, corrected by S. M. Clark, then exam
ined and recorrected by Edward Jordan, Esq., Solicitor of the Treasury, and
signed in duplicate by the Hon. S. P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury. I
went on, in pursuance of this contract, to procure the necessary machinery
for use in the Treasury and to make contracts with " paper mills " to supply
me the raw material. Shortly after my contract was signed, there was a rapid

STUART GWYNN'S STATEMENT. 275
advance in paper stock, so that ray expected profit bid fair to be small if tihj
rise rein.aiued permanent; this I did not believe would be the case, and the
subsequent fall in price justified my judgraent, although not now as low as
when tbe contract was made. The parties with whom I was connected agreed
to allow me to attend to this matter at the Treasury without any diminution
of income, as it was expected I would only be in Washington about one-
quarter of the tirae, while other parties of large means, who saw the great
necessity of having perfectly safe " Governraent issues of indebtedness," agreed
to advance me from time to tirae, as required, means to fulfill ray "con
tract." In all, these offers were for a very large amount ; I only availed myself of
them to an extent of some eight thousand to eleven thousand dollars, all I yet
needed. During my visits to Washington, while getting ready to supply
paper according to contract, I learned from Mr. S. M. Clark the broad plan
that was laid dowff to make the issues perfectly safe. It involved not only a
new kind of paper but a new style of "engraving." a new method of printing
(if it could be done), new kinds of inks, &c. I entered heartily into the work
of assisting by my very great (that is admitted by .all) chemical and mechani
cal talents nnd knowledge to raake practical the different parts of the "plan."
I devoted every minute I could take from other duties to experimenting ; I
looked for no other reward, never wished for any, never expected any for my
time and outlay of money (which was large in machinery, apparatus, salary
of assistants, and traveling expenses) except the profit I expected from the
¦ supply of "paper." This I knew would be a large annual sum from the
quantity I was certain would be required, and I was sure to have a monopoly
of the supply. (See contract.) Rooms for paper making, laboratory, offices,
&c., were assigned to me, as I was fully understood to be the " volunteer con
sulting engineer , and chemist to the National Note Bureau " without official
rank or pay (for I would accept neither), therefore free to go and come as I
pleased with my assistants and operatives. This was fully approved of by
the honorable Secretary of the Treasury, as an official letter of about June,
1863, will show. Up to this time (June, 1863), and subsequent to it, I
received several payments of money frora the Treasury Departraent for various
machinery, apparatus, and material furnished to it, but in no case, to my
recollection, was I ever paid one cent in advance of the delivery of the arti
cles, and at the time of most of the payments large deliveries were made of
articles for which bills had not been rendered. No payment was ever raade
except on a regularly certified bill. In raost cases, the articles I received pay
for had previously been paid for by me or my friends. I never purchased any
article, that I can recollect, as the agent of the Treasury Department.
I never called myself its agent; I never said I was authorized to purchase
goods for it ; I always purchased through ray friends, or as an individual, or
as a trustee for other parties (this I have done in other business affairs for the
past eight years). In the latter case, I explained to the parties I bought from
that I did it as a matter of safety to thera and myself, because I thought some
old creditor (I failed in 1854) might attempt to stop the Treasury from paying
me. In most cases, the articles I furnished the department (so far as I recol-

276 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
lect, all were, except the machinery for "dry printing,'' and mnch of that
also) were invoiced at cost price, and in many cases the cost price Wiis as
much as twenty-five per cent, less than the Treasury was p.aying for exactly
the sarae articles frora the sarae sellers. In no case had I any intenti(m or
desire to make profit out of the Government except on my "paper contract."
In the few cases of machinery in which any advance on cost price was charged,
I did not intend them in the total to be more than enough to cover comniis
sions paid to p.arties for purcha.sing, interest, freight, insurance, breakage. &o.
I have not yet collected any thing from the Treasury for the supply of " paper"
I h.ave furnished. It w.as being made daily at the time of ray arrest. I was
to have had a settlement and payment for the deliveries made up to January
1, 1864, as soon as the amounts could be adjusted.
I think the last payment I received frora the Treasury for machinery was
in August. If my recollection is correct, one bill, of over fourteen thousand
dollars, was rendered in September, 1863, and remains unpaid. Another of
upwards of forty-seven thou.«and dollars, of December 30, rendered, is unpaid.
The amount due rae for paper, &c., must in all exceed seventy thousand
dollars, while I have in addition a large value of "stock " in the Treasury to
convert into the "national paper." In addition to all the above, is some
twenty-five thousand to thirty thousand dollars' worth of machinery, addi
tional to that delivered (as named in the bills representing before-named
amounts), which is in great degree completed, and ready to deliver as soon .is
rooms conld be finished for it.
I owe for it and for the above-named amounts, or nearly as much. I will
be brief in what I have to say in regard to the charges of "extravagant per
sonal outlays."
Instead of boarding at a hotel, I rented a furnished house in Georgetown,
in connection with General II. Haupt, in April, 1803. During his stay, my
share of the expenses was sixty-five to seventy dollars per month. Alter he
left, in November, I got a party to come in and agree to bear half the cost
(General Haupt had paid for raore than half). The estimate we made wiis,
total two hundred and fifty dollars per month ; my half, one hundred and
twenty-five dollars ; to this add my horse keep, which is not equal to the wine
and cigar bills of most men in my position (I use neither), and my bill of
wines, &c., for friends in two years does not come up to one hundred dollars...
Th.at, with a sraall outlay for a few necessary articles for tbe house, is the
" Washington extravagance." That of New York was this and no more.
Since 1855 ray family had lived in the country at the homestead ; my children
(I then had seven) had not been to school (1862); no schools in the neighbor
hood. In February, 1863, I lost, within three weeks of each other, my two
youngest darlings, girls of six and eight years of age. Absent in Wasliington
during the sickness and death of the eldest, and absent in Boston during the
sickness of the other, only getting home to have her expire in my arms, my
wife charging the death of both to the fact that I would not arrange to have
her come to the city in tbe autumn of 1862, as I had promised, and a.* I would
have done, but for ray engagements with the Treasury Department, that so
engrossed my time. I felt absolutely compelled to bring them to New York

STUART GWYNN'S STATEMENT. 277
in the autumn of 1863. On calculating the cost of boarding for four or five
months in the city each year during their (the children's) education, I found
it would be cheaper to purchase a small house. This wu.s done; price, eight
thousand dollars; cash paid down on it, one thousand six hundred dollars;
balance, one thousand dollars per annum, six per cent, interest; furnishing
cost about two thousand five hundred dollars. The money for these purposes
was borrowed until I could collect funds due, which was wholly unconnected
from any Treasury transactions.
In conclusion, I will state I have no one associated with me (beyond the
extent before named) in my "contract" with tl.e Treasury Departraent.
Tliat I have never paid, or promised to pay any officer of the department,
or any friend or person for them, one copiier, either as commission, fee, or
present. I positively state I never had any understanding with any one of
them in regard to any future share of profit, but that in all things my dealings
have been frank, open, and above-board. If there has been any irregularity
in my trans.actions witli the department, it has been from ignorance. I have
had but one end in view, viz., the full success of the "plans" required to
prevent counterfeiting and fraudulent issues, well knowing my interest was in
that success, for in it was involved the exclusive use of ray "national paper."
I now deraand that I be fully informed of. and that I receive a copy of, the
charges on which I was arrested and am held (and have been for twenty-four
days a close prisoner, on a convicted felon's fare), tbat I raay meet my accu-
Bcrs face to face, and prove my innocence and their accusations to be false.
Washington, January 25, 1864.
A careful reading of the above statement suggests the following " ques
tions,'' viz.:
Who are the other parties referred to, with lai-ge means, who saw tho
necessity of having perfectly safe Government issues of indebtedness, and who
agreed to furnish large means, <fcc. ? Was it Gener.al Haupt? No; because,
as shown from his own letters to Gwynn, he was pecuniarily embari-assed,
and was constantly appealing to Gwynn for money.
Was it Edward Harailton? No ; he was still raore embarrassed than Gen
eral Haupt, as he admits.
, Was it C. W. Bond? No; for every dollar he paid out was first advanced
by Gwynn. Was it Van Choate or Hart? No; for they are constantly importuning
Gwynn for small remittances.
If none of these, who were the public-spirited individuals referred to?
Stuart Gwynn, however, only avails himself of these munificent offers to
the extent of eight thousand to eleven thousand dollars, " all he needed."
Gwynn further informs us that from Mr. S. M. Clark he first learned the
"broad pLan " that was laid down to raake the issues perfectly safe, and that
said plan necessarily involved not only a "new kind of paper," but anew
style of engraving, a new method of printing, viz.: by "hydraulic presses,"
&c. ; that ho entered into the arrangement heartily, working night and day,

078 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
with no expectation of receiving any pecuniary compensation, except that
derived from the sale of "membrane paper."
Stuart Gwynn further states that he never purchased any article as the
agent of the Treasury Department, never called himself its agent. This
statement can not be true, for we find in all of his purchases from Messrs.
Poole & Hnnt, Woodruff & Beach, and others, the bills were rendered direct
to the Treasury Departraent, and were so charged on their respective books;
besides, it is before conclusively shown in this report that the gentlemen
referred to above had not the least doubt of Gwynn's official and even confi
dential connection with the National Currency Bureau.
In rei-ieicing the subject, we find that, under date of August 29, 1863, after
a severe attack had been made upon the system of dry plate printing, mem
brane paper, &c., by communications addressed to the Secretary of the
Treasury, and araong others, one from Mr. Wilson, president of the Conti
nental Bank Note Company. Stuart Gwynn, over his own sign.ature, m.ade a
proposal in writing to the Secretary of the Treasury, of which the following
is a copy: —
" Moved by Mr. Wilson's insinuation in his letter to Secretary Chase,
August 27, he will bind himself to Secretary Ch.ase : 1st. To furnish seventy
presses, eleven-inch rams, .and such others .as the departraent may require,
complete, with apparatus required to work them, .as per bill attached, raarked
'A,' and for the price there named, and the conditions as to u.se specified.
2d. Binds himself to assume loss, if he does not print for one week (if plates
prepared and paper applied) three dry impressions per minute. 3d. If he
fails, will remove them at his own cost, and authorize Clark to retain and pay
over to proper parties whatever may be due or become due hira."
This proposition to the Hon. Secretary appears to have been iramediately
acted on, and we find Gwynn at once in communication with various ma
chinists in reference to the manufacture of hydraulic presses for the United
States Currency Bureau. Without even the .ability to pay for these presses
in the first place, Gwynn pledges himself to -'remove thera at his own cost,"
from the departraent buildings, if they do not perforra the given amount of
work per minute ; and without a full and frank definition of his position as a
contractor to the Government, and under the coloring of official position,
Stuart Gwynn caused expenditures to the amount of one hundred thousand
dollars to be made by innocent and disinterested parties, who were entirely
unaware of his nefarious schemes.
Without capital, and with no moneyed friends or associates, Stuart Gwynn,
as the result plainly shows, has mulcted these several machine-manufacturing
companies in the sura of the various balances due thera for work done and
materials furnished. For by the error in design of the presse.s, the drawings
for which were furnished by Gwynn, the presses are made inadequate to the
work assigned thera, and one by one they are being removed frora the Treasury
building, damaged beyond repair, and worthless excepting as old castings.
These damaged presses can be seen at this date, laid aside and awaiting

" PATRIOTISM "—FAILURE— MUTILATION. 279
removal among the rubbish heaps of the grounds adjacent to tho Treasury
building. It is shown by the careful perusal of the papers accompanying this report,
that Stuart Gwynn and his associates, all needy men, were ready to '¦'¦help
their country,'''' as expressed in many ways throughout these papers, "from
motives of patriotism,'''' at anv and all times, and in any nossible way — from
"iron-c;ad armor plating" to " 'elegraphiug f^r Upde Sara:" froui tho sale
of the steamer Nephon to the charter of another, ot which " twenty dollars
per day profit can be realized, if Gwynn can secure the charter," and finally
hitting upon a plan to assist the Treasury Department by making "fractional
currency." We find the combination brought to bear upon the Secretary, so that
Stuart Gwynn is permitted to enjoy his confidence, General 'S.a.wpl using his
official position and associations to bring hiin (Gwynn) to the notice of the
Secretary of the Treasury.
The confidence of the Hon. Secretary in Gwynn and his operjitions having
beep secured in the raanner as before shown in this report, Mr. S. M. Clark's
official interposition was only required by his daily assurances of success in
Gwynn's various insane projects; this, as the report will show, was freely
accorded hira.
Gwynn, without one dollar, assumed to pay hundreds of thousands in case
of failure of a new and untried project, and, with the boldest effrontery, put
on a style, and fitted up apartraents in the Tre.a.sury building, so as to convey
the impression that he was what he was not.
By such unworthy raeans as these, aided by writing letters at tiraes, as
well as drawing drafts upon official letter paper, he (Gwynn) obtained "a
credit" which under no other circurastances could he have obtained.
The result, as now seen, is what might have been anticipated — an utter
failure, with no means of responding to the unpaid accounts of those who
have been so gre.atly deceived and so foully wronged.
I now have the honor of directing your attention to a subject of grave
importance, in connection with the operations of Stuart Gwynn, involving no
less than the perraanent injury and mutilation of the Treasury Department
buildings. This magnificent structure, complete in all its details, having been designed
and constructed, so far as it is finished, under the superintendence of the first
architectural talent of the country, has received most severe and unnecessary
abuse, under the direction of Gwynn, sustained by others connected w-ith the
departraent, who were entirely conversant with his designs and projects.
The north attic room of the west wing was selected by Gwynn as a recep
tacle of the seventy-eight hydraulic presses ordered by him, and to-day a dead
weight of nearly two hundred tons is sustained npon girders designed for no
such purpose. Many of the rooms in the building now occupied by the clerks
in the department, with their office furniture, &c., are supported by heavier
girders. The consequence of this raost unusual load for the attic rooms of the
building jnay be observed in the deflection of the cast-iron beams supporting
its floors

280 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
The architect of the building is satisfied that the injury alre.ady su.itained
IS perm.anent in its character ; and, even should the dead weight be removed,
the beams must retain the deflection of one to one and a h.alf inch, as, in the
n.ature of the m.aterial, cast-iron can not return to the straight line, as might
be the case with wooden girders.
The most startling of all of Gwynn's eccentricities, .as displayed in his
operations with the Treasury, and which is a criminal assumption of power
upon his part and his advisers, is the mutilation of the exterior of the edilioe,
together with the imminent peril in which the lives and persons of the em
ployees of the department are placed by his device.
I refer to the arrangement whereby one hundred tons dead weight is sus
pended by pulleys over the cornice of the roof of a portion of the structure.
In the court-yard of the new buildiiiL', north, may be witnessed one of the
most extraordinary burlesques upon " mechanics," of which science Gwynn
professes to be master, that this country affords.
The cornice, drilled through and through to accommodate thick wire cables,
supposed to be capable of sustaining so great a weight; pulleys and fi.vtui-es
projecting in the most unsightly manner above and beyond the cornice; and
this enormous weight of cast-iron blocks or plates suspended, in a frame of
heavy timber, perpendicularly the entire height of the building. And what
is the object of all this machinery, involving an outlay of probably twenty
thousand dollars in its first cost, and liable, as soon as put into operation, to
damage irreparably everything with which it should come in contact?
Stuart Gwynn finds that he h,as not enough pressure, as he believes, to
perfectly print on his "membrane jiaper " by the hydraulic presses; and al
though one by one the machines burst and become worthless under the simple
process of hand-printing, as has been shown (this " device " is part of a fixture
to iuorease "the pressure" upon each and every part of the rams), and prac
tical raen in the department are free to say that, if even the additional pressure
is obtained by this or any other means, the presses will all burst immediately
the additional pressure is applied.
I will endeavor to describe the peculiar device of Gwynn, whereby he
hopes to obtain this result, and respectfully suggest to tho Hon. Solicitor
a personal examination of the affair, that he may fully realize the utter abor-
viveness of the plan and its dangerous character to the building and the occu
pants of the rooms in that vicinity.
This contrivance, which he calls a "receiver," consisted of two cast-iron
cylinders, running parallel to each other, .and placed upon the top of the
stone-work of the building. I respectfully submit a sketch herewith, which
will aid in a proper understanding of the design. In the cylinder there is in
troduced an iron piston-rod, at tbe end of which are fastened two wire cables
(indicated on the sketch by red ink lines), running over large iron w-heels or
pulleys, and to which, outside the building, the heavy weight is attached by
means of an iron pipe (marked " supply " on the drawing). Oil is supplied to
the cylinders. By means of a steam engine the weight is to be raised, and by
letting it fall again from a certain elevation, the piston is pressed with great
force into the cylinder, working against the oil ; thus, by means of pipes con-

THE "RECEIVER"— MR. CLARK'S REFUSAL. 281
veying the oil to the different presses frora the cylinder, the pressure on each
of thera is proposed to be greatly increased.
I am not enough of an engineer to give you a correct idea of the working
of this ponderous apparatus. According to the laws of hydraulics, however,
the pressure acting against the cylinder is equal to that exerted where it
really is wanted, there being a space left between the piston and the inside
surface of the cylinders, which space is filled with oil. Many persons, who
have examined this arrangement, agreed in this: that the cylinders would not
stand such a pressure, and so it was proven, for the cylinders burst at the first
test, as they did also at the second.
Whether Gwynn would have ever succeeded in getting by this means an
increase of speed and power, I can not decide; but it would not have availed
him muoh in regard to the quality of his printing, as shown elsewhere in this
report. Bearing in mind the primary object constantly held in view by Gwynn,
that of creating a large demand for his peculiar style of paper, which he
designates "membrane paper," we find, because of its peculiar manufacture,
it can not be treated as other p.aper — that is to say, it can not be dampened — ¦
that Gwynn, with the aid and encouragement of parties inside the department,
has attempted to revolutionize the whole system of plate-printing.
Mr. Neale, the assistant superintendent, in his statement says, that, in June,
1863, he was anxious to procure bank-note paper and roller presses, to pro
ceed at once to supply the fractional currency so much needed ; but that Mr.
Clark would not sanction that arrangement, as the paper of Mr. Gwynn was
to be printed upon and hydraulic presses to be used. V.aluable time was thus
lost in extrav.agant experiments, by Gwynn and Clark, and fin.ally, upon
Clark's recommendation, the Secretary permits Gwynn to proceed to carry
out his ideas on a, large scale.
Seventy to eighty hydraulic presses are ordered, and agaiust the remon
strances and protests of the supervising architects of the Treasury building.
These presses, over two hundred tons dead weight, were placed in a portion
of the building never designed for any such burden. Not content with this
— for everybody, every thing, seemed for a time to have to yield before the
object of selling patent membrane paper to the Government — when it was
found that tlie presses did not give force enough, the building h.as to be
defaced, mutilated, and permanently injured, by the most outrageous con
trivance, hereinbefore described, and which Gwynn calls his "receiver," which
promises, like all the rest of his insane schemes, to result in a complete and
utter failure. And now, at the date of this report, workmen are engaged and
hands employed in tearing down one of the walls of the newly finished portion
of the north end of the west wing of the building, to prepare for two more of
these unheard-of apparatuses, which Mr. Clark, in the absence of Gwynn, has
decided to erect, according to the original plans of Gwynn.
This whole affair seems to rae so monstrous in its character, so reckless in
its design, so criminal in its intent, that I would here most respectfully suggest
to the Hon. Solicitor of -the Treasury to present the whole subject to the
immediate notice of the Hon. Secretary of the Treasury, so that peremp-

282 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
tory orders may be issued for a discontinuance of the deraolition and deface
ment of the building; and al.so for the appointment of a coramission, com
posed of practical and scientific men, who may be authorized to fully investi
gate the truth or fallacy of the serious charges herein made.
On page 20 of this report the statement of Stuart Gwynn reads: "I never
purchased any article, that I can recollect, as the agent of the Treasury Depart
ment; I never called myself its agent; I never said I was authorized to pur
chase goods for it. I always purchased through my friends, or as an individ
ual, or as a trustee for other parties."
Tn order to show that this statement is entirely incorrect, I herewith sub-
rait copies of some of the original invoices found among the " papers seized "
at the time of Gwynn's arrest. -Washihctox, D. C, 1863.
Dr. S. Qwynn, for Treasury Department, bought of Wm. 8. Mitchell & Co.,
dealers in house-furnishing drygoods.
August 13. 64i- yards Brussels, at $2.25  $144 75
" Making and laying, $9.65 ; thread, $1  .'  10 65
" 17. 64i yards Brussels, at $2.25  145 69
" Making and laying, $9.71; thread, $1  10 71
October 1. Two cocoa mats, $2  4 00
$315 80
HAETroED, October U,'iiSi.
Stuart Owynn, Esq. {terms cash), bought of Woodruff <i> Beach, Iron Works.
September 14. One segmental engine for Treasury Department. . $800 00
October 13. Sixteen hydrauhc presses do. at $1,000 16,000 00
$16,800 00
Credit:
October 13. By cash  800 00
$16,000 00
NoETn Mancuesteb, September 80, 1868.
Stuart Owynn, Esq., National Note Bureau, Washington, D. C, to M. Hud
son, Dr.
August 11. 306 lbs. waste silk, at 38 cents  $115 28
" 18. 315 lbs. paper, at 32 cents  100 80
September 5. 369 J lbs. paper, at 32 cents  118 24
" 11. 121 J lbs. paper, at 32 cents  38 80
" 24. 492J lbs. paper, at 32 cents  157 60
" 80. 459 lbs. paper, at 32 cents  146 88
$677 6C
Received payment, M. Hudson, per P. W. H.
NoKTH Manchestee, October 18, 1863.
S. Gwynn, for U. S. Treasury Department, to P. W. Hudson, Dr.
To 1,000 lbs. silk, at $1.50  $1,500 00

AN INVOICE— A FREIGHT BILL. 283
NoETn Manchester, December 11, 1863.
Stuart Owynn, Esq., Treasury Department, to M. Hudson, Dr.
November — . To 280 lbs. spider-leg web, at 35 cents  $98 00
December 7. To 988 lbs. spider-leg web, at 35 cents  345 80
" 11. To 1,166 lbs. spider-leg web, at 35 cents  408 10
$851 90
It is not deemed necessary to multiply copies of instances of this character,
sufficient having been presented to establish the fact that it was not contem
plated, in any instance, to trust Stuart Gwynn upon his own personal respon
sibility. The fact of his having retained these bills, as rendered, in his pos
session, without raaking known to the parties rendering them his true relative
position toward the department, is equivalent to his purchasing, in the name
of the department, goods for his o-»'n use and benefit.
I would respectfully direct the attention of the Hon. Solicitor of the
Treasury to the most> important fact developed in this investigation, which is
this : Stuart Gwynn, with all his eccentricities and experiments, his inven
tions and ideas, which have cost the Government so much vexation, such
unfortunate delay, and so large an expenditure of money, could never have
proceeded as he has done, for a single week, excepting by the sanction and
co-operation of S. M. Clark, the Superintendent of the National Currency
Bureau. To what extent Clark has been, or raay be, directly interested in the ulti
mate success of Gwynn's membrane paper is not clearly shown ; bnt that he
was interested may be inferred frora the correspondence between Gwynn and
Clark, in which the former speaks of "our enterprise;" also, from the tenor
of C. A. Browne's Boston letters to Gwynn, in which frequent mention is
made of Clark in connection with the membrane paper; and, also, in the let
ters of C. W. Bond, New York, where Clark is spoken of in the same connec
tion, as well as the fact that a paid freight bill for hydraulic presses, made out
iu S. M. Clark's name, was found among Gwynn's papers, a copy of which ia
herewith submitted : ¦Wabhtkgtoh, November 10, 1863.
Mr. S. M. Clark to Schooner J. P. Augur, Dr.
Freight from New York, on sixteen hydraulic presses, weighing eleven
thousand pounds each, making a total of eighty-eight tons of two thousand
pounds each, at eight dollars per ton, as per bill of lading, seven hundred and
fonr dollars. Received payment. W. A. Wright, Captain.
The above presses have been delivered. Edward H. Dougherty.
November 19, 1863.
It is a fact that the urgent protests of the supervising architect of the
Treasury building, against the mutilation of the edifice, were always met by S.
M. Clark, who claimed that the design was to delay the currency issues.

284 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
And should the Hon. Secretary decide, as I trust he will, that a ful! in
vestigation of this subject shall be made before the proper tribunal, it will bo
clearly shown, by witnesses now indisposed to testify, for reasons set forth
herein, that S. M. Clark is, or has been, a party pecuniarily interested in the
final success of Stuart Gwynn's operations in connection with the Treasury
Department. What is it that received the entire sanction and protection of S. M.Clark?
A system of dry plate printing, requiring hydranlic presses in large numbers;
many of these presses have been in the rooms assigned to them for months
past. Out of seventy or eighty presses, only six are now or have been in
operation, printing an average of seventy-five impressions daily, e.ach, instead
of over fourteen hundred each, as claimed for them by Gwynn. As early as
October 15, 1863, we find Stuart Gwynn telegraphing to the manufacturers,
as follows: ¦WAsmuGTOK, October 15, 1868.
Messrs. Poolb & Hunt, engineers, Baltimore : —
Two more press cylinders burst last night. What is wrong? Is the iron
bad? Answer by telegram. S. Gwtnn.
Showing the liability of the presses to break down was clearly understood
at that early date.
I hiive not had facilities for ascertaining the total amount of money ex
pended by Gwynn in his various operations; but, independent of the original
cost of presses, many of which have been paid for, there has been expended
at least seventy-five thousand dollars in various ways, made necessary by the
introduction of the hydraulic press.
And still the subject is being pursued, and this, too, by the superintendent
charged with the gre.at responsibility of promptly and faithfully supplying the
country with currency for daily circulation.
Stuart Gwynn was arrested, and S. M. Clark takes hold of his plans and
projects just where he left off. And although he has stated to rae and others
that these presses will not work — that they must continue to break down, one
after the other, as they have done heretofore — yet he goes on to perfect the
pulley and weight apparatus outsider the building, which Gwynn had com
menced, and even has gone on to construct two raore such receivers, -with
their appendages, at another portion of the building.
This latter operation requires the demolition of the brick-work but recently
laid in cement, at a gre.at cost, and constituting the end wall of the west wing
of the extension as far as completed.
Surely it can not be doubted that S. M. Clark has not the pnblic interest
and welfare as his first object, in view of all these facts. He has sanctioned,
and is now protecting, the perpetration of the grossest follies, which are crim
inal when the expenditure of public moneys is involved.
Frora the full and careful investigation of the entire subject, which has
claimed ray attention for nearly three months past, I am convinced, beyond a

TIIE COMMITTEE OF INVESTIGATION. 285
doubt, of the entire and utter failure of the plans and projects of Stuart Gwynn
in connection with the Currenny Bureau.
Sooner or later this will be demonstrated to the satisfaction of all con
cerned. That the whole business has not long ago exploded, and Stuart
Gwynn permitted to pursue his railroad, telegraph, and Hoosic tunnel engage
ments, is owing entirely to the interference of S. M. Clark, in his official
capacity, who, having the entire confidence of the Hon. Secretary here
tofore, has had every facility to apologize for the delays and shortcomings of
Gwynn. And, in concluding this report, I here desire to record my conviction that
Stuart Gwynn, as a princip.al, and S. M. Clark, as his confederate, have been
and are now engaged in one of the most deliberate and barefaced attempts to
perfect an idea or invention at the expense of the public, and for their own
benefit, tliat the records of the Government can furnish. And I do not believe
there could be found a grand jury in the country who would hesitate to indict
Stuart Gwynn and S. M. Clark for conspiracy to defraud the Government,
with the facts before thera which are clearly set forth in this report and the
documents referred to accompanying it.
I am, sir, your obedient servant, L. 0. Baker,
Colonel, and Special Agent War Department.
Hon. Edward Jordan,
Solicitor of the Treasury Department.
To the above, the Solicitor returned an order in the usual
form, requiring rae to place Mr. Gwynn in the Old Capitol
prison. These investigations, although but little known to
the public, had awakened an intense curiosity to get further
light on the mysterious subject. Congress had heard rumors
¦of what had transpired, and in the latter part of April, 1864,
the Hon. James Brooks, M. C, in a bold and manly speech,
denounced in unsparing terms the immoralities and fraudulent
transactions in the Treasury Department. The result was,
the introduction, April 30, of a resolution calling for a Con
gressional committee of investigation.
In politics, Mr. Brooks and rayself, it is well known, had
no sympathy, and also that his party were in the decided
minority. But I then believed, and still believe, that he
was moved by an honest and commendable motive — to have
the truth discovered in regard to the alleged wrongs. When
the appointment of the comraittee was announced, I was
often cautioned by my Republican friends not to proceed,
and denounced for my persistence in pushing the investiga-

286 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
tion. I was told that, however authentic the disclosures,
and even if proved legally, it would injure seriously men in
high official relations ; that I was endangering the credit of
the country ; that the administration and dominant party
would suffer in the approaching presidential campaign.
"What!" exclaimed a prorainent politician, "do you
wish to furnish arguments for copperhead stump orators
against our party ?"
I answered : "If the success of the Republican party and
its continuance in power depend upon the suppression of
fraud and vices in its officers, some other instrument must he
selected to aid in such a burial of corruption. The investi
gation must go on."
When it was evident that neither threats nor persuasion
would induce me to conceal the truth, resort was had to
denunciation and detraction, by certain Treasury officials, in
which Mr. Chase was not silent.

CHAPTER XXII.
INVESTIGATIONS IN THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
The Bureau suspected of Complicity with ;gank Note Companies — Mr. Gwynn m
the Old Capitol Prison — The Congressional Committee call for Documents —
They are produced — Mr. Clark's Status — Report.
It was suddenly found that "Colonel Baker was in the
interest of the bank note companies, to break up the printing
in their departraent, and leave it to the former. He had not
capacity to raake a proper investigation."
The coraraittee in Congress, however, was organized, and
I quote here its first resolution : — -W-ABHiNQTON, May 8, 1864
The comraittee met at 11 o'clock, a. m. Present: Mr. Garfield, chairman,
and Messrs. Wilson, Brooks, Davis, Stuart, Fenton, Dawson, and Steele.
On motion of Mr. Brooks —
Resolved, That Colonel Baker, provost-raarshal of the War Department,
be directed to appear before the committee of investigation upon the Treasury,
with all papers, documents, depositions, and all written information of any
kind he has respecting the printing or publication of the public money, or the
persons engaged therein.
In response, I appeared before the coraraittee, with the
report which has already been introduced. Before leaving
the committee-room, I was satisfied that the committee was
composed in part of gentlemen who did not believe the
allegations respecting the Treasury Department. They at
tributed the rumors which had led to the inquiry, to a desire
of Mr. Brooks and others to attack the administration, and
on my part, to gain such notoriety as might follow the pub
licity of scandalous statements, which might have no founda
tion in fact.
To leave the committee for awhile and go to the Old

288 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Capitol prison, where Stuart Gwynn was confined, I wrote
the subjoined statement : — -Wasiiingtoh, D. C, February 8, 1864.
Honorable Edward Jordan, Solicitor of the Treasury Departraent: —
Sir — I would respectfully suggest, inasmuch as it is impossible for me
at this time, owing to the great demand on my time in the numerous investi
gations now being carried on by me in the v.arious departments, and the mass
of facts and evidence in my possession, which mn.st necessarily be analyzed and
arranged before a complete conclusion and satisfactory report can be made,
that Dr. Gwynn be paroled, not to leave the District of Columbia until allowed
to do so by the permission of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Tills communication is writte* at the suggestion of Mrs. Gwynn and
other friends of the Doctor, who represent that his health is suffering in con
sequence of his continued confinement.
I would further state, that certain developments are daily being made, in
add .tion to facts already known and proved, showing conclusively Dr. Gwynn's
participation in fraudulent transactions in the Treasury Department. I think
the interests of the Government will not sutfer by allowing Dr, G. to be dis
charged ou his "parole." I ara, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. 0. Baker,
Colonel, and Agent War Department.
The above was returned, as not sufficiently definite in
character ; in other words, I was to be responsible for all
arrests raade, Mr. Jordan denying that he gave any authori
ty for Gwynn's arrest, consequently Avas unwilling to re
lease hira.
1 made the following indorsement on my communication
to Mr. Jordan, of February 3, and sent it back to him : —
Washington City. D. C. February i, 1864.
On further consideration of the matter referred to within, I am convinced
that the interests of the Government will not be jeopardized by allowing Dr.
Gvvynn to be relea.sed without requiring the usual parole in such cases the
Government having in its possession ample security for his appearance when
wanted. (Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Agent War Department.
Dr. Gwynn was set at liberty, by Mr. Jordan's order,
the succeeding day.
I was now fully satisfied, as it subsequently appeared,
that Mr. Chase, through Solicitor Jordan, would not only
attack my official acts in this department, but would assist

A COMMUNICATION— REPORT. 289
(as he did) to embarrass my efforts and assail my official
character, by all means available, before the committee. To
fortify my position more, I will here remark, that the course
of Solicitor Jordan, and others referred to, will hereafter be
further noticed.
The next communication is in reply to a call by the com
mittee, on the War Departraent, for certain documents : —
-WAsniNGTON City, May 2.3, 1864.
Sir — I am instructed by the Secretary of War to acknowledge the receipt
of your communication of the 20th instant, asking that the special committee
to inquire into matters pertaining to the Treasury Department raay be fur
nished with copies of "all orders or instructions under which Colonel Baker
was detailed to investigate into raatters belonging to the Treasury Depart
ment," and to transmit, in accordance with the above request, the inclosed
paper, which contains all the inforraation to be found on the files of this de
partment in relation to the subject of your inquiry.
Your obedient servant, Jas. a. Hardie,
Colonel, and Inspector-General.
Thos. F. Andrews, Esq., Clerk to Committee.
The documents were furnished, when a similar request
was addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury, to which
the report, at considerable length, was the response : —
Appendix U. Trrasuhy Dbpaetment, May 80, 1864.
Sir — I have received your letter of the 20th instant, transmitting a copy of
a resolution of your committee, requesting the Secretary of the Treasury to send
to the comraittee " all orders, or instructions, or directions, or requests of any
kind, under which Colonel L. C. Baker was asked for or detailed to investi
gate matters belonging to the Treasury Department, whether these papers he
confidential or otherwise."
I transmit herewith a copy of a communication addressed by me to tho
Secretary of War, on the 24th December, 1863, requesting him to direct Col
onel Baker to make such investigations and arrests, and exercise such custody
of persons arrested, as I might find needful for the detection and punishment
of frauds on the Governraent, comraitted by persons in this department.
Upon this request. Colonel Baker was detailed for the service in question,
and directed to act under the instructions of the Solicitor of the Treasury, to
whom the matter was confided.
I understand, from the Solicitor, that on the day after the arrest of Dr.
Gwynn by Colonel Baker, he addressed an order to the latter authorizing him
to confine Dr. Gwynn in the Old Capitol prison, and that subsequently he ad-
19

290 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
dressed to him another communication, consenting to his release therefrom.
The Solicitor informs me that he has no copy of either of these communica
tions. I am not aware of any other papers totiching the matter referred to.
I am, very respectfully, S. P. Chabb, Secretary of the Treasury.
Hon. James A. Garfield,
House of Representatives.
The next communication which I find, is respecting the
case of Mr. Henderson, to whom reference has been made,
and who was accused of receiving bribes while chief clerk
in the Requisition Office : — WASniNGTON, March 18, 1864
Hon. Edward Jordan-, Solicitor of Treasury Department: —
Sir — Herewith I have the honor to forward report in the case of G. A.
Henderson, recently arrested and paroled by your order.
The facts and proofs developed, so far as ray investigations are concerned,
are to a great extent circum.stantial. The surveillance established over Mr.
Henderson, by my direction, previous to his arrest, would 'seem to show that
Mr. H., by some means unknown to me, was not only aware of such surveil
lance, bnt was well posted as to all my moveraents. As a proof of this I sub
mit the following copy of a letter left by a colored boy at his (Henderson's)
house, which letter was found by myself, underneath the door of his house,
some days after I began my investigations. [Copt of LETTEn.] "Washington, Sunday, 4 o'clock.
"Guss — Don't fail to act the moment you receive this. Mr. Chase has
ordered your arrest. I have seen the papers. Colonel B. will certainly arrest
yon within forty-eight hours. For God's sake, Guss, never let this happen.
You do not know the movements now on foot; Cornwell was but the begin
ning. Guss, as you value your liberty, don't suffer yourself to be arrested.
Clit. General S. Field and others have been the prime movers. I h,ave been
consulted, and know all of the plans, but ara not suspected. You are not
watched to-day. Get a horse and buggy after dark to-night, and go to Rock-
ville. You will raeet a friend this side of the village, who will tell you all.
When you read this burn it. Guss, this is not idle talk. For God's sake,
heed it. Your Friend.
No positive or definite proof has as yet been discovered as to who the
writer of this letter is.
Feeling the importance of allowing Mr. H. to hold no communication with
those persons alleged to have paid him various sums of raoney for passing

MR. HENDERSON— AFFIDAVITS. 291
¦warrants through the department illegitimately or irregularly, I advised Mr.
Field, the Assistant Secretary, not to grant hira a leave of absence. Such
leave of absence was, however, granted, and during the tirae that Mr. H. was
in New York, he was in daily communication with the very individuals from
whora he admits having received some eight hundred dollars for services
rendered. I endeavored, by all means in my power, to obtain from William A. Seaver,
one of the persons referred to as being in daily communication with Mr.
H., a sworn stateraent of his transactions with Henderson, after repeated
promises on his (Seaver's) part that he would do so. He finally declined
altogether; but admitted to me, in presence of his counsel, Mr. John Develin,
that he paid Henderson large sums of raoney in certain business transactions,
not naraing the nature of said transactions. It will be seen by Mr. Hender
son's statement, a copy of which is forwarded with this report, that he (H.)
admits having received one hundred dollars frora a Mr. Hunter, of Phila
delphia, but that he donated the same to some benevolent institution, the
name of which he has forgotten.
I regret that there were no means at my disposal to compel the attendance
of witnesses, whom I ara confident would have testified to the following
facts : —
1st. That Henderson did receive frora W. A. Seaver a sum of money, for
the improper passage of warrants.
2d. That Henderson received from Mr. William Hunter, of Philadelphia,
one hundred dollars, in consideration of which he (H.) passed a claim for six
teen thousand dollars. An examination of the books in Mr. H.'s oflfice will
show that said claim was preferred to many others then on file; and further,
that there was no order requiring Mr. H. to prefer Mr. Hunter's claim.
3d. That the warrant-books in Mr. Henderson's offlce show that a very
large araount of preferred warrants, or claims, have been improperly passed
by Henderson. In order to a full investigation of the case, I would respect
fully recommend that the United States District- Attorney for this district be
instructed to call before the Grand Jury the following named witnesses :
Charles Secor and W. A. Seaver, New York; Wra. Hunter, Philadelphia;
Messrs. Baldwin, Saville, MoCarty, and West.
Previous to the investigation of the committee, I for
warded a number of affidavits, with the subjoined report, to
the Solicitor of the Treasury : — WASHlNGTOlf, April 18, 1864.
Hon. Edward Jordan, Solicitor of the Treasury Departraent: —
Sir — On the 1st instant I had the honor to forward you a report in the
case of Stuart Gwynn. In that report, I found it necessary to refer to, and
comment somewhat severely upon, the ofiicial conduct and character of Mr.
S. M. Clark, Superintendent of Currency Bure.au. I now desire to call your
attention to certain facts, involving not only the official character and conduct
of Mr. S. M. Clark, but his raoral and social position. I challenge the records

292 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
of any department or bureau ever organized under our Government to show
snch a system of gross immorality, such a total disregard for even the most
common or ordinary respect for decency, as is most conclusively and over
whelmingly shown by the affidavits accompanying this communication. These
depositions, however, constitute but a small portion of the great mass of tes
timony on this subject, which has accumulated within the past few days.
For raonths past the conduct of S. M. Clark, in connection with certain
foraale employees of his department, has been the subject of street and bar
room gossip of this city, and it was only after most patient and energetic
investigations, that the testimony accompanying this communication was so
obtained. An old established rule of the Treasury requires that the names of all
persons, both male and female, passing in or out of the Treasury building
after certain hours, shall be registered by the door-keeper. Mr. Clark, how
ever, countermanded the order, so far as it applied to female employees.
The reason for Mr. Clark's interference in this matter will be fully under
stood by a careful reading of the deposition referred to. I desire to state,
that no undue or improper influences have been used in procuring the sworn
statements of the female employees. On arrival at my office, they willingly
and voluntarily raade the respective affidavits to which their signatures are
appended. With this very brief statement, and accompanying papers, I leave the case
of Mr. Clark in your hands, feeling confident that, when you have fully ex
amined the snbject, Mr. S. M. Clark will be summarily, dishonorably, and
disgracefully dismissed from the department.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Oolonol, and Agent War Department.

CHAPTER XXIII.
STARTLING DISCLOSURES IN THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Miss Ella Jackson's Affidavit — Miss .Tennie Germon — Mr. Spurgeon and others —
Correspondence with Mr. Garfield, Chairman of Congressional Committee —
Minority Report — Concluding Statements.
I NOW furnish the damaging affidavits in regard to Mr.
Clark's moral character, with my own statement of facts : —
From the Documents appended to tlie Official Report of Colonel Provost-
Marshal Baker, to the Secretary of tlie Treasury {Mr. Chase), upon the
Printing of the PubUe Money in Washington.
[Copt.]
Statement of Miss Ella Jackson. Washington, AprU 9, 1864.
My name is Ella Jackson. I was originally frora Baltiraore, Maryland;
am eighteen years of age. I went to work in the Treasury Department on
the 6th Noveraber, 1862. I procured my situation through the Hon. Mr.
Kellog, M. C. from Michigan. I have worked in various rooms in the de
partment ; am at present in the numbering-room, where I have been about
six months. I know Mr. S. M. Clark, Superintendent of Currency Bureau. I
also know Mr. G. A. Henderson.
Some time last fall, I think in September, I had a oonversation with Mr.
S. M. Clark and Mr. Henderson, in relation to them (Clark and Henderson)
procuring two suits of boy's clothes — one suit for rayself, and the other for a
girl named Jennie Germon, who was then working in the Currency Bureau.
Clark and Henderson were to furnish the male suits, and Jennie Germon and
myself were to put thera on and accompany them (Clark and Henderson) to the
Canterbury, a place of amusement in this city, where females are not allowed,
owing to the nature of the exhibitions or plays usually in vogue at that pl.ace
of amusement. On the evening agreed upon between Mr. Clark, Henderson,
Miss Germon, and myself to attend the Canterbury, as stated above, Mr.
Henderson sent me a note written in pencil, in which he stated, as near as I
can recollect, that the suit could not be obtained that night, but w-ould be all
ready by Monday noon ; that C. could not go that evening to the Canterbury,
but would join us during the evening and go to supper. That the carriage

294 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
would stop at onr door at seven o'clock, and we, Jennie Germon and myself,
should come down alone and get into the carriage.
This letter was signed, I think, H. Mr. Henderson did call at seven o'clock,
as arranged. We went down, got in and drove to Georgetown, back to the
Capitol, and stopped at the corner of First Street and the Avenue, got ou»
and walked to the Buhler restaurant, where we found Mr. Clark in waiting.
We all had supper, which occupied nearly two hours. Messrs. Clark, Hen
derson, Jennie Germon, and myself, thi.'n went direct to the Central Hotel,
corner of Sixth Street and the Avenue. Mr. Clark and Henderson went in
and registered names on the hotel register. I do not know what names were
registered. Jennie Germon and Mr. Clark occupied a front room ; I think,
the fourth floor. Mr. Henderson and myself occupied the next room adjoin
ing. We all remained until about three o'clock, when Mr. Hendersim got up
and stated that he was going home. Mr. Clark, Miss Germon, and myself,
between eight and nine o'clock in the morning, went to the Buhler restaurant,
where we all got breakfast; came down stairs; Mr. C. left us at the door,
and went away, and we went home. Miss Germon was then employed in
the press division in Mr. Clark's bureau. Miss Germon was not discharged
by Mr. Clark, but left of her own accord, as she was about to be married.
Some time in the month of December, 1803, Mr. Henderson first mentioned
to me the plan of going to Philadelphia. After Mr. Henderson mentioned
the mjitter to rae, I spoke to Laura Duvall about it; she was willing to go.
A short time after Mr. Henderson mentioned the suliject, Mr. S. M. Clark
s[ioke to me on the subject, and asked me if I was willing to go. I replied,
yes. Alterward, Clark, Henderson, Laura Duvall, and myself, consulted to
gether, and agreed to all go on the following Saturday. Miss Duvall and
myself were to go on the three o'clock, p. m., train, and Clark and Henderson
were to follow in the next train. Miss Duvall and myself went down to the
depot, but found, on inquiry, there was no three o'clock train, and at once
returned to onr house. No. 276 Pennsylvania Avenue. Miss Duvall then
wrote a note to Mr. Clark at the Deiiartment, and sent it by a boy named
Willie, who lives at my house. After the boy had delivered Miss Dnvall's
letter, I sent one to Mr. Clark by the s.ame boy, stating there was no three
o'clock train, but that Miss Duvall and myself would leave in the tive o'clock
train. Mr. Clark sent back a reply to my note by the boy referred to, telling
us to go on, and that he and H. would follow by the next train. Miss Duvall
and myself took the five o'clock train. On our arrival in Philadelphia, wo
went to the Continental Hotel, and registered our names, Miss Duvall and
Miss Percival. I did not like to register my own narae, as I had relations
residing in Philadelphia. I do not recollect the number of the rooms we
occupied. We had no baggage, in consequence of which the clerk asked
for our bills in advance; which request we complied with. Mr. Clark did
not arrive until morning, owing to a delay on the road. Mi. Henderson did
not come on, owing to the arrival of some of his friends frora Baltimore that
evening. Mr. Clark and Miss Duvall occupied a room together from about
ten o'(-lock, A. u., until about seven o'clock, p. m. (this was on Sunday). Mr.
Clark went out. and was absent until about seven o'clock in the evening,

STATEMENTS OF MISSES JACKSON AND GERMON. 295
when he returned. Mr. Clark, Miss Duvall, and rayself, were all in the same
room, until about nine or ten o'clock, when we all went to the depot together.
We left Philadelphia, I think, at eleven o'clock, and arrived in Washington
about six o'clock, a. m.
I have frequently worked at the Departraent late at night; have also
worked on Sunday, when Mr. Clark asked rae to do so. Clark has very
often asked the two Miss Duvalls and myself to drink ale in his private
office ; this has usually been done after eleven or twelve o'clock at night. I
don't think I ever drank more than two glasses at a tirae in Mr. Clark's
room. Don't think I was ever drunk in the Department. In the conversa
tion I had with Mr. Clark and Henderson about going to the Canterbury in
male attire, both Mr. Clark and Henderson informed tne that they had seen
Mr. Sinn, the proprietor, and raade an arrangeraent for a private box. I was
confident I could carry out my part of the programme.
In making this statement, I desire to say, that I have not done so under
any threat, intimidation, or promise, of any kind or nature whatsoever ; but
knowing that I have done wrong, and have acted very imprudently both
with Mr. Clark and Henderson, I desire to give a truthful and open statement
of all my intrigues and improprieties with the gentlemen alluded to.
E. Jackson.
On this 9th day of April, a. d. 1864, personally appeared before me Ella
Jackson, who, being duly sworn, on her oath said : That the foregoing state
ment she had heard read, and knew the contents thereof; that all the state
ments therein contained are true, of her own knowledge ; that they are made
freely on her part, without fear or threat, or promise of reward or favor of
any kind whatsoever. A. G. Lawrence, Notary Public.
Exhibit EE.
Statement of Miss Jennie Germon. Washington, April 12, 1864.
My name is Jennie Germon. I have been employed in the National Cur
rency Bureau since it first went into operation. I think I was the first lady
employed in that department. I reside with my sister, Mrs. Hutton, at No.
556 G Street, in this city. I was formerly employed in the Government
Printing Office, but left and went home to ray raother's to live. One day
when I returned to the house my mother informed me that a gentleraan named
Clark, frora the Treasury Department, had called to see me ; that gentleman
desired me to call at his ofiice on the following morning. I went as desired,
called on Mr. Clark ; he informed me that he (Mr. Clark) wanted me to go to
work for him in his bureau. I went to work, and worked until tho 21st of
September last. I have carefully read and heard read the statement of Miss
Ella Jackson, in reference to Messrs. Clark and Henderson making an engage
ment with Miss Jackson and myself to attend the Canterbury in raale attire,
also in relation to going to the Central Hotel. I further positively swear that

296 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
»>I1 that portion of Miss Jackson's statement referring to me is true in every
particular. Some time in the month of May or June last, as near as I can recollect,
and just after I had recovered frora a severe fit of sickness, vvhich kept nie
frora the Department for nearly six weeks, Mr. S. M. Clark carae to me in the
office, and asked me to come to his private residence, at the same tirae inform
ing me that his (Clark's) wife was in the country. I did not at first comply
with his request. On the next Saturday night, I do not recollect the day of
the month, I went to Mr. Clark's house about eight o'clock in the evening, he
(Mr. Clark) having given me his address, and also described the house. When
I arrived, I found Mr. Clark at supper. Mr. Clark and myself occupied the
same room until morning. I left Mr. Clark's house about seven or eight
o'clock in the raorning. I saw but one servant at Mr. Clark's house, and she
was a colored woman. The room we occupied was a second story back room,
the .same occupied by Mr. Clark and his wife when she (Mrs. Clark) was at
home. About two weeks after my first visit to Mr. Clark's house, he (Mr.
Clark) again asked me to go to his house and spend another evening with
him ; this request I complied with. I recollect distinctly a conversation I had
with Mr. Clark. He said his (Clark's) wife was very jealous, and at one tirae
told him (Clark) that she (Mrs. Clark) believed that the Treasury Department
was nothing more nor less than a house of ill-fame.
Mr. Clark has been invariably very kind. Soon after my marriage I sent
Mr. Clark a note, asking him to send me some money ; he did send me, I
think, eight dollars.
On another occasion that I recollect, Mr. Clark has paid me as high as
forty dollars; these amounts were independent of my wages earned in the
Department. I desire to state that I have made this statement voluntarily, without fear,
or promise of reward of any kind or nature wh.atsoever; but, r.atherthan for
swear myself, I freely confess ray shame and disgrace, trusting that no '
publicity will be given to my statement. Jennie Germon,
Sworn and subscribed to this 12th day of April, a.d. 1864.
A. G. Lawrence, Notary Public.
Exhibit FF.
Statement of Miss Laura Duvall. -Washington, April 9, 1864.
1 am eighteen years old ; I reside with my mother at 332 G Street, in this
city. I have worked in the Treasury Department since the 18th of Novem
ber, 1863. I procured tbe position on a letter written by Mayor Wallach, of
this city, to Mr. S. M. Clark, Superintendent of Currency Bnreau. When I
first went to work in the Dep.artraent, Mr. Clark put me up stairs in the press
room in Mr. Neal's department. I remained there but two weeks, when Mr.
Clark put me down stairs in the numbering-room. In this room I first mads

STATEMENTS OF MISSES DUVALL AND THOMPSON. 297
the acquaintance of Miss Ella Jackson, who was in the sarae departraent. Mr.
Clark first introduced me to Miss Jackson. Some time last fall or winter an
arrangeraent was made between Mr. Clark, Miss Jackson, and myself to go to
Philadelphia. It was understood that Miss Jackson and myself were to go on
in the three o'clock train. We went to the depot, but found that there was
no three o'clock train, and came back to Miss Jackson's room, No. 276 Penn
sylvania Avenue. Miss Jackson wrote something on a card, and sent it to
the Treasury Department by a boy. Miss Jackson and myself took the five
o'clock train for Philadelphia, and on our arrival there went to the Continen
tal Hotel, in accordance with the previous arrangement made with Mr. Clark.
Mr. Clark, it was understood, would follow in the next train. He did not
arrive at the Continental Hotel until about nine o'clock the next day (Sun
day). On Sunday evening, at eleven o'clock, we all left Philadelphia for
Washington, where we arrived on Monday morning, about six o'clock, a. m.
I desire to state that I have not made this statement nnder any throat,
intimidation, or promise, but have done so voluntarily, with my own free will
and accord. Laura Duvall.
On this 9th day of April, a. d. 1864, personally appeared before me Laura
Duvall, who, being duly sworn on her oath, said : That the foregoing state
raent she had heard read, and knew the contents thereof; that all the state
ments therein contained are true of her own knowledge ; that they are made
freely, on her part, without fear or threat, or promise of reward or favor of
any kind whatsoever. A. G. Lawrence, Notary Publio.
Exhibit GG.
Statement of Miss Ada Thompson.
I am an actress by profession; my residence is at 276 Pennsylvania
Avenue. I first becarae acquainted with Miss Jackson, I think, on the 12th
of September last, when I took rooms at No. 276 Pennsylvania Avenue, as
stated above. On the 20th of September last. Miss Jackson came to my room,
and, in course of a conversation, she (Miss Jackson) inforraed rae that she and
a girl named Jennie Germon had made an arrangement with Mr. S. M. Clark
and J. A. Henderson to dress in male attire, aud accompany them (Clark and
Henderson) to the Canterbury. Miss Jackson a.sked me to fix her hair, so
that she would look like a boy. I did not fix her hair. She went to Madame
Dubois, who informed her that she could not arrange her hair without cutting
it. While Miss Jackson was at the hair-dresser'.s, a note was left at Miss
Jackson's room. The note was written in pencil, and signed H. Handed
this note to Miss Jackson on her return ; when she read it, she remarked it
was from Henderson. Miss Jackson read the note referred to in my presence.
It stated that the suit could not be procured before Monday ; that he, Hender
son, would call for them, meaning Miss Jackson and Miss Germon, at seven
o'clock ; that they. Miss Jackson and Miss Germon, should come down and get

298 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
into the carriage, and they would all go where they were to go by some
previous arrangeraent. The carriage called and they all went away, and did
not return until the following morning. Shortly afterward. Miss Jack,son
informed me that they went to the Buhler restaurant, met Mr. Clark, had
supper, and then all went to the Central Hotel and took rooms. That they
all, Mr. Clark, Miss Jackson, and Miss Germon, got up at about nine o'clock
in the morning ; went to the Buhler restaurant, got breakfast, and then Mr.
Cl.ark went away, and Miss Jackson and Miss Germon went home. Some
time, I think, in December last, that while I occupied a room adjoining Miss
Jackson's and Jennie Gerraon's rooras, one morning about two o'clock I heard
a great noi.se in their (Miss Jackson's and Miss Gerraon's) rooras. On the
following morning, I asked Miss Jackson why there was so rauch noise in her
room? She replied that Clark and Henderson came home with her and Miss
Germon about two o'clock, and they had all (meaning Clark, Henderson, Miss
Germon and herself) had a good time at the office (meaning Clark's private
office) in the Treasury Department. That they had all been drinking ale, and
were drunk. On or about the 20th of Deceraber last. Miss Jackson informed
me that Clark, Henderson, Laura Duvall, and herself had made an arrange
ment to go to Philadelphia on the following Saturday evening, viz., December
26. That they (Miss Duvall and Miss Jackson) were to take the three o'clock
train, Clark and Henderson were to follow in the next train. They (Miss
Duvall and Jackson) went to the depot at three o'clock, but found there was
no train leaving at that time. They came back to my rooms. I wrote a note
for Miss Jackson to Mr. Clark, informing him that there was no three o'clock
train, but that they (Miss Jackson and Miss Duvall) would take the five o'clock
train, and asking them (Clark and Henderson) to follow in the next train.
Miss Jackson received a note from Mr. Clark, by the boy referred to, saying,
"go on, and we will follow you in the next train." Miss Jackson and Miss
Duvall did go on, and stopped at the Continental Hotel. Hender.son did not
go on, owing to the arrival of some friends from Baltiraore. They returned
to my house at about six o'clock on Monday morning. Miss Jackson fre
quently informed me that she and other girls working in the Currency
Bureau have frequently drank ale in Mr. Clark's private office. During the
month of December last, Miss Jackson seldom came home before two or three
o'clock in the morning. She stated to me that during these times she did not
work later than ten or eleven o'clock; that the balance of the time, to two
or three o'clock in the morning, she spent in Mr. Clark's private office. She
has often come home very drunk. She told me that Clark kept ale in his
private office, and treated her and the other girls. I have often seen in Miss
Jackson's possession obscene books, pictures, and prints, which she (Miss
Jackson) informed me were given her by Clark. She has also frequently
informed me that whenever new girls applied for situations in the Currency
Bureau, Clark would come to her and ask her to find out all about them ; that
she would make the inquiries, and if she (Miss Jackson) reported that she
thought they (the girls) could be improperly used by Clark, they were
employed. I have made the above statement freely, without threat, intimidation, or

- T. 0. SPURGEON— DIARY OF MISS JACKSON. 299
promise of reward ; that I consider it my duty as an honorable nnd loyal
woman to expose a system of the grossest immorality and impropriety prac
ticed by Mr. Clark upon the feraale employees under his cluu-;,'e. Ada TnoMi'sox.
Subscribed and sworn to this 10th day of April, 1864, at Wasliingtoii,
D. 0.
A. G. Lawrence, Notary Publio.
Exhibit HH.
Statement of T. C. Spurgeon. -Washington, April 10, 1864.
I have rooras at No. 276 Pennsylvania Avenue. I am a printer by trade;
-work at the job printing office of Mr. Polkinhorn, on D Street, Washington.
I know Miss Ella Jackson and Miss Jennie Germon; they had rooms on the
same floor I had. I have carefully read the sworn statement of Miss Ada
Thompson, and certify to the principal facts therein stated. I have heard
Miss Jackson say that she went to the Central Hotel, in this city, with
Clark, Henderson, and Miss Germon ; bnt when Henderson called for them
(Miss Jackson and Miss Germon) to take thera to the Central Hotel, that c
strange man got on the carriage behind and saw where they went. I have
heard Miss Jackson say that the manreferred to, who followed the carri.-ige,
as stated above, had a sister or cousin in Mr. Clark's employ, bnt he had some
time previous discharged her ; that the man who followed them said he would
go to Clark the next day and tell him (Clark) that if he did not at once take
his sister or cousin back into his (Clark's) employ he would expose him
(Clark) ; that Clark did take the girl referred to back at once, and that she
(the girl) is still in Mr. Clark's employ. I do not know the n.anie of the girl,
having never heard it mentioned. I also heard Miss Jackson raake a state
ment concerning her trip to Philadelphia, the substance of which is stated in
Miss Thompson's affidavit. I have often seen Miss Ella Jackson come home
late at night, or early in the morning, drunk, and have repeatedly heard her
say that she was drunk from the etfeots of ale given her hy Clark, in his
private office, in the Currency Bureau. T. C. Spurgeon.
Sworn and subscribed to before rae this tenth day of April, 1864.
A. G. Lawrexce, Notary Public.
Exhibit 1 1.
Collect copy of the Diary of Miss Ella Jackson.
Friday, January 1, 1864. It is now the first day of the new year, clear nnd
beautiful, but I ara not happy; every thing reminds rae of my dear mother.
Oh, why did you not take me with you? Took a lesson in Bianca. At night
took a lesson at the office.
2d. The day is beautiful, but very — oh, I am tired of working, and ara now

300 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
suffering with a bad cough. It is now eight o'clock, and I ara working that
infernal merabrane machine. Had a glass of ale, and went homo at half-
past twelve.
3d. Very cold, but clear ; sad day for me. Mr. English called, and stayed
three hours. Mr. S. was here in the evening. Oh, ma, ma, why did you
leave mel
4th. Snowing very hard all day. Received $62; worked at night ; took a
lesson in Medea. Mr. T. gave me a pack of cards. Had a glass of ale with
S. M. C.
5th. Stopped snowing ; felt badly all day; the sun shone beautiful in the
afternoon. Poor Mr. C. went to see Charlotte Thompson play the Hunch
back; can do better than her myself.
6th. Have a wretched headache; Frank gave me her picture ; worked at
night; took a lesson ; drank a glass of ale with S. M. C. ; got home at one
o'clock ; was very tired and sleepy.
7th. Laura is sick; I am not very well myself; worked at night; was
snowing when I went home; held a conversation with Captain Hudson; like
him very much ; could like him more ; but am afraid.
8th. Still snowing; am very sleepy ; bought me a pearl-colored silk ; saw
Mr. English ; he is a nice man ; the afternoon is beautiful ; worked at night ;
went home with Emma and staid all night.
9tli. Got to the office late ; presented Mr. Droughten with a  and broke
down in my speech ; drank wine ; I could not see the Captain ; Captain Hay
came to see me ; worked at night.
10th. Arose at ten; dined at two; Captain Hudson carae home with me
last night; Mr. English was here; went to the concert with Captain Hudson,
and liked him very much ; he is sweet.
llth. Bought a pair of kid gloves ; came to the office ; had an awful head
ache all day ; went to the theater with Captain Hudson ; had supper ; I liked
hira very rauch in reality, but he is only put on.
12th. Feel badly ; went to Russell's to dinner ; went home, and heard some
thing that worries me very much; would that I were dead! Went to the
office in the raorning; got home at eleven.
13tli. Feel very badly; oh I sick — why do I live? I am nearly crazy;
went home at twelve ; Captain H. carae to see rae in the evening ; brought
me candy and grapes. Oh, God ! that I were dead.
14tli. Feel wretched both in body and mind. Oh, God ! what a life to lead ;
I am nearly mad; Captain H. spent the evening with rae, and I told him all;
Mr. T. called to see me; I went to bed at one o'clock; the Major X. called.
15th. Am worried. My God ! did any poor devil ever wish for death as I
do? but I suppose I must be content to Uve; if it were not for the sins, I
would BO end my miserable existence. Captain spent the evening with me.
16th. Ara very well indeed ; went to the theater with Phil to see Mrs. D.
P. Bowers play Bianca; he carae home with me and staid until three o'clock.
17th. To-day is my birthday; I ara 18 years old; received a letter from
M. Raguet, which made mo feel sad all day; Phil spent the evening with me;
he is sweet; lam now his; how long will this happiness last?

DIARY OF MISS JACKSON. 301
18th. Very rainy; saw Phil at the office; he spent the evening with me;
I love him, and he says he loves rae ; but I doubt if he does love long; will it
last? God knows, if I had my say it would last forever I
19th. Cloudy; left the office at two o'clock; Phil came to see ine in the
evening ; took me to the theater ; came home and .... until morning ; God
knows, I love that man dearly.
20th. Got up at half-past seven ; feel quite bright ; received a note from
Phil; how very kind he is; I believe he loves rae ; he was to see me in the
evening; he was here until . . . . ; he is sweet; I love hira.
21st. Got up at seven; feel very well ; Miss Bull carae down to see me;
Phil invited me to go to the concert ; I feel sad ; I cannot live without excite
ment ; Phil came about nine o'clock ; staid . . . . ; he is sweet.
22d. Worked in the office all day ; received a note frora Phil ; I love hira ;
he came here at night ; he is the only man I love in the world ; he says he
loves me ; how long will it last ?
23d. Did not go to the office to-day ; Phil came in about one o'clock to see
me ; went to the theater in the evening with Phil ; went to Wilkins's, and had
supper. 24th. Got up at half-past ten ; went to sleep in the afternoon ; Frank called
to see rae ; felt sad ; in the evening dear Phil came and staid until . . . . ;
God knows, I do love that man.
25th. The day is beautiful ; Alice came to see me; was vaccinated ; went
to the theater with Phil to see Vestvali ; he carae home and staid until twelve ;
how I hated him to go ; it had to be.
26th. Feel like the devil ; left the office at one o'clock ; was not able to
work ; Phil was here in the evening ; had a very pleasant chat ; Ada and
Charley were here until ten ; Phil staid . . . . ; God! how I love that raan!
27th. Feel a little better ; am not going to the office to-day ; am not able ;
Mr. T. was here in the evening ; Phil was here until . . . . ; God bless hira,
don't I love him ! he is sweet ; I love hira.
28th. Bought a pair of shoes ; Phil was here of course ; staid until . . . .;
Great Heaven ! how I love that man.
29th. Was in a good raood all day; Phil has got a son. My God ! will that
change his love for rae ? Went to the soiree ; had a very nice time ; he carae
home with rae ; how I do love hira 1
30th. Glooray d.ay; Phil leaves to-night; what will I do without hira?
My darling has gone ; went to the theater at night ; had the blues most aw
fully ; how I do raiss Phil.
31st. Missed Phil very much ; how I do love that man ! should he cease to
hke me, what would become of me? God only knows how dearly I love
him. February 1st. Received my money, $52. Phil did not come home until
eleven o'clock; bought a set of coral jewelry; in the afternoon took dinner at
Russell's ; took a bath in the evening.
2d. How glad I am tbat Phil has come. I did miss him so much. W©
went to the theater.
3d. Feel very well indeed ; was at the office all day. Phil came, and

302 UNITED STATES oKCRET SERVICE.
brought Lieutenant Waterbury. Maggie Duvall was here. We had a nice
tirae. 4th. Was at the office until two o'clock in the evening. M.iggie and Lewis
and Phil aud myself went to see Vestvali. We h.ad a box. Phil came home.
5th. Was at the office .all day ; in the evening went to the soiree ; left at
twelve; was very tired.
6th. At the office in the evening. Mr. Teel came to see rae; brought me
cloth for slippers ; gave me a ticket to go to Baltiraore. Phil carae about nine
o'clock. 7th. Got up at eleven. Mr. Teel called, and brought me a bottle of cham
pagne. Phil came at eight. God knows, I do love that man. How will I give
hira up?
8th. Spent the day in Baltimore ; saw Mr. Ford. He has proraised me to
play; saw Mr. Grover; left at eight. Phil met me at the depot. He is
sweet. 9th. Went to the office ; staid home all the evening.
10th. Maggie was here with Mr. Williams. I don't like him. We took
dinner at Russell's.
llth. Went to office. Phil came to see me in the evening. God knows, I
love that man.
12th. Was at the office; Maggie and L. vfere here. Phil came at ten, and
brought his Uncle Harry. I like hira. Oh, Phil, how I love you, darling!
13th. At the office. Maggie has gone to Philadelphia. God! I hope
nothing will happen to the poor girl. Phil came in the evening. I love him.
14th. Got rp at eleven. Phil came back at one ; staid until three.
15tli. Havj not heard froit Maggie yet. Phil was here at night. Fannie.
took the room.
16th. Phil was here at night. Oh, God, how I love that man! Maggie
has come back. Captain Hay brought me a pair of tights.
17th. Very cold. My darling carae at nine o'clock. How I do love him I
18th. Saw H. at the office; had a quarrel with Phil. Great God! hov
could I give hira up? What would I do?
19th. Saw H. at the office. My darling watched me very closely. Does
he love me as much as he pretends? I hope so, for I love him dearly. He
knows it.
20th. Left the office half-past one ; came home ; dressed ; called on Miss
 i could not see her. Phil has been taking Mrs. Clark to the theater. He
came home at twelve.
21st. Feel very well; was weighed to-day; weight, 120 pounds.
22d. Maggie called here ; have a bad headache.
23d. Called at Mrs. Forrest's; took a walk with Maggie; had my picture
taken ; dinner at Russell's. Phil was here at night.
24th. My Phil is going away to-night. How I will miss him! My darling
has gone; went to the office.
25th. Engaged to spend the day with Mrs. Forrest; had a nice timo;
went to the theater; got home at half-past two. H. saw me home.
26th. Went to the office; miss Phil very much; got a letl;er from him.

DIARY OF MISS JACKSON. 303
27th. Staid all night with Mrs. B. God knows, I wish Phil would come
home. 28th. Got home at tea. Maggie was here.
29th. At home all day. My darling has returned.
Copies of Letters addressed to Miss Ella Jackson.
note from HENDERSON.
The suit can not be obtained to-night, but will be all ready by noon on
Monday. As C. can not go this evening, and your suit not being ready, we
will postpone Canterbury until Monday night; but to-night, at seven o'clock,
we will take a ride, and C. will join us at supper, and then go where we did
not go in last night. When the carriage stops at the door, corae down in
your ordinary dresses, and I will be there, but will not get out. H.
When you and Miss Norton have examined this, please take care of it,
and give it to me this evening. It was lent me by Captain Pope. We will
read it together this eve, if you have no objection. Did you try to exchange
rooms? Do so, if possible.
Mt Dear Doctor: —
You seem to be mnch sought after this morning and last evening in very
critical cases, that I am inclined to believe you might cure my severe head
ache, if you would try ; but to be in earnest, if I was ever raad in ray life,
it was to see you, dear Ella, consulting with that d  d puppy, whora you
know I dislike so much, and whom you pretend to dislike also. I hope it
won't occur again. If it does — so be it.
Mt Dearest Ella : —
I discovered the mistake you raade, just in time. I discovered it in Sam
uel's hands, and took it away and burned it np. I knew your head ached so,
my darling, that you did not know what you were about, and I was just
about sending you word about it, for fear you might worry, when your friend
arrived here after it. It will come down early. Tell Spurgen (I don't know
how to spell his name) that I expect him to be at home to smoke with me.
God bless you, my dear Ella. Affectionately, your own Phil.
P. S.— Please don't give this to any one by mistake. New York, January 81, 1864.
Mt Dearest Pet: —
I arrived here this morning, as well as a raan conld be after such a tedious
ride of twelve hours, with no one to talk to that I cared for. How raany,
many times I thought of you, darling, in the little room at 276, and wish I
was only there with you.
I found Mrs. H. and the "boy" as well as could be expected, and, I must
say, I am proud of my work, for he is as pretty as a sraall baby can be, and
will be a beauty — so the old nurse says ; he has got my eyes, but is not old
enough to have the teeth, as you say.

304 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Dear Ella, yon little know how much I miss yon to-day. Would to God
I could call on you at the usu.al time ; but, as I can't, I must make the best of
it. I shall leave here at ten o'clock to-morrow, which will get me in Wash
ington about ten, or half-past, to-morrow evening. I shall come right tc
your room, and hope to find you there alone ; if not, I shall wait for yon to
corae. I should leave in the early train, but have some business to attend
to in the raorning.
Remember your promise, dearest, and make Addie take a house with us.
1 will willingly pay half the expenses she goes to.
With rauch love, believe me, yours ever, Phil.
January 16, 1864.
Mt Dear Ella: —
What are you going to do this evening, and will you please tell me can
didly whether you have or expect any engagement? You know, dear Ella,
that I am only happy when with you ; but, much as I love you, I don't want
to call too often, so you will lose what little friendship you may now have for
me. You little know what a perfectly wretched night I passed. You ap
peared so cool to me when I bid you good-night, that I could hardly keep
from crying. You will laugh at this, I know, as you always do when I talk
serious to you, but whatever I say I mean, and I do say I ara madly, deeply
in love with you, dear, dear Ella, and if yon don't believe rae, why I can't
help it; but one thing I do pray of you to do, and that is, to tell me when
you do not wish to see me. Ella, can't you trust me with a secret; if you
can't, why did you tell me what you did? God knows, I would die before I
would even tell or hint what you told me ; I love you far too well for that,
dear Ella. But because I know what I do, I don't want you to feel obliged
to treat me well, for if I never saw you again, or if yon were to get mad with
me, I would then die sooner than tell what I know of you.
Hoping you will believe what I have said, dear Ella,
I am, ever yonrs, truly, Phil.
Please answer some time to-day.
Mt Dear Ella : —
Would you like to go to Grover's this eve ? I hear the play (Ticket-of-
Leave Man) is .applauded. If you would like to go, send me word, and I
will go down and get seats; that is, if you are not in fear of Colonel Baker.
Please write me all about what yon hear— I am very anxious to know. Give
my compliments to Miss Boswell, and tell her I say go to'  , a very warm
place. Phil.
Exhibit J J.
Statement of Mano Lulley. Washington, AprU 11, 1864.
I am by birth a Hungarian. I came to this country with Governor Kos
suth, in 1851. Have lived in Washington twelve years; at present reside at

MANO LULLEY'S STATEMENT. 305
406 K Street. Have seven sons, all in this city ; I have also three daughters.
On the 16th of July, 1863, I ap])lied to the Hon. Mr. Harrington, Assistant
Secretary of the Treasury Departraent, for permission to build a sm,all build
ing in front of the Treasury Departraent, on Fifteenth Street, for my son,
who was a cripple, for the purpose of selling soda water; this permission
was granted by Mr. Harrington, and I had the building put up. Some tirae
in September, 1863, I applied to S. M. Olark, through Mr. Plantz, the private
secretary of Mr. Chase, for a situation for my little daughter, aged sixteen
years. Mr. Clark a.sked me to bring my daughter to his office and he would
see. I took my daughter to Mr. Clark as requested, and Mr. Clark put her
to work in the bronzing-room, where she remained three weeks and three
days, when Mr. Clark discharged her, and without assigning any reason for
her discharge.
A few days after my daughter's discharge, I went to Mr. Clark and asked
him why he discharged ray daughter. He replied there was no work. I
then went to Mr. Plantz, and asked him why my daughter was discharged —
whether she had done any thing improper or wrong. He (Mr. Plantz) re
plied that he had spoken to Mr. Clark about discharging my daughter, and
he (Clark) said that Lulley's son, who kept the soda stand in front of tho
Treasury, had, on a certain night, followed hira (Clark) and another gentle
man and two ladies on Pennsylvania Avenue into a certain restaurant. Mr.
Plantz said he told Clark that was not right, that he (Clark) should not take
advantage of the little girl in that way ; that she (the girl) was not to blame.
About three weeks after the conversation with Mr. Plantz referred to, I went
again to Mr. Clark, and asked hira again to take my daughter back, stating at
the same time that I had heard the reason why he (Clark) had discharged
my daughter was because ray sons had seen him (Clark) and another gentle
raan and two ladies enter a certain place on the Avenue. Clark said : " Bring
back your daughter on Monday, and I will set her to work again."
On Monday I took ray daughter to the Departraent, and Mr. Clark put her
to work. My daughter worked there one month. In the mean time, how
ever, Mr. Clark had directed ray daughter to work very late, until ten o'clock.
She worked, I think, six nights, when I refused to allow her to go to the
Departraent at night at all. During the time my daughter worked nights, Mr.
Gray, Superintendent of the Sixteenth Division, under Mr. Clark, raade the
following proposition to my daughter: That if she (ray daughter) would go
with him (Gray) to a certain hotel in this city, and submit to his (Gray's)
vishes, he (Gray) would raise her (my daughter's) salary to seventy-five
lOUars per month.
During the month referred to above, my daughter was absent from work
ne half-day. In compliance with the rules of the Departraent, I went the
following raorning, and reported to Mr. Clark that iny daughter was sick.
He (Mr. Clark) replied: "She must be here in the morning; work is very
brisk." At the end of a month, my daughter was again discharged. Mr.
Gray wrote a note to Mr. Clark, in consequence of which Clark discharged
her. I have made this affidavit voluntarily, and of my own free will and accord,
20

306 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
feeling that my daughter has been foully wronged by the base and shameful
propositions made to her by Mr. Gray, and I am fully satisfied that Mr. Clark
would never have taken my daughter back into his employ, but for the fear
of being exposed by ray sons, who saw Mr. Clark with two girls employed in
the Department, as stated in this deposition. Mano Lullet.
Sworn and subscribed to, this llth day of April, a. d. 1864.
A. G. Lawrence, Notary Public.
Exhibit K K.
Statement of Anthony Lulley. -Washington, ApHlll, 1864.
I am the son of Mano Lulley. I have carefully read and heard read the
stateraent of ray father. I am employed as a clerk in the store of S. Grosen-
heimer, at No. 385 Seventh Street, Washington.
Some time in September last my brother and rayself closed our soda stand
about eight o'clock in the evening. We then walked down the Avenue to
gether. When we arrived opposite the Kirkwood House, we saw Mr. S. M.
Clark standing on the sidewalk in front of No. 276 Pennsylvania Avenue.
While standing there I saw two ladies come down stairs. Mr. Clark took one
of these ladies and the other gentleraan the other. My brother and inySelf
followed the party down the avenue to Russell's restaurant. We then turned
around to corae up the Avenue, when we raet Messrs. Dugan and Hogan. They
asked us who that was that went up stairs. We replied, Mr. Clark and Miss
Jennie Germon; the others we did not know. Sorae tirae after the conversa
tion referred to above, and after my sister had been discharged by Mr. Clark,
I met Mr. Dugan, a detective officer, and informed him that my sister had
been discharged by Mr. Clark from the Department in consequence of Clark
having heard that I followed him (Clark) at night. Mr. Dugan replied that he
had not told Mr. Clark any thing about it.
I have made this stateraent voluntarily, without promise of reward or
compensation of any nature whatsoever. Anthont Lullet.
Sworn and subscribed to this llth day of April, a. d. 1864.
A. G. Lawrence, Notary Publio.
Exhibit LL.
Report of the Solicitor of the Treasury vpon the report of Colonel Baker am
the affidavits "D," "E," "F," "G," ".ff," "/," "/," "K."
Treascrt Depart.\ient, Solicitoe's Offxce, April 19, 1864.
Sir — I have the honor herewith to transmit a report raade to me by Colo
nel L. C. Baker, together with a number of affidavits, affecting the conduct
and character of S. M. Clark and G. A. Henderson.
In accordance with your instructions, I exhibited these affidavits to Mr.
Clark, stating to him that I did so bj your direction, and in order that he

REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR OF THE TREASURY. 307
might have .an opportunity to make such explanation or reply as he should
deem proper. His reply to me was, that as to any thing alleged against liini
impeaching his conduct or char.acter as an officer of this Department, he denied
it utterly ; and that as to auy other raatter, he scorned to make any answer.
I have further, in obedience to your order, called before me most of the
persons whose affidavits are herewith transmitted, and made such other in
quiries as it has been in my power to make, touching the matter stated in the
affidavits, and the result is an entire conviction that the raost raaterial of those
statements are true, particularly those contained in the affidavits of Ella Jack
son, Jennie Gerraon, and Laura Duvall.
What action, if any, ought to be taken, in view of these facts, is, of course,
not a question for me to consider.
I have the honor to be, with high respect,
Edward Jordan, Solicitor of the Treasury.
Hon. S. P. Ohasb, Secretary of the Treasury.

CHAPTER XXIV.
UNFOUNDED CHARGES— MT OWN AND THE MINORITY REPORT.
Alleged Conspiracy against Government Officers— My Reply — Mr. Garfield— Minority
Report — A. C. Wilson — My Trial and Acquittal.
Many of my readers will doubtless recollect that, in the
report of the Congressional committee, I was indirectly
charged with a conspiracy against Government officers.
In answer to this, I addressed the papers below to the Secre
tary of War and the Chairman of the committee : —
-Washington, July 4, 1864.
Hon. E. M. Stantom, Secretary of War: —
Sir — My attention has just been called to what purports to be a Majority
Report, raade by the Treasury Investigating Committee, of which the Hon.
James A. Garfield was Chairman, in which certain charges are made affect
ing my official conduct in connection with investigations in the Treasury
Department. The apparently responsible and respectable source frora which these
charges eraanate, and the serious nature of said charges, viz., a conspiracy
against certain officials of the Treasury Department, seems to require that I
should ask for an iramediate investigation.
I have, therefore, to request that the matter be referred to the Jndge-
Advocate-General, with instructions to make out charges and specifications,
in order that my case raay be brought properly before a railitary court-
martial. I ara, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Bakeb,
Colonel, and Agent War Department.
-WAsniNGTON, July 4, 1864,
Hon. James A. Garfield, Chairman Treasury Investigating Committee: —
Sir — I have to-day seen what purports to be a Majority Report of the
Treasury Department Investigating Coraraittee, of which you were Chairman.
This report charges rae with conspiracy against certain officials in the Trea
sury Departraent.
I have this day requested the Honorable Secretary of War to refer the
case to the Judge-Advocate-General, with instructions to prepare charges
and specifications.
The apparently responsible and respectable source from which these sen

GENERAL GARFIELD. 3Q9
ous charges emanate, seems to require that I should demand an immediate
investigation by military court-martial. I have, therefore, respectfully to
request that you will, at as early a moment as convenient, forward to tho
Judge-Advocate-General such proofs as you may have in reference to this
charge of conspiracy. I am, sir, respectfully, yonr obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Bakeb,
Colonel, and Agent War Department.
It is hardly necessary, perhaps, to add, that the Hon.
Mr. Q-arfield made no reply to this letter. After signing a
report, as Chairman of a Congressional committee, and giving
it to the people as a document emanating from the highest
official action, and after being called upon to sustain the
grave accusations, affecting both public and private charac
ter, he refuses to reply. The conclusion is irresistible, that
the honorable gentleman did not care to notice a request
from so plebeian a source, although he had pronounced
judgment upon my official statements and fidelity. He
kne-w well, that there was not a particle of evidence, nor a
single fact elicited, during that long and exhausting scrutiny,
which gave the shado-ro of plausibility to an impeachment so
serious. But his friends in the Treasury Department must
be protected, whatever became of their humble accuser. In
the entire history of my connection -with the Government, I
have never known a baser and more wanton attack upon a
defenseless officer in its service.
The success in defending a system of fraud and . grossest
immoralities, in his view, it would seem, demanded the
sacrifice of the reputation of any inferior person -who came
in the -way of his purpose.
When General Garfield was desired to furnish charges
and specifications, why did he not do it? As a military
man, he was familiar -with the requirements of military law,
and the penalty of conviction. As a patriotic citizen, and a
Member of Congress, it was clearly his duty to have com
plied with a just and courteous demand for proof of the
allegations — the right of the humblest, poorest man to legal
conviction or honorable acquittal.
I shall conclude this painful record with extracts from
the action of the committee : —

310 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Mr. Brooks, of New York, from the minority of the committee, presented
the following MINORITY REPORT:
That, in pursuance of the resolution of the House, April 30, 1864, they have
aiterapted to give the subjects therein raentioned the investigation required by
the House ; but they regret their inability so to do, if not frora want of time,
frora the resolutions and conclusions arrived at by the majority of the com
mittee, that their powers were much more limited than the minority seem to
think they are, under the words of the broad resolution —
" To investigate and report upon the allegations (set forth in the preamble
of the resolution), and any other allegations, which have been, or may be made,
affecting the integrity of the Administration in the Treasury Department."
One of the members (Mr. Brooks), before entering upon an examination of
the testimony, protests now, as he protested upon the floor of the House,
April 30. ag.ainst the raisrecitation of his reraarks in the House, April 29, made
by Mr. Garfield, in the resolution creating this committee as to the printing
of the public raoney. Mr. Brooks did not allege, as stated in the resolution
passed under the pressure of the previous question, that this printing had "led
to the sacrifice of millions and millions of the public money," but, as officially
reported in the Globe, did say — " had led to the peril of the sacrifice of mil
lions and millions of the public money."
The coinage of a country, and the superintendence of that coinage, is the
highest trust which can be given to mortal mtta — and hence at all tiraes, in
our own country, and in all ages in other countries, ingenious and effective
checks and counterchecks have not only been devised for m.an to watch raan,
but it has ever been the effort of wise and honest administrations of Govern
ments to install men in such trusts whose antecedent and existing characters
have been such as to coramand not only unlimited but universal confidence.
The Mints of the United States have now been in operation over seventy-one
years, and the whole amount of their coinage, gold, silver, and copper, as shown
in the Deceraber (1863) report of the Secretary of the Treasury, was, up to the
end of the then fiscal year, but eight hundred and eighty-nine million six hun
dred and thirty-five thousand four hundred and ninety-seven dollars. The
suspension of specie payments having banished this coin from circulation, all
but the copper (a very sraall portion thereof), the vacuura was filled by paper.
Of this paper, as shown by the testiraony annexed to the report, eight hundred
and fifty million dollars have been furnished by Spencer M. Clark, from the
Treasury Note Office, within the short period of only twenty-one months—
an amount in paper within thirty-nine millions of the whole seventy-one years'
coinage of the United States Mints. The trust, therefore, reposed in this Mr.
Clark has been, in about a single year, equal to that which has been hitherto
divided for seventy -one years among numerous superintendents or directors
of the Mints, while the opportunities for dishonesty or fraud in printing are
in the ratio of the power of the printing press, operated by hydraulics or steam,
to the crucible or matrix of the Mint. Hence, in the selection of a Superin-

MINORITY REPORT. 311
tendent of the Printing Bureau of Currency and Securities, not only the present
but the antecedent character of that superintendent should be of the very
highest order — while the checks upon him frora without and within should be
as severe and searching as human ingenuity can devise. It appears by the
testimony, that in one night in May, sixty -four million dollars was in the vault,
under the custody and control of the superintendent.
THE antecedent CHARACTER OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF MONET PEINTINO.
The committee, therefore, in order to ascertain whether such a vast trust
and treasure as this were in proper hands, felt it their duty, first, to investi
gate the antecedents of the superintendent, and, next, his administration of
by far the most important bureau in the great Department of the Treasury.
Their attention was first called to an official report of the Committee on Ex
penditures on Publio Buildings, in 1862 (Thirty-Seventh Congress, Second
Session, Report No. 137), in which it appears that this Mr. Clark was then
acting engineer in charge of the Bureau of Construction under the Treasury
Department — a place given hira, it appears by the testimony submitted by that
Department, without any training or previous qu.alification as an engineer.
This report distinctly and effectively charges and proves that the now Super
intendent of the Bureau of Printing the Public Money was, in June, 1861,
guilty of gross collusion and fraud, and, as engineer in the Treasury Depart
ment, connived with contractors (Bdward Learned & Co.) to defraud the
United States in the matter of marble contracts for the Charleston (S. C.)
Custom House, out of very large sums of money, in which they were thwarted
then, but in a sraall part only, by the intervention of the then Secretary Dix.
It is unnecessary here to recite this testimony, as it is already matter of record
in the archives of the House of Representatives, and can there be seen and
read at length. The committee then (and a committee, too, created by a Re
publican House) unhesitatingly advised the removal of this S. M. Clark.
This disclosure, in an important official docuraent, led your coraraittee into
a further investigation of the character of the now Superintendent of the
Printing Bureau ; and it appeared, by his own testimony, that serious charges
had been raade against him to the Secretary of the Treasury, officially, or semi
officially, by Alexander 0. Wilson, of New York. These charges are of the
gravest character, and such as, if made against any man, in any position, de
serve inquiry. They affect the whole business and raoral career of Clark.
They show him to have no qualification whatever for the very high and im
mensely responsible position in which he is placed. They affect both his pri
vate and public life, and declare hira to be both a bankrupt in business and
in morals. The fifth allegation is of "imraorality," with specification and
detail, and of such a nature that your coraraittee deeraed it proper to have it
investigated, and for that purpose the following resolution was submitted.
May 25:—
"Resolved, That in order to verify the fifth allegation, that of imraor.ality
(alleged by A. C. Wilson), Daniel Buck, of Hartford, Connecticut, be subpoenaed
to appear before this committee."

312 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Which resolution, your committee regret to say, was voted down, and the
following substituted : —
" Resolved, That the allegation of Mr. Wilson against S. M. Clark relates to
matters of general character prior to his official appointraent, not to his con
duct since his appointment, and the committee decline to investigate them."
(Ayes 4, noes 3.)
THE EXISTING OHAEACTEB OF THE SUPEEINTENDEST OF MONET PKINTINO.
This resolution precluding and forbidding any investigation of the qualifi
cation and character of S. M. Clark, and seeraing to sanction, th.at, no matter
what raay have been a man's private life, all that is no disqualification for the
greatest public trust ever given to any one man (such as that of the superin
tendence of the printing of nearly nine hundred millions of money)— your
comraittee were obliged to give up all further investig.ation into the antece
dents of S. M. Clark, and to confine themselves to matters within the brief
Beriod of his money superintendence.
But this brief period discloses, officially, very important and very suggest
ive facts — even under all the restraints that have been put upon the investiga
tion by the resolution to close the testimony submitted and passed in the sit
ting of this coraraittee, June 1 (ayes 4, noes 3). Your committee, under that
resolution, have been limited as to all investigation into character, with but
one exceptional case, to the official reports made to the Secretary of tho
Treasury, first, by Colonel Lafayette C. Baker, a provost-raarshal of the War
Department, and, next, by Edward Jordan, Esq., the Solicitor of the Treasury,
who reinvestigated the report of the provost-raarshal. Baker.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF PROVOST-MARSHAL BAKER.
It appears from the testimony that, in December last, one Charles Corn
wall, a clerk in the Redemption (Treasury) department, was detected in steal
ing some thirty-one or thirty-two thousand dollars, and that, about that time,
one G. A. Henderson, in the Requisition Warrant departraent, was detected in
misplacing for raoney the order of bills on file to be p.aid, wherefor he received
no inconsiderable rewards. These frauds, or rather crimes, creating a good
deal of alarm in the Treasury building, the Secretary of the Treasury, by letter
marked "Confidential," December 24, 1853 (see testimony), asked the Secre
tary of War to direct Colonel Baker "to make such investigations and arrests
and exercise such custody of persons arrested as I (he) may find needful," &"•
Colonel Baker having been put at the service of the Treasury Department, as
thus confidentially requested, he commenced his investigations as shown in his
report to the Secretary of the Treasury, with the papers annexed. .
CONFIRMATION AND INDORSEMENT OF THAT REPORT BT THE SOLICITOR OF THE
TREASURT.
This report was subsequently submitted to the Solicitor of the Treasury,
Mr. Jordan, who, in a letter, April 19, 1864, writes to the Secretary: —
" I have further, in obedience to your order, called before me most of the

MINORITY REPORT. 313
persons whose affidavits are. herewith transraitted, and made such other in
quiries as it has been in my power to raake, touching tho raatter stated in the
affidavits, and the result is, an entire conviction that the most material of these
statements are true, particularly those contained in the affidavits of Ella
Jackson, Jennie Germon, and Laura Duvall.''''
the disclosures in these reports of gross IMMORALITIES IN THE TP.EASDRT.
These affidavits disclose a raass of iramorality and profiigaoy, the more
atrocious as these women were employees of Clark, hired and paid by him with
the pubhc raoney. These woraen seem to have been selected in the Printing
Bureau for their youth and personal attractions. Neither the laws of God nor
of man, the institution of tlie Sabbath, nor common decencies of life seem to
have been respected by Clark in his conduct with these women. A Treasury
bureau — thei-e, where is printed the raoney representative, or expression of
all the property and of all the industry of the country — there, where the wages
of labor are raore or less regulated, and upon the faith and good conduct of
which depends, more or less, every man's prosperity — is converted into a place
for debauchery and drinking, the very recital of which is impossible without
violating decency. Letters go thence, arranging to clothe females in male
attire to visit "the Canterbury." Assignations are made from thence, &o.
The facts set forth in these affidavits are vouched for by a military officer
(Colonel Baker) of the Government, who has now been three years in tho
confidential employ of the Secretary of War, and who seems to have his unlim
ited confidence. Indeed, the Secretary of the Treasury had such confidence
in this officer, and in the value of his services, that he "confidentially " re
quested the use of his services in tho Treasury Departraent. The Solicitor of
the Treasury, another high and acute legal officer of the Government, and
trusted by it in the raost iraportant and confidential matters, after a strict and
personal investigation, expresses "an entire conviction" that these affidavits
are true. But beyond this official testimony, is collateral evidence, confirming
and strengthening the testimony of these women. It appears that in Septem
ber last, on or about the 18th or 20th, a note signed "H." (marked No. 8 in
the testimony) came into the possession of Miss Ada Thompson, an actress,
then residing at 276 Pennsylvania Avenue, and who is presumed by Colonel
Baker to be a person of good repute. This note invited Miss Jackson, then an
em.ployee in the Treasury Printing Bureau, to go with him, " H." (Henderson),
then also an employee in the Treasury, and with " C." (stated to be Clark in
the testiraony of Miss Ada Thompson), to sorae place well known to the p.-ir-
ties. This place turned out to be "the Central Hotel," a hotel in this city
(Washington) indicated as a disreputable place. The hotel register, Septera-
ber 19, shows the names of four persons who that night occupied rooras 27
and 28. The handwriting on the register is shown by Harailton Seville, ,an
experienced clerk in the Treasury Department, and an apparent expert in
handwriting, to be that of Henderson, who, while assuraing names for himself
and Clark, and the woraen with thera, vainly attempted to disguise his hand
writing. Seville also swears very positively that the note signed "H." is in
Henderson's handwriting. The testimony of Anthony Lulley then goes to

314 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
show that, in September, between the 18th and 30th, he (Lulley) saw Hender
son with Clark in a restaurant, as stated in the affidavits of Ada Thompson
and T. C. Spurgeon, whence they all subsequently went to the Central Hotel.
Such corroborating testimoy as this — a note, handwriting, the affidavits of
parties whose characters are not questioned, one woman and two men, tbe
eyes of one of them seeing Henderson and Clark together with woraen em
ployed in the Treasury, and the hotel register in Henderson's handwriting-
are, of themselves, without any other testimony, irresistibly convincing.
When to all this we add the examination and the report of the Solicitor of the
Treasury, of his "entire conviction," who can doubt that S. M. Clark is an
unfit man to be trusted with the printing of nearly nine hundred raiUions of
the publio money?
This testimony was so convincing to your committee, that they would
not, of theraselves, have deeraed it necessary to go a step further, but for the
intimation thrown out by some of the majority of the coraraittee, that it was
not conclusive to them. Hence they acted upon a letter from Col. Baker,
May 19, 1864, to the Chairman of the committee, and caused to be sum
moned a lady now married, Mrs. Betty Pumphries, formerly Miss Weedan,
and whose associations seem to be all of the most respectable character. Her
father is a worthy mechanic, eraployed in the Navy Yard; her husband is a
policeraan, and accompanied her to the Comraittee-roora. She swears,
positively, that a colored woraan, named Catharine Dodson, offered her
money, when employed by Clark, a hundred dollars at one time, and a tliou
sand dollars at another, in the name of, and in the presence of Clark, which
she rejected with indignation. Clark subsequently came to her and said, "So
you do not want to speak with rae any raore." " He made a good friend, but
a bad enemy." " Talk with Catharine." "Catharine can talk with ladies
better than I can." Miss Weedan, now Mrs. Pumphries, was employed in the
printing department five months, and left of her own accord. The testimony
of this lady, however, is positively contradicted by the colored woman,
Catharine Dodson, who, it is but proper to add, is stigmatized in the letter of
Colonel Baker referred to, as " Clark's procuress."
There is other testimony from two other ladies of good character. Miss
Sarah Lulley and Miss Clara Donaldson, implicating the conduct of Mr. Gray,
Mr. Clark's superintendent of the bronzing department, and Mr. Dougherty,
Mr. Clark's assistant. It is unnecessary to refer to them, save to show that
Miss Lulley, the daughter of a distinguished and honorable Hungarian, who
carae over with Kossuth in 1848, and whom Kossuth highly cherished, waa
dismissed from a place of value to her father, solely because her brother had
traced Clark and Henderson, together with Ella Jackson and Jenny Germon,
to a restaurant on the 19th of September, whence they subsequently went to
the Central Hotel, or because she " would not comply with the wishes of Mr.
Gray," representations concerning which w.as made to Mr. Clark himself; or,
to show that Miss Don.aldson again connects Clark with Laura Duvall (as well
as Dougherty, his trusted assistant in iraraoralities), in the matter of select
ing out Miss Duvall and Miss Jackson from all other ladies, and sending
them, in the Treasury, oyster suppers at night.

MINORITY REPORT. 316
At this stage of the testimony, as to the conduct and character of Clark,
and of his sub-superintendent, in the Printing Bureau, your committee regret
to be obliged to state all further examination upon this subject was closed by
order of the majority of the committee. No opportunity was given to fortify
what had been proved, or to go further and establish additional facts. It was
not necessary to go further to satisfy the minority that Clark was an unfit
person to preside over a printing money bureau where were two or three
hundred ladies, but the regret is expressed because the opportunity was not
given to bring the majority to a like conclusion.
the PRINTING BUREAU — FRACTIONAL CUERENCjT.
These examinations having been pursued as far as permitted, your com
mittee then directed their attention to the condition of the Printing Bureau,
as a mint, or coiner of currency. What first arrested their attention was the
fractional currency. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury, December,
1863, exhibits the silver coinage of the country to have been, from 1793 to the
close of the year ending June 30, 1863, in all, $132,954,860, of which only
$4,251,720 was in dollars, the remaining being in small coins, from fifty cents
to three cents. The copper coinage was $3,241,923. The silver coined at
the mints of Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco, under the act of
February 21, 1853 — frora 1853 to 1863 — is reported, in Deceraber last, to have
been, in these eleven years, $49,655,730. The Secretary of the Treasury, in
estimating on his December report, 1862, what resources he should have from
the fractional currency, then ordered by Congress, says : —
"The issue of fractional currency has reached the sura of $3,884,899. The
best lights lead to the estiraate that, before specie payments can be resumed,
not less than $4,000,000 will be required by the wants of the community.
The sum of $36,115,200 not yet issued may, therefore, be counted on as an
additional resource."
A very low estimate, inasrauch as, by the law of currency and of
circulation, paper, when supplying this vacuura of coin, ever runs far beyond
the displaced coin, in amount of issue, and of loss by circulation. The
small silver coins of our country were purposely made by Congress inferior
in real value to gold, to prevent their exportation, and hence were, prior
to our suspension of specie payments, rejected by the banks, and by mer
chants generally, who had deposits to make in bank, thus limiting their
circulation, and the demand upon the Mint for their coinage. The silver
dollar (few or none of late years coined) raust weigh 412^ grains, whereas the
half dollar weighs but 192 grains, and the quarter but 96 grains. It was then
fairly to be inferred that when this coin went out of circulation, and with a
nominal value considerably higher than its real value, and a paper circulation
as legal tender took its place, of full value, that the volume of paper would
considerably outrun the volume of displaced silver. Some estimates ran up
as high as sixty millions of fractional currency, many to fifty millions, and
hence the forty millions' estiraate of the Secretary was far within the limits
of the general expectation.

316 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.

PERILOUS MODE OF PRINTING MONET.
Your committee were amazed to find, upon examination, that in April
last, when this coraraittee was created, the recognized issue of the fractional
currency was under twenty millions ! They cannot account for this discrep
ancy of reality and of estimate. Upon the discovery, however, of the great
discrepancy, they directed their attention to the mode and manner of piinting
this fraction.al currency, which to them is utterly unsatisfactory. The white
paper upon which it is printed has been very loosely purchased and received,
and very loosely handled. It came into the hands of one lady in the Bureau
of Printing, and instead of being turned ont to the public in a far different
direction, returned all of it to her hands, and she p.assed it over to Mr. Clark.
Whatever system of checks and balances Mr. Clark m.ay have for his own
guidance, there is no check over hira. He keeps no ledgers, balances no
books, for an accountant to see and understand at a glance. The eye is
wearied and the mind fatigued by innumerable figures of his, but no clear,
close ledger, such as every merchant or corporation has, shows continuously
his day's work, or the summary of that work, to be detected by a single glance
of his eye. The whole arrangeraent of this, the most important of the
Government, is loose, slovenly, unsatisfactory, and susceptible of a considera
ble amount of fraud. A jjlate printer of his, James Lamb, selected at random
from the fractional currency workmen, testifies: "There was no security to
prevent the fractional currency from being taken or abstracted," when he
was at work on the hydrostatic presses; and he adds, " I could have taken
off ten sheets a day, from October to December." Mr. Lamb was very sharply
cross questioned, but adhered to this testimony to the end. Nor has there
been .shown to your committee any satisfactory disposition that had been ni.ade
of the numerous spoiled sheets of the fractional currency, sheets of the fifty-
cent sort, say, upon which two or three parts may be daraaged, while the
remaining parts are good. Indeed, the whole "spoilt sheet" management
of Treasury notes and of bonds, especially of tbe coupons, seems to us to be
in a very unsatisfactory, if not dangerous state.
We are fortified in these views by a report of January 2, 1864, to the
Secretary of the Treasury, marked D and E, and signed by Mr. Field, the
Assistant Secretary, Mr. Taylor, the First Comptroller of the Treasury, and
Mr. Chittenden, the Register of the Treasury, and subsequently countersigned,
February 19, 1864, by a Senator from Rhode Island, Hon. Mr. Sprague.
These gentlemen, in this report, offer many valuable suggestions and recom
mendations to the Secretary of the Treasury, which is not done as advised.
They desired that some distinctive mark should be placed npon each sheet;
which is not done. They detail the mode and manner by which Mr. Clark
should be held responsible for every sheet put in his possession ; which is not
done. They recommend a system of checks upon requisitions for paper; to
which no attention has been paid. They deem it desirable that daily returns
should be made to the Secretary as to each and every sheet ; which is not
done. They find, as this committee found, that, through the hands of Mr.
Clark alone passes all paper into, and out of, the several divisions, and they

MINORITY REPORT. 3I7
reoommend another counting division; to which no attention has been paid.
They recommend, and think the existing laws demand, that the imprint of
the red seal should be affixed in the office of the Secret.ary himself, under his
especial direction, by an officer directly responsible to hira — an imprint now
done by Mr. Gray, the appointee and employee of Mr. Clark alone. Six
distinct and very iraportant recommendations are offered by these gentlemen,
holding high offices in the Treasury, to no one of which has any attention
been paid.
MISPRINT OF BONDS — LOSS OF $20 NOTES — ACCIDENTAL ISSUE AS TO TIME OF
INTEREST-BEARING NOTES.
The inattention to these recomraendations and the neglect of these pre
cautions are greatly to be deplored — for, without thera, an unscrupulous man
may rob the Treasury of thousands and thousands of dollars. Apart from tha
perils of fraud, the existing system tempts and leads to carelessness and theft.
Mr. John Oliphant, who has charge of the loan branch in the Treasurer's
office, exhibited to the coraraittee a $1,000 ten-forty bond, erroneously printed,
which, with all others of the like kind. Congress, since this discovery, has
been obliged to legalize by statute. The nuraber or araount of these in cir
culation he did not know. Mr. Clark, it would seem, discovered this error
some time before it was raade known to the loan branch in the Treasurer's
office. The peril of error in the printing of large bonds is obvious without
comment, and again demonstrates the necessity for separation of work, and
of check and counter-check. The testimony of Mr. John G. Clark, a teller in
the banking-house of Riggs & Co., also discloses the fact that an interest-
bearing note of twenty dollars (if not other notes) had been issued without any
date of issue upon it, or any series of nurabers. Taken to the Treasury
Department hy the teller, Mr. Clark, the remark there was, " It was evidently
stolen. It must have been stolen from the bureau over which Mr. Clark
presides." Four or five of these notes were reported to be missing from tho
bureau. Clark explained that the twenty-dollar note, and three or four
others, had been stolen by a scrubbing woman employed by him, and that the
sheet npon which it had been printed had been put into the vault as muti
lated money. There would seem to be no need of emigrating to the placers
of California when scrubbing women can thus pick up twenty-dollar notes.
Mr. John G. Clark further testified that, in April, four thousand dollars of
interest-bearing notes were paid him, dated in advance, the 12th and 16th of
May. The Treasurer told him they had got out by accident. " They were
intended for San Francisco, but hy accident they got out here." These are
but accidental illustrations of a " perilous " printing of the public money.
TKSTIMONT OF REGISTER OF THB TREASUET AND OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARV.
The testimony of Mr. Chittenden, the Register of the Treasury, is, as to
this business of printing money, very significant, as well as iraportant. Hen
derson and Clark, it seems, there again turn np as companions — "intimate
associates." Mr. Henderson advanced in his style of living very much — far
beyond what heads of departments were able to afford. He was understood

318 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
to keep two or three horses, to have bought a fine house, and to have fur
nished it elegantly. " I heard yesterd.ay (May 3) he was in Clark's division,
though not employed there" — and there, in a money bureau, after being
removed for gross frauds in his duties as requisition or warrant clerk — there,
where not even a Member of Congress can go, without a written order from
the Secretary hitoself !
The responsibility, or power, which Mr. Clark has, in himself, or of
himself, that is, exclusively in himself, are worthy of note. It seems, by the
testimony both of Mr. Chittenden and of Mr. Field, that in Mr. Clark's depart
ment is done all the printing of the interest-bearing Treasury notes, of the
bonds of the United States, of the certificates of indebtedness, and of other
securities, even to the affixing of the red seal, which was once thought to be
a great check and security. The apparently written names of Mr. " Chitten
den" and of Mr. "Spinner" are printed by Mr. Clark. The red seal was
formerly affixed under the direct supervision of the Secretary, but Mr. Clark
has had the "machine" sent down stairs, and placed in his (Clark's) posses
sion! Mr. Field expressively says (holding a fifty-dollar one-year interest-
bearing note) : —
" The paper on which it is printed is contracted for by Mr. Clark. The
paper is delivered to him. The printing is done under his direction; and the
fac-sim,iles of the signatures of the Register of the Treasury, and of the
Treasurer, are affixed under his direction ; and the seal is impressed under his
direction. So that this, which comes to him as blank paper, contracted for
by him, leaves his hands with all the attributes of money, in the form of
perfected and perfect obligations of the Governraent. The engraving of the
plates is also done under his direction."
Nearly nine hundred raillions of money and of obligations have been thos
printed by this Clark! Mr. Chittenden and Mr. Field are very emphatic in
their criticisms upon this mode of raaking raoney. Clark himself said to both
Messrs. Chittenden and Field, " Nothing hindered him frora taking any sum
of this money, and putting it into circulation, and passing it as money,"
though, he adds, " It would not be forty-eight hours before, under his system,
an over-issue would be detected;" but by this tirae he raight be across the
rebel lines, or be off to Europe, with large sums converted into gold. No
language can adequately condemn such irresponsibility — even in a superintend
ent of unimpeachable and irreproachable character.
We have labored under sorae difficulty in the procuring of witnesses in
Mr. Clark's departraent, because "a very intelligent raan," a Mr. Corbin, Mr.
Chittenden reports, was dismissed by Clark, because, upon his (Chittenden's)
request, he (Corbin) drew up a statement of fact, in writing, npon Clark's
hydraulic printing. Another expert, Charles A. Jewett, has been sharply
attacked, and deprived of employ, because of his disbelief in Clark's capa
city or purity. We have already shown how and why two ladies were
dismissed. Such action on the part of Clark seems to have struck both the
males and females nnder hira with a species of terror, for fear they should
lose their, to them, valuable places. But while terror is thus inspired on the
one side, reward is given on another. To Mr. John D. Larman, who seems

MINORITY REPORT. 3I9
to be a worthy raan, having charge of the machinery in the bureau, a valua
ble gold watch was presented by Clark since this investigation commenced.
There is a mass of testimony before us as to the cost of printing, and upon
controversies or alleged controversies said to exist between Clark and certain
bank-note companies, Clark having represented himself, at an early period of
the examination, as the victim of a conspiracy by these bank-note companies.
The most of this testiraony seeras to us irrelevant, though necessarily taken
after Clark began the assault. We have little or nothing to do with- costs or
controversies of this nature. As a general thing, in every dep.artment, it costs
the Government more to do work than it can have it done for by contract, or
by private individuals — but the important question here is not " cost," but
"character," "security," &c. Is a man like Clark, with his antecedents and
present character, a fit raan to be trusted with the alraost irresponsible print
ing of millions upon millions of public securities? Are the checks .and guards
upon his bureau powerful enough to force hiin to be honest ? We do not
object to the Secretary of the Treasury keeping a money printing office, if he
thinks best, though we deem the Treasury building a very unfit place for
such printing — but we insist upon its being printed by a man of irreproacha
ble character, and with all possible guards and checks even upon him. The
"cost" is nothing when corapared with so.fety and security. If, as Clark
alleges, the bank-note companies atterapted to buy him off, or bribe him off,
as to which there is no proof, but much proof to the contrary, all this ia
nothing to us, if, as Clark states, he has not been bought or bribed. The
singular susceptibility of Clark, however, to approaches of the kind is worthy
of note. In the matter of the Charleston Custora-House job, there was :i
conspiracy against him in the last Congress. In this Congress, the bank-note
companies are conspiring against hira. He seems ever to be the victim of
conspiracies, and the conspiracy now is not only of the bank-note companies,
bnt of about every officer in the Treasury building working with hira. Tlio
Comptroller of the Currency, Mr. McCulloch, employs the bank-note com
panies to print the forthcoming three hundred millions of currency of
the new National banks, and finds no fault with these "conspirators." One
of these conspirators, the Old American Bank-Note Company, has printed
money for years, holding the dies and bed-plates, not only for about all of the
State banks, north and south, over a thousand b,anks in nuraber, but for the
banks of Canada and the British Provinces, and for the South American
States, and for Russia and Greece, iu Europe. The whole world has borne
tribute to their high art as designers and engravei-s, and to their honesty,
purity, and reliability. What civilization and art everywhere confide in, Mr.
Clark sets down as a conspiracy against hiin !
MEMBRANE PAPER, HTDRAULIC PRINTING, ETC.
Nor have we much to say upon the experiments with hydraulic printing,
and raembrane paper, going on in the Treasury building. These are novel
ties, expensive novelties, far better fitted for the study and the laboratory of
the eiperiraenter than for practical work in these tiraes. The worst that can
be said of them all is, that it wastes time and expenditure, and damages and

320 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
endangers the Treasury building itself. While the experiments were going
on in the Treasury building, the Secretary of the Treasury was compelled, by
his inability to have printed there in time his interest-bearing Treasury notes,
to make a six per cent, temporary loan of fifty million dollars. The loan was
made September 8, 1863, and was not finally paid till June 12, 1864 — ^the in
terest at six per cent, all the while accruing, because this Secretary could not
obtain in time fifty milhons of legal tender notes from the Printing Bureau.
To show the cost of the delay resulting from these experiments, we annex
the report of the New York Clearing- House upon thirty-five millions only of
this loan, the other fifteen millions having been taken in Philadelphia and
Boston, at like cost to Government.

-, Esq., Cashier :-

New York Cleaking-Hovse. 1
Saturday, January 16, 1864. )

Sir — Interest upon the temporary loan of September 8, 1863, to the
Treasury of the United States has been received by the Loan Committee, at
the rate of six per cent, per annum, from September 8, 1803, to the several
dates upon which the two-years five-per-oeut. legal-tender Treasury notes
were paid to the committee by John J. Cisco, Esq., Assistant Treasurer U.
S., and as per the following statement, vjz. : —
1864.
January 5—6 per cent, on $14,560,000 for 119 days, $20.5,600 00
U g_ ll
7_
" 8— "
*i g  ll
11— "
12— "
Araount of loan, $35,000,000 Interest, $690,703 63
Estiraated on the basis of 182 days for the six months from September 8,
1863, to March 8, 1864.
Frora tho above-naraed amount of interest, that which has accrued upon
the two-ye.ars legal-tender five-per-cent. U. S. Treasury notes, from Decem
ber 1, 1863, to the dates of payment, at the rate of two and a half per cent.
for the 183 days, from December 1, 1863, to June 1, 1864, has been deducted
as follows, viz. : —

6,160,000

" 120

121,846 15

4,620,000

" 121

92,146 15

3,217,000

" 122

64,093 52

1,655,000

" 123

33,554 67

3.518,000

" 125

72,486 26

1,270,000

" 126

26,376 03

1864.

January 5 — 6 per

cent.

on $14,560,000 for 35 days.

$69,617 49

" 6—

6,160,000 " 36 "
30,295 OS
" 7—
4,620,000 " 37 "
23,352 45
" 8—
3,217,000 " 38 "
16,700 27
" 9—
1,655,000 " 39 "
8,817 62
" 11—
3,518,000 " 41 "
19,704 65
" 12—
1,270,000 " 41 "
7,286 88
Principal, $.35,000,000 Interest, $175,774 44
Total amount of interest on Loan at 6 per cent  $696,703 68
" " " Notes at 5 per cent  175,774 44
Cash Balance received by Loan Committee  $520,929 24
MINORITY REPORT. 321
The interest thns received has been divided among the Associated Banks
in proportion to the interest of each in the joint loan of Seiitember s, iso:;.
The interest apportioned to yonr bank is $  , and will be ])iiid to
you by George D. Lyman, Secretary of the Loan Committee, on and aftur this
day. Respectfully yours,
C. P. Leverioh,
Chairman Loan Committee.
To this loss in interest of $520,929.24, shonld be added the loss of interest
on the fifteen miUions paid in Boston and Philadelphia.
In conclusion, your committee have to say, that upon all that branch of
the investigation, charged upon the committee by the House, and involved
in the remarks of the Hon. F. P. Blair, now in our military service in Georgia,
we have not been permitted to take any testimony whatever. An effort was
made in committee, June 3d, to investigate the alleged fraudulent subscri[)-
tions for the eleven millions excess of the five- twenty bonds, said by Mr.
Blair then to have been twelve per cent, above par, and to have yielded a
million and a quarter dollars profit to the takers — but the resolution to inves
tigate was voted down — ayes 3, noes 4. We regret that, in this respect, we
have failed to discharge the duty imposed upon us by the House, but it is not
our fault, as the record shows.
To show, however, our further sense of the high duty imposed upon us by
the House, and our desire to discharge that duty, we again, on the 27th June,
made another effort in the following i-esolution : —
Whereas, Major-General Frank Blair, in several letters read by him, on
the floor of the House of Representatives, frora persons he vouches for as
responsible, has charged that —
Treasury officials, by raeans of outsiders, are now engaged in the most
gigantic robberies of modern tiraes, exceeding the forraer operations of Clive
in India. And whereas, specifications by narae and place are given in several of these
charges: Therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the duty of the committee, and devolves upon it, by tlie
ample powers given in the House resolution creating it, to enter upon a full
aud complete examination of these charges.
The resolution failed to pass by the following vote : —
Ayes — Brooks, Stuart, Dawson, Steele.
Noes — Garfield, Wilson, Fenton, Davis.
This painful record is aggravated by the fact, in the very sitting when a
gallant officer of the array was thus ignored, the Superintendent of Money
Printing, whose character we have above described, was permitted to file a
letter denying charges against him, as if in testimony, while to the minoi-ity
of your committee was refused the opportunity again to bring Clark before u.'i,
and to re-examine hira, or others, as to the denials raade, though such a re
examination was apparently desired by him, and earnestly aesired by us. Your
committee are, therefore, constrained to say that they have not been permit-
2i

322 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ted, in spirit or in fact, to examine into but a very small portion of the allega
tions made by the newspaper press, or by Mr. Brooks, or by General Blair,
on the fioor of the House.
Your comraittee, in conclusion, beg leave to offer the following resolu
tions : —
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed at the earliest
practicable day to carry into execution, in the Money Printing Bureau, the
recoraraendations of Mr. B. Field, A.ssistant Secretary of the Treasury, and L
E. Chittenden, Register of the Treasury, .as set forth in a report signed by
thera June 2, 1864, and subsequently reconsidered and recoraiiiitted Ijy them,
and the Hon. W. Sprague, Sen.ator from Rhode Lsland, February 19, 1864.
Resolved, That Spencer M. Clark, the Superintendent of the Money Print
ing Bureau, is an unfit man to preside over that bureau. James Brooks,
John T. Stu.\rt,
W. G. Steele,
John L. Dawson.
Mr. Fenton submitted the following report: —
The undersigned, a member of the select committee, of which the Hon.
.tag. A. Garfield is chairman, to examine in relation to raatters connected with
the Treasury Department, begs leave to say that he concurs in the conclusion
of the committee as to the policy of doing the work of the printing of the
public securities, obligations, and national bank currency, in the Treasury
Department, and as to the care and generally correct manner in which such
work has been there conducted ; nor does he see any reason, from the evidence
submitted to the committee, to dissent from their conclusions with reference
to the immoralities charged to have been committed in the Printing Bureau
of the Treasury Department.
The undersigned, however, is not able, upon the testimony which has been
submitted to the committee, to agree with the majority in their conclusions
in reference to the conspiracies of the New York bank note companies to get
Mr. Clark out of the Treasury Department, and to prevent the publication of
the publio securities, obligations, and national bank notes in that department,
in order to secure the sarae to themselves. R. B. Fenton.
Exhibit BB.
Response of Alexander C. Wilson, of New York, to the Secretary of IM
Treasury, calling for charges against S. M. Clark.
New Tork, A'ugutt 27, 1868.
Sir — In response to your demand for my charges against Mr. S. M. Clark,
of the Treasury Department, I had the honor to say, in my letter of the 17th
instant, that those charges relate not merely to Mr. Clark's present position
in your service, but to events in the course of his entire career, which provi*

A. C. WILSON ON MR. CLARK. 323
his unfitness to hold any office of trust under Governraent. Tho facts are far
more abundant than this present recapitulation will indicate; but the diffi
culty of inducing raen to testify, without the compulsion of a subpotna, pre
vents rae, at present, frora offering testiraony; and, therefore, I refrain from
reciting statements in regard to which the evidence is not iinraefliately ac
cessible. In the case of Mr. W. L. Ormsly, the honorable Secretary laid down the
indisputable principle, that no man should have any thing to do with the manu
facture of government money upon whose character there rests the slightest
taint. Mr. Clark is no subordinate in this manufacture, as is Mr. Ormsly.
He holds a foremost place. Every thing is confided to his integrity. He
occupies a position requiring spotless honesty, the highest skill, and the utmost
ingenuity. The record of Mr. Clark's career will show that, wherever he has been
known, out of Washington, he would be invested with no office of trust; that
wherever he resided and conducted business, prior to his employment in the
Department, he left behind him a tainted reputation — a reputation for ques
tionable honesty, for enormous extravagance, for bad personal habits, for
addiction to visionary and unsuccessful projects, for being, in fact, a reckless
pretender and charlatan.
This general reputation, I undertake to prove, adheres to hira still,^ even
in his actual eraployraent in your service.
My charges against Clark are as follows, viz. : —
1. Reputation for dishonesty and unreliability. — Inquiry at the localities
where he has done business, araong which are Hartford, Brattleboro', Sims-
bury, and New York, attests that those who know Clark thoroughly decline
to trust him, and believe him to be freely accessible to corrupt influences.
2. Actual dishonesty. — The failure of the flour-dealing firm of Clark & Cole
man, in 1855, elicited from the insolvents an offer to pay seventy cents on the
dollar : fifty per cent, in the paper of Ezra Clark, Jr., a brother of Morton,
who was .said to be a debtor of the firra, and twenty per cent, in the paper of
Coleman, & Clark. None of these notes were paid. Coleman paid his pro
portion, and obtained from his creditors a release; but nothing whatever w.as
paid by Clark or his brother. I find, from inquiries raade of leading mercan
tile houses in the fiour trade, that the failure was, and is, regarded as dis
graceful, if not fraudulent, and as utterly destructive of Clark's credit.
A transaction in connection with the improvements in tbe Assistant Trea
surer's office in this city, raises an irresistible presumption of fraud on the
part of Clark, who was superintending some of the work, subject to the direc
tions of the Assistant Treasurer. Though instructed to do nothing without
the explicit orders of Mr. Cisco, Clark privately, and on his own responsi
bility, proceeded to make a contract for the safes, selecting a pattern, the
patent right of which belonged to the Messrs. Cornell, machinists, of New
^ork. The natural course for him would have been to have contracted with
the Messrs. Cornell. Instead of doing so, however, he m.ade a contract with
one North, a lockmaker, at New Britain, Connecticut, and left North to

324 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
sulicontract (of conrse, with a handsome profit to himself) with the ihssr.<i.
Cornell. 3. Dishonesty or incompetency. — The report of the House Committee on
Expenditures on Public Building.s, June 10, 186-2, convicts Clark of either one
or the other of these qualities; and as the Honorable Secretary promptly
reraoved Clark from the post he then occupied, we are to assume that, at that
time, he believed hira to bo either dishonest or incapable. A cursory reading
of a printed letter, addressed by Clark to the Secretary, and marked -pri
vate," doubtless to keep it out of the hands of members of the coiuinittee,
who would be likely to resent its scurrilous fiings and innuendoes, iinpressej
me at first as a successful refutation of the report; but upon referring care
fully to the report itself, I find the so-called reply leaves the material points
untouched. That report I therefore make part of my case.
4. Business incompetency. — -Clark has failed in every business enterprise
he ever undertook, and in every case inquiry shows the failure was due to
his visionary, unpractical charaeter, combined with improvident and extrava
gant or immoral habits. He failed as a maker of rules at Hartford and Brat-
tleboni'; he failed as the superintendent of copper smelting-works at Sims-
bury, Connecticut; he failed as a flour merchant in New York. Prior to his
employment in Washington, his only success seems to have been as clerk and
bar-tender at the Carleton House, a second-class hotel of this city, where he
was engaged in those cap.acities for three or four years.
5. Immorality. — An incident which occurred during the latter portion of
Clark's residence in New York, did a.s much as any thirg else, unless his reck
less speculations be excepted, to destroy the credit of the fij-m of Clark h
Coleman, and procure its failure. The facts, which were reported in tho
papers of the day, may be briefly stated .as follows: a brothel in the Eighth
Ward had made itself especially offensive to the police, as the resort of the
most profligate and dissolute of the comraunity. It was found necessary to
break it up. A descent was planned, the inmates were arrested, and among
them w.as S. M. Clark, the subject of these charges. On the following d.ay
he was placed on the stand and compelled to testify : and this confession of
his guilt — the guilt of a married raan, past middle age, with a grown-up
family, was printed in all the newspapers. With such a stain npon his pri
vate character — and the facts were in the mouths of everybody at the time-
it can hardly be wondered at that tho credit of Clark & Coleman declined,
until it reached the point of failure ; and that the ill repute of Clark was a
principal cause of the disaster is not only currently alleged by merchants in
the same line of business, but raay justly be inferred from the circumstance
that Coleman, resuming business after the failure, has since been a successfnl
and prosperous man.
6. Charlatanism and imposture. — The unsafe and unprofessional m.inner
in which the Treasury building had been carried on, reasonably prompted
the House Committee, in the report already referred to, to question Mr.
Clark's attainments as an engineer. In reply to an inquiry on this head, he
is reported as saying: "I have qnalified myself for duties of engineer, hut
never adopted it as a profession."

MR. WILSON INTERROGxiTED. 325
Question. Have you ever been engaged in practical duties of engineer?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Q. Where and when ?
A. In Brattleboro', Vermont, H.artford, Connecticut, and New York city.
Q. In what connection at Brattleboro', Vermont?
A. In planning, laying out, and erecting a water-power and factory.
Q. What factory?
A. One for the manufacture of rules and mathematical instruments — the
first of its kind started in this country.
Q. How long were you so engaged there?
A. I think about six years in Brattleboro', in constructing water-power,
in building factory, making machinery for carrying on the business, and tlieu
carrying ou the business. The rest of the time that I was in Brattleboro' 1
was cashier of a bank.
Q. Were you ever employed by anybody as an engineer while in Brattle
boro'? A. I was frequently consulted upon engineering, but never professionally
employed. Q. In what public work were you eng-iged at Hartford, Connecticut?
A. No public work. There was none building there.
Q. In what were yon engaged as an engineer in that city ?
A. In planning and building a mill for the reduction and separation of ores
from copper-mines in th.at vicinity, and also in designing some private dwell
ings, but not professionally.
Q. Do you remember the size of the mill?
A. I think it was about one hundred and twenty by sixty feet, but it is
only a matter of recollection. It h.ad two steam-engines, one of twelve and
one of twenty horse-power, running day and night.
Q. What was its height?
A. It was all in one story.
Q. Do you remember how long you were engaged on the work?
A. On the work, and superintending running of machinery, for about two
years. Q. How long in constructing the building ?
A. Somewhere between six months and a year.
Q. Of what raaterial was the building, and what its cost?
A. The b.a.'ieraent portion was of stone; the upper portion of wood. I
think the building and its appurtenances cost from twelve to fifteen thousand
dollars. Q. How high above the ground line did the masonry work extend ?
A. .\bout six feet.
Q. Were you interested as owner or proprietor of business in the factory?
A. I was to have been interested as a compensation, but ray employers failed
in carrying out their enterprise, and no interest has ever been awarded to ine.
Q. Were you engaged on any public work in New York ?
A. My occupation of this character there was confined to consultation
with others in reference to dwellings.

326 UNIITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. Do you reraember to have been consulted officially about any public
work then going on in New York?
A. No, sir.
Q. Had you the professional charge of any public building or work there ?
A. No, sir.
Q. What was your salary at Brattleboro', Vermont, or your pay for con
struction of building?
A. It was my own. I first began it in connection with a partner, and
subsequently acquired full title.
We remarked, that it is true that S. JI. Clark was proposed as cashier of
the Bank of Brattleboi-o' ; but, on account of his bad character, was totally
nnable to procure the legal bond, and never signed or acted as cashier. It is
true that he superintended a small rule-shop in Brattleboro', but it is untrue
that he had any thing whatever to do with the construction of that or any
other building in the village. The building he refers to as erected near Hart
ford, was simply a small wooden shed of unplaned boards to cover one or two
steam-engines. Thus a man, through whose h.ands a thousand millions of
money will probably pass during the coming year, was unable, in the town
where he was born and thoroughly known, to procure the security required
for the cashiership of a county bank. The cutting-machine used in separating
the notes in the Department is not the invention of Clark ; simil.ar machines
have been used in this city for twenty years. Snch paper as Clark manufac
tures in the Department, with so raany securities to preserve the secrecy of
the method, the company for which I act will contract to deliver to Govern
ment, at a mnch lower rate than its present cost. With the same audacity as
made hira claira to be an engineer on the strength of having built an engine-
shed, he claims to be an engraver and printer of bank notes, and yet he re
quired us to engrave two vignettes for surface printing, and only abandoned
the project when the impossibility of doing the thing was demonstrated.
And it is the universal opinion of experts, who are conversant with Clark's
preparations for dry printing, and who have been acquainted with the machine
he uses for a nuraber of years, that upon any thing of a practical scale the
experiment will be a failure. His vision.ary and superficial character has
now, in fact, full swing, enjoying, as it does, the generous resources of the
Department ; but if it fare no better than it has done in the conduct of his
priv.ate business, it must result in disaster to the Government. These are ray
charges. I am quite sensible, sir, that some of them are unattended with the
weight of evidence they may strike you as demanding. Other allegations I
have already intimated I might easily make, could I extort the truth from
witnesses whora we are not at liberty to compromise, but who would testify
freely before a properiy authorized tribunal. With the approval of the hon
orable Secretary, I therefore propose to procure a committee of investigation,
either in the Senate or House, early in the approaching session of Congress;
and I undertake to prove, with the aid of the process which such committee
will have at its command, every point I now allege as to the unfitness of Clark
to occupy the position he fills under Government. I have referred to the
warm friendship Clark exhibited toward us in the earlier part of our inter-

MR. WILSON ON MR. CLARK. 327
course — a friendship dictated, as he took frequent occasion to say, by his
irrepressible dislike to the American Company, and its practice of corrupting
everybody surrounding the honorable Secretary. He would have no inter
course with thera; he would see that, however sincere their repentance, they
should never again have work from the Department; that while he intended
to print the banking currency in the Department, he would infiuence the
entire printing of Treasury notes to us. In raaking this pledge, which was
wholly unsolicited, he took occasion to mention that he had been thrown out
of his position in tbe Department ; that although he would be ultimately
cared for by the Secretary, he would be obliged to live for the present on
borrowed raoney ; in short, he presented the matter in such a form that I
would have been blind not to see that he was inviting the tender of a bribe
from this company. Be assured, sir, no such tender was raade. On the same
afternoon, namely, of June 25, Mr. Clark visited the American Bank Note
Corapany, w.as admitted to a scrutiny of all their interior arrangements, and
from that day the kindness we had previously experienced frora him has been
converted into rudeness, if not downright insult, and raarked unfriendliness,
if not open hostility. Corruption is easily concealed ; but we cannot shut
our eyes to the inference that a change so abrupt had causes independent of
the public interest. In submitting these charges, I consider it of great ira
portance that the Secretary should comprehend the motives that actuate me
in the affair. It is not of my own seeking. Mr. Clark's peculiar mode of
doing business forced it upon rae. I bear Mr. Clark no raalice, but I do feel
an honest indignation that a raan, whose notoriously bad reputation and per
sonal dealings with rayself have convinced me that he is entirely unfit for the
responsible position he occupies under the Secretary, should, in the plenitude
of the power he knows he unworthily holds, assume, in the most offensive,
arrogant raanner, to be the arbiter of the fortunes of the corapany of which I
have the honor to be president. When the Continental Bank Note Company
comraenced with the Government, it laid down the rule not to corrupt or be
corrupted, and by that rule it will stand or fall. I have never asked any
favor of Mr. Clark, neither would I lay myself open to any arrangement
where there could be any reciprocity of illicit favors. I never, by insinua
tion or request, endeavored to obtain any thing from Mr. Clark, except what
rightfully belonged to the company under its engagements with the Depart
raent. It is Mr. Clark's sudden change, frora apparently excessive friendship
to actual excessive hostility, based, I am convinced, on bad motives, and
manifested by a highly improper and unjust course in his dealings with me as
President of the Continental Bank Note Corapany, that forces me to resist his
action, and in so doing undertake to satisfy the Secretary that his confiding
nature has allowed Clark to obtain too rauch of his confidence. It is there
fore frora a sense of duty to the company over whose interests I preside, and
to the Secretary, with whom I have important and confidential relations, that
I act in this very disagreeable business.
I have the honor to be, &c., &c.,
Alexander C. Wilson.
Hon. S. P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury.

328 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
I wish no-w to refer to a most singular episode in the
•ourse of the investigation. It will not be forgotten, first,
"hat my connection with it -was not of my seeking ; but I
(vas called to it at Mr. Chase's special request. "When it
vvas discovered — as I claim, and challenge evidence to the
contrary — that I would not bend to party dictation, and
shield the guilty, my official acts and labors were not only
Ignored, but an attempt deliberately made to brand me
before the Committee as a conspirator. Second, that, not
withstanding Stewart Gwynn -was arrested and committed
to the Old Capitol prison, and then released by order of
Solicitor Jordan, he -was induced and encouraged to begin
and prosecute four different actions against me, in the crimi
nal courts of the District, by the very men who had earnest
ly invoked my aid in the exposure of his frauds.
The records of the Court before -avhich I was tried, but
honorably acquitted, exhibit the testimony of the Solicitor
in no enviable light. It was a topic of general remark
among members of the legal profession, that, Avlien on th^
witness stand, he Avas evasive and indirect in his answers,
and clearly driven to dodge the plain facts in the case.
I have thus briefiy recorded the foregoing experience,
that the merits of a controversy may be understood, in the
progress of which I was the target of unjust and cruel cen
sure. I doubt not, the people will be surprised to learn
that a conspicuous object of this inquiry, S. M. Clark, still
holds (June, 1866) his position in the United States Treasury
Department.

CHAPTER XXV.
A PERILOUS ADVENTURE.
Pope's Defeat — Banks's Advance — The Importance of comraunieatiug with him—
The Successful Attempt — Rebel Pursuers — The Escape.
One of the most disastrous defeats of the Union army
was that of General Pope, when he was driven through the
mountains of the Blue Ridge by General Lee, in the autumn
of 1863. General Banks had left the Shenandoah Valley,
but knew nothing of the perilous condition of the army
he was hastening to join, nor the danger that would attend
his advance, with Lee's entire army across his path. To
save his battalions, it was necessary to- communicate to him
the movements of the two armies. Excepting the route from
Washington to Centreville, the rebels had full possession,
and the road was exceedingly perilous. Innumerable rumors
were floating about Washington, to the effect that Banks had
met Lee, and was annihilated. The Secretary of War was
unable to obtain any information of him. He had dispatched
two messengers with instructions to him not to attempt a
junction with Pope. One of thera was captured, and the
other came back, after several fruitless attempts to get be
yond Centreville, and refused to risk his life further.
Secretary Stanton, in this emergency, sent for me, and
asked me if I had a man on my force daring and sagacious
enough to carry the dispatches to Banks.
"If you will prepare your messages," said I, "I will
see that they are delivered ; or, at any rate, that an attempt
is made to deliver them."
I got ready at once for the uncertain excursion, and
reported to Mr. Stanton for orders. He gave me the dis
patches, which I concealed under my clothes, next to my

330 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
body, and, mounting the celebrated racehorse "Patchen,"
I galloped away from the Capital at six o'clock in the
evening, reaching Centreville at ten. I reported to Gen
eral McDowell, and requested a fresh and fleet horse. I
waited an hour, when the black clouds, which had been
gathering overhead for some time, began to pour down a
steady rain, and the air grew chill and dismal.
The darkness was alnagst impenetrable to the vision. The
roads were in a wretched condition — muddy, broken, and
frequently obstructed. No horse, fit for such a journey — a
journey requiring one sure of foot, swift, and perfectly
trained — could be found at that hour of the night, in the
disorder of the army, and "Patchen" had already carried
his owner thirty -five miles along a rough and toilsome route.
These were the considerations which urged me to remain
at McDowell's head-quarters until the journey might be com
menced with better auguries of safety. The darkness, how
ever, in itself was not unfavorable to the enterprise. By
its help, I might hope to pass through regions occupied hy
the rebels, which would be utterly closed to me in daylight
or moonlight. I could depend ou "Patchen," in every
emergency, to the extent of his strength, while a strange
horse might give me infinite trouble, and involve me in
great danger. But, above all. Banks' s army must be saved,
and hours were precious.
As the only alternative, I remounted "Patchen," and
plunged into the darkness. It was eight miles from Ma
nassas by the direct route, but I took the Gainesville road,
which would increase the distance to twenty-four miles.
After pursuing my benighted way, often guided solely by
the instinct of the noble animal that bore me, at daybreak
I came upon traces of the army for which I was searching.
An interview "with General Banks immediately followed,
which conveyed to him the first intelligence of Pope's
defeat^ with orders to march for Alexandria as rapidly as
possible. Having accomplished the object of my adventure— to
the great relief of that officer, who was intensely anxious
to hear from "Washington — within an hour I was on my
way with dispatches to the Secretary of War. I determined,

THE PURSUIT. 331
without delay, to risk a daylight journey back, and re
traced my way to Bristow Station, from which, to avoid a
circuitous course, I started for the rebel lines. After riding
two miles, I caught a glimpse of the rebel army, in rapid
raarch eastward, toward the old BuU Run battle-ground.
There were infantry, cavalry, and artillery, in detached
squads, occupying the entire country ahead, "with occa
sionally a small opening between them. Prudence would
have dictated a speedy retreat, and as wide a circuit as
would really be necessary for safety ; but I was very
anxious to save the distance. I rode down to within three
hundred yards of the line, and attempted to discover an
opportunity for slipping through.
I loitered in the rear for three-quarters of an hour, and
finally observed an opening — a break in the train ; and,
though I should certainly be seen, and must take my
chances with the bullets, I determined to make the effort
to pass at this point. I took my six-shooter in my right
hand, partly concealing it at my side, grasped the reins
firmly with my left, and started, at first slowly and cau
tiously, down the road. Before I had gone far, I was dis
covered and hailed. I made no answer, and immediately
became a target for every soldier within hearing distance.
I now nerved myself for a quick and desperate venture,
and gave my horse the spurs. It was necessary either to
turn back, or to pass within thirty feet of a whole squad
of infantry — that being the only opening. I again lay
down upon the neck of " Patchen," who shot by like an
arrow. As he passed the troops, they fired, and the bullets
flew thickly about him ; but horse and rider escaped unhurt.
I raised myself in the saddle, and, with pistol in hand,
waved an adieu to my disappointed foes ; then bending
again to " Patchen' s" neck, he bore me rapidly from their
sight. A cavalry force, who had heard the firing, now
appeared in the distance, and began to discharge their car
bines at me.
The cavalry at first numbered as many as forty. They
continued the pursuit for a mUe, when, one by one, they
began to lag behind, firing generally an ineffectual parting
shot. It was not long untU only six or eight, who had

332 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
remarkably good horses, followed me, and they were too
far behind to fire with any accuracy of aim. Sometimes,
however, I became entangled in brush, or temporarily
impeded by mud ; and, on two or three occasions, the
foremost man rode to within twenty yards and fired.
For nine miles I did not slacken my pace. Only three
of the party "were now chasing me, the rest having fallen
behind. My horse was covered with foam and dust, and
began to show signs of failing strength — the necessary result
of so long travel, at so rapid a pace. My powers were
strained to their utmost capacity. I had ridden almost
continuously over a hundred miles, through mud, and
rain, and darkness ; but this closing excitement called up
the latent powers which every man possesses, but which
onl,)' lend their aid in the direst emerg'ency. I saw a little
hill ahead, and spurred on to get fairly over it before the
other party reached its foot. I passed over, and was out
of sight for the minute. I wheeled sharply round, and
turned into a thick clump of pines, a little to the right, and
there dismounting, stood holding by the saddle.
I remained perfectly still, and the party rode past. They
went on for a considerable distance, when one of thera,
perceiving that there was nobody ahead, turned his horse
about, and rode back. He came toward the pines, glancing
eagerly this way and that. He was not more than twenty
yards from me, when a movement of "Patchen" revealed
his hidden man. My pursuer saw at a glance my position,
and raised his carbine to fire.
A crisis had come in the encounter, and, raising the
pistol still iu my hand, I discharged it at my enemj"-. The
horse sprang forward, and his rider fell. I then leaped
into the saddle, gave the wounded man, who was on the
point of rising, another shot, and rode out into the beaten
path. The other two, hearing the report of the pistol,
returned to the pursuit, while I struck off, at a right angle
with the path, to pass them unobserved. They saw me,
however, and dashed forward with great speed, one of them
tiring his carbine, in the desperate endeavor to prevent my
escape. Each backward glance revealed the frenzied excite-

THE ESCAPE. 333
ment of my foes, and their determination, at all hazards, to
take me, either dead or alive.
I now came to the banks of Bull Run, Avhere the final
struggle for dear life and liberty was at hand. The stream
was swollen, and it would require the best exertions of my
good steed to swim it. I knew that if the pursuers reached
the bank before I reached the other side, I should be at the
mercy of their bullets. On the other hand, I knew that
the Union forces occupied the opposite side of the stream —
that being the boundary of the picket line — and that if I
should succeed in getting across safely, the peril for that
day was over.
I spurred my horse to his final effort of speed, and was
well ahead when I arrived at the stream. I plunged into it,
and "Patchen" bravely breasted the swift current. It was
only eight or ten yards wide, and this distance was soon
accom.plished ; but the bank on the north side was almost
perpendicular, and the horse made tAVO or three ineffectual
efforts to scale it. I heard distinctly the shouts of the two
men behind me, and, cheering "Patchen" with encouraging
words, which he evidently understood as well as his rider,
he sprang forward, and in a moment stood proudly on the
top of the bank, while the echo of a shot, intended for me,
died away over the waters from which I had just emerged.
I dismounted, and went to the edge of the declivity to
watch the movements of my pursuers. The first galloped
down to the margin of the stream, and, after considerable
urging, his horse commenced swimming across. Before I
had occasion to fire, the Union pickets upon the bluff, hav
ing heard the enemy's shot, made their appearance. I
shouted to them, and told them I was the bearer of dis
patches to the Secretary of AVar, and was chased by rebels.
Immediately four or five bullets Avere on the Avay to the
Confederate horseman, Avho was midway in the stream.
He tumbled from his saddle, and floated doAvn the river,
whose current Avas tinged Avitli his blood. His comrade
took the hint and disappeared in the distance.
Relieved from the peril of pursuit, I remounted "Patch
en," and moved leisurely toAvard Washington, where I
arrived at three o'clock, p. m., and reported to the War

334 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Department. I had ridden one hundred and tArenty-four
miles since about six o'clock of the preceding afternoon,
Avithout a moment's sleep. I went to my quarters utterly
prostrated with exhaustion. From the time the pursuit
began, to have my pistol ready in my right hand, I had
constantly held the rein in my left, which became so badly
SAVollen, it required careful dressing for more than a week.
Poor "Patchen" looked more dilapidated than his master,
and required good nursing for over a fortnight.
Mr. Stanton expressed his satisfaction at the result in a
characteristic manner, by simpl}'- saying to me, after reading
my dispatches and hearing my story: "Well, go and tell
Mr. Lincoln."

CHAPTER XXVI.
COTTON SPECULATIONS.
Mania for Speculation — Law of Congress in regard to Owners of Cotton — Illict
Traffic at Norfolk, Virginia — Frauds committed by a Paymaster and his Associate
— Reports of their Cases.
One of the most remarkable facts noticed during the
rebellion, was the general tendency of the mercantile world
to plunge headlong into speculation. It would not be
assuming too much, indeed, if I were to say that men of
all classes, and in all circumstances in life, ventured into
the wide and tempting field, regardless of every other
feeling but the sordid one of amassing wealth, at the
expense of the very life-blood of this then distracted
country — a sad commentary on the patriotism and self-
abnegation of a free people, who assume to be the first in
the rank of enlightened nations ; and did, truly, make
noblest sacrifices.
Probably never in the world' s history were the oppor
tunities so many and great for speculation as during the
secession war, nor more extensive operations than in the
"land of cotton," through the permits granted for traffic in
the staple of the South.
A law of Congress, dated July 2, 18 — , regulating the
traffic, explicitly sets forth that no permit can be granted,
excepting to those who are actual bond fide owners of
cotton ; that applications for it must be accompanied by
the sworn affidavit of the applicant that he has cotton
located at a given point in the rebellious States, and that
he has not aided or abetted the revolt in any way. On such
conditions alone, permits were granted to trade in cotton.
To attempt to detail, or even refer to the numerous instances
of fraud would be impossible here. I shall confine myself
to a few only.

336 UNIT-ED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
At Norfolk, Virginia, I found a number of persons carry
ing on an illicit and surreptitious traffic Avith the disloyal
S ates. I communicated the subjoined documents to the
Secretary of War : — -W-AsniNOTON, D. C, January 20, 1865.
Hon. C. A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War : —
Sir — Some days since, a communication was referred to this oflice, frora
the War Dejiartnient, for investiu'atiou in relation to certain parties aud illegal
transactions at and in the vicinity of Norfolk, Va.
As so(m as practicable, I sent two officers to Norfolk to make investiga
tions, who have procured a st.iteinent from one John Daniels, a citizen of
Norfolk, \a., substantially as follows : —
That during the latter part of the last year, one G. M. Lane, upon the
recommendation of M.-ijor-General Butler, procured permission to carry to
North Carolina articles not of a contraband nature, consisting of cordage,
hooji-skirts, ladies' wearing .apparel, &c., which could be of no service to the
Confederates, to sell the same, and receive in exchange cotton, tobiicco, &c.,
with the privilege of shipping the same to any northern port.
Upon the api)licatioii for this permission being appro\'€d by the President,
Mr. L;ine a])poitited one J. G. Holliday, of Portsmouth Va., to go within the
rebel lines. Ilollid.ay went, and after making arrangements for the delivery
of the cotton, returned. Lane then proceeded to load his steamer, the Phil
adelphia, not with the articles specified in the permit, but with coffee, salt,
pork, mohisses, array shoos, hats, &c., and cleared for , but
proceeded up the Chowan to Nottaway River, to a point as near the rebel
head-quartei-s at ^lui-free's depot as the steamer could go (about one and a half
mile), where the exchange of these goods was made with Major J. R. White,
agent of the Confederates for sufiplies, Mr. Lane receiving on board cotton to
the amount of two hundred .and fifty-five bales.
Thomas .J. Hobday, a citizen of Portsmouth, Virginia, was present during
the dischai-i;e of these goods and the exchange of them for this cotton, and
saw the cotton when it was brought down in the Confederate government
wagons. Under the protection of this permit. Lane has received and shipped proba
bly tliree or four hundred bales of cotton, for which he has received large
fees from R. B. Smith &, Co., of Norfolk, and has thus deprived Mr. Farring-
ton, the appointed cotton agent for the United States Government, of the one-
fourth thereof.
General Butler's brother-in-law, Mr. H., is the partner of this Lane, and
has received from parties for shipping cotton, in one case, a fee of seven
thousand dolhirs, and other fees in other cases.
Witnesses, E. L. Bishop, a citizen of Norfolk, Virginia, and C. L. Cole,
President of the First National Bank at Norfolk, C. C. Poole, George A. John
son, late .adjutant-general under Major-General B. F. Butler, and J. C. Jones,
have several stores at and near Corn Jack, Canituck County, North Carolina,

REPORT ON COTTON TRAFFIC. 337
and aro reported to have sold in two months about $200,000 worth of goods,
a large portion of which sales are believed to have been of contraband
goods. The above-naraed parties are familiarly called Shipley, Johnson & Co.
Upon protection being afforded to Roach and Hutchins, detectives on tho
provost-marshal's force at Norfolk, they will testify to the full particulars of
the transactions of the above parties, who are reported to be especial favorites
of Brig.adier-General Shipley, in command of the district .at Norfolk.
The following several firms doing business .at Norfolk .are generally under
stood to be enjoying peculiar privileges for shipping cotton through Lane and
his partner Hildreth, viz. : "Renshaw & Boot, ivobb & Nash, R. B. Smith &
Co. (Smith, George J. Wallace, and S. Fhsher), II. W. Presby, Thompson,
Harney & Dunlow, Lane, Hildreth & Holliday, before mentioned, Sherman
& Oo. (Sherman, Logan, Hurst, and James Carr), Mr. Kennedy, McKay Baker
Richmond & Whitlock."
Mr. Kennedy is the pastor of the Methodist Ejiiscopal church at Nor
folk, and, having a permit to bring s.alt to Norfolk, has shipped it to North
Carohna. An investigation was being had at Fortress Monroe, in reference to the
illegal trading in cotton by Richmond & Whitlock, during which time, detec
tives Roach and Hutchins obtained authority to proceed to North Carolina for
the purpose of arresting such parties as could testify thereon, and raade the
arrest, among others, of one Mr. Jourdan, v,-ho is now believed to be at Ports
mouth, who stated that inforraation had gone out from railitary head-quarters
to the Confederate agents of the raission, with a description of the persons of
said detectives, who, upon learning that fact, desisted from their efforts to
make further arrests.
Inforin.ation was given by Samuel Patterson, navy contractor in Norfolk,
to the ofiicers sent there by me, that overtures had been made to hira (Patter
son), by parties in Norfolk, to go to North Carolina, and there make arrange
ments for shipping cotton. On inquiring into the probable profits to arise
frora the business, Mr. Patterson received a detailed stateraent, in which one-
half of all the profits were designated to go to H. A. Risley, supervising
special agent of the Treasury Departraent.
In view of these and many other facts in this case, which will be developed
by a further investigation, I have respectfully to ask for an order which will
authorize the attendance of such witnesses as may be required to give further
testimony in this case.
That there has been carried on by the parties referred to, and at the points
designated above, a very large unlawful contraband trade, is susceptible of
the strongest possible proof.
It can also be clearly shown that a large portion of the goods referred to
have gone directly to the rebel General Lee's army.
I ara, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Agent War Department.
22

338 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
AV.i8niKGTOs, D. C, January 22, ISC.l.
Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, United States Army : —
Sie — On or about the 1st inst. there was forwarded to this oflice from the
War Department, for investigation, a communication in reforence to an alleged
illegal or contr.aband traffic beinu' carried on by tre.asury agrtits, comraissioned
officers, and others, between Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia, via the Dismal
Swamp and Alberaarle Canals.
On the 20th instant, I had the honor to forward to tbe War Department
the result of my investigations.
Mr. Dana, the Assistant Secretary of War, informs me that the parties
implicated will be tried by a military commission, at Norfolk, Virginia.
With a view to elicit all the facts connected with this important case, I
have respectfully to ask that my agents, who have worked up the case thus
far, be directed to report to the Judge-Advocate of said commission, with
such facts and testiraony as they may have obt.ainod.
If a rigid and thorough investigation is had, sufficient will be shown to
prove, very clearly, that the supplies shipped from Norfolk under the permit
of H. A. Risley, Supervising Special Agent of the Treasury Department, and
with the knowledge and .approval of General Shipley, at Norfolk, have gone
directly to Richmond, and have been purchased by rebel quartermasters aud
commissioners, for the use of General Lee's army.
I am, General, very respectfully. Your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Agent War Department.
AVAsniNOTOK, D. C, January 80, 1805.
Hon. E. B. Washburne, Chairman Committee on Commerce: —
Sin — Herewith I have the honor to forward a brief stateraent and series
of questions, which I trust will materially aid your honorable committee in
the prosecution of their investigations.
A law of Congress was passed July 2, after which all trade with insur
rectionary districts was prohibited.
Nothing was then done in the cotton bu.sines3 until some time early in
September, when a party, composed of 'D. Randolph M.artin, Gener.al W. P.
Dole, Indian Agent, Mr. McCulloch, Mr. Harrington, and Simeon Draper and
his brother, met on several occasions, to devise some plan to raake raoney on
cotton. It was then decided that the law could only be evaded, or, they could
only avail themselves of the evasion, by getting parties who owned cotton in
the South to make affidavit to th.at eflfect, and the contracts with the Govern
ment to be made in their names, and contracts made with parties making
affidavits, to give one-half the profits (after giving the quarter to Government)
to them, for their influence in getting the necessary papers.
This was done in some instances, copies of which are annexed, marked
K 4 1)

CORRESPONDENCE ON COTTON TRADE. 339
This has been a slow and tedious business at best; few persons could be
found who would make necessary oath; various interviews were had and
various suggestions were made, and finally it was concluded that the oaths
might bo dispensed with, and the party need only say he owned or controlled
any given araount of cotton or other products, and then they could safely say
they controlled cotton, and conld get the necessary papers out in their own
names, thereby simplifying raatters materi.ally. Finally, the regulations were
agreed upon, but it was thought best not to have them made public, until
parties inside of the ring could secure large amounts of cotton at low prices;
and notwithstanding that the Executive order bears date September 24, 1854,
it was not made pubhc until December 2, 1864, when it w.as published in the
New Tork Herald ; and during that long interval, Mr. H. A. Risley, of the
Treasury Dep.artment, made various contracts and issued various certificates
with the Executive order attached, similar to the one accompanying this
report, marked '• B."
One to T. C. Durant, for seven thousand bales of cotton, to corae out of
the ports of Pensaeola .and Fernandina.
One to D. Randolph Martin, for five thousand bales, at the same place ;
one to A. H, Lazare and other.s, for seven thousand bales ; one to Samuel
Norris, and others for thirteen thousand b.ales.
Norris .and Lazare having made affidavits that they owned cotton, their
names were inserted first in the permits, they to have one-half of the profits,
B. F. Camp t'.vo-sixths, and the parties who really got the scheme up, only
one-sixth of the profits. Who Camp represented I am unable to say.
No agents were appointed under the order of September 24 for about a
month, and then Mr. Draper's friend, Mr. Cuttler, was appointed for New
Orleans, with whora his brother now is ; and, at the request of Mr. Martin,
Mr. Ellery was appointed at Memphis, and Mr. Adams at Nashville. No
other appointments were raade at that time, notwithstanding there were the
ports of Pensaeola, Fernandina, Beaufort, Port Royal, and Norfolk named as
places of purchase.
Soon after, however, Mr. Risley was appointed for Norfolk, a place very
convenient to Washington, but not in a cotton district, and where, in no event,
could a bale of cotton be brought without passing other ports named in the
order of the President. Mr. Risley then commenced making contracts for all
ports of the Confederate States, from Matamoras to Nashville; and all
attempts to appoint agents for other points seemed unavailing, as Mr. Risley's
friends got all the facilities they wanted through him, while the parties that
the law contemplated to aid, were compelled to sell their cotton to such men
as Mr. Risley chose to favor with authority. And here I raake the assurance
that no permit has ever been granted to any person actually owning a bale of
cotton in the Confederate States, excepting in one or two instiinces, and then
in very sraall araounts ; and, frora the best inforraation I can obtain, Mr. Ris
ley has contracted to purchase from speculators who claira to own cotton, a
larger amount than there is in the whole Southern Confederacy.
Mr. Risley has given to parties in New York, and elsewhere, special per
mission to load vessels with goods, and has appointed agents, or agreed to

340 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
appoint them, to go in said vessels to superintend the exchange of cargoes of
goods for cotton, which, in fact, makes a wholesale trade with the Confeder
acy, and virtually breaks the blockade.
The parties to whom Mr. Risley has extended his favors most liberally, are
represented by the following gentlemen : — •
Leonard I. Sweat, Marshal Lainon, Thurlow Weed, Wm. P. Dole, D.
Randolph Martin, B. F. Camp, Prescott Smith, and his former clerk, Mr. Con-
natty; and it .appears that any favor they have asked has been granted. One
permit has been granted to Mr. AVeed's friend. Colonel Noble, of two hundred
and fifty thousand bales of cotton, extending all over the Confederate States,
and the one to his clerk, Connatty, which now calls for fifty thousand bales,
but was originally issued for only fifteen thousand.
It will be recollected that the clerk, Connatty, is not at this time in the
employ of Mr. Risley, but received his cotton permit while he was the confi
dential clerk of Mr. Risley. He (Connatty) probably knows more about the
administration of Risley's department than any other person, but, I think,
will testify with a great deal of reluctance.
If you desire, I will write a series of questions to be propounded to Ris
ley, B. F. Camp, J. Randolph Martin, and others ; but I think the answers to
those already propounded will suggest those to be asked the other witnesses
named above. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Agent War Depsirtraent.
From the voluminous testimony elicited by the Congres
sional Committee, I extract that of three witnesses : —
Leonidas Haskeix called, sworn, and examined.
By the Chairman :
Question. Be good enough to state to the committee your residence ani
business. Answer. I am living temporarily in Washington ; my residence, however,
is in New York. I have no particular business at this time; I was in the
army last summer.
Q. In what capacity were you serving in the army ?
A. As major.
Q. In what branch of the service ?
A. As a staff officer of General Fremont.
Q. Have yon, since the breaking out of the rebellion, been connected in
trade with the rebellions States? If so, when, with whom connected, and to
what extent ?
A. Within a few months, about September, I undertook to do something
nnder the law regulating the trade between the United States and the insur
rectionary States. About that time I resigned ray commission. Before Gen
eral Fremont withdrew from the Presidential canvass, I had convewatioM

WITNESSES ON THE COTTON SPECULATIONS. 341
with Mr. Martin, of the Ocean Bank, and Mr. Dole — with Mr. Dole first, and
Mr. Martin afterwards. Mr. Dole wished me to use all the efforts I could to
induce General Fremont to withdraw. It did not require any effort on my
part; I did, however, express my opinion to him. He did withdraw. Mr.
Dole expressed himself very rauch gratified, and said any thing he could do
for me in regard to the cotton trade he wonld be very glad to do. He intro
duced me to D. Randolph Martin. I h.ad been in the array for a long time,
and raade no money. The representations made to me by Mr. Martin were
flattering rather than otherwise. We were talking over the matter. He told
me about the regulations that would be adopted, and made suggestions about
them. He told rae how these regulations would operate, &c. It looked very
fair. I had known parties who professed to have bought out cotton. It was
finally decided that, for their infiuence in getting this permit, which I foresaw
would take considerable time and trouble, Mr. Martin and his friend should
have two-sixths of the profits of the transactions ; that, as a sort of broker
age, I should have one-sixth of the profits, and the other half go to tho parties
who had out the cotton. I spent considerable tirae and labor in the matter,
and got np a couple of applications of that kind, or got parties to make out
applications. There seemed to be a long delay in getting the regulations fixed
and the permits signed. The result was, Mr. Martin informed me that these
two particular cases could not be got through ; that the President or Secre
tary would not sign them ; but as his friend Ellery was appointed at Mem
phis, if I would go there he would do any thing he could do for me. But after
making some investigations, I saw plainly I could get no cotton in Memphis.
It was a kind of business I could not very well do, and I declined to go to
Memphis, so that the matter with these gcntleraen all fell through. They got
their permits and went on, but I had nothing to do with them. My mind had
been directed to making something out of cotton, and I disliked to abandon
the project. I met B. F. Camp accidentally, and learned something of the
manner of getting these things. He said to rae that if I would give him the
same interest I had agreed to give Mr. Martin he would get ine a permit. 1
tqld him to do it, and Mr. Camp undertook it. After quite a long time Mr.
Camp did bring me two permits, or whatever they are called, that he had
obtained. Q. In whose names were these permits or certiScates issued ?
A. The first one was to Lazare, Camp & Brooks, and the second to Norris,
Champion & Carap.
Q. Who are Champion and Camp ?
A. J. D. Champion and B. F. Camp.
Q. Who is Lazare ?
A. Mr. Lazare is a gentleraan I got acquainted with at Cairo, in the win
ter of 1861 ; he had a contract for baking bread for the post of Cairo. I met
him in New York, and in the course of conversation he told me he had cotton
in Mississippi, and that he had General Sherman's permit to get it out, or
permitting the party of whora he had purchased It to bring it out. His rep
resentation was very fair, and the order of General Sherman seemed to be
valuable.

343 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. Did you see General Sherman's order ?
A. Yes. When the permits came back, this one for Lazare, Camp &
Brooks, Lazare, not understanding th.at Brooks was to be a partner, declined
to have any thing to do with it. Mr. Brooks is a young raan from California,
son of a very warm friend of mine. I wanted to be represented in the busi
ness sorae way.
Q. And Mr. Brooks's n.ame was put in for yours ?
A. Substantially for me.
Q. Is that the contract you refer to ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. ATlio is the certificate given to now ?
A. It appears now to be given to Henrie Lovie, Camp & Brooks.
Q. Is it the same contr.act originally given to Lazare, Carap & Brooks?
A. It is the sarae paper.
Q. How did Mr. Lovie's narae come to be there ?
J^. I will explain all that I know about it. Mr. Lazare concluded not to
have any thing to do with the matter. Martin was to have half of the net
profits, provided that permits were obtained that would allow goods to be •
t.aken into the rebel country. Martin presumed that that permit would take
goods in where cotton was to be brought out. Mr. Lazare did not so under
stand it. He concluded he conld get a permit as well as Martin, and declined
to sign the contract. This paper was handed to me by Carap, at the Treasury
Department, and was taken to New York to be signed, but Lazare declined
to operate on this, and declined to sign the contract. It went along that way
for sorae time. I felt very much annoyed about the matter ; I had spent a
good deal of time in reference to it. I finally found a Mr. Tibbits, who was
stopping at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He appeared to be a very fine man. He
said he could raake use of the contract and operate under it. He said he
would introduce rae to his partner, and he did so. I found his partner to be
Mr. Lovie, an old acquaintance of mine. It was proposed that Lovie should
take the place of Lazare in the operation. I told Camp there w.as an impedi
ment in the way; that I would not advise anyone to oper.ate under the
permit without Lazare's consent at least. Carap said ifl would give him the
permit, he would get the President's authority to alter it. As the certificate
had not been signed, I saw no objection to that, any way. The sarae day I
met, for the first time, Mr. Conatty, who was there, at the Astor House, with
Mr. Risley, doing some business. I said to him, th.at Mr. Camp desired to
send these papers back to Mr. Risley to have some alterations made, and that
if he wonld go down with rae I would introduce him to Mr. Tibbits, who
would explain to him the alterations he would like to have made. We went
down to a Mr. Kimball's office in Wall Street. I h.anded Mr. Conatty the
papers. Mr. Kimball said tho only alteration required was to have Mr.
Lovie's narae substituted for that of Mr. Lazare. Mr. Conatty took the
papers, came on to Washington, and in a few d.ays they were returned as
they are now. I should have remarked that Tibbits said, that if we conld
get a part of Louisiana it would be a great advantage to us. Subsequently
Tibbits and Carap had a conversation, in which I do not believe they agreed

TESTIMONY CONTINUED. 343
well, and after that Tibbits declined to have any thing to do with it. Tho
contract had been reduced to writing, but it had never been executed ; noth
ing more was done about it; I took the papers; Camp asked me for them
several times, but I kept them ; the last I knew of them they were at my
boarding-house, at the Irving House, New York.
Q. Do you understand that the regulations of the Treasury Department
require some man to say that he has cotton in his control before any cer
tificate can be granted ?
A. So I have understood. I suppose parties made general statements in
regard to the matter. I would not like, myself, to say I controlled a certain
amount of cotton unless I had it within ray control.
Q. Lazare was the man who was supposed to have cotton within his con
trol, was he not ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. And he was the one upon whora this whole thing was bottomed ?
A. Yes, sir; upon him entirely.
Q. The certificate was issued upon the ground that he had purchased and
had the control of cotton ?
A. Yes, sir. You will find his affidavit in the Treasury Department, that
he had cotton in his control.
Q. Was it the rule in the Treasury Departraent th.at such an affidavit
should be filed before a certificate could be issued ?
A. It is not now, as I understand. We presumed it would be then, and
therefore the affidavit was filed.
Q. What other reasons had Mr. Lazare for drawing out of the transaction
beside the one you have stated ?
A. I do not know of anything else; I had but little conversation with
him after I found he was dissatisfied with the arrangement that had been
made. Q. Was this alteration made at your suggestion?
A. Not on my suggestion. Camp told rae he could have it made.
Q. Did you speak to Mr. Conatty about it ?
A. I told Mr. C. to see Mr. Tibbits, and handed hira the papers.
Q. Was the alteration made there ?
A. I do not know where the alteration was made.
Q. Did you talk with Mr. Risley about this ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Did you tell Mr. Conatty that you had t.alked with Mr. Risley ?
A. No, sir ; I told Mr. Conatty that Mr. Carap had said, not that Mr. Risley
could make the alterations, for I did not suppose Mr. Risley could alter any
thing except his own certificate, but that Jhe could get the alteration made.
Q. Who was it proposed shonld mal. t alteration?
A. Mr. Camp said he would get the rresident to have the alteration
made ; I presumed it was made by his order, and up to the present time I
have no knowledge that it was not made by order of the President.
Q. Are you certain you never told Mr. Conatty that you had talked with
Mr. Risley, and obtained his consent to have the alteration made ?

344 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. No, sir ; I had not seen Mr. Risley ; I have never had fifteen minutes
conversation with him.
By Mr. Perry :
Q. Was not this change made at the Astor House, New York?
A. I cannot tell ; I gave the papers to Mr. Conatty, who came on here,
and while he had the papers the change was made. I do not know when it
was m.ade, or who made it.
Q. How long were the papers out of your possession?
A. I suppose not more than three or four days at most.
Q. Do I understand any thing was ever done under that contract?
A. Not a thing.
Q. Be good enough now to state in regard to the certificate in which the
name of Norris appears. AA'ho wa^ Norris?
A. Norris was an old Californian from 1842; a man of a great deal of
property in real estate, and well known. He became deaf from pounding
given hira by squatters. Subsequently, he traded his farm for land in Texas,
and his property in Texas was taken by the rebels. When General Banks
proposed to go there last year, he went in advance of the army, secured some
cotton, and paid for it, as he alleges, and as I have reason to believe he did;
some six thousand bales in all. The rebels told hira they would not burn his
cotton, bnt would let him get it out, if he could. I met him at the Metro
politan Hotel, in New York, and told him about this proposed venture. It
occurred to rae, as I knew he was a loyal man, and a man who really owned
cotton, or controlled it, at any rate, he would be a good man to be interested
with. He made an affidavit that he owned cotton, which affid.avit is on file
in the Treasury Department. I as'iied Mr. M.artin to obtain a permit for Mr.
Norris, to get his cotton out. Norris had agreed also to give Mr. Martin one-
half of the profits, but, as I remarked before, Mr. Martin failed to get the cer
tificate. Q. Was any thing further done with that certificate?
A. Yes, I gave that case also to Mr. Camp.
Q. For how many bales?
A. Thirteen thousand. Mr. Norris only claimed six thousand, bnt when
the certificate came back it was for thirteen thousand, and the names of
Champion and Camp were also in it.
Q. AVho had the other seven thousand bales?
A. I do not know.
Q. Were Champion and Camp in situations to own or hold property in
the rebel States ?
Q. Charapion may have been ; I do not know. I should suppose Camp
was not. I do not know why it came back in that way. Norris declined
to have any thing to do with it in that shape, and nothing was ever done
under it.
Q. Have you been connected with any further transaction in relation to
this matter ?
A. Yes, sir ; one other.

TESTIMONY CONTINUED. 345
Q. State the circumstances, and what was done.
A. Sorae time after this meeting with Conatty in New York, in January,
I think, Conatty told me he could get me a permit to operate in Augusta.
There was a man from Augusta in New York, who told me he had cotton
there, and gave me a memorandum of the place where his cotton was in
Augusta. He told me he would give me an interest in that cotton, and I
agreed to go into it. Mr. Conatty proposed that he should have one-quarter
of the profits, to which I assented. He asked me if he should use my name.
I said yes, and Mr. Conatty then got a permit, in the name of Conatty &
Haskell, for twenty thousand bales of cotton. I never saw Mr. Risley about
it at all.
Q. Who made the application ?
A. Mr. Conatty. I had no words with Mr. Risley on the subject.
Q. Have you that permit now ?
A. It is in the hands of a man from Savannah.
Q. In whose hands is it in Savannah ?
A. In the hands of a man by the narae of Bell.
Q. Who is Mr. Bell?
A. He was years ago in California. He was an elector in 18.50, on the
republican ticket, in California. I think he has been in the East ever since.
Q. What did you send out to purchase this cotton with ?
A. Nothing.
Q. Who was going to furnish the money ?
A. Mr. Bell was going to furnish the money.
Q. What were you and Mr. Conatty to do ?
A. Nothing at all. We put in our talent — nothing else.
Q. Have you heard any thing of the operation since?
A. I heard indirectly frora Bell, but I do not think he has been doing any
thing under the perrait.
Q. Are these the only transactions you have had, in reference to this
description of trade ?
A. Yes ; they are the only transactions I have had any thing to do with.
Q. Have there been any transfers made to you, in connection with any
cotton transactions with other parties?
A. Yes; Mr. Norris gave me a contract for one-sixth interest in his cotton,
which contract I suppose he has abandoned, as he has done nothing under it.
Q. Do you know of any cotton transactions in which Beverley Tucker has
been engaged ?
A. I know of one in which some parties undertook to have him engaged.
Q. Who were the parties who undertook to have him engaged ?
A. Mr. Durant.
Q. Who is the Beverley Tucker you refer to ?
A. There is only one I know of by that name.
Q. Who do you understand him to be ?
A. I understand him to be a rebel, in Canada.
Q. What do you understand the transaction between him and Mr. Dnrant
to have been ?

346 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. I understand Mr. Durant undertook to contract with Mr. Tucker to
. ^et out cotton.
Q. What do you know about it?
A. I know he undertook, through Colonel B.aker, to make some arrange
ment with Beverley Tucker, but it was not carried out, as I did not suppose
It would be.
Q. AVhat arrangeraents were there?
A. The arrangeraents were, as I understood thera, to raake a contract by
which Mr. Durant was to deliver a certain amount of goods for a certain
amount of cotton, to be dehvered by Beverley Tucker.
Q. AVhat kind of goods ?
A. Pork, I think it wiis ; there was some talk about salt, but I think pork
was the article to be contracted for.
Q. How large a coutract 1 •
A. It strikes me, for ten thousand bales of cotton.
Q. Will you state what you know about this paper, which purports to be
a draft? No. 1.
" For and in consideration of one dollar, to me in h.and paid by Leonidas
Haskell, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and for other valuable
considerations, I hereby agree to p.ay over to the said Haskell one-tenth part
of all profits which may be made in any transaction with Beverley Tucker, in
ten thousand bales of cotton, as well as in any other cotton, or any other mer
chandise taken in or out of the Confederate lines, under the regulations of tha
Treasury Department, in which said Durant and Tucker may be interested.
The profits shall be estiraated by reckoning the actual cost of the merchandise
and the actual cost of the cotton at the point of purchase, adding only cost of
transportation and United States taxes. No other charge shall be made
against the business. I also agree to pay said Haskell fifteen hundred dollars
on demand, for expenses. A true and accurate account of said business shall
he kept, subject to examination by said Haskell."
A. Yes, sir ; that is a copy raade by Mr. Durant himself, which was never
fulfilled. Q. Was an instrument of that kind signed ?
A. 1 think so; I never saw it, but I think it was signed.
Q. And by that you became interested to the extent of one-tenth?
A. Yes. Mr. Durant proposed to give rae an interest to that extent.
Q. Do you know what further has been done in the matter thus far?
A. I do not think any thing has been done with it.
Q. Was there any other instruraent between you and Mr. Durant?
A. No, sir; none that I know of.
Q. Any thing of this kind ? No. 2.
" For and in consideration of one dollar, to me in hand paid by Leonidas
Haskell, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and for other valuable

TESTIMONY CONTINUED. 347
considerations and services to be rendered, I hereby agree to pay over to the
said Haskell, one-tenth part of all the profits which raay be made out of the
proposition of Beverley Tucker to contract for ten thousand bales of cotton,
in payment of which he is to receive a certain amount of pork ; as well as in
any additional number of bales of cotton, to which the proposed contract
with the said Tucker may be extended, and taken out of the Confederate lines,
under the regulations of the Treasury Department; or upon any purchase of
cotton by exchanging merchandise, or otherwise, in accordance with said
provisions and regulations, through said Tucker.
" I also agree to pay s.aid Haskell fifteen hundred dollars, on deraand, for
expenses. A true and accurate account of said business shall be kept, subject
to examination of said Haskell, after the cotton is sold and accounts raade up,
which shall be done within four raonths.
" And if nothing can be accomplished within sixty days the contract is
void. " October V), 1864."
A. I think that is the one he altered, and the one which he subsequently
signed, if he signed any.
Q. Did he ever p.ay you this fifteen hundred dollars?
A. No part of it.
Q. For what reason ?
A. I never asked him.
Q. Would he have paid yon if you had asked him?
A. I think he would if I had a.sked him.
Q. In whose hands is the paper which is signed ?
A. The paper is in the hands of R. W. Latham ; I have a receipt for it,
although I have never seen it; I am very sure that this draft " No. 2 " is the
one that was signed.
Q. What explanation do you give of the interlineation in this draft of the
words, "or otherwise?"
A. I knew Mr. Durant had a permit to get out cotton; I did not want to
be confined to a partial interest in the transaction.
Q. Did there a diflTerence grow up between you and Mr. Dnraut as to how
much this covered ?
A. There was never any controversy. I never had a word with Mr.
Durant. Q. Did not Mr. Durant make the point, "that you were to have no profit
out of any cotton not obtained in exchange for merch.andise ?"
A. Mr. Latham told rae so. Afterward there was a sort of contract, of
some sort or other, about it, but I abandoned the whole thing.
Q, Will you look at that memorandum ? See if it is a fair statement of
the matter.
" The Durant and Tucker cotton matter stands about this way :^
" Durant has an order to bring out two or nve thousand bales of cotton
from Florida. D. R. Martin also has an order to bring five thousand bales
out of the sarae place. Those orders are suspended, and will be held until

348 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
they obtain Mr. Seward's decision th.at Tampa Bay is a tributary of Pensaeola
Bay, which Martin feels confident of getting, after a while. Now, neither of
them have any cotton, and do not expect to get any out, unless they can get
some one to arrange on the rebel side, and T. is the only m.an they rely on.
My contract with Durant is .as follows: (The one I handed hira to sign is
marked No. 1 ; the one he did sign is marked No. 2.) Yon will see there is
a difi'erence, and the point Durant makes is, that I get no profits out of any
cotton that is not obtained in exchange for merchandise vnder the Treasury
regulations, excluding me from any interest in the profits of the cotton on the
orders he has obtained from the Pre^dent. The paper was not given rae
until after my friend went into the room, and then it was too late to make a
row. As I feared the thing might burst up, and as I felt sure that the orders
for the ten thousand would be paid, I protested against the alteration when
I saw Durant, and he promises it will be all right, and if he will insert the
words 'or otherwise' in the agreement, I shall be satisfied, and one word
from you will get that inserted. I write this, that you may understand it,
and I would like to arrange to take out, say, five thousand bales, by giving
thirty cents per pound, in greenbacks, delivered at Our lines, and then give
him one-third of the net profits of the operation."
A. Yes, that is a fair stateraent of the raatter.
Q. Did you ever have any correspondence with Beverley Tucker, directly
or indirectly ?
A. No, sir; neither directly nor indirectly.
Q. Do you know what correspondence Mr. Durant had?
A. I never saw any correspondence, and I never heard hira talk of any
correspondence with Beverley Tucker.
Q. What did Mr. Durant say in reference to this arrangement with
Tucker ?
A. He thought it legitiraate. He claimed that it did not make any differ
ence, under this law, who brought out the cotton — that Jeff'. Davis might
bring out cotton under this law.
Q. And receive pork in return?
A. And receive goods. There was a question about pork. I believe Mr.
Durant thought he could receive pork as well as any thing else; but as to the
contract with Tucker, I did not believe he could make it to give pork. Train
told rae he had arranged all this raatter.
Q. By this arrangement you were to be interested one-tenth, in considera
tion of valuable services rendered. What services were they, which were to
entitle you to one-tenth interest in the profits?
A. I do not know that any services were specified.
Q. Were you to have one-tenth profits without any particular services?
A. I do not know. You know that a person gets into these things with
out really understanding how.
Q. You s.ay you could have fifteen hundred dollars of Mr. Durant by ask
ing. Why do JOU think you could have the money, if nothing has been done
in the raatter?
A. I do not know why ; I never asked him.

INTERROGATIONS AND ANSWERS. 349
By Mr. Perry :
Q. Have you contributed your p.art of the expenses for working the
thing up ?
A. No general expenses. I have p.aid ray own private expenses.
Q. Did not each partner pay his proportion of the general expenses ?
A. Each paid his own personal expenses.
Q. You say Mr. Martin failed in this instance in procuring permits. Do
you infer from that that it is a difficult thing to procure these permits?
A. Yes, sir. It is so difficult that I have not been able to do so myself.
Q. Are they considered valuable if they can be got ?
A. Yes, sir, they are considered very valuable. I think they have been
sold at high prices. So I heard ; I never offered any for sale.
Q. Do you know of any being sold?
A. Not of my own knowledge. I heard of one man's interest being sold
out for money.
Q. For how rauch ?
A. A check was handed to hira for two thousand dollars.
By the Chairman :
Q. Who was that ?
A. Moore, of Conatty's firm. I was told that a check for two thousand
dollars was given Moore for his interest.
Q. Given by Mr. Cooke ?
A. Yes, by Mr. Cooke.
Q. Do you know of any further transactions in connection with trade with
the rebel States?
A. I might state many other matters, but nothing of importance.
Q. Do you know a Mr. Olney ?
A. Yes.
Q. Where does he live ?
A. In Brooklyn.
Q. What is his first name ?
A. J. W., or J. N.
Q. Where is he to be found ?
A. No. 17 Nassau Street.
By Mr. Perry :
Q. Do you know of any parties who have brought out cotton under these
permits ?
A. I heard of one man this morning, a Mr. Palmer, who had brought out
three hundred bales to New Orleans. He is about the flrst I heard of.
Q. Has Mr. Olney had any connection with this trade ?
A. He has not; there was a conversation in reference to him. Mr. Camp
asked rae if I knew any one who knew of cotton, or h.ad facilities for getting
it out. I had been acquainted with Mr. Olney. His wife was in the Southern
Confederacy somewhere. I talked with him about it; introduced hira to Mr.
Camp, and they had some conversation in rega-d to the matter, but Mr, Olney
would not have any thing to do with it.

350 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. Have you seen Mr. Olney recently?
A. I have not seen hira since that time.
Q. Have you seen him within a few days?
A. No; I do not think he has been in this city for some time. The hast
time I sav hira was in New York, sorae ten days ago. TiiuKeDAT, February 2, 1865.
Members p'reeent :^
EopresonUitives. Kepresentatlvea.
Mr. Wasubuuxe, Chairman ; Mr. Lokgyeae,
Eliot, Dixon,
AVard, Perry.
Colonel L. C. Bakek called, sworn, and exarained.
By Mr. Washburne :
Question. Ple.ase st.ate yonr residence and position.
Ansircr. I reside in AA' ashington, and am special agent of the War Depart
ment. I have charge of the National I)etective Police.
Q. How long have you occupied that position ?
A. Since February, 1862. Previous to that, since July, 1831, under Mr.
Seward, of the State Department.
Q. Have you at any time had any knowledge or connection with the sub
ject of trade with the rebellious States ? And if so, state what knowledge
you have, what connection, and what persons you know of being engaged
in it. A. In the month of November last, previous to the election, while I was
stopping at the Astor House, New York, I was apiiroaclied by ilr. Haskell
and Mr. Latham, for the purpose of procuring a permit to get Beverley Tucker
from Canada, and pass him through our lines. I was told by Latham and
Haskell, that Mr. Durant, Mr. Dole, AA'ard L.araon, and Mr. Swett had made
application to the President to procure a pass to allow Beverley Tucker to pass
through our lines, ostensibly for the purpo.se of seeing his familj-, but really
for the purpose of assisting thera in getting cotton out. I gave them no
direct answer at that time. I carae to Washington, saw Mr. Dana, the
Assistant Secretary of War, gave hira verbally the conversation I had had
with these gentlemen, and told him I was satisfied they were attempting to
use rae for improper purposes ; that I was satisfied there was a great deal of
irregularity and rascality in regard to these cotton permits. lie gave me his
sanction, and the approval of the War Departraent, to raake such arrange
ments and such investigations as I thought proper. I returned to New York,
and was introduced to Mr. Durant by Latham and Haskell. Durant wanted
me to go to Canada, and bring Tucker to his house in New York, to remain
six hours, alleging that he could make his arrangeraents with Tucker in five
or six hours. I was then to take Tucker, and cross hira over the Potomac,
below here, and take hira within the rebel lines, for which I was to receive a
contingent interest in all the cotton got out under this arrangement. I came
back to Washington, and reported to Mr. Dana, of the War Department,

TIIE EXAMINATION CONTINUED. 351
detailing to him the conversation I had had. I then met L.athani .and Haskell.
IIa.ikell gave rae a note for one thousand five hundred dollars, which w.as to bo
received by rae in payment of personal expenses and incidental expenses
inburred in getting Tucker through the lines. The note w.as signed by Haskell.
There was appended to it, on tlie same she«t of paper, a memorandum or agree
ment, between Haskell, Latham, and Durant, as to what Durant was to do. I
nnderstood from Latham that Durant refused to sign the note for me, but
gave Haskell a guarantee, in the shape of an order, for the araount he should
pay to me. There was also a letter given me frora Mr. Latham. I carried
that letter of Latham's, the statement of Haskell, and the note, to Mr. Dana,
who, I suppose, has them still ; I left thera in his possession. I was to have
met Tucker at St. Catharine's, opposite Niagara Falls. I was to have met
Tucker, George Sanders, and Jake Thompson. I took one of my detectives,
by the name of John Odell. I had an order from the War Department in my
pocket, and Odell had an order from General Dix, for the arrest of these par
ties: when Tucker came across the bridge with me he was to arrest us both.
I stopped at the Falls, and sent a dispatch over to St. Catharine's, to ascertain
if Tucker was there. I received an answer to that dispatch, signed by a man
by the narae of Cox, stating that Tucker was not at St. Catharine's, that ho
had gone to Montreal, but that he. Cox, would see me. I went over the sus
pension bridge that day, and remained all day on that side ; but Mr. Cox did
not corae. While at the bridge, I do not recollect whether I had a dispatch
or a letter that the parties were at Montreal. I immediately returned to New
York; and, instead of going to Durant, and reporting to him, I came direct
to the War Department, and reported to Mr. Dana. I inforraed Mr. Dana
that I was going to Montreal, with his approval, for the purpose of getting
Tucker. Ou my way to Montreal I stopped at New York, to see Durant. In
the mean tirae, the report had been circulated by Tucker and Sanders th.at
Stephens, the rebel vice-president, was on his way to Montre.al, and they
gave that as the reason why they left St. Catharine's, and why they did not
see me — that they wanted to see Stephens first. I had a long conversation
with Durant in New York. When I went into his room he locked the door.
He had heard the story with reference to Stephens being in Canada. He
said, whether the report was true or not, there could be a fortune made out
ofit by certain operators in gold on Wall Street, if they had definite informa
tion that Stephens was there or on his way; that when I got to Montreal, if
I would send a dispatch that Stephens was there, .and send it to no one else,
he would make one hundred thousand dollars, one-half of which was to bo
placed to my credit. He sat down, in ray presence, and wrote a long letter
to Tucker, which I carried to Tucker myself. I took Odell to Montreal, with
the expectation of getting Tucker through the lines at Rouse's Point, where
Odell had his instructions to arrest him. I arrived at Montreal some time
during the raorning, went to the St. Lawrence Hotel, wrote a fictitious name
on a card, as from Washington, and sent it by a waiter. The waiter came
down, and told rae to walk up to a roora, which was not Tucker's room ;
Tucker was in bed. The roora I was taken to was Sanders's roora. Tucker,
after a few moments, came in. He said he had received advices from Duranl

R.o2 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
that I w.as expected there, and th.at he had sat up nearly all night awaiting
my arrival. He was glad to see mc. He hoped now that his cotton opera
tions wonld come to a focus. He had been in correspondence with Durant
for a long time, but had failed to bring hiiu up to tho mark. He did ndt
want to be engaged in it until the contract was signed by Durant. He was
afraid that if Durant had him through the lines, and got him in his power, he
would not divide the profits with him. He had written to Durant several
times, asking hira to make a contract that should be executed. I asked him
if he was ready to go through the lines. Hesaidhewas; said he, "Isuppose
this thing is understood : I understand that, from what Durant has written
nie, you are all right; that you have the means of carrying out this opera
tion, and, ifl go with you, I will be personally safe." I told him that I had
an understanding with Durant. He sent down stairs for Sanders. Sanders
carae up, and they went into another room, and were gone for, perhaps, an
hour. I was not present at that interview. Tucker came back and said,
"That, under the advice of his friends, he did not think he would go; that he
w-as not satisfied with the way Durant was treating him. That Dnrant had
failed to make a written contract with him ; and that, while he was willing to
trust me, he would decline to go South until the contract had been executed."
Ho then asked me a great many questions as to parties who were interested
with Durant, and a great many other questions I do not recollect. He asked
me to go and dine with hira. AA'e went to a s.aloon, and had dinner. I spent
the afternoon ¦\\ith him. He treated me very handsomely. He was to have
met me at Rouse's Point. This was on Friday. He was to have met me at
Rouse's Point on the Sunday night following; but when I got to Rouse's
Point 1 received advices from AA'ashington to come home, and I came home.
Q. Was that the end of the whole thing?
A. That was the end of the whole thing.
Q. What advices was it that brought you home ?
A. It was some raatters of my own, in reference to an investigation I was
conducting in New York.
Q. And did you not wait for Tucker?
A. I did not wait for this reason, not so ranch on account of my own busi
ness .as because I believed Tucker would not corae.
Q. Do you know whether he did corae or not ?
A. I do not.
Q. What took place afterwards ?
A. I did not call on Durant when I came back to New York. I came
direct to Washington. I found Latham, Haskell, and two or three others,
who, it appears, knew I had gone to Canada. They came and asked me if
Tucker had come with me. I said no, that Tucker refused to come, for the
reason that he was not satisfied with the w.ay Durant had treated him; that
he thought Durant was trying to get the adv.antage of him, and he would not
come. During the tirae I was carrying on this operation I became very well
posted as to all their plans. It appeared that it was known among all the cot
ton speculators, and they would eome to me and talk with lae confidentially
about the matter.

THE EXAMINATION CONTINUED. 353
Q. You say you took a letter written by Durant to Tucker. Can you state
the contents of that ,'etter ?
A. It was siraply introducing Colonel Baker, and asking Tucker to corae
on with him ; that he was satisfied ho could trust himself in my charge ; ask
ing him to come with a view of perfecting a contract. It was a long letter ;
I do not, recollect the whole of it.
Q. Did you ever see any other letter from Durant to Tucker ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. What were its contents ?
A. I saw a nuraber of letters in the hands of Tucker. He showed thera to
me. They were all in reference to cotton speculations.
By Mr. Eliot:
Q. Were they signed hy Durant and addressed to Tucker ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. What did the letters state ?
A. They were in reference to cotton, and in reference to Tucker's
coming south. Durant writes in one letter that he had secured sufficient
influence to procure a permit frora the President. I am not certain, but I
think he gave the names of the persons who would go to the President and
get this perrait.
Q. Do you recollect who they were ?
A. I do not recollect who they were; my irapression is, that Randolph
Martin was one, and that Mr. Swett was another. He also, in his letters,
stated that there would be a fortune raade out of these cotton perraits, if he
(Tucker) could be passed through the lines.
Q. Was there any thing said in any of these letters in regard to military
moveraents ?
A. I think there w.as, in general terras, but I would not undertake to say
that. I tried to get possession of sorae of these letters, but I did not succeed.
I was not on the right side of the lines.
Q. Did you ever see the letters written by Tucker to Durant?
A. Yes; Durant, I think, read rae one letter frora Tucker, but I do not
recollect what it was. I think he read portions of two or three letters. In
talking with Durant about his arrangements with Tucker, in this cotton tr.ade,
he told rae what Tucker wanted, and sorae of Tucker's suggestions as to how
tlie thing was to be done, and then read me portions of letters.
Q. State what it was.
A. I do not recollect what it was. This was at the first interview I had
with Durant, and I did not attach as much importance to it as I did after
ward. Q. What appeared to be the object of Tucker? — Was it to make money
for himself, or for the purpose of getting supplies to the rebels? — Was he act
ing as a rebel agent, or for himself individually ?
A. He told rae he was an agent of the rebel governraent, and, in speaking
of that government, he .always used the expression, " our governraent," and
that "our governraent" was willing to let cotton corae out, and that "our
23

354 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
government " was willing to do so and so. These were the expressions ho
used. Q. Did he appear to be acting for himself, making a private speculation
of this matter, or as an agent of the rebel government, for the purpose of
letting cotton go out, and letting supplies come in?
A. I inferred, from all his conversation, that he was an agent of the rebel
government. Q. What supplies were talked about? In what was this cotton to be paid
for? A. There were several articles mentioned. I think pork and bacon were
spoken of. I think in one of the letters Durant read to me from Tucker,
Tucker raentioned pork ; I am sure of it. My position was such with these
parties, in relation to the whole matter, that I could not get papers into my
possession. I could not atterapt that, as that would have defeated ray object.
My sole purpose was to catch Tucker.
Q. Was this transaction conteraplated to be upon a large scale?
A. Very extensive.
Q. How large ?
A. I do not know. Tucker told rae he could get five hundred thousand
balea out. He told me that there were about sixty thousand bales on the
Tombigbee River. The raan, he said, was in Canada, and had been talking
about tbat lot of cotton. He described it to me, and also how it could be
gotten out ; that boats were to run up for it, and that he (Tucker) had exclu
sive control of that cotton. That was to be a portion of the cotton gotten
out in this transaction.
Q. Did you understand, during this time, that Durant was acting with the
assent of the AVar Department, or Government, in making these contracts
with Tucker ?
A. Not at all. No such conversation was had in my presence. I talked
to Durant very freely, or with hira, in reference to this whole matter. I had
long conversations with him.
Q. How much money was it considered you would make if you went
into il ?
A. Haskell thought I would make about eighty thousand dollars for my
ijhsre. Q. AVhat was the reward of Haskell and Latham to be ?
A. They expected to make about the same. I think my share was one-
sixth. Q. What other parties were in the matter ? Were those who went to see
the President?
A. I cannot say about that. The only ones I know positively about, are
Haskell and Latham. I had no conversation with the others at all. It appears
that Haskell and Latham were in constant communication with "the ring,
as it is termed, and they were the mediura through which I coramunicated.
Q. Who comprised "the ring"?
A. I do not know ; a great many.

FARTHER INVESTIGATION. 355
Q. Were the responsibility and risks you incurred to be the consideration
for your share of the profits?
A. I think I stated that ray engaging in it would involve gre.at risk and
great responsibility, as an officer of the Government, and that its exposure
wonld be a very serious thing, to myself as well as to him. I talked with
Mr. Dana several tiraes about it before I went into this thing. I was very
anxious to get at these parties, and in my business I considered that any thiiig
was legitimate and honorable that would bring to justice a clique or corapany
of men, who were banded together for the purpose of swindling the Govern
ment. By Mr. Washburne :
Q. Do you know of G. F. Train being raixed up in this matter?
A. Only frora what Durant told me.
Q. Did you see any parties with Durant, except those you have naraed, in
New York?
A. No others, I think. My interviews with Durant, except the first one,
were private, alone by ourselves.
Q. Was Durant's clerk with you
A. No.
Q. Did he speak of sending him as a messenger to see Beverley Tucker ?
A. No. It was proposed, at one time, that Latham should go. Latham
was in Durant's employ. Latham proposed that himself, and Durant spoke
to me about it. I opposed it. I said I did not think it was advisable.
Q. Why not?
A. I did not think he was a proper man. He is a man who talks a good
deal; not a discreet, judicious man, by any means.
Q. Do I understand you that Latham has been in Durant's employ ?
A. Yes, and I suppose he is now. I do not know any thing to the con
trary. He pays him two hundred dollars a month. He told me that himself.
Q. You state that Durant showed you sorae letters received frora Beverley
Tucker ; do you remember whether he took thera from his files ?
A. I do not recollect where he took thera frora now. I recollect he had
some trouble in finding one letter, and that it was buried up in a lot of papers
on his desk.
Q. Did you see Beverley Tucker's narae signed to the letters?
A. I did not. He read thera to rae, though, as letters coraing from him.
There is no question about his receiving a great many letters from Tucker.
Q. Where did this proposition to go into this transaction originate ?
A. I think it originated in New York, at the Astor House.
Q. Who originated it ?
A. I think Latham was the first man that mentioned it to me.
Q. What did Latham say ?
A. He said a great deal of raoney could be made, provided Beverley Tucker
could be got through the rebel lines, and that a great effort had been made to
bear upon the President, to get him to permit Beverley Tucker to go through
the lines to Richmond. He said: "Now, Colonel, you can do this thing for

356 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ns ; I have been talking with Durant, and you can raake all the raoney yon
want." I asked him: "How?" and he said: " Let us go np into your room,
and I will tell." He went up into ray room, and he then opened hia plans to
me. He said he had been talking to Durant, and he had assured Durant that
I was a safe man ; that he thought I could be trusted. He wanted me to go
and see Durant the next day. I said I could not ; and I then carae to the
War Department and reported what I have said.
Q. Then I understand you to say, that the object of bringing you into this
transaction was the infiuence you would have in getting Tucker through the
lines? A. Latham told me I was the only man who could safely undertake this
thing ; that I was the only man Tucker would go with.
Q. When you visited Tucker, did he seem to know all about you?
A. Certainly; he said he knew all about me; that he sat up all the night
before, waiting for me. He made that excuse for being so late in the morning.
Q. What idea did these men have, that you had betrayed your trust as an
officer of the Government?
A. They had come to the conclusion that I had betrayed my trust for the
araount I was going to receive; that I was in earnest, and that Tucker was
really going to Richmond in ray charge.
Q. Have you seen Durant recently ?
A. No ; he came up to my rooms at the Astor House, about a week or ten
days ago, and wanted to know whether I knew any thing about the news of
negotiation for peace. It was about the time the President was down at
Fortress Monroe. Said he : "If you can let me know, there can be a great
deal of money made."
Q. Has that note for one thousand five hundred dollars arrived at ma
turity ?
A. I believe it has. I had a great many other matters on my hands at the
same time, a great raany investigations going on, and my memory is not as
distinct on that point as it would otherwise be.
Q. Have Durant or Latham ever offered to pay money to you ?
A. Yes, they have pressed it upon me, but I have not taken a dollar.
When I came back frora Canada they wanted me to take five hundred dollars,
but I said, " Wait until this thing is closed up." When I came back the sec
ond time, Durant wanted me to take a check for one thousand dollars. He
took his check-book and said, " I think you ought to have sorae money," but
I had been advised by Mr. Dana not to take any money. I was told that all
my expenses would be paid by the War Department.
By Mr. Eliot:
Q. Did you not have some reason to know that other parties were con
nected with Durant?
A. Durant had two permits which, I believe, Haskell was supposed to be
interested in, and others had permits which Durant had nothing to do with,
though in procuring those perraits, and in getting cotton through the lines, it
was understood that Tucker was to assist Durant, and was to have a share in

MR. HASKELL'S RE-EXAMINATION. 357
the cotton gotten out under his contract; that he was to act as a sort of gen
eral agent for the whole of thera. I know that matter was talked over.
By Mr. Longyear :
Q. Do you know the naraes of any parties holding permits, who were to
receive the benefit of that arrangeraent ?
A. I only know frora what Latham told me. I have had a great raany in
terviews with these cotton men. They expected ray infiuence, and they bored
me nearly to death.
Q. Do you know of any agents or eraployfes of the Government who are
engaged in these cotton transactions ?
A. I know nothing of my own knowledge.
Q. You do not know of any officers or employes of tho Government who
have been interested in these transactions, or have received any money or
have been promised any money for their infiuence in getting through contracts
or permits ?
A. I have no knowledge of my own of any.
Q. Do you know of anybody who does know of any ?
A. I suppose Haskell knows of raoney being paid at the Astor House.
Leonidas Haskell recalled and examined.
By Mr. Washburne:
Question. In respect to the agreements which you produced here when
last examined, can you state whether or not at the time they were made there
were any indorsements of any thing across their face in red ink by Mr.
Durant? Answer. No, sir ; they were not original agreements, but copies, but there
was nothing on the original agreement that was not on the copies, except the
signature of Mr. Durant.
Q. Do you know of any thing having been written across these agree
ments at the time they were executed ?
A. I know there was not ; the agreement was left in the hands of Latham ;
what has been done since I do not know. I have his receipt to deliver it up
on the joint order of Mr. Durant and myself.
Q. If there has been any thing written across the face of the agreement
there in red ink it has beeu written since its execution ?
A. Yea, sir.
Q. Do yon know who the parties were who were interested in getting
these permits for Mr. Durant ?
A. Mr. Martin, I think, and I believe Mr. Corwin and Mr. Stewart. Stew
art acted in the raatter as far as I know.
Q. Do you know of any raoney being paid to any person connected with
the Government in connection with these contracts and certificates 1
A. I cannot say that I do know of any.
Q. Do you know of any money proraised to be paid ?
A. Only by ruraor. I have no knowledge of any thing of the kind. I
think there are parties who do know; but I do not.

358 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. What parties know ?
A. I think Mr. Latham knows more about that.
Q. Where is Mr. Latham now ?
A. I suppose he is in New York.
Charles A. Dana called, sworn, and examined.
By Mr. AA'ashburne :
Question. Be good enough to state what position you occupy?
Answer. Assistant Secretary of AA'ar.
Q. Do you know Colonel L. C. Baker ?
A. Yes.
Q. Has he held any position in connection with the War Department ; and
if so, what ?
A. He h.as been employed as special police agent of the War Department.
Q. AV.as he such agent in October and November last?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you know any thing of an arrangement which he raade, or intended
to make, with .any party or parties in New York or Canada in relation to get-
ling out cotton from the rebellious States ; and if so, state particularly and
fully all your knowledge in relation thereto?
A. Colonel Baker came to me sorae time — as nearly as I can now recol-
]ect — in the month of Octot)er, and reported to me that certain parties, who
had obtained permits to bring out cotton from the rebellious States, were
anxious that he should assist them. AVhat they especially desired of him was
that he should get Beverley Tucker through the lines from Can.ada to the
Southern States, in order that Tucker might coin[)lete the .arrangement in the
South for delivering cotton, which they had already made with him for buying
it. lie. Baker, stated that he had received proposals which he wished to report
fully to me. That these parties had proposed to him to get Tucker through
by permission of the War Department, on condition that Tucker should fur
nish information of great value to the AVar Department. If that was refused,
they had proposed to Baker that he should smuggle Tucker through, and that
in that event they had offered to pay him ten thousand dollars for smngghng
him through. I inquired who these parties were, and he told me that he
knew of a Mr. Latham, Mr. AVard Lamon, Mr. Swett, and sorae others, whose
names I do not now recollect. I think he told nie that Mr. J. B. Stewart,
Mr. Risley, Thomas C. Durant, and Leonidas Haskell, were .also concerned in
it. I understood from Baker that he had seen Latham and Haskell in regard
to this proposition. Baker showed me no original writings from any of
thera ; this was a mere rebel report. He desired to have from rae instruc
tions in the preraises. I said to him that I would have no stool-pigeon opera
tion ; that I would not autliorize him to make any arrangements by which
Tucker should be induced over into the United States in order that he might
be arrested, bnt I instructed him to go on and possess himself fully, if possi
ble, of all the designs of these parties, and if he should know that Tucker
WKO coming over to inform me of it, in order that I might take measures to

U. A. DANA'S EVIDENCE. 359
have him arrested, as I regarded it important that he should be arrested, if he
should corae within the territory of the United States; but I instructed him
explicitly that Tucker would not be passed through the United States to go
within the rebel lines, and that no deceptive proceedings to seduce him
here for the purpose of arresting him would be authorized. Baker after
wards reported to me frora time to time, and brought rae copies of various
papers. Q. Did you see, .araong the papers presented to you, a note for one thou
sand five hundred dollars ?
A. My impression is that there was a copy of a note, or a memorandum
of a draft of a note, but I have not had any original note. I have not had an
original signature of any of the parties Colonel Baker has reported as being
engaged in this transaction, nor have I auy evidence that they were so en
gaged, except his verbal report.
Q. Did he make any further report to you except such as you have stated ?
A. He has reported to me at various tiraes that B. F. Camp was engaged
in trade with the rebel authorities, and corresponding with them, but he has
never brought me any papers to prove it. He reported to me from New York
that at such a date Tucker was going to cross the Niagara River, and orders
were thereupon sent to General Dix to have him arrested ; but Tucker did
not come, and was not arrested.
Q. What did you understand Baker's object to be when he came to you
in the first instance ?
A. I understood his object to be to perform his duty by reporting to ma
what was going on, in order that tho Secretary of War might give such direc
tions as he thought necessary.
Q. And that he had taken these measures in order to get information in
regard to these transactions ?
A. I understood Baker that they approached him in the first place, and
that they proposed that he should get permission from me for Tucker to go
through the lines.
Q. And the purpose of that was to enable them to carry out this contract
with Tucker ?
A. Yes ; Baker has reported to me, also, that agents frora Tucker have
been in New York to see Durant within his knowledge. I have had several
reports frora other secret agents in New York, that men frora Tucker, or
other rebel representatives in Canada, have been in New York, and have
there had interviews with Durant, but I never got any inforraation of a suf
ficiently positive character to act npon it, in the way of proceedings before a
court-marthal or military coramission, which would be the regular way of
treating such cases.
Q. Wh.at is the course usually pursued by the War Departraent, when
parties are found in contraband trade with the rebels?
A. The evidence is taken and submitted to the Judge-Advocate-General,
and action is taken in accordance with his report. If he reports the evidenc*
as sufficient to bring the parties before a military tribunal, they are tried ; if
he reports that it is not sufficient, then we wait until we can get more evi-

360 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
denee. No parties are ever proceeded against by military justice without his
report. All such cases are submitted to hira before they are acted upon.
Q. Was the case of Durant ever made up and submitted to hira?
A. Never ; for the reason that the evidence was never sufficient. It was
all of a hearsay character.
Q. Had Durant at any time any authority or permission from the War
Departraent to correspond or negotiate with any person or persons within tho
rebel lines, or elsewhere, to carry on trade with States in rebellion?
A. No, sir ; neither directly nor indirectly.
Q. Did he, to your knowledge, ever apply for such permission?
A. He never did.
Q. Has Durant, to your knowledge, ever kept the War Department
inforraed of his proceedings with Beverley Tucker, or With any person or
persons ?
A. Never.
L. C. Bakeb recalled and examined.
By Mr. Washburne :
Question. Since your last examination, have you any thing further to state
in regard to the note and letter you spoke of?
Answer. Nothing, except to produce the documents theraselves, which 1.
had supposed were on file in the War Department, but which were afterward
found in my office, and are as follows :— -
$8,500 00.] AVashihstoh, D. C., November 11, 1804
For value received, I promise to pay to the order of  , eight
thousand five hundred dollars, out of the first moneys received out of the
.irofits of an agreement made with T. C. Durant, in reference to cotton opera
tions, made in New York City, on November 10, 1864. Leonidas Haskbli..
New Tobk Citt, Novmibeir 10, 1864.
T. 0. Durant, Esq., No. 13 Willhara Street:—
Please pay to the order of  , fifteen hundred dollars, as pp"
agreement made with you this day.
$1,500 00. Leonidas Haskell.
Depabtmknt or the Interior, )
AVasuington, D. C, Nov&mber 2, 1 561 j
Colonel Bakee : —
Mt Dear Sir — I was hurried off" last evening, and had no time to call and
see you, or to write.
I have agreed with General Stanton, that he and General Dole shall see
the President to-night, and, with my letter in regard to what you have done
laid before him, insist that, without delay, your services and fidelity shall be
rewarded by your appointraent as brigadier-general.
Please bluff any party that may corae to you about B. T., unless it shall
be Major Haskell ; in that case, you can hear him as you would me.
Your friend,
R. W. Latham.

MR. HASKELL'S TESTIMONY, QQl
Q. In whose handwriting is this note ?
A. It is in the proper handwriting of Mr. Haskell ; I know it as such.
Q. Do you know the handwriting of R. W. Latham ?
A. I do.
Q. Is this letter you have handed to the committee in the handwriting of
Mr. Latham ?
A. It is.
Q. I see that this lettei" speaks of your appointment as brigadier-general ;
what is the significance of that?
A. That was a part of the consideration for getting Tucker through the
lines, as before stated — that I was to have that rank.
Q. 'What does " Please bluff any party who may come to you about B. T.,
unless it be Major Haskell," mean? Who does B. T. refer to?
A. To Beverley Tucker. It means that he does not want me to make any
arrangements with any other parties outside the ring.
Q. Whose name was to be put into the blank of this note fllled for eight
thousand five hundred dollars ?
A. It was to be filled with Haskell's narae, who was to indorse it over to
me. The draft upon Durant was to be fllled np with my name.
Q. What influence was to be brought to bear in obtaining your appoint
ment as brigadier-general, referred to by Latham in this letter ?
A. Latham informed me that he had seen Dole, Swett, and Ward Lamon,
and they were to go to the President at the same time and insist upon ray
promotion to a brigadier-generalship.
Q. Do you know whether or not they went ?
A. I was told that they did.
Q. What was the result ?
A. The result was that the President held the matter under advisement.
TuESDAT, February 21, 1865
Members present : Bepresoiita tires.
Mr. WAsHBnKNE, Mr. Longteae.
Leonidas Haskell recalled and exarained.
By Mr. Washburne :
Question. Have you had a pretty good knowledge of the perraits or certifi
Gates and contracts which have been made by Mr. Risley?
Answer. Of quite a number of thera I have.
Q. I hand you a list of contracts, which purports to be a full list of all the
contracts made by Mr. Risley, as contained in a report frora the Treasury De
partment to the Senate ; will you look over it, and then state to the commit
tee if you know of parties who have had contracts whose names are not in
that document ?
A. In the first place, I find several errors in this document.
Q. Point thera out.
A. The first one that strikes me is to Moore, Conatty & Co., for fifteen

362 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
thousand bales. That contract, when I s.aw it, called for fifty thousand bales.
In the contract to Leonidas Haskell and T. J. Conatty, ray name does not
appear at all. No such permit was ever granted to me. There was a permit
granted to Thomas J. Conatty for twenty thousand bales. The contract with
Nathaniel F. Potter purports to have been executed December 27, 1864. It
was not signed by Mr. Risley until a very long time after that.
Q. How do you know that fact?
A. I lived by the side of Mr. Potter last summer. I had been to Mr.
Risley for one of these contracts, and having been applied to by Mr. Potter —
I wanted to .serve him — I told Mr. F. P. Stanton of the fact. He said he
would get one for him. A contract was written out and sent down to Potter,
which he forwarded back to me. This was, I think, late in January, 18G5.
I neglected to hand it to Mr. Stanton for several days, and did not do it until
I heard that no more permits were to be granted. I then handed it to him,
apologizing for my neglect. Consequently, it could not have been signed
until after that.
Q. How do you account for the date given there?
A. I cannot account for it, unless it was antedated.
Q. At the time you handed this to Mr. Stanton, did you understand that
instructions h.ad been given by the Secretary of the Treasury that no more
contracts should be made?
A. Conatty told me so.
Q. Is it y«ur inference that the contr,act was antedated to a time previous
to that when the Secretary of the Treasury had issued his instructions that no
more contracts should be made?
A. I have no positive knowledge of that whatever. I was .so informed by
this raan, who had been a clerk under Mr. Risley. I know the contract w.as
not sigijed until after that of Sarauel Noble was signed, which was dated on
the 6th of January, 1865.
Q. Do you know any thing about this Mr. Noble?
A. I only know that I hap|)ened to be in the roora when the proof of the
contract was being read, and saw hiin there.
Q. Do you know with whora he was connected in the transaction?
A. I was told with Thurlow Weed and George Law. I saw these gentle
men round there.
Q. Did you see them round there at that time?
A. I did.
Q. AVhere w.as this ?
A. At the Astor House.
Q. AVhat connection did Mr. Weed and Mr. Law have with Mr. Noble?
A. They seemed to be with him ; they seemed to be one party consulting
together. Q. Were they present with Mr. Noble and Mr. Risley in the same room?
A. Yes.
Q. About what time was this?
A. It was about the 6th of January, at the Astor Ilimse.
Q. Have you any other reason to suppose that Mr. Law and Mr. Weed

MR. HASKELL'S TESTIMONY. 303
were engaged with Mr. Noble in this contract, except the fact tha: they were
present and in consultation with him and Mr. Risley ?
A. I was told by Conatty, who drew all the papers, at the time, that they
were interested with Noble in the contract.
Q. AVhat further did Conatty tell you about this contract with Noble ?
A. He referred to its being a good contract, other than in respect to th«
quantity of bales.
Q. In what respect ?
A. In respect to the privileges and facilities that it afforded Noble more
than others.
Q. What privileges and facilities did he allude to ?
A. It contemplated having an agent to accompany the vessel with goods
to the point where the cotton was, to be ready to make the exchange as soon
as the cotton was brought out. That was the main feature of it.
Q. How was that agent to go?
A. He explained it in this w-ay: A vessel loaded with goods, not contra
band of war, might proceed in charge of an agent, for instance, to Savannah,
.and then, still in charge of that agent, proceed up the river to Augusta, and
there, still under charge of the Government agent, exchange the goods for cotton.
Q. Upon v,-hat ground did Conatty suppose this contract would be on bet
ter footing than others, other than that you have stated ?
A. Not otherwise, except in the number of different points where they
might deliver the cotton.
Q. Did you know of Mr. Quintard being connected with this matter?
A. No, I never heard that he was.
Q. What do you see in this document peculiar about the contract of Lovie,
Brooks & Camp ?
A. I see that it purports to be dated on the 16th of November, 1864.
That contract was signed in January, 186.5, at the Astor House.
Q. Why was it signed at the Astor House ?
A. I heard that it was, from Conatty.
Q. What did Mr. Risley appear to be doing at the Astor House ?
A. Doing this business.
Q. How came he there ; where was his regular office ?
A. I had always been informed that his office was at Norfolk.
Q. Why was he in New York doing this business ?
A. I do not know ; I know that he was there.
Q. How long was he there ?
A. Most of the time, for three or four weeks.
Q. Did he open an office there ?
A. No ; he had different rooms at the Astor House.
Q. How raany different rooms ?
A. I have seen him go into No. 4, No. 11, and tlie large room next to the
hall, I think No. 2.
Q. What was he doing in these rooms ?
A. I saw people going in and out ; it was a matter of notoriety that he
was making these contracts.

364 UNIIED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. Was he doing a large business ?
A. Quite a large business ; he had a great raany people seeing hira.
Q. What was the understanding in relation to these contracts by the
people round there ?
A. They all seemed to be pretty well satisfied when they got them.
Q. Could everybody get thera who applied ?
A. No, I do not think they could.
Q. Do you know what the object of Mr. Risley was in changing his quar
ters from the Treasury Department to the Astor House ?
A. I have no knowledge on that subject.
Q, Were you around the Astor House a good deal at that time ?
A. Yes. I never was in his roora.
Q. What was the influence which secured this contract of twenty thou
sand bales?
A. Conatty obtained it.
Q. What was the consideration which induced Conatty to take hold of this
thing? A. One-fourth interest in it.
Q. What was the position Mr, Conatty occupied at that tirae toward ifr.
Risley and toward the Government ?
A. If thepe is not a mistake in the date, as given here, he was a clerk in
the Treasury Departraent.
Q. Do you know of Conatty having an interest in any other contract
except this one?
A. Only in this, and in that of Moore, Conatty & Co.
Q. What did you consider this contract worth ?
A. It would have been very valuable if it had been carried out as i
hoped ; it would have been worth one hundred thousand dollars easy enough.
Q What do you consider it worth now?
A. I do not consider it worth any thing. I never had rauch faith in it,
but if it could have been carried out it would have been quite valuable.
Q. Do you know of Mr. D. Randolph Martin, President of the Ocean Bank,
having been engaged in these matters ?
A. Yes; he was the first raan who called my attention to them.
Q. Who are Mr. Martin's associates, as far as you know ?
A. Mr. Dole. He told me that there were twelve interests, and he gave
that as a reason why my interest must be only one-twelfth in any thing he
could do with me.
Q. Who did he say were the owners of these tw-elve interests?
A. He did not say definitely. He named Mr. Dole, and introduced hira to
me in that connection. He also introduced me to Mr. Ellery, whom he had
appointed agent.
Q. Did Mr. Martin say he had had Mr. Ellery appointed agent ?
A. Yes.
Q. What were the considerations which induced him to have Mr. Ellery
appointed ?
A. A desire to have facilities for operating in cotton ou the Mississippi.

MR. HASKELL'S TESTIMONY. 365
Q. Was it understood that Mr. Ellery could furnish him better facilities
than others raight ?
A. He told rae Mr. Ellery might furnish better facilities to him than to
strangers. Q. Did he tell you Mr. Ellery was interested in the raatter ?
A. Not definitely ; I have always had that irapression.
Q. Do you know of Mr. Martin having visited Meraphis since Mr. Ellery
has been there ?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you know of his getting out cotton there ?
A. I do not ; I have not seen him since his return ; he urged me strongly
to go there with him.
Q. For what purpose ?
A. To operate in cotton.
Q. Do I understand you to say that you had this one-twelfth interest
proraised you in that concern ?
A. Yes. I introduced him to parties who I supposed could get cotton, in
consideration of which I was to have one-twelfth interest. The parties to
whom I introduced him were also to give me a portion of their interest, so
that I was to have one-sixth altogether.
Q. Have you ever received any thing ?
A. Not a cent.
Q. What is the reason you have not?
A. No one has ever received any thing, that I ara aware of.
Q. Where was Mr. Ellery from ?
A. I think his office was 84 Wall Street.
Q. What was his business ?
A. I should think a broker. He had a small office in the basement.
Q, Do you know who else, except Mr. Martin, was interested in getting
Ellery appointed ?
A. Mr. Martin claimed his appointment over Mr. Yeatman.
Q. Do yon know any thing about a permit issued to Horace H. Meloon ?
A. I know he had a permit. It was made in the A^tor House previous to
the 4th of January.
Q. Who was this Meloon
A. He was a Californian, and was forraerly with Andrew J. Butler.
Q. What were the considerations upon which that contract was founded ?
A. He professed to have cotton and other things.
Q. Who was interested with him, if anybody, to your knowledge ?
A. Other parties in New York, but I cannot say who they were. A
person told me he knew, but he would not tell me their naraes.
Q. This contract purports to have been signed the 27th of December, 1864 ;
was this antedated ?
A. I think that date is right.
Q. How did he expect to get out this cotton, turpentine, rosin, and
tobacco ?
A. I was informed that he had a vessel already loaded, with the expecta-

366 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
tion of putting such an agent on bo.ard as was conteraplated in the contract
w-ith Noble, and to have followed our fieet into Wilmington.
Q. Did he profess to have peculiar privileges?
A. Yes.
Q. What were they ?
A. Authority from the commanding general.
Q. Did you ever see any authority of that kind ?
A. No.
Q. How did he say he was able to obtain that authority?
A. It was well understood that he was a particular friend of the com
manding general.
Q. AVhat do you know about the contract with Camp, Maddox & Parr for
turpentine, rosin, and tobacco ?
A. Mr. Camp showed rae the contract as being a very valuable one.
Q. In what did its value consist?
A. It consisted principally, as represented to me, in facilities .afforded for
going through the lines.
Q. How were the facilities to be obtained? State all you know about it,
frora conversation with parties interested, or in any way.
A. I had various conversations with Carap in relation to that matter. He
told me they were succeeding very well in getting out products and taking in
goods. He asked me if I knew of parties who could go into Richmond, and
whom it was safe to trust. I told him yes, I did. I asked hira what he wanted
to do. He told me he could fill three contracts that had been given out by
the rebel Secretary of AVar, Mr. Sedden, for stationery, of ten thousand dollars
each, in gold, aud that, instead of p.aying in gold, they would pay in cotton,
al nine cents a pound. The difficulty was, to find the point at which that
cotton could be delivered and the goods received. He wanted some man
whora he could trust, to superintend the transfer, make delivery of the sta
tionery, and receive the cotton; that so far as the other side was concerned,
il was all right, and that so far as this side was concerned it was all right. I
asked Mr. Camp, if I furnished this man, what interest he could allow. He
said that he had to pay, in one instance, forty thousand dollars to secure a
passage for one party to go down, and that one-half the whole interest in
the business went to parties in Norfolk.
Q. To whom was this forty thousand dollars paid, as you understood?
A. To the parties in charge of the Government end of the canal, either the
military or naval authorities; I do not know which. I .asked no questions at
all in reference to the raatter.
Q. To whora was this half interest paid in Norfolk, as you understand ?
A. To different parties in Norfolk ; he did not give me the names.
Q. AA'hat did you understand him to be the whole extent of this trans
action ?
A. He told me the profits on it would be at least twelve hundred thousand
dollars. Q. Did you understand frora him that it was already so divided that ho
could not entertain any other interest ?

MR. HASKELL'S TESTIMONY. 367
A. Yes; he would not make any definite proposition.
Q. AVhat was it he wanted you for?
A. He -.vanted simply to find out through me sorae party who would ;¦
through the lines.
Q. Do you know to what extent Camp and his associates sent goods
through the rebel lines ?
A. He told me they had a vessel go frora Baltiraore every Wednesday.
Q. Where did he say the vessel went to ?
A. Tlirough the Alberaarle Canal to a point in North Cai-olina, on sorae
river — I think the Chowan. I did not ask as to the gross araount of goods
sent through.
Q. What did you infer from what he told you ?
A. I inferred that they had been doing an extensive business.
Q. Must it not have been an extensive business to have insured a profit of
twelve hundred thousand dollars on one transaction ?
A. Certainly ; unless the profits were very large.
Q. Who did Carap tell you his associates were in this transaction ?
A. He told me the names of several in Baltiraore, but, for the life of me,
I cannot mention but one.
Q. Who was that one?
A. That one he mentioned on several occasions — Prescott Smith. He told
me of other names, which I cannot remember. I asked him if he had never
sent a man through before. He told me ho had sent a captain, whose name,
it strikes rae, was Adaras (I ara not positive), who went through the lines,
and was taken sick ; that he had just received information, through a lady
who came from there, that he was not expected to live, and he, Camp, was
feeling very badly about it. He wished I would help hira out of the scrape.
Q. Then you understood the reason of his coming to you was to get some
one whom he could trust to go through to Richmond, to take the place of the
agent who had been taken sick there, and who was not expected to live?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Did you recoraraend hira to anybody ?
A. I told him I could, but I think he raade up his mind, after a while,
not to do any thing more with me. I asked him what he could do^what
guarantee he could give that the man should not get into trouble on the other
side. He said he would give him letters to Mr. Sedden, and Mr. Trenholm,
such as would guarantee him safety on the other side.
Q. Has there any thing further been said in regard to this matter between
you and him?
A. Nothing further has been done.
Q. What was the reason of breaking off?
A. After that I saw a notice of the capture of the steamer Philadelphia,
wbich Mr. Lane had. I think I introduced the subject again to Camp, and
that Camp told me that the thing had got set b.ack, and that he would do
nothing raore about it at present.
Q. Have you ever heard any thing since ?
A. No; nothing has been communicated to me at all since.

368 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. Did Camp ever show you any papers, or writing, in this connection?
A. No ; he only proposed to give them.
Q. Did he admit to you that he had been in correspondence with any of
tho rebel authorities on this subject?
A. He did not say correspondence. He admitted to me that he had
arrangements with the rebel authorities.
Q. Did he admit to you that he had had any connection with correspond
ence with Beverley Tucker ?
A. No.
Q. What rebel authorities did he refer to ?
A. None but the two previously mentioned — the rebel secretaries of war
and treasury.
Q. Did you understand from him that this large amount of stationery
went through ?
A. No ; I never did. I do not know whether it went through or not. 1
only know that he stated to me the arrangements.
Q. Are there any other matters that you can state, connected with this
investigation? A. I do not know that I reraember any other.
It seems incredible that in the midst of the most tragical
scenes that Avar has ever created, the very arena of conflict
should be the busy field of mercenary and lawless trade.
The civil strife aAvakened all the passions of men — the best
and the worst ; and the " spirit of the age" intensified their
unparalleled activity.

CHAPTER XXVII.
SPECULATION AND FRAUD.
Devices of Contractors — Detection of Forage Contractor — Appeal to the President —
Further Frauds as " Silent Partner" — Report on Forage and Chartered Vessels —
Calumnious Charges Refuted — General Report of Transactions.
Many of the ingenious devices resorted to by contractors,
by Avhich, to gain their fraudulent ends Avithout risk of
detection have already been disclosed ; but I shall here
give another illustration, which, on account of its boldness
and success, deserves especial notice.
I detected a conspicuous Government contractor in exten
sive speculations in the delivery of forage. He was arrested
and placed in the "Old Capitol prison." His father, very
indignant at his son's imprisonment on such an accusa
tion, which he, in simple faith, considered unmerited, and
which Avould inevitably bring disgrace upon his family,
applied to the Secretary of War for his release. The father
Avas a prominent politician of Pennsylvania, and, at the time
of his interview with the Secretary, was accompanied by
Members of Congress, besides other friends.
He appeared to rest in the belief that there would be
little or no difficulty in obtaining the acquittal of his son,
and strongly urged, as a reason, the absurdity of supposing
that a gentleman of character so high, could have designedly
defrauded the Government.
But the Secretary of War, having sufficient evidence to
be convinced of the guilt of the contractor, was unmoved by
his entreaties, and refused to grant liis petition.
N"ot discouraged by the vain attempt, he next made
application to President Lincoln. During this interview,
the prisoner' s cause was not the oiily topic of conversation,
but Colonel Baker's discipline and rule constituted also a
24

370 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
very important and lengthy one. The patriotic Congressmen
denounced the latter in unqualified terms, for having had
the audacity to arrest a highly respectable citizen, and con
fine him withm the walls of the American Bastile. They
remarked that such outrages, committed by detectives, if
allowed, Avould arouse the people, who Avould hurl frora
their offices these minions of poAver.
They seemed to think that, if they could convince the
President of the righteousness of their attacks upon tlie
detectiA^e system, their work toAvard .the release of the
prisoner AVould be more speedily accomplished.
This, with much more, delivered in a very emphatic
manner, made so strong a plea, that Mr. Lincoln thought it
necessary to consult me. He accordingly sent for me, and
requested me to relate to him all the circumstances connected
with the detection and arrest of the contractor.
I gave him as explicit an account as I could, and then
asked his permission to hold the prisoner in custody twelve
hours longer ; adding that i^ at the expiration of that time, I
should be unable to produce facts sufficiently proving his
guilt, and my rightful authority for arresting him, I would
consent to his acquittal.
The President approved of this proposition, which was
sent to the prisoner's friends; and the next morning, his
father, attended by the Congressional delegation, referred
to before, called at the War Department, to notify the
Secretary that the President had promised to set the pris
oner at liberty.
The same morning, I had carried to the Secretary of War
an extended and unreserved confession of guilt by the con
tractor. This Avas now produced, and read in the presence
of the whole company. In it, the writer very minutely
related the manner in which he committed the frauds ; he
also, to prove his sincerity, handed to me thirty-two thou
sand dollars, one of the items in his speculations at the
expense of the Government.
The eff"ect upon so proud a father of the overwhelming
intelligence conveyed in this full confession of the contractor,
and before so numerous stn audience, may be, perhaps, par
tially, but never fully imagined. The undeniable evidence

THE CRIME DISCLOSED. 371
of his son's guilt, coming so forcibly upon him, at the very
moment that he had fondly anticipated would clear him
from all suspicions, .and place hira higher than before in
public opinion, on account of his being so unjustly arrested
and imprisoned, bowed him down with shame and sorrow.
The distinguished friends who had accompanied him to
the Department, and Avho, with him, had anticipated a far
different issue of their proceedings, were speechless with
astonishment and chagrin.
The silence was finally disturbed by a melancholy allu
sion to the natural depravity of man, and soon afterward
the uncomfortable parties dispersed.
This short but sad sketch of the fraudulent undertakings
of a contractor, is but a solitary instance, among many others
of a similar kind, which might be recorded.
The Secretary of W^ar, Avisely judging that the criminal
had forfeited all just claim to public benefit, passed an order,
which took from him the privilege of making any further
contracts with the Government. But so steeped in villany
was his nature, that he concluded to evade the order, and
still, though in a more surreptitious manner, pursue his
SAvindling operations.
He submitted a proposal, through a partner in business,
to the department quartermaster at Alexandria, to furnish
what is called "mixed grain," or oats and corn, in the pro
portion of tAventy pounds of oats and twelve of corn. It
will be well to remark that, in this transaction, he took
especial care to keep his name secret, and acted, therefore,
as the "silent partner."
Oats were Avorth ninety, and corn forty cents. Up to
this time, no mixed grain had been received by the Govern
ment. The contractor, therefore, prepared a glowing state
ment of the advantages of the grain to the Government.
His enthusiastic assertions regarding the advantages to be
obtained from the mixed grain were so convincing, that,
upon the recommendation of the department quartermaster,
the Government authorized a contract for the delivery of it,
to the large amount of three million bushels.
I was ignorant of the negotiations until the alFair had
arrived at its consummation. Then, as confident as if I had

372 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
been cognizant of the whole development of the transaction,
of a fraudulent operation, I immediately commenced the
work of its detection.
It is manifest that the difference of price in the two kinds
of grain was considerable ; and, therefore, it was an advan
tage, which the contractor would not willingly let slip by,
to deliver a greater proportion of oats than of com, as the
price of the former Avas so much greater than the other.
The profits in this single contract we may safely estimate
at not less than the almost incredible sum of five hundred
thousand dollars.
The history of this stupendous fraud cannot better be
ascertained than by examining the appended report, which
vnll clearly reveal the method by which it was discovered.
The perusal cannot fail to interest the reader, as it is so
explicit and truthful in its details.
The report contains, also, a statement in regard to char
tered vessels, shoAving the improper uses to which they Avere
adapted — another taper, at least, flinging its light into the
darkness which concealed the workers of iniquity. I quote
passages only from the report on the case : —
A sack was taken from e.-irh vessel then lying in the harbor, and one sack
each frora three different warehouses at Alexandria, for the purpose of sepa
rating the oats from the corn, in order to determine the exact proportion of
each. The first experiment resulted as follows : —
Thirty-two pounds of mixed grain, when carefully separated^showed 19
pounds of corn and 13 pounds of oats.
Second experiment showed 13J^ pounds of corn, 13^' pounds of oats.
Third " " 16 " " 16 " "
Fonrth " " 15^ " " 16^ "
Fifth " " 16 " "16 ''
The grain from which these samples were taken was then being deUvered
by a Mr. S., nnder a contract, as I then understood, with Captain F.
I beg leave to submit a st.ateinent concerning the improper expenditure of
five thousand twenty-nine dollars and sixty-five cents, on the steamtug Clyde,
owned in Philadelphia, and for some time past under charter to the Govern
ment. It appears that the tug referred to was used almost exclusively by Cap
tain F. and his friends as a pleasure-boat. The sum referred to above was
expended in the purch.ase of fine carpets, oilcloths, chinaware, painting, deco
rating, &e. The repairs on the tug Ella araount to nearly two thousand dol
lars. She was also principally employed in carrying pleasure parties down the

DISHONEST USE OF VESSELS. 373
river, under direct orders frora Captain F. It is a well-known fact, that
these and other boats under charter to the Governraent, were alraost daily
engaged in conveying pleasure parties, coraposed largely of feraales of th» .
most abandoned char.acter. It can be shown, by the most undeniable and
positive proof, that these boats made frequent night excursions, having on
board Captain F., and other officers of his and other departments, each
accompanied by a strumpet, or public woman of the town. In fact, I am
informed by persons, who are known to be truthful and reliable, that the tug
Clyde was especially fitted up, under the direction of Captain F., for the
accommodation of these characters.
I find, on examination of the bills of lading now on file in the Quarter
master's Departraent at Alexandria, that no less than twenty-one vessels
have arrived at Alexandria, during the past year, containing private cargoes,
in which the Government had no interest, directly or indirectly, consigned
to Captain F., or Captain S. The object of so consigning them must be
apparent to any one giving the raatter a moment's refiection. I am informed
by the owners of some of these vessels, that they obtained Captain F.'s
consent to having these vessels consigned to him, in order to facilitate their
shipments, and also to enable thera to procure tugs to tow them up the river,
when necessary, and also to enable them to discharge their cargoes without
delay. During the tirae that I was engaged in gathering rebel property in
Virginia, I took possession of two or three deserted private dwellings, con
taining very valuable furniture .and libraries. This property was turned over
to Captain F. Frora recent investigations, it is proved that the most valuable
portion of this furniture was shipped to Boston by Captain F., for his own
private use, and other portions were either given away or sold to persons in
Alexandria, where it now is. Many of the valuable books referred to can be
found in possession of officers or persons in Alexandria in Government employ.
With this report, I forward you a nuraber of affidavits, sorae of which are
very important, made by the recent employees of Captain F. From these
affidavits it is clearly shown that nearly all the workmen engaged in the
carpenter, carriage, harness, and repair shops, were not only knowing to the
manufacture of a great variety of furniture, carriages, harness, saddles,
bridles, &c., for private individuals, but actually received money from such
individuals, in payment for such work. The following are the names of the
employees referred to: J. D. and J. F. W. W. (now in the Old Capitol Prison),
carpenter shop; J. R., F. B., J. S., and S. S., h.arness shop ; J. E., blacksmith
shop. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Bakbe,
Colonel, and Agent War Department.
I take this opportunity to correct an idea which, I am
aware, is very prevalent in the minds of the people ; but one
which, I am convinced, every unprejudiced person Avill
not entertain when he has patiently given attention to my
vindication.

374 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
It Avas thought that Avhile I was, in a measure, respon
sible to the Government, in common Avith other officials, a
large portion of my service Avas discretionary, therefore,
making it practically my independent action.
There could hardly be a more erroneous impression exist
ing among the people.
My services Avere generally acts of strict obedience to
written orders from the Secretary of War. When other
wise, as Avas sometimes the case, a report in detail of every
act of my bureau, Avas furnished and indorsed by the Secre
tary. So that, it is clear to the reader, the services of my
bureau were not independent, but, indeed, quite the con
trary ; and that the honorable Secretary Avas as responsible
for them as though they Avere executed in the Department of
which he Avas the official director.
And another matter I take the liberty to bring before the
intelligent public and elucidate clearly, as, rather to my sur
prise, it appears to have been entirely misunderstood.
Considerable fault has been found in regard to the arrests
that I have made, or ordered to be made by my detectives,
and not a feAV strong epithets have been applied to me, in
consequence. I must confess I am not indifferent to such a state of pub
lie feeling as must necessarily exist, to produce this fault
finding and these bitter invectives I have mentioned.
On the contrarj^, I am sensitive iu regard to my honor, at
least in the Avish to be considered as not failing in my duty ;
and I take some pains to eradicate from the minds of
my countrymen such unjust suspicions concerning me, and
to have them understand, as thoroughly as I can, ray true
position, and appreciate my intentions.
At the close of each Aveek, a full and carefully prepared
report of arrests Avas made and submitted to the War Depart
ment. This report contained a list of the persons arrested,
the charges brought against them, the circumstances con
nected Avith the discovery and seizure of the arrested parties,
and an inventory of all .the property found on them.
Irrespective of all this, the superintendent of the Old
Capitol Prison furnished daily a Avritten statement of all

THE BUREAU AND THE WAR DEPARTMENT. 375
prisoners committed to that institution, with a strict account
of each case.
AVith these facts before them, the public cannot judge
otherAvise than that the Wg-r Department must have been
cognizant of every significant detail in the transactions of
the bureau.
I likewise, at intervals, furnished the Secretary of War
with general reports of the operations of my department, of
Avhich the following one serves as a fair specimen : —
Office PRovosT--MARBnAT. -War PEi'Ar.TMENT, )
AVabuikgton, September 3, 1863. f
Hon. E. M. Stanton-, Secretary of War : —
Sffi — I beg leave respectfully to submit the following report of the actual
operations of the departraent under iny charge, from the date of my appoint
ment as Provost-Marshal of the War Departraent, September 9, 1862, up to
and including the 31st day of August, 1863. At an early day in the history
of the present war, it became apparent that the vastly increased and increas
ing operations of the War Department, involving the control and disposition
of immense .amounts of Government property, its constant exposure to loss
and depreciation by the acts of careless or dishonest agents, involved the
necessity of a police or detective departraent, to act under the immediate
orders of the Secretary of War, and wbose special duty it should be to pre
vent the loss and d.amage of the Government property under control of the
War Department, to detect frauds, recover the moneys or other property of
the Government improperly appropriated, and bring to punishment those
guilty of treasonable, corrupt, or dishonest acts. With this broad field of
operations open before me, I commenced my active services as Provost-Mar
shal of the War Department at the date indicated ; a year has elapsed, .and
its results, as connected with this Departraent, not only establish the sound
ness of judgment which organized it, but demonstrate fully the absolute neces
sity of its continuance. I may here be permitted to reraark, that while the
duties of my office have been arduous in tho extreme, their faithful perform
ance has been the prolific cause of innuraerable complaints, and the most
active and untiring exertions by persons, often of high official position, to
interfere with my phans, and bring the ofiice and myself into disrepute at the
War Depfirtment. Against such attacks, and the embittered assaults of the
men whose plans of plunder and treason I have frustrated, I have been sus
tained by the consciousness of right intentions, and the always fair and
unprejudicial support awarded me by the Secretary of War. With the organi
zation of the battalion o-f Mounted Rangers, it became apparent to me that a
decrease in my detective force might be eflfected without interfering with its
efficiency, and I therefore took the liberty of suggesting the propriety of such
decrease, and I am now again enabled, with the continued increase of ray
mounted force, to submit a proposition for a still further reduction. I there
fore respectfully recommend that the detective force under my command be

376 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
reduced to the following limits: one deputy, two clerks, ten detective oflicerg,
one stable and storehouse superintendent, and two stable men ; the deputy
and two clerks to he paid $150 each per month, detectives and superintendent
$100 each per month. AVith this force, and a limitation of the duties to be
performed to the suppression and investigation of frauds ag.ainst the Govern
ment, recovery of Government property lost or stolen, and the arrest of con
traband traders and traitors, I have no doubt that the detective branch of the
War Department will maintain its position as a self-sustaining, indispensable,
and thus far, as the following exhibit will show, successful organization.
During the year I have recovered and turned over to the proper authorities
the following amounts of money, recovered from defaulting clerk.?, quarter
masters, and contractors: —
A. M. W., forage contractor, defrauded the Quartermaster's Department
by false forage receipts, turned over to Judge Turner, $52,500 ; J. W. H.,
Assistant Quarterraaster Tenth Massachusetts Volunteers, absconded to Can
ada with $16,000 Governraent funds, recovered from him $10,000; C. C,
horse contractor, Baltiraore, false bills rendered to the Governraent, recovered
and turned over to Judge Turner, $1,500; M. H. W., forage contractor, over
charge and bribing clerks to make false entries, turned over to Colonel Ruoker,
$9,989.30; G. AV. L., forage contractor, received pay for invoice of foroge
delivered to Government, twice, turned over to Colonel Belger, $6,200; F. A.
W., wood contractor, overcharge on his account, recovered from him, and
turned over to Judge Turner, $2,700; F. W., clerk in quarterraa.ster's oflioe.
Twenty-second and Ninth Streets, money received aa bribes to make false
entries on forage receipts, recovered from him, and turned over to Judge Tur
ner, $2,700; F. AV., clerk in quartermaster's office. Twenty-second and G
Streets, money received as bribes to make false entries on forage receipts,
recovered frora him, and turned over to Judge Turner, $2,000 ; T. E., recov
ered from him on forged ice receipts, and turned over to Judge Turner, $1,800 ;
F. McC, paymaster's clerk, stolen from Major McFarlan, paymaster, in Trea
sury notes, turned over to Paymaster General, $40,000 ; m.aking a total of
cash recovered and paid over of $127,289.30. During the same period I have
recovered and turned over to the Quartermaster General, Government prop
erty of various kinds of the appraised value of $284,359, including 695 horses,
70 mules, 4,117 muskets, 375 rifles, 31 carbines, 100 pistols, and 224 sabres,
and other property of various descriptions, for a more full and detailed state
ment of which I beg leave to refer to ray monthly reports, on file in the Quar
termaster-General's Department. I may be permitted to state, however, that
a very large proportion of the arras, &o., recovered by me, as aforesaid, were
picked up singly or in small quantities, from saloons, private houses, rum-
shops, ahd other receptacles of stolen property, and were not in any case
gathered frora battle-fields or abandoned depots.
During the sarae period of time, the entire expenses of my department
have been $58,760.92, of which $36,778.69 have been p.aid for salaries; the
balance, of $21,982.23, having accrued from various incidentals, including
rent, transportation, expenses and pay of witnesses attending investigations,
courts martial, and military commissions. And I can further say, with entire

EFFICIENCY OF THE BUREAU. 377
truthfulness, that the recovery of this large amount of Governraent property
is due entirely to the active and energetic measures adopted by this depart
ment, and but for its existence would have been a total loss to the Govern
ment; and also, that the investigations and arrests which resulted in tho
recovery of the $127,289 above mentioned, were commenced, carried on, and
successfully oonsuraraated in and through this office.
A careful examination and comparison of the above statements, and the
monthly reports upon which they are based, will suggest the following coii-
clnsions : —
1st. That the detective force connected with the War Department has
demonstrated its efficiency, and positively established the highest proof of the
necessity of its continuance.
2d. That, as an economical organization, it will compare favorably with
any other department of the Government, showing a balance of account in its
favor, over and above all expenses, for the first year of its existence, of
$352,887.58. I conclude this report by remarking, that the recent detection of impor
tant frauds perpetrated on several paymasters of the United States Army, and
the arrest of the parties engaged therein, was the work of this department,
and that I am now engaged in the investigation of several matters requiring
intelligent and e.xperienced detective action, and important to the interests of
the Government and the War Department.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Bakeh,
Colonel, and Provost-ilarsh.al War Department.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
COUNTERFEITERS AND COUNTERFEITING
Bank-note Paper and Printing — Spider-leg Paper — G-wynn and Clark's Experiments
— Corrupt Literature in the Army.
The facts incident to this subject, which I am about to
disclose, will exceedingly surprise the greater portion of
those who peruse these pages. They cannot fail to be
startled and indignant at the extent to which counterfeiting
Avas carried on during the Avar, and the boldness, added to
the respectability of the parties engaged in it.
One of the necessities created by the war, was the cir
culation of paper currency to a much greater extent than
formerly. The Government found it necessary to resort to
unusual means of supplying the medium of such financial
need. The case of Stuart Gwynn and S. M. Clark has been nar
rated ; and it cannot be forgotten that Gwynn's statement,
Avhile in prison, treats largely of the plans and shrewd
devices adopted by himself and Clark, to make the Govern
ment issue proof against the counterfeiters' art. He says : —
"During my visits to Washington, whUe getting ready
to supply paper according to contract, I learned from Mr. S.
M. Clark the broad plan that was laid down to make the
'issues perfectly safe. It involved not only a new kind of
paper, but a ncAV style of 'engraving,' a new method ol
printing (if it could be done), new kinds of inks, &c. I en
tered heartily into tlie Avork of assisting by my very great
(that is admitted by all) chemical and mechanical talents and
knoAvledge to make practical the different parts of the
plan." These gentlemen had persuaded Secretary Chase that
they had found the philosopher's stone in this matter of cur-

BANK-NOTE PRINTING. 379
rency, and its acceptance Avould compel the countci-feiters to
abandon even the attempt to imitate the unquestioned cur
rency of the Republic. On the contrary, the result was
the fruitless expenditure of millions upon the remunerative
experiment to the parties undertaking it.
In the Avliole history of bank-note printing, there never
has been a system adopted in all its details, including style
of paper, presses, ink, &c., so easily, extensively, and suc
cessfully imitated, as that inaugurated by Secretary Chase.
Immediately after the passage of the laAV creating this
note-printing bureau, a large number of applications were
made to him for the adoption of some peculiar sort of paper,
ink, and presses. The oldest, most respectable, and responsi
ble bank-note companies in the United States, submitted to
the Secretary of the Treasurv various proposals, each having
its own style of paper, type, and form.
About this time Mr. GAvynn appeared in the arena ol
benevolent and patriotic enterprise, a competitor with tht
bank-note companies, in this service for the country.
Among all those who submitted plans to the Secretary of
the Treasury, he was the most visionary, irresponsible, and
disastrous, and to the mind of a sensible person would, even
in the outset, have seemed unworthy of notice. But Mr.
Chase must have had good reason to deem him otherwise, as
he favored him so extraordinarily.
The old and established methods of bank-note printing
were discarded, and a complete revolution was effected,
based upon the "broad plan" presented by Messrs. Gwynn
and Clark, whose peculiar excellence Avas, to make the cur
rency of the Government ^'¦perfectly safe.''''
With all just alloAvance for selfish motives in the bank
note companies, in urging the adoption of their system, the
singular iafataation cannot be interpreted, Avliich so beguiled
the honorable Secretary as to render him unmindful of all
ancient precedents, and partial to the chaotic schemes of the
new tinkers in currency.
It is a matter of history ahd record, that in the face of the
most emphatic declarations of practical men who had been
long engaged in the manufacture of notes, namely, W. P.
Alexander, C. Wilson, Hatch, Jones, Dunlap, Butler, and

380 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
others, he "accepted and adopted" Stuart Gwynn's phan
tom scheme, representing very fittingly the natural and cul
tivated eccentricities of the man.
I will cite a single feature of this grand scheming— the
invention and adoption by the Secretary of the '' spider -leg
paper.'''' It derived its appellation from the manner in which it
was made. Gwynn had woven into it minute fragments of
sUk thread, suggesting the resemblance of that insect in its
means of locomotion.
But, as we shall see, the greater resemblance to the cun
ning and poisonous trapper, whose standing invitation to
the fly, to be at home in his parlor, is familiar even to a child,
lay in the nature of the scheme, and its depleting effect upon
the treasury of the nation.
The quality of the paper demanded peculiar presses, of
GAvynn' s invention, which would cost the Government two
thousand dollars each, while those then in use were only
one hundred and forty dollars each.
The spider had worked assiduously, forming an attractive
web, fascinating and ensnaring no ordinary fly, but one
Avhich may be likened to the fabled hen, as it yielded golden
treasures to the principal actor in the delicate transaction.
The press was called hydrostatic, the principles of which
were old and primitive as the law of gravitation ; it had
been used in Germany for years, and its impracticability and
worthlessness Avere fully demonstrated by the large piles of
broken machines and presses, stacked up, for months, under
the shadow of the Treasury building, like the ruins caused
by a railway collision.
It is due to Mr. GAvynn, and an act of simple justice, to
state here, that his erratic and expensive experiments could
not have been made without the assistance of another, Avho
was in the Government parlor, while the former was busy
in the foreground of the financiering. I refer to the part
taken by Mr. S. M. Clark. And who is S. M. Clark ? The
question is satisfactorily answered in the authentic reports
of Congressional investigations, in vvhich he largely figures.
A single instance I have before furnished, in the report on
Mr. Gwynn's connection with the Treasury Department.

COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY. 381
The consequences attending this whole course of insane
action by the Treasury Department, culminated in flooding
the land with counterfeit Government currency. Scarcely
Avas the ink dry on the first note from the press of the
Treasury, before its bogus counterpart appeared in circu
lation. There have been only three of all the issues of currency,
including about thirty-five, which have not been successfully
counterfeited. When, several months since, it'Avas intimated by the
efficient head of the Secret Service of the Treasury Depart
ment, that many of the counterfeits in circulation, particuT
larly the one hundred dollar compound interest note, were
printed from the original plate, Mr. Clark, and even the
Secretary himself, aff"ected the utmost contempt for the re
port, ridiculing the idea that any impressions could be taken
from the genuine plates in Clark' s keeping. And after Mr.
Wood had taken from counterfeiters fac- simile impressions
from the plates, an attempt Avas made to suppress the fact,
and, for a while, succeeded. A recent investigation, before
Commissioner Osborne of New York City, shoAVS that Clark's
employees, both male and female, stole the Government
plates, in broad daylight, from which they had taken lead
impressions, electrotyped, and from which they printed the
hundred-dollar notes so skilfully that even the Department
itself received the counterfeits, or rather, indirectly, copies
of them. For the truth of the above startling record, I refer the
incredulous reader to the investigations before Commissioner
Osborne, jnst now alluded to, and from which I quote :—
17ew Tork, July 81.
The evidence given before Coraraissioner Osborne in the recent case of
counterfeiting goes to show, if it is to be relied upon, that one Holmes, and a
confederate named Treat, concocted a plan with Eli and Edwin Langdon,
father and son, who -n-ere printers in the Treasury Departraent. Holmes was
to furnish the Langdons, through the agency of Treat, with lead plates, known
technically as "leads." The Langdons were to take impressions from tho
genuine plates in the Departraent on these leads, and return them to Holmes.
Edwin Liingdon, the son, had a woraan who lived with hira as his wife,
and they passed for husband and wife in Washington. The woraan was

.3S2 UNITED ST.\.TES SECRET SERVICE.
eiTi]iloyed in the Departraent to lay sheets on the press, and was known there
by the name of Minnie Morton.
Tho witness testifies that these leads were given to Holmes by Langdon.
Minnie testifies that she knew the plates were being counterfeited by her so-
called husband, and Langdon, the father, .also testified that he knew of it.
At the close of the prosecution, one of the counsel stated that the Sulicitor
of the Treasury had agreed not to allow these counterfeit plates to be put in
evidence ag.ainst Holmes, and the case w.as adjourned to give Mr. Chatfield an
opportunity to prove his assertions. Holmes also assei-ts that it was positively
promised by Mr. Jordan that if he would give up the pLates, and not have any
more to do with counterfeiting, he would not be prosecuted.
If these assertions are true, and Mr. Chatfield gives his son as authority, a
most singular denouement will be given to the affair. None of these counter
feiters will be punished. Holmes will be let go by one Government official;
Eli Langdon, Treat, and the two women have been allowed to turn State's
evidence; Edwin Langdon is dead, and no one remains to be punished.
At this date, my attention was attracted to a fruitful
source of gain at the expense of virtue, and even decency:
the traffic in corrupt literature and art. I know of no lower
grade of depravity than that of this shameless business.
The vile book, photograph, and Avood-cut, were scattered by
sutlers, mail agents, and others, throughout the army. I
found them in large quantities in the mail-bags of the Gov
ernment. The extent to Avhich the fiendish business of min
ing the morals and bodies of men was carried, would scarcely
be believed by the good people of the rural districts, or even
of the cities.
The art of photography and printing has fiooded the
country with these cheap and shameless appeals to the
loAvest and most brutal passions. No quiet hamlet is so
sheltered by kindly raoral influences, that it is not reached
by the poison of this trade. But the absence from home
of the many thousands of our volunteers — separated as they
were frora all the softening and elevating restraints of
domestic and social life — afforded an opportunity for these
human vampires, Avho do their AVork by stealth, unknown
before in this country. They appreciated and improved it.
The illegal and infamous source of gain came to my
knowledge in various Avaj^s and frora different quarters.
The post-oflace being the principal channel through Avhich
the business was carried on, I made a formal application
to the Postmaster-General for aid in reaching the outrage : —

A CONFLAGRATION OF CORRUPT MERCHANDilsli. 383
OrnoR Provost-Ma RSnAL -Wah Department, I
Wasui.sg'io>', </(t?te 3, l^Cb. J
Hon. MoifTOOMERY p. Blaie, Postmaster-General: —
Sik — I am reliably informed th.at large numbers of obscene books and prints
are constantly passing down through the post-office here to the soldiers of the
Army of the Potomac. I would respectfully ask if some means could not lie
used to prevent it. I am, sir, your obedient servant, L. C. B,\KEB,
Provost-Marshal War Department.
I received all the encouragement I desired, and entered
immediately to check, if I could not break up, the disgrace
ful traffic. I soon got on the track of a large quantity of the
vile goods, on their way to the army. They were seized,
and their estiraated value, according to the purchase-price,
Avas not less than tAventy-two thousand dollars. It was
decided to make a bonfire of this pile of sensual trash.
Our pure-minded President intimated that he Avould like to
see the conflagration. It was kindled in front of the White
House, and he enjoyed the sight, Avith the zest of a noble
nature, to which vice was a loathing.

CHAPTER XXIX.
A FEM.\LE ADVENTURER.
Woman in the Rebellion — Her Aid indispensable in the worst as well as the best
Causes — A Sploy Letter — Miss A. J. — Vidocq's Experience.
"A woma:n^ in every plot" is almost a proverb among
those who have had much to do Avith successful conspiracies
and treachery.
It will be recollected that Miss Ford, aid-de-camp of the
cavalry commander Stuart, betrayed General Stoughton and
his staflf to guei-rilla Moseby' s band. I find a spicy epistle on
the subject, from a lady of the first standing, among the in
tercepted correspondence of the war, which is a fair speci
men of refined hate to the North, along with a touch of
sympathy Avith a betrayed and captive Union officer : —
QEOIfllTOTK.
Dear J. — Ina is sending oft' a letter, in which, I presume, she tells you the
news of the day. (You know how much of that article thwe is in George
town.) So I will commence at once with my little piece of business, although
I presume you have heard that General Stoughton is now a prisoner in Rich
mond. Thank Heaven! He has at Last reached the- desired haven, but I fear
he is rather in a destitute condition. Three impudent rebels dashed into Fair
fax and took the gentleraan out of his bed, with a number of other soldiers,
horses, and contrabands; and I hear that sorae were in a state of nudity.
What a grand entrde it must have been into Richmond. But while I rejoice
that his little hands are kept frora "picking and stealing," and th.at his noblo
efibrts for crushing this wicked rebellion are now confined within four walls,
yet I can't help feeling a little sorry for the discorafort he will necessarily
suff'er, and which he richly deserves — a prisoner among strangers, and he must
be without clothing, money, or any of the necessaries of life. Now, Aunt
Josie, please ask Colonel Leftrich, or any of the faraily, if at any time they
go to Richmond, won't they be so kind as to go and see him. You know,
Joe, they are people of much wealth and standing, and no raatter what Gen
eral Stoughton raight want, in the way of raoney or clothing, would be most
cheerfully returned. Probably Colonel Leftrich would write to some friend

MISS A. J.'S STATEMENT. 385
in Richmond. His motlier and sister, who were with him at the tirae, aro
both inclined to be Southern, and would be so grateful for any kindness shown
to General Stoughton. When you write to Cousin E., ask him, if he comes
to Richmond, which he very often does, to go and see hiui, and do any thing
for hira he can. If you can't get any one else, please write to John Hunter,
and beg hira to go at once, and do what he can. I highly approve of his
being kept behind a bolt and bar. But please. Aunt Joe, attend to it at once,
and ask Colonel Leftrich if he will not write to some friend. You know, at
least Ina told you in her last ^letter, that after you left. General Stoughton
went to Mrs. G. L.'s and got Charley's valise for me; and ho has always been
so remarkably kind to me, that I ara very anxious, in sorae way, to repay it.
Yours, &c., Fansie.
One of the most strangely romantic female histories of the
war, which came within the investigations of the bureau,
was that of Miss A J.
Statements have been already made concerning female
visitors to the army. Much of the information communi
cated to the rebels was given by these irresponsible charac
ters passing through rebel and Union lines. Tlie condition
of morals among officers who found congenial companionship
in the society of such women, is apparent, and needs no
coloring from pen or pencil.
This unfortunate and degraded young woman -tvas arrest
ed, while attempting to pass the Confederate pickets, within
three days after giving her soleran parole not to cross the
Potomac into Virginia during the rebellion. Upon the ear
nest request of the Governor and a distinguished Senator of
Massachusetts, she was again released from confinement, on
parole ; after which she made the subjoined confession : —
STATEMENT OF MISS A. J.
My name is A. J. I was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Am twenty
years of age. I have neither father or mother living. I have two sisters. In
August, 18C1, I left my home at Cambridge, without the knowledge or con
sent of my uncle, sisters, or friends, and came direct to Washington, with the
intention of offering my services as a hospital-nurse, which was refused, on
account of my age. I then procured a pass from General Wool to visit the
different camps in and about Baltimore. I had no particular object or busi
ness in the army, but went out of mere curiosity. I spent some months in
this way. While in the various camps, I was furnished by the commanding
ofiicers with a tent, and sometiraes occupied quarters with the officers. In
the fall of 1862 I went to the Array of the Potomac, with no difl'erent objeci
23

386 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
in view; spent some tirae at General S.'s headquarters at Fairfax Conrt-
House. During this tirae was the guest of the General and his staff" officers.
After General S. left Fairfax Court House I went to Centreville. I do not
now recollect who was in comraand at the tirae. I remained at Centreville
but a short tirae, then went to Falls Church, from there to Fairfax Court
House. In June or July last I attempted to pass the Federal pickets, for the
purpose of visiting Drainesville, then outside our lines; was arrested, and
taken to General S.'s headquarters, and by him sent to General M., who at
once released me, and sent rae back to General S.'s headquarters, where I
remained until the array returned from Maryland. General S. was then
relieved, when I joined General K.'s command, and went to the front, as tho
friends and companions of General C. We made our headquarters near Hart-
wood Church. Stopping at this point, General K. became very jealous of
General C.'s attentions to me, and went to General M."s headquarters and
charged me with being a rebel spy. I was then arrested and sent to General
M., Military Governor of Washington, who committed me to the Old Capitol
Prison. I have spent two years and a half in the Union army, and during
this tirae have been the guest of different officers, they furnishing me with
horses, orderlies, escorts, sentinels at ray tent, or quarter rations, &c. I have
invariably received passes from these officers, to go and return when and
where I pleased. During the time that I was with the Array of the Potomac
I invariably wore major straps. I have repeatedly passed the outside pickets
of the Federal army, several railes beyond, into the rebel lines; and was once
captured by Moseby and taken to Aldie, to the house of a Mrs. Yankes Davis,
whose husband is a Federal scout or spy. I was detained one or two days,
then allowed to return. I further state, that during no part of the time that
I was with the Feder.al army was I employed as guide, scout, spy, or hospital-
nurse, but, as st.ated before, a companion to the various commanding officers.
aa a private friend or companion. On the 7th day of November, 1863, I was
released from the Old Capitol Prison, by order of the Secretary of War.
During the time of my confinement I became intimately acquainted with
Captain M., Mr. J. S. L., the superintendent, clerks, and others. On my
release Mr. L. advised me to go to the house of a Mrs. McC, where I was at
the time of my arrest. In consequence of Mr. L.'s intimacy with me, during
.ray imprisonment, Mr. W. discharged him. I then went to Colonel J. A. H.,
at the War Department, and informed him that L. had been discharged, and
the reason. Colonel H. then directed th.at L. shonld be assigned to duty at
General A.'s headquarters, on condition that I would leave the city and
return to my home at Cambridge. I did go to Bo.-3ton, as I promised, and
Mr. L. obtained his situation at General A.'s headquarters. I remained away
about three weeks, when I returned to Mrs. McC,'s house.
On my discharge from prison, I signed a parole, one of the conditions of
which was "that I should not enter the St.ate of Virginia" without proper
permission, during the rebellion ; but, notwithstanding this obligation, I have
made several ineffectual attempts to do so. In reference to my present arrest,
I desire to state that I inforraed Mr. G. R. that I had procured a pass, in con
nection with Major W., of the Treasury Departraent, and Mrs. Moxeu, that on

A WOMAN AND THE FRENCH SECRET SERVICE. 387
Saturday afternoon last I proceeded in a carriage, with the two persons
referred to, viz., Mr. W. and Mrs. M., to the Aqueduct Bridge, where we
were halted by the guard, who informed us that Mr. W. and Mrs. M. could go
on, but that Miss J. could not ; that I then returned to Mrs. McC.'s. I also
informed Mr. R. that said pass was procured for rae through the influence of
a brigadier-general (not naraing hira). I also informed others, at Mrs. MoC.'s,
that I made the attempt to cross, but was turned back by the guard. During
the entire time since my leaving home, in 1861, I have led a very roving, .and,
may be, questionable life. I ara now very unwell, owing to my long confine
ment and other causes, and desire to be released frora custody, in order that
I may return to ray horae and friends ; and, if released, I pledge myself not
to return to Washington during the present rebellion.
The proper officer certified as follows : —
City of Washington, District of Columbia :
Personally appeared before me A. J., who, being by me duly sworn, on
her oath said that she had read the foregoing stateraent, and that she knew
the contents thereof; that all the stateraents therein contained are true, to
the best of her knowledge. That said stateraent is made without fear or com
pulsion, or promise of reward, but freely on her part.
The great detective, Vidocq, quoted in the first part of this
volume, has an instance both of Avoman's crafty manageraent,
and his own, particularly interesting in this connection : —
It is very rare that a fugitive galley-.slave escapes with any intention of
amendment ; most frequently the aim is to gain the capital, and then put in
practice the vicious lessons acquired at the Bagnes, which, like raost of our
prisons, are schools in which they perfect themselves in the art of appro
priating to themselves the property of another. Nearly all celebrated robbers
only became expert after passing some time at the galleys. Some have
undergone five or six sentences before they becarae thorough scoundrels ;
such as the famous Victor Desbois, and his comrade, Mongenet, called Lc
Tambour (Drummer), who, during various visits to Paris, committed a vast
many of those robberies on which people love to descant as proofs of boldness
and address.
These two men, who, for many years, were sent away with every chain,
»nd as frequently escaped, were once more back again in Paris; the police
got information ofit, and I received the orders to search for thera. All testi
fied that they had acquaintances with other robbers no less formidable than
themselves. A music mistress, whose son, called Noel with the Spectacles, a
celebrated robber, was suspected of harboring these thieves. Madame Noel
was a well-educated woman, and an admirable musician ; she was esteeraed a
most accomplished performer by the middle class of tradespeople, who
employed her to give lessons to their daughters. She was well known in the
Marias and the Quartier Saint Denis, where the polish of her manners, the

388 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
elegance of her language, the gentility of her dress, and th.at inde.^cribable
air of superiority, which the reverses of fortune can never entirely destroy,
gave rise to the current belief that she was a member of one of those numerous
families to whom the Revolution had only left its hauteur and its regrets.
To those who heard and saw her, without being acquainted, Madame Noel
was a most interesting little wom.an ; and besides, there was something touch
ing in her .situation ; it was a mystery, and no one knew what had become of
her husband. Sorae said that she had been early left in a state of widow
hood ; others, that she had been forsaken ; and a third affirmed that she was
a victim of seduction. I know not which of these conjectures approaches
nearest the truth, but I know very well that Madame Noel was a little bru
nette, whose sparkling eye and roguish look were softened down by that
gentle demeanor, which seemed to increase the sweetness of her smile, and
the tone of her voice, which was in the highest degree musical. There was a
mixture of the angel and demon in her face, bnt the latter perhaps prepon
derated ; for time had developed those traits which characterize evil thoughts.
Madame Noel was obliging and good, but only tow.ai-d those individuals
who were at issue with justice; she received them as the mother of a soldier
would welcome the corarade of her son. To insure a welcorae with her, it
was enough to belong to the sarae '• regiment" as Noel with the Spectacles;
and then, as much for love of him, and from inclination, perhaps, she would
do all in her power to aid, and was constantly looked upon as a "mother of
robbers." At her house, they found shelter ; it was she who provided for all
their wants. She carried her complaisance so far as to seek "jobs of work"
for them ; and when a passport was indispensably requisite for their safety,
she was not quiet until, by sorae raeans, she had succeeded in procuring one.
Madame Noel had many friends among her own sex, and it was generally in
one of their names that the passport w.as obtained. A powerful mixture of
oxygenated muriatic acid obliterated the writing, and the description of the
gentleman who required it, as well as the name which it suited his purpose
to assume, replaced the ferainine description. Madame Noel had generally
by her a supply of these accommodating passports, which were filled accord
ing to circumstances, and the wants of the party requiring such assistance.
All the galley-slaves were children of Madame Noel, but those were the
most in favor who could give her any account of her son; for thera her devo
tion was boundless. Her house was open to all fugitives, who made it their
rendezvous ; and there ra-ust be gratitude even among them, for the pohee
were inforraed that they carae frequently to Mother Noel's, for the pleasure
of seeing her only ; she was the confidante of all their plans, all their adven
tures, all their fears; in fact, they coinrannicated all unreservedly, and never
h.ad cause to regret their reliance on her fidelity.
Mother Noel had never seen me ; ray features were quite unknown to her,
although she had frequently heard of ray name. There was, then, no diSB-
culty in presenting myself before her, without giving her any cause for alarm;
but to get her to point out to me the hiding-place of the men whom I sought
to detect, was the end I aimed at, and I felt that it would be impossible to
attain it without much skill and raanageraent.

MADAME NuEL AND VIDOCQ. 389
At first, I resolved on passing myself off as a fugitive galley-slave; bnt it
was necessary to borrow the narae of sorae thief, whom her son or his com
rades had mentioned to her in advantageotis terms. Moreover, a little resem
blance was positively requisite, and I endeavored to recollect if there were not
one of the galley-slaves whora I knew had been associated with Noel with the
Spectacles, and I could not reraember one of my age, or whose person and
features at all resembled mine. At last, by dint of much effort of raeraory,
I recalled to raind one Gerraain, alias "the Captain," who had been an inti
mate acquaintance of Noel's, and although our similarity was very slight, yet
I determined on personating hira. Germain, as well as rayself, had often
escaped frora the Bagnes, and that was the only point of resemblance between
us. He was about my age, but a smaller fraraed man ; he had dark-brown
hair, mine was light; he was thin, and I tolerably stout; his complexion was
sallow, and mine fair, with a very clear skin ; besides, Germain had an exces
sively long nose, took a vast deal of snuff, which, begriming his nostrils out
side, and stuffing them up within, gave hira a peculiarly nasal tone of voice.
I had much to do in personating Gerraain ; but the difficulty did not deter
me. My hair, cut d la mode des bagnes, was dyed black, as well as my beard,
after it had attained a growth of eight days; to embrown my countenance, I
washed it with white walnut liquor; and to perfect the imitation, I garnished
my upper lip thickly with a kind of coffee-grounds, which I plastered on by
means of gum arable, and thus became as nasal in my twang as Germain
himself. My feet were doctored with equal care ; I raade blisters on them by
rubbing in a certain composition, of which I had obtained the receipt at
Brest. I also made the marks of the fetters ; and when all my toilet was
finished, dressed myself in the suitable garb. I had neglected nothing which
could complete the metaraorpho.sis — neither the shoes nor the marks of those
horrid letters GAL. The costume was perfect ; and the only thing wanting
was a hundred of those companionable insects which people tho solitudes of
poverty, and which were, I believe, togetlier with locusts and toads, one of
the seven plagues of old Egypt. I procured some for raoney ; and as soon as
they were a httle accustomed to their new domicile, which was speedily the
case, I directed my steps toward the residence of Madame Noel, in the Rue
Ticquetonne. I arrived there, and knocking at the door, she opened it: a glance con
vincing her how raatters stood with me, she desired me to enter, and on
finding myself alone with her, I told her who I was. "Ah, my poor lad,"
she cried, "there is no occasion to tell me where you have come from ; I am
sure you must be dying with hunger!"
"Oh, yes," I answered, "I am indeed hungry; I have tasted nothing for
twenty-four hours."
Instantly, without further question, she went out, and returned with a
dish of hog's puddings and a bottle of wine, which she placed before me. I
did not eat, I actually devoured ; I stuffed myself, and all had disappeared
without my saying a word between my flrst mouthful and my last. Mother
Noel was delighted at my appetite, and when the cloth was removed she gave
me a dram. " Ah, mother," I exclaimed, embracing her, " you restore me to

390 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
life; Noel told me how good and kind you were:" and I then began to give
her a statement of how I had left her son eighteen days before, and gave her
information of all the prisoners in whom she felt interested. The details
were so true and well known, that she could have uo idea that I was an im
postor. " You must have heard of me," I continued ; " I have gone through many
an enterprise, and experienced many a reverse. I am called Germain, or the
captain; you raust know my name."
"Yes, yes, my friend," she said, "I know you well; my son and his
friends have told me of your misfortunes; welcome, welcome, my dear cap
tain. But heavens! what a state you are in: you must not remain in such a
plight. I see you are infested with those wretched tormenting beasts who
 ; but I will get you a change of linen, and contrive something as a com
fortable dress for you."
I expressed my gratitude to Madame Noel; and when I saw a good
opportunity, without giving cause for the slightest suspicion, I asked what
had become of Victor Desbois and his comrade Mongenet. "Desbois and
Le Tambour? Ah I my dear, do not mention them, I beg of you,'' she
replied; "that rogue Vidocq has given thera very great uneasiness; since
one Jo.seph (Joseph Longueville, an old police inspector), whom they have
twice met in the streets, told them that there would soon be a search in this
quarter, they have been compelled to cut and run, to avoid being taken."
"What," cried I with a disappointed air, "are they no longer in Paris?"
"Oh, they are not very far distant," replied Mother Noel; "they have
not quitted the environs of the ' great vill.age ' (Paris) : I dare say we shall
soon see them, for I trust they will speedily pay me a visit. I think they will
be delighted to find you here."
" Oh, I assure you," said I " that they will not be more delighted at the
meeting than myself; and if you can write to thera, I ara sure they would
eagerly send for rae to join thera."
"Ifl knew where they were," replied Mother Noel, "I would go myself
and seek for them to please you ; but I do not know their retreat, and the
best thing for us to do is to be patient and await their arrival."
In my quality of a new-comer, I excited all Madame Noel's compassion
and solicitude, and she attended to nothing but me. "Are you known to
Vidocq and his two bull-dogs, Levesque and Compare?" she inquired.
"Alas! yes," was my reply; "they have caught me twice."
"In that case, then, be on your guard: Vidocq is often disguised; he
assuraes characters, costumes, and shapes, to get hold of unfortunates like
yourself." We conversed together for two hours, when Madame Noel offered me a
foot-bath, which I accepted ; and when it w.as prepared, I took off ray shoes
and stockings, on which she discovered my wounded feet, and said, with a
most commiserating tone and manner, "How I pity you; what must yoa
suffer 1 Why did you not tell me of this at first? you deserve to be scolded
for it." And whilst thus reproaching me, she examined my feet; aud then
pricking the bUsters, drew a piece of worsted through each, and anointed my

FRENCH SECRET SERVICE. 891
feet with a salve, which she assured rae would have the effect of speedily-
curing them.
The bath concluded, she brought me some clean linen ; and, as she thought
of all that was needful, added a razor, recommending me to shave. " I shall
then see," she added, "about buying you some workman's clothes, as that is
the best disguise for raen who wish to pass unnoticed ; and besides, good luck
will turn np, and then you will get yourself some new ones."
As soon as I was thoroughly cleansed Mother Noel conducted rae to a
. gleeping-room, a small apartment, which served as the workshop for false
keys, the entrance to which was concealed by several gowns hanging frora a
. row of pegs. "Here," said she, "is a bed in which your friends have slept
three or four times; and you need not fear that the police will hunt you out;
you may sleep secure as a dormouse."
"I am really in want of sleep," I replied, and begged l»er perrais.sion to
take some repose, on which she left me to rayself. Three hours afterward I
awoke, and on getting up we renewed our conference. It was necessary to
be arraed at all points to deceive Madame Noel ; there was not a trick or cus
tom of the Bagnes with which she was not thoroughly inforraed ; she knew
not only the naraes of all the robbers whom she had seen, but was acquainted
with every particular of the life of a great many others ; and related with
enthusiasm anecdotes of the most noted, particularly of her son, for whom
she had as much veneration as love.
"The dear boy, you would be delighted to see him!" said I.
"Yes, yes, overjoyed."
" Well, it is a happiness yon will soon enjoy; for Noel has made arrange
ments for an escape, and is now only awaiting the propitious moment."
Madame Noel was happy in the expectation of seeing her son, and shed
tears of tenderness at the very thoughts of it.
In the course of conversation. Mother Noel asked rae if I had any affair
(plan of robbery) in contemplation ; and after having offered to procure rae
one, in case I was not provided, she questioned me on my skill in fabricating
keys. I told her I was as adroit as Fossard.
"If that be the case," she rejoined, "I am easy, and you shall be soon
furnished ; for as you are so clever, I will go and buy at the ironmonger's a
key which you can fit to my safety lock, so that you will have ingress and
egress whenever you require it."
I expressed my feelings of obligation for so great a proof of her kindness ;
and as it was growing late, I went to bed reflecting on the mode of getting
away frora this lair without running the risk of being assassi-nated, if per
chance any of the villains whom I was seeking should arrive before I had
taken the necessary precautions.
I did not sleep, and arose as soon as I heard Madame Noel lighting her fire ;
she said I was an early riser, and that she would go and procure me what I
wanted. A moment afterward she brought me a key not cut into wards, and
gave me files an^ a sraall vice, which I fixed on my bed ; and as soon as my
tools were in readiness, I began ray work in presence of my hostess, who, see
ing that I was perfectly conversant with the business, complimented me on

392 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ray skill ; and what she most adraired was the expedition of ray work; for in
fact, in less than four hours, I had perfected a most workmanlike key, which
I tried, and it fitted raost accurately. A few touches of the file corapleted
the instrument; and, like the rest, I had the raeans of unobstructed entrance
whenever I wished to visit the house.
1 was M.adame Noel's boarder; and, after dinner, I told her I was inclined
to take a turn in the dusk, that I might find whether "a job" I contemplated
was yet feasible, .and she approved the suggestion, at the sarae time recom
mending me to use all caution. "That thief of a Vidocq," she observed, "is
a thorn in one's path ; mind him ; and, if I were you, before I made any
attempts, I would w.ait until my feet were well."
" I shall not go far," I replied ; " nor stay away long." This assurance of
a speedy return seemed to quiet her fears.
" AVell, then, go," she said ; and I went ont limping.
So far all succeeded to my most sanguine wishes; it was impcssible to
stand better with Mother Noel ; but, by remaining in her house, who would
guarantee that I should not be knocked on the head? Might not two or three
gallej'-slaves arrive together, recognize rae, and attack rae? Then farewell to
all my plottin.ijs ; and it was incumbent, that, without losing the friiit of my
friendship with Mother Noel, I should prepare myself for the contingent
danger. It would have been the height of imprudence to have given her
cause to think that I had any motives for avoiding contact with her guests,
and I consequently endeavored so to lead her on, that she should herself sug
gest to me the necessity of quitting her house; that is, that she should advise
me no longer to think of sleeping in her domicile.
I had observed that Madame Noel was very intimate with a fruitseller who
lived in the house ; and I sent to this woman one of my agents named Man-
ceau, whora I charged to ask her secretly, and yet with a w.ant of skill, for
sorae accounts of Madame Noel. I had dictated the questions, and was the
more certain that the fruit-woman would not fail to communicate the particu
lars, as I had desired my man to beg her to observe secrecy.
The event proved that I was not deceived; no sooner had my agent ful
filled his mission, than the fruit-womau hastened to Madame Noel with an
account of what had passed; who, in her turn, lost no tirae in telling me.
On the look-out at the steps of the door of her officious neighbor, as soon as
she saw me, she came to me, and, without further preface, desired rae to fol
low her, which I did; and on reaching the Pl.ace des Victoires, she stopped,
and looking about her to be assured that no one was in hearing, she told me
what had passed. "So," s.aid she, in conclusion, "you see, ray poor Germain,
that it would not be prudent for you to sleep at m^ house ; you must even be
cautious how you approach it by day."
Mother Noel had no idea that this eircurastance, which she bewailed so
greatly, was of my own planning ; and, that I might remove all suspicion
from her mind, I pretended to be more vexed at it than she was, and cursed
and swore bitterly at that blackguard Vidocq, who would not leave us at
peace. I deprecated the necessity to which I was reduced, of finding a shelter

FRENCH SECRET SERVICE. 393
out of Paris, and took leave of Madame Noel, who, wishing rae good luck and
a speedy return, put a thirty-sous piece into my hand.
I knew that Desbois and Mongenet were expected ; and I was also aware
that there were comers and goers who visited the house, whether Madame
Noel was there or not; and she was often absent, giving music-lessons in the
city. It was important that I should know these gentry ; and to achieve this,
I disguised sever.al of ray auxiliaries, and stationed thera at the corners of the
street, where, mixing with the errand-boys and messengers, their presence
excited no suspicion.
These precautions taken, that I might testify all due appearance of fear, I
allowed two days to p.ass before I again visited Madame Noel ; and this
period h.aving elapsed, I went one evening to her house, accorapanied by a
young raan, whora I introduced as the brother of a feraale with whom I had
once lived : and who, having raet rae accidentally in Paris, had given me an
asylum. This young raan was a secret agents bnt I took care to tell Mother
Noel that he had my fullest confidence, and that she might consider hira as
my second self; and as he was not known to the spies, I had chosen him to
be my raessenger to her whenever I did not judge it prudent to show myself.
"Henceforward," I added, "he will be our go-between, and will come every
two or three days, that I raay have information of you and your friend.s."
"I' faith," said Mother Noel, "you have lost a pleasure; for twenty minutes
sooner, and you would have seen a lady of your acquaintance here."
"Ahl who was it?"
" Mongenet's sister."
"Oh! indeed; she has often seen me with her brother."
"Yes; when I mentioned you, she described you as.exactly as possible:—
'a lanky chap,' said she, ' with his nose always grimed with snuff.' "
Madame Noel deeply regretted that I had not arrived before Mongenet's
sister had departed; but certainly not so much as I rejoiced at my narrow
escape from an interview which would have destroyed all my projects; for if
this woman knew Germain, she also knew Vidocq; and it was impossible that
she could have mistaken one for the other, so great was the difference between
ns! Although I had altered my features so as to deceive, yet the resemblance
which, in description, seemed exact, wonld not stand the test of a critical
examination, and particularly the reminiscences of intimacy. Mother Noel
then gave me a very useful warning, when she inforraed rae that Mongenet's
sister was a very frequent visitor at her house. Frora thenceforward I resolved
that this feraale should never catch a glirapse of my countenance; and to
avoid meeting with her, whenever I visited Madame Noel, I sent my pretended
brother-in-law first, who, when she was not there, had instructions to let me
know it by sticking a wafer on the window. At this signal I entered, and
my aid-de-camp betook himself to his post in the neighborhood, to guard
against any disagreeable surprise. Not very far distant were other auxiliaries,
to whom I had confided Mother Noel's key, that they might come to my suc
cor in case of danger ; for, from one instant to another, I might fall suddenly
among a gang of fugitives, or some of the galley-slaves might recognize and
attack me, and then a blow of my fist against a square of glass in the window

894 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
was the signal which was to denote my need of assistance, to equalize the con .
tending parties.
Thus were my schemes concerted, and the finale was at hand. It was on
Tuesday, and a letter from the men I was in quest of, announced their intended
arrival on the Friday following; a day whioh I intended should be for them a
bl.ack Friday. At the first dawn I betook myself to wine-vaults in the
vicinity; and, that they might have no motive for watching me, supposing, as
was their custom, that they should traverse the street several times up and
down before they entered Madame Noel's domicile, I first sent my pretended
brother-in-law, who returned soon afterward, and told me that Mongenet's
sister was not there, and that I might safely enter.
"You are not deceiving me?" said I to ray agent, whose tone appeared
altered and embarrassed, and fixing on hira one of those looks which pene
trated the very heart's core, I thought I observed one of those ill-suppressed
contractions of the muscles of the face which accompany a premeditated lie;
and then, quick as lightning, the thought came over me that I was betrayed —
that my agent was a traitor. We were in a private room, and, without a
moment's hesitation, I grasped his throat with violence, and told him, in
presence of his comrades, that I was inforraed of his perfidy, and that if ha
did not instantly confess all, I wonld shoot him on the spot. Dismayed at my
penetration and determined manner, he stammered out a few words of excuse,
and, faUing on his knees, confessed that he had discovered all to 'Mother
Noel. This baseness, had I not thus detected it, would probably have cost me my
life, bnt I did not think of any personal resentment; it was only the interest
of society which I cared for, and which I regretted to see wrecked when so
near port. The traitor, Manceau, was put in confinement, and, young as he
was, having many old offenses to expiate, was sent to Bicfetre, and then to
the Isle of Oleron, where he terminated his career. It raay be conjectured
that the fugitives did not return to the Rue Ticquetonne; but they were, not
withstanding, apprehended a short time afterward.
Mother Noel did not forgive the trick I had played her ; and, to satisfy her
revenge, she, one d.ay, had all her goods taken away ; and when this had been
effected, went ont without closing her door, and returned, crying out that she
had been robbed. The neighbors were made witnesses, a declaration was
made before a commissary, and Mother Noel pointed rae out as the thief;
because, she said, I had a key of her apartments. The accusation was a grave
one, and she was instantly sent to the prefecture of police, and the next day I
received the information. My justification was not difficult, for the prefet, as
w-ell as M. Henry, saw through the imposture; and we managed so well, that
Mother Noel's property was discovered, proof was obtained of the falsity of
the charge, and, to give her time for repentance, she was sentenced for six
months to St. Lazarre. Such were the issue and the consequences of an
enterprise, in which I had not failed to use all ]>recaution ; and I have often
achieved success in affairs, in which arrangements had been made, not so
skillfully concerted or so ably executed.

CHAPTER XXX.
THE BOUNTY JUMPERS.
Fraudulent Practices of Bounty Brokers and Jumpers — Contrast between English
and American Deserters — Plans to check Desertion, and bring Criminals to
Justice. The great demand for recruits during the war, the large
bounties offered for them, and the manifold facilities for
fraudulent transactions, presented temptations of great
power, even to reputable citizens, to evade the plain letter
of the law, and traffic in substitutes, or, by bribery and
deception, personally to keep out of the hands of the recruit
ing officer.
The majority of the officers assigned to recruiting service
were guilty of great dereliction of duty, inasmuch as, instead
of endeavoring to check the groAving evil, they rather pre
tended ignorance, or allowed it to pass unnoticed.
On one occasion, being in the presence of the President
and a member of the Cabinet, I heard the latter congratulate
the President upon the success attending a certain call for
troops, which he had issued, remarking : —
"Mr. Lincoln, if recruiting goes forward in this way,
your new call for troops Avill soon be answered."
The President made this reply : —
"Oh, yes; we have a pretty big army already — on
paper; but what we want is, men in boots and breeches.
This great array of figures, in respect to soldiers, is not
going to suppress the rebellion. I want men, who can
carry muskets, and eat hard-tack.'
It was indeed surprising to observe the apparent sin
cerity of persons, who, in various ways, were guilty of
unlawful and dishonorable acts, finding a sufficient apology
in the necessities or peculiarities of the case ; while others,
and not a few, Avent into the remunerative dishonesty with

396 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
the simple purpose, in common with the professional gam
bler, to make money out of the Government, or individuals
serving it, according to the promised reward. And yet it is
difficult to see hoAV any man, of ordinary moral perceptions,
could fail to appreciate the criminality of the business,
whether vicAved from the stand-point of the army depletion
and peril, or the robbery of the public treasury. Were
the loose principles governing bounty brokers and jumpers
once alloAved, tlie ranks of no army could be kept full, and
the loyalty of the people could not be raaintained.
The lenity of our railitary authorities, in regard to the
punishment of offenders against law and loyalty, was a
fruitful cause of the boldness Avith Avhich they acted, and
the air of respectability worn by the crime itself.
At this point, I must refer to the suggestive contrast
between foreign armies and our own. Deserters from the
English troops are rare, on account of the penalty which is
inflicted on such offenders. This penalty, which is death,
is never set aside, no matter Avhat extenuating circumstances
may attach to the desertion, rendering it a lesser crime in
the opinion of mankind. The English railitary law is arbi
trary, carrying out its requireraents to the utmost ; and,
as the punishment for desertion is death, no soldier guilty
of the crime receives any lighter doom.
During the late Avar, the execution of deserters was so
rare, that no moi'al effect was produced on the minds of the
people. Who can recollect any shadoAV of guilt and pun
ishment falling upon his thought, during the whole of the
war, on account of the deserter' s fate ?
The desertions were as common as recruiting, but escapes
were so frequent, and pardon was so often granted, that no
importance seemed to be attached to the shameful disloyalty.
Indeed, it was rather considered in the light of a legitimate
business than otherwise ; the idea of its criminality hardly
seemed to be entertained by any, so lightly was it treated
by the laAV.
The Department at Washington Avas constantly urging
upon me the necessity for forming some plan, which, in a
summary and successful manner, Avould frustrate the designs
of these dishonest parties, and bring them to justice. Sev-

DESERTERS AND DESERTION. 397
eral attempts had been made for this purpose, but had all
proved unsuccessful.
A number of plans were submitted to me, each of which
I considered objectionable, on certain accounts. The short
est way to catch these deserters, which Avas tracking them
to their haunts, it would have been folly to pursue, as such
a course would result in a general alarm and stampede of the
guilty. After some time, I chanced to think of a method, which
seemed so suited to the purpose, that I becarae iraraediately
inspired with the hope of success. I reported it to the
Provost-Marshal General, and, after examination, it Avas
accepted, Avith some slight modifications.
In January, 1865, the War Department determined to
check, if possible, the increasing frauds. On investigation,
it Avas found that only one in four of the enlisted men
reached the front — a fact which will doubtless astonish my
reader, and probably be denied by him, unless accompanied
by the most positive proof.
I received my instructions, and immediately repaired to
New York, the great rendezvous of gamblers in recruiting,
and the centre of their complicated and increasing business.
Two or three days devoted to inquiries concerning them, so
astounded, discouraged, and disheartened me, that I resolved
to abandon the investigation, and return to Washington.
When I reported my purpose to the War Department, I
was directed to resume and prosecute my work. This
investigation, including my action and that of the Provost-
Marshal-General, has been the occasion of Congressional
and civil examinations, and therefore demands a pretty full
and clear narrative.
The means which I employed, and the manner of pro
ceeding, may seem, to superficial observers, to have been
extraordinary, and wholly unwarranted.
All the usual methods of procedure in detective service
were quite unavailing in this large undertaking. Nearly the
entire circle of military and civil officers were found to be,
either directly or indirectly, implicated in bounty swindling
—from the staff officer to the orderly, and from the judge
to the loAvest criminal in the haunts of dissipation and vice.

398 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
I considered the matter well, in order to reach some
plan by which I could become familiar with the fraudulent
enterprise and learn its secrets. The result of my medita
tions was the belief that, in order to gain my ends, I must
select for my service sorae bounty broker who had been
connected with the business a considerable length of time,
and Avho was, consequently, familiar Avith all its details.
The annexed report to the Provost-Marshal General, will
enlighten the reader as to the course I deemed it necessary
to pursue, with its practical results : —
AVabtiinqtok, D. C, Jan'uary 1, ISCS.
Brevet Major-General J. B. Fey, Provost-Marshal General : —
Sir — I have the honor herewith to forward a brief report, giving the results
of the various investigations instituted and conducted under and hy your
orders, for the purpose of preventing and exposing frauds perpetrated in
connection with the recruiting service. The following official orders will
show by what authority said investigations were so instituted and carried on.
OrFicB Provost-Mak«hai. War Department, )
AVashington, D. C, Jan'uary 1, 1866. (
-War Department, PRovosx-MARsnAL General's Bitreau, I
Washington, D. C, January 16, 1865. J
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Sir — I have the honor to request that Colonel L. C. Baker, Provost-Mar
shal of the War Department, may be directed to act under my instructions in
detecting and bringing to punishment men who are violating the laws as
bounty brokers and bounty jumpers, and such officers and employees of the
Governraent as may be taking part in, or conniving at these practices.
I also recoraraend that the expenses connected with his services be paid by
my disbursing officer frora the funds under my control.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) James B. Fry,
Provost-Marshal General.
On the 16th January, 1865, I had the honor to receive from the Provost-
Marshal General the following order: —
AV^AR Department, Provost-Marshal General's Oj-eioe, I
AVashington, D. C, January 16, 1865. f
[Confidential.]
Colonel L. C. Baker, Provost-Marshal War Department, Washington, D. 0. :—
Sik — In accordance with authority from the Assistant Secretary of War,
you are hereby directed to make an examination of the different provost-
marshals, officers, and other recruiting officers, with a view of detecting and
bringing to punishment men who are violating the laws as bounty and substi-

RECRUITING— FRAUDS— A BOUNTY BROKER. 399
tate brokers and bounty jumpers, and also any officer or employee of this
bureau who raay be taking part in or conniving at frauds or impositions in
connection with the raising of troops.
Officers of this bnreau are hereby commanded to aid you in your proper
endeavors to accomplish the duty herein assigned you.
I am. Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) James B. Fry,
Provost-Marshal General.
In pursuance of the above order, I went to New York City, which place was
alleged to be the centre or rendezvous of the principal operators in fraudulent
enlistment papers. It would be impossible to give a correct idea or under
standing of the condition in which I found the recruiting business. A largo
number of persons, of the most desperate and disreputable character, were
engaged at the different rendezvous in filling the quotas. The great and urgent
demands of the Government to fill up the ranks of our depleted army, were
seized upon by these individuals, known as bounty brokers or receiving agents,
as a fit tirae to perpetrate those forgeries and frauds upon the Governraent and
soldiers, the extent and enormity of which, I believe, are unparalleled in the
history of the world. These fi'aud.s, which robbed the soldier and his family,
were but mild offenses compared with the crime of actually aiding the ene
mies of the Government, by representing on paper enlisted men who never
existed. A mania for the recruiting business and filling quotas seems not to
have been confined exclusively to tho characters referred to above. Recruit
ing officers, their clerks and orderlies, provost-marshals' clerks and detectives,
supervisors, commissioners, metropolitan policemen, and many others con
nected with the municipal government of New York City, were all endeavoring
to contribute their best abilities to filling quotas. This state of things was
made apparent to rae after a very brief preliminary invostig.ation. To devise
a plan at once sufficiently effective in itself to break up this gigantic .system
of frauds, to arrange a systera of detection as would furnish such proofs of
guilt against iraplicated parties, was a raatter not easily accomplished. What
was true of the frauds peculiar at the array rendezvous in New York and
vicinity, was more than true of the naval rendezvous. Out of seven of these
naval recruiting rendezvous, but three could be entered without first passing
through a public drinking saloon of the lowest and vilest character, and a
substitute or bounty broker's offlce. In fact, the last two named institutions
seemed to be necessary appendages to a recruiting depot. With the evidence
of these stupendous frauds before me, I felt my inability to render the services
that would be expected from me. The high social and official positions of
many of the suspected parties, the large pecuniary interests involved in the
bnsines.s, tended to weaken my confidence in my success; however, after
further conversation with you, it was decided that I should return to New
York, and proceed at once with the investigations.
On the 20th January I took rooms at the Astor House, and on the follow
ing day I sent for a well-known bounty broker naraed T. A., a person who
could give me all the information I desired, and from whom I obtained

400 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
a very minute, and I believe correct, history of the modus operandi by which
raost of the recruiting frauds were perpetrated ; also a list of the names and
location of raost of the worst bounty brokers, bounty jurapers, &c. I made
an agreeraent with the said T. A. to render me such assistance as I
might require, by furnishing me, from tirae to tirae, inforraation conrcrning
persons engaged in defrauding the Governraent by the sale of fraudulent
enlistraent-papers, &c. About the last of March, having progressed suffi
ciently with my investigations to develop somewhat the extent of the frauds
referred to, I caused to be made known that I was nn agent or supervisor
frora an interior locality, desirous to obtain credits to fill ray quota; this sub
terfuge at once placed rae on the most familiar terms with that class of per
sons then supposed to be engaged in perpetrating frauds upon the recruiting
bureau. In short, my plans worked well, and I was offered credits in abun-
d.ance, in some instances at mere nominal prices. The competition among
these bounty brokers, the anxiety to sell their papers, the great number of
these enlisting-papers or credits in the hands of such disreputable characters,
the reckless and bold raanner in which they publicly hawked thera about the
streets, bar-rooms, and drinking-houses in New York, satisfied rae at once
that said papers must be forged, or, at least, must have been obtained in some
surreptitious or illegitimate raanner. On the 28th of January I was waited
upon by J. D. (under the assumed name of J. C), and one J. C, who, having
understood my desire to purchase credit.s, offered ine sixteen sets of papers or
credits. These papers or credits I purch.ased at once, and asked them to
bring raore the following day, which they did. Soon after the said D. and
C. brought other bounty brokers to my room with other papers; these I also
purchased. I continued purchasing papers for several days, until I had posi
tively ascertained that nearly all the papers purchased were forgeries : that
these papers were prepared, in many cases, with the knowledge and assist
ance of officers, clerks, and employees of the various recruiting rendezvous in
New York and Brooklyn. On the morning of February 2 I forwarded the
following telegram : — [No. 1.] New York Citt, February i, 1866.
Brig.adier-General J. B. Fry, Provost-Marshal General : —
Sir — The time has .arrived, in the course of my investigations, when it is
very important that a number of arrests be made at once. I have the most
positive proof against mustering officers, doctors, substitute brokers, and
bounty jurapers.
The parties who sold me the forged enlistment-p.apers have made a full
confession; have given the naraes of all the officers and clerks concerned.
If any arrests are to be made, prompt and immediate action is indispensa
ble to success.
The representations heretofore made to you concerning this matter have
not been exaggerated. I am. General, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Agent War Department

FORGED ENLISTMENT-PAPERS. 401
On the same day I forwarded the following : —
New York City, February 3, 1865.
Brigadier-General J. B. Fey, Provost-Marshal General : —
Sik — Yesterday, at two o'clock, by an arrangement previously made, two
bounty brokers, named J. D. and J. C, brought to niy room sixteen (16; sets
of forged enlisting-papers (naval), for which I paid them at the rate of five
hundred and twenty-five dollars ($52,')) each, they, the brokers, supposing mo
to be the agent of an interior county, having a quota to fill. As soon as the
purchase was made, and money paid over, I took thera into custody.
Last evening they confessed to rae that the papers were forged, gave rae
the names of the clerks in the naval rendezvous in Brooklyn who forged
them, and the amount to be paid said clerks, also the narae of the notary
public (who is one of the assessors in Brooklyn) before whom said pajiers
were acknowledged, who .also has a share of .the profits of the sale of these
papers. They have also given me a rainute detail of all the operations of
Qim pah and confederates in the business.
Their stateraents are perfectly astounding, and show a state of things
existing here almost incredible. In the town of Delhi, St. Lawrence County,
a quota of two hundred and twenty -three men was filled by these forged
p.apers, and not a single man enlisted.
What is true of this town is true of raany others in this State. To such
an extent has this business been carried on, that these forged papers aro
hawked about the city, and daily sold in public saloons and bar-rooras.
They can be bought any day, at the Merchants' Hotel, on Cortlandt Street.
I have enlisted one of my detectives twice in one d.ay. On the following
day enlisted him at the Cedar Street rendezvous. He is now on the Island.
Have made arrangements with a substitute broker to buy him ott' to-morrow.
D. and C, from whom I purchased the forged papers yesterday, are
detained in temporary custody, awaiting orders from the Department. I do
not think the Department at Washington have the least conception of the
extent of the frauds comraitted in this recruiting business, or some action
would have been taken long before this.
I have now spent fifteen days in investig,ating the matter, and assert, posi
tively, that I can convict nearly every man connected with the substitute
business in New York, if the Department will give me authority to act.
I telegraphed you this morning, for an order to raake certain arrests; up
to this time have received no reply. If any arrests are to be made, it is very
important that they be made at once.
Up to this morning, no knowledge of my investigations h,ad reached the
[larties implicated. This evening, however, I hear that inquiries are being
,made concerning the parties I detained yesterday.
If this fact is once positively known, it will not be worth while for me to
reiBiiin here longer, as the parties I want most will leave for parts unknown.
I have thus briefly given you my ideas, trusting to hear from you at as
early a moment as possible. I am, General, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Special Agent War Department.
26

402 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
N. B. — I send this communication by a messenger, who will leave Wash
ington to-raorrow (Saturday) evening, to return to New York. If any reply
Is deeraed necessary, he will bring it. (Signed) L. C. B.
PEOvosT-MARSnAL General's BuitEAir, I
Washingto.v, December 19, 136a (
A true copy. (Signed) Geo. E. Scott,
Major Veteran Reserve Corps.
[No. 2.] United States Military TKLEGBAnl,
• War Department.
The following telegram received at Washington, 6:45 i>. m., February 2,
1865, from New York, February 2, 1865 :—
Brigadier-General J. B. Fry. Provost-Marsh.al General : —
The men from whom I purchased the bogus enlisting-papers yesterday,
brought rae twelve sets more of sarae kind. I have the raen in custody.
They adrait the papers are all forged, and have given rae the names of the
persons who made them out. Would recoraraend the men be sent to the Old
Capitol prison. (Signed) L. C. Baker.
56. Cal. 351. Provost-Marsiial GRNKnAL'sIJiiREAr, -(
Washixotun, December 19, 1S65. )
A true copy. (Signed) Geo. E. Scott,
Major Veteran Reserve Corps.
Not receiving prompt replies to the above, on the 3d I forwarded the
following: — [No. 3.]
Office United States Military Teleoeaph, I
War Department. )
The following telegram received at Washington, 9:20 a. m., February 3,
1865, from New York, February 3, 1865 :—
Brigadier-General Fry : —
Want orders for the arrest and imprisonment of J. D., J. H., and J. C,
frora whom the forged enlisting-papers were bought. Two of the parties
have made confessions. Please forward order by telegraph.
(Signed) L. C. Bakeb.
35. Cal. 225.
The arrest and imprisonment of J. D., J. H., and J. C, mentioned in the
furegoing telegram, is ordered.
The Provost- Marshal General will issue orders accordingly.
(Signed) Abraham Linoolk.
Executive Mansion, February 16, 18G5.

FRAUDS BY MILITARY OFFICERS. 40:{
PROVOST-MARSnAL GENERAL'S BvRKAU, J
Washington, December 19, 1865. f
A true copy. (Signed) Geo. E. Scott,
Major Veteran Reserve Corps
Still receiving no replies, on the 4th I forwarded the following : —
[No. 4.]
Office United States Military Telegraph, |
War Department. f
The following telegram received at Washington, 1 p. m., February 4, 1865,
from New York, February 4, 1865 : —
General James B. Fry : —
Is my communication of yesterday received?
Will I receive the orders to-day ?
If arrests are to be made, it is important that they be made at once.
(Signed) L. C. Baker.
27 Cal., 177. Peovobt-Marshal General's Bureau, (
Washington, December 19, 1S65. J
A true copy. (Signed) Geo. E. Scott,
Major Veteran Reserve Corps.
All the above comraunications and telegraras having been referred to tho
Hon. Secretary of War for authority to arrest the persons referred to, tho
Secretary of War writes as follows : —
[No. 5.] War Department, I
Washington City, February 5, 1865. f
General :—
I refer herewith two reports and four telegraras of L. C. Baker, marked
A, B, C, D, E, and F, in relation to alleged frauds by military officers in the
enlistment and recruiting service, for your examination and opinion as to what
action should be had against the parties implicated.
Immediate action is deemed urgent. Yours truly,
(Signed) Edwin M. Stantok.
Brigadier-General Holt, Judge-Advocate General.
Provost-Marsiial General's Bureau, \
Washington, December 19, 1S65. J
A true copy. (Signed) Geo. E. Scott,
Major Veteran Reserve Corps.
The following is the indorsement of the Judge-Advocate General : —
Bureau of Military .Justice, )
February 4, 18C5. J
Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War. The offenses mentioned
by Colonel Baker strike directly not only at the efficiency, but at the very life

404 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
of the military service ; and in time of war, the publio safety requires that
they shall be triable by a military commission. It is believed that these
offenders should be so tried, and that Colonel Baker, on ascertaining their
gnilt, shonld have authority to arrest them.
(Signed) ' J. Holt,
Judge-Advocate General.
Pkotost-Maebhal General's Bureau, I
¦Washington, December 19, 1865. (
A true copy. (Signed) Geo. E. Soott,
Major Veteran Reserve Corps.
The order for the arrest of these brokers referred to in the above-men
tioned coraraunications and telegraras having been received, after first being
referred to the Judge-Advocate General for an opinion, I proceeded to arrest
J. D., alias C, J. C, and J. D., the latter a resident of Brooklyn, a notary
public and assessor of internal revenue.
After quietly securing the arrest of the three brokers before mentioned,
I at once began to avail myself of the inforraation derived from them. The '
cool and deliberate raanner in which these men detailed minutely the manner
and extent of these forgeries, the names of their accomplices and confederates
•n crime, was alraost beyond belief It raay not be improper to state in this
connection the raanner and means employed in preparing and disposing of
these fraudulent enlistment papers. J. T. S. and W. H. T., two clerks
employed at the York Street naval rendezvous (and who were soon after
arrested), had. entire charge of the books of said rendezvous. These books
had a printed heading, and were lined or ruled off in the usual manner; the
names of men properly and legitimately enlisted and correctly credited oa
said books any given day, were- copied by S. and T., and forwarded to the
brokers D. and C, who immediately filled up the proper blanks, which were
taken to J. D., the notary public, who made the necessary certificate that th»
recruit appeared before him and made oath, &c., to these forged papers.
J. D. affixed his official seal and signature.
The papers then, being apparently correct, were re.ady for sale to any
unsuspecting victim desiring to fill quotas. The naraes the of recruits in
these forged papers being already on the books of the rendezvous, and credit
ed, could not, of course, appear again on the sarae books. To obviate this
difficulty, separate, or fiy leaves, in every way exactly like those composing
the record book before referred to, were kept in said book. The brokers
having sold these forgeries, or duplicate papers, and to satisfy their purchasers
that the papers were all right, go with the purchaser to the rendezvous to
have thein credited ; the clerks being a party to the transaction, and sharers
of the profits of sales, at once exhibit the loose or fly leaves ; the names of
recruits recorded on such loose or fly leaves corresponding with those men
tioned in the enlisting papers, with the ra.argin or line for credit not filled up.
The purchaser, being satisfied that all is correct, pays over his money, directs
the clerk on hand to credit his papers, sees the credits correctly made, and

DESERTION— INVESTIGATIONS. 405
leaves the office, congratulating himself that he, at least, has not been swin
dled. To credit these forged or duplicate papers to the same Congression.il
district or locality would soon lead to detection; hence my investigations in
tracing out the papers were much delayed, and could only be positively
proven by carefully coinp.ariug the naraes of all recruits enlisted with these
papers obtained from the provost-marshals of different Congressional dis
tricts. I have referred to this as one of the means by which so many quotas
have been filled with forged papers, and have referred to the York Street
naval rendezvous as only one of the naval recruiting depots where it was so
extensively practised.
I desire now to briefiy refer to the question of desertion, which, more than
any other connected with the recruiting service, has demanded the attention
of your bureau. How largely the Government has been defrauded by the
desertion of its soldiers will probably never be known. To even .attempt to
show, by actual figures, the number of desertions from the array, would be
simply impossible. To aid the soldier to desert was deeraed to be as much
the legitimate business and calling of the professional bounty brokers as to
enlist him. As in the matter of forging enlistment-papers it required the
assistance of officers, so in the raatter of desertion, to be successful, the officers
having charge of recruits must be bribed or misrepresented ; and when we
contemplate the vast auiount of money .paid by the tax-payers of the North
for bounty for recruits to suppress the rebellion, the great sacrifices made
by the patriotic and loyal people of the different States, the exertion
and labor of benevolent societies and individuals, the ample and liberal
appropriations of Congress to further the great object, viz., the speedy
suppression of the rebellion by the raising of troops, the unprecedented
labors of your bureau in raising and organizing these recruits under the differ
ent calls for volunteers, we may well wonder how such a system of corrup
tion and fraud could have been so successfully carried on for years, under the
very eye of both civil and military authorities.
It would be impossible, in a brief report of this character, to convey an
adequate idea of the extent to which this business of aiding desertion by
bounty brokers was practised. I simply refer to one or two cases — all that
is deemed necessary. The following is an extract frora a communication
which I forwarded you from Nuw York, under date of February 5, 1865: —
I am progressing with my investigations satisfactorily. In order to more
effectually carry out your instructions, I have enlisted three of ray detectives,
for the purpose of ascertaining the modus operandi by which so many enlisted
men are allowed to e.'icape, or desert. Through this channel, I have obtained
my most valuable information. The names of the three detectives are, G.
L., enlisted Janu.ary 31, at Captain R.'s office, Chatham* Street, sent to
Governor's Island; J. B., enlisted January 31, at Cedar"* Street rendezvous,
sent to Governor's Island; D. W. G., enlisted February 2, at Captain AV.'.s*
rendezvous, Crosby and Broome Streets.
* These were recruiting rendezvous of the regular army, and not under the con
trol of the Provost-Marshal General's Bureau.

406 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Will you please direct the proper officer to order these men to report to
me. No. 54 William Street. I desire to eniist these men at Utica, where, it is
represented to me, raany frauds are being committed. Please send order by
my messenger, who leaves Washington to-raorrow night. Will write you
more fully to-morrow. Yours very truly, L. C. Baker.
PROvosT-'MARsnAL General's Bureau, I
AVashington, December 19, 1S65. f
A true copy. (Signed) Geo. E. Scott,
Major Veteran Reserve Corps.
Two of tho detectives above referred to, were permitted to escape from
Governor's Island,* by the pa.vinent of one hundred dollars each to Sergeants
M. and B., who were subsequently tried by military court-martial, and sen
tenced to two years' imprisonraent. A. C, a bounty broker, doing busine,<!3
at 82 White Street, Xew York, was known to be engaged in purchasing frora
the officers at Governor's Island passes by which large nurabers of enlisted
men were permitted to leave the Island daily. On the 8th of April, C.
received from my detectives five hundred dollars, for the purpose of pur
chasing passes for eight recruits, enlisted the day previous. The money waa
put into a Bible lying on the table in the office of the officer in charge of
passes. A pass was given ; the recruits left the Island, came over to Xew
York, re-enlisted, were the same evening sent back to the Island, and the
following day wure brought off ngain by 0., and again enlisted.
In the written confession of A. C, he says : I think I have brought off,
in all, about four hundred men, about two-thirds of whora I re-enlisted. It
was shown in the course of ray investigation, that six other brokers were
engaged in the same business. C. was tried, convicted, and sentenced five
years to the penitentiary.
Another manner of desertion, and liy far more generally practised, was by
permitting recruits to desert in transit from the rendezvous in New York to
the Island, or receiving ships. For instance, I will refer to the Cedar Street
rendezvous. Between the 20th of May, 1864, and the 9th of October, 1864,
tliere were enlisted at this rendezvous, one thousand two hundred and eighty-
four raen. The books on Governor's and Hart's Islands show but eight hun
dred and thirteen received from said Cedar Street rendezvous. About a
similar detieieni-y between the actual nuraber enlisted and number received,
is shown by the examination of the books of the other rendezvous. Taking
six of the army recruiting rendezvous in New York, Brooklyn, and AVilliums-
bnrgh, for forty-four d.ays in 1864, the tot.al deficiency, or difference between
the number of men actually enlisted and credited at said rendezvous and
those actually received at the reudezvous camps, is two thousand two hun
dred and nineteen. These facts are startling, but the difference between the
* Governor's Island was not under the control of the Provost-Marshal General's
Eureau.

DETECTIVE OPERATIONS. 407
number actually received on the Island, or distribution rendezvous, and the
number that actually reached the front, is still more startling.
It is shown by a careful examination of statistics, that but six out of every
ten enlisted raen received as stated above, at the general rendezvous, ever
entered the service. I could demonstrate this fact, by giving copies of the
ofiicial records, which would require a large amount of labor, and consequent
delay in preparing it. Under the call of December 19, 18G4, and during the
month of January, 1865, and eight days in February following, there were
enUsted and credited at the seven army recruiting depots in New York,
Brooklyn, and AVilliamsburgh, five thousand two hundred and eighty-four
men ; of this nuraber, four thousand and thirty-three reached the general, or
distribution rendezvous, and three thousand and twelve started for the front,
ont of which twenty-eight escaped in transit, leaving two thousand and
eighty-two that actually entered the service, out of five thou,sand two
liundred and eighty-four enlisted. This ra.ay, I tliink, be taken as a fiiir
average case, under the calls of 1864-65, in New York City and vicinity.
These figures may appear incredible, but they are compiled frora the
official records of the several recruiting depots and general rendezvous. To
show the facilities for deserting, I enlisted rayself three different times, at
three different recruiting depots, in one day, receiving each tirae one hundred
dollars, as first installment of bounty.
The above statement referring to the number of deserters, does not in the
sarae proportion apply to other localities and cities. The city of New York,
and immediate vicinity, was the grand focus, center, or general rallying
ground of a very large portion of all the professional bounty brokers and
jumpers in the country. It was common and customary for the supervisors
and agents of interior towns and localities having quotas to fill to come to
New York to purchase their credits, as for country merchants to come to
New York to purchase their goods.
In New Y'ork could be found, perhaps, more degraded and disreputable
characters than in any other city in the Union; indeed, there was no place iu
tho land where so many civil and military officers were actually themselves
engaged in the bounty and substitute business.
The fraudulent operations of bounty and substitute brokers were by no
means confined exclusively to New Y'ork. In September, 1864, M. G., then
temporarily in my employ, was directed to raake an investigation at Harris-
hurg, Pennsylvania (see letter under date November 29, 1864). G. took with
him three pei-sons. On the 1st of October, G. and his three raen. one of
whom had been a cripple from childhood, were enlisted at Harrlsburg by
cert.ain bounty brokers, who had the exclusive privilege of enlisting recruits
at th.at rendezvous. The broker paid G. and his three men one hundred
dollars each, with the understanding that they should be furnished with a
pa.ss that would enable them to escape the sarae night. The recruits were
sent to Camp Ourtin, and assigned to a Colonel R.'s regiraent. The same
evening, Colonel R., with one or two brokers, took G-. and his three com
panions from Carap Curtin to Troy, Pennsylvania, ru-enlisted thera .again,
had them assigned to Colonel R.'s regiment, received the bounty; took them

408 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
the following day to Tonawanda, Pennsylvanha, enlisted thera the third time,
collected the bounty, and then left thera to desert again if they thought
proper. Colonel R., his brother, one army surgeon, and four bounty brokers,
all connected with this transaction, were arrested. The R.'s and one broker
were tried, convicted, and sentenced to serve a terra at Fort Delaware (see
my report under date June 18, 1865, which sets forth fully all the facts con
nected with this case).
The investigations at Elmira resulted in tho arrest and conviction of the
provost-marshal at that post. Major H. At Albany, Utica, Buffalo, and many
other points of less importance, investigations were instituted, always result
ing in the arrest of those engaged in committing frauds on the recruiting
service. A more detailed account of my operations at the points referred to
above will be found hereafter in this report.
As yet, I have but casually referred to the frauds comraitted in recruiting
for the naval service.* A volume of interesting facts could be written on
this subject, but I will only refer to the results achieved by my investigations.
In the whole history of fraud and corruption in the recruiting service during
the rebellion, I doubt whether there is a parallel to that practised at the
naval recruiting rendezvous in New Y'ork and Brooklyn. Hardly a naval
officer connected with the receiving ships at the Brooklyn Navy Yard but
was, in some way, connected with enlistment frauds. The following commu
nication, perhaps, contains all that is necessary to be said on the subject.
Washington, May 26, 1865.
Brigadier-General James B. Fky, Provost-Marshal General: —
SiE — I have the honor herewith to acknowledge the receipt of copies of
official correspondence between the Hon. Secretary of the Navy nnd your
self in reference to certain frauds, alleged to have been perpetrated by
officers of the navy connected with the Brooklyn Navy Y'ai-d.
I had the honor, some weeks since, of a person.al interview with the Hon.
Secretary of the Xavy, and the Hon. W. E. C, Solicitor of the Navy, at which
interview I exhibited what I conceived to be the most undeniable and unques
tionable proof that officers connected with the said Brooklyn Navy Y'ard had,
in connection with one J. D., AV. & AV., F. & D., and other substitute brokers,
received large sums of raoney, in consideration of which they, the officers
referred to, had, on various occasions, furnished fictitious naraes to the said
brokei-.s, on which said brokers had raanufactured forged and fraudulent
enlistment-papers ; that in many instances forged ship receipts, purporting
to represent raen received on board the receiving ship, had been furnished by
s.aid officers to said brokers, frora which fraudulent enlistment-papers had
been raade and credited at the York Street naval rendezvous ; th.at a system
of bribery and manipulations had for a long time been practised by said bro
kers and officers, in connection with naval enlistments; the said officers had
been, for the past year, almost daily in the habit of receiving frora said bro-
* Recruiting for the naval service was not under the control of the Provost-Mar
shal General.

FRAUDS IN NAVAL RECRUITING. 409
kers various sums of money, for what was termed special orders, for tho
enlistment of apprentice boys, firemen, and landsmen, who were to enter the
naval service. So common had this practice become, that none but the bro
kers before referred to could even obtain admittance to the naval rendezvous,
or on board of any of the receiving ships at the Brooklyn Navy Y'ard. Even
the gatekeeper at the Navy Y'ard received his " daily stipend " of money
frora said brokers for permitting thera to enter the Yard. As evidence of
these .allegations and charges, I exhibited to the Hon. Secretary and Solicitor
of the Xavy the bank checks drawn in favor of said officers, and signed by
said brokers ; in many instances said checks were indorsed in the proper hand
writing of said officers, and the books of AV. & W. show that the said vari
ous sums of money were properly entered, and charged, as money paid to
said officers; .also stating, in some instances, the objects and purposes of said
payments. The sworn stateraent of J. D., a former partner of W. ft W., raade
previous to his conviction and sentence, fully corroborates these stateraents;
in addition to which are the sworn statements of S. and T., two clerks, then in
the employ of the officer in coraraand of the naval rendezvous. The testi
raony of J. D., and the two clerks referred to, shows that Captain J. F. G.,
then in comraand of the Y'ork Street naval rendezvous, that D., and W. &AV.
made an arrangement with said G., by which said G. was to receive one-
feurth of all the profits arising either from the genuine or fraudulent enlist
ment of the recruits into the navy. AV. & W.'s check on the Central Bank,
Brooklyn, given to and indorsed in the proper handwriting of said G., as well
as the entries in W. & W.'s books, would seera to confirm this testimony.
Said checks are now in my possession. The testimony of D., S., and T., shows
that large sums of raoney were paid to Lieutenant G. W. J., acting master of
the receiving-ship Savannah, for which the said acting master, G. W. .J., fur
nished said brokers with ship receipts, which purport to represent enlisted
men received on board said receiving-ship Savannah. That the said J. re
ceived the suras of money referred to, seems to be fully proven by W. & W.'s
checks on the Central Bank of Brooklyn, indorsed in the proper handwriting
of the said G. W. J. If any thing raore is needed to prove this allegation, I
would refer you to the entries on W. & AV.'s books, the dates of which cor
respond with the dates on said checks. The testimony of J. D. shows that
W. & W. p.aid to Lieutenant or Captain W. D. W., then attached to some of
the receiving-ships, various suras of money, the alleged consideration for
which was the furnishing, by Captain or Lieutenant W., fictitious or forged
ships' receipts, purporting to represent men who had enlisted in the naval ser
vice. W. & W.'s books show th.at said sums of money were paid; in addition
to which proof, I have W. & W.'s checks on the Central Bank of Brooklyn.
I also find entries in W. & W.'s books of various sums of money, paid in
checks on the Central Bank of Brooklyn to W. D., C. B., C. J. B., and E. M.
B., acting ensign United States Navy. It is alleged that the money was paid
to the B.'s for procuring special orders for the shipment of boys in the navy.
The testimony of D., S., and T., shows that large sums of raoney were paid to
Captain B., of the navy. This statement is confirmed by entries in the books
of W. & W., which show that Captain B. did receive said raoney. The books

410 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
of W. & W. also show that one W., who was Captain or Lieutenant G.'.s
clerk, received various sums of money, the entries being made in the name of
W. & G. During a period of six months, the books of W. & W. show that
not less than five thousand dollars was paid to Commander B. There is no
evidence, however, to show for what purpose this money was paid. The
inference is that Commander B. was sharing the profits of sorae fraud perpe
trated in connection with naval enlistments.
There is abundance of evidence to show that one S. (first name not
known), a gatekeeper at the Navy Yard, received from ten to twenty dollars
per day, from W. & AV. and others, for procuring special orders, and other
favors shown to said brokers; such as admitting them and their runners into
the yard at all tiraes.
The above is but a very brief outline of the testimony that can be pro
duced against the parties referred to.
I sorae weeks since received, through your departraent, a communication
from the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, or his Solicitor, Mr. C. ; s.aid commu
nication giving rae permission to arrest these officers. Being an officer of the
War Department, and subject to its orders, I cannot assurae the responsibility
of making any arrests, particularly in the Navy Department, without written
orders from either the Secretary of War or Provost-Marshal General.
Respectfully yours,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Agent War Departraent.
I found in possession of F., D., and J. D., eight hundred and ninety forged
shipping receipts, or receipts purporting to acknowledge the receipt of eight
hundred and ninety enlisted men received on board the receiving-ship Savan
nah. Tliese receipts were seized. On examining the books of the receiving-
ship Sarnnnah, it was found that not one man represented by these receipts was
ever ou board of said ship, and of course could not have entered the service.
On taking possession of the books of the Y'ork Street naval rendezvous, I
found a large number of receipts signed in blank ; fhese, or similar ones, were
used by F. and D. Other forged papers were raade out from these receipts,
nnd the counties of Lewis, AVashington, and Herkimer, in the State of New
Y'ork, got credit for them. From a careful ex.amination of the books of the
different naval rendezvous in New Y'ork, Brooklyn, and Jersey City, which
of course purport to show the ex.act number of naval enlistments, for the
month of February, 1865, shows that three thousand eight hundred and
seventy-four men were enlisted, while the books of the receiving-ship show
that but two thousand and eighty-one were received, leaving one thousand
seven hundred and ninety-three unaccounted for. To make a just di.stinotion
between the volunteer and regular recruiting depots in New York and vicinity,
I desire to state that there was by far a less proportion of desertions from tho
volunteer rendezvous than ii-oin the regular rendezvous. My investigations
having fully developed the extent and enormity of desertions, 1 was very
desirous, if possible, to break it up, or at least diminish it. With this object
in view, I consulted you, and it was finally decided to open a recruiting depot

A RECRUITING DEPOT. 411
in Hoboken, New Jersey, where professional bounty jumpers only would be
allowed to enlist and desert. This plan was adopted and carried out, and the
result communicated in an official report to your bureau.
As my action, as well as yonr own, in connection with this particular
matter, has for months been the subject of rauch newspaper comment, result
ing in the finding of indictments against rayself (the suit since, however,
abandoned), I feel it a duty I owe rayself, as well as a defense of yonr official
action in the case, that all the facts concerning this Hoboken case should be
made a part of this report.
In the beginning of this report, I refer to one T. A., with whom I had
arranged to assist and furnish information, &c. Up to this time, I had never
known T. A. ; did not know even that there was such a person iu e.xistence ;
had never heard of his partners R. and H., and did not know that he had any.
My first knowledge of M. C. S. was, I believe, in 1863 or 1864, when he, 8.,
was in some way connected with the sale of newspapers iu the Army of
the Potomac. I did not understand that M. C. S. was in any way connected
with the substitute or bounty-brokerage business. At the time I first met
aud conferred with A. on the subject, S. was present, and did make many
suggestions to me, as to how the investigation should be conducted, assuring
me of A.'s good faith, &c. Before any positive agreement was made with
A., he. A., at my suggestion, came to Washington, and conferred with you.
See my letter of May 6th.
After it was decided to avail ourselves of the services of A., I positively
and distinctly informed him, on two or three occasions, that he. A., would not
be permitted to make any money out of his connection with the investi.:,'atioii
about to be instituted. Some dayte after the occurrence of tho above facts,
A. introduced jne to his partners, H. and R., who had ajiparently been in
formed by A. of his arrangement with you and myself. About the 2d of
February, I made the first arrest of these alleged bounty brokers. A., II. , R.,
and often S., were in ray room in conference with me concerning the allejjed
fraudulent tran.sactions of other brokers and recruiting agents until, I tliink,
about the middle of February, when I received a telegram from the Provost-
Marshal General to report to him at AVashington. Arriving there the follow
ing day, 1 learned th;it you desired that I should take some iiiimedi.ite and
summary steps for the arrest of that large nuraber of deserters, iirofessional
bounty jurapers, &c. AVe talked the raatter over, but failed to fix upon any
definite plan. I was directed by you to confer with Brigadier-General
II., then in coraraand of the recruiting service in New Y'ork city. See fol
lowing dispatch : — AVae Departme.nt. 1
Protost-Marshal General's Btrrau. V
Washington, D. C, February I, 18(15. )
Col. L. C. Bakeb, No. 54 William Street, Roora 29, New Y'ork City :—
I have arranged to send a corapany to General H. I de.sire yon to
see General H., and arrange with hira for the arrest of deserters, in accordance
with the conversation I had with you when here.
(Signed) James B. Fky.
Provost-Marshal General.

412 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
I returned to New York the following day, saw General H., and sub
mitted plans; which was to open a recruiting office somewhere in the vicinity
of New Y'ork City, and with the assistance of the bounty brokers above
referred to, who were supposed to know these professional jumpers and tho
best measures by which they can be captured. AVe finally decided to open
the recruiting office at Hoboken, New Jersey. I submitted my plan, in all
its details, to you, who approved it, and selected Lieutenant- Colonel I., Four
teenth United States Infantry, as recruiting and mustering officer, as will
appear frora Special Orders Nos. 16 and 14, and the following letters from
General H. : — Headquarters General Recruiting Service, 1
No. 24 East Fourth 6trekt, V
"New York CnY, February IB, 1SG5. \
[Special Order No. 16.]
Captain G. I., Fourteenth Infantry, recruiting officer at New York City,
will open a branch rendezvous at Hoboken, New Jersey, without delay.
The Regiraental Superintendent Fourteenth United States Infantry will
increase his party for that purpose, if necessary.
By order of General Cooke.
(Signed) R. T. Frank,
Capt. and A. A. Adjutant-General.

Office Acting Assistant Pkovost-Marshal General,
Southern Division of Kew York.

[Special Order No. 41 — Extract.]
******
IV. By special authority from the War Department, Brevet Lieutenant-
Colonel G. I., United States Army, in addition to his present duties, is tem
porarily assigned to duty as mustering officer at Hoboken, New Jersey, and
will muster volunteer recruits into the service of the United States at that
place. Lieutenant-Colonel I. will raake such arrangements for the temporary
quarters of the recruits as may be necessary.
Lieutenant-Colonel I. will be subject to orders from this office, pursuant
to directions from the office of the Pi-ovost-M.arshal-General.
By comraand of Brigadier-General Henks.
(Signed) H. T. Brownson,
Acting Adjutant-General.
Office Acting Assistant PROvosT-M*nsnAL Geneeal,
and Supt. Volunteer Ubcruiting j^ekvioe,
60UTUER.N Division of New York.
New -York. February 2T, 1865.
Colonel Baker: —
Will you please to give me the full name, rank, and corps of Colonel I.,
that I raay issue the necessary orders to put him on duty under authority
from this office.
If Colonel I. is now at hand, it perhaps wiU be well to send him to my
office for a consultation.

AFFAIRS AT HOBOKEN. 413
I inclose you a letter from the Provost-Marshal General, received this
morning, which you will please return by bearer.
I am. Colonel, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) Edward AV. Hinks,
Brigadier-General, &c.
Office A. A. Protost-Marsiial Geneeal
AMD Supt. Volunteer Recruiting Service.
Southern Division of Nkw A'ork,
New York, February 27, 1866.
Colonel : —
I have just issued orders assigning Lieutenant-Colonel I. to duty as Mus
tering Officer at Hoboken, which will obviate the difficulty which you suggest.
Lieutenant W. does not report to duty at these headquarters.
Yours, &c.,
(Signed) Edward W. Hinks,
Brigadier-General, &c.
f
Headquarters, Fort AVool, )
New A'ork Haedok, March 9, 1865. J
[Special Orders No. 12.]
Pursuant to Special Orders No. 43, frora Headquariers United States
Troops, City and Harbor of New Y'ork, of this date. First Lieutenant J. B. R.,
Sixth Infantry, coraraanding pen party, and two sergeants, two corporals, and
forty (40) men of his company, will iraraediately proceed to New Y'ork City,
and report to Colonel Baker, Special Agent War Department, at No. 54 Wil
liam Street, New York City, for siiecial duty.
The quartermaster's departraent will furnish the necessary transportation.
(Signed) Charles J. Merchant,
Colonel United States Array Coraraanding Po.st.
Pursuant to these orders. Colonel I. opened said recruiting rendezvous
about March 1, being furnished with the necessary guard, as shown by the
following orders: — Office A. A. Protost-Marshal General, |
Southern Division of New York, y
New Y-ork, February 28, 1865. (
[Special Order No. 41 — Extracts.]
V. Lieutenant G. W. L., coramanding Corapany B, Third Regiment Veteran
Reserve Corps, will detail one non-commissioned officer and twenty-four
privates to report to Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel G. I., United States Array,
Mustering Officer at Hoboken, New Jersey, for duty as gu.ards to recruits.
The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
* * **;,:*
By command of Brigadier-General Hinks.
(Signed) H. T. Brownson,
Acting Adjutant-General.
Some days after Colonel I. began recruiting at Hoboken, he applied tr

414 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
know where he should credit his recruits. I informed him he had better get
his orders from headquarters, as I suggested, and the sarae evening received
the following order :- Washington, D. C, March 4, 1805.
To Captain H. J. Mills, Provost-Marshal Fifth District, N. J. :—
Until otherwise ordered, you are directed to allow credit for such men as
Lieutenant-Colonel I., Captain Fourteenth United States Infantry, certifies to
you as enlisted by hira. He is recruiting at Hoboken. Inform Colonel E. of
this order.
This comraand is special and confidentiah
(Signed) James B. Fry,
Provost-Marshal General.
Soon after the reception of this order by Colonel I., a number of gentle
men, unknown to me, called at my office and desired to know if the credits
for enlistments made by Colonel I. at the Hoboken office were all right; that
they were supervisors or agents for some localities in New Jersey to fill their
quota ; that theV had purcha.sed these credits from the brokers, A. R. & Co.,
bnt would not pay for thera until they had seen me. I replied, "Yes," refer
ring, of course, only to those enlistraents raade by Colonel I. previous to
March 10.
The raanner and circurastances under which these one hundred and eighty-
three bounty-jumpers or deserters were captured is so well known to the
pnblic that I do not deem it necessary to detail it here ; that the plan arranged
by General Fiy and myself, assisted by General H., as to the manner of cap
ture and subsequent disposition of those deserters, was ordered, directed,
s.anctioned, and approved by both the military authorities at AVashington and
New York, is, I think, so plainly proved by the following and before-men
tioned telegraras and correspondence, that further comraent on this subject is
unnecessary. On the evening that the jumpers were arrested I asked you to
direct what should be done with them ; you at once answered me as follows: —

rl

War Department,
Provost-Marbhal General's Bureau, '
Washington, D. C, March 11, 1865.
Colonel L. C. Baker, Astor House, New Y'ork : —
Major-General H. directs that the bounty jumpers and deserters arrested
by you will be confined in Fort Lafayette, for which the prisoners now con
fined there are to be removed to Fort Warren and Fort Delaware.
I have communicated the inforraation to Major-Gener.al Dix.
(Signed) James B. Fry,
Provost-Marsh.al General.

In reply to which M.ajor-General Dix writes the following:
ldquarters, Departmen'i
New York City, Marat 11, ift65.

Headquarters, Departmen'i of t"b Evt, (

Colonel L. C. Baker : —
Sir — I have received General Fry's dispatch, and have requested to have
it repealed, as I think there is some mistake in it.

DESERTERS AT FORT LAFAYETTE. 4] 5
Fort Lafiiyette will have to be cleared of the prisoners there before tho
bounty jumpers can be received. I sh.all telegraph Colonel B. .at onoe am'
ascertain when he can receive thera. In the mean time I see no alternati-
but to keep them on the transport. Respectfully yours,
John A. Dix, Major-General.
On reception of this letter from General Dix, I telegraphed you as fol
lows: — New York, Marcli 11, 1865.
Brigadier-General James B. Fry, Provost-Marshal General: —
I have this moraent received a communication from General Dix, stating
that it is impossible for him to receive the bounty jumpers referred to in my
dispatch of this morning; that there is no roora either at Governor's or Hart's
Island; that both places are filled to their utraost capacity. I do not deem it
safe to forward these jumpers to any point unless securely ironed. Should
you decide to send them either to the front or to Fort Warren, at least two
hundred men should be detailed to guard thein.
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Special Agent War Departraent.
Still failing to obtain the requisite order for the disposition of the jumpers,
then at the Hoboken rendezvous, I started for Washington on the evening of
March 12, to lay the matter before you. On arriving at New Brunswick, I
received the following telegram : — New York, J/lircA 12, 1865.
To Colonel L. C. Baker : —
I have General Dix's order to transfer prisoners. Shall I do so ? Please
answer. Thomas Bowles.
Astor House.
I immediately directed thera to be removed to Fort Lafayette that night,
and they were so removed, as appears from the following receipt: —
Fort Lafayette, New A'ork Harbor.
Received of Lieutenant J. B. R., Sixth Regiment Infantry, one hundred
and seventy-six (bounty jumpers) recruits and seventeen brokers, and ninety-
six pair handcuffs. (Signed) Martin Burke,
Lt.-Col. N. Y. A. Coramanding Post.
It is true I knew of your order of 4th March, directing Colonel I. to make
credits, but I did not suppose, for one moraent, that he intended accompany
ing order to credit them, neither did I know that the credits had been made,
until sorae days after the transaction, as will appear from the following letter
to you. New York, Mardi IC, 1665.
Brigadier-General James B. Fry, Washington, D. C. : —
SiR-^Since the capture of the bounty jumpers at Hoboken repeated appli-

416 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
cations have been made to rae to have said jura.pers credited to the State of
Xew Jersey. Colonel I., the mustering officer, .applied to me before going
to Washington, last week, to make application to you to h.ave said jumpers so
credited. I informed him that I did not think these men could or would be
credited, advising him (Cidonel 1.) to apply to you for the requisite instruc
tions or permission. On Tuesday l.ast, while in AVashington, and after my
conversation with you on the subject referred to above, I received a telegram
from Colonel I., requesting rae to obtain permission to make these credits.
This telegram I made no reply to. On my return to New Y'ork, yesterday
morning, I heard that Colonel I. had ra.ade the credits. I sent for him, and
asked hira by whose order or direction he h.ad done so. He referred me to
your telegram of March 11, addressed to Cai)tain II. J. M., provost-marshal
at Xewark, for his authority. I inforraed hira (Colonel I.) that I did not
think that you intended, by the telegram referred to, to convey any order or
autliority to Captain M. to credit bounty jurapers or deserters; that your tele-
grara was intended to only authorize the crediting of such e-nlisted men as
were regularly and legitimately enlisted previous to the Friday on which it
was understood that none but jurapers .and deserters were to be enli.sted. I
have .advised Colonel I. to go to Washington to-night, and to make such
explanation in reference to this raatter as you may require. These explana
tions, I trust, will be s.atisfactory.
I am, General, very respectfully yours,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Special Agent War Departments
As suggested in the above communication. Colonel I. went to AV'.ashing-
ton and conferred with you, the result of whioh was the issuing of the follow
ing orders : —

War Department,
PROVOST-MARgHAL GkNERAL-8 BuKRAU,
Washington, D. C, Mardi 19, 1S65.

A15.)
Brevet Lieut.-Col. Guido Ilges, U. S. A., Mustering Officer, Hoboken, N. J. :—
Colonel — I ara directed by the Provost-Marshal General to inform you
th.at the credits of the men mustered by you March 11, 1865, at Hoboken,
New Jersey, and credited to Jersey City at large, are disallowed, and that
you will refund the money to the parties who advanced it.
I ara. Colonel, very respectfully, Y'our obedient servant,
(Signed) AV. 0.,
Capt. Fifth U. S. Cav. and A. A. G.

AVAR Department,
Provost-Marshal Gemeral-b Bureau, ,
Washington, D. C, Marclt 28, 1865.

-f
3t. Lieiit.-Coh G. L, U. S. A., 163 Hester St., N. Y. :—
Coloxei. — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your corarauni
cation of the 21st instant, and, in reply, would state that the coraraunication
of the 19th inst.ant, referred to, was intended to cover the cases of the one

THE HOBOKEN ARRESTS. 417
hundred and eighty-three, so called, bounty jumpers; and that tho amount
which you received for tho purpose of paying bounty to these one hundred
and eighty-three, so called, bounty jumpers, the Piiovost-Marshal General
directs be refunded to the p.arties who are entitled to it.
I am, Colonel, \ery respectfull.v,
Y'our obedient servant,
(Signed) W. O.,
Capt. Fifth U. S. Cav. and A. 'A. A. Gen.
I have been charged with consjiiring with these brokers here to defraud
New Jersey, by representing to Mayor C, and others, that the credits of
Colonel I. were all right, thereby inducing Mayor C. to pay over a large sura
of money to said brokers. That after said raoney was paid you revoked the
orders for these credits. That after General Fry had placed in ray hands
orders for the arrest of said brokers, I allowed them to escape, or refused to
execute said order. Without attempting any explanation or defense against
these allegations, I beg leave to submit the following : —
As soon ,as I heard that A., R. & Co. were demanding from Colonel I. the
fifty-four thousand nine hundred dollars, I sent for Colonel I., and, in the
most positive terms, directed him not to pay to said A., R. & Co. the said
fifty-four thousand nine hundred dollars w-ithout positive written orders frora
you. Such orders were received, however, being those referred to above, of
March 19 and 23. On March 24 I received the following telegram : —

War Dhpartment, 1
Provost-Marsiial General's Bureau, >
Washington, D. C, March 24, 1865. (

Colonel L. C. Baker, No. 12 Vesey Street, Xew Y'ork: —
I have been inforraed by T. A., of New Y'ork, that Colonel I. declines to
turn over the raoney received from the bounty jumpers, as directed by me on
the llth instant. I wish you to see Colonel I., and have him turn over this
money, as directed. (Signed) James B. Fry,
Provost-Marshal General.
This telegram was sent because I h.ad directed Colonel I. not to pay the
fifty-four thousand nine hundred dollars to A., R. & Co. When I sent for
Colonel I., and showed him this dispatch, he said, I have just paid the money
to A., mentioning, at'the same time, that he considered it a great outrage
against Jersey City, who was being swindled by these brokers. I reraarked,
that I had done all in my power to prevent it ; that I had paid not only the
fifty-four thous.and nine hundred dollars, but was ordered to do so by telegram
from Washington. On the 26th of March I wrote you as follows: —
OrrtcE Special AgetJoy AVar Departmeitt, (
New A'cek, March 36, 1S65. f
Brig. -Gen. James B. Fry, Pro.-AL\r. Gen. U. S., Washington, D. C. :—
Sir — I was waited npon yesterday by Mayor C, of Jersey City, who had
obtained credits for one hundred and eighty-three bounty jumpers, enlisted at
Hoboken on the 10th instant.
i!7

418 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
There seemed to be much bad feeling ag.ainst the mayor, on the part of the
citizens of Jersey City, with reference to this matter. It appears that the
mayor had assured the recruiting committee of Jersey City that he (the mayor)
had received positive assurances, from both Colonel Baker and Colonel I., that
the credits referred to would be all right, if obtained. This representation, so far
as it refers to me, was entirely unv.-.irranted on the part of Mayor 0. Imme
diately prior to the capture of the bounty jumpers. Mayor C. wrote to me in
reference to certain credits which he had purchased, or was about to pur
chase, from the bounty brokers. A., R. & Co. I inforraed M.ayor C. that he
had better pay no money to the brokers, or any one else, until the case (re
ferring to the capture of the bounty jumpers) was fully developed : neither
had I any knowledge or intiraation that these credits were made until so
informed by Colonel I., after, or about the time the bounty jurapers were
sent to the fort.
The case, as it now stands, seems to be one of exceeding hardship for the
tax-payers and citizens of Jersey City, having paid their raoney for what they
supposed to be real credits. I spoke with Colonel I., in compliance with
your order by telegraph, respecting the fifty-four thousand nine hundred dol
lars retained by him belonging to the brokers. Colonel I. inforraed me that
the .-iraount was returned yesterday to the p.arties from whora he received it.
Alay or C. and ex-Governor N., I ara informed, go to Washington to-raor
row for the purpo.se of endeavoring to get the credits through. If any thing
can be done to relieve the mayor from his present position I hope that it will
be done, for I believe the mayor to be an honest man, although, owing
to his anxiety to fill his quota, he has acted very hastily, and with very little
discretion. I ara. General, very respectfully, L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Agent AVar Department.
On the 29th of March I received the following coraraunication from
you: — War Department, |
Protost-Marshal General's BrEEAU, V
AVashington, D. C, March 29, 1865. )
Colonel : —
By the course of things in ^-''iience to the bounty jumpers taken at Hobo
ken, Mayor C-,of Jersev r' _,^ 13 placed in a very unfortunate position. If
possible, he should b' .eiieved from it. Under date of March 23d, I directed
Colonel I. to t"' ...rn the raoney in his possession to the parties who advanced
it as bonrt.es for these raen, the credit for thera being disallowed, and the
money still in hie possession. It seeras that under this order, repeatedly tele-
graiihed to you, on the 20th of March Colonel I. had delivered the money in
whole or part to T. A., broker, and perhaps to some other brokers, and that
Mayor C. is unable to gain possession ofit. The proper method of disposing
of this business has all the tirae seeraed to me plain enough ; it is this, to
allow no credits for the bounty jurapers — men who have already been enlist
ed and credited several times over — but to credit any, if there be any, who
are hona-fide recruits, and not jurapers; to return to the town authorities all

DIFFICULTIES IN JERSEY CITY. 419
the money they advanced on account of men whom we do not credit. I in
tended my orders to carry out the above views, but it seems that the raoney
advanced by Jersey City has been returned to A., the broker ; perhaps it was
turned over to Colonel I., through A., and on this account he returns it in the
same way. However that raay be, A. should return the raoney to Jersey
City, and I desire you to see A. and tell him so. Neither he nor any one else
has any right to profit in this raatter. All necessary expenses connected with
the arrest of these jumpers, and the enlistment of such as are proper recruits,
must be paid by the United States, so that there is no loss for individuals in
the case.
Please report to me as soon as practicable on the adjustment of this affaii
You had better send for Mayor Cleveland also.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) James B. Fry,
Provost- Marshal General.
To L. C. Baker, 12 Vesey Street, New York City.
I had made so raany demands upon A., R. & Co., as required by General
Fry's orders, that they becarae frightened, and about April 4th or 5th, I
learned that J. H., one of the said firra, had fled to Canada. On the 6th of
April, I sent the following telegram to you : — War Department, 1
New York, April 6, 1865. (
Brigadier-General James B. Fry, Provost-Marshal General : —
H., one of the partners of A., H., & R., I am informed, has left for Canada.
I fear A. and R. will go, unless arrested. They will not give up the money.
If you desire to arrest them, send the order to General D., aud that officer
will commit them to the Old Capitol prison. L. 0. Baker,
Colonel, and Special Agent War Department.
In reply to which I received the following answer: —
AT ashington, D. C, April 6, 1865.
Col. L. 0. Bakee, 12 Vesey Street :—
Report to me in person, in this city, and bring A. and R. with you.
James B. Fry,
Provost-Marshal General.
I immediately directed a search to be made for A. and R., but could not
find them. On the 7th of April I received the following coraraunication from
you:— '¦[
Col. L. C. Baker, Special Agent War Departraent : —
Colonel — In the prosecution of the investigation of the frauds con
nected with the recruiting service in New York, a proposition was made

War Department,
Provost-Marsiial General's Bureau,
Washington, D. C, April 6, 1865.

420 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
by Mr. T. A., of the firm of A., R. & Co., substitute brokers, of the rity of
New York, to co-operate with you, under my orders, in order to develop
the frauds practised by substitute brokers, and other guilty parties, connected
with the raising of troops, which proposition was accepted, and his services
secured. In order to secure the .arrest of a large number of deserters, who, it was
understood, had several tiraes enlisted under false names, and, by the assist
ance of substitute brokers, and other guilty parties, were allowed facilities
for escape, it was determined to open a recruiting-office at Hoboken, under
the charge of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Guido Ilgos, U. S. A., with the
understanding that the substitute brokers should be informed that at this
office deserters might be enlisted and suffered to escape.
In order to carry out this plan, T. A. undertook to induce parties having
charge of fr.audulent recruiting, to bring forward their deserters and so-
called bounty jurapers for enlistment, and succeeded in securing one hundred
and eighty-three deserters, who were enlisted in due forra, and promptly
arrested. It appears that Hon. O. C, Mayor of Jersey City, had previously to, or
about the tirae, entered into a contract with the firm of A., R. & Co., for the
purchase of substitutes, or recruits, to fill the quota of Jersey City, and under
this contract, Mr. T. A., of the firra of A., R. & Co., received from Hon. 0.
C. the sum of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars, or nearly that amount,
on the representation of A., R. A. & Co., or of T. A., that the deserters, or
bounty jumpers, so called, were actual and bona fide recruits, and would be
credited to Jersey City, when in fact it was well known to A. that the enlist
ment of these deserters was only a raeans of securing their arrest and return
to the army, and of exposing the frauds of their accomplices.
This money having been paid A., while he w.as co-operating with the
officers of the Governraent, and being a part of the transaction then going on,
should not be converted to A.'s private use. Y'ou are, therefore, directed to
deraand of A., R. & Co., and of T. A., the entire amount of money received
by him or thera from Hon. O. C, on this account ; and if he or they refuse to
return the sarae, you will, in accordance with the orders of the President of
the United States, arrest T. A., R., and each and all of his confederates in this
.affair, and place them in confinement in the Old Capitol prison, in this city,
until the same is fully paid.
In the mean tirae, you will use all due precautions to prevent A., R. & Co.
from disposing of the money, and you will take such steps as will recover the
sarae, if in their possession, or held by any other person, or corporation.
1 am. Colonel, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) James B. Fry,
Provost-Marshal General.
It will be observed that the above communication from you, under date
of Aj:ril 6 (but not received until the 7th), contained an order for the arrest
of A., H., R., and their confederates ; and further, that said order was issued

ORDER OF ARREST— ESCAPE. 421
at my special request, and fearing that ray detectives might not find the par
ties, I requested the order to be sent to Major-General D. also.
Immediately on reception of this order, every available raan attached to
my force was sent in search of the parties. I had the residences and places
of resort strictly guarded. Hearing that they intended to escape into Canada,
I sent the following telegram to the police authorities at the following named
places : Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rouse's Point, and Ogdensburgh. New York, April 7, 18C5.
To Chief of Police :—
Arrest P. R., and T. A. R., five feet five inches high, light hair, high
forehead, long and very large nose, light moustache, and no whiskers. A.,
five feet six, pale complexion, no whiskers, full face, and good-looking; wears
large single stone ring. Escaping to Canada. Will pay five hundred dollars
for arrest of either. (Signed) L. 0. Baker,
Colonel, and Special Agent AV^ar Departraent.
Frora April 7th to the 15th, diligent search was made for the brokers.
But having learned from good authority, that P. R. had been the financial
man in this bounty-brokerage firm ; that he had transacted all the business,
and received all the money from the Jersey City authorities, and also that he
still held it in his possession, undivided, I suggested to you that we permit
A. to return to New Y'ork. In this request I was solely actuated by the
desire to obtain possession of the funds, knowing well that the only way to
attain this object was to hold out sorae inducement for R: to return ; by
leaving A. undisturbed would, in ray opinion, accomplish this. I conferred
with you on the subject, and you coincided with nie. The order for the
arrest of all parties was still, however, in force, and remained so until pro
ceeding? were coraraenoed by the authorities of Jersey City.
I still believe that, had A. been arrested, the money would not have been
recovered, for it was in R.'s possession, and he in Europe.
I may have been raistaken in this policy, but I still think it was right
Ilnder the theri existing circumstances. On Saturday morning, April 15,
I received the foOowing dispatch frora the Secretary of War : —
Washington, April 15, 1865.
Colonel L. C. Baker, No. 12 Vesey Street, New Y'ork : —
Come to Washington by first train, and bring your men with you.
(Signed) * E. M." S.
Secretary of War.
The terrible event which called forth this order, is still fresh in the rainds
of the American people. I went to Washington, and, with hundreds of others,
was engaged in the pursuit of the assassins. All the business of the War
Department, and its subordinate bureaus, was for the tirae abandoned, for
gotten, and swallowed up in the one great object, viz. : capture and conviction

422 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE,
of the murderers of the President, and attempted assassination of the Secre
tary of State. How myself and those attached to my bureau were employed
frora April 15th to the day of the execution of the assassins, I can with pride
refer to the records of the Bureau of Military Justice. The army of the
so-called Confederacy had surrendered, the rebellion had closed, military rule
and sway were relaxing, arrests of citizens, and their trial by military courts,
were thought no longer necessary, and since entirely abandoned by tho
Governraent. During the time referred to above, I did not see any of the brokers, and
did not visit X'ew Y'ork, and seldom heard the case referred to. Y'ou, as -well
as myself, had always strenuously opposed allowing these credits, claiming
that those enlisted at Hoboken were deserters, and not proper subjects for
credits ; but felt it our duty to render all the assistance in our power to aid
tho authorities of Jersey City in receiving back their money.
As appears frgim the following letter, the authorities of Jersey City, as
early as May last, began crirainal proceedings against A., IL, and R. : —
Office of the Chief op Police, 1
Jersey City, N. J., August 28,1865. )
General : —
I have the honor to transmit to you a statement of my proceedings in the
case of R., A., and H.
On or about the first of May last. Alderman Q., late Coraraissioner of the
Board of Enrolraent in this district, informed me th.at the city had been
defrauded out of considerable money, and explained how it was done, and
told me that he had consulted with the United States Attorney, Keasby, also
with the United States Commissioner, Jackson, and was anxious to get the
money back for the city, and said the best method was to take the principals
under the United States law for defrauding recruits out of their bounty, and
he requested my assistance as chief of police. Accordingly we jft-ocured
about twelve or fourteen of s.aid recruits, and the clerk of these swindlers,
took them before Coraraissioner N. S. J., and procured their affidavits. The
commissioner, deeming the evidence sufficient, issued warrants for the arrest
of the principals, also some of the runners, which warrants are in the hands
of the detectives of Marshal M. and Sergeant Y'., in New Y'ork City.
At present we learn that R. is in Europe, and H. and A. are in Canada.
H. is stopping at the St. Lawrence Hotel, Montreal ; and a former partner of
his, one M. M., who resides at No. 131 Bleecker Street, New Y'ork City, has
in his possession, or banked in his name, the sura of fifty-three thousand dol
lars ($53,000), belonging to siftd H., being a part of his proceeds in the Hobo
ken transaction, belonging to Jersey City. This information is received frora
the National Express Company of New York City, who turned over a letter
of correspondence from II. to M., a copy of which I herewith inclose. M. is
now on a visit to II., in Canada, and will be back in ten days. I send this
inforraation to you to see if any measures can be taken to secure the money
in the hands of M. Alderman Q. and rayself have been on the alert, working
np this case since May 1, 1865, believing it was the only way to secure the

MATTERS IN JERSEY CITY. 423
money. The mayor, on the contr.ary, looks to the Government to reimburse
him, and the people that the men should be credited or the money should be
refunded. Be this as it may, if you can assist us in securing the principals,
or holding the money wherever we can find it, we believe th.at the ends of
justice will be met, as well for the Governraent as for the city. We learn
also that R. has property located somewhere in the neighborhood of Red
Bank, New Jersey.
If these things can be reached by some railitary or arbitrary power, we are
sure to recover a portion, at least, of said money. Please advise with me at
your earliest convenience, and any suggestions frora you will be duly appre
ciated, not only by me, but by the citizens generally.
I am. General, your obedient servant,
(Signed) J. MoM.,
Chief of Police, Jersey City, N. J.
To General Fry, Provost-Marshal, Washington, D. C.
This letter was sent me with the following indorsement: —
Respectfully referred to General L. C. Baker, with directions to communicate
with the authorities of Jersey City in the matter of the fr.aud of A., H., and
R., and do every thing proper to aid in securing the return of the money
improperly held by said A., II. , and R. It has been said th.at the authorities in
Jersey City have stated that the ch.ances of recovering the money by civil pro
ceedings against the property of these parties, said proceedings being instituted
and conducted by the authorities of Jersey City, would be better, if the par
ties were secured against the fear of proceedings by the General Government.
General B. will ascertain the views and wishes of the Jersey City authorities
on this point, and confer further with rae.
(Signed) James B. Fry,

August aO,lSli5.
To which I replied as follows : —

Provost-Marshal General.

War Department, )
 15. J-

Washtngton City, August 30, 1865.
J. MoM., Esq., Chief of Police, Jersey City, N. J. : —
Sir — Your communication of the 28th instant, addressed to the Provost-
Marshal General, has been referred to me, with the direction that I commu
nicate with the authorities of Jersey City in reference to the raatter referred
to. As soon as it was known that A., II., and R. had fraudulently obtained
a large sum of money from Mayor C, of Jersey City, by obtaining credits for
bounty jumpers, &c., I addressed a request to the Provost-Alarslial General,
asking for an order for their arrest. The request was granted, and the order
placed in my hands for execution. I immediately detailed officers to arrest
the parties. Learning that they had left the city for Canada, I forwarded
telegrams to all the princip.al points of crossing the border, at the same time
offering a reward of five hundred dollars for their apprehension. Some weeks
subseque-iitly I learned the parties had returned to New Y'ork, but kept them-

424 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
selves concealed. I then directed the search to be continued, which has hcor,
done thoroughly, I believe, up to this time, but without success. The authori
ties here who are conversant w-ith the facts of the swindle, are very anxious
that all connected with it should be arrested, summarily punished, and com
pelled to disgorge their ill-gotten gains. It is reiu-esenteJ to me th.at R., II.,
and A. do not fear any prosecution on the part of the civil authorities ,nt
Jersey City, but dare not return, fearing that the Government will arrest and
imprison tliein without giving thera an opportunity for defense. If this is so
(and I do not doubt it), I will recommend that the Government teniiior.arily
withdraw its charges, and allow them to return, in order that you m.ay arrest
them, if you think such a course would induce their return to New Y'ork.
Please write me on the subject, as my name has been unfortun.ately mixed
up with this transaction. I ara raore anxious that the whole raatter should
be thoroughly and promptly investigated, with a view to the proper indemni
fication of your citizens. If it can be positively ascertained that A., H., I!.,
or M. have money to their credit in any bank in the United St.ites, I will
recommend to you that he immediately cause its seizure. I have to-day sent
an agent to Red Bunk, Xew Jersey, to ascertain whether R. has property
there, as stated in your communication.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Brig.-Gen., and Provost-Marshal War Dept.
Soon after the writing of this letter, the application for .allowing those
credits was renewed with still more persistence than ever, .and by those who
were supposed to possess great infiuence with the authorities at Washington.
I undertook to counteract this pressure, but was defeated, and the credits
were finally allowed, with certain conditions and restrictions.
It is reported, and I have no doubt -with some cause, that M. C. S. and'
the counsel for A., IL, and R., have in their possession certain correspond
ence, stateraents, telegrams, memorandums, &c., which have been furnished
by those engaged in prosecuting the brokers, and which should have been
considered confidential, &c. I am inforraed that one of the counsel for A.,
H., and R. did, surreptitiously and fraudulently, obtain from your bureau, by
the payment of money to certain clerks there eraployed, certain official cor
respondence, orders, &c., referring to this Jersey City ca.se. These orders and
correspondence were published in pamphlet form, a copy of whioh is in my
possession. If official papers of this importance could thus be stolen or
abstracted from your bureau, it certainly is not impossible that they might
have been taken from my bureau in the same way. If so, I certainly could
have had no knowledge or intimation ofit. If, as alleged, such papers are in
possession of these brokers or their counsel, I take this occasion to s.ay that
they were never obtained but by actual robbery or bribery of my employees.
I desire now to go back in the history of this affair, and refer to a subject
which baa, more than any other, given rise to so raany unfounded reports and
rumors concerning my connection with the Hoboken recruiting-office and the
brokers A., H., and R. I refer to a large sum of money represented to havs

A TEoTIMONL\L. 425
been received by subscription in New Y'ork city, to be presented to me as a
testimonial in recognition of my services in breaking up recruiting-frauds, &c.
My first knowledge of this testimonial was derived from reading a short
editorial paragraph in the New York Tribune, in wliich it was recommended
that Colonel 11. be presented with a testimonial, in recognition of the great
services he h.ad rendered the country at large, and New Y'ork in particular, in
breaking up recruiting frauds. Some days after reading this article, the Hon.
L. E. C, former Register of the Treasury of the United States, who had been
eraployed by you to assist me in preparing for trial the cases of those arrested,
remarked that he (Mr. C.) had been selected as the treasurer or custodian of
the testirapiiial fund referred to, and that he had already received subscriptions
for said fund. This information was of course very flattering to rae, whose
official acts had always been the subject of censure rather than praise. I then
believed that this testimonial scheme was an honorable and legitimate trans
action, that the contributions thereto were raade in good faith, and by those
who certainly could have no pecuniary motive in contributing. Mr. C. con
tinued to receive these subscriptions for nearly two weeks, when one day he
remarked to me that he thought it a little strange that so large an amount
should be contributed by two individuals, viz., C. S. S. and M. C. S. This
remark at once excited my suspicion, and led me to inquire of Mr. C. how
mucli had been paid in, and by whom paid. To my surprise, I learned that
the above-naraed persons were the only contributors. About this time Mr. C.
was, "at his own request," relieved from duty with me, and the Hon. Judge B.
selected to fill his place. It required but little investigation into this testimo
nial business to satisfy me that I could not consistently receive it, aud so
informed Mr. C, whom I requested to retain the raoney until he should hear
further from rae. When Mr. C. loft me, he took the money with hira. Soon
after, M. C. S. called on me, aud said Mr. C. refused to hand over the testi
monial fund. I replied that I had no control of either Mr. C. or the fund in
his hands ; that as the intended recipient of this testimonial, I could make no
suggestions concerning it. Under my advice, Mr. C. did retain this money
until about the 1st of May last, when I had ascertained precisely from whom
and how it was received. That M. C. S. had represented to A., IL, and R.,
that I was to have one-fifth of the money received from the Hobokon opera
tions. This whole testimonial scheme, then, was but a farce, or simply a
means for conveying to rae ray .share of the Hoboken plunder. I wrote Mr. C.
the following communication : — Washington, May 12, 1SG5.
Hon. L. C. C. :—
Dear Sir — Sorae months since, during the investigations conducted by you
and rayself in New York city, I incidentally learned that a number of gentle
men who claimed to apprechato my services in exposing and bringing to just
punishraent a large number of persons connected with enlistment frauds,
bounty swindling, &c., had expressed a desire to present me with a testimo
nial. I subsequently learned that you were selected as treasurer of said fund,
and had already received subscriptions amounting to five or six thousand

426 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
dollars. I was also inforraed that nearly, if not all of this araount was donated
or paid to you by Mr. C. S. S., an attorney, who had been eraployed to defend
the persons arrested, and who had received very largo fees. Therefore, while
I should very highly .appreciate any recognition of my services from the loyal
and patriotic people of your city, I cannot consent to receive money which iu
my opinion has been robbed or stolen from the families of soldiers who are
fighting the battles of our country. I have therefore respectfully to request
that you will return to the donors, Mr. C. S. S. and Mr. M. C. S., the amount
received from them. With my thanks for the kind expression of your regard
and friendship, I remain, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker.
The funds were paid over to S., they giving their receipts to Mr. C. for
the same. So explains this great testimonial operation. To deny that I had
ever been offered money by these brokers, their counsel, and friends, would
be stating what is not true. It would be impossible for me to recount, or
even refer, in a brief statement of this kind, to the schemes, devices, and plans
resorted to by cert.ain persons to induce me to accept raoney in payment for
services, which it was alleged I might render in assisting and protecting these
bounty brokers; hardly an interview has taken place between us that money
was not freely offered, but never paid, because of ray (as they supposed) ina
bility to render the services required. All the conversations th.at occurred at
these interviews, all the propositions to pay monej-, were iramediately cora
municated to you.
In concluding this brief history of my connection with the Hoboken affair,
I desire distinctly to say, that I have never received, directly or indirectly,
from any person or persons, the value of one farthing from my connection
with any investigation, either at New York, Hoboken, Jersey City, or else
where. Neither has there ever accrued to me pecuniarily, perscmally, or
politically, one particle of benefit or profit from my offichal connection with
this Government, except that received as my regular pay as a coraraissioned
officer. Respectfully, L. C. Baker,
Brig.-Gen., and Provost-Marshal War Dept.
The recent order of the Secretary of War, revoking your order disallowlug
the credits of the bounty jumpers, has, in my opinion, still further complicated
the case. First, JeTsey City, to whom the bounty jumpers were credited, has
claimed frora Hudson County her proportion of these credits, or the raoney
therefor. Second, by allowing these credits, the Governraent admits that
these bounty jurapers were regularly enlisted, and not deserter.s, .as claimed
by your bureau, thereby clearly establishing the fact that said bounty jumpers
are entitled to bounty. The great object to be accomplished in arresting
these one hundred and eighty-three bounty jumpers, was to punish them, and

A DIARY- LIST OF PRISONERS. 427
thereby prevent further frauds practised by wholesale desertions from the
army. The means resorted to and policy adopted in arresting these jumpers, may
be, I think, very justly questioned. An experience of nearly five years in
detecting frauds has, however, convinced me that, in order to remedy great
evils and suppress frauds on the Government in time of war requires the
adoption of the severest treatment towards the offenders; while a very few
innocent persons may suffer inconvenience, tho great good accomplished
justifies the act. I could submit the sworn affid.avits of professional bounty
jumpens, detailing their exploits in the raatter of desertions. The following
are correct copies of the diary of a few professional bounty jumpers :—
I reside at 163 East Thirty-sixth Street, New York. Enlisted February
18, 1863, in the Fourteenth Regular United States Infantry. Deserted on the
8th of March. .Enlisted in the First New Hampshire Cavalry, Company D,
Captain Woolburu, on the 12th of March. Deserted next d.ay. Enlisted
again on the 24th March in One Hundred and Twelfth New Y'ork Volunteers.
Deserted April 2d. Next day enlisted in Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Deserted same night. The following d<ay enlisted in Eighth New Jersey
Infantry. Deserted April 12th. Enlisted in Twenty-second A^ermont Infan
try, May 18th. Deserted same day. Enlisted in Fifty -second Ohio, M.ay 28th.
Deserted June 18th. Enlisted July 12th at Harrisburg. Deserted same
night. AA'ent to Pittsburg, and the next day enlisted again. Was tried twice
for desertion, the last time sentenced to be shot, but escaped. In sorae of ray
enlistments I received sorae money; generally, however, the brokers raade it.
(Signed) F. P., alias J. R.
It would be impossible to give, with any dsgree of correctness, from any
records or facts in ray possession, the entire number of desertions under the
dift'erent calls for troops. The investigations on that point, before referred
to in this report, were confined exclusively to the city of New Y'ork and
immediate vicinity. No other State, city, or locality, without regard to the
number of troops called for, or actually raised, furnished .as many deserters as
New Y'ork City. Iramediately after the extent of the frauds had been dis
covered in New Y'ork, I at once proceeded to the arrest of those implicated,
after first submitting the written evidence in each case to the Hon. L. E.
C, whose duty it was to examine and decide upon the facts. The following
exhibit shows the names of all persons arrested under your directions, nature
of charges, how finally disposed of, &c.
Cases tried by the Military Commission, of which ColoAcl N. P. C. was
Judge- Advocate, and which were begun by General Baker.
J. D. — Forging certificates of enlistment. Convicted, and sentenced ten
years penitentiary and ten thousand dollars fine.
J. D. — Ditto. Convicted, and sentenced seven years, five thousand dollars
fine. (Pardoned.)
J. C. — Ditto. Convicted, and sentenced five years. (Pardoned.)
AV. B. — Procuring false enlistments, and enticing soldiers to desert. Con-
Tioted, and sentenced six months, fined one hundred dollars. (Pardoned.)

428 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
L. E. — Same charge. Sentenced six months, one hundred dollars fine.
(P.ardoned.) AA'. H. B. — F:ilsely and fraudulently procuring transportation passes, &c.
Convicted, fined two hundred and fifty dollars; iraprisoned till paid. (Par
doned.) J. W.— Enticing soldiers to desert. Convicted, sentenced one year, five
hundred dollars fine. (Pardoned.)
C. G. — Charge the s.auie. Convicted, fined five hundred dollars; impris
oned till p.aid. (Pardoned.)
J. K. (Soldier).— Aiding desertion. Convicted and sentenced. (Pardoned.)
J. B. (Government detective). — Receiving bribes. Convicted, and sen
tenced to Penitentiary. (Pardoned.)
J. W. M. — Aiding desertion. Convicted and sentenced.
M. D. — Fraudulent enlistment-papers. Convicted and sentenced.
S. R. E. — Same charge. (On bail, Washington.)
J. D. (Government detective). — Receiving bribes. Convicted, sentenced.
(Not promulgated.)
J. McX. — Assuraing to be an officer, and obtaining raoney under false
pretences. Convicted, sentenced two hundred and fifty dollars fine ; impris
oned till paid. (Pardoned.)
W. E. — Forging appointment from Secretary of War. Convicted, and sen
tenced ten years' imprisonment. (Pardoned.)
AV. N. H. — Forging enrollment-papers. Convicted, and sentenced one
year, two hundred and fifty dollars fine. (Pardoned.)
C. P. II. — Bribery, and assuming to be a Government officer, and aiding
desertion. Convictsd, and sentenced one year, three hundred dollars fine.
(Pardoned.) A. C. — Enticing soldiers, and making false enlistments. Convicted, and
sentenced two years, five hundred dollars fine. (Pardoned.)
G. M. D. — -Aiding desertion, fraudulent prflctices .as bounty broker. Con
victed and sentenced ten years, and forty-five thousand dollars fine. In prison.
Captain E. W. — Procuring recruits in violation of law ; bribery ; defraud
ing Government. Convicted, and sentenced two years, and ten thousand
dollars fine. (Pardoned.)
C. W. C. — Misconduct in office; bribery; frauds, &c. Convicted, and
sentenced five years. (Pardoned.)
T. A. — Forging muster-out rolls, &c. Convicted, and sentenced five years.
(Pardoned.) C. L. — Aiding desertion ; making false enlistments. Convicted, and sen
tenced two hundred and fifty dollars fine, and one year imprisonraent. (Par
doned.) The following-named persons were paroled to appear whenever the Govern
raent required them : R. McM., J. McM., W. H. B., F. D., J. S. H., W. B., B.
McN., A. S., L. J., S. P., R. R., and I. S.
The following were detained as witnesses : — J. F., T. McF., F. C, A. Z.,
G. Z., by military court.
After the conviction and sentence of the persons referred to abore, ana

A TRANSFER— CONVICTIONS— ATROCITIES. 429
owing to the speedy termination of the rebellion by the fall of Richmond, and
subsequent surrender of the rebel array, I made application to you, under
date of May 26th, to have all the prisoners, arrested in connection with the
recruiting frauds, then confined in the Old Capitol Prison, released and sent
to the United States District Court, New York, for trial. This recommenda
tion was approved by you, and the following cases were so transferred: —
J. L., W. C, J. W. E., A. L., A. AV. N., J. C, C. S. W., J. T., S. W. W., AY.
H. T., J. F., and R. D.
Every one of these persons who were placed on trial were, after a fair
and impartial hearing, before a military court composed of officers selected
with a direct view to their legal ability and knowledge of criminal proceed
ings, convicted, thereby fully justifying their arrest. Had those turned over
to the civil authorities in New Y'ork, and those paroled, been tried, there is no
doubt that the sarae results would have followed, as all were equally guilty.
The persistent interference of attorneys and others in high official positions
in New Y'ork, to prevent the, trial of these persons by military courts, the
rebellion having closed, the consequent necessity for recruiting more troops
had ceased. Civil law assumed its legitimate functions in the loyal States, as
before stated ; iu this report it was decided to turn said processes over to the
civil courts. To show the incompetency and insufficiency of civil courts to
administer justice in time of war to the class of criminals referred to, I will
simply state, that not one of the cases forwarded to the civil courts in New
York have been tried, notwithstanding the evidence is as complete and con
clusive in each case. But had these persons been tried by military courts,
and convicted, the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court would
not only have necessarily released them, but compelled the Government to
have remitted and returned to such persons all moneys collected as fines and
penalties. The frauds, robberies, and impositions practised by bounty brokers
and recruiting agents upon the soldiers and their families, were so atrocious
and inhuman, that a recital of them would almost raake mankind ashamed of
his species. Young boys, thirteen and fifteen years of age, were first drugged
with poisoned liquors in some of these murderous dens, kept for that purpose,
then taken to a recruiting-office or depot and enlisted; old and infirm men
were often taken hy actual force and dr.agged to these recruiting depots and
compelled to enlist; our prisons and jails were ransacked by these fiends in
human shape; even the insane and imbecile were not safe from the clutches
of the professional bounty and substitute brokers.
To infer that the great Union army was, to any considerable extent, com
posed of such material, would be an inference not at all justified by the facts,
and a direct reflection npon the honor and patriotism of those who were actu
ated by the highest possible motives, viz. : hatred of treason and love of
country; for the class of recruits referred to never reached the army, but
were only intended to fill quotas.
In the foregoing brief history of my operations in connection with investi
gations in recruiting frauds, I have but very hurriedly and imperfectly referred
to the various modes adopted by bounty and substitute brokers and others, to
defraud the Government. The great good accomplished by the investigation,

480 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
arrest, and conviction of many of those most prominent in perpetr.ating enlist
ment frauds, bounty juraping, aiding desertion, &c., must be fully understood
Ijy your bureau. Had the war continued, thereby requiring the recruiting of
additional ti-oops, the good accomplished would have been incalcul.able.
I am, General, very respectfully, Y'our obedient servant, L. C. Baker,
Brig.-Gen_ and Pro.-Mar. of the AVar Dent.

CHAPTER XXXI.
THE BOUNTY JUMPERS AND BROKERS. *
Quotas filled with Falsified Enlistment-Papers — Arrest of Brokers — Amusing and
Exciting Scene — The Hoboken Raid — Slanderous Charges — Large Number of
Arrests — Incarceration in Fort Lafayette — Other Arrests — Trial before a Mili
tary Commission.
It is, doubtless, a matter of surprise that forged enlisting-
papers could have been so readily manufactured and profit
ably used. One of the leading brokers arrested was a notary
public. Aided by the clerks at the recruiting-oflice, the
necessary blanks were obtained. These were written out
¦with fictitious names, properly certified by the notary pub
hc. Each set of the papers represented an enlisted man, and
was ready for sale in the market, to any unsuspecting agent
frora the country having a quota to fill. There Avere whole
towns in the interior of the Empire State filled with these
fraudulent credits. In many instances the same false enlist
ments -were credited in different Congressional districts. The
matter -will be more fully comprehended by a reference to
my official report.
I took up my headquarters at the Astor House, and let
the brokers know that I was an agent or supervisor for the
interior of the State, having several large quotas to fill. I
was at once besieged by applications to purchase credits.
The third day I purchased sixteen sets of these enlistment-
papers ; and on the fourth, twenty-t-wo, when a proposition
Avas made by a broker to purchase forged papers, saying,
those I had were such, and would answer the same purpose ;
that so skillfully Avere they prepared detection was impos
sible. The ofier was accepted, and placed me on the most
friendly terms with my associates in business. For a num
ber of days I continued the purchase of spurious papers for
less than half the price of the genuine documents. This

432 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
feature of the swindling came near causing a quarrel among
the brokers ; some of them insisting that I should not liave
been informed that I bought forged papers, because I might
then have paid full price. The other party contended, that
by committing me to the forgery I was secured against
betrayal of the cause. The forraer further clairaed, that
forged papers -were -worth as much to me as the genuine.
These negotiations Avere carried on four days, when I deci
ded to arrest the "wliole company. It Avill be understood,
that the arrest of a single broker in the city would create an
alarm, and end the investigation. Tlie greatest strategy and
concealment Avere therefore indispensable to success. The
knowledge of my presence in the metropolis would have
defeated my plans. On a certain daj^ I requested nine bro
kers, Avith -whom I had business, to come to my room at the
same hour, bringing their papers. I had concealed, in an
adjoining room, a number of my assistants. I instructed
them that the signal I should use to bring them to my aid,
¦would be a knock on the door of the apartment in Avhich
they -were placed.
The illustrious nine stood around me, forged papers in
hand, eagerly waiting for the checks -which -would bring the
reward of their villainy. To fasten the guilt upon the crimi
nals, beyond dispute, I had written receipts for the money
to be paid each broker. As they Avalked up in line, and
made their marks, for most of them could not Avrite, I
stepped to the folding-doors and gave the signal. Instantly
a detective came in, and I said to my broker- fi'iends : " Gen
tlemen, this joke has gone far enough ; you are my prisoners.
I am General Baker, the Chief of the Detective Bureau."
It Avould be futile for tongue or pen to attempt to describe
the effect of my words upon the assemblage before me. The
change that passed over it was very marked, and to me, who
was the cause of it, irresistibly entertaining. The explosion
of a bomb-shell in the battle-ranks could not have startled
and dismayed the soldiery more suddenly than this unex
pected exposure of their crimes, and the poAverful grasp
of justice, did the discomfited brokers, who had anticipated
a very different fate.
Here, a dapper little fellow, in flashy dress and jeweliy,

A FIGHTER— CONFESSIONS-SLANDERS. 433
changed color, looked ghastly, and reeled to the sofa.
There, a burly, red-faced fighter put on a defiant air, and,
-with an oath, said: "I Avould like to see you arrest me."
A display of my six-shooter cooled him off -wonderfully, and
he stood like a living firebrand, ready to go into a self-con
suming flame. Another burst into tears, and pleaded that
he Avas seduced into the crime by artful men. A fe-w more
resolved to make a joke of the whole matter, and laugh off
the scare. I transferred the interesting company to an
apartment in the Astor House, their prison for the time.
Two or three of them made "written confessions, -which re
vealed in detail the criminality of their companions, and of
many others.
The notorious Hoboken raid upon bounty brokers and
bounty jumpers, -which has been the subject of a great deal
of newspaper comment and censure, ¦was never clearly
understood. It cannot be denied that the affiiir ^vas original
and peculiar in its character, but it was called for by the
unusual and manifold expedients resorted to by the dishon
est harpies preying upon the Government.
The late civil Avar possessed so many extraordinary fea
tures, that raeans Avere employed to meet them Avhicli,
although unkno-ivn before, -were justified by the emergen
cies ; and on becoming possessed of the facts, as they really
were, of the Hoboken transaction, every reasonable person,
I am confident, Avill vindicate the action of the bureau, and
especially ray OAvn position in the service.
The emissaries of the South, and loyal persons prejudiced
against me personally, charged me Avith a financial connec
tion and interest, and consequently represented me as a
sharer in substantial pecuniary profits. These slanderous
intimations, ho-\vever, are ¦wholly ¦without foundation. The
careful Congressional investigation, and several civil suits
that -were instituted, failed to bring a particle of reliable
evidence to sustain them.
Men can believe what they please, still there is a -wide
difference bet-ween mere opinion and conviction foUo-wing
upon positive testimony. Upon receiving the latter, no
person has an honest right to condemn my motives and
conduct. 28

434 UNITED STATES SECRET SERA'ICE.
The official correspondence, and orders connected -with
the opening of a recruiting rendezvous at Hoboken, are given
in my report to the Provost- Marshal General.
AVith the assistance of the bounty brokers referred to
therein, I enlisted as many bounty jumpers as possible, -with
the understanding that no others were to be taken. March
10th, it was given out among the brokers that a "-walk-
a-way " had been opened in Hoboken. This novel place -was
understood to be for the escape of enlisted men -who could
safely ¦walk away.
Perhaps a more ludicrous trap in detective policy ¦was
never laid than that ¦which uoav secured the swindlers.
Appreciating the desperate- character of the men I -was
preparing to deal with, I had a body of soldiers sta
tioned in the hall, over the recruiting headquarters. To
avoid all disclosure of the plot, it was arranged that no
bounty jumper should leave or communicate Avith those out
side. Every man enlisted was taken to the hall above ; and
here it is proper to state that each company of jumpers had
its agent. If none of those enlisted were kno-wn to have escaped, it
would naturally a-waken suspicion in the minds of their out
side friends that something ¦was wrong; that the "¦walk
away" was not genuine. Any uncertainty on this point
would prove fatal to the scheme of detection.
Recruiting commenced at an early hour in the morning,
and continued briskly until two or three o'clock in the after
noon, ¦when the discovery -was made, that not a single jumper
who had entered the hall an enlisted soldier had been seen
afterward. I had anticipated this difficulty, and, anxious to
keep the plot secret as long as possible, to increase the nura
ber of jumpers, I directed those assisting me to put a mark
upon the back of each of the brokers engaged in furnishing
recruits. This was done in such a manner as to be unno
ticed by the brokers themselves, but perfectly understood
by me. I then directed my men to station themselves at the
ferry, in New York, and arrest the brokers, which could be
done with no difficulty, as the white signs of guilt marked
upon their shoulders Avould instantly betray them.
As I had anticipated, the brokers became uneasy respect-

THE HOBOKEN BROKERS. 435
ing the fate of those already enlisted, and, one after
another, left the rendezvous, and took the boat for the
metropolis. When they reached the gate of the ferry, the chalk-
marks revealed the criminals, and their arrest immediately
followed, until eighteen of the brokers and one hundred
and eighty of the jumpers were caught.
It would be difficult to imagine the scene in the Odd
FelloAvs' Hall of Hoboken, on the afternoon of that day of
arrest. Formed in a ring were many hundred soldiers,
armed for any emergency ; within it, seated on benches,
were nearly two hundred prisoners. With the dawning
of the truth upon the minds of the wondering crowd of
arrested men, a sudden and amusing change went over the
faces of all.\ They had been especially careful to avoid me,
and now, awakened from a dream of security to find them
selves in my toils ! Some looked blank with amazement
and despair ; others had au expression of demoniac hate ;
whUe a portion of the arrested seemed strongly inclined to
treat their imprisonment jocosely, and regard it as a trivial
affair. They were caught in the net set by hands most
dreaded and carefully avoided.
I could scarcely conceal an expression of mischievous
merriment, which, notwithstanding my efforts to the con
trary, was apparent at the singular scene presented by the
mixed assembly.
The soldiers looked quietly on, while the dandy apparel
and gaudy jewelry of the swindling fraternity presented a
mocking and cruel contrast to their anxious and crestfallen
countenances. The facts Avere communicated to the Provost-Marshal
General, with the request to be informed what to do with
them. After a delay of nearly a day and a half, the Secre
tary of War ordered them to be removed to Fort Lafayette.
Their incarceration for weeks, with no disposal of their case,
was a topic of severe animadversion, and the responsibility
laid at my door ; a responsibility no more my own than any
other act of the War Department through my official relation
to it. I repeatedly called the attention of the Department to

436 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
these prisoners, urging that they should be tried as deserters,
and punished accordingly.
The only reason Avhich can be giA'en for the delay, and
which, to many patriotic persons, Avill be a sufficient one,
was the excitement and rejoicing attending the fall of Rich
mond and the surrender of General Lee, Avliich occurred at
this particular time, absorbino; the attention of all parties.
Although overlooked for a while, they Avere by no nieans
designedly neglected.
The final disposal of the brokers arrested, and those
engaged in frauds upon the Government, Avas equally an
affair entirely outside of my official .authority.
My arrests, independent of the brokei-s and jumpers at
Hoboken, Avere about forty-six persons, in every case of
which a written order was receiA^ed from the president of
the United States, and, by his direction, tliey Avere committed
to the Old Capitol prison.
I was requested to furnish, and did so, a written synopsis,
or memorandum, in respect to each individual arrested.
These statements Avere submitted to the Hon. L. E. C, and
Judge B., of NeAV York, tAvo of the most eminent jurists in
the country.
A military commission Avas coiiA^ened at Washington,
by order of tlie Secretary of War, for the trial of these
prisoners. The ones first arrested Avere first tried. The
great arraj- of counsel for the defendants, and the number
of Avitnesses produced by both parties, made the investiga
tions extended and Avearisome. But, notAvith standing the
precautions taken by the prisoners, and the large number of
counsel Avhich they employed, tlu-y Avere all convicted, as
will be seen by reference to the records of the Bureau of
Military Justice. The Department exacted from nie the
most persistent activity in the prosecution of these cases.
Not governed by motives of revenge, or personal feeling,
it Avas the simple aim to render justice to the guilt}', and
carry out the Avishes of the Government.
In the midst of the trials, and immediately succeeding
the conviction of about a dozen of the prisoners, the rebel
lion suddenly collapsed. Great changes in popular senti
ment, and policy of the Government, aAvak'^ued the desire.

THE PROCLAMATION OF AMNESTY. 437
which soon found expression, for the restoration of civil
courts. Fully sympathizing with this natural longing, I
sent a written request to the Secretary of War, that all
prisoners in my custody might be transferred to the proper
authorities. If they were regarded as legitimate recruits, the order
discontinuing further enlistments, and discharge of all en
listed men held in barracks and rendezvous, would apply
to these bounty jumpers. They could not be tried for
desertion, because the President's proclamation of amnesty,
which applied to deserters, Avould reach their case also. In
any vieAV that may be taken of the incarceration of the pris
oners, complaints against me for the fact fall to the ground ;
I was not, and could not be, responsible for it, under the
circumstances, which need only to be knoAvn to make the
assertion of innocence clear.

CHAPTEE XXXII.
BOUNTY JUMPING INCIDENTS.

)

Personal Experience iu Bounty Jumping — A Perfect Trump — Detectives Enlisted —
Passes obtained for Bounty Jumpers — Arrest and Surprise — Court-Martial and
Conviction.It has been sufficiently demonstrated, by incidents re
corded, that monstrous frauds were perpetrated by the
manufacture and sale of enlistment papers.
Indeed, it is very evident, from knowledge thus far
obtained, that not a small proportion of all such documents,
oa which credits were given, were forged.
I shall only add to the record a few incidents, which
combine in their character both the comic and tragic quali
ties. I had been told that soldiers would receive the bounty,
re-enlist the same day, be sent to the Island, and repeat the
process the day following. I Avas, at the time, skeptical
respecting such facility in deception and incredible assu
rance, and to satisfy myself in regard to the truth of the
matter, I dressed myself in the garb of a regular jumper and
repaired, February 9th, to a recruiting office in the public
square near the Astor House, Noav York. Assuming the
. air of a veteran in the business, I asked the officer what he
was paying for recruits.
Before the question could be answered, the gentlemanly
broker, always at hand, inquired of me my name and place
of residence, which I gave him. In a low tone of voice, and
with a knowing wink, he said: "Have you been through
before in New York ?" I answered : " Not since last fall."
He added: "All right; come inside." And in less time
than it has taken to relate the incident, I was one of "Uncle
Sam's boys."

A DRINK, AND WHAT FOLLOAVED. 439
My friend gave me one hundred dollars, promising the
remainder due me when I should arrive at the Island ; then
directing me to remain where I Avas for a Avhile, he left me.
Returning within an hour, he opened the folloAving con
versation Avith me : "Have you ever been on the Island?"
I replied, "Yes." Evidently enlightened in regard to the
matter, he immediately remarked: "You know hoAv to get
off, then ? When you do, come up to Tammany Hall, and I
wiU put you through up toAvn:" meaning, of course, he
would enlist me again. While this conversation Avas pass
ing between us another broker stepped up, and said : " Gen
tlemen, let us take a drink." We accepted the invitation,
and they conducted me across the Park to a saloon, where I
saw, at a glance, they Avere quite at home. Liquor was
called for, and while the vender was getting it, one of the
brokers quietly stepped behind the bar and addressed some
conversation to him.
We then all drank to the success of the Union, or rather,
all of us appeared to do so.
I raised the glass to my lips, and, unobserved by the rest,
poured its contents into my bosom, as I had done many times
before when compelled to join the convivial ring. I was
convinced that my potation had been drugged. Next fol
lowed a proposition to repair to an adjoining room and
engage in a game of cards.
We played until I thought it necessary to affect drowsi
ness and insensibility. My eyes began to close, until at
length my head rested on the table in front of me, and my
whole appearance indicated to my betrayers my entire help
lessness in their hands.
At this juncture one of them left the room, but soon
returning, exclaimed, "All right." Immediately I caught
the sound of carriage wheels, and, as I anticipated, was car
ried to the door, and, supported by broker number one,
lifted into a vehicle, and driven rapidly to the Cedar Street
rendezvous. My hat was then unceremoniously pushed
over my face, and I was hurried into the presence of the
recruiting officer in attendance, who asked me, "Do you
wish to enlist f Number two answered, in a tone to repre
sent my own voice, " Ye-e-s."

440 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
1 was again decl.ared to be one of the volunteers, taken
into another room, and laid on a bench, where I remained
an hour, in company Ayith three other recruits, Avho had been
drugged in thi^ same manner, my friends the brokers sup
posing tiieA' had disposed of me.
In the mean time broker number one returned, and said:
"Well, old felloAA', how do 3'ou feeU" to Avhich I replied,
"Very si(-k." Then remui-king, '-'You'll be all right hy-
and-by," he left me.
I looked about me to judge of the possibility of escape.
I suAV at once that I could not pass out by the door, as a sen
try Avas stationed there, and came to the conclusion that I
Avould have to tiy my chances at a window.
I opened one Avliich overlooked a back yard, sprang out,
and after Avalkiiig through a long passage-Avaj', which led
me into the open street, I Avent deliberately to my room- in
the Astor House.
Here I masked my face, disguised myself anew, and pro
ceeded directly to the office of Mr. Blunt, Avhere I offered
myself to the army service, to make my third enlistment for
tliat day.
I Avas hardly seated, Avlien broker number three ap
proached me, saying :
' ' You Avant to enlist, do you V '
" Yes, I am thinking of it. What are you paying re
cruits noAv V '
"Six hundred dollars. Where are you from ?"
" Steuben County. I Avould like to enlist if I could get
a situation as clerk. I can Avrite a pretty good hand, and
am hardly able to go into the ranks."
He replied quickly, " Oh, I can fix all that right."
A conversation then followed betAveen him and the re
cruiting officer, when I Avas made a soldier of the Union
army once more. I was requested to be seated for a few
moments. Soon after the broker asked me to take "a
glass." I went Avith him to an old drinking-saloon in
Cherry Street, Avhere I found brokers numbers one and two,
who immediately recognized me, but expressed no surprise
at the meeting. My successful escape from the Cedar Street

BOUNTY JUMPERS' EXPLOITS. 441
headquarters convinced my friends that I Avas an old expei-t
in the tricks of the trade.
Their admiration for me became so gre.at that they re
ceived me into full fellowship, regarded me as a shreAvd
member of the bounty jumping brotherhood, and, after
freely discussing their plans and prospects, declared me to
be a "perfect trump." Propositions were made to enter
into partnership at once.
I was greatly amused Avhile listening to the exploits of
each, as he in turn detailed them. One related, that at a
certain period he left Ncav York, and having enlisted at
Albany, Troy, Utica, Buffalo, and Chicago, returned tia
Elmira, at Avhich place he likewise enlisted. Another had
enlisted at every rendezvous from New York to Portland,
Maine ; Avhile a third boasted of the amounts he had re
ceived, and mentioned those paid to recruiting officers, sur
geons, brokers, and detectives. The den in which I spent
the evening was a favorite haunt of the bounty jumpers. It
contained a wardrobe of Avearing apparel, consisting of both
soldiers' and citizens' outfits. The idea of this I easily com
prehended ; here the jumpers could assume Avhatever dress
they pleased, to carry out their designs. Three times that
night, before two o'clock, I saw the interesting operation
performed. I selected one of my assistants to experiment in this mili
tary lottery. He dressed himself iu the appropriate apparel,
and in one day enlisted three times ; he was sent to the
Island, bought himself off, and reported for duty the folloAV-
ing day.
The scenes described Avere followed by numberless ar
rests of bounty brokers, bounty jumpers, and others in the
business, and consequently by the disclosures of their crimes,
which have since attracted much public attention.
To illustrate the secrecy with which I necessarily pur
sued my inquiries, I mention the following incident : I had
received intelligence of a notorious bounty broker, doing
business on State Street, whose specialty seemed to be to
secure, for a consideration, desertion and escape after enlist
ment. Rumor also said that, at any time, he had the poAver
to obtain an enlisted maji from Governor' s Island. Extremely

442 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
desirous to test his proficiency in such sAvindling, I enlist
ed two of my own detectives, and had them sent to the
Island. I then directed another to apply to the broker for
his interposition in their behalf. He consented, on the con
dition that he should receive two hundred dollars for his
trouble. The amount was paid him ; and my assistant, be
ing curious to know in what manner he would obtain the
release of the two detectives, begged leave to accompany
him to the Island.
Upon their landing, he observed that the broker was on
excellent terms with the officers of different grades who had
the recruits in charge.
Two sergeants, being consulted, furnished a pass to the
desired recruits, signed in the name of the proA'ost-general
of the Island, requiring their return at roll-call the same
evening. For this pass the sergeant received fifty dollars.
Sergeant number two, at the end of the Avharf, whose duty
it Avas to examine the passes, being in collusion with the
other, shared the profits. The detective, and his associates
AA'ho had been recruited, had no difficulty in leaving the
Island. I made arrangements for the arrest of the whole party on
their landing in New York. When brought to my head
quarters, the broker confessed the crime, seeing no possible
means of escape, and embarrassed Avith surprise and terror.
His arrest was kept secret for several days. The ser
geants, his companions in guilt, missing him, became un
easy, and suspicious that he had been murdered, and his
body thrown into the river. The folloAving Sunday they
applied at the office of the City Police for assistance in dis
covering the missing man, having been informed before
hand, by the boy in the broker's office, that he had not
been seen since he left with the stranger to go to the Island.
The Metropolitan detectives declined to give any assist
ance, and sent them to me, as the person most likely to be of
use to them in solving the mysterious fate of their friend.
Accordingly, on Sunday evening, the sergeants came to
my office and excitedly told their story, dAvelling on the fact
that the broker was last seen on AVednesday, upon the
Island, in company with a suspicious-looking stranger; that

A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE. 443
he had a large amount of money ; and they gave five hundred
dollars for information respecting him.
After a lengthy conversation, I told them I thought I
could find their friend. I ordered an officer to bring in the
broker. There Avas, of course, a mutual recognition, and the
sergeants were overjoyed that the lost man Avas found and
alive, until they learned that not only the broker was under
arrest, but that they also were in the hands of the law.
The scene was a rich and rare one. The glad surprise of
the sergeants was soon toned down by the mysterious grav
ity of their friend, and also my own. I then took out a pair
of handcuffs, and said to the young men, " I am very glad
you have saved me the trouble of sending for you, as I
intended to do to-morrow."
The broker was sent to the penitentiary, and the ser
geants Avere tried by court-martial and convicted.
These statements will probably appear exaggerated to
many readers, but they are strictly true, and will be found
on official records.

CHAPTER XXXIII.
BOUNTY' JUMPERS IN ORGANIZED BANDS.
Gipsy-like Bounty Jumpers — Wholesale Bounty Jumping carried on adroitly by a
Gang of Operators — Opposition from a C.anadian Gang — Thirty-two Thousand
Dollars in as many Days — Frauds iu Drafting — An Old Alan put in as a Sub
stitute — A Boy decoyed — His Adventures — A Motlier of Thirteen Childrea—
Unavailing Efforts of a Mother in Search of her Idiotic Son.
I SHALL next relate the movements of these speculators
in organized gangs. They had a leader, whom they selected
chiefly for his insinuating and plausible manner of address,
a-nd Avith whom they acted in the capacity of Gipsies, wan
dering from one promising field of action to another.
On March 17, 1865, I ordered a detective to join one
of these strolling companies, and, by closely Avatching
every movement made by them, ascertain the modus ope
randi of enlistment under this social form of enterprise.
The company left the Hudson River Depot in the half-
past eleven o'clock train, and presented a most desperate
and villainous appearance. Indeed, a more unmanageable
set of desperadoes scarcely ever was seen on the highway
of adventure. The next morning, before noon, they arrived in Pough-
keepsie, where eleven of the thirty- six were enlisted, four
of whom escaped the same afternoon, two during the night,
and the remainder the following morning.
The next day, the whole of the gang appeared at the
recruiting-office in Albany, seventeen re-enlisting there, five
of whom had enlisted in Troy. Nine of these escaped that
evening, and returned to Troy ; tAvo pleaded illness, became
in consequence inmates of the hospital, effecting their escape
during the night, and proceeding immediately to Utica, to
meet those who had gone elsewhere. Four others of the

THE PROFITS OF BOUNTY JUMPING. 445
company enlisted in Troj'-, but made their escape the same
night. The whole party then remained five days in Utica, at
AA'hich place lAventy-one enlisted, four of thera tAvice, and
one, three times. At Buffalo, OAving to the competition in
the business by parties in Canada, none of the parties
enlisted. At Chicago, eight of the band enlisted, four were
recognized as old bounty jumpers and arrested, one other
Avas arrested for picking pockets, Avhile the remainder,
frightened at the turn events had taken, hurried from the
city. In Detroit the Canadian gang had the field, and
would not permit any interference with their operations.
The company next appeared in Rochester, but too many
being known there as deserters to make their business prom
ising, they proceeded to Elmira, Avhere six Avere arrested for
desertion, the remaind^er returning to New York.
These men were absent thirty-two days, and their total
profits amounted to thirty-two thousand dollars. The ques
tion wfll be naturally asked, how this handsome profit was
made. The bounty broker avIio was the leader, must first
ascertain just hoAV far, and by Avhat means, he can insure
the escape of the jumper after enlistment. A hundred dol
lars paid to the sergeant or corporal in charge at the rendez
vous, would secure the liberation of ten men, Avhile the
records Avould show a certain number enlisted on a given
day, properly credited to some locality ; and the books of
the State rendezvous Avould haA'e the record of but tAA'o or
three from the same place.
This broker Avas entitled to receive for eA'ery recruit from
four to six hundred dollars, and the whole sum, after the
expedition closed, was divided among the men. It must be
borne in mind that many gangs, the number of Avliich is not
knoAvn, were moving about in the northern States at the
same moment.
On this subject, thus far, I have onlj^ narrated frauds
committed by the roving military bandits in disguise. There
was another way of dishonest speculation, no less remunera
tive and criminal. The draft requiring men to enter the
service, or furnish substitutes, afforded an excellent oppor
tunity to "buy, sell, and get gain." I knew many instances

44fi UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Avliere lads fourteen years of age were enticed into drinking
saloons, drugged, and made to perjure themselves, to become
the substitutes of some patriotic citizens, the substitutes eacii
receiving, perhaps, one hundred dollars, which Avas almost
invariably stolen from them before reaching the general
rendezvous. A superannuated Frenchman, seventy-tAvo years old, un
able to speak English, Avas taken in an alley at Ncav York,
while getting a scanty but honest livelihood, by gathering
rags. His hair and whiskers, Avhich were white as snow,
were colored by a barber, then he was transferred to the
Second Congressional District, Williamsburgh, and enlisted
as a substitute for a Avell-knoAvn shipbuilder there. Hearing
of the outrage, I sent for the aged man, and, through an
interpreter, ascertained the name of the broker. The latter
was obliged to disgorge six hundred dollars, Avhich was paid
to the victim of the dismayed trader in his fellow-men.
The aged stranger thanked me tremulously, and, with eyes
suffused Avitli tears, departed from my office, haying in his
possession a purse which his rag-bag would not have yielded
in a long space of time.
The law required that all minors desiring to enlist, should
first obtain the consent of their parents. A respectable Ger
man, residing in Beaver Street, suddenly missed his son,
about fourteen years of age. He searched for him diligently
during three weeks, but all attempts to discover him proving
fruitless, the anxious father applied to me for counsel and
assistance. I made him give me a written description of the
boy, promising him that, to discover his whereabouts, I
would leave no means in my power untried. I then called
a detective and placed in his hand the paper, with directions
to use it in tracing the bo}'. He soon returned, Avith the
information that the lad had enlisted at the Brooklyn rendez
vous, in charge of Colonel Fowler.
I sent for the papers, from which I learned that a AVoman,
claiming to be the mother of the boy, had accompanied him
to the office and made the required affidavit. Then sending
to the front I procured the lad's return, who furnished me
with the foUowing particulars. One evening, while passing
from his father's store to his house, an elderly man, gentle-

KIDNAPPING BOYS. 447
manly m appearance, accosted him, inquiring if he did not
Avant a situation. He replied: "No, sir." His venerable
friend then left him, and a boy of his OAvn age came up and
said, "Come in here and get a glass of lemonade," pointing
to a Chatham Street saloon. They Avent in, and soon after
calling for the drink the elderly man entered. He recol
lected nothing more until the next morning, when he found
himself in a drinking saloon in Brooklyn. His hat and boots
were gone, and while searching for them an old man entered,
whom he recognized as the one he had seen the evening
before. He Avas accompanied by a woman, Avho exclaimed :
"You are a fine-looking boy ; AA'ould you like to enlist for a
bugler?" at the same time taking from under her cloak a
small silver bugle, and adding, " Now, my son, if you Avill
enlist you shall have this bugle."
He refused, and immediately Avas hurried into a carriage,
and, in company with this admirable couple, was driven to
Colonel Fowler' s headquarters.
His papers Avere here made out, the wretched Avoman
swearing that she was his mother, and giving her full con
sent to his enlistment. The poor lad's mother had been
dead ten years. He was paid twenty -five dollars, while the
couple who enlisted him received six hundred and seventy-
five dollars.
The boy's description of the two Avorthies soon led to
their arrest, and it turned out that tlie man Avas a notorious
Jew bounty broker, Avhile the AVoman was equally well
known as a prostitute of the city.
Investigating more deeply, 1 came to the startling revela
tion that this vile woman had SAVorn to be the mother of thir
teen other little boys about the same age as this German lad.
I shall select only one additional, very peculiar, and
highly interesting narrative, from the mass of fragmentary
materials in my possession ; that of the kidnapping of the
idiot boy Cornelius Garvin, of Troy, New York. Some of
the facts found their Avay into the newspapers at the time of
their occurrence.
Mrs. Garvin, the mother of the boy, was a poor, but hon
est and respectable Irishwoman, who supported her family
by hard daily labor. She had placed her imbecile son in

448 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
the almshouse at Troy, happj^ in tlie consciousness of his
safety, and being near enough to visit him occasionally.
The child, while playing in the grounds, was carried off by
bounty brokers, and transported to Albany, Avhere he was
enlisted and sent to the front.
The mother, upon receiA'ing tlie news, became nearly
frantic ; and, leaving her Avork, managed to get to Washing
ton, Avhere, through the interest which her story aAAtikened,
she gained an interview with the President.
That good man, Avhose ear Avas ever open to the appeals
of ^humanity and justice, gave her a note to the Secretary
of War, who referred the case to me. I detailed a detective
to accompany her to the battle-field. Nearly a month was
spent in the fruitless search for the lost boy, notwithstanding
it Avas proved that ' ' poor Con ' ' was someAA'here in the army.
The disappointed but not discouraged mother Avent back to
her toil again, to get money to bring her once more to the
Capital. Seven months passed over in the search, Avitli no clue
to the boy. Officers lent their assistance, and no means
were left untried to find the Avanderer. The persistency of
purpose, the undying hope and affection of the sorrowing
mother for her simple "Con," were hardly eyer surpassed
in human experience.
Unable to read or Avrite, she carried ahvays in her apron
a large number of letters, and other memoranda, from promi
nent officers and others, given to aid her unreAvarded search.
Yet she could, as if by intuition, or the inspiration of her
love, place her hand upon any of the documents she desired
to use, and repeat their contents. And Avhenever she found
au interested listener to her mournful story, she Avould select
the particular document she Avanted and give its statements.
After exhausting the subject, she would sit in a musing
mood, gazing into vacancy for several moments, and then
start from her revery, gather up her treasure of manuscripts,
and exclaiming : " My poor Con ; I must go and find him !"
she would start again on her journey among the regiments
of the Union army.
When the money AA'hich was given her, and earned hy
the severest toil, was gone, she Avould get back to Troy,

"POOR CON." 449
replenish her purse by her daily labor, and return to the
httnt for "Con," along a new path of adventure, on which
had suddenly fallen a ray of hope from some quarter re
specting the absent boy.
Thus month after month passed away, and the undying
love of this mother for the imbecile child, over whose un
steady steps and aimless wanderings she had watched with
a fondness intensified by his very helplessness, led her
along the army lines, and into the camps, at the heart of
the great and bloody war.
"Poor Con 1" was on her lips when she sought brief and
restless sleep, and at the dawn of day, when she resumed
the travel, which would have no pause until darkness made
it impossible. While she was roaming at will, foUoAved by the sympa
thizing interest of the President, and the humblest official in
the army, I received the foUoAving letter : —
BUBEAC OF MiLITAET JUSTICE, AVAR Depaetmemt, June 1, 1865.
Goloitel: —
The case of Cornelius Garvin, an idiot boy, enlisted into the Fifty-second
Regiment of New York Volunteers, has been referred to this bnreau for
report. Among the papers in the case, is a letter of yours to the Mayor of the
city of Troy, New York, in which you state that Captain Degner — in whose
company the boy is supposed to have beeu — refused, or neglected, to search
for him, when ordered to do so, although repeatedly assured that he was in
his company, under an assumed name ; but, instead of doing so, endeavored
to intimidate, by threats, privates of his company who were disposed to aid
in the search for the boy.
Be pleased to furnish this bureau with any proof that may be in your
possession of the statements referred to, or which may otherwise throw light
on the case.
It is desirable that any material information you have in the case should
be communicated at your earliest convenience.Your obedient servant,
W. W. WiNTHEOP,
Major, and Judge-Advoeate, for Judge-Advocate General.
To Col. L. 0. Bakee, Spechal Agent War Department.
Mr. Trott, from this bureau, has twice called at your office on this subject.
But all efforts to find Cornelius Garvin were in vain.
Several times the mother seemed to be near him ; but the
29

450 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
joy at the prospect of meeting him soon faded before cruel
disappointment. It Avas rumored that he died in the army ; which was
doubtless true, for no further tidings to this hour, I be
lieve, have been received of his fate. I append a report
of my investigations in the case, addressed to the Mayor of
Troy. AVASniNGTON, D. C, June 3, 1S65.
Mayor Thoene, Troy, New Y'ork : —
Sie — Nearly two years since Mrs. Catherine Garvin, the mother of the
idiot boy Cornelius Garvin, alleged to have been stolen from the County-
House at Troy, applied to my headquarters in this city for assistance to find
said boy. With the meagre facts at ray disposal, I imraediately instituted a
search, which has resulted in disclosing the following facts: —
1st. That the idiot boy, C. Garvin, was stolen, or surreptitiously taken from
the County Poorhouse at Troy ; that he was enlisted, sent to Riker's Island,
assigned to the Fifty-second New York Volunteers, and forwarded, with
other recruits, to Alexandria, Virginia; that said Garvin was seen and recog
nized by a number of privates of Conipany I, at Jlitchell's Station, Virginia,
afterward .at Mine Run, and other places; it is further shown that Captain
Degner, Company I, Fifty-second Regiment New York Volunteers, was
repeatedly informed that said idiot boy was in his company, under an
assumed name; that he. Captain Degner, instead of prosecuting the search
for said hoy, as directed hy his commanding officer, attempted to intimidate,
by threats of punishment, those privates of his corapany who were disposed
to assist Mrs. Garvin and others engaged in the investigation.
Some tirae in the month of May, 1864, by direction of the Hon. Secretary
of War, I dispatched a detective officer to your city for the purpose of ascer
taining, if possible, whether the boy, Con. Garvin, was sold, taken awfiy, or
enlisted by the Superintendent of the County Poorhouse. AVhile the testi
mony elicited did not directly implicate the said superintendent, enough was
shown to satisfy me that said idiot boy could not have escajied without the
direct knowledge and connivance of said superintendent. The subsequent
conduct of the superintendent toward Mrs. Garvin and those engaged in the
investigation, in my opinion, strongly confirms this opinion.
Since the arrival of the Fifty-second New Y'ork Volunteers in tliis city I
have placed Captain Degner under arrest, to await a further developineut of
facts. I am exceedingly desirous of probing this matter to the bottom. Our
late beloved President, the Hon. Secretary of AVar, Brigadier-Generals Hardy
and Townsend, and in fact all the officers connected with the AVar Depart
ment who have listened to Mrs. Garvin's statements, have t.iken a deep inter
est in this case. The enormity of the crime, the affection of the poor mother
for her son, her energy, her persistence and determination in following up
every visible trace of her poor idiot boy, has awakened, in the minds of all
those conversant with the facts and circumstances of tlie case, a feeling of

REPORT m THE CASE OF CON. GARVLN. 451
deep interest and sympathy. I believe that the boy is still living, and will yet
be found. I shall neither spare time or means iu prosecuting my investiga
tions, with a view to bring to speedy justice all those engaged in this inhuman
and diabolical outrage. I am, sir, your obedient servant, L. C. Baker,
Colonel, and Agent War Department.

CHAPTER Xlv'klV.

THE GREAT CONSPIRACT.
Assassinations — Eglon, King of Moab — Caesar, Emperor of Rome — James I. of
England — Marat, the French Revolutionary Leader — Alexander of Russia-
Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States. «
The history of treason, conspiracy, and assassination,
would be a record of awful interest — a revelation of singular
contrasts in motive, while the tragical end sought Avas the
same. The desperate determination to secure, at least avenge
trampled rights ; religious fanaticism ; and revengeful pas
sion ; these have been the most frequent causes of a resort to
treasonable plots and regicide, Avith its kindred homicides,
and attempted murder of representative men in a State.
As introductory to the narrative of the facts respecting
the assassination of Mr. Lincoln, which came under my eye
and official investigation, with fresh details and documents,
I shall cite a few illustrations from the annals of the past,
not unfamiliar to intelligent readers, but which, grouped
togetlier, will be a suggestive background for the most
revolting scene of depravity treason has ever presented to
the world. The earliest instance of regicide in the sacred
annals is that of Ehud, the left-handed Benjamite. To
avenge the tyranny of Eglon, the king of Moab, the invader
of his country, he made a two-edged dagger, over a foot and
a half in length, and, hiding it under his robe, took in his
hand a present to the king. Feigning important intelUgence,
the ruler ordered the attendants to retire, when Ehud with
his left hand drew the dagger from his right side, thrust it
into the king' s body over the hilt, and, leaving it there, fled,
after shutting behind him and locking the "doors of the
parlor." He then blew a trumpet, raised an army, drove
back the invaders, and delivered the nation from a foreign

ASSASSINATION OF O^SAR. 453
yoke. It was a successful assassination, because a dernier
resort in resisting oppressive usurpation, and under the
providential sanction of the Almighty.
In old Roman history, the mind turns intuitively to the
successful conspiracy of Avhich Brutus was the leader ; and
who, undoubtedly, was governed by patriotic motives. He
sought to restore the Government to the hands of the Senate
and the people. This friend of CjBsar very reluctantly con
sented to become a traitor ; and did not, until the persistent
and crafty appeals of Cassius and his fellow-conspirators
made him feel that he must strike the bloAV for the people.
Plutarch's description of the assassination is graphic : —
" When Cassar entered the house, the senate rose to do
him honor. Some of Brutus' s ^accomplices came up behind
his chair, and others before it, pretending to intercede, along
with Metilius Cimbri, for the recall of his brother from
exile. They continued their entreaties till he came to his
seat. When he was seated, he gave them a positive denial ;
and as they continued their importunities with an air of com
pulsion, he grew angry. Cimbri, then, with both hands,
pulled his gown off his neck, which was the signal for the
attack. Casca gave him the first blow. It was a stroke
upon the neck with his SAVord, but the wound was not dan
gerous ; for in the beginning of so tremendous an enterprise
he was probably in some disorder. Csesar, therefore, turned
upon him, and laid hold of his sword. At the same time
they both cried out, the one in Latin — ' Villain 1 Casca I
what dost thou mean ?' and the other in Greek, to his bro
ther—' Brother, help !'
"After such a beginning, those who knew nothing of the
conspiracy were seized with consternation and horror, inso
much that they durst neither fly, nor assist, nor even utter a
word. All the conspirators now dreAV their swords, and
surrounded him in such a manner, that whatever Avay he
turned he saw nothing but steel gleaming in his face, and
met nothing but wounds. Like some savage beast attacked
by the hunters, he found every hand lifted against him, for
they all agreed to have a share, in the sacrifice and a taste of
his blood. Therefore Brutus himself gave him a stroke in
the groin. Some say, he opposed the rest, and continued

4g4 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
struggling and crying out till he perceived the sword of
Brutus ; then he drew his robe over his face, and yielded to
his fate. Either by accident, or pushed thither by the con
spirators, he expired on the pedestal of Pompey's statue, and
dyed it with his blood : so that Pompey seemed to preside
over the work of vengeance, to tread his enemy under his
feet, and to enjoy his agonies. Those agonies Avere great, for
he received no less than three-and- twenty wounds ; and
many of the conspirators wounded each other as they were
aiming tlieir blows at him.
"Ca3sar thus dispatched, Brutus advanced to speak to
the Senate, and to assign his reasons for what he had done ;
but they could not bear to hear him ; they fled out of the
house, and filled the people with inexpressible horror and
dismay. Some shut up their houses ; others left their shops
and counters ; all were in motion : one was running to see
the spectacle ; another running back. Antony and Lepidus,
Cajsar's principal friends, Avithdrew, and hid themselves in
other people's houses. Meantime, Brutus and his confed
erates, yet warm from the slaughter, marched in a body,
with their bloody swords in their hands, from the senate-
house to the capitol, not like men that fled, but with an air
of gayety and confidence, calling the people to liberty, and
stopping to talk with every man of consequence whom they
met. There were some who even joined them, and mingled
with their train ; desirous of appearing to have had a share
in the action, and hoping for one in the glory."
A no less conspicuous, and still more modern conspiracy,
although a failure, was the Gunpowder Plot of England,
under James I. ; — the grandest conspiracy in its scope, and,
if successful, in results, on record. Religious fanaticism
was its inspiration. The king's growing dislike of the
Catholics, and Parliamentary enactments unfavorable to
their prosperity, awakened a fierce opposition. This enmity
was organized into a conspiracy, under Robert Catesby.
He was "a gentleman of good property, in Northampton
and Warwickshire," says Keightly, "descended from the
minister of Richard IIL, and had been brought up a Catho
lic ; but he deserted that religion, plunged into all sorts of
excesses, and ran through his patrimony. He then (1598)

GUNPOWDER PLOT. 455
returned to his old religion, and, making up for his apostasy
by zeal, became a fanatic, and engaged in all the treasons
and conspiracies which agitated the latter years of Elizabeth.
"He noAV conceived the diabolical project of blowing up
the Parliament-house with gunpoAvder. This design he
communicated in Lent, 1604, to John Wright aud Thomas
Winter, two Catholic gentlemen of good character, family,
and fortune. The latter hesitated at first, but his scruples
soon gave Avay, and he went over to the Netherlands on a
double mission ; the one was to try to induce the Constable
of Castile, who Avas coming over to conclude the peace, to
make some stipulations in favor of the Catholics ; the other
to engage in the plot some gentleman of courage and of
miUtary knowledge and experience. Finding that the Court
of Spain would not hazard the peace Avhich Avas so neces
sary to it, on their account, he proceeded to execute the
other part of his commission ; and the person on Avhom he
fixed was one Guy Fawkes, a man of good family in York
shire, who, having spent his little property, had entered the
Spanish service. If we may credit Father GreeuAvay, the
associate and panegyrist of the conspirators, Fawkes was
' a man of great pietj'-, of exemplary temperance, of mild
and cheerful demeanor, an enemy of broils and disputes, a
faithful friend, and remarkable for his punctual attendance
upon religious observances' — in a word, a fanatic in Avhose
eyes religion justified every deed. Though this high-Avrought
character is doubtless beyond the truth, there seems on the
other hand to be no ground for regarding Fawkes as a mere
vulgar ruffian.
"On the night of the llth of December, Catesby and his
associates entered the house in Westminster, well supplied
Avith mining tools, and Avith hard eggs and baked meats for
'their support. They began to mine the Avail of three yards in
thickness between theirs and the Parliament-house. FaAvkes
stood sentinel while the others wrought. They spread the
raatter which they extracted in the day over the garden at
night, and not one of them ever went out of the house, or
even into the upper part of it, lest they might be seen.
They wrought Avithout ceasing till Christmas-eve, when
Fawkes brought them intelligence that Parliament was fur-

456 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ther prorogued till October. They then agreed to separate
till after the holidays, when they would resume their labors.
In February they renewed their labors in the mine, and
they had pierced half Avay through the wall, when they sud
denly, as we are assured, heard the tolling of a bell within
the wall under the Parliament-house ; they stopped and lis
tened ; Fawkes was called down, and he also heard it. On
sprinkling the place, however, with holy water, the myste
rious sound ceased ; it was frequently renewed, but the same
remedy always proved efficacious, and it at length ceased
altogether. One day they heard a rushing noise over their
heads ; they thought they were discovered, but FaAvkes, on
inquiry, found that it was made by a man of the name of
Bright, who was selling off his coals from a cellar under the
House of Lords, in order to remove. They resolved at once
to take the cellar, for, exclusive of the labor, they found
the water now coming in on them. The cellar was taken in
Percy' s name also ; tAventy barrels of powder were conveyed
to it from the house in Lambeth, their iron tools and large
stones were put into the barrels with it, in order to give
more efficacy to the explosion, and the whole was covered
with billets and fagots ; and lumber and empty bottles Avere
scattered through the cellar. They then closed it up, placing
marks withinside of the door, that they might be able to
ascertain if any one should enter it during their absence.
Having sent Fawkes to Flanders to inform Sir WilUam
Stanley and other English officers of the project, and try to
obtain foreign aid, they separated for the summer. In the
autumn. Sir Edmund Baynham was sent to Rome, as the
agent of the conspirators, Avitli whose designs it is likely he
was acquainted. As it was necessary to have horses and
arras ready, Catesby pretended that he Avas commissioned
to raise a troop of horse for the Spanish service, and he had
thus a pretext for collecting arms, &c., at his oavu house,
and at that of Grant ; and several Catholic gentlemen under
taking to join him as volunteers, he directed them to pre
pare their arms, and to be ready when called on. He and
Percy now thought it necessary to associate some gentlemen
of wealth, in order to obtain the requisite funds; and they
fixed on Sir Everard Digby, of Rutlandshire, Ambrose

GUNPOWDER PLOT. 457
Eookwood, of Suffolk, and Francis Tresham, of Northamp
tonshire ; the two first, who were weak bigots, but virtuous
men, hesitated at first, but finally joined cordially in the
project ; the last, a man of indifferent character, was only
admitted on account of his wealth, and Catesby, it is said,
had ahvays a mistrust of him.
"Parliament being finally appointed to meet on the 5th
of November, the conspirators made their final arrangements.
FaAvkes was to fire the mine, by means of a slow match,
which would take a quarter of an hour to reach the powder ;
and as soon as he had lighted it, he was to hasten and get
aboard a small vessel which was ready in the river, and
carry the news over to Flanders. Digby was on that day to
assemble a number of the Catholic gentry, under pretext of a
hunting-party, at Dunchurch, in WarAvicksbire ; and as soon
as they heard of the blow being struck, they were to send a
party to seize the Princess Elizabeth, who was at Lord Har
rington's, in that neighborhood, and she was to be pro
claimed in case Winter should fail in the part assigned him,
of securing one of her brothers.
"There was one point which had been disputed from the
beginning, namely, how to act Avith respect to the Catholic
nobles. Catesby, it would seem, had little scruple about
destroying them with the rest, but the majority Avere for
saving their friends and relations. Tresham, in particular,
was most earnest to save his brothers-in-law, the Lords
Stourton and Mounteagle. It was finally agreed that no
express notice should be given, but that various pretexts
should be employed to induce their friends to stay aAvay.
This, however, did not content Tresham, and some days
after he urged on Catesby and Percy that notice" should be
given to Lord Mounteagle ; and on their hesitating, he hinted
that he should not be ready with the money he had promised,
and proposed that the catastrophe should be put off till the
closing of the Parliament. His arguments, hoAvever, proved
ineffectual. "On the 26th of October, Lord Mounteagle went and
supped at his house at Hoxton, where he had not beeu for a
month before. At supper a letter was handed him by a page,
who said he had received it from a strange man in the street.

458 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
It was anonymous. By his lordship's direction, a gentleman
named Ward read it aloud. It desired him to make some
excuse for not attending Parliament, 'for God and man,' it
said, ' hath concurred to punish the wickedness of this time,'
Avith sundry other mysterious hints. Lord Mounteagle took
it that very evening to Lord Salisbury, at Whitehall, who
shoAved it to some other lords of the council ; and it waa
decided that nothing should be done till the king's return
from Royston, Avhere he was hunting.
"Next day (31st) the king returned to London ; a council
was held the folloAving day on the subject of the letter, and
James hiraself is said to have divined its secret meaning.*
It was determined to search the cellar, but not till Monday,
the 4th. On that day, the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Mount
eagle, and others, went to the Parliament-house. They found
FaAvkes in the cellar, but they made no remark, and that
night, Sir Thomas Knevett, a magistrate, Avas sent to the
place with his assistants ; he met FaAvkes as he was stepping
out of the door, and arrested him, and on searching the cellar,
thirty-six barrels of poAvder Avere discovered. Fawkes was
brought before the council, where he avowed and gloried in
his design, but refused to name his accomplices ; he was then
committed to the Tower.
" FaAvkes was at first sullen, but on the 8th of November
he made a full confession, concealing, however, the names of
his associates, whom, hoAvever, next day he named to Lord
Salisbury. It is highly probable that, according to custom,
the rack had been applied to him.
' ' In the whole course of history, an instance raore demon
strative of the baleful effects of a false sense of religion on
the mind and heart is not to be found than this plot. A
more horrible design never was conceived ; yet those Avho
engaged in it were mostly men of mild manners, correct
lives, and independent fortunes— all, we may say, actuated
by no ignoble motive, but firmly believing that they were
doing good service to God. 'I am satisfied,' said John
Grant, on the day of his execution, 'that our project Avas so
far from being sinful, that I rely on my merits in bearing a
* He might have done this, and yet Cecil have known tha real fact already.

CHARLOTTE CORDAY— MARAT. 459
part of that noble action as an abundant satisfaction and
expiation for all sins committed by me during the rest of my
life.' ' Nothing grieves me,' said Robert "Winter to Fawkes,
' but that there is not an apology made bj^ some to justify
our doing in this business ; but our deaths aa^U be a suf
ficient justification of it, and it is for God's cause.' It is said
by GreeuAvay, that as Rookwood Avas draAvn to execution,
his Avife stood at an open Avindow in the Strand, comforting
him, and telling him ' to be of good courage, inasmuch as he
suffered for a great and noble cause.' Of the truth of this,
however, we are rather dubious ; fear alone Avould, we
apprehend, prevent her frora giving utterance to such ex
pressions." During the revolutionary movements of the last century,
no figure attracts more sympathy and interest among the
actors in sanguinary scenes of unjustifiable violence, than
that of Charlotte Corday, of Normandy, herself descended
from the Norman nobility. She Avas masculine in the vigor
of her intellect and acquaintance with political economy,
but virtuous and* modest in character. At first an advocate
of the French Revolution, because she hailed it as the daAvn
of national liberty, the unprincipled and bloody aspect it
soon assumed disheartened and alarmed her, until her single
absorbing thought was the protection of whatever of free
dom remained to France.
"Marat," records Madame Junot, "was at this period
the ostensible chief of the mountain party, and the most
sanguinary of its members. He Avas a most hideous deform
ity, both in mind and person ; his lank and distorted fea
tures, covered with leprosy, and his vulgar and ferocious
leer, Avere a true index of the passions which worked in his
odious mind. A series of unparalleled atrocities had raised
hira to the highest power with his party ; and though he
professed to be merely passive in the revolutionary govern
ment, his Avord was law with the Convention, and his fiat
irrevocable. In every thing relating to the acquisition of
Avealth he was incorruptible, and even gloried in his poverty.
But the immense influence he had acquired turned his brain,
and he gave full range to the evil propensities of his nature,
now unchecked by any authority. He had formed princi-

460 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
pies of political faith in which, perhaps, he sincerely be
lieved, but which were founded on his inherent love of
blood, and his hatred of every human being who evinced
talents or virtue above his fellow-men. The guillotine was
not only the altar of the distorted thing he worshipped,
under the name of Liberty, but it was also the instrument
of his pleasures : for his highest gratification Avas the writh-
ings of the victim who fell under his axe. Even Robespierre
attempted to check this unquenchable thirst of human blood ;
but in vain ; opposition only excited Marat to greater atroci
ties. With rage depicted in his livid features, and with the
howl of a demoniac, he would loudly declare that rivers of
blood could alone purify the land, and must, therefore, flow.
In his paper, entitled 'L' Ami du Peuple,' he denounced all
those whom he had doomed to death, and the guillotine
spared none whom he designated.
" Charlotte Corday, having read his assertion in this
journal, that three hundred thousand heads were requisite
to consolidate the liberties of the French people, could not
contain her feelings. Her cheeks flushed with indigna
tion : —
"'What!' she exclaimed, 'is there not in the whole
country a man bold enough to kill this monster ?'
"Imagining that, if she could succeed in destroying
Marat, the fall of his party must necessarily ensue, she
determined to offer up her own life for the good of her
country. "She went to the Palais Royal, and bought a sharp-
pointed carving-knife, with a black sheath. On her return
to the hotel in which she lodged — Hotel de la Providence,
Rue des Augustins — she made her preparation for the deed
she intended to commit the next day. Having put her
papers in order, she placed a certificate of her baptism in a
red pocket-book, in order to take it with her, and thus
establish her identity. This she did because she had re
solved to make no attempt to escape, and was, therefore,
certain she should leave Marat' s house for the conciergerie,
preparatory to her appearing before the revolutionary tri
bunal. " Next morning, the 14th, taking with her the knife she

ASSASSINATION OF MARAT. 401
had purchased, and her red pocket-book, she proceeded to
Marat's residence. The representative was ill, and could
not be seen, and Charlotte' s entreaties for admittance on the
most urgent business AA'ere unavailing. She therefore Avith;
drew, and wrote the following note, which she herself
DeUvered to Marat's servant : —
" Citizen Repeesentatitb : —
"I am just arrived from Caen. Your well-known patriotism leads me to
presume that you will be glad to be made acquainted with what is passing in
that part of the Republic. I will call on you again, in the course of the day ;
have the goodness to give orders that I may be adraitted, and grant me a few
minutes' conversation. I have important secrets to reveal to you.
"Chahlotte Cokdat.
"At seven o'clock in the evening she returned, and
reached Marat' s antechamber ; but the AVoman Avho waited
on him refused to admit her to the monster's presence.
Marat, however, who was in a bath in the next roora, hear
ing the voice of a young girl, and little thinking she had
corae to deprive him of life, ordered that she should be
shoAvn in. Charlotte seated herself by the side of the bath.
The conversation ran upon the disturbances in the depart
ment of Calvados ; and Charlotte, fixing her eyes upon
Marat's countenance, as if to scrutinize his most secret
thoughts, pronounced the names of several of the Girondist
deputies. " 'They shall soon be arrested,' he cried, with a howl of
rage, 'and executed the same day.'
"He had scarcely uttered tliese words, when Charlotte's
knife was buried in his bosom.
"'Help!' he cried; 'help! I am murdered.' He died
immediately." The very latest attempt at assassination was the fruitless
aim of the weapon of death at the life of Alexander of Russia,
whose details are still fresh iu the minds of the civilized
world — a madly rash endeavor to slay a monarch unrivaled
in regard for popular rights, and in the admiration of his
subjects, no less than of other nations. It revealed the
slumbering hate of the aristocratic class, and the certainty
that if a ruler' s policy infringe upon time-honored exclusive-

462 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ness, and proud but unrighteous distinctions, his life is in
peril, along with that of fhe tyrant who exasperates, with
better reason on their part, the outraged masses. This
naturally brings me to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln,
the purest patriot and wisest, most paternal ruler of any age.
I shall not discuss the political questions and resolutions
whose issue was the election to the presidential chair of
Abraham Lincoln, in the autumn of 1860. But to follow
the conspiracy against his life from the beginning to the
fearful end, I go back to the thwarted plot Avhich followed
that popular choice.
The statement made by a gentleman of Philadelphia, who
was a prominent actor in the defeat of the deliberate and
well-arranged plan to murder the President elect, Avill
furnish an argument in behalf of the detective service, the
strength of which is measured by the value of his useful Ufe
during more than four years. The narrative was substan
tiaUy as follows : —
In the month of January, 1861, a gentleman, holding a
position in this city which made him a proper agent to act
on the information, was waited upon by a lady, who stated
to him her suspicions or knoAvledge — whence derived we are
not able to say — of a plot to assassinate Mr. Lincoln when
on his way from his home, iu Illinois, to Washington, to be
inaugurated as President. The active parties, or some of
them, in the business, Avere understood to be in Baltimore.
At all events, the gentleman considered that the intelligence
had sufficient foundation to make it his duty to satisfy him
self whether it might be correct. He accordingly employed
a detective officer, a man who had in his profession become
notable for his sagacity and success, to go to Baltimore and
adopt his own course to detect the parties to and plan of
the conspiracy. The officer went to Baltimore, and opened
an office as some sort of broker or agent, under an assumed
name. Being supplied Avith needful funds, he made occa
sions to become acquainted Avith certain classes of secession
ists, and by degrees was on free and easy terms AAdth them.
He took each man in his humor, dined and supped Avith
sorae, gambled Avith others, 'treated,' and seconded dissipa
tions in more ways than need be expressly stated, until he

FIRST CONSPIRACY AGAINST MR. LINCOLN. 463
had secured enough of their confidence to be familiar with
the particulars of their schemes. Meanwhile it had been
ascertained that on the line of the Baltiraore Railroad there
were raen engaged in military drilling. Several other detec
tives were employed by the chief to discover the purpose
of those organizations ; and, disguised as laborers or farm
hands, they got themselves mustered in. One of the military
companies proved to be loyal in its purpose ; another, under
pretense of being prepared to guard one or more of the
bridges north of Baltimore, Avas designed for quite an oppo
site purpose. It will be i-emembered that some time before
Mr. Lincoln set out from his home for Washington, his
intended route thither Avas published. A part of the pro
gramme was that he should visit Harrisburg and Philadel
phia. We believe that Mr. Lincoln was not advised espe
cially of any personal danger until he was about to go to
Harrisburg, and then, at the instance of the gentleman
referred to, he was urged to proceed Avithout delay to Wash
ington. He replied, however, that he had promised the
people of Harrisburg to answer their invitation, and he
would do so if it cost him his life. He accordingly visited
Harrisburg on the 22d of February, 1861. It was intended
he should rest there that evening. But under the manage
ment of 'the gentleman,' another arrangement was effected.
The night train from Philadelphia to Baltimore and Wash
ington left at half- past ten o'clock in the evening. It was
determined that Mr. Lincoln should go secretly by that train
on the evening of the 23d ; and to enable hira to do so, a
special train was provided to bring him secretly from Harris
burg to Philadelphia. After dark, in the former city, when
it was presumed he had retired to his hotel, he accordingly
took the special train, and carae to Philadelphia. Mean
while, in anticipation of his coming, 'the gentleman' had
insured the detention of the Philadelphia and Baltimore
train, under the pretense that a parcel of important docu
ments for one of the departments in Washington must be
dispatched by it, but which might not be ready until after
the regular time of the starting of that train. By a sirailar
representation, the connecting train from Baltimore to Wash
ington Avas also detained. Owing to the late hour at Avliich

464 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
the special train left Harrisburg with Mr. Lincoln, it did not,
as was anticipated, reach this city until after the usual Phila
delphia and Baltiraore time. Mr. Lincoln was accompanied
by the officer who had been employed in Baltimore. A formi-
dable bundle of old railroad reports had been made up in the
office of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Company, which the
officer, duly instructed, had charge of. On the arrival of the
Harrisburg train, Mr. Lincoln took a carriage in waiting, and
with his escort Avas driven to the depot at Broad and Prime
Streets. The officer made some ostentatious bustle, arriving
with his parcel for which the train Avas detained, and pass
ing through the depot entered the cars, Mr. Lincoln in his
corapany. As JMr. Lincoln passed through the gate, the man
attending it remarked: 'Old fellow, it's AveU for you the
train was detained to-night, or you wouldn't have gone in
it.' No one aboard the train but the agent of the company
and the officer knew of Mr. Lincoln's being in it. He was
conducted to a sleeping car, and thus was kept out of the
Avay of observation. To guard against any possible commu
nication by telegraph at this time, the circuit Avas broken, to
be united Avlien it Avould be safe to do so. The plan of the
conspirators Avas to break or burn one of the bridges north
of Baltimore, at the time of Mr. Lincoln's anticipated ap
proach, on the following day ; and in the confusion incident
to the stoppage of the train, to assassinate hira in the cars.
Hence the extra precaution above mentioned, regarding the
telegraph. In due time the train with Mr. Lincoln reached
Washington, and he being safe there, the officer, as pre
viously instructed, sent a dispatch to 'the gentleman' that
'the parcel of documents had beeu delivered.' The pubUc,
and, above all, the conspirators, awoke on the morning of
the 24th to be astonished with the intelligence that Mr. Lin
coln had arrived in Washington. It may be well to mention
here that the story of his disguise in a 'Scotch cap' and
cloak, was untrue. He wore his ordinary traveling cap, and
was in no sense of the word disguised.
His safe arrival in the Capital, the public receptions, and
the joyful anticipations of the loyal people, succeeded the
hours of unappreciated danger, because generally unknown.

ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN.

465

The services of the remarkable man, during the war, have
become familiar history to the humblest citizen.
April 11, 1865, the National Capital and the country Avere
again jubilant over the closing victories of the conflict. The
recently reinaugurated President Avas serenaded, and made
congratulatory speeches amid the splendors of the evening
illumination. Then came the 14th, Avitli the corameraorative
flag-raising at Fort Sumter ; and the 17th Avas set apart for a
general expression of grateful joy.
But it Avas a day of darkness and woe, which has no
parallel in national annals. The events which shrouded the
land in this tearful gloom will be detailed in the account of
the capture of the assassin, and his career in its relation
to it. There Avas a very extraordinary indifference in the mind
of Mr. Lincoln in regard to threats of assassination, some of
which I coraraunicated to him. Several times I Avalked with
him in the grounds of the White House, at a late hour of
the evening, conversing upon such intelligence of the Avar as
I had received. Whenever allusion Avas made to the intima
tions of cherished designs upon his life, he almost playfully
Ustened, and apparently Avas unable to believe depravity
could go so far as to destroy a friend of all the people, such
as he felt himself to be. But the ris'k Avas taken, and the
plotting was too successful against the victorious loyalty of
the North.
About ten o'clock in the evening of April 14, 1865, Avhile
the play, "Our American Cousin," Avas progressing, a stran
ger, who proved to be John Wilkes Booth, an actor of some
,note, worked his way into the proscenium box, occupied by
the presidential party, and leveling a pistol close behind the
head of Mr. Lincoln, he fired, and the ball was lodged deep
in the brain of the President. The assassin then drew a dirk,
sprang from the box, flourishing the weapon aloft, and
shouted, as he reached the stage, the motto upon the es
cutcheon of the State of Virginia, ''Sic Semper Tyrannis .'"'
He dashed across the stage, and before the audience could
realize the real position of affairs, the murderer had mounted
a fleet horse in waiting in an alley in the rear of the theatre,
and galloping off, he escaped for a time.
30

466 UNITED STATES SECRET SERAICE.
The screams of jMrs. Lincoln first disclosed to the audi
ence the fact that the President Avas shot, Avhen all rose,
many pressing toAvard the stage, and exclairaing, "Hang
him ! Hang him !" The excitement Avas of the Avildest nature.
Others rushed for the President's box, Avliile others cried
out, "Stand back! Give him fresh air!" and called for
stimulants. It Avas not knoAvn at first wliere he Avas Avound
ed, the most of those about him thinking that he Ayas shot
through the heart; but after opening his vest, and finding
no Avouiid in his breast, it Avas discovered that he Avas shot
in the head, betAveen the left ear and the centre of the back
part of the head. In a feAV moraents he was borne to a pri
vate house, Mr. Peterson' s, j ust opposite the theatre, Avhere
the Surgeon-General, and several prominent physicians and
surgeons Avere speedilA' summoned. Meanwhile the mem
bers of the Cabinet, Avith the exception of Secretary SeAvard,
Avhose life had been atterapted by an assassin at .about the
same hour Avith the President, assembled in the room Avliere
the Chief Magistrate of the nation lay dying.
Secretaries Stanton, AVelles, Usher, McCulloch, Attorney-
General Speed, and Assistant Secretaries Maunsell B^ Field,
of the Treasury, and Judge William T. Otto, of the Interior,
together with Speaker Colfax, and several other prominent
geutleraen were present. The scene was one of extraordi
nary soleranity. The history of the Avorld does not furnish
a parallel. Quiet, breathing aAvay his life serenely, uncon
scious of all around, sensible to no pain, lay tlie great man
of the nineteenth century, passing hence to that immortality
Avhich has been accorded by Providence to foAV of earthly
mould. All the long, weary night, the watchers stood by the
couch of the dying President. From the moraent Avhen the
fatal bullet entered his brain he never spoke, never evinced
any consciousness, but, Avith closed eyes, rested in a repose
which appeared to be the quiet of death. Mrs. Lincoln and
Captain Robert Lincoln several times entered the chamber,
but their grief Avas such that they tarried but a brief time,
tender friends urging them to remain in the adjoining room.
Day dawned at length, and the tide of life ebbed more
rapidly, and at tAventy-two minutes past seven o'clock, on

LAST HOURS OF THE PRESIDENT. 467
the morning of Saturday, April 15, 1865, the President
breathed his last, closing his eyes as if falling to sleep, and
his countenance assuming an expression of perfect serenity.
There were no indications of pain, and it was not known
that he was dead until the gradually decreasing respiration
ceased altogether.
The Rev. Dr. Gurley, pastor of the Presbyterian ChTirch,
in Washington, which Mr. Lincoln attended regularly Avith
his family, imraediately on its being ascertained that life was
extinct, knelt at the bedside, and offered an impressive
prayer, which was responded to by all present.
Dr. Gurley then proceeded to the front parlor, Avhere
Mrs. Lincoln, Captain Robert Lincoln, Mr. John Hay, the
President's Private Secretary, and others were waiting,
where he again offered prayer for the consolation of the
family. The folloAving minutes, taken by Dr. Abbott, show the
condition of the President throughout the night: — 11 p. m.,
pulse 44 ; 11.05 P. M., pulse 45, and growing weaker ; 11.10
p. M., pulse 45 ; 11.15 p. m., pulse 42 ; 11.20 p. m., pulse 4.5,
respiration 27 to 30 ; 11.25 p. m., pulse 42 ; 11.32 p. m., pulse
48 and full ; 11.40 p. m., pulse 45 ; 21.45 p. m., pulse 45, respi
ration 22 ; 12.08 A. M., respiration 22 ; 12.15 a. m., respiration
21, ecchymosis of both eyes; 12.30 a. m., pulse 54; 12.82
A. M., pulse 60 ; 12.35 A. m., pulse 66 ; 12.40 A. M., pulse 69 ;
right eye much swollen, and ecchymosed ; 12.45 a. m., pulse
70, respiration 27 ; 12.55 A. jr., pulse 80, struggling motion of
arms; 1 A. m., pulse 86, respiration 30 ; 1.30 A. M., pulse 95,
appearing easier ; 1.45 A. M., pulse 87, very quiet, respira
tion irregular, Mrs. Lincoln present ; 2.10 a. m., Mrs. Lincoln
retired with Robert Lincoln to an adjoining room ; 2.30 A. M.,
the President is very quiet, pulse 54, respiration 28 ; 2.62
A. M., pulse 48, respiration 30 ; 3 a. m., visited again by Mrs.
Lincoln ; 3.25 A. m., respiration 24, and regular ; 3.25 a. m.,
praj^er by the Rev. Dr. Gurley ; 4 a. m., respiration 26, and
regular ; 4.15 a. m., pulse 60, respiration 25 ; 5.50 a. m., res
piration 28 and regular, sleeping ; 6 a.m., pulse failing, res
piration 28 ; 6.30 A. M., still failing, and labored breathing ;
7 A. M., symptoms of immediate dissolution; 7.22 ^. M.,
death..

468 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Surrounding the death-bed of the President Ayere Secreta
ries Stanton, Welles, Usher, Attorney-General Speed, Post
master-General Dennison, M. T. Field, Assistant Secretary
of the Treasury ; Judge Otto, Assistant Secretary of Interior;
General Halleck, General Meigs, Senator Sumner, F. R.
AndreAvs, of New York ; General Todd, of Dacotah ; John
Hay, Private Secretary ; Governor Oglesby, of Illinois ; Gen
eral FarnsAvorth, Mr. and Miss Kenny, Miss Harris, Captain
Robert Lincoln, son of the President, and Dr. E. W. Abbott,
R. K. Stone, C. D. Gatch, Neal Hall, and Leiberman. Sec
retary McCulloch remained with the President until about .'5
A. AI., and Chief- Justice Chase, after several hours attend
ance during the night, returned again early in the morning,
A special Cabinet meeting Avas called immediately after
the President's death, by Secretary Stanton, and held in the
room where the corpse lay. Secretaries Stanton, Welles,
and Usher, Postmaster-General Dennison, and Attorney.
General Speed, were present.
After his death, a complete examination was made of the
wound with the following result : The ball entered the skull
midway between the left ear and the center of the hack of
the head, and passed nearly to the right eye. The ball and
two loose fragments of lead Avere found in the brain. Sin-
gulaily enough, both orbital roofs Avere fractured inwardly,
properly frora contre-coup. The tenacity of life was special
ly noticed by every surgeon in attendance. The brain was
taken out, but a considerable portion of it had already
escaped frora the wound.
The autopsy of the President Avas made in the presence
of Surgeon-General Barnes, Dr. Crane and Dr. Stone, of
Washington, and by Drs. Woodward, Notson, and Curtis,
of the regular army.
STATEMENT OF MR. FIELD, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE
TREASURY.
On Friday evening, April 14, 18155, at about half-past 10 o'clock, I was
sitting in the reading-room at Willard's Hotel, engaged with a new.spaper,
when a person hurriedly entered the hotel and passed up the hall, announcing
in a loud tone of voice that the President had just been shot at Ford's Theatre.
T started to my feet, and had hardly reached the office when two other per-

STATEMENT OF MR. FIELD. 469
sons came in, and confirmed the report — which at first I was hardly able to
credit. I had parted about fifteen minutes previously with Mr. Mellen, of the
Treasury Department, who had retired to his room for the night, and I at
once went to hira and communicated what had occurred, and we started
together for the scene of the tragedy.
We found the .streets already crowded with excited masses of people, and
when we reached the theater there was a very large assemblage in front ofit,
as well as of the opposite house, belonging to Air. Peterson, into which the
President had been conveyed. The people around the theater related to ns
substantially the general facts connected with the assassination, wliich have
since been communicated to the public. The impression was prevalent,
however, at that time, that the President had been shot in the breast,
about the i-egion of the heart, and th,«it the wound might not prove fatal.
After a few minutes, we crossed the street, and endeavored to gain .admis
sion into the house where Mr. Lincoln lay. This I effected with some little
difiiculty. The first person whom I met in the hall was Miss Harris, daughter of
United States Sen.itor Ira Harris, of New A'ork, who had beeu at the theater
with the Presidential party. She informed me tliat the President was dying,
but desired me not to communicate the fact to Mrs. Lincoln, who was in tho
front parlor. Several other persons who were there confirmed the st.atement
as to Mr. Lincoln's condition. I then entered the front parlor, where I found
Mrs. Lincoln in a state of indescribable agitation. She repeated over and
over again, "Wliy didn't he kill me? Why didn't he kill me?"
I asked if there w.as any service I could render her, and she requested mo
to go for Dr. Stone, or some other eminent physician. Both Dr. St(me and
Sungeou-General Barnes had been already sent for, but neither had \'et
arrived. On my way out I met Major T. T. Eckert, of the AVar Department,
who told me that he was himself going for Dr. Stone. I then went for Dr.
Hall, one of the most distinguished surgeons in the District. I found him .at
home, and he at once accompanied rae. AVhen we agiiin readied the neigh
borhood of the house, access had become very difficult, guards having been
stationed on every side.
After much effort, I was enabled to obtain admission for Dr. H.all, but was
not at that time permitted to enter myself; accordingly I returned to AVil-
hird's. The whole population of the city was by this time out, and all kinds
of conflicting stories were being circulated. At three or four o'clock, I again
started for Mr. Peterson's house. Tliis time I was admitted without difficulty.
I proceeded at once to the room in which the President was dying. It was a
small chamber, in an extension or back building, on a level with the first or
parlor floor. The President was lying on his back, di.agonally across a low,
double bedstead, his head supported by two pillows on the outer side of the
bed. The persons in the room were the Secretaries McCulloch. Stanton, Welles.
and Harlan, Postm.aster-General Dennison, the Attorney-General, the Assist
ant Secretary of the Interior, Senator Sumner, of Muss.achusetts, General
Halleck, General Augur, General Aleigs, General J. F. Farnsworth, of Illinois,
General Todd, of Dacotah, the President's Assistant Private Secretary, Major

470 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Hay, the medical gentlemen, and perhaps two or three others. Dr. Stone
was sitting on the foot of the bed. An array surgeon was sitting opposite
the President's head, occasionally feeling his pulse, and applying his fingers
to the arteries of the neck and the heart.
Mr. Lincoln seemed to be divested of all clothing, except the bed cover
ings. His eyes were closed, and the lids and surrounding parts so injected
with blood as to present the appearance of having been bruised. lie was
evidently totally unconscious, and was breathing regularly but he.avily, and
with an occasional sigh escaping with the breath. There was scarcely a dry
eye in the room, and the scene was the most solemn and impressive one I
ever witnessed. After a while. Captain Robert Lincoln, of General Grant's
staff', and eldest son of the President, entered the chamber, and stood al the
headboard, leaning over his father.
For a time his grief completely overpowered him, but he soon recovered
himself, .and behaved in the most manly manner until tlie closing of the .scenci.
As the morning wore on, the condition of tlie President remained unchanged
until about seven o'clock. In the mean time, it carae on to rain heavily, and
the scene from the windows was in dreary sympathy witli that which wa3
going on witliiu. ,Tust hefore this. Airs. Lincoln had been supported into the
chamber, and had thrown herself moaning upon her husband's body. She
wH-i permitted to remain but a few minutes, when she was carried out, in an
.almost insensible condition.
At about seven o'clock, the President's breathing changed in a manner to
indicate that death was rapidly approaching. It became low and fitful, with
frequent interruptions. Several times I thought that all was over, until the
feeble respiration was resumed. At last, .at just twenty-two minutes past
seven o'clock, without a struggle, without a convulsive movement, without a
tremor, he ceased breathing — and was no more.
Thus died this great, pure, kind-hearted man, who never willingly injured
a human being — the greatest martyr to liberty the world has ever seen.
Shortly after his death, finding that his eyes were not entirely closed, I
placed my hands upon them. One of the .attendant .surgeons flrst put nickel
cents upon them, and then substituted silver half dollars. It was twenty
minutes or half an hour before the body commenced to grow cold. The lower
jaw began to fall slightly, and the lower teeth were exposed. One of tbe
medical gentlemen bound up the jaw with a pocket handkerchief. Mr.
Stanton threw down the window-shades, and I left the chamber of death.
Immediately after the decease, the Rev. Dr. Gurley had offered up a fervent
and affecting prayer in the room, interrupted only by tho sobs of those
present. AVhen I left the room, he was again praying in the front parlor. Poor
Mrs. Lincoln's moans were distressing to listen to. After the prayer was
over, I entered the parlor, and found Mrs. Lincoln, supported in the arms of
her son, Robert. She was soon taken to her carriage. As she reached the
front door, slie glanced at the theater opposite, and exclaimed several times,
"Oh, that dreadful house! that dreadful house!" Immediately thereafter,
guards were stationed at the door of the room in which the President's body

MAJOR RATHBONE'S STATEMENT. 471
lay. In a few minutes I left myself. It is hoped that some liL^iloricul painter
will be found capable of portraying that momentous death-scene.
MAJOR RATHBONE'S STATEMENT.
In connection with the murder of Mr. Lincoln, Ave give
the statements of Major Rathbone and Miss Harris, Avbo were
in the President's box at the time. Being the only persons
except Mrs. Lincoln, Avho were present Avhen Booth executed
his foul purpose, their statements are of great interest, delin
eating as they do the scenes Avhich imraediately transpired.
Major Rathbone appeared before the investigating magis
trate, and testified as follows : —
That on the lith April, 1865, at about twenty minutes past eight o'clock
in the evening, he, with Miss Clara H. Harris, left his residence, at the corner
of Fifteenth and H Streets, and joined the President and Mrs. Lincoln, aud
went with them in their carriage to Ford's Theater, in Tenth Street. The
box assigned to the President is iu the second tier, on the right-hand side of
the audience, and was occupied by the President and Mrs. Lincoln, Miss Har
ris, and the deponent — and by no other person. The box is entered by pass
ing from the front of the building, in the rear of the dress circle, to a small
entry, or p.assage-way, about eight feet in length and four feet in width.
This p.assage-way is entered by a door, which opens on the inner side.
The door is so phaced as to make an acute angle between it and the wall
behind it on the inner side. At the inner end of this passage-way is another
door, standing squarely across, and opening into the box. On the left-hand
side of the passage-way, and very near the inner end, is a third door, whioh
also opens into the box. This latter door was closed. The party entered the
box through the door at the end of tho p.assage-w.ay. The box is so con
structed, that it may be divided into two by a movable partition, one of the
doors described opening into each. The front of the box is about ten or
twelve feet in length, and in the ceuter of the r.ailing is a small pillar, over
hung with a curtain. The depth of the box from front to rear is about nine
' feet. Tlie elevation of the box above the stage, including the railing, is about
ten or twelve feet.
When the party entered the box, a cushioned arm-chair was standing at
the end of the box furthest from the stage, and nearest the audience. This
was also the nearest point to the door by which the box is entered. The
President seated himself in this chair — and, except that he once left the chair
for the purpose of putting on his overcoat, remained so seated until he was
shot. Mrs. Lincoln was seated in a chair between the President and the
pillar in the center above described. At the opposite end of the box — that
nearest the end of the stage — were two chairs. In one of these, standing in
the corner. Miss Harris was seated. At her left hand, and along the wall
running from that end of the box to the rear, stood a small sofa. At the end

472 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
of this sofa, next to Miss Harris, this deponent was seated. The distance
between this deponent and the President, as they were sitting, was about
seven or eight feet; and the distance between this deponent and the door was
about the same.
The di.<tance between the President, as he sat, and the door, was about
four or five feet. The door, according to the recollection of this deponent,
was not closed during the evening. AA'hen the second scene of the third act
was being performed, and while this deponent was intently observing the
proceedings upon the stage, with his back toward the door, he heard the
discharge of a pistol behind him, and looking around, saw, through the smoke,
a man between the door and the President. At the sarae time, deponent
heard hira shout some word, which deponent thinks was " Freedom I" This
deponent instantly sprang toward him and seized liiin ; he wrested himself
from the grasp, and made a violent thrust at the breast of deponent with a
large knife. Deponent parried the blow by striking it up, and received
a wound several inches deep in his left arm, between the elbow and the
shoulder. The orifice of the wound is about an inch and a lialf in length,
and extends upward toward the shoulder several inches. The man rushed
to the front of the box, and deponent endeavored to seize him again, but only
caught his clothes, as he was leaping over the railing of the box. The clothes,
as deponent believes, were torn iu this attempt to seize him.
As he went over upon the stage, deponent cried out, with a loud voice,
"Stop that man!" Deponent then turned to the President; his position was
not changed ; his head was slightly bent forvvard, and his eyes were closed.
Deponent saw that he was unconscious, and supposing hira mortally wounded,
rushed to the door for the purpose of calling medical aid. On reaching the
outer door of the pas.sage-way, as above described, deponent found it barred
by a heavy piece of plank, one end of which was secured in the wall, and the
other resting against the door. It had been so securely fastened, that it
required considerable force to remove it. This wedge, or bar, was about fonr
feet from the floor. Persons upon the outside were beating against the door,
for the purpose of entering. Deponent removed the bar, and the door was
opened. Several persons, who represented theraselves to be surgeons, were allowed
to enter. Deponent saw there Colonel Crawford, and requested him to pre
vent other persons from entering the box. Deponent then returned to the
box, and found the surgeons examining the President's person. They luid
not yet discovered the wound. As soon as it was discovered, it was deter
mined to remove hira from the theater. He was carried out, aud this depo
nent then proceeded to a.ssist Mrs. Lincoln, who was intensely excited, to
leave the theater. On reaching the head of the stairs, deponent requested
Major Potter to aid him in assisting Mrs. Lincoln across the street, to the
house to which the President was being conveyed. The wound which depo
nent had received had been bleeding very profusely, and ou reaching the
house, feeling very faint from the loss of blood, he seated himself in the hall.

AFFIDAVIT OF MISS HARRIS. 473
nnd soon after fainted away, and was laid upon the floor. Upon the return
of consciousness, deponent was taken in a carriage to his residence.
In the review of the transaction, it is the confident belief of this deponent
that the time which elapsed between the discharge of the pistol .and the timo
when the assassin leaped from the box, did not exceed thirty seo'jnds. Neither
Mrs. Lincoln nor Miss Harris had left their seats. H. R. Rathbone.
Subscribed and sworn before me, this 17th day of April, 1865.
A. B. Clin,
Justice Supreme Court, District of Columbia.
AFFIDAVIT OF MISS HARRIS.
District of Columbia, City of Washington, ss. :
Clara H. Harris, being duly sworn, says that she has read the foregoing
afliidavit of Major Rathbone, and knows the contents thereof; that she was
present at Ford's Theater with the President, and Mrs. Lincoln, and M.ajor
Rathbone, on the evening of the 14th of April instant ; that at the time she
heard the discharge of the pistol she was attentively engaged in observing
what was transpiring upon the stage, and looking round, she saw Major
Rathbone spring from his seat and advance to the opposite side of the box;
that she saw him engaged, as if in a struggle, with another man, but tho
smoke witli which he was enveloped prevented this deponent from seeing
distinctly the other man; that the first time she saw him distinctly, was when
he leaped from the box upon the stage; that she then heard Major Rathbone
cry out, "Stop that man!" and this deponent then imraediately repeated the
cry, "Stop that man! Won't somebody stop that m.an?" A moment after,
some one from the stage asked, "What is it?" or "What is the raattfir?" and
deponent replied, "Tlie President is shot. Very soon after, two persons, one
wearing the uniform of a n.aval surgeon, and the other that of a soldier of the
Veteran Reserve Corps, came upon the stage, and the deponent assisted them
in chmbing np to the box.
And this deponent further says, that the facts stated in the foregoing
affidavit, so far as the same came to the knowledge or notice of this deponent,
are accurately stated therein. Clara H. Hahbis.
Subscribed and sworn before me, this 17th day of April, 1865.
A. B. Olin,
Justide of Supreme Court, District of Columbia.
SURGEON-GENERAL BARNES'S STATEMENT.
On the night of the assassination, Surgeon-General Barnes was met in
front of Willard's Hotel, by an officer, pale and breathless, who informed him
that the President had been shot. Snpposing th.at the deed was done at the
White House, General Barnes hurried thitherward. Stojiping .at the Sur
geon-General's office, to give orders for assistance, he fouud a summons to

474 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
the bedside of Secretary Seward, who had been attacked by an assassin.
Believing that the two stories were from this, Barnes hurried to tho chamber
of Air. Seward. He found hiin lying upon the bed, with one cheek cut open
and part of the flesh lying upon the pillow. The room presented a horrible
scene. Blood was everywhere. The attendants were helpless. A deed of
horror had been enacted ; but there was no one to explain its details. Dr.
Barnes immediately gave his attention to Mr. Seward ; but soon afterward
Dr. Norris arrived, and turning over the Secretary to his care, the Surgeon-
General proceeded to look after the Assistant Secretary, Frederick Seward,
who was lying insensible upon a sofa in the adjoining room. In the mean
time, other surgical attendants had come, among whom was Dr. Notson, and
while ministering to the wounded at Secretary Seward's, the Surgeon-General
was summoned to the dying murdered President.
DESCRIPTION OF FORD'S THEATRE.
Ford's Theater, now converted into a museum of war
relics, is situated on Tenth Street, just above E Street ; a
large edifice, built of brick, and plain in appearance. The
four upper boxes were the boxes of the theatre, and very
elegant and spacious.
The box which the President occupied, and which was
known as "The President's Box," consisted of the two
upper boxes on the right-hand side of the house as you face
the stage, throAvn into one. It was fitted up Avith great ele
gance and taste. The curtains were of fine lace and buff
satin, the paper dark and figured, the carpet Turkey, the
seats velvet, and the exterior ornamentations were lit up
Avith a chaste chandelier suspended frora the outside. A
Avinding staircase led up to the lobbies which conducted to
the box, and unless the arrangements Avere stringent, no
decently dressed person would find much difficulty, proba
bly, in entering after being opened for the ingress of the
party. The house would hold probably between two and
three thousand people.
There were two alleys at Ford' s Theater. One led frora
the stage, along the east side of the theater, between the
theatre and a refreshment saloon, and so out to Tenth Street.
The alley was neatly paved, and boarded and papered on
both sides. The entry to it from the stage was through a
glass door, and the exit from it on to Tenth Street through a
wooden one.

ANONYMOUS COAOIUNICATIONS. 475
The other passage-Avay led from the back of the theatre to
a small alley which communicated with Ninth and other
streets, and conducted to a livery-stable locality. It was in
this alley that the horse of the murderer was kept waiting.
The Tenth Street door would have been too public, and
escape, even temporary, a matter of impossibility. But the
escape by the alley leading from the back of the stage was
comparatively safe.
There were two doors there, one used for the egress and
ingress of the actors, and the other devoted to the accommo
dation of scenery and machinery. It was through the smaller
one that the assassin made his exit.
On one occasion I carried to Mr. Lincoln two anonymous
communications, in which he was threatened with assassina
tion. In a laughing, joking manner, he remarked, "Well,
Baker, what do they want to kill me for ? If they kill me,
they will run the risk of getting a worse man."

CHAPTER XXXV.,
THE ASSASSINS CAPTURED.
Excitement around my Headquarters at Washington — The Cliief Conspirator — A
Graphic Narrative of his Arrest — His Burial — Desire for Relics from his Body-
Hanging of the Conspirators.
Along with my own narrative, and that of other officers,
I shall freely quote from sketches Avritten at the time by
others, and chiefly at my headquarters, around which the
excitement attending tlie dreadful tragedy seemed to surge,
like a felt but invisible tide, gathering strength every hour.
To gratify, as far as possible to do so, the mournful curiosity
of the people to learn the details of the affair, some corre
spondence directly from the centre of investigation and emo
tion Avas allowed. With this general explanation, there will
be no further reference to the extracts ; they will be indi
cated by their connection and the tone of narrative, and
quite accurate in detail.
One of the writers, whose account of Booth's arrest may
seem somewhat "sensational," and who sat in my office un
der unusual nervous excitement, created by the extraordi
nary circumstances, is now a foreign correspondent of a
leading NeAV York daily.
" John Wilkes Booth was the projector of the plot against
the President, which culminated in the taking of that good
man's life. He had rolled under his tongue the sweet para
graphs of Shakespeare referring to Brutus, as his father had
so well, that the old man named one son Junius Brutus, and
the other John Wilkes, after the wild English agitator, until
it becarae his arabition, like the wicked Lorenzino de Medici,
to stake his life upon one stroke for farae, the murder of a
ruler obnoxious to the South.
"Booth shrank at first from murder, until another and

THE KIDNAPPING PLOT. 477
less dangerous resolution failed. This was no less than the
capture of the President's body, and its detention or trans
portation to the South. I do not rely for this assertion upon
his sealed letter, Avhere he avows it ; there has been found
upon a street Avithiu the city limits a house belonging to one
Mrs. Greene, mined and furnished with underground apart
ments, furnished Avith manacles, and all the accessories to
private imprisonment. Here the President, and as many as
could be gagged and conveyed away Avith him, Avere to be
concealed, in the event of failure to run thera into the Con
federacy. OAving to his failure to group around him as many
men as he desired. Booth abandoned the project of kidnap
ping ; but the house Avas discovered, as represented, ready
to be bloAvn up at a moment's notice.
"It Avas at this tirae that Booth devised his triumphal
route through the South. The dramatic element seems to
have been never lackin-^- in his design, and with all his base
purposes he never failed to consider some subsequent noto
riety to be enjoyed. He therefore shipped, before the end
of 1861, his theatrical Avardrobe from Canada to Nassau.
After the commission of his crime he intended to reclaim it,
and 'star' through the South, drawing many, as much by
his crirae as his abilities.
"AVhen Booth began, 'on his own responsibility,' to
hunt for accoraplices, he found his theory at fault. The
bold raen he had dreamed of refused to join him in the rash
attempt at kidnapping the President, and Avere too conscien
tious to meditate murder. All those Vho presented them
selves Avere military men, uuAvilling to be subordinate to a
• civilian and a mere play actor, and the mortified bravo found
himself, therefore, compelled to sink to a petty rank in the
plot or to make use of base and despicable assistants. His
vanity found it easier to compound with the second alterna
tive than the first.
"Here began the first resolve, which, in its mere animal
state, we raay name courage. Booth found that a tragedy
in real life could no more be enacted without greasy-faced
and knock-kneed supernumeraries than upon the mimic
stage. Your 'First Citizen,' Avho SAvings a stave for Marc
Antony, and drinks hard porter behind the flies, is very like

478 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
the bravo of real life, Avho murders between his cocktails at
the nearest bar. Wilkes Booth had passed the ordeal of a
garlicky green-room, and did not shrink frora the broader
and ranker green-room of real life. He assembled around
hira, one by one, the cut-throats at Avhom his soul Avould
have revolted, except that he had become, by resolve, a cut
throat in himself. ,
"About this time certain gentlemen in Canada began to
be unenviably knoAvn. I make no charges against those
Avhora I do not knoAV, but simpl}^ say that the Confederate
agents, Jacob Thompson, Larry McDonald, Clement Clay,
and some others, had already accomplished enough villainy
to make Wilkes Booth, on the first of the present year, be
lieve that he had but to sei^k an intervioAV Avith them.
" He A'isited the provinces once certainly, and three tiraes
it is believed, stopping in Montreal at St. Lawrence Hall.
and' banking four hundred and fifty-five dollars odd at the
Ontario Bank. This Avas his oavu money. I have myself
seen his bank-book Avith the single entry of this araount. It
was found in the roora of Atzeroth at KirkAvood's Hotel.
' ' Sorae one or all of these agents furnished Booth with a
murderer — the felloAV Wood, or Payne, who stabbed Mr.
SeAvard, and Avas caught at Mrs. Surratt' s house in Washing
ton. He Avas one of three Kentucky brothers, all outlaAvs,
and had hiraself, it is believed, accompanied one of his
brothers, who is knoAvn to have been at St. Albans on the
day of the bank delivery. This Payne, besides being posi
tively identified as the assassin of the SoAvards, had no
friends nor haunts in Washington. He Avas siraply a dis
patched murderer, and after the night of the crirae struck
iiorthAvard for the frontier, instead of south Avard in the com- ,
pany of Booth. The proof of this Avill foUoAV in the course
of the article.
"Half applauded, half rebuffed by the rebel agents in
Canada, Booth's impressions of his visit were just those
which Avould whet hira soonest for the tragedy. His vanity
had been fed by the assurance that success depended upon
hiraself alone, and that as he had the responsibility he
would absorb the fame ; and the method of correspondence

TOBACCO AND SLAVERY. 479
was of that dark and mysterious shape which powerfully
operated upon his dramatic temperament.
"What could please an actor, and the son of an actor,
better than to mingle as a principal in a real conspiracy, the
aims of which were pseudo-patriotic, and the ends so as
tounding, that at its coraing the whole globe Avould reel.
Booth reasoned that the ancient Avorld Avould not feel more
sensitively the death of Julius Csesar, than the new the sud
den taking off of Abraham Lincoln.
" And so he grew into the idea of murder. It became his
business thought. It was his recreation and his study. He
had not worked half so hard for histrionic success as for his
terrible graduation into an assassin. He had fought often on
the boards, and had seen men die in well-imitated horror,
with flowing blood upon the keen sword's edge, and the
strong stride of mimic victory with which he flourished his
weapon at the closing of the curtain. He embraced con
spiracy like an old diplomatist, and found in the woman and
the spot subjects for emulation.
" Southeast of Washington stretches a tapering peninsula,
composed of four fertile counties, Avhich at the remote tip
make Point Lookout, and do not contain any toAvn Avithin
them of more than a feAV hundred inhabitants. Tobacco has
ruined the land of these, and slavery has ruined the people.
Yet, in the beginning they were of that splendid stock of
Calvert and Lord Baltimore, but retain to-day only the reli
gion of the peaceful founder. I mention, as an exceptional
and remarkable fact, that every conspirator in custody is by
education a Catholic. These are loyal citizens elsewhere,
but the western shore of Maryland is a noxious and pestilen
tial place for patriotism.
"The country immediately outside of the District of Co
lumbia, to the south, is named Prince George's, and the
pleasantest village of this county, close to Washington, is
called Surrattsville. This consists of a feAV cabins at a cross
road, surrounding a fine old hotel, the master Avhereof, giv
ing the settlement his name, left the property to his wife,
who for a long time carried it on with indifferent success.
Having a son and several daughters, she moved to Wash
ington soon after the beginning of the war, and left the tav-

480 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ern to a trusty friend — one John Lloyd. Surrattsville has
gained nothing in patronage or business from the Avar, except
that it became, at an early date, a rebel post-office. The
great secret mail frora Matthias Creek, Virginia, to Port
Tobacco, struck Surrattsville, and thence headed off to the
east of Washington, going meanderingly north. Of this post
route Mrs. Surratt Avas a manageress ; and John Lloyd. Avheii
he rented her hotel, assumed the responsibility of looking
out for the mail, as Avell as the duty of making Mrs. Surratt
at home Avben she chose to visit him.
"So Surrattsville, only ten miles from Washington, has
been throughout the AA'ar a seat of conspiracy. It Avas like a
suburb of Richmond, reaching quite up to the rival capital ;
and though the few Unionists on the peninsula kncAV its
reputation Avell enough, nothing of the sort came out until
after the murder.
" Treason never found a better agent than Mrs. Surratt.
She Avas a large, masculine, self-possessed female, mistress
of her house, and as lithe a rebel as Belle Boyd or Mrs.
Greensborough. She had not the flippancy and menace of
the first, nor the social poAver of the second ; but the rebellion
has found no fitter agent.
"At her country tavern and Washington horae. Booth
Avas made Avelcome, and there began the muttered murder
against the nation and mankind.
"The acquaintance of Mrs. Surratt in Lower Maryland
undoubtedly suggested to Booth the route of escape, and
made him knoAvn to his subsequent accomplices. Last fall
he visited the entire region, as far as Leonardstown, in St.
Mary's County, professing to buy land, but really making
himself inforraed upon the rebel post stations, with all the
leading affiliations upon Avhom he could depend. At this
time he bought a map, a fellow to Avhich I have seen among
Atzeroth' s effects, published at Buffalo for the rebel govern
ment, and marking at hap-hazard all the Maryland villages,
but without tracing the high-roads at all. The absence of
these roads, it will be seen hereafter, very nearly misled
Booth during his crippled flight.
" When Booth cast around him for assistants, he naturally
selected those men whom he could control. The first that

BOOTH'S THREE SCHEMES. 481
recommended himself was one Harold, a youth of inane and
plastic character, cairied away by the example of an actor,
and full of execrable quotations, going to shoAV tliat that he
was an imitator of the master spirit, both in text and admira
tion. This Harold was a gunner, and therefore versed in
arms ; he had traversed the Avhole lower portion of Mary
land, and Avas therefore a geographer as Avell as a tool. His
friends lived at every farm-house between Washington and
Leonardsville, and he was respectably enough connected, so
as to make his association creditable as Avell as useful.
"Young Surratt does not appear to have been a puissant
spirit in the scheme ; indeed, all design and influence therein
was 'absorbed by Mrs. Surratt and Booth. The latter was
the head and heart of the plot ; Mrs. Surratt Avas his anchor,
and the rest of the boys were disciples to Iscariot and Jeze
bel. John Surratt, a youth of strong Southein physiogno
my, beardless and lanky, knew of the raurder and connived
at it. ' Sara ' Arnold and one McLaughlin AA'ere to have
been parties to it, but backed out in the end. They all
relied upou Mrs. Surratt, and took their 'cues' frora Wilkes
Booth. "The conspiracy had its oavu tirae and kept its OAvn
counsel. Murder, except among the principals, Avas seldom
mentioned except by genteel implication. But they all pub
licly agreed that Mr. Lincoln ought to be shot, and that the
North was a race of fratricides. Much Avas said of Brutus,
and Booth repeated heroic passages, to the delight of Harold,
who learned them also, and wondered if he was not born to
greatness. "In this gi'OAving darkness, Avhere all rehearsed cold-
hearted murder, Wilkes Booth greAV great of statui-e. He
had fouud a purpose consonant Avith his evil nature and bad
influence over weak men ; so he groAV moodier, more vigi
lant, more plausible. By mien and temperament he Avas
born to handle a stiletto. We have no face so markedly
Italian ; it would stand for Gajsar Borgia any day in the
year. All the rest Avere SAvayed or persuaded by Booth ; his
schemes were three in order : —
" 1st. To kidnap the President and Cabinet, and run them
South or bloAV them up.
31

48'^ UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
" 2d. Kidnapping failed, to murder the President and the
rest, and seek shelter in the Confederate capital.
"3d The rebellion failed, to be its avenger, and throw
the country into consternation, Avhile he escaped by the
unfrequented parts of Maryland.
"When this last resolution had been made, the plot was
both contracted and extended. There Avere made two dis
tinct circles of confidants, those aAvare of the meditated mur
der, and those Avho might shrink from murder, though will
ing accessories for a lesser object. Tavo colleagues for blood
Avere at once accepted, Payne and Atzeroth.
' ' The former I have sketched ; he is believed to have
visited Washington once before, at Booth's citation ; for the
murder was at first fixed for the day of inauguration. Atze
roth Avas a fellow of German descent, who had led a despe
rate life at Port Tobacco, Avliere he was a house-painter. He
had been a blockade-runner across the Potomac, and a mail-
carrier. When Booth aud Mrs. Surratt broke the design to
him, with a suggestion that there Avas wealth in it, he em
braced the offer at once, and bought a dirk and pistol.
Payne also came from the North to Washington, and, as fate
Avould have it, the President Avas announced to appear at
Ford's Theater in public. Then the resolve of blood was
reduced to a definite moment.
' ' On the night before the crime, Booth found one on
Ayliora he could reh'. John Surratt was sent uorthAvard by
his mother on Thursday. Sam Arnold and McLaughlin,
each of whom was to kill a Cabinet officer, grew pigeon-
liA-ered and ran aAvay. Harold, true to his partiality, lin
gered around Booth tp the end ; Atzeroth went so far as to
take his knife and pistol to KirkAy ood's, where President
Johnson was stopping, and hid them under the bed. But
either his courage failed, or a trifling accident deranged his
plan. But Payne, a professional murderer, stood 'game,'
and fought his Avay over prostrate figures to the sick victim's
bed. There was great confusion and terror araong the tacit
and rash conspirators ou Thursday night. They had looked
upon the plot as of a melodrama, and found to their horror
that John Wilkes Booth meant to do murder.
"Six Aveelis before the murder, young John Surratt had

THE CARBINES-LLOYD— ATZEROTH. 483
taken two splendid repeating carbines to Surrattsville, and
told John Lloyd to secrete them. The latter made a hole in
the wainscoting and suspended them from strings, so thai,
they fell within the plastered wall of the room below. On
the very afternoon of the murder, Mrs. Surratt was driven tt)
Surrattsville, and she told John Lloyd to have the carbines
ready, because they Avould be called for that night. Harold
Avas made quartermaster, and hired the horses. He and
Atzeroth were mounted between eight o'clock and the time
of the murder, aud riding about the streets together.
"The Avhole party Avas prepared for a long ride, as their
spurs and gauntlets show. It may have been their design to
ride in company to the Lower Potomac, and by their num
bers exact subsistence and transportation.
"Lloyd, I may interpolate, ordered his Avife, a few days
before the murder, to go on a visit to Allen's Fresh. She
says she does not knoAV why she was so sent away, but
swears that it is so. Harold, three weeks before the murder,
visited Port Tobacco, and said that the next time the boys
heard of him he would be in Spain ; he added that with
Spain there was no extradition treaty. He said at Surratts
ville that he meant to make a barrel of money, or his neck
would stretch..
"Atzeroth said that if he ever came to Port Tobacco again
he would be rich enough to buy the whole place.
"Wilkes Booth told a friend to go to Ford's on Friday
night and see the best acting in the world.
"At Ford's Theater, on Friday night, there were many
slanders in the neighborhood of the door, and along the
dress circle in the direction of the private box where the
President sat.
"The play went on pleasantly, though Mr. Wilkes Booth,
an observer of the audience, visited the stage and took note
of the position. His alleged associate, the stage-carpenter,
then received quiet orders to clear the passage by the wings
from the prompter's post to the stage door. All this time,
JIr. Lincoln, in his family circle, unconscious of the death
that crowded fast upon him, witnessed the pleasantry and
smiled, and felt heartful of gentleness.

484 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
' ' Suddenly there was a murmur near the audience door,
as of a man speaking above his bound. He said : —
" ' Nine o'clock and forty-five minutes !'
" These Avords were reiterated from mouth to mouth until
they passed the theater door, and were heard upon the side
walk. ' ' Directly a voice cried, in the same slightly raised mono
tone —
" ' Nine o'clock and fifty minutes !'
"This also passed from man to man, until it touched the
street like a shudder.
• • ' Nine o' clock and fifty -five minutes 1' said the same
relentless voice, after the next interval, each of which nar-
roAved to a lesser span the life of the good President.
' ' Ten o' clock here sounded, and conspiring echo said in
reA'crberation —
"'Ten o'clock!'
" So,like a creeping thing, from lip to lip went —
" ' Ten o'clock and five minutes !'
' ' An interval.
" ' Ten o'clock and ten minutes !'
"At this instant Wilkes Booth appeared in the door of
the theater, and the meu Avho had repeated the time so faith
fully and so ominously, scattered at his coming as at some
Avarning phantom.
"All this is so dramatic that I fear to excite a laugh when
I write it. But it is true and proven, and I do not say it,
but report it.
" All evil deeds go wrong. While the click of the pistol,
taking the President's life, went like a pang through the
theater, Payne was spilling blood in Mr. SeAvard's house
frora threshold to sick-charaber. But Booth's broken leg
delayed him or made him lose his general calmness, and he
and Harold left Payne to his fate.
"I have not adverted to the hole bored with a gimlet in
the entry door of Mr. Lincoln' s box, and cut out Avith a pen
knife. The theory that the pistol-ball of Booth passed
through this hole is now exploded. When Booth leaped
frora tlie box he strode straight across the stage by the loot-
lights, reaching the prompter's post, which is imraediately

PAYNE'S FLIGHT AND CAPTURE. 485
behind that private box opposite to Mr. Lincoln. From this
box to the stage-door in the rear, the passage-Avay leads
behind the ends of the scenes, and is generally either closed
up by one or more AvithdraAvn scenes, or so narroAV that only
by doubling and turning sidewise can one pass along. On
this fearful night, hoAvever, the scenes were so adjusted to
the murderer's design that he had a free aisle from the foot
of the stage to the exit-door.
"Within fifteen minutes after the murder the wires were
severed entirely round the city, excepting only a secret wire
for Governraent uses, Avhicli leads to Old Point. I ara told
that by this wire the Government reached the fortifications
around Washington, first telegraphing all the Avay to Old
Point, and then back to the out-lying forts. This informa
tion comes to me from so many credible channels that I must
concede it.
" Payne having, as he thought, made an end of Mr.
SeAvard, which Avould have been the case but for Robinson,
the nurse, mounted his horse, and attempted to find Booth.
But the toAvn Avas in alarm, and he galloped at once for the
open country, taking, as he imagined, the proper road for
the East Branch. He rode at a killing pace, and when near
Port Lincoln, on the Baltiraore pike, his horse threAV hira
headlong. Afoot and bewildered, he resolved to return to
the city, Avhose lights he could plainly see ; but before doing
so he concealed himself some time, and made some almost
absurd efforts to disguise himself. Cutting a cross section
from the Avoolen undershirt AA'hich covered his muscular
arm, he made a rude cap of it, and threw aAvay his bloody
coat. This has since been found in the AVOods, and blood
has been found also on his bosom and sleeves. He also
spattered himself plentifully with mCid and clay, and taking
an abandoned pick from the deserted intrenchraents near by,
he struck out at once for Washington.
"By the providence Avhicli always attends murder, hf
reached Mrs. Surratt' s door just as the officers of the Gov
ernment Avere arresting her. They seized Paj ne at once^
who had an awkward lie to urge in his defense — ihat he had
corae there to dig a trench. That night he dug a trench deep
and broad enough for them both to lie in forever. They

486 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
washed his hands, and found them soft and womanish ; his
pockets contained tooth and nail-brushes, and a delicate
pocket-knife. All this apparel consorted ill with his as
suraed character.
"Coarse, and hard, and calm, Mrs. Surratt shut up he
house after the murder, and Availed with her daughters till
the officers came. She Avas imperturbable, and rebuked her
girls for Aveeping, and would have gone to jail like a statue,
but that in her extremity Payne knocked at her door. He
had come, he said, to dig a ditch for Mrs. Surratt, Avhom he
A'eiy Ayell kueAV. But Mrs. Surratt protested that she had
neyer seen the man at all, and had no ditch to clean.
" 'Hoav fortunate, girls,' she said, 'that these officers are
here ; this man might have murdered us all.'
"Her effrontery stamps her as worthy of companionship
Avith Booth. Payne has been identified by a lodger of Mrs.
Surratt' s as haA'iug tAvice visited the house, under the name
of Wood. "Atzeroth had a r6om almost directly over Vice-Presi
dent Johnson's. He had all the materials to do murder, but
lost spirit or opportunity. He ran away so hastily, that all
his arms and baggage Ayere discovered ; a tremendous bowie
knife anti a Colt's cavalry revolver were found between the
mattresses of his bed. Booth's coat was also found there,
showing consjiired flight iu company, and in it three boxes
of cai-tridges, a map of Maryland, gauntlets for riding, a spur,
and a handkevchief marked Avith the narae of Booth's mother
— a iiiutlier's souA'enir for a murderer's pocket.
"^Vtzeioth fled alone, and was found at the house of his
uncle, in M(jntgomery County, Maryland. I do not know
that any instrument of murder has ever made me thrill as
Avlien 1 dreAV his terrible boAvie-knife from its sheath.
"I come now to the ride out of the city by the chief
assassin and his dupe. Harold raet Booth iraraediately after
the Clime in the next street, and they rode at a gallop past
the Patent Office aud over Capitol Hill.
"As they crossed the Eastern Branch at Uniontown,
Booth gave his proper narae to the officer at the bridge.
Tliis, Avhich would" seera to have been foolish, was, in
reality, very shrewd. The officers believed that one of

SURRATTSVILLE--DR. MUDD. 48-,
Booth's accomplices had given this name m order to put
thera out of the real Booth's track. So they made efforts
elsewhere, and Booth got a start. At midnight, precisely,
the tAVO horsemen stopped at Surrattsville, Booth remaining
on his nag, Ayhile Harold descended and knocked lustily at
the door. Lloyd, the landlord, came down at once, Avhen
Harold pushed past him into the bar, and obtained a bottle
of AA'hisky, some of which he gave to Booth immediately.
While Booth was drinking, Harold went up stairs and
brought down one of the carbines. Lloyd started to get
the other, but Harold said : —
" ' AVe don't AV ant it ; Booth has broken his leg, and can't
carr J' it.'
" So the second carbine remained in the hall, where the
officers afterAvard found it.
"As the two horsemen started to go off". Booth cried out
to Lloyd : —
" ' Don't you want to hear some news V
'"I don't care much about it,' cried Lloyd, by his own
account. "'We have murdered,' said Booth, 'the President and
Secretary of State. '
"And, Ayith this horrible confession. Booth and Harold
dashed aAvay in the midnight, across Prince George's County.
"On Saturday, before sunrise, Booth and Harold, who
had ridden all night without stopping elsewhere, reached
the house of Dr. Mudd, three miles from BryantoAvn. They
contracted Ayith him, for tAventy-five dollars in greenbacks,
to set the broken leg. Harold, who knew Dr. Mudd, intro
duced Booth under another name, and stated that he had
fallen frora his horse during the night. The doctor re
marked of Booth that he draped the loAver part of his face
while the leg was being set ; he was silent, and in pain.
Having no splints in the house, they split up an old-fashioned
wooden band- box and prepared them. The doctor Avas
assisted by an Englishraan, Avho at the same time began to
hcAv out a pair of crutches. The inferior bone of the left leg
was broken vertically across, and, because vertically, it did
not yield when the crippled man walked upon it.
"The riding boot of Booth had to be cut from his foot ;

488 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
within were the Avords ' J. Wilkes.' The doctor says he did
not notice these. The Iavo men Availed around the house all
day, but toAvard evening they slipped their horses from the
stable and rode aAyay in the direction of Allen's Fresh.
" BeloAv ErvantoAvn run certain deep and slimy swamps.
Along the belt of these Booth and Harold picked up a negro
named Swan, Avho A'olunteered to show them the road for
tAVO dollars. They gave him five more to show them the
route to Allen's Fresh; but really wished, as their actions
intimated, to gain the house of one Sam Coxe, a notorious
rebel, and probably Avell advised of the plot. They reached
the house at midnight. It is a fine dwelling, one of the best
in ]Maryland ; and after hallooing for some time, Coxe came
doAvn to the door himself. As soon as he opened it, and
beheld Ayho the strangers Avere, he instantly blcAV out the
candle he held in his hand, and, without a word, pulled
them into the room, the negro remaining in the yard. The
confederates remained in Coxe's house till 4 a. M., during
Avhicli time the negro saw them eat and drink heartily ; but
Avhen they reappeared they spoke in a loud tone, so that
Swan could hear them, against the hospitality of Coxe. All
this Avas meant to influence the darkey ; but their motives
Ayere as apparent as their Avords. He conducted thera three
mih^s further on, Avhen they told him that uoav they knew
the Avay, and giving him five dollars more, making twelve
in all, told him to go back.
"But Avhen the negro, in the dusk of the morning, looked
after them as he receded, he- saw that both horses' heads
Ayei-e turned once more toAvard Coxe's, and it was this man,
doubtless, Avho harbored the fugitives from Sunday to
Thursday, aided, possibly, by such neighbors as the Wil
sons and Adamses.
"At the point Avhere Booth crossed the Potomac the
shores are very shalloAV, and one must Avade out some dis
tance to Avhere a boat Avill float. A Avhite man came up here
Avith a caiioe on Frida}', and tied it by a stone anchor. Be
tween seyen and eight o'clock it disappeared, and in the
afternoon some men at AVork on Methxy Creek, in Virginia,
saAV Booth and Harold land, tie the boat's rope to a stone and
fling it ashore, and strike at once across a ploughed field for

IMPORTANT TESTIMONY— LOVETT— MAJOR O'BIERNE. 489
King George Court House. Many folks entertained thera,
without doubt, but Ave positively hear of thera next at Port
Royal Ferry, and then at (Jarrett's farm.
" The feAV Unionists of Prince George's and Charles Coun
ties, long persecuted and intimidated, came foiAvard and
gave important testimony.
"Araong these was one Roby, a very fat and very zeal
ous old gentleraan, Avhose professions were as ample as his
perspiration. He told the officers of the secret meetings for
conspiracy's sake at Lloyd's Hotel, and although a very
John Gilpin on horseback, rode here and there to his great
loss of wind and repose, fastening fire coals upon the guilty
or suspected. "Lloyd Avas turned over to Mr. Cottingham, who had
established a jail at RobytoAvn ; that night his house Avas
searched, and Booth's carbine found hidden in the AvaU.
Three days afterAvard, Lloyd himself confessed.
"The little party, under the untiring Lovett, examined
all the farm-houses beloAV Washington, resorting to many
shrewd expedients, and taking note of the great SAvamps to
the east of Port Tobacco ; they reached Newport at last, and
fastened tacit guilt upon many residents.
"Beyond BryantoAvn they overhauled the residence of
Dr. Mudd, and found Booth's boots. This Avas before Lloyd
confessed, and was the first positive trace the officers had
that they were really close upon the assassins.
"I do not recall any thing more Avild and startling than
this vague and dangerous exploration of a dimly known,
hostile, and ignorant country. To these few detectives we
OAve much of the subsequent successful precaution of the
pursuit. They Avere the Hebrew spies.
"By this time the country was filling up with soldiers,
but previously a second memorable detective party Avent out
under the personal command of Major O'Bierne. It consist
ed, besides that officer, of Lee, D'Angelis, Callahan, Hoey,
BostAvick, Hanover, Bevins, and McHenry, and embarked
at Washington on a steam-tug for Chappell's Point. Here a
military station had long been established for the prevention
of blockade and mail running across the Potomac. It Avas
commanded by Lieutenant Laverty, and garrisoned by sixty-

490 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
five men. On Tuesday night Major O' Bierne' s party reached
this place, and soon afterAvard a telegraph station was estab
lished here by an invaluable man to the expedition. Captain
Beckwith, General Grant' s chief cipher operator, Avho tapped
the Point Lookout wire, and placed the War Department
within a moment's reach of the theater of events.
"Major O' Bierne' s party started at once, over the worst
road in the world, for Port Tobacco.
"K any iilace in the Avorld is utterly given over to de
pravity, it is Port Tobacco. From this town, by a sinuous
creek, there is flat-boat navigation to the Potomac, and
across that river to Mattox Creek. Before the war. Port
Tobacco Avas the seat of a tobacco aristocracy and a haunt of
negro traders. It passed very naturally into a rebel post for
blockade-runners and a rebel post-office general. Gambling,
corner-fighting, and shooting matches were its lyceum edu
cation. Violence and ignorance had every suft'rage in the
toAvn. Its people Avere smugglers, to all intents, and there
Avas neither Bible nor geography to the Avhole region adja
cent. Assassination Avas never very unpopular at Port To
bacco, and Avlieii its victim was a Northern President, it
became quite heroic. A month before the murder, a provost-
marshal near hy Avas slain in his bed-chamber. For such a
town and district, the detective police were the only eff'ective
missionaries. "The hotel here is called the BraAvner House ; it has a
bar in the nethermost cellar, and its patrons, carousing in
that imperfect light, look like the denizens of some burglar's
crib, talking robbery between their cups ; its dining-roora is
dark and tumble-doAyn, and the cuisine bears traces of Kaffir
origin ; a barbecue is nothing to a dinner there. The court
house of Port Tobacco is the most superfluous house in the
place, except the church. It stands in the center of the
toAvn, in a square, and the dAvellings lie about it closely, as
if to throttle justice. Five hundred people exist in Port
To])acco ; life there reminds me, in connection with the
slimy riA'er and the adja(-ent swamps, of the great reptile
period of the Avoi-ld, Avhen iguanodons, and pterodactyls, and
plesiosauri ate each other.
"Into this abstract of Gomorrah the few detectives went

MRS. WHEELER— CR ANGLE— FRUITLESS SEARCH. 491
like angels Avho visited Lot. They pretended to be inquiring
for friends, or to have business designs, and the first people
they heard of Avere Harold and Atzeroth. The latter had
visited Port Tobacco three Aveeks before the murder, aud
intimated at that time his design of fleeing the country.
But everybody denied having seen him subsequent to the
crime. " Atzeroth had been in toAvn just prior to the crirae. He
had been living Avith a AvidoAV Avoman, named Mrs. "Wheeler,
and she AA'as iramediately called upon by Major O'Bierne.
He did not tell her Avhat Atzeroth had done, but vaguely
hinted that he had committed some terrible crime, and that
since he had done her Avrong, she could vindicate both her
self and justice by telling his whereabouts. The woman
admitted that Atzeroth had been her bane, but she loved
hira, and refused to betray him.
" His trunk was found in her garret, and in it the kej
to his paint shop in Port Tobacco. The latter was fruitlessly
searched, but the probable whereabouts of Atzeroth in Mont
gomery County obtained, and Major O'Bierne telegraphing
there immediately, the desperate fellow was found and
locked -up. A man named Crangle, Avho had succeeded
Atzeroth in Mrs. W^heeler's pliable affections, Avas arrested
at once and put in jail. A number of dislo3'al people Avere
indicated or "spotted" as in no wise angry at the Presi
dent's taking off, and for all such a provost prison was
established. "A feAV miles from Port Tobacco dwelt a solitary AVoman,
who, Avhen questioned, said that for many nights she had
heard, after she had retired to bed, a man enter her cellar,
and be there all night, departing before daAvn. Major
O'Bierne and the detectives ordered her to place a lamp in
her AvindoAv the next night she heard him enter ; and at dark
they established a cordon of armed officers around the place.
At midnight punctually she exhibited the light, when the
officers broke into the house and thoroughly searched it,
without result. Yet the woman positively asserted that she
had heard the man enter.
" It Avas afterward found that she Avas of diseased mind.
"By this time the military had come up in considerable

492 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
numbers, and ilajor O'Bierne was enabled to confer with
]\Iajor Wait, pf the Eighth Illinois.
"The major had pushed on, on Monday night, to Leon-
ardstoAvn, and pretty Avell overhauled that locality.
'• It Avas at this time that preparations Avere made to hunt
the SAvamps around Chapmantown, Bethtown, and Allen's
Fresl^. Booth had been entirely lost since his departure
•from Mudd's house, and it Avas believed that he had either
pushed on for the Potomac or taken to the swamps. The
officers sagaciously determined to follow him to the one, and
to exjilore the other.
"The swamps tributary to the various branches of the
Wicomico River, of Avhich the chief feeder is Allen's Creek,
bear A'aiious names, such as Jordan's SAvamp, Atchall's
Swarap, and St-rub Swamp. There are dense groAvths of
dogAvood, gum, and beech, planted in sluices of Avater and
bog, and their Avidtli varies from a half mile to four miles,
while their length is upAvard of sixteen miles. Frequent
deep ponds dot this Avilderness place, Avith here and there a
stretch of dry soil, but no human being inhabits the malari
ous extent ; even a hunted murderer would shrink from
hiding there. Serpents and sliray lizards are the only living
denizens; sometimes the coon takes refuge in this desert
frora the hounds, and in the soft mud a thousand odorous
muskrats delve, and noAV and then a tremulous otter. But
not eA'en the hunted negro dare to fathom the treacherous
clay, nor make himself a felloAV of the slimy reptiles which
reign absolute in this terrible solitude. Here the soldiers
prepared to seek for the President' s assassins, and no search
of the kind has ever been so thorough and patient. The
ShaAvnee, in his stronghold of despair in the heart of the
Okeefeuoi-iee, Avould scarcely have changed homes with
Wilkes Booth and David Harold, hiding in this inhuman
country. "The military forces deputed to pursue the fugitives
were seven hundred men of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, six
hundred men of the Twenty-second Colored Troops, and one
hundred men of the Sixteenth Noav York. These swept the
SAvaraps by detachraents, the mass of thera dismounted, Avith
cavalry at the belts of clearings, interspersed with detectives

SEARCHING THE SWAMPS— A RUSE. 493
at frequent intervals in the rear. They first formed a strong
picket cordon entirely around the SAvamps, and then, diaAyu
up in two orders of battle, advanced boldly into the bog by
tAVO lines of march. One party swept the SAvamps longitu
dinally, the other pushed straight across their smallest
diameter. "A similar march has not been made during the Avar;
the soldiers Avere only a few paces apart, and in steady "order
they took the ground as it came, now plunging to their arm
pits in foul sluices of gangrened water, uoav hopelessly sub
merged in slime, now attacked by legions of Avood-ticks, now
tempting some unfaithful log or greenishly solid morass, and
plunging to the tip of the skull in poisonous stagnation ; the
tree boughs rent their uniforms ; they came out upon dry
land many of them Avithout a rag of garment, scratched, and
gashed, and spent, repugnant to themselves, and disgusting
to those who saw them ; but not one trace of Booth or Har
old was anywhere found. Wherever they might be, the
SAvamps did not contain them.
"While all this was going on, a force started from Point
• Lookout, and swept the narroAV necks of St. Mary's quite up
to Medley' s Neck. To complete the search in this part of
the country, Colonel Wells and Major O'Bierne started, with
a force of cavalry and infantry, for Chappell's Point. They
took the entire peninsula, as before, and marched in close
skirmish line across it, but without finding any thing of
note. The manner of inclosing a house Avas by caAalry
advances, which held all the avenues till mounted detectives
came up. Many strange and ludicrous adventures occurred
on each of these expeditions. While the forces Avere going
up Cobb's Neck there was a counter force coming doAvn
from Allen's Fresh.
"Major O'Bierne started for Leonardstown Avith his de
tective force, and played off Laverty as Booth, and Hoey as
Harold. These two advanced to farm-hoiises and gtive their
assuraed names, asking at the same time for assistance and
shelter. They were generally avoided, except by one man
named Claggert, Avho told them they might hide in the Avoods
behind his house. When Claggert Avas arrested, llo^veyer,
he stated that he meant to hide only to give them up. While

494 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
on this adventure, a man who had heard of the reward carae
very near shooting Laverty. The ruse uoav became hazard
ous, and the detectiA'es resumed their real characters.
' ' One Mills, a rebel mail-carrier, also arrested, saAv Booth
and Harold lurking along the river bank on Friday ; he
referred Major O'Bierne to one Claggert, a rebel, as having
seen them also ; but Claggert held his tongue and went to
jail. On Saturday night, Major O'Bierne, thus assured, also
crossed the Potoraac with his detectives to Boone's farm,
where the fugitives had landed. While collecting informa
tion hert!, a gunboat swung up the stream, and threatened to
open fire on the party.
" It Avas now night, and all the party worn to the ground
with long travel and want of sleep. Lieutenant Laverty' s
men Avent a short distance doAvn the country and gave up,
and Major O'Bierne, with a single man, pushed all night to
King George's Court-House, and next day, Sunday, re-em
barked for Chappell's Point. Hence he telegraphed his
information, and asked permission to pursue, promising to
catch the assassins before they reached Port Royal.
"This the department refused. Colonel Baker's men
were delegated to make the pursuit with the able Lieutenant
Doherty ; and O'Bierne, Avho was the most active and suc
cessful spirit in the chase, returned to Washington, cheerful
and contented."
No lapse of time, nor varied experience, can ever efface
the memory of the hour at headquarters when the following
was penned : —
" The face of Lafayette Baker, Colonel, and Chief of the
Secret Service, overlooks me. He has played the most per
ilous parts of the war, and is the captor of the late President's
murderer. The storj* that I am to tell you, as he and his
trusty dependants told it to me, will be aptly commenced
here, Avhere the net was woven Avhich took the dying life of
Wilkes Booth.
"When the murdering occurred, Colonel Baker was
absent from Washington. He returned on the third morning
and was at once brought by Secretary Stanton to join the hue
and cry against the escaped Booth. The sagacious detective
learned that nearly ten thousand cavalry, and one-fourth

PLANNING THE CAPTURE OP BOOTH.

CAPTURE OF ATZEROTH AND DR. MUDD. 495
as raany policeraen, had been meantime scouring, without
plan or compass, the whole territory of Southern Maryland.
They Avere treading on each others' heels, and mixing up
the thing so badly, that the best place for the culprits to
have gone would liaA^e been in the very midst of their pur
suers. Baker at once possessed himself of the little the War
Department had learned, and started iramediately to take
the usual detective measures, till then neglected, of offering
a reAvard, and getting out photographs of the suspected ones.
He then dispatched a feAv chosen detectives to certain vital
points, and aAvaited results.
" The first of these was the capture of Atzeroth. Others,
like the taking of Dr. Mudd, simultaneously occurred.
But the district suspected being remote from the railway
routes, and broken by no telegraph station, the Colonel, to
place himself nearer the theater of events, ordered an ope
rator, with the necessary instrument, to tap the Avire running
to Point Lookout, near Chappell's Point, and send him
prompt messages.
"The same steamer which took down the operator and
two detectives, brought back one of the same detectives and
a negro. This negro, taken to Colonel Baker' s office, stated
so positively that he had seen Booth and another man cross
the Potoraac in a fishing boat, while he was looking down
upon them from a bank, that the Colonel was at first skep
tical ; but, when examined, the negro answered so readily
and intelligently, recognizing the man from the photographs,
that Baker knew at last that he had the true scent.
" Straightway he sent to General Hancock for twenty-five
men, and while the order was going drew doAvn his coast
survey maps, Avith that quick detective intuition amounting
almost to inspiration. He cast upon the probable route and
destination of the refugees, as well as the point where he
Avould soonest strike them. Booth, he knew, would not
keep along the coast, with frequent deep rivers to cross, nor,
indeed, in any direction east of Richraond, where he was
liable at any tirae to cross our lines of occupation ; nor,
being larae, could he ride on horseback, so as to place him
self very far westAvard of his point of debarkation in Vir
ginia. But he would travel in a direct course from Bluff"

496 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Point, where he crossed to Eastern Maryland, and this would
take him through Port Royal, on the Rappahannock River,
in time to be intercepted by the outgoing cavalrymen.
"When, therefore, tAventy-five men, under one Lieuten
ant Dogherty, arriA'ed at his office doors. Baker placed the
Avhole under control of his former Lieutenant-Colonel, E. J.
Conger, and of his cousin. Lieutenant L. B. Baker — the first
of Ohio, the last of NeAV Y'ork — and bade them go with all
dispatch to Belle Plain, on the Lower Potomac, there to dis
embark and scour the country faithfully around Port Royal,
but not to return unless they captured their men.
"Quitting Washington at tivo o'clock P. m., on Monday,
the detectives and cavalrymen disembarked at Belle Plain,
on the border of Stafford County, at ten o'clock, in the dark
ness. Belle Plain is simply the nearest landing to Freder
icksburg, seventy miles from Washington City, and located
upon Potomac Creek. It is a Avharf and Avarehouse merely,
and here the steamer John S. Ide stopped and made fast,
while the party galloped off in the darkness. Conger and
Baker kept ahead, riding up to farm-houses and questioning
the inmates, pretending to be in search of the Maryland gen
tlemen belonging to the party. Bat nobody had seen the
parties described, and after a futile ride on the Fredericks
burg road, they turned shortly to the east, and kept up their
baffled inquiries all the way to Port Conway, on the Rappa
hannock. "On Tuesday morning they presented themselves at the
Port Royal Ferry, and inquired of the ferryman, Avhile he
Avas taking them over in squads of seven at a time, if he had
seen any two such men. Continuing their inquiries at Port
Royal, they found one Rollins, a fisherman, who referred
them to a negro, named Lucas, as having driven Iavo men a
short distance toAvard BoAvling Green, in a Avagon. It Avas
found that these men ansAyered to the description, Booth
having a crutch, as preyiously ascertained.
"The day before Booth and Harold had applied at Port
Conway fbr the general feny-boat, but the ferryman Avas
then tishing, aud AA'onld not desi.st for the inconsiderable fare
f)f only tAVO persons ; but to tlieir supposed good fortune a
lot of Confederate cavalrymen just then came along, who

A CONFEDERATE CAPTAIN— GARRETT'S. 497
threatened the ferryman with a shot in the head if he did
not instantly bring across his craft and transport the entire
party. These cavalrymen were of Moseby's disbanded com
mand, returning from Fairfax Court House to their homes in
Caroline County. Their captain was on his way to visit a
sweetheart at BoAvling Green, and he had so far taken Booth
under his patronage, that Avhen the latter was haggling Avith
Lucas for a team, he offered both Booth and Harold the use
of his horse to ride and walk alternately.
"This is the court house toAvn of Caroline County, a
small and scattered place, having Avithin it an ancient tavern,
no longer used for other than lodging purposes ; but here
they hauled from his bed the captain aforesaid, and bade
him dress himself. As soon as he comprehended the matter,
he becarae pallid, and eagerly narrated the facts in his pos
session. Booth, to his knoAvledge, was then lying at the
house of one Garrett, which they had passed, and Harold
had departed the existing day with the intention of rejoining
him. "Taking this captain along for a guide, the worn-out
horsemen retraced their steps, though some were so haggard
and wasted with travel that they had to be kicked into intel
ligence before they could climb to their saddles. The objects
of the chase thus at hand, the detectives, full of sanguine
purpose, hurried the cortege so Avell along, that by tAVO
o'clock early morning all halted at Garrett's gate. In the
pale moonlight, three hundred yards from the main road,
to the left, a plain, old farm-house looked grayly through
the environing locusts. It was worn, and Avhitewashed, and
two-storied, and its half-human windoAVs glowered down
upon the silent cavalrymen like watching owls, which stood
as sentries over some horrible secret asleep within.
"Dimly seen behind, an old barn, high and weather
beaten, faced the roadside gate, for the house itself lay to
the left of its oavu lane ; and nestling beneath the barn, a
few long corn-cribs lay, with a cattle-shed at hand.
"In the dead stillness, Baker dismounted and forced the
outer gate. Conger kept close behind him, and the horsemen"
followed cautiously. They made no noise in the soft clay,
nor broke the all- foreboding silence anywhere, till the second
32

49S UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
gate swung open gratingly, yet even then nor hoarse nor
nor shrill response came back, save distant croaking, as of
frogs or OAA'ls, or the Avhiz of some passing night-haAvk. So
they surrounded the pleasant old homestead, each horseman,
carbine in poise, adjusted under the grove of locusts, so as
to inclose the dAvelling with a circle of fire. After a pause.
Baker rode to the kitchen door on the side, and dismounting,
rapped and hallooed lustily. An old man, in draAvers and
night-shirt, hastih' undrew the bolts, and stood on the
threshold, peering shiveringly into the darkness.
"Baker seized him by the throat at once, and held a
pistol to his ear.
" ' Who is it that calls me V cried the old man.
" 'Where are the men who stay Avitli you?' challenged
Baker. ' If you prevaricate, you are a dead man !'
"The old felloAV, who proved to be the head of the
family, Avas so overaAved and paralyzed that he stammered
and shook and said not a Avord.
" ' Go light a candle,' cried Baker, sternly, 'and be quick
about it.'
"The trembling old man obeyed, and in a moment the
imperfect rays flared upon his Avhitening hairs, and bluishly
pallid face. Then the question Avas repeated, backed up, by
the glimmering pistol. ' Where are these men V
' • The old man held to the wall, and his knees smote each
other. ' They are gone,' he said. ' We haven't got them in
the house ; I assure you that they are gone.'
"In the interim Conger had also entered, and while the
household and its invaders were thus in Aveird tableau, a
young man appeared, as if he had risen frora the ground.
The eyes of everybody turned upon hira in a second ; but,
Avhile he blanched, he did not lose loquacity. ' Father,' he
said, ' we had better tell the truth about the raatter. Those
raen Avhom you seek, gentlemen, are in the barn, I know.
They went there to sleep.' Leaving one soldier to guard the
old man— and the soldier Avas very glad of the job, as it
relieved him of personal hazard in the approaching combat
— all the rest, Avith cocked pistols at the young man's head,
followed on to the barn. It lay a hundred yards from the
house, the front barn-door facing the west gable, and was an

THE BARN— THE PROPOSAL AND REPLY. 499
old and spacious structure, Avith floors only a trifle above the
ground level.
"The troops dismounted, Avere stationed at regular inter
vals around it, and ten yards distant at every point, four
special guards placed to command the door, and all Avith
weapons in supjjle preparation, Avhile Baker and Conger
went direct to the door. It had a padlock upon it, and the
key of this Baker secured at once. In the interval of silence
that ensued, the rustling of planks and straw was heard
inside, as of persons rising from sleep.
" At the same moment Baker hailed : — -
" 'To the persons in this barn I have a proposal to make.
We are about to send in to you the son of the man in whose
custody you are found. Either surrender to him your arms,
and then give yourself up, or we'll set fire to the place. We
mean to take you both, or to have a bonfire and shooting-
match.' " No answer came to this of any kind. The lad, John M.
Garrett, who was in deadly fear, was here pushed through
the door by a sudden opening of it, and immediately
Lieutenant Baker locked the door on the outside. The
boy Avas heard to state his appeal in under tones. Booth
replied : —
" '  you. Get out of here. You have betrayed me.'
"At the same time he placed his hand in his pocket, as
if for a pistol. A remonstrance folloAved ; but the boy
slipped on and over the reopened portal, reporting that his
errand had failed, and that he dare not enter again. All
this time the candle brought from the house to the barn Avas
burning close beside fhe tAVO detectives, rendering it easy
for any one Avithin to have shot thera dead. This observed,
the light was cautiously removed, and everybody took care
to keep out of its reflection. By this time the crisis of the
position was at hand ; the cavalry exhibited very variable
inclinations, some to run away, others to shoot Booth with
out a sumraons ; but all excited and fitfully silent. At the
house near by, the female folks were seen collected in the
doorway, and the necessities of the case provoked prompt
conclusions. The boy was placed at a remote point, and the
summons repeated by Baker : —

500 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
" 'You must surrender inside there ! Give up your arms
and appear ; there's no chance for escape. We give you five
minutes to make up your mind.'
"A bold, clarion reply came from within, so strong as to
be heard at the house door : —
" ' Who are y^ou, and what do you want with us V
" Baker again urged : —
" 'We want you to deliver up your arms, and become
our prisoners.'
' ' ' But Avho are you V hallooed the same strong voice.
" ' That makes no difference ; we know who you are, and
we want you. We have hei-e fifty men, armed with carbines
and pistols. You cannot escape.'
" There was a long pause, and then Booth said : —
" 'Captain, this is a hard case, I swear. Pprhaps I am
being taken by my own friends.'
' ' No reply from the detectives.
" 'Well, give us a little time to consider.'
" ' Very well ; take time.'
" Here ensued a long and eventful pause. What throng
ing meraories it brought to Booth we can only guess. In
this little interval he raade the resolve to die. But he was
cool and steady to the end. Baker, after a lapse, hailed fbr
the last time : —
' ' ' Well, we have waited long enough ; surrender your
arms and come out, or we'U fire the barn.'
"Booth ansAvered thus : —
" ' I am but a cripple— a one-legged man. Withdraw
your forces one hundref' yards from the door, and I will
come. Give me a chance for my life, captain. I will never
be taken alive !'
" ' We did not come here to fight, but to capture you. I
say again appear, or the barn shall be fired.'
" Then, with a long breath, which could be heard outside.
Booth cried, in sudden calmness, still invisible, as were to
him his enemies : —
" ' Well, then, my brave boys, prepare a stretcher for
me!' "There was a pause repeated, broken by low discussions
within between Booth and his associate, the former saying,

SURRENDER OF HAROLD— FIRING TIIE BARN. 501
as if in answer to some remonstrance or appeal : " Get aAvay
from me. You are a  coward, and mean to leave me in
my distress ; but go — go ! I don't want you to stay — I won't
have you stay !' Then he shouted aloud : —
" 'There's a man inside who wants to surrender.'
" 'Let him come, if he will bring his arms.'
"Here Harold, rattling at the door, said: 'Let me out;
open the door ; I want to surrender. '
" ' Hand out your arms, then.'
" ' I have not got any.'
" ' You are the man who carried the carbine yesterday ;
bring it out !'
" ' I haven't got any.'
"This was said in a whining tone, and with an almost
visible shiver. Booth cried aloud at this hesitation : —
" 'He hasn't got any arms ; they are mine, and I have
kept thera.'
" 'Well, he carried the carbine, and must bring it out.'
" ' On the word and honor of a gentleman, he has no arms
with him. They are mine, and I have got them.'
"At this tirae Harold was quite up to the door, within
whispering distance of Baker. The latter told him to put
out his hands to be handcuffed, at the same tirae drawing
open the door a little distance. Harold thrust forth his
hands, when Baker, seizing him, jerked him into the night,
and straightway delivered him over to a deputation of caval
rymen. The fellow began to talk of his innocence, and plead
so noisily, that Conger threatened to gag him, unless he
ceased. Then Booth made his last appeal, in the same clear,
unbroken voice : —
" ' Captain, give me a chance. Draw oflT your men, and
I will fight them singly. I could have killed you six times '
to-night, but I believe you to be a brave man, and Avould
not murder you. Give a lame man a shoAV.'
" It was too late for parley. All this time Booth's voice
had sounded from the middle of the barn.
" Ere he ceased speaking. Colonel Conger slipped around
to the rear, drew some loose straws through a crack, and lit
a match upon them. They Avere dry and blazed up in an
instant, carrying a sheet of smoke and flame through the

502 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
parted planks, and heaving in a tAvinkling a world of light
and heat upon the magazine Avithin. The blaze lit up the
black recesses of the great barn, till every wasp' s nest and
cobAveb in the roof were luminous ; flinging streaks of red
and violet across the tumbled farm gear in the corner,
ploughs, harrows, hoes, rakes, sugar-mills, and making
every separate grain in the high bin adjacent gleam like
a mote of precious gold. They tinged the beams, the up
right columns, the barricades, where clover and timothy,
piled high, held toward the hot incendiary their separate
straws for the funeral pile. They bathed the murderer's
retreat in a beautiful illumination, and while in bold outline '
his figure stood revealed, they rose like an impenetrable
wall to guard from sight the hated enemy who lit them.
' ' Behind the blaze, Avitli his eye to a crack. Conger saw
Wilkes Booth standing upright upon a crutch. He likens
him at this instant to his brother Edwin, whora, he says, he
so much resembled that he believed, for the moment, the
whole pursuit to have been a mistake. At the gleam of the
fire, Wilkes dropped his crutch and carbine, and on both
hands crept to the spot to espy the incendiary and shoot him
dead. His eyes were lustrous, like fever, and swelled and
rolled in terrible beauty, while his teeth were fixed, and he
wore the expression of one in the calmness before frenzy. In
vain he peered, with vengeance in his look ; the blaze that
made him visible concealed his enemy. A second he turned
glaring at the fire, as if to leap upon it and extinguish it, but
it had made such headway that this Avas a futile impulse, and
he dismissed it. As calmly as upon the battle-field a veteran
stands, amidst the hail of ball, and shell, and plunging iron.
Booth turned at a man' s stride and pushed for the door, car
bine in poise, and the last resolve of death, which we name
despair, sat on his high, bloodless forehead.
"As so he dashed, intent -to expire not unaccompanied,
a disobedient sergeant, at an eyehole, drew upon him the
fatal, bead. The barn was all glorious with conflagration,
and in the beautiful ruin this outlawed man strode /like all
that we know of wicked valor, stern in the face of death. A
shock, a shout, a gathering up of his splendid figure, as if to
overtip the stature God gave him, and John Wilkes Booth

LAST WORDS OF J. W. BOOTH. 503
fell headlong to the floor, lying there in a heap, a little life
remaining. But no.
"'He has shot himself,' cried Baker, unaAvare of the
source of the report, and rushing in, he grasped his arm, to
guard against any feint or strategy. A moment convinced
him that further struggle with the prone flesh was useless.
Booth did not move, nor breathe, nor gasp. Conger and the
tAVO sergeants now entered, and, taking up the body, they
bore it in haste from the advancing flame, and laid it Avithout
upon the grass, all fresh Avith heavenly doAV.
" ' Water,' cried Conger ; ' bring water.'
' When this was dashed into his face, he revived a
moment, and stirred his lips. Baker put his ear close down
and heard him say : —
" 'Tell mother — and — die — for my country.'
"They lifted him again, the fire encroaching in hotness
upon them, and placed him upon the porch before the dwell
ing. "A mattress was brought down, on Avhich they placed
him, and propped his head, and gave him water and brandy.
The women of the household, joined meantime by another
son, who had been found in one of the corn-cribs, watching,
as he said, to see that Booth and Harold did not steal the
horses, were nervous, but prompt to do the dying man all
kindnesses, although waved sternly back by the detectives.
They dipped a rag in brandy^ and Avater, and this being put
between Booth' s teeth, he sucked it greedily. When he was
able to articulate again, he muttered to Baker the same
words, with an addenda : —
" 'Tell mother I died for my country. I thought I did
for the best.*
"Baker repeated this, saying at the same time, 'Booth,
do I repeat it correctly f Booth nodded his head.
"By this time the gray ness of dawn was approaching;
moving figures, inquisitively coming near, were to be seen
distinctly, and the cocks began to crow gutturally, though
the barn by this time was a hulk of blaze and ashes, sending
toward the zenith a spiral line of dense smoke.
"The women became importunate at this tirae that the
troops might be ordered to extinguish the fire, which was

504 . UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
spreading toward their precious corn-cribs. Not even death
could banish the call of interest. Soldiers were sent to put
out the fire, and Booth, relieved of the bustle around him,
drew near to death apace. TavIco he was heard to say, ' Kill
me — kill me 1' His lips often moved, but could complete no
appreciable sound. He made once a motion, which the quick
eye of Conger understood to mean that his throat pained him.
Conger put his finger there, when the dying man attempted
to cough, but only caused the blood at his perforated neck
to flow more lively. He bled very little, although shot quite
through, beneath and behind the ears, his collar being sev
ered on both sides.
"A soldier had been meanwhile dispatched for a doctor,
but the route and return was quite six miles, and the sinner
was sinking fast. Still the women made efforts to get to see
him, but weie ahvays rebuffed, and all the brandy they
could find was demanded by the assassin, Avho motioned for
strong drink every two minutes. He made frequent desires
to be turned over — not by speech, but by gesture — and he
was alternately placed upon his back, belly, and side. His
tremendous vitality evidenced itself almost miraculously.
Now and then his heart Avould cease to throb, and bis pulse
would be as cold as a dead man's. Directly life Avould begin
anew, the face would flush up effulgently, the eyes open and
brighten, and soon relapsing, stillness reasserted, would again
be dispossessed by the same magnificent triumph of man over
inortality^ Finally, the fussy little doctor arrived, in time to
be useless. He probed the wound to see if the ball were not
in it, and shook his head sagely, and talked learnedly.
" Just at his coming, Booth had asked to have his hands
raised and shown him. They were so paralyzed that he did
not knoAV their location. When they were displayed, he
muttered, with a sad lethargy, ' Useless— useless !' These
were the last words he ever uttered.
"As he began to die, the sun rose and threw beams into
all the tree-tops. It was at a man's height when the struggle
of death twitched and lingered in the fading bravo' s face.
His jaw drew spasmodically and obliquely downward ; his
eyeballs rolled toward his feet, and began to swell; livid-
ness, like a horrible shadoAv, fastened upon him, and with

THE RETURN TO WASHINGTON. 595
a sort of gurgle, and sudden check, he stretched his feet, and
threw his head back, and gave up the ghost.
"They sewed him up in a saddle-blanket. This Avas his
shroud ; too like a soldier' s. Harold, meantime, had been
tied to a tree, but was now released for the march. Colonel
Conger pushed on immediately for Washington ; the cortege
was to follow. Booth' s only arms Ayere his carbine, knife,
and two revolvers. They found about hira bills of exchange,
Canada raoney, and a diary. A venerable old negro living
in the vicinity had the misfortune to possess a hoi-se. This
horse was the relic of former generations, and showed by his
protruding ribs the general leanness of the land. He moved
in an eccentric amble, and when put upon his speed Avas
generally run backAvard. To this old negro's horse was
harnessed a very shaky and absurd wagon, which rattled
like approaching dissolution, and each part of it ran Avithout
any connection or correspondence with any other part. It
had no tail-board, and its shafts were sharp as faraine ; and
into this mimicry of a vehicle the murderer Avas to be sent
to the Potomac River, while the man he had murdered was
moving in state across the mourning continent. The old
negro geared up his wagon by raeans of a set of fossil har
ness, and when it Avas backed to Garrett' s porch, they laid
within it the discolored corpse. The corpse was tied with
ropes around the legs, and raade fast to the Avagon side.
"Harold's legs were tied to stirrups, and he was placed
in the centre of four murderous-looking cavalrymen. The
two sons of Garrett Avere also taken along, despite the sobs
and petitions of the old folks and women, but the rebel cap
tain who had given Booth a lift got off amid the night's
agitations, and was not rearrested. So moved the cavalcade
of retribution, with death in its midst, along the road to Port
Royal. When the wagon started, Booth's wound, now
scarcely dribbling, began to run anew. It fell through the
crack of the wagon, and fell dripping upon the axle, and
spotting the road with terrible wafers. It stained the planks
and soaked the blankets ; and the old negro, at a stoppage,
dabbled his hands in it by mistake ; he drew back instantly,
with a shudder and stifled expletive, 'Gor-r-r, dat '11 never
M.-ne off" in de world ; it's murderer's blood.' He wrung his

nOG UNITED STATES SEOPJIT SERVICE.
hands, and looked imploriugly at the officers, and shuddered
.-igain ; ' Gor-r-r, I wouldn't have dat on me for tousand
tousand dollars.'
"The progress of the team was sIoav, Avith frequent dan
ger of shipAvreck altogether, but toward noon the cortege
filed through Port Royal, where the citizens came out to ask
the matter, and why a man's body, covered with sombre
blankets, was going by Avith so great escort. ¦ They Avere
told that it Avas a wounded Confederate, and so held their
tongues. The little ferry, again in requisition, took them
over hy squads, and they pushed from Port Conway to Belle
Plain, which they reached in the middle of the afternoon.
All the way the blood dribbled from the corpse in a sIoaa',
incessant, sanguine exudation. The old negro was niggardly
disraissed with two paper dollars. The dead raan untied
and cast upon the vessel' s deck, steam gotten up in a little
while, and the broad Potoraac shores saAV this skeleton ship
flit by, as the bloody sun threw gashes and blots of un
healthy light along the silver surface.
"All the way associate with the carcass went Harold,
shuddering in so grim companionship, and in the awakened
fears of his own approaching ordeal, beyond which it loomed
already, the gossamer fabric of a scaffold. He tried to talk
for his OAVU exoneration, saying he had ridden as Avas his
wont, beyond the East Branch, and returning found Booth
Avounded, who begged him to be his companion. Of his
crime he knew nothing, so help him God, &c. But nobody
listened to him. All interest of crime, courage, and retribu
tion centered in the dead flesh at his feet. At Washington,
high and low turned out to look on Booth. Only a fcAV
Avere permitted to see his corpse for purposes of recognition.
It Avas fairly preserved, though on one side of the face dis
torted, and looking blue like death, and wildly bandit-like,
as if beaten by avenging Avinds.
"Finally, the Secretary of War, without instructions of
any kind, committed to Colonel Lafayette C. Baker, of the
Secret Service, the stark corpse of J. Wilkes Booth. The
Secret Service never fulflUed its vocation more secretly.
'What have you done with the body?' said I to Baker.
'That is known,' he answered, 'to only one man liAdng

BURIAL OF BOOTH. 5q7
beside myself. It is gone ; I will not tell you where ; the
only man who knoAvs is sworn to silence ; never till the great
trumpeter comes shall the grave of Booth be discovered.'
And this is true. Last night, the 27th of April, a small roAV-
boat received the carcass of the murderer ; tAVO men Avere in
it ; they carried the body off' into the darkness, and out of
that darkness it will never return ; in the darkness, like his
great crirae, maj' it remain forcA'er ; impassable, invisible,
nondescript, condemned to that worse than damnation — anni
hilation. "The river bottom may ooze about it, laden Avith great
shot aud droAvning manacles. The earth may have opened
to give it that silence and forgiveness Avliich man Avill never
give to its memory. The fishes may sAvim around it, or the
daisies groAV Avhite above it ; but we shall never knoAA'.
Mysterious, incomprehensible, unattainable, like the dim
times thrdugh which Ave live, Ave think upon it as if Ave only
dreamed in a perturbed fever ; the assassin of a nation' s
head rests somewhere In the eleraents, and that is all ; but if
the indignant seas or the profaned turf shall ever vomit this
corpse from their recesses, and it receives Christian burial
from some one who does not recognize it, let the last words
those decaying lips ever uttered be carved above thera with
a dagger, to tell the history of a young, and once proraising
life." It is not improper to state, that only two persons on earth
know Avhere the body of Booth lies. Lieutenant Baker, on
whose lap his dying head Avas laid, and myself, have the
dark secret to keep. The night before the removal of the
remains I was ordered, by the Secretary of War, to have
them securely guarded, that no one might touch them ; as
" every hair of his head would be a valued relic to the sym
pathizers with the South in Washington." I had not had
my clothes off for nearly two weeks, and Avas granted leave
of absence from the vessel, on whose deck was lying the
corpse of the assassin, covered with two blankets sewed
together like a sack, completely concealing it. Upon my
return, I was greatly surprised aud indignant, to find per
sons of high position, and some of secession proclivities,
around the dead body, the coarse shroud parted at the seam,

508 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
and a lady at that moraent cutting off a lock of the black,
curled, and beautiful hair. I seized the fair hands, and,
after a refusal to give me the relic, forcibly took it, and then
cleared the deck, to the amazement and displeasure of some
of the party.
At noon of that night, -with my trusty lieutenant, a man
of thoroughly Christian principles, I placed the body in a
small boat, and we rowed away from the silent leviathan of
Mars, which had borne the loathsome body to the nation's
capital ; with no watchful eye upon us, but that of Him who
scattered above us the shining stars. It was a strange, wild
hour on the calm Potomac ; and yet, so great was my ex
haustion and fatigue, that I fell to dozing with the oar in my
hand, and the sack containing the assassin's corpse at my
feet. Further I cannot go — it is best to let the curtain of un
broken secrecy and mystery remain between the burial and
all human curiosity.
The diary kept by Booth after the murder of the Presi
dent, to which I referred in connection with the giving of the
personal effiects of Booth to the Secretary of War, recorded
the adventures of the fugitive ; one of these was the killing
of his horse in the tangled forest to avoid detection, and then
sleeping between the aniraal' s legs to get the warmth while
it remained in the dead body, during the long hours of the
horrible night. With the dawn, he dragged his own painful
limbs along his untrodden path of flight from the apparently
slow, but certain, grasp of avenging justice.
' ' On the 9th of July, 1865, at as early an hour as eight
A. M.," says an eye-witness, " people commenced to Avent their
Avay down to the prison, and the boats to Alexandria, which
ran close by the jail, were crowded all day by those who
took the trip in hopes of catching a glimpse of the gallows,
or of the execution, but it was all in vain. The only position
outside of the jail that could be used as an observatory, was
the large building upon the left side of the arsenal, which
had about fifty spectators upon it, who had a good view of
the Avhole.
' ' Between nine and ten o' clock in the morning the three
ante-rooms of the prison, on the first floor, were thronged
with army officers, principally of Hancock's corps, anxious

[U'lilAL OK liOOTH.

THE EXECUTION. 509
to get a view of the execution from the windows, from which
the scaffold could be plainly seen. The newspaper reporters
soon began to congregate there also, and in a foAv minutes
not less than a score were in attendance. Availing to pick up
the smallest item of interest. No newspaper man Avas allowed
to see the prisoners in their cells before they Avere led out to
execution, and General Hartranft was very decided on this
point. "While waiting here for over two hours, the clergymen
passed in and out through the heavily riveted door leading
to the prisoners' cells, which creaked heavily on its hinges
as it swung to and fro, and the massive key was turned upon
the inner side with a heavy sound as a visitor was admitted
within its portals.
"Mrs. Surratt' s daughter passed into the ante-room,
accompanied by a lady, who remained seated, while the
daughter rapidly entered the hall, and, passing through the
heavy door, is soon in the corridor where her mother is
incarcerated. "Messrs. Cox, Doster, Aiken, and Clampitt, counsel for
the prisoners, are specially passed in for a short interview,
and in a few minutes they return again to the ante-rooms.
Time flies rapidly, and not a moment is to be lost. No use
less words are to be spoken, but earnest terse sentences are
from necessity employed when conversing with the doomed
prisoners, whose lives are now measured by minutes.
"Aiken and Clampitt are both here. They walk impa
tiently up and doAvn the room, whispering a word to each
other as to the prospect of Mrs. Surratt' s being reprieved
through the operations of the habeas corpus, which, Aiken
confidently tells us, has been granted by Justice Wylie, and
from which he anticipates favorable results. Strange infatu
ation ! It was the last straw to which, like drowning men,
they clutched with the fond hope that it was to rescue their
client from her imminent peril.
"Atzeroth passed the night previous to the execution
without any particular manifestations. He prayed and cried
alternately, but made no other noise that attracted the
attention of his keeper. On the morning pf the execution

510 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
he sat most of the time on the floor of his cell in his shirt
sleeves. "He was attended by a lady dressed in deep black, who
carried a prayer-book, and who seemed more exercised in
spirit than the prisoner himself. Who the lady Avas could
not be ascertained. She left him at half-past tAveh'e o'clock,
and exhibited great emotion at parting.
"During the afternoon Atzeroth was greatly coraposed,
and spent part of the tirae in earnest conversation with his
spiritual adviser. Rev. INIr. Butler, of St. Paul's Lutheran
Church, Washington. He occupied cell No. 151 on the
ground fioor, Avhich was directly in vieAV of the yard, Avhere
he could see the gathering crowd and soldiery, although he
could not see the scaffold. He sat in the corner of his cell
on his bed, and when his spiritual adviser would go out for
a feAV minutes and leave his Testament in his hands, his eyes
Avould be dropped to it in a moment, and occasionally wan
der Avith a wild look toward the open window in front of his
cell. " He wore nothing but a white linen shirt and a gray pair
of pants. The long irons upon his hands, which he had ,
worn during the trial, Avere not removed.
"Atzeroth made a partial confession to the Rev. Mr.
Butler, a feAV hours before his execution. He stated that he
took a room at the Kirkwood House on Thursday afternoon,
and was engaged in endeavoring to get a pass to Richmond.
Ee then heard the President was to be taken to the theater
and there to be captured. He said he understood that Booth
was to rent the the.iter for the purpose of carrying out the
plot to capture the President. He stated that Harold brought
the pistol and knife to the Kirkwood House, and that he
(xVtzeroth) had nothing to do with the attempted assassination
of AndreAv Johnson.
" Booth intended that Harold should assassinate Johnson,
and he wanted him (Atzeroth) to back him up and give him
courage. Booth thought that Harold had more pluck than
Atzeroth. "He alluded to the meeting at the restaurant about the
middle of March. He said Booth, Harold, Payne, Arnold,

TIIE EXECUTION. 511
and himself Avere present, and it Avas then concerted that Mr.
Lincoln should be captured and taken to Richmond.
"They heard that Lincoln Avas to visit a camp near
Washington, and the plan Avas that they should proceed
there and capture tho coach and horses containing Lincoln,
and run him through Prince George' County and Old Fields
to G. B. There they Avere to h-ave the coach and horses
and place the President in a buggy Avhich Harold Avould
have on hand, and thus convey hhii to a boat to be in readi
ness, and run him by some means to Richmond. He denies
that he AA'as in favor of assassinating Lincoln, but was Avilling
to assist in his capture.
"He stated, however, that he knew Lincoln was to be
assassinated about half-past eight o'clock on the evening of
the occurrence, but was afraid to make it known, as he
feared Booth Avould kill him if he did so.
"He said that slavery caused his sympathies to be with
the South. He had heard a sermon preached which stated
that a curse on the negro race had turned them black. He
always hated the negroes, and thought they should be kept
in ignorance. "Booth had promised him that if their plan succeeded for
the capture of Lincoln they should all be rich men, and they
would become great. The prisoners would all be exchanged,
and the independence of the South would be recognized, and
their cause be triumphant. He had never received any
money as yet.
"The crowd increases. Reporters are scribbling indus
triously. A suppressed whisper is audible all over the room
and the hall as the hour draws nearer, and the preparations
begin to be more demonstrative.
"The rumbling sound of the trap, as it falls in the course
of the experiments which are being made to test it, and to
prevent any unfortunate accident occurring at the critical
moment, is heard through the windows, and all eyes are
involuntarily turned in that direction, for curiosity is excited
to the highest pitch to view the operations of the fatal ma
chinery. There are two or three pictorial papers represent
ed. One calmly makes a drawing of the scaffold for the

512 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
next issue of his paper, and thus the hours till noon passed
aAvay. "The bustle increases. Officers are running to and fro,
calling for orderlies and giving orders. General Hartranft
is trying to answer twenty questions at once frora as many
different persons. The sentry in the hall is becoming angry
because the crowd will keep intruding on his beat, when
suddenly a buggy at the door announces the arrival of Gen
eral Hancock.
' ' He enters the room hurriedly, takes General Hartranft
aside, and a feAV words pass betAveen them in a low tone, to
Avhich Hartranft nods acquiescence ; then, in a louder voice,
Hancock says : ' Get ready. General ; I Avant to have every
thing put in readiness as soon as possible.' This was the
signal for the interviews of the clergymen, relatives, and
friends of the prisoners to cease, and for the doomed to pre
pare for execution.
"The bustle increases. Mr. Aiken approaches General
Hancock, and a few minutes' conversation passes between
them. Aiken's countenance changes perceptibly at General
Hancock's AVords. The reason is plain ; there is no hope for
Mrs. Surratt. The habeas corpus movement, from which he
expected s > much, has failed ; and Aiken, in a voice tremu
lous with emotion, said to me : ' Mrs. Surratt will be hung.'
"The bright hopes he had cherished had all vanished,
and the dreadful truth stood before him in all its. horror.
Clampitt, too, till General Hancock arrived, indulged in the
hope that the habeas corpus Avould effect a respite for three
or four days.
"Three or four of Harold's sisters, all in one chorus of
weeping, come through the prison-door into the hall. They
had left their brother and spoken to hira the last words, and
heard his voice for the last time.
' ' At fifteen minutes after one o' clock. General Hartranft
blandly informs the ' press gang ' to be iu readiness for the
prison-doors to be opened, when they can pass into the prison-
yard, from whence a good vieAV of the procession can be ob
tained as it passes by to the scaffold. About 11a. jr., the
prison-yard Avas thrown open to those having passes, and
about fifty entered. The first object in vieAV was the scaffold.

TIIE EXECUTION.

513

which was erected at the northeast corner of the peniten
tiary yard, and consisted of a simple Avooden structure, of
very primitive appearance, faced about due Avest. The
platform Avas elevated about tAvelve feet frora the ground,
and Avas about twenty feet square. Attached to the main
platform AA'ere the drops, &c., two in number, on Avhich the
criminals stood. At the moraent of execution, these drops
Avere connected Avith the main platform, by means of large
hinges, four to each drop.
"The drops Avere supported by a post, Avhich rested on a
heavy piece of timber placed on the ground, and so arranged
that two soldiers stationed at the rear of the scaffold instan
taneously detached the two supports from their positions by
means of pressing two poles, Avhich occupied a horizontal
position, the action of which dislodged the props of the scaf
fold and permitted the drops to fall.
"The gallows proper was divided into Iavo parts by
means of a perpendicular piece of tlraber, resting on the
platforra, and reaching up to the cross-beam of the galloAvs.
Tavo ropes hung on either side of the piece of timber men
tioned. They Avere wound around the cross-beam, and con
tained large knots and nooses at the loAver end. The platform
was ascended by means of a flight of steps, thirteen in num
ber, erected at the rear of the scaffold, and guarded on either
side by a railing, which also extended around the platform.
The platform was sustained by nine heavy uprights, about
which rose the two heavy pieces of timber Avhich supported
the cross-beara and constituted the galloAvs. The entire
platforra Avas capable of holding conveniently about thirty
people, and AA'as about half full at the time of the execution.
"The executioners were all fine stahvarf speciraens of
Union soldiers, and did their AVork well. The rope Avas fur
nished frora the navy j'ard, and was one and a half inches in
circuraference, and composed of twenty strands.
"The graves were dug close to the scaffold, and next to
the prison wall. They were four in number, and Avere about
three feet and a half deep, in a dry, clayey soil, and about
seven feet long and three wide. Four pine boxes, similar to
those used for packing guns in, stood betAveen the graves
and the scaflTold. These were for coffins, both being in full
33

514 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
vicAV of the prisoners as they emerged from their cells, and
before them until they commenced the dreadful ascent of
those thirteen steps.
" About a thousand soldiers Avere in the yard and upon
the high wall around it, Avhich is wide enough for sentries to
patrol it. The sun's rays made it very oppressive, and the
Avails kept off the little breeze that Avas stirring. There was
no shade, and men huddled together along the Avails and
around the pump to discuss with one another the prospect
of a reprieA'e or delay for Mrs. Surratt. But foAV hoped for
it, though some were induced by Mrs. Surratt' s couucel to ,
believe she Avould not be hanged to-day. When one of them
came out and saAV the four ropes hanging from the beam, he
exclaimed to one of the soldiers : ' My God ! they are not
going to hang all four, a.re they ?'
"But there are times when it is mercy to hang criminals,
and that time Avas drawing nigh, it seemed, for those who
have been used for years to apologizing for the Rebellion,
and its damning acts, to be brought to believe that any crime
is to be punished. Of such material were the prisoner's
counsel. " The drops, at 11:30, are tried Avith three hundred pound
Aveights upon them, to see if they will work. One falls all
right ; one hangs part Avay doAvn, and the hatchet and saw
were brought into play. The next time they were all right.
The rattle echoes around the walls ; it reaches the prisoners'
cells close by, and penetrates their inmost recesses. All is
quiet in the .yard, save the scuffle of the military, and the
passing to and fro of a few civilians.
"At 12:40, four arm-chairs are brought out and placed
upon the scaffold, and the moving around of General Hart
ranft indicates the drawing near of the tirae. The news-
paper correspondents and reporters are admitted to a position
about thirty feet from the gallows, and about one o'clock and
ten minutes, the heavy door in front of the cells is swung
upon its hinges for the hundredth tirae Avithin an hour, and
a feAV reporters, Avith General Hancock, pass in and through
to the yard, and the big door closes Avith a slara behind them.
All take positions to get a good view. General Hancock for
the last time takes a survey of the preparations, and being

THE EXECUTION.

515

satisfied that every thing is readj'^, he re-enters the prison
building, and in a few minutes the solemn procession marched
down the steps of the back door and into the yard.
"Mrs. Surratt cast her eyes upAA'ard upon the scaffold,
for a few moments, with a look of curiosity, combined Avith
dread. One glimpse, and her eyes fell to the ground, and
she walked along mechanically, her head drooping, and if
she had not been supported would have fallen.
" She ascended the scaffold, and Avas led to an arm-chair,
in which she was seated. An umbrella was held over her
by the two holy fathers, to protect her from the sun, Avliose
rays shot doAvn like the blasts from a fiery furnace. She Avas
attired in a black bombazine dress, black alpaca bonnet, with
black veil, which she wore over her face till she Avas seated
on the chair. During the reading of the order for the execu
tion, by General Hartranft, the priests held a sraall crucifix
before her, which she kissed fervently several tiraes.
"She first looked around at the scene before her, then
closed her eyes and seeraed engaged in silent prayer. The
reading and the announcement of the clergymen in belialf
of the other prisoners having been made. Colonel McCall,
assisted by the other officers, proceeded to remove her bon
net, pinion her elbows, and .tie strips of cotton stuff* around
her dress below the knees. This done, the rope was placed
around her neck and her face covered with a white cap
reaching down to the shoulders.
"When they Avere pinioning her arms, she turned her
head, and made some remarks to the officers in a low tone,
which could not be heard. It appeared they had tied her
elbows too tight, for they slackened the bandage slightly,
and then awaited the final order. All the prisoners Avere
prepared thus at the same time, and the preparations of each
were corapleted at about the sarae moraent, so that when
Mrs. Surratt was thus pinioned, she stood scarcely ten sec
onds, supported by those standing near her, Avhen General
Hartranft gave the signal, by clapping his hands twice, for
both drops to fall, and as soon as the second and last signal
Avas given, both fell, and Mrs. Surratt, Avith a jerk, fell to
the full length of the rope. She was leaning over when the
drop fell, and this gave a swinging motion to her body,

516 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
w'hicli lasted several minutes before it assumed a perpendicu
lar position. Her death Avas instantaneous ; she died Avith
out a struggle. The only muscular movement discernible
Avas a slight contraction of the left arm, Avliich she seemed to
try to disengage from behind her as the drop fell.
"After being suspended thirty minutes, she was cut
doAvu, and placed in a square wooden box or coffin, in the
clothes in Avhich she died, and Avas interred in the prison
yard. The rope made a clean cut around her neck, fully an
inch in diameter, which Avas black and discolored Avith
bruised blood. The cap was not taken off her face, and she
was laid in the coffin Avitli it on, and thus has passed aAvay
from the face of the earth Mary E. Surratt. Her body, it is
understood, will be given to her family for burial.
" Payne died as he has lived, at least as he has done since
his arrest, bold, calm, and thoroughly composed. The only
tremor exhibited by this extraordinary man during the terri
ble ordeal of the execution Avas an involuntary vibration of
the muscles of his legs after the fatal drop fell. He Avas next
in order to Mrs. Surratt in the procession of the criminals
from their cells to the place of execution.
" He was supported on one side by his spiritual adviser,
and on the other by a soldier, although he needed no such
assistance, for he Avalked erect and upright, and retained the
peculiar piercing expression of the eye that has ever charac
terized him. He was dressed in a blue flannel shirt, and
pants of the sarae material. His braAvny neck was entirely
exposed, and he wore a uoav straAV hat. He ascended the
steps leading to the scaffold Avith the greatest ease, and took
his seat on the drop with as much sang froid as though he
was sitting down to dinner.
' ' Once or tAvice he addressed a foAv words in an undertone
to persons close by him, and occasionally glanced at the
array of soldiers and civilians spread out before hira. A
puflf of wind blew off his hat, and he instantly turned around
to see Avliere it Avent to. When it was recovered and handed
to hira, he intiraated by gesturing that he no longer required
it, and it was laid aside.
"During the reading of the sentence by General Hartranft,
just previous to the execution, he calmly listened, and once

TIIE EXECUTION.

517

tr twice glanced upAvard at the g.alloAvs, as if inspecting its
construction. He submitted to the process of binding his
limbs very quietly, and Avatched the operation with attention.
"His spiritual adviser. Rev. Dr. Gillette, advanced, a
few minutes previous to the execution, and made some
remarks in Payne' s behalf. He thanked the diflTerent officials
for the attention and kindness bestoAved on Payne, and
exhorted the criminal in a foAV impassioned words to give his
entire thoughts to his future state. Payne stood immovable
as a statue Avhen the drop fell. Although next to Harold,
who died the hardest, he exhibited more bodily contortions
than the others while suspended. While the noose was
being adjusted to his neck, Payne raised his head, and
evidently desired to assist the executioner in that delicate
operation. " Probably no one of the criminals felt as great a dread
of the terrible ordeal through which they were to pass as
young Harold. From the time he left his cell until his soul
was sent into the presence of the Almighty, he exhibited the
greatest emotion, and seemed to thoroughly realize his
wretched condition. His face AVore an indefinable expression
of anguish, and at times he trembled violently. He seemed
to desire to engage in conversation with those around him
while sitting in the chair aAvaiting execution, and his spiritual
adviser, Rev. Mr. Old, vA'as assiduous in his attentions to the
wretched man.
" Harold Avas dressed in a black cloth coat and light pants,
and Avore a white shirt Avithout any collar ; he wore also a
black slouch hat, Avliich he retained on his head until it was
removed to raake roora for the white cap. At tiraes he looked
Avildly around, and his face had a haggard, anxious, inquir
ing expression. When the drop fell, he exhibited more
tenacity of life than any of the others, and he endeavored
several times to draAV himself up as if for the purpose of
relieving hiraself from the rope by Avhich he Avas suspended.
"Atzeroth ascended the steps of the scaffold Avithout
difficulty, and took his seat at the south end of the drop
without exhibiting any particular emotion. He Avas dressed
in a dark gray coat and pants, and black vest and white linen
shirt, wJ'.hout any collar; on his feet he wore a pair of

518 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
woolen slippers and socks. He sat in such a position that
he could see the profiles of his felloAV-prisoners, and he had
his hands pinioned behind hira. He wore no hat, had a
white handkerchief placed over his head Avith a tuft of hair
protuding from it and spreading over his forehead.
"Directly behind him stood his spiritual adviser, Avho
held an umbrella over him to keep off the burning rays of
the sun. During the reading of the sentence by General
Hartranft, he kept perfectly quiet, but his face wore an
expression of unutterable woe, and he listened attentively.
He Avore a thin moustache and small goatee, cand his foce Avas
pale and sallow. Once, and once only, he glanced around
at the assembled throng, and occasionally muttered inco
herent sentences, but he talked, while on the scaffold, to no
one immediately around him.
"Just before his execution, his spiritual adviser, Mr.
Butler, advanced and stated that Atzeroth desired to return
his sincere thanks to General Hartranft and the other officials
for their many acts of kindness extended toAvard him. He
then called on God to forgive George A. Atzeroth for hia
many sins, and, turning to Atzeroth, reminded hira that
while the wages of sin wereVleath, that whomsoever placed
their hope in the Lord Jesus Christ were not forgotten. He
hoped that God Avould grant him a full and free forgiveness,
and ended by saying : ' May the Lord God have mercy on
you, and grant you his peace.'
" The handkerchief Avas then taken from his head, and he
stood up, facing the assembled audience, directly alongside
of the instrument of his death. His knees slightly trembled,
and his legs Avere bent forAvard. He stood for a fcAV moments
the very embodiment of Avretchedness, and then spoke a few
words in an undertone to General Hartranft, after which he
shook hands with his spiritual adviser and a few others near
him ; while he Avas being secured with bands, tied around
his legs and arras, he kept muttering to himself, as if engaged
in silent prayer.
"Suddenly he broke forth with the words, 'Gentlemen,
beware who you — ' and then stopped, as if with emotion ; as
the white cap Avas being placed over his head he said, ' Good
bye, gentlemen ; may we all meet in the other world. God

THE EXECUTION. 519
take me noAV.' He muttered soraething loud enough for
those close by him to hear, just as the drop fell, evidently
not anticipating such an event at that moraent. He died
without apparent pain, and his neck must have been in
stantly broken.
"After hanging a foAV seconds, his stomach heaved con
siderably, and subsequently his legs quivered a little. His
death appeared to be the easiest of any of the criminals, Avith
the exception of Mrs. Surratt, who did not apparently suffer
at all. After hanging half an hour, Atzeroth' s body Avas
taken doAvn, it being the first one loAvered, and an examina
tion raade by Surgeons Otis, WoodAvard, and Porter.
"About half-past eight o'clock this morning, Miss Sur
ratt, accompanied by a female friend, again visited the White
House, having been there last evening for the purpose of
obtaining an interview Avith the President. President John
son having given orders that he would receive no one to-day,
the door-keeper stopped Miss Svrratt at the foot of the steps
leading up to the President's office, and Avould not permit
her to proceed farther. She then asked permission to see
General Mussey, the President's Military Secretary, who
promptly answered the summons, and came doAvn stairs
where Miss Surratt was standing.
" As soon as the General made his appearance^ Miss Sur
ratt threw herself upon her knees before him, catching him
by the coat, with loud sobs and streaming eyes, implored
him to assist her in obtaining a hearing Avith the President.
"General Mussey, in as tender a manner as possible,
informed Miss Surratt that he could not comply with her
request, as President Johnson' s orders were iraperative, and
he Avould receive no one.
"Upon General Mussey's returning to his office," Miss
Surratt threw herself upon the stair steps, Avhere she re
mained a considerable length of time, sobbing aloud in the
greatest anguish, protesting her mother's innocence, and
imploring every one who came near her to intercede in her
mother's behalf. While thus weeping, she declared her
mother was too good and kind to be guilty of the enormous
crirae of Avhich she was convicted, and asserted that if her
mother was put to death she wished to die also.

520 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
"The scene Avas heart-rending, and many of those who
Avitnessed it, including a number of hardy soldiers, were
moved to tears. Miss Surratt, having become quiet, was
finally persuaded to take a seat in the East Roora, and here
she remained for several hours, jumping up from her seat
each time the front door of the mansion was opened, evident
ly in hopes of seeing some one enter Avho could be of service
to her in obtaining the desired intervioAV Avitli the President,
or that they Avere the bearers of good news to her.
"Two of Harold's sisters, dressed in full mourning and
heavily A'eiled, made their appearance at the White House
shortly after Miss Surratt, for the purpose of interceding
Avith the President in behalf of their brother. Failing to see
the President, they addressed a note to Mrs. Johnson, and
expiessed a hope that she Avould not turn a deaf ear to their
pleadings. Mrs. Johnson being quite sick, it Avas thought
expedient l\y the ushers not to deliver the note, when, as a
last expedient, the ladies asked permission to forAvard a note
to Mrs. Patterson, the President's daughter, which privilege
was not granted, as Mrs. Patterson was also quite indis
posed. "Payne, during the night, slept well for about three
hours, the other portion of the night being spent in conver
sation with Rev. Dr. Gillette, of the First Baptist Church,
Avho offered his services as soon as he Avas informed of the
sentence. Payne, without shoAving any particular emotion,
paid close attention to the advice of Dr. Gillette. Up to ten
o'clock this raorning, no relations or friends had been to see
Payne. "Atzeroth av as very nervous throughout the night, and
did not sleep, although he made several attempts. His
brother Avas to see him yesterday afternoon, and again this
morning. His aged mother, who arrived during the night,
Avas also present. The meeting of the condemned man and
his mother Avas very affecting, and moved some of the
officers of the prison, Avho have become used to trying
scenes, to tears.
"Rev. Dr. Butler, of tire Lutheran Church, was sent for
last night, and has been all night ministering to Atzeroth.
Harold Avas visited yesterday by Rev. Mr. Olds, of Christ

EXECUTION OP THE ASSASSINS.

THE EXECUTION.

521

Episcopal Church, and five of his sisters, and this morning
the rainister and the entire family of seven sisters were pres
ent Avith hira. Harold slept very av(j11 several hours during
the night.
"Miss Surratt Avas Avith her mother several hours last
night, as also Rev. F.-thers Wiget and "Walter, and Mr. Bro-
phy, Avho Avere also present this morning. She slept very
little, if any, and required considerable attention, suffering
Avitli cramps and pains the entire night, caused by her ner
vousness. The breakfast Avas sent to the prisoners at the
usual hour this morning, but none eat, excepting Payne,
Avho ate heartilA'.
"About three thousand troops were employed in guard
ing the building and its surroundings.
"The execution ground was a large square inclosure,
called the Old Penitentiar}^ jail yard, directly south of the
Old Penitentiary building. It comprises probably three
acres of ground, surrounded by a brick wall, about tAventy
feet in height.
" This Avail is capped with Avhite stone and surmounted
with iron stakes and ropes, to prevent the guard from falling
off Avhile patrolling the tops of the Avail. The Sixth Regi
ment Veteran Volunteers were formed on the summit of the
wall during the execution, and they presented quite a pic
turesque appearance in their elevated position.
" The galloAvs occupied a position in the angle of the in
closure formed by the east wall and the Penitentiary build
ing on the north. The First Regiment Veteran Volunteers
were posted around the galloAvs, Iavo sides being formed by
the east Avail and the Penitentiary building.
"The spectators, about two hundred in number, were
congregated directly in front of the gallows, the soldiers
forming a barrier betAveen them and the place of execution.
The crirainals Avere led to the scaffold from a small door
about one hundred feet from the place of execution. But
for a small projection that runs south of the Penitentiary
building, the gallows Avould be in plain view of the prison
ers' cells, Avhich are all on the first floor of the building.
" It Avas a noticeable incident of the execurion that scarce
ly any Government officials or citizens were present, the

522 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
spectators being nearly all connected Avith the trial in some
capacity, or else representatives of the press.
' ' By permission of the authorities, the daughter of Mrs.
Surratt passed the night previous to the execution Avith her
mother, in her cell. The entire intervieAV was of a very
affecting character. The daughter remained with her mother
until a short time before the execution, and when the time
carae for separation the screams of anguish that burst from
the poor girl could be distinctly heard all over the execution
ground. "During the morning the daughter proceeded to the
Metropolitan Hotel, and sought an interview Avith General
Hancock. Finding him, she implored him in pitiable accents
to get a reprieve for her mother. The general, of course,
had no power to grant or obtain such a favor, and so in
formed the distressed girl, in as gentle a manner as possible.
"General Hancock, with the kindness that always char
acterizes his actions apart frora the stern duties of his noble
profession, did his best to assuage the mental anguish of the
grief- stricken girl.
" The alleged important after-discovered testimony which
Aiken, counsel for Mrs. Surratt, stated would prove her
innocence, Avas subraitted to Judge Advocate-General Holt,
and, after a careful examination, he failed to discover any
thing in it having a bearing on the case. This Avas commu
nicated to the President, and doubtless induced him to
decline to interfere in the execution of Mrs. Surratt.
' ' The residence of Mrs. Surratt, on H Street, north, near
Sixth, remained closed after the announcement of her fate had
become knoAvn. <
"In the evening but a single dim light shone from one of
the rooras, Avhile Avithin the house all was as quiet as death
up to about eight o'clock, at Avhich hour Miss Annie E. Sur
ratt, Avho had been in constant attendance upon her mother,
drove up to the door in a hack, accompanied by a gentle
man. " She appeared to be perfectly crushed with grief, and as
she alighted from the carriage sorae ladies standing near Avere
moved to tears of S3'rapathy Avith the unfortunate girl whoso
every look and action betrayed her anguish.

THE EXECUTION. 523
"Miss Surratt, after gaining admittance to the house,
fainted several times, causing great bustle and excitement
among the inmates, who were untiring in their efforts to con
sole the almost heart-broken young lady.
"From early in the evening until a late hour at night,
hundreds of persons, old and young, male and feraale, visited
the vicinity of Mrs. Surratt' s residence, stopping upon the
opposite side of the street, glancing over with anxious and
inquiring eyes upon the house in which the conspirators
met, comraenting upon the fate of the doomed woman, and
the circurastances connected theroAvith.
"During the evening not less than five hundred persons
visited the spot."

CHAPTER XXXVl.
THE DETECTIVE POLICE AND THE ARREST OP THE ASSASSINS.
Personal Relations to President Lincoln — His Kindness and Confidence — My Order to
Pursue the Conspirators — Results — Statements of Subordinates and Others.
I SHALL now proceed to give a brief official history of my
connection Avith the arrest of the assassins of the President.
For some Aveeks previous to the assassination I had been on
duty in Noav York, engaged in making investigations with
reference to frauds committed in the recruiting service. On
Saturday morning, April 15, Avhile in my room at the Astor
House, having just risen to dress. Lieutenant L. C. Baker,
who had come on from Washington the evening previous,
rushed into my room and announced the fact that President
Lincoln had been assassinated. This announcement called
to my mind at once the various communications containing
threats of assassination that had for nearly two years been
receiA'ed. The last advices from Washington, received early
on Saturday morning, siraply announced that the President
still lived, but no hopes were entertained of his recovery.
The feeling of indignation and sadness exhibited by my
whole force, then on duty in New York, when I announced
to them the fact, I have never seen equaled. We had all
learned to love the President as a father. Amid all our
scenes of trial, through the prejudice of loyal citizens and the
passion of enemies of the Republic, and of detected crimi
nals, we had received the kindest treatment from Mr. Lincoln.
Whenever he Avas plied Avith charges against the bureau, he
vindicated its character, and affirraed it to be one of the
necessary institutions of the civil Avar.
He never hastily accepted the opinion of the highest in
position, nor in a single instance arraigned the national
police for its action, hoAvever loud the claraor of the victims
of its argus-eyed vigilance.

INTENSE EXCITEMENT IN WASHINGTON. 535
At twelve o'clock on Saturday, April 15, I received the
following dispatch frora the Secretary of War ;—
AV ASHINGTON, April 15, 18C5.
Colonel L. C. Baker: —
Come here immediately and see if you can find the murderer of tho
President. Edwin M. Stantox, Secretary of Wjir.
No train left Ncav York by Avhich I could reach Wash
ington before the folloAving morning. On Sunday morning,
April 16, I arrived in Washington. My intervieAV Avith the
Secretary of War Avas a sad one. As I entered the Secretary' s
office, and he recognized me, he turned aAvay to hide his
tears. He remarked — "AVell, Baker, they have uoav per
formed Avhat they have long threatened to do ; ih.ey have
killed the President. You must go to work. My Avhole
dependence is upon you."
I raade some inquiries Avith reference to what had been
done toAvard the capture of the assassins, and ascertained
that no direct clue even had been obtained, beyond the
simple conceded fact that J. Wilkes Booth was the assassin
of the President.
The popular excitement in Washington was fearfully
intense. For the time the gigantic crime, and the arrest of
the crirainals, put into the background of interest the crisis
of National affairs and the ordinary business of life. Every
face Avhicli did not bear the affected anxiety or indifference
of Southern sympathy, had the gloomy, mournful aspect of
inexpressible, bewildering horror and grief.
The practical duties Avhich engaged the exhausting labors
of my bureau, and the results that followed, between the mur
der of the President and the capture of Booth, are narrated
truthfully in the paper addressed to the Secretary of War : —
A\'-A3niNGT0N Citt, July 1, 1S68.
On the morning of April 15, 1865, while on duty in New York City, under
orders from the War Dep.artment to investigate certain frauds in connection
with the secret service, I first heard of the assassination of President Lincoln,
and attempts to assassinate the Seoi-et.iry of State. On the afternoon of the
day before referred to, I received a telegram from the Secretary of AVar, direct
ing me to come to Washington by first train, and bring my deteciive employes
¦with nie. Accordingly, on Saturday evening, April 15th, .as directed, I came
to Washington. On Sunday morning, the IGth, I called on the Secretary of

526 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
War, to learn the particulars of the assassination, and what measures had
been adopted to secure the capture of the assassins. I could learn but little
beyond the simple fact that J. Wilkes Booth was the supposed .assassin, and
that Harrold was his accomplice. I asked if any photographs of the supposed
assassins, or descriptions of their persons, had been secured or published. To
my surprise I learned that nothing of the kind h.ad been done ; during the
afternoon of Sunday rumors were freely circulated throughout the city con
necting the name of John Surratt and others with the assassination. I imme
diately secured pictures of those mentioned above, and on Mond.ay the 17th
had them copied, witli a full and accurate description of each assassin printed
in a circular, in wliich I offered a reward of Ten Thousand Dollars. These,
with their photographs and descriptions, I dispatched to a number of detec
tive agents in all parts of the country. I also mailed large numbers to diifer-
ent localities. These photographs and descriptions were the first ever pub
lished or circulated. At this time it w-as almost impossible to obtain any
information of a reliable character; the unparalleled atrocity of this terrible
event, .ind the fact that the assassins had for tho time being escaped, had
seeuiinply paralyzed the entire community. The local detective force of New
York. Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, and other cities, had arrived, and,
with the entire military force of this department, had reported to General
Augur, whose he.adquarters were in Washington. On Monday,^ April 18th, or
Tuesday following, I dispatched sis men of my force into Lower Maryland.
After being absent four or five days, they returned, unsuccessful, toward the
<>nd of the week succeeding the assassination.
No reliable information having been obtained, so far as I knew, concern
ing the whereabouts of the assassins, and having become thoroughly convinced
that Booth and Harrold had passed into Lower Maryland wa Anacosta or Navy
Y'ard Bridge, within an hour after the assassination, and being aware that
nearly every rod of ground in Lower Maryland must have been repeatedly
passed over by the great number of persons engaged in the search, I finally
decided, in my own mind, that Booth and Harrold must have crossed the river
into Virginia. After crossing they could not go toward Richmond or down
the Potomac, as the Federal troops were thon in possession of that entire sec
tion of country; the only possible way left open for escape was to t£ike a
south-western course, in order to reach the mountains of Tennessee or Ken-
tuclcy, -n-here such aid could be secured as would insure their ultimate escape
from the country. On examining the map, I ascertained where the princip.al
crossings of the Rappahannock -were located. On Sund.ay morning, April
231, I asked Major Eckert to furnish me with a competent telegraph operator,
and necessary apparatus, with the intention of opening an office at Port
Tobacco. This request was complied with, as indicated by the note ap
pended : — Offick United States Military Teleoraph, I
_ .„ AVae Depaet.ment, AVasiiihgton, D. C, April 23, 1865. |
Colonel Bakbe: —
This will introduce to you Mr. Beckwith, a cipher operator, of great siont-
ing experience, who may be of great service to you, in addition to his tele
graphing.

AN INTELLIGENT "CONTRABAND." 537
I alfo send with him Mr. Cheney, a repair man, to make speedy connec
tions wherever it may be found necessary. Please furnish him a side-arm.
Yours truly, Tnos. F. EcKEET.
Mr. Beckwith -w-fts sent to me on Sunday afternoon. This operator, -with
two of my detective agents, Hubbard and Woodall, left Washington on Sun
day afternoon or evening, on board tho steamer Keyport. They did not reach
the landing at Port Tobacco until nearly moi-ning on Monday. There was
brought to my headquarters a colored man, who I was informed had import
ant information respecting the assassins. On questioning the colored man, I
found he had seen two men, answering the description of Booth and Harrold,
entering a small boat in the vicinity of Swan's Point. After a series of ques
tions propounded and answered by this colored man, giving a description of
the assassins, I was surprised to learn from him th.at he had three days pre
viously communicated precisely the same inforraation to some soldier-men (as
he expressed it) then engaged in searching for the assassins, but that the
soldier-men called him a damned black, lying nigger, and did not believe his
story. This information, -with my preconceived theory as to the movements
of the assassins, decided my course. I wrote a note to Major-General Han
cock, then in command of this Dep.artment, requesting him to send me a
detachment of twenty-five cavalry, under ch.arge of a competent, discreet, and
rehable officer, to report at my headquarters for duty as soon as possible. I
then called Lieutenant-Colonel Conger and Lieutenant L. B. Baker, forraerly
of my regiment (the First District Cavalry), and informed them thjit I had
information concerning Booth and Harrold, and spreading a map of Virginia
on my table, with a pencil I marked out the point where I supposed the assas
sins crossed, and their course after crossing the ferry at Port Conway. I then
remarked, "I w-ill give you the cavalrj', and don't come back without them, for
they are certainly in that vicinity." About one o'clock, or soon after (the pre
cise time I cannot now recollect), a squad of cavalry rode up in front of my
headquarters; the officer in command dismounted, and entered the office and
inquired, "Is this Colonel Baker's headquarters?" Some one standing by said
"Yes." I then said, "I am Colonel Baker." The officer said, '-I am ordered
to report to you." I asked the officer his name. He replied, "Lieutenant
Dougherty.'' I asked, "What cavalry have you got?" He replied, "A de
tachment from the Sixteenth New York Cavalry." I called Lieutenant
Dougherty to w-here Conger and Baker were standing, and said, " Lieutenant,
you will act under the orders and direction of these two meu," referring to
Conger and Baker. " You are going after Booth, and have got the only
reliable inforraation concerning his whereabouts." Some further conversa
tion occurred respecting the cavalry, rations, forage, transportation, &c. As
I intended and did place the control and management of the expedition solely
and exclusively under my on-n men, I did not deem it necessary to give Lieu
tenant Dougherty any instructions whatever, and only called to my assistance
the military to protect ray men in the execution of my orders and iustruc-
tioBS. This had usually been the practice in my bureau for two or three

523 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
years previously. The unsettled condition of affairs in the section of Virginia
to be visited by the expedition made it necessary th.at a military force should
accompany it, otherwise my plans for the capture of tlie assassins could and
would have been much more promptly and satisfactorily carried out and con-
summ.ated by my detectives — for Booth would have been brought to Washing
ton alire.
The expedition left AVashington on the afternoon of Monday, April 24.
The facts of tlie capture, killing of Booth, &c., h.aving been detailed by those
directly connected w-ith and .actual participators in the same, I shall conclude
my statement by briefiy referring to what occurred alYer the capture. On
Wednesday, April 2(1, .about 5 o'clock p. M., Colonel Conger arrived at my
headquarters with the first inforraation respecting the result of the capture
of the assassins. I iramediately took him to the house of the Secretary of
War, when he detailed briefiy the facts of the pursuit, capture, and killing of
Booth, &c., at the same tirae handing to the Secretary of AVar the effects, or
articles, taken from the dead body of Booth. By direction of the Secretary
of AVar, w-ith Colonel Conger, I went immediately to Alexandria, to intercept
and take charge of the prisoner Harrold, and the dead body of Booth, which
since tlie capture had been in charge of Lieutenant Baker. About 12 o'clock,
the steamer Ide, with the assassins, arrived at Alexandria. I went on board,
and t(ink charge of the management and disposition of the prisoner Harrold
and body of Booth. It is a well-known fact, with few exceptions, that as
soon as it was publicly known that the assassins were captured, those that
had been the most persistent in forcing their claims before the committee
appointed to investigate tlie raatter, entirely ceased and abandoned all efforts to
procure, or even assist in procuring, the requisite proofs to convict the assas
sins. I desire to state positively that the information that prompted me to
send the expedition to Port Conway was not, in any way, sh.ape, or manner,
derived frora the AVar Dep.artment, or from any information or intimation
furnished by any one connected with the search for the assassins. I neither
saw nor knew the contents of any telegrams, letter, or memorandums, refer
ring in the slightest raanner to the fact that the murderers had crossed the
Potomac River. I desire further to state that tho information before referred
to in this stateraent, and ray belief and preconceived theory as to the intended
moveraent of the assassins, was the sole and only incentive that prompted the
sending out of the expedition which resulted so successfully. My honest con
viction is, and it is the opinion repeatedly expressed by those in authority,
that, had not this expedition reached the Garrett Farm as they did, on AVednes-
day morning, before daylight, Booth and Harrold wonld have escaped entirely.
Respectfully submitted, L. C. Bakke,
Late Brig.-Gen., and Pro.-Mar. AVar Department.
It is well known among the authorities at Washington,
that the preliminary steps and investigations, with reference
to the assassination, had already been taken, before my

OFFICIAL INSOLENCE— FLETCHER. 529
arrival there, at General Augur's headquarters. A commis
sion, consisting of Colonel Wells, Colonel Foster, and Colonel
Alcott, was then in session, and all information, from what
ever sources derived, was laid before this commission. The
enormity of the crime committed by the assassins, and the
anxiety of the public for their arrest, had divested my mind
entirely of any thing like rivalry in the investigations going
on. I was Avilling, and indeed anxious, to work and co
operate with any officer or officers in the prosecution of this
investigation. I was even willing to place myself under the
advice, counsel, and direction of any officer, whether mili
tary or civil. Accordingly, I repaired to General Augur' s
headquarters, and asked some questions with regard to the
information already obtained. I Avas informed' that neither
my services nor the services of my force were required ; that
a positive clue had' been obtained as to who the assassins
Avere, and their whereabouts. After making some further
inquiries, to all of which I received either evasive or insult
ing replies, I determined to set on foot an investigation under
my own direction. With this view, I immediately obtained
photographs of the supposed assassins, and had a large num
ber of them copied, which I sent in all directions. I believe
the first clue obtained as to the assassins was derived from a
man named Fletcher, employed in the livery stable of Mr.
Naylor, in Washington. Harrold had, on the afternoon pre
vious to the evening of the assassination, hired a horse at
Mr. Naylor's stable. Mr. Naylor, fearing that Harrold
Avould run away with the horse, had sent Fletcher to watch
him. The evidence of Fletcher, given before the commission
on the trial of the assassins, shows that he went to the Navy
Yard bridge. The bridge being guarded by a military force,
and having no pass, he could not cross ; but he learned that
two suspicious characters had just crossed on horseback.
He returned to General Augur's headquarters about one
o'clock on Saturday morning, and reported the fact. Here
begins the first series of blunders in this attempted search
for the assassins. Fletcher's statement was entirely disre
garded. No steps were taken by those in possession of this
information to follow up the clue thus given until sixteen
hours after Avai-d. This delay enabled the assassins to get
3!

530 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
entirely beyond the reach of those sent in pursuit. On Sun
day, at ten o'clock, I received the following information : —
Baltmom, April 16, 1865.
The following information has just been received from Polk Gardner, a
lad who left Upper Marlborough, Prince George County, on Friday night, to
come here to see his father, who is dying. On the road, about four miles
from AA'ashington, he met a man on a roan horse, who inquired the way to
Upper Marlborough, and whether he had seen a man riding rapidly in that
direction. About two miles from Washington he met another man, on a bay
horse, who also inquired the road to Upper Marlborough, and asked him if he
had seen a man riding in that direction. The last named then rode on rapidly.
This occurred at eleven o'clock, or a little later.
The steamer Commerce left here yesterd.ay morning at six o'clock, without
passengers, but with a guard and shrewd officer, with orders to make her
usual trip and take in all passengers that presented themselves, and then
secure them and bring them all here. As she goes to Upper Marlborough,
stopping at Benedict and other places, it is not unlikely that the guilty parties
may be caught.
I immediately sent for Polk Gardner, and had his state
ment taken. The description given of the horses — to wit,
3ne bay and one roan — corresponded exactly with the de-
icription furnished by Fletcher of the horses hired from
Naylor' s stable. This, with Fletcher' s statement, furnished
lO my mind conclusive evidence that the assassins had gone
in the direction of Lower Maryland.
It is proper to state, in this connection, that a large mili
tary force, consisting of a whole brigade of infantry and
over one thousand cavalry, together with over two hundred
detectives and citizens, had gone into Lower Maryland. My
force being small at the time, many of them being engaged in
the Western States in pursuit of criminals, I sent a small
detachment of detectives with photographs and circulars into
LoAver Maryland. They were absent four or five days, and
returned Avith no clue to the assassins. The community were
beroming irapatient at the delay in the capture of the assas
sins, and beginning to fear that they would finally escape.
On Sunday morning, the 23d of April, I sent the following
note to Major-General Hanco(/k: —
AVar Dbpaetment, AVabhingtos Citt, April 24, 196&
Mujur-General Hancock, United States Army: —
CJenebai, — I am directed by the Secretary of War to apply to yon for a

THE PURSUIT BEGUN. 531
small cavalry force of t-wenty-flvo (25) raen, -well mounted, to be commanded
by a reliable and discreet commissioned officer.
Can you furnish them ? and if so, will you please direct the officer com
manding the squad to report to me with the men at No. 217 Pennsylvania
Avenue, opposite Willard's Hotel, at once ?
I am. Sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Bakee,
Colonel, and Agent War Department.
Official :
DturoAN S. Walkee, A. A. General.
In response to this communication, the cavalry arrived at
my headquarters. I immediately called into my private
office two of my detective officers — Colonel Conger and Lieu
tenant Baker — and informed them that I had information that
Booth and Harrold had crossed the Potomac, at the same
time pointing out with a pencil the place on a map where
they had crossed, and Avhere I believed they would be
found. Lieutenant Dougherty, of the Sixteenth New York
Cavalry, who commanded this squad, was introduced to
Colonel Conger and Lieutenant Baker, with the following
remark : — " You are going in pursuit of the assassins. You
have the latest reliable information concerning them. You
will act under the orders of Colonel Conger."
I then dispatched a messenger to the quartermaster at
Sixth Street wharf, with a request to furnish a boat as soon
as possible, to take a squad of cavalry down the Potomac.
The messenger returned, bringing the following communica
tion from Captain Allen, the quartermaster : —
Assistant Qitastermastbr^s Opfigr, I
KiTEB Transportation, Sixth Street AV-haef, V
AVashington, D. C, April 23, 1868. J
Colonel L. C. Bakeb, Agent War Department : —
Sie — I have the honor to inform you that I will have a boat ready for you
at four p. M. this day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. S. Allen,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
The expedition left Washington on board the steamer
Ide, about four o'clock. The facts and incidents connected
with the pursuit and capture of the assassi^ from this time
until the body of Booth was returned to Washington, and

532 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
placed in my possession, I will leave to be detailed by
Colonel Conger and Lieutenant Baker : —
AVashinston, D. C, December 24, 1865.
To the Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War ¦.^-
SiB — Under General Order No. 164, in reference to the rewards offered by
the Secret.ary of War for the apprehension of Booth and Harrold, the assassins
of the late President, E. J. Conger, late a lientenant-colonel, and L. B. Baker,
late a lieutenant, beg to submit the following narrative of the events of that
service : —
They were important actors in the pursuit and capture of those parties,
and theraselves did, and saw others do, every thing that -went to make up
that enterprise, from its inception in the brain of its projector and master
spirit, until the bodies of the two fugitives, living and dead, were delivered
into the hands of the Department of War ; and it is that this narrative may,
in sorae degree, help to the proper appreciation of the services of the parties
to whose hands the chief of the Detective Bureau committed the execution
of his plans.
General Baker, under the orders of the Department, reported at Washing
ton for duty Sunday morning, April 16th. He was .accompanied by Lieutea-
mt Baker, and joined by Colonel Conger the Monday following. Both of
these gentlemen, then private citizens, were taken into service by General
Baker, and assigned, under his immediate orders, to the special duty of the
subject of this statement.
Upon the arrival of Gener.al B.aker, he found the entire field occupied by a
numerous corps of detectives, whom the iraportance of the service and the
calls of the Government had asserabled from various points, and in whose
hands seeraed to be all the various sources of information, and the clues to all
that was known or suspected, then at command.
He found, upon approaching these parties, that they were unwilling to
impart to hira their information, receive him into confidence, and share with
him their counsels ; and with such slender information as was then in the
personal possession of the Secretary of War, the chief of the Military Bureau
was obliged to take the case up from the beginning: and after the field had
been gone over and gleaned by other hands and the footprifits of the assassins
effaced or lost.
It was an accepted fact that Booth was the immediate assassin of the
President, and that Harrold was his accomplice, and shared his flight or place
of concealraent. A careful analysis of all that could be ascertained satisfied General Baker
that these parties had fled, and would probably attempt to escape across tha
Lower Potomac; and his first efforts were directed to securing the accurate
lilienesses of Booth and Harrold, as well as of others, and a full and minute
description of their persons. These likenesses were taken, and printed — the
first and only ones issued of these parties — he caused to be extensively circu
lated in every direction likely to be taken by the fugitives ; in particular.

GENERAL BAKER AT WORK. 533
Lieutenant Baker was detailed, with five or six active and reliable mon, to
traverse Lower Maryland and distribute them. He was also to examine and
note every possible indication of the presence of the parties, or other suspect
ed persons, from which labor he returned the Saturday following, having
explored the whole region unsuccessfully, while the chief remained at head
quarters, with Colonel Conger and other assistants, constantly, anxiously, aud
exhaustively collating and exploring every outside rumor, theory, and source
of information that sleepless labor, vigilance, and experienced sagacity could
compass. It is out of place here, perhaps, to refer to the weight of indignant and
impotent grief that -was added to a nation's sorrow for its loss, as the convic
tion settled upon the hearts of raen that the murderers had escaped — that
the resources and ingenuity of the police of the nation, aroused by a huge
crime, and made active by the temptation of a great money reward, were
baffled. While this feeling was hardening into certainty, the energy and determin
ation of the chief of the military detectives -were preparing more effective
efforts. On Monday, the 24th, General Baker, steady in the opinion he had formed,
sent one of his men, Theodore Woodall, with a telegraph operator, into
Lower Maryland with his instruments, to be attached to the wire at given
points, and thus enable hira to coramunioate, without loss of time, with that
region. AVoodall, while on this duty, fell in with  , an old negro.
¦w-hose statement so impressed him, that, instead of sending it by telegraph to
Washington, he took and delivered him bodily to his superior.
The examination of the colored man satisfied General Baker that he had
at last struck the trail of the fleeing murderers. That they had crossed tho
Potomac, near Matthews Point, ou Saturday night, the 22d of April, and that
Booth was lame.
A hasty interview with the Secretary of War, and Colonel Conger was
sent with a note from General Baker to General Hancock for a commissioned
officer and twenty-five cavalry, ta report immediately to General Baker, for
duty under his command, while Lieutenant Baker made the necessary arrange
ments with the Quartermaster's Department for transportation down the
Potomac. Upon their return from these duties. General Baker fully ex
plained to them the information on which he was acting, and, with the .aid
of a map, pointed out with care the place of Booth and Harrold's crossing and.
their probable course and plans, and told them he was- about to send them in
pursuit; that they were to have full charge of the expedition, and that the
cavalry force would go, subject to their orders; that the expedition was to
start the moment it could be got ready. It was to go down to Belle Plains,
and, if there was no dock for landing at that point, to go to Aquia Creek,
imd if the dock had been destroyed there, that the horses must be made to
take the water, for in no event must they go below ; once on land, they must
act on theii- own judgment and discretion ; that they raust, if possible, dis
cover the trail of Booth and Harrold, and, once upon it, must push forward to
their capture over all obstacles; that the cavalry would go w-ith nothing but

534 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
their arras, and men and horses must not be spared ; that he knew Conger
and Lieutenant Baker, and had entire confidence in their judgment, sagacity,
and courage, and comraitted the enterprise fully to them.
About two p. M. of the 24th, Lieutenant Dougherty of the Sixteenth New
York Cavalry, reported to General Baker for orders, and was by him intro
duced to Colonel Conger and Lieutenant Baker; General Baker told him tha_
he w-as to be sent -n-ith him in pnrsuit of Booth and Harrold; that they had
full information and instructions as to the service, and would have the direc
tion of it, and he must render them all the assistance in his power. No other
or further orders were given by General Baker to Lieutenant Dougherty, nor
were explanations made to him about the service by Gener.al Baker, nor by
Colonel Conger nor Lieutenant B.aker.
The party left Washington about sundown on the evening of the 24th, on
steamer Ide ; arrived at Belle Plains about ten in the evening and landed.
Colonel Conger, while in service, having been the senior of Lieutenant Baker
in the same cavalry regiment, and of large experience, by tacit consent as
between them, took the main direction of affairs when present. In his
absence Lieutenant Baker was the acknowledged director of the expedition.
Colonel Conger refused to have an .advanced guard, but himself and Lieu
tenant Baker took the lead. At the divergence of the roads, a mile and a half
from the river, the party took that which led to the Rappahannock. Conger
went to almost every house they passed during the night. He called himself
Boyd, a brother of the Maryland Boyd, wlio had been killed. Said his party
v,-ere rebels, trying to avoid the Union soldiers and escape into the interior.
That they had been scattered, and he had lost some of his companions, one
of whom was lame, and they were anxious to learn of his whereabouts, &c.
He inquired who had crossed the Rappahannock, and where; and the location
of all the crossings, whether by ferry or ford ; also about all the doctors, as
they supposed Booth would seek the aid of some of them. Nothing was
leiirned during the night. Daylight disclosed the character of the party, and
cliaPL'ed the tactics of the leaders.
Tlie party arrived, without incident or information bearing on the service,
at Point Conway on the Rappahannock, opposite Port Royal, about twelve
o'clock, when they halted for thirty minutes.
While resting here. Lieutenant Baker went to the ferry, near which he
fell iii with a man w-ho gave his name as Rollins. A conversation ensued,
in which Lieutenant Baker show-ed him the likeness of Booth, which Rollins
recoL-ni/uil as one of the party who cro.ssed the day before, except that that
man had no moustache. He also recognized the likeness of Harrold. Colonel
Conu -r was sent for, and took Rollins's statement, now on file in the Judge-
Advi .. iite-Gener.al's offlce. The substance was, that Booth and Harrold arrived
then- riie il.ay before, late in the afternoon, in an old wagon driven by a negro,
ami ' :inted to go on. Booth was larae, and would give hira, Rollin.i, ten
dollar- m gold to take thera on to Bowling Green, fifeeen miles toward
Or:in.re Court House. Meantime three rebels came up on horseback, Bain-
brid^'e. R-.!ggles, and Jett, who had a conversation with Booth and Harrold, and
agree' 1 to help thera on, and did bo. Aa some of that party resided at Bowl-

HALF-WAT HOUSE— BOWLING GREEN. 535
ing Green, it was supposed that Booth and Harrold would be taken there by
them. Rollins was willing to go as a guide for Conger and Baker, and was
put under arrest to save appearances.
The expedition was ferried over the river with as little delay as possible,
and pickets posted to prevent any parties leaving Port Royal till the party
was again in motion. After passing the river a short distance, two men were
discovered on horseback, as if observing the party, to whom Conger and
Baker gave chase. After pursuing thera about two miles, they plunged into
the woods and disappeared.
The command reached the " Half-way House," so-called, a solitary build
ing, about nine in the evening. The occupants, four or five young women,
raised and kept up such a clamor, that Conger's and Baker's inquiries were a
"pursuit of knowledge under difficulties," until one of them said that they
were looking for a party that had committed an outrage on a girl, which led
to their being told that a party of five men, describing thera, with three
horses, had called there_the day before and taken drinks, and th,at they all
came back but one. The supposition was that Booth, the principal, had been
left at Bowling Green. Once raore in the saddle, horses exhausted, and raen
weary, hungry, and sleepy, the command pushed forward, and reached Bowling
Green between eleven and twelve o'clock.
The one hotel, whore Booth might be, a large, rambling, utterly silent and
dark building, was surrounded by the dismounted cavalry, and a vain effort
made to arouse the inmates, if occupants it had.
A negro finally conducted Colonel Conger to a shanty in the rear, where
another negro told hira that a woraan and her daughter occupied the tavern,
aud that Jett was there also.
Colonel Conger entered the house and found his way to Jett's room and
arrested him, when he was joined by Baker and Lieutenant Dougherty. Jett
was alarmed, wanted to see the commander of the party, and was referred to
Colonel Conger. Baker and Lieutenant Dougherty withdrew, when Jett said
he knew what Colonel Conger wanted ; he wanted Booth and Harrold, and
he, Jett, could take him and show hiin where they were.
Ue wanted assurances of personal safety, and Colonel Conger gave them.
Jett dressed, and on joining Lieutenant Baker, he told them. Conger and
Baker, that Booth and Harrold were about three miles from Port Royal, at
Garrett's. And on being told that the party had just passed along there, he
was disconcerted, for he had supposed that they came from Richmond, and
found that their coming from Port Royal had frightened Booth and Harrold
away, as it had.
Upon remounting the party, it was found that one or two of the men had
straggled, and two or three others were left to look them up. The object of
tlie return was not made known to Lieutenant Dougherty until near Garrett's
house. The party reached the lane that led from the road to Garrett's house
about two A. M., of the 20th. During the time that Conger and Baker were
exploring the way to the house, the raen had dismounted, thrown themselves
on the ground, and gone to sleep ; and it was with much exertion that they

536 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
were aroused and got in motion again. The house was surrounded, and, in
response to the summons of Lieutenant Baker, the elder Garrett appeared,
struck a light, and s.aid, in reply to Baker's inquiry, that the two men had
gone off into the woods. At the approach of Colonel Conger, a son of G.ar-
rett's carae up and said the men w-ere in the barn, and offered to show them
where they were. The party proceeded to the barn. Lieutenant Baker with
a lighted candle, and having the young Garrett in custody.
The barn, with the buildings near it, were as promptly and effectually
surrounded as the condition and discipline of the command would per
mit. The barn, as it was called, was in fact an old tobacco-house, perhaps sixty
feet square, weather-boarded, w-ith large doors in the middle of the front side,
and in one of which was a smaller door ; a barn, a shed, with other buildings,
were near this building. Colonel Conger and Lieutenant Dougherty placed
the dismounted soldiers about the buildings, while Lieutenant Baker with
young Garrett approached the door with the candle, when young Garrett
remerabered that the door was locked on the outside. Another young Gar
rett then came up and was sent by Baker for the key. When the key arrived,
Lieutenant Baker in a loud voice said to Garrett, " Go in and tell the men to
come out and surrender." He said he was afraid ; the men were armed with
pistols and carbines, and would shoot him. Lieutenant Baker, then addressing
the parties inside, said, " We are going to send in the men in whose custody
you are to demand your arms and surrender." Baker then unlocked the
door, and Garrett, in much trepidation, went in ; and Baker heard a mumbled
conversation inside, Booth finally saying, " Get out of here or I will shoot you.
Damn you, you have betrayed me," and Garrett carae back much frightened,
and was let out, saying that Booth was going to shoot him, and " You may
burn the barn." Something had been before said about burning the barn,
partly to alarm Booth and Harrold, and as one of the means that might
ultimately be resorted to, to which young Garrett had objected.
In the mean time, it had occurred to Conger and Baker, that in the event
of an attempt to escape by Booth and Harrold at the door, and which would
bring on a general contest, that it w-ould be very likely to draw the fire of
the soldiers nearest, which would endanger them quite as muoh as it would
Booth and Harrold, .and as a precaution for their own safety, they removed
all the soldiers from the front of the building, and all whose posts were such
as to coraraand a view of the area immediately about the door.
Colonel Conger also found on his rounds one man who refused to do duty,
because he was without arms — took none with hira, but was supplied with a
pistol on the ground. It was also found necessary to place a rail or pole,
or some other object, on the ground, to indicate to each man his position, and
they were ordered by Colonel Conger, personally, not to leave their posts on
any pretext w-hatever without orders. Lieutenant Dougherty was raost of
the time, in the early part of the affair, at the barn, and took a position under
an open shed, not far frora the building ; and there consulted about burning
the barn. Colonel Conger had ordered one of the young Garretts to deposit
a quantity of brush against an angle of the barn, but at a point where he did

DEATH OF J. W. BOOTH. 537
not intend to fire it, and for the purpose of distracting the attention of Booth,
and to mislead him.
Understanding wh.at Garrett was doing. Booth threatened to shoot him if
he did not desist. He also twice offered to Lieutenant Baker that if he would
withdraw his men fifty yards he would come out and fight him.
Harrold finally carae to the door, offered to surrender, aud Lieutenant
Baker opened it, took him by the hands, pulled him out, called Lieutenant
Dougherty and turned him over to him.
As a more effective means to insure the capture of Booth, it was finally
determined to set the building on fire. There was on the floor a quantity of
litter, thrown in a loose pile against one side near an angle. From an opening
at this Colonel Conger drew out sorae straw, twisted it, set it on fire, and
instantly the whole mass was in flames. Under the eye of Colonel Conger,
Booth immediately approached the fire, with a carbine in both hands, as if to
fire, and cast his eye up and down the opening between the boards, but with the
intense light between hira and the opening, and the darkness without, it was
impossible for him to see any thing outside. He paused, dropped his hands,
his he.ad fell, as if in thought, and he then turned and went toward the door.
Colonel Conger iraraediately started around the building, to reach the same
¦'oiut, when, on his way, he heard a pistol-shot, and upon going round he found
lieutenant Baker standing over the body of Booth, near the center of the
(luikling, and where he obviously had been in no position to injure anybody.
Colonel Conger at first supposed, and so said, that Booth had shot hiraself.
At the moraent of firing the barn, Lieutenant Baker opened the door, and
saw Booth just as he turned frora the flre, w-hen ,he dropped his crutch, and
carae with a rapid, halting walk, toward the door; when within twelve or
fifteen feet of the door, w-ith his carbine in his hand, he received the shot, and
fell. Baker rushed to hira, seized him by the arm, and was there found by
Conger. Lieutenant Baker saw that the shot was frora some one outside,
and reraarked to Conger that "the man who fired it should go back to Wash
ington under arrest."
Sergeant Boston Corbitt, who fired the shot, had been placed by Colonel
Conger about thirty feet from the barn, with orders not to leave his post on
any pretext. Yet he did leave it, and approach the barn, when without
order, pretext or excuse, he shot Booth.
The communications from the party of Conger and Baker, to Booth and
Harrold, in the barn, were made entirely through Lieutenant Baker. It is
believed that no other one of the party addressed them. Muoh more passed
between them than is stated above. Among other things, Booth said to
Baker, whom he addressed as "Captain," "I could have shot you five or six
times, but I believe you to be a brave and honorable man, and I will not hurt
yon." To the offers of Booth to come out and fight. Lieutenant Baker replied
that " we did not come to fight you but to capture you."
The few w-ords and incoherent mutterings of the dying Booth are of no
Value in this narrative. Nor does it seem requisite to correct and contradict,
to any great extent, the statements of some of the parties present, as to the

538 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
details of the transaction, and their own part in it. Lieutenant Dougherty wa
the mere commander of the soldiers, under Colonel Conger or Lieutenan
Baker, the former of whora often gave orders directly to thera. At the barn
Lieutenant Dougherty took no part in the coraraunications with Booth am
Harrold, and was absent from the door when Booth was shot.
As soon after the termination of the affair as possible. Colonel Conger, in
possession of Booth's diary, papers, &c., started for AVashington, where h?
reported to General Baker, about four p. m. of the 20th, leaving Lieutenant
Baker with the body of Booth, and Harrold under arrest, under the escort of
Lieutenant Dougherty and the cavalry, to raake their slower way back, whioh
was accomplished with little delay, the party arriving before daylight of the
27th. For a corroboration of the stateraents of this narrative, reference is had
to the official report of General Baker, the statement of Rollins, already
referred to, the statements of the two young Garretts, on file in the War
Office, the evidence of E. J. Conger on the trial of Harrold and others, the
statement of Lieutenant Baker, taken by the Judge-Advooate-General, and
the evidence of Jetts, given on the trial. Respectfully submitted.
The Disteiot of Columbia, )
Washington County. )
Person.ally appealed, E. J. Conger and L. B. Baker, who severally made
oath that all the matters and things set forth in the narrative hereto attached
are true in substance and in fact, before me,
(Signed) E. J. Congee.
L. B. Bakee.
Wait N. Hawlet, Notary Pnblic.
OBSERVATIONS.
In submitting the narrative of the capture of Booth and Harrold, the
undersigned beg leave also to offer the following, upon the distribution of the
rewards offered by the Secretary of AVar for that service.
The rewards are special offers for specific services, and qualified by no
conditions whatever — $50,000 for the apprehension of Booth, and $25,000 for
the capture of Harrold.
It is assumed that Booth is the murderer, and whether he proves to be or
not, $50,000. It is asserted that Harrold was his accomplice, and the Secre
tary will pay $25,000 for him. The payraent in neither case is made to
depend upon a conviction of the party, but merely upon his apprehension.
So, too, nothing is said as to the condition in which the parties shall be dehv
ered to the Government, although obviously the Secretary did not contem
plate the death of either, still it is submitted that if one of thera should be
slain in a bona fide attempt to capture hira, and his body should be placed by
the captors in the hands of the Governraent, that would be substantially an
apprehension, under the proclamation offering the rewards.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE REWARDS. 539
The promise of payment is limitless as to the persons to whora it is raade.
Whoever, of all mankind, will render the service, shall receive the specified
compensation. No matter whether citizen, soldier, or alien; w-hether in the
public service or private life. The service required is extraordinary, furnishes
its own law, of necessity, and the Secretary felt at liberty to summon and reward,
in the market-place of the world, whoever shonld perforin it. And it is sub
mitted that, in the controlling equity of the case, no ordinary rule of publio
service, and no existing law of Congress, can be permitted to disqualify any
man fortunate enough to have performed this labor, from being compensated
according to the terms of the Secretary's proclamation.
The thing to be accoraplished was the apprehension of Booth or Harrold,
or both; and to entitle a man to the reward, or any part of it, he raust have
done the labor, or at least must have been voluntarily, actively, and intelli
gently engaged with others w-ho accomplished the enterprise. The mere
giver of intorraation, however important, and who does not go beyond that,
is not within the terms of the offer of the rewards for the apprehensions ; for
there is in the Secretary's proclaraation another distinct and independent
promise of rewards, to the bringers of "any information that shall conduce to
the arrest of either of the above-naraed criminals or their accoraplices."
In the light of these observations, under tbe known facts of the case
General L. C. Baker apprehended both Booth and Harrold, within the wordh
aud meaning of the proclamation of the Secretary of War promising rewarda
for that service, and is entitled to the reward primarily.
Next to him stand Colonel Conger and Lieutenant Baker, the sagacious,
vigilant, and intrepid executors who carried out his plans, and by whose
brains and hands the work was promptly accomplished.
Lieutenant Dougherty and the cavalry were the subordinate, though
necessary, instruments, with whose assistance Colonel Conger and Lieutenant
Baker achieved the objects of the expedition.
Under what view of the case can others be permitted to share in the
reward for the capture of Booth and Harrold? It is true that numberless
active, sagacious, aud vigilant men were endeavoring to capture Booth and
Harrold. But they did not do it ; and it is submitted that they did not in
any appreciable way help to do it.
Can it be said that the presence of these parties in Lower Maryland
frightened the fugitives across the Potomac, and obliged them to raake a trail
that General Baker could find, and thus enable him to capture them? Is
there any proof that Booth and Harrold were thus driven out of Maryland ?
That they went an hour sooner, or a shade differently from what they would
if these detective gentlemen had remained in Washington ? These gen
tlemen intended no such result, did not intend to drive the parties out of
Maryland, and did not know that they had left it for days after the death of
Booth, and the imprisonment of Harrold, and nothing could have been further
from their purpose than to contribute, by accident even, to the success of
General Baker.
So, too, the negro informant of Wood.all is entitled to the most liberal
consideration, as is also Woodall himself; but, under the distinct promise of a

:ao united states secret service.
separate reward, for information, how can these be adraitted to a part of the
rewards under consideration?
AVith the most entire confidence in the wisdom and justice of the Secretary
of War, these observations are submitted. Respectfully. -Washington, D. C, December 27, 1865.
I have the honor to respectfully request that the Secretary of War will
carefully read the inclosed statement of E. J. Conger and L. B. Baker, and
particularly that portion under the head of " Observations," relating to the
rewards about to be distributed by the Secretary of AVar for the apprehension
of the assassins Booth and Harrold. L. C. Baker,
Brig.-Gen., and Pro.-Mar. of AVar Department.
On "Wednesday afternoon, April 26th, about five o'clock.
Colonel Conger came to my headquarters, and, in a low
Avhisper, announced tlie capture of Booth and Harrold,
adding that the forraer was shot. It is not often that I am
unbalanced hy tidings of any sort ; but I sprang to ray feet,
and across the room, and felt like raising a shout of joy over
the triumph of justice, and the relief to millions of burdened
hearts -which -would attend the tidings over the land. I
immediately called for a carriage, took Colonel Conger with
me, aud drove to the house of the Secretary of War. He
had been very despondent regarding the capture, and had
often spoken of the disgrace it would be if the base assassins
should escape. When I entered the room he was lying upon
a sofa. I had in my hand Booth's two pistols, his belt,
knife, and compass — the latter all covered with tallow,
where he had held the light up at night, to see in what
direction he was going — his pipe, and his diary. I rushed
into the room, and said, " We have got Booth." Secretary
Stanton was distinguished during the whole war for his
coolness, but I had never seen such an exhibition of it in
my life as at that time. He put his hands over his eyes,
and lay for nearly a moment without saying a word. Then
he got up and put on his coat very coolly. In the mean
time I had laid on his table all the effects that had been
taken from Booth. He asked where he was captured. I
said, "Near Port Conway, beyond the Rappahannock in Vir
ginia. Here are the things found on Booth's body." Colo-

THE CORPSE— identification. 54'!
nel Conger gave the Secretary a brief statement of the
capture. The Secretary directed me to take a boat and go
to Alexandria and meet the boat that was bringing the body
up. Accordingly I proceeded to Alexandria, and at twenty
minutes to eleven o' clock the steamer Ide, having on board
the assassin Harrold and the dead body of Booth, with Lieu
tenant Baker in charge, arrived. The Secretary had directed
that the boat conveying the assassins should go directly to
the Navy Yard, and that the prisoner Harrold and the body
of Booth should be placed on board a gunboat, as will be
shown by the following order : —
-War Department, -W-AsiiiNaTON City, April 26, 1865.
To the Comraandant of the Washington Navy Yard : —
Let Colonel Baker come into the Navy Yard wharf and alongside the Iron
clad, to place one or two prisoners on board.
Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
We proceeded to the Navy Yard, and at the dead hour
of the night disembarked our prisoner, put him in double
irons, and confined him in the hold of the vessel, where a
number of other prisoners, arrested for their supposed con
nection with the assassination, had been already some days
confined. The body of Booth was placed on deck, in charge
of a marine guard. It had been securely sewed up in a
blanket before it left the Garrett farm. On the following
morning a post-mortem examination was held, in order to
the proper identification of the body. Dr. May, a physician
of Washington, who had sorae two years before removed a
tumor from Booth' s neck, was called in as a witness. The
scar of this tumor was readily found by Dr. May, and his
testiraony, with that of six or seven others, as to the identifi
cation, placed the question of indentity beyond aU cavil.
Afterward Dr. Barnes, the Surgeon-General of the United
States Army, with an assistant, cut frora Booth's neck a
section of the spine through which the ball passed. This
section is now on exhibition at the Governraent Medical
iluseum at Washington. This was the only mutilation of
J. Wilkes Booth that ever occurred, notwithstanding the
numerous reports that his head was cut off and sent to
Europe or Canada. On Thursday, the 27th, I was sent for

542 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
by the Secretary of War, and directed to make a disposition
of the body of Booth. In compliance with these instruc
tions, with the assistance of Lieutenant L. B. Baker, I dis
posed of the body, as related on another page, and also the
circumstances connected with the trial of the assassins.

CHAPTER XXXVII.
LETTERS ON THE ASSASSINATION.
Jacob Thompson — Volunteer Suggestions respecting the Assassin's Hiding-Plaoes
before his Death, and the Disposal of his Remains afterward — Threats of more
Assassinations — A Mysterious Letter — J. H. Surratt.
1 SHALL now copy a few of the many letters from different
parts of the North, called forth by the exciting tragedy at
our capital, the most of which were addressed to the Secre
tary of War, and by him placed in my hands. Their chief
value and interest arises from the expressions of feeling they
furnish, and the manifold suggestions respecting the dis
covery and disposal of the homicide.
The first communication relates to Jacob Thompson, for
whose arrest subsequently a reward of $25,000 was offered.
Hartford, Connkctiout, April 18, 1865.
Hon. E. M. StaJtton, Secretary of War, Washington: —
Dear Sir — I was yesterday told a story, by a young man from New York,
implicating one George Thompson, a companion of Booth, and, I believe, an
actor in Laura Keene's Theatre, in the assassination of the President and Sec
retary Seward ; Will write further about it if you think advisable. Hoping
this may be serviceable in discovering the guilty assassin,
I am, very respectfully, yours,
Wm. 0.
Temple Street Hartford, Coknectioot, April 18, 1865.
W. 0. Sumner, Jr. : —
States that he has been told a story implicating one George Thompson, a
companion of Booth, in the raurder of President Lincoln.
War Department, WASmNGTON, April 23, 1865.
Reapeccfaily referred to Colonel L. C. Baker, Agent, &c., for his inforraa
tion, action, and report. By order of the Secretary of War,
H. S. Burnett, Judge-Advocate.

544 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
The indorsement on the back of the next letter will
explain its import. Buffalo, New Tokk, April 13, 1865.
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, AA'ashington, D. C. : —
My Dear Sir — Business has called me to Toronto, C. AA'., several times
w-ithin the past two months, and while there I have seen and heard some
things, knowledge of whioh raay be of service to the Government.
About five weeks since I saw at the Queen's Hotel, at Toronto, a letter
written by the late John Y. Beale just previous to his execution, w-liich, after
speaking of his mock trial, unjust sentence, the judicial raurder that was to
be perpetrated by his execution, &c., called upon J.acob Thompson to vindi
cate his character before his countryraen of the Sonth, and expressed his
belief that his death wonld be speedily and terribly avenged. The letter
itself w-as addressed to Colonel J. Thompson, Confederate Commissioner at
Toronto, but the superscription upon the envelope (which was in a diiferetit
handwriting from the body of the letter) read simply, J. Thompson, Toronto,
Canada. This circumstance caused it to be delivered to a Mr. Thompson for
whora it was not intended. I was permitted to peruse but not to copy the
letter. I was inforraed at th.it time that the friends of Beale were banded
togetlier for the double purpose of avenging his death and aiding the Rebel
Governraent. I have heard the same statement repeated many times since,
and have frequently been told by citizens of Toronto, that some great miscbii'f
was being plotted by Beale's friends and other refugees in Canada. More
than a month General Dix's name was mentioned in my hearing in connection
with the thre.itened vengeance. I regarded all such stories as idle tales
unworthy of notice, consequently I never repeated them. Last Friday even
ing, while sitting in the office of the Queen's Hotel, I overheard a conversation
between some persons sitting near me, which convinced rae that the plan to
assassinate the President was known to some .at least of the refugees in Canada.
The party was mourning over the late rebel reverses ; commenting also upon
the execution of Beale, the extradition of Burley, the discharge of the raiders,
&c. ; after which they endeavored to cheer theraselves after tliis fashion:
"We'll in-ike the damned Yankees howl yet." "I'll wager, boys, that we'll
get better news in forty-eight hours." " I reckon, by God, that Jeff. Davis
w-ill live as long as Abe Lincoln." " Old Abe won't.hang Davis." "We'll have
something from AVashington that w-ill make people stare." " Won't the damned
Yankees curse us raore than ever." I do not pretend to give the exact lan
guage of any of the parties, but expressions like those above quoted were of
frequent occurrence during the conversation. I took very little notice of the
p.irty. Their words at the time appeared to rae to be simply profane and
vulirar, implying idle threats which could never be executed. Some of the
paity had evidently been drinking freely. They were all strangers to me.
The next raorning (Saturday, April 15), when I received the news of the
assassination, I could not help feeling that the party I had heard the night
before were implicated in the act. I met two of thera iu company with Ben
Young, and one or two others of the St. Alban's r.aiders, ou Saturday, in tbe

COMMUNICATIONS. 545
bar-room of the Queen's. One remarked, " Good news for us this morning,"
and another, "Damn well done, but not quite enough of it." Aud as they
raised their glasses, one of thera said, "Here's to Andy Johnson's turn next,"
which was replied to, " Yes, damn his soul." On relating this circumstance
to Hon. E. G. Spaulding and others, they were of opinion th.at I should com
municate them to your Department. For ray own part, I beg to refer to Hon.
Tra Harris, of the Senate, and Hon. John A. Griswold, of the House.
I am, my dear Sir, very truly yours, G. S. C.
Mr. C. is a respectable lawyer in this city, and his statements aro entitled
to credit. E. G. G.,
Buffalo, N. Y.
From G. S. 0. April 18, 1S65.
To Secretary of War : —
States that while at Toronto, C. W., five weeks ago, he saw a letter
written by John Y. Beale to Colonel Jacob Thompson, Confederate Corarais
sioner at Toronto, expressing, araong other things, his belief that his death
wonld be speedily and terribly revenged. Was informed that the friends of
Beale were banded to avenge his death. Respectfully referred to Colonel
Baker for his information. H. S. Burnett, Judge- Advocate, &o.
I received several missives like the following : —
BiODOET Mills, N. T., AprU 19, 18«i
Colonel L. C. Baker, Agent of War Departraent at Washington : —
Dear Sir — I have been engaged with different traveling companies for
some eight or ten years. I know the habits of them pretty well. I used to
be acquainted with J. Wilkes Booth. I don't think there is a theatre or circus
company of any note but what I am raore or less acquainted with. I am so
well acquainted with that class of people that I think I could be of some use
in tracking hira out. If I had the means I should have been after him before
now. I am at your service if you think I can be of any use to you.
From your obedient servant,
S. D. S.
P. S. — I could find out things from that class of people that those unac
quainted with them could not so readily. S. D. S.
Astrologists and spiritualists offered the Government the
benefit of their prophetic gifts : — Lafatsttx, Ind., April 23, 1S65.
Mr. E. M. S. :-
Dear Sir — I wish to say a few words to you in regard to the whereabouts
of Booth, who now lays concealed in a house in the State of Virginia, near
35

546 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
the town of Middleburg, a little northeast of the Town House, one story,
cott.age style, roof very steep, back of the house high hills, in front a garden
laid out into squares. The man of the house is tall and straight, of sandy
complexion and sore eyes. If I had means to go to the south part of the
St.ate to consult with a friend of mine, I think that we could draw a diagram
of the exact location and send to you, but I am poor. I h.ave had thieves
caught through my way of telling things. I have been put in prison for
telling the same, and life threatened also. If you should think this of any
importance, please answer. If I can get means to go and see my friend, we
will send you a correct diagram of the house and place of concealment. It
won't cost much to try. Sir, please not raention this to no one but yo-ir
friends. You may not have any faith in this, bnt try.
Yours truly, H, F.
Tlireats of additional assassination followed the murder
of Mr. Lincoln : — Tanker, Canada, April 20, 1888.
To Andrew Johnson, President of United States, or other authority: —
With certainty I state to you that John A. Payne and thirteen others are
sworn to raurder Andrew Johnson, E. M. Stanton, and L. S. Fisher, within
thirty days frora 23d April, 1865. The arrangements are all made and in
progress of execution. I do not know where John A. Payne is now ; he was
at Montreal and Tanner, Canada, when this plot was projected. His brother
(narae I do not recollect) is also iraplicated. Seven of the plotters are at
Washington, four at Bedford, Bedford Co., Penn., and the thirteenth is with
Payne. These are plain facts. Do not reveal this, but arrest John A. Payne
and his brother. Yours truly, Jonw P. H. Hall,
Of Tanner, Canada
I send this to Detroit to avoid suspicion. FniLADELFniA, April 20, 1865.
To Hon. W. H. Seward :—
You may survive the fatal blow which I aimed at your throat, hut know,
thou most cruel, cunning, and remorseless man, that sooner or later you will
fall by the very hand which assaulted you last Friday night, and now pens
these calm, soleran words. MooRiiRAD Citt, North Carolina, May 6, 1865.
Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State : —
Sir — Inclosed you will find a letter which I found floating in the river by
the new Government wharf, at this place, on the evening of the 2d instant.
It was not until late last night that I succeeded in learning its purport, it
being in cipher. Having learned its nature, I lose no time in transmitting it
to you, as one concerned. I send also a copy of the letter as I translate it.
It is easy to perceive that the first word is Washington; the second, April;
the fourth, Dear ; and the fifth, John. Having ascertained that rauch, I had

COMMUNICATIONS. 547
bnt little difiiculty in making out the remainder. The letter, evidently, had
not been opened when thrown in the river. I think the fiend was here await
ing the arrival of General Sherman, and, on learning the General had gone to
Wilmington, and feeling himself pressed by the detectives, threw it overboard.
Respectfully yours, Chas. Denet.
P. S. — If the letter should lead to any thing of importance, so that it
would be necessary that I should be seen, I can be found at 126 South II
Street, between 6th and ii. I am at present engaged in the Construction
Corps, Railroad Department, at this place. Will be in Washington in a few
days. Chas. Denet.
[copy.]
Translation of the Cipher Letter. WABniNOTON, April 16, 1865.
Dear John — I am happy to inform you that Pet. has done his work well.
He is safe and Old Abe is in hell. Now, sir, all eyes are on you — you raust
bring Sherraan. Grant is in the hands of Old Gray ere this. Red Shoes
showed lack of nerve in Seward's case, but fell back in good order. Johnson
must come. Old Crook has him in charge. Mind well that brother's oath and
you will have no difficulty ; all will be safe, and enjoy the fruit of our labors.
We h,ad a large meeting last night — all were bent on carrying out the pro
gramme to the letter. The rails are laid for safe exit. Old — always behind-
lost the pass at City Point. Now, I say again, the lives of our brave officers,
and the life of the South, depend upon the carrying this programme into
effect. No. 2 will give you this. It is ordered no more letters shall be sent
by mail. When you write, sign no real name, and send by some of our
friends who are coming home. We want you to write us how the news was
received there. We received great encouragement from all quarters. I hope
there will be no getting weak in the knees. I was in Baltimore yesterday.
Pet. has not got there yet. Your folks are well, aud have heard from you.
Don't lose your nerve.
0. B. No. Five.
A few brief comraunications are taken at random, which
need no words of introduction, but will be readily under
stood and appreciated. MoHrnrt HorrBE, Mkadyillb, Pennsylvania, April 25, 1865.
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. : —
Sir — Recent dispatches, referring to a former and futile attempt upon the
life of the late Abraham Lincoln, by poison, have induced rae to write you
regarding a eircurastance occurring at this hotel, where I have been cashier
for a year and a half. Some tirae ago the following words were observed to
have been scratched upon a pane of glass in room No. 22 of this house, evi-

648 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
dently done with a diamond: "Abe Lincoln departed this life Augn»5t 13,
1864, by the effects of poison." I give this just as it appears npon the gl.iss.
In view of recent events, it was deemed best to t.ake the pane of glass out and
preserve it, and we have it safe. As to the date of the writing, we cannot
determine. It was noticed some raonths ago by the housekeeper, but was not
thought particularly of until after the assassination, being considered a freak
of sorae individual who was probably partially intoxicated. My theory now
is, that the words were written in prophecy or bravado by some villain who
was in the plot, and that they were written before the date mentioned, August
13th. As to wlio was the writer, we can, of course, give no definite informa
tion. J. Wilkes Booth was here several times during last summer and fall, on
his way to and frora the oil regions, lie was here upon the 10th, and again
upon the 2ilth of June, 1864, but does not appear to have been assigned to
that room, still he raay have been in it in company with others who did
occupy it. Upon the 10th the roora was assigned to W. H. Crowell and J. 0.
Ford, of Irvine, Pennsylvania; and upon the 29th, to R. E. Glass and J. W.
King, of New York. Should you consider the matter of sufficient importance
to desire it, I will give you a list of the persons occupying the room in ques
tion for a long time preceding the above date, as you may request.
With a hearty desire to do all in ray power to bring to light and to pun
ishment the author of this terrible crime,
I remain, very respectfully. Your obedient servant, S. D. Page.
Boston, April 18, 1865.
Dear Sir — As I am willing to do all in my power to .aid in the arrest of
the assassin Booth, perhaps the following raay be of service to you, as I have
considerable confidence in my information, which I will let you know about
at some future time. Go through Mass. Avenue to 8th Street near the
market, to house No. 61, in the rear. Mrs. Caroline or Angeline Wright lives
or stays there, and Booth is secreted there. He goes out in the disguise of a
negro, and also did before the assassination. He hides up stairs in a concealed
closet, which would be difflcult to find, unless carefully looked after, as there
is a slide or panel. He jumped off his horse after the crirae was committed,
another raan taking his pl.ace, to avoid suspicion. The house raay be No. 84,
and may possibly be some other avenue, but on 8th street, or near the corner.
I ara just and honest about this raatter, but dare not give my name for fear I
may be arrested; but should this give any information to you I shall proba
bly know it. Yours, H  .
St. Clairbtillb, Ohio, April 26, 1865.
To Hon. E. M. Stanton: —
Believing in the efficacy of pr.ayer, and earnestly desiring that the assassin
of our beloved President be brought to justice, I clearly dreamed that the
assassin was in a man's house by the narae of Cromwell, at Reading, Pennsyl
vania. I am no believer in Spiritualism or fanaticism of any kind, I am a

COMMUNICATIONS. 549
matter-of-fact woman, but for the intelligence I prayed fervently; take it for
what it is worth, but I desire that it never be made public. I feel it to be a
duty to give my name, but a delicacy prevents me frora so doing.
Yours truly, St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., Onio.
BoFFALO, April 25, 1865.
Hon. Secretary of War: —
Sir — I crave your pardon for troubling yon again with what some folks
call foolishness, and perhaps you have no faith in. I have called several
times on the person I mentioned to you since I wrote you ; she still insists
that the ass.assin is hid in the same place where he first went, and it is not
three miles frora the theater; she thinks he is clothed in female attire, and is
making arrangements to go off on a large boat. I think it would be well to
examine every female, young or old, that wants a pass to leave the city, and
especially if their destination is Europe. You are aware, I presume, that a
person of liis profession can adapt theraselves to any disguise. Do not let
your disbelief in fortune-telling prevent you frora using this as a raeans of
information to bring the assassin to justice, for I have faith to believe he is
concealed in a house of that description. You will forgive me for troubling
you when you know how much we loved our late President.
Your humble servant,
Merct.
83 Tenth Street
The indignation of all classes of loj'al people, -vv^hich -will
deepen in its tone of condemnation and scorn around the
nameless, unknown grave of the assassin, -w^ith the years of
all coraing time, is illustrated in the curious and varied cor
respondence copied below. Patriotism and religion entered
alike into the absorbing interest of the exciting national ex
perience during the spring of 1865.
To the Editor of the Chronicle : —
As any thing pertaining to Booth since his infamous deed (the murder of
onr noble, beloved President, Abraham Lincoln, who is lamented by all, and
above all by the soldiers, as a kind, generous Father departed) possesses an
interest to the great reading public, I, a soldier, relate the following incident,
as showing how persistent and unchangeable the wretch has been in his
treason since the outbreak of the Rebellion. At the commencement of the
war, when black-browed and defiant treason stretched out its impious hand,
red w-ith murder, to tear in pieces the Constitution, to which the raillions of
ths North clung, as to their sheet-anchor of hope, J. Wilkes Booth was play
ing an engagement at the little Gayety Theatre, Albany, N. Y., which city,
when startled from its propriety by the news of the unholy attack on Sumter,
attested in action, more eloquent than words, its love for the old flag, by
displaying it frora every roof and window. Booth at that time openly and

550 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
boldly avowed his adrairation for the rebels and their deeds, which he charaa-
terized as the most heroic of modern times, and boasted loudly that the
Southern leaders knew how to defend their rights, and would not submit to
oppression. So vehement and incautious was he in his expressions that the people be
carae incensed, and, threatening hira with popular violence, compelled his
hasty departure from the city he had too long polluted with his presence.
Before leaving, however, he attempted the life of a lady who, for the one or
two past seasons, has been an established favorite at Mrs. John AVood's
Olympic Theatre, New York City, with whora he (Booth) h,ad a liaison, as
was thought by raany, more intimate than honorable ; and conceiving, as I
suppose, that she, with a profusion truly reg.al, showered her charms and
blandishments on other suitors, he. in a fit of insane jealousy, entered her
room at deep midnight and struck her with a dagger in the side. She, who
could find no pleasure in becoming a martyr, merely for fun, turned upon him
with tho fury of a tigress, and in turn wounded him. Would to God that the
dagger of the actress, to quote Carlyle, " had intervened fatally," and saved
the wretch frora the black, gigantic crime that was impending over his guilty
head, and the nation from the universal grief which now shrouds it with the
funereal gloom of the grave, and which has excited among the good Blufe
Coats of the army an indignant, piercing anguish, that goes far beyond all
power of description in words. A. D. DoTT,
Carver U. S. General Hospital, Washington, D. 0.
State op Maryland, Washington County, to wit:
On this 2d day of March, 1865, before me, the subscriber, one of the Justices
of the Peace of the State of Maryland in and for Washington County, person
ally appeared G. Y., and after being duly sworn according to law, doth depose
and say, that he was in the clothing-store of John D. Reamer about three
weeks since, and he heard Mr. John D. Rearaer, in conversation with William
Gabriel, say that there was in Canada from England fifty thousand men and
that there would be in a short time fifty thousand raore. He was then asked
by Gabriel what that meant, and in answer he said he did not know, but we
would find it out in a short time, and said that there was one hundred thou
sand dollars made up now for a man to kill Abraham Lincoln, and that the
man wanted the one-half in hand and the balance when the deed was done.
He w as asked the question by Gabriel Who the man was that was to do the
act, .and was answered by Rearaer that that was not yet known, and by the
1st day of April next we would have Lincoln out of his seat. And further
this deponent saith not. Sworn before J. W. Cook, J. P.
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the original. J. W. Cook, J. P.
Hon. E. M. Stanton: —
Dear Sir — Thinking that any information tending to bring the actors and
accomplices connected with the late lamentable occurrences iu AYashingtoa

COMMUNICATIONS. 551
to the bar of justice would be acceptable to your Government, I am induced
to give the following particulars relative to a young man who came into our
village some three days subsequent to the assassination of Mr. Lincoln, and
whom I am inclined to believe is the Mr. Surratt spoken of in your paper as
having escaped to this province. He is a young man of twenty-four or twenty-
six years of age, five feet ten inches, perhaps six feet in height, black hair,
parted behind, rather inclined to curl, lower jaw very large and deep, body
small, legs disproportionately lengthy, figure good, bearing soldierly. His
eyes are rather small and black. He had a moustache of a light brown when
he came here, but dyed black since; no whiskers. His complexion is very
fine. Ho is stopping with a Dr. Merritt, an escaped secessionist, who carae
here in December last, and who has always, when speaking of your Govern
ment and late Chief Magistrate, expressed himself in terras of unrelenting
bitterness and hostility. It is currently reported in our village that, when the
news of the assassination of Mr. Lincoln carae in, he fairly danced with joy
upon the street. From what I have seen of the man, I should be quite pre
pared to believe him capable of offering his house as a rendezvous for such
creatures as tho St. Alban's raiders (of whose doings he seems to have had
some foreknowledge) and the villains who have lately thrown your country
into mourning. I send inclosed an advertisement published by Dr. Merritt
upon his arrival here, in which you will perceive he professes to h.ave been
on somewhat intimate terms with your present Chief Magistrate, President
Johnson. "J. B. Merritt, M. D., would very respectfully notify the citizens of Ayr
and surrounding country, that he has taken the good-will and practice of the
late David Caw, M. D., and William Caw, and will be found at the office lately
occupied by them in Ayr, on and after the 1st of December.
" With seventeen years' experience in the treatment of diseases, ho feels
justified in claiming a share of the public patronage.
"Ave, November IT, 1881."
" Perbonal. — We direct the attention of our readers to the cards of Drs.
ffilliain Caw, and J. B. Merritt, in another part of this issue, the former
being about to retire in favor of the latter. Mr. Merritt comes to Ayr with
the best of recomraendations both as a raedical practitioner and a gentleman.
We have copies in our possession of quite a number of very flattering testimo
nials from some of the leading citizens of Knoxville, Tennessee, where Mr. M.
formerly practiced. They include the names of Thomas A. R. Nelson, M. C,
John Netherl.and, ex-Gov., W. G. Brownlow, Editor 'Knoxville Whig,' and
one from the Governor of the State of Tennessee, which we give in full : —
[Copy.] State of Tennessee, Exeotttite CnAUBER, I
Nasuville, Auguitt 10, 1S64. f
I have been intimately acquainted with Dr. J. B. Merritt for a long time,
he having been my family physician for a number of years. It affords me
great pleasure to commend him as a first-class physician, and as a gentleman
entitled to every degree of public confidence.
(Signed) Andrew Johnson, Governor.

552 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Before t.aking the step I have done by writing the above, I consulted a
most intelligent and efficient magistrate, a resident of this place, upon the
matter, and he unhesitatingly indorsed the propriety of my communicating
with you, and, like me, would be only too happy in being in any degree
instrumental in bringing any of those villains, whether raiders or assassins, to
the bar of justice.
By communicating with Robert AA'yllie, Esq., J. P., or with me, if it be
thought advisable, any information that you may desire in addition to the
above, if po.ssible to give it, will be most cheerfully forwarded to you.
Dr. T; J. Reid, one of your officers, at present on duty in the Findlay
Hospital, AV .ashington, can give you all needed inforraation as to our village,
its w-hei-eabonts, Robert Wyllie, Esq., and 3'our correspondent.
Sincerely regretting that condnct so barbarous as the assas.sination of
your departed President and the attempted assassination of your Secretary of
State should have been witnessed in your midst to call for a coraraunication
of this character, I ara. Sir, your obt.,
G.W. Bingham, M.D.
Ate, Couxtv -Wateeloo, Canada West, I
April 25, 1865. ( Tokk, Pa., May 9, 1864.
CoL L. C. Baker: —
Sir — I had the honor to suggest to you, at one time, that I thought Booth
was secreted in underground apartraents in the city, and that he might attempt
to escape iu the disguise of a female. Subsequent developments demonstrated
that I was right in regard to the underground apartment, but wrong as to
Booth. It was another one of the conspirators that was secreted there at the
time. As to the disguise, I suppose, that was subsequently attempted — ^not
by Booth, of course, but by another.
There is a point, I think, connected with the plot, which, if the Judge-
Advocate could draw out of any of the prisoners or witnesses, wonld make a
stronger case, viz., the plan and canvass of the practicability of escaping from
the city in a balloon, which I think they had at one tirae.
I subrait to your consideration the following opinions or points: That
quite a nuraber of persons, cognizant of and connected with the conspiracy,
are still at large ; that they have a headquarters still, where they meet, and
plan, and advise; that said headquarters are probably in some back office or
rooms in the city, unknown to the authorities; and that their chief conspira
tor, plotter, adviser, and aroh-devil, at present, is a sly, cunning, quiet, long
headed shoemaker or cobbler, who works upon his bench, and plots crime
unsuspected. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, E. Mattocks.
Citt of New York, April 28, 186IS,
Hon. E. M. Stanton: —
Sir — The body of the assassin Booth should have no place on American
soil. What State, county, or town, would consent to give him a burying-

COMMUNICATIONS. 553
place? None but his sympathizers, and they shonld not be allowed to
have it.
I wonld suggest that an inquest in full be had, and a full and complete
perpetual history be made of all the circurastances, with the verdict of univer
sal condemnation be pronounced upon hira, a copy of which to be put in a
bottle, and, with Booth, be sunk in the ocean, in the deppest part thereof, to
be food for reptiles, and to inform future posterity of his infamy.
Your obedient servant, Leander Fox.
128 Hudson Street.
To Hon. Mr. Stanton : —
I am glad to read this morning that the Booths are being searched and
arrested, but oh, be vigilant ; let not the cellar nor the housetop escape notice,
let not the darkey that washes dishes nor old lady who knits in her easy chair
fail to be looked in the face, for with them it is nothing but play to perform
what has so long been rehearsed. Perhaps he is in bed, with the cap and
nightgown of a female, feigning sickness. Let all things be done.
Arrest Edwin Booth also; it will do no harm, for I think he and his
mother are very near to the murderer. 0 please, for the sake of the honor
and safety of people in general, do pass a law punishable with death for either
sex to wear the other's apparel. Without this all villains will run rampant
through this fair land, and none will be safe. The utraost severity is needed
in this trying hour, and if it is not done, others more inferior will trample all
law under foot.
When going to the funeral of our loved President, I was asked by my
neighbor if I was going to a circus.
May God grant your search may not be in vain, for we are filled with those
that rejoice in our midst, and none more so than those who have grown rich
in this bloody war. In haste. Justice.
New Toek, April 27, 1865. Cleveland, Ouio, April 2T, 1865.
The Hon. the Secretary of War, Washington : —
Sir — Allow me to suggest that the skeleton of the assassin Booth be pre
served and placed in appropriate receptacle, in order the more fully to per
petuate his infamy and be " a terror to evil doers."
I am. Sir, yours with the utmost respect, J. B. Gribble.
FniLADELPUiA, April 27, 1865.
To Secretary Stanton: —
Respected Sir — Has the theater been examined critically by an architect
or a practical builder. They could best detect any hiding-place forraed by
double floors, angular ceilings or roofs, partitions, or the straightening of
crooked walls; also private communications with adjoining houses.
The hired horse, spurs, and rider may have been to blind. If newspapers

55-i UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
contained the likeness and description of the ranrderer, the colored man South
as well as the whole North might be detectives. May God give you success.
With great respect, I remain yours,
R. T. K.
N. B. — There is scarcely a house in this city but is so built that five or ten
men could not be concealed in it. None but a builder perhaps could detect
the place. If it was thought proper tq examine, I would suggest that a small
dog should be with them.
An Englishman in Montreal, who, previous to the mur
der of Mr. Lincoln, had sympathized strongly with the South,
and associated with their agents in Canada, and has been
fully posted in their movements, said that the assassination
was too much for him, and stated that he knew that during
the 20th of April the Southern agents heard from the party
that murdered the President, and they expected him to
arrive in Montreal within forty-eight hours — not sure that it
was Booth, but one closely connected with assassination, if
not the principal — that he is sure he will have him in thirty
minutes after arrival — that he will probably arrive via Troy
and Burlington, or W. R. Junction, but most likely by
Ohio Central.
This information -was given by said Englishman to Alder
man Lyman of this city (Montreal), by Lyman to Mr.
Cheney, an American, brother of the Expressman, Cheney &
Co. ; and Cheney carae to St. Alban's aud gave it to Governor
Sraith.Honorable Edwin M. Stanton : —
Honored and Dear Sir — In the disposal of the remains of the assassin
of President Lincoln, I would suggest the following : Let his body be inclosed
in a sack of shoddy, and carried out to sea, beyond soundings, thrown over
board, there to remain to death and hell give up their dead.
Very respectfully yours, John McLaughlin.
Feanklin Eoad, Philadelphla,
April 29, 1865.
A few days after the assassination, the subjoined mys
terious letter -was picked up in Ford' s Theatre, which as a
relic of the tiraes is put on record, with another anonymons
epistle of diflTerent tone, which fell into my hands :

"K. B. G."— THE HANDKERCHIEF. 555
PniLADKLnitA, Thursday Night.
Dear Sir — You are hereby notified that your presence in Philadelphia is
obnoxious to the "Knights of the Blue Gauntlet," and that at a general con
vocation held this night, beneath the folds of the "Starry Banner," it was
determined to notify you of the fact, and to give you ten days from date to
place yourself without the p.ale of our jurisdiction. Beware, the Lapwing is
on your track — the Moccasin lies hungry in your path — the true "Knights of
the Blue Gauntlet " are not triflers. _ ******
To L. Carlakd, Actor, &e., 814 Market street.
Oh! What a joke.
Seoesli & Co. have treated your honorable body with one of their latest
Lincoln jokes. Wilkes Booth & Co. are under a thousand oblig.ations for the
pass you have, in your hour of great gratification, granted an intimate friend
of his. Your military as well as detective force is not worth powder and
lead to kill them. AVe thank you, honorable Sirs, with sincerity, for your
ofiicial stupidity, and shall, through a different channel, enable you to patron
ize the vendors of crape in a wholesome way. . Know then, all tho rewards
you may hereafter offer is of no avail, and further, that we will have the
gratification to publish our friends safely at your expense. Oh ! what an
immense joke. How are you, base, foul Yankee trash. Signed for over
ten thousand sworn and tried friends in the District of Columbia. Think of
that, base tyrants, and tremble. A Wasiiingtonian.
The papers transmitted here -were for-warded to me, with
the handkerchief referred to in them, and have at least a
single point of special interest. They show how near the son
of the female assassin, himself deserving the halter, came
to sharing this fate with his mother. The statements also
underrate the instinctive vigilance of the quickened thought
of the people, making otherwise ordinary events significant,
and often detective, -when a great crime has been committed.
Montreal, April 27, 1865.
Colonel L. 0. Baker: —
Dear Sir — I have seen Governor Sraith of Vermont, and from him ob
tained all the facts in relation to the inforraation he obtained from this city.
Inclosed you will please find a copy. While in Burlington I obtained a white
linen handkerchief, which was dropped in the Vermont Central Depot, on
Thursday evening, April 20, by one of three strange men who slept in depot
all Thursday night. These men came frora stearaer Canada, Captain Flagg.
She was very late tiiat evening ; did not connect with the train north (Montreal),
which leaves at seven o'clock, p. m. They came into the depot between seven
and a half and eight o'clock, after the night watchmen came on duty. They

556 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
had no baggage ; not even a bundle. They were all rather poorly dressed,
looked rather hard, worn-out, tired. The night watchman, C. H. B., is a
sharp, intelligent fellow. He asked them which way they were going; they
said, to Montreal. He told thera that they could not go that night. Tliey
knew that. He wanted to know if they did not want to go to a hoteh They
said no, that they were going to stay in the depot. They did not appear to
have much of any thing to do with one another, or any thing to say to one
anotlier. They took separate seats around the roora, curled theraselves up,
and went to sleep. They remained quiet all night. Abont four o'clock a. m.,
B. woke thera up to take the train, which they did. After the train left, B.
saw what he supposed some dirty cloth on the floor about the place where
one of them slept. He picked this material up, thinking that it would do to
wipe his lantern with. While handling the stuff, he found that he had got
tw-o very dirty pocket-handkerchiefs. They had tobacco joice all over them.
While looking his prize over, he found the name of J. H. Surratt, No. 2, on
the corner of one of the handkerchiefs. The other was unmarked. He took
them home. His raother, with whom he lives, was away, attending to a sick
brother, and did not return until Saturday morning. The brother died on
Tuesday evening, the night these men remained in the depot. B. got his
mother to wash the handkerchiefs, which she did on Saturday morning.
During Saturday, p. m., B. went to the city and told this circumstance of his
finding the handkerchiefs. Detective G. C. heard of it, and got the handker
chief from B., and I got the handkerchief from C. Incited, you will find
that — B. said one of the men was tall, and the others short. He fully identi
fies the likeness of Surratt as being one of the men. I then found the con
ductor that ran the train from Burlington to Essex Junction. The baggage
man ran the tr.ain up that Friday raorning, the 21st. He was very sick when
I called on him. He had sorae recollection of three raen whora he found in
the depot, and he, too, fully identifies Surratt's picture as being that of one
of the men who went up with him. I next found the conductor who ran the
through train to St. Alban's, Vermont. His narae is C. T. Hobart, a very
gentlemanly and intelligent man, belongs to the Vermont Central Railroad.
His trip ends at St. Alban's, Vermont, on Tuesdays and Fridays. He gives
this description of two raen who got on his train atEssex Junction, Vermont:
One very tall raan, over six feet, and a short raan, not much over five feet.
This was on Friday morning, April 21, 5.05 o'clock, A. M., he being twenty-
five minutes late that morning. These two men had no money to pay their
fare with, so they said. Their story was, they were Canadians,vhad been to
New York city to work. These two and another raan roomed together, they
worked together, got paid off together. During the night, after being paid
off, the thii-Q raan got up, rifled tlieir pockets, and raade off with all their
raoney. They were penniless; could get money when tliey got home; would
do so, and would then pay him. They had a description of the man who had
robbed them, which was a copy of one they gave to sorae New York detec
tive, whom they naraed. The conductor had a good deal of talk with the tall
one ; the other would not say any thing. He went to them three or four
times, for he thought they had money, but was on the beat. The tall one

SUSPICIOUS TRAVELERS. 557
offered his coat as security. Conductor told them that they were able-bodied
men, and ought not to be traveling without raoney to pay their way. They
did not want to go any further than St. Alban's, as tliey would be going
away from home to continue on toward St. John's, C. E. Here is his story —
one very tall man, six feet one inch, or more (being taller than the conductor,
who is five feet eleven and a half inches), broad shoulders, otherwise slim,
straight as an arrow ; did not look like a laborer, although dressed r.atlier
poor; had on a loose sack-coat, colored; cassiinere shirt, all one color; collar
some turned over ; an old spotted scarf, long, which hung down and was held
by the vest, which was light color, buttoned half way up, old style; light-colored
pants, being loose, had the appearance of having no suspenders on ; had on a
light-colored, tight-fitting skull-cap. His entire outfit was rather dusty, dirty,
and seedy. His hair was black as jet and straight ; no beard, nor the appear
ance of any; was young, not raore than twenty-one or twenty-two. He left
the train at St. Alban's. The other man was a good deal shorter, not much
over five feet, thick set, short neck, full face, s.andy complexion, thin sandy
chin whiskers or goatee, light in quantity; no other beard. He wore a soft
black felt hat, very dusty ; dark-colored sack coat, either bl.ack-brown or blue ;
light-colored pants; reddish-colored flannel shirt. Did not see any vest, as
he had his coat buttoned up. He done but little talking — had not much to
say for hiraself, let the tall m.an do that. The great object of both was to get
home to Canada. He got off the train at St. Alban's. C. S. H. boards at the
Mansion Hotel at St. Alljan's, and as he was going into the house he saw
these two men coming down the street toward the house. He watched them
for a few minutes. They turned the corner going toward the depot again,
bat they did not take the cars again. He fully identifies Surratt's picture as
the tall one; the other is not known. He says he shonld know Surratt at any
place or anywhere. They seeraed determined to ride on the platforra. H.
pulled them both in by the collar, saying if they rode with hira they raust do
so inside, which they did, keeping close to the door all the time. II. said
after he got to bed he could not go to sleep for nearly two hours, thinking
about those fellows. He felt as if they had beat him, and that they were very
likely a pair of the assassins. He spoke to sorae friend about the matter, and
gave vent to his suspicions. He thought no raore of them until I spoke to
him on the subject. I never saw such looseness in the police business as they
have up here. All these lines are regular highways for men or women of
the true Southern style. They have no more fears of passing through along
the northern border of Vermont or New York than though the territory was
in Dixie. C, the only one of the six men sent to Richmond to get the
raiders' comraissions who succeeded in getting through to Canada, came
boldly into St. Alban's, registered his name in full from Richmond, Va., care
lessly remarking that St. Alban's was a tough place for a man to come to
frora Richmond, Va. None molested him ; he got into Canada safe with his
papers. The Provost-Marshal at A. says that he never had any instructions
as to what were his duties or his powers, only to arrest deserters and forward
them to New Haven, Conn. He siiys he don't know that he has the power
to arrest or search anybody, and if he had ever arrested anybody, he should

558 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
have arrested them under the very stringent vagrant law passed by Vermont.
I asked hira if the commission of captain and provost-raarshal made only a
town constable of him. He said he did not know any thing of the duties or
powers of the Provost-Marshal's office. He has always been a rank " copper
head" Democrat, but is a brother-in-law of Governor Smith; so last fall ho
went the " Reb." ticket and got appointed Provost-Marshal. He has just
gone out to Kansas City on bis. or pleasure. There is a young major Post
Cororaandant, who has four comp.anies of vets, here, with sorae ten or twelve
officers, but two privates are allowed to examine trains alone. The major
says that he supposed such duties belonged to the Provost-Marshal. Then
again, the Goveri;ior assumes sorae little powers in sraall details. Power and
authority seera to clash — don't work together. As a consequence, nothing is
done by any of them until too late. Noted rebels pass there every week or
two to New York and back. A Miss M. came up on Saturday last. She goes
back and forth at will, no doubt carrying letters and dispatches. There are
several raen who do the sarae. The conductors know thera ; but there is no
Provost-Marshal or other officer who seems to have the power or inclination
to arrest and search any of these parties. There is hardly a doubt bnt that
Surratt and one or two others are in this province ; who the others are I can
not tell — may be persons who are not known to farae as yet. Inclosed I send
you a likeness of one of the Paynes, of whora there are seven brothers, all Ken-
tuckians. Three are said to be in South America, one in jail at St. Alban's,
and the others here, as you hare a Payne, raay be one of these brothers. The
picture is marked on the back. If of no use, please send it back to the owner,
Mr. Sarauel Williaras, Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs, St. Alban's, Vt.
I have placed those pictures in the hands of the Provost-Marshal, American
consul, &c. Shall go down to Richmond, C. E., Three Rivers, Quebec, Point
Levi, then through Upper Can.ada. Any orders or instructions by letter or
by telegraph can find me, directed to the care of S. S. Potter, Esq., American
Consul-General, Montreal, C. E. Shall drop any inforraation I can get. I am
going out into what are called the townships, that portion of Canada East
bordering on Maine, New York, and Vermont north. Many rebels are in
there. Young Saunders is out there now, together with others. Potterfield,
a dangerous rebel, is making preparations to go to Nashville, Tenn. ; ought
not to be allowed. Towbridge, another, who ran a vessel-load of slaves into
Mobile (the Wanderer), was convicted and sentenced to Clinton State Prison,
bnt escaped frora the officers, has gone to Detroit under sorae protection got
by E., who says he is a cousin (cozzen, I guess).
I am respectfully, &c.,
G. A. G.
Hhadqttarters TJnited States Barracks, !
St. Alban-s, "V-ermont, April 80, 1865. J
Major — One week ago last Thursday night three men slept in th*
B. & B. Depot, Burlington, Verraont. They carae in late at night by boat,
and inquired for the first train for Montreal, and took it, coraing as far as St.
Alban's, Vermont, when they took stage to Franklin, Vermont, and thence
off out into Canada. A detective from Colonel Baker's force was through

THE PHOTOGRAPHS. 559
this place last Tuesday, and he exhibited a handkerchief with Surratt's name
npon it, which was found in the depot during the day, Friday, following tho
Thursday night these men slept in the building. These men, or two in par
ticular, were noticed by the conductor on their way to St. Alban's, and when
the photographs of Surratt were shown him he said at once that they fully
answered to one of the men who were on his train the Friday morning spoken
of. He also said the photograph of Harrold answered well for another of the
men. The detective was very sure, from his tracings, that Harrold and Sur
ratt had passed through here on the day in question. Later developments
have proved him raistaken as to Harrold. I had men who passed over every
train, and the men saw these raen, took notice of thera, &c., but they did not
answer to the description w-hioh they had of raen they were ordered to arrest,
consequently did not arrest thera. I have traced these men, two of thera, into
Canada; they live in Broom, have been South, are deserters frora our army,
and, upon the whole, desperate fellows. This circumstance, then, is all that is
worth noticing. These men are from the South, and I suppose there is little
doubt that one of thera dropped the handkerchief in question. Now, in view
of the place they have come from, and the handkerchief, what is the circum
stance worth ? The two men I have followed into Canada are both known in
the town where they were found, and neither of them Surratt or Harrold.
But still what did they have Surratt's handkerchief for, &o. ? I was told this
man could be found any time in Swatebury or Broom. What action shall be
taken ? Can money expended in searching for these men be recovered ?
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully. Your obedient servant,
J. Grout, Jr.,
Major First Regiment F. C. Commanding Post.
To Maior Austin, Military Commander, Brattleboro, Vt.
Department op the East, New Tore, May S, 1865.
Major-General J. A. Dix, Coraraanding:^
Refers coraraunication from Major J. Grout, Jr., dated at St. Alban's,
Canada West, relative to two suspicious characters who appear to be irapli
cated in the Harrold and Surratt conspiracy. Colonel Burnett.
Headqitarters, Department of the East, (^
New York Oiiy, May S, 1805. )
Respectfully referred to the Adjutant-General, United States Army.
John A. Dix,
Major-Ge.neral Commanding.
Respectfully forwarded to headquarters Department of the East, Now
York. Fr. Austin,
Major U. S. A., Military Commander.
BRATTLEaoRo, YsBMOST, Meiy 1, 1S65.

560 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
-War DEPARTsrENT, May 9, 1865.
Respectfully referred to Colonel L. C. Baker, Agent AVar Department.
H. S. Burnett,
Brevet Colonel, Judge- Advocate.
The following letters, written a year earlier, of a more
domestic nature, will make a fitting and rather amusing
accompaniment to the story of the handkerchief: —
Surrattsville, Maryland, December 16, 1863.
Miss Bell Seaman : —
Dear Cousin — "To live, is to learn," which h.as been fully verified by the
contents of your rather surprising letter. I raust confess, my dear Cousin,
thav your letter was short, sweet, and to the point. Unkindness is something,
Cousin Bell, I have never yet been willfully guilty of, yet no doubt you con
strued my letter to that effect. "Judge ye not, and ye shall not be judged,"
is a wise maxim, and one to which I always well look. "Look before yon
leap." "Satisfied in my conclusions," is the sentence in which you find so much
fault. Well, ma ehere Cousin, to explain those four words, it is necessary to
retrace our steps to a certain letter you wrote me, which contained something
about "having raore principle than to hold an office under a Government you
pretend to despise." In fact, you concluded that I was a hot-headed rebel,
one belonging to the horned tribe, for they tell ine they have horns, and that
I ought not to hold an office under this E poor busted up Union, consequently
my being superseded, "satisfied you in your conclusion." Is it not so, my
dear Cousin ? Do tell me, won't you ? I sincerely hope now. Cousin, that you
are really satisfied in your conclusions about ray raeaning.
Anna started for Steubenville, Ohio, last Monday week, and has arrived
safely, but I believe lost her trunk. I arrived from AVashington a few hours
ago, and found your letter awaiting me. I have proved my loyalty, so that it
cannot be doubted, and will regain ray office as P. M. Joy is minel Cousin
Bell, I expect you think I am a hard case. Without doubt I ara the Grossest,
raost ill-contrived being that ever was. Just ask Anna, when you see her,
for a description of your Consin.
Pardon ray conclusion, but I ara getting really sleepy. It is now ten
o'clock, an hour after my bed-time, for I go by the old saying, "Early to bed,
and early to rise, makes a raan healthy, wealthy, and wise." Ma sends her
love to you and faraily. Write soon, as nothing gives rae greater pleasure
than to receive a letter from you. Your Cousin, J. Harrison Surratt.
Bprrait's Villa, Maktland, August 1, 1864.
Mt Dear Cousin Bell — You ask me if we have warm weather in Mary
land, My Maryland. If you have it to such a degree as you represent it, up
North, what must it be in our hot-headed South ? Yes, Coz, if we had yon

"COUSIN BELL." 561
down here we would soon convert you into "sugar," and then use you to
sweeten our dispositions. A'ou know 'tis tlie extremely hot weather that
makes us "Rebs" so savage, cruel, and disagreeable. A'es, Cousin Bell, it is
so warm that we can neither eat, sleep, sit down, stand up, walk about, and
in fact, to sura the w-hole in a nutshell, it is too warm to do any thing.
So you think I have a great deal of assurance. I am sorry to say you .are
the first one that ever told me so. On the contrary, I ara a very bashful,
and perfectly unsophisticated youth. As every thing pleases you, I am over
joyed to know that you are pleased with me, ns very few young ladies take a
fancy to me. I am really delighted. You have told rae raore tlian ever
woman dared to tell. Coz. Bell, you ask rae Avhy I do not get married?
Simply because I can find no one w-ho will have me. Often have they vowed,
yes. But — " This record will forevpr stand —
Wonaan, thy vows are traced in sand." — Btron.
If you know of any lovely angel, in human forra, desirous of a " matrirao-
nial correspondence," just tell her to indite a few lines to your humble Cousin,
and I can assure her she will not be sorry for it.
August XOth. — Well, Coz., I have just been on a visit of a week's duration.
It always takes me about two weeks to write a letter. Ma and Anna are sit
ting in the hall enjoying the evening breeze, whilst I am sitting over my desk,
almost cracking my brain in order to find something to fill up these pages, for.
Cousin Bell, you must have perceived, long before this, that I am a poor letter
writer. I had almost forgotten to tell you that I called on your friend, Mr.
Wm. Underwood, at the Carver Hospital. He has nearly recovered from his
wound, though it has not yet quite healed. He intended going horae in a
week or two, and perhaps he may be there now, as it has been over a week
since I saw him.
Have you heard from your Uncle James lately? There has been some
very hard fighting out West recently, and you know, Cousin Bell, that the foe
has very little regard where he directs his bullets. M.ay God preserve him,
and grant that he may see the end of this unholy war without harm. At
what time does your vacation arrive ? Doubtless you look forward to that
time with a great deal of irapatience.
I am very sorry to think that it is your intention to become an old maid.
The horrible creatures ! curses upon society 1 a perfect plague! always med
dling with affairs that do not concern them ! This is my opinion of old maids.
I express it to you, because you have not yet arrived at that state of misery
and despair. They are looked upon down onr way as unnatural beings —
something forsaken by God, man, and devil. So beware! Coz., I met a
gentleman frora Washington County, Pennsylvania, by the name of Stevenson,
who is very well acquainted with the name of Surratt — so he says. Do you
know any thing of him ? He is a very nice man, and a perfect gentleraan.
Have you heard any thing of the Rebel Captain, I have not heard frora him
for some time?
Really, I must bring my tiresome letter to a close. Every thing looks like
starvation. A^'ery encouraging, is it not? I hope you will answer soon, aa
36

562 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
nothing gives me greater pleasure than to receive a letter from yon. Consin
Bell, I am not prone to flatter, so you must believe what I say. Ma and
Anna send their love to you. I wish you knew Ma, I know you wonld like
her. Neither of us is like her. My brother resembles her very ranch. He
is the best looking of the family. That is saying a good deal for myself.
Excuse this raiserable scrawl, as I have to dip my pen in tho stand at every
word. Anna has just coraraenoed playing the " Hindoo Mother." I would
advise you to get it. It is really beautiful. Good-by. I hope, to see you
before many months. Your Cousin, J. Harrison Surratt.
" To whora shall we Grant the Meade of praise ?" Ha I ha I
Office op the Commissart-General of Phisonees, I
Wasiiington, D. C, February 6, 1865. f
Miss Bell Seaman: —
Dear Cousin — I received your letter, and not being quite so selfish as you
are, I will answer it, in what I call a reasonable time. I am happy to say
we are all well, and in flne spirits.
AA'e have been looking for you to come on with a great deal of impatience.
Do corae, won't you ? Just to think, I have never yet seen one of my cousins.
But never fear, I will probably see you all sooner than you expect. Next
week I leave for Europe. Yes, I am going to leave this detested country,
and I think, perhaps, I raay give you all a call as I go to New York. Do not
bo surprised, Cousin Bell, when you see your hopeful Cousin. Truly you
may be surprised.
I have an invitation to a party, to corae off next Tuesday night. Anna
and myself intend going, and expect to enjoy ourselves very much. I have
been to a great raany this winter, so that they are beginning to get common ;
but as this is something extra, I looked forward with a great deal of impa
tience. I wish you were, in order that I might have the pleasure of intro
ducing you to regular country hoe-down. I know you would enjoy it.
There is no news of importance, save the burning of the Smithsonian
Institute, which, of course, you have heard of His Excellency Jefferson
Davis and Old Abe Lincoln couldn't agree, as sensible persons knew before
hand; and now I hope people are satisfied, and hope they will make up their
minds to fight it out to the bitter end.
" Show no quarter." That's " ray raotto."
Cousin Bell, try and answer me in a few days at least, as I would like
very much to hear from you before I leave horae for good. I do not know
what to think of our mutual Miss Kate Brady. Byron justly remarks —
" This record will forever stand —
Woman, thy vows are traced in sand."
I have just taken a peep in the parlor. Would you like to know what I
saw there? Well, Ma was sitting on the sofa, nodding first to one chair, then
to another, next the piano. Anna sitting in corner, dreaming, I expect, of
J. AV. Booth. Well, who is J. W. Beoth? Slie can answer the question. Miss

MRS. SURRATT— OFFICIAL DISPATCH— REAVARDS. 563
Fitzpatrick playing with her favorite cat — a good sign of an old maid  the
detested old creatures. Miss Dean fixing her hair, which is filled with rats
and mice.
But hark ! the door-bell rings, and Mr. J. W. Booth is announced. And
listen to the scamperings of the  . Such brushing and fixing.
Cousin Bell, I am afraid to read this nonsense over, so, consequently, you
must excuse all misdemeanors. We all send love to you and family. Tell
Cousin Sara. I think he might write me at least a few lines.
Your Cousin, J. Harrison Surratt,
641 H Street, between 6 and 7 Streets.

During my visits to the prisoners, before their execution,
Mrs. Surratt confessed to me her complicity with the con
spirators so far as the intended abduction was concerned, but
affirmed that she reluctantly yielded to the urging of Booth
in aiding the plot of assassination. He insisted that her oath
of fidelity bound her to see the fatal end of the conspiracy.
As before stated, the honor and prestige of their capture
have been credited to me by an ofRcial dispatch to the Asso
ciated Press by the Secretary of War, announcing that the
assassins had been captured by Colonel Baker' s force. This
announcement induced all those previously engaged in the
search to immediately abandon the -whole case. Evidence to
convict the assassins had yet to be obtained. On my bureau
devolved the task of procuring, compiling, and arranging
this testimony. I subpoenaed for the prosecution and de
fense more than two hundred -witnesses. The trial proceed
ed, and all its details have already been made known to the
public. It will be recollected that the Secretary of War had
offered large rewards for the capture of the assassins. Irarae
diately after the execution of the criminals, all those engaged
in the search began to forward their written statements and
affidavits, as a basis on which to demand from the Govern
ment a portion of the reward. It was remarked by a member
of Congress, one of the Committee on Claims, who subse
quently examined all the testimony, that he had practiced
law for more than thirty years, and. had never seen so much
willful misrepresentation and perjury as had been exhibited
in these statements and affidavits. Individuals who had
simply been engaged in the search, and who had not even

564 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
procured a particle of testimony in the case, clairaed the
largest proportion of the reward. A commission Avas finally
appointed by the Secretary of War, composed of General
flolt, Judge- Advocate-General, and General Townsend, the
Adjutant-General, to whom -\vei-e referred all the applica
tions, statements, affidavits, and papers forwarded by those
making the claims. After sorae two or three raonths spent
in ex.imining these papers, the Secretary of War issued an
order directing that all persons, making claims for any por
tion of the rewards offered for the capture of the assassins,
should file them on or before the first day of January, as no
applications would be received after that date. Another
delay of two or three months occurred, when the Coraraission
finally made their report. In this report, the Coraraission
gave the entire credit of the capture of the assassins to me,
althougli they gave me but a small portion of the reward.
Much dissatisfaction was expressed among the applicants
at this decision, and the whole matter was finally referred to
Congress, who referred it to the Committee on Claims. That
committee, whose time was taken up with other important
matters, referred the Avhole matter to the Hon. Geo. W. Hotch-
kiss, of Binghamton, New York. After another long delay,
the Committee on Claims reported as follows : —
The committee further report, that the expedition whioh resulted in the
capture of Booth and Harrold was planned and directed by Colonel (now
General) Lafayette C. Baker, then a detective officer of the War Department ;
the force consisting of Lieutenant-Colonel Everton J. Conger, Lieutenant
Luther B. Baker, then in the detective service, Lieutenant Edward P. Doherty,
aud twenty-six privates of the Sixteenth New York Cavalry.
And the committee further report, th.at Major Jaraes R. O'Beirne, then
provost-raarshal of the District of Columbia, General H. H. Wells, then un
der General Augui-'s command, George Cottingham and Alexander Lovett,
detectives, and Samuel H. Lc-ckwith, a telegraph operator, rendered import
ant service leading to the arrest of Booth and Harrold, and the committee
regard them as coming within the terms of the offer of rewards.
The committee do not regard tlie capture of Booth and Harrold as purely
military service, and do not feel bound to award compensation to mere rank,
without regard to the extent and merit of tlie service performed, but look to
tlie rank and position of the otficers engaged in such service as evidence of
the opportunity afforded them and the duty imposed upon them to exercise
greater care, skill, and diligeiue, than persons in a subordinate position.
Aud the committee further report, after a careful consideration of the evi-

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS. 505
deuce presented to thera of the services of the respective parties engaged ia
the capture of Booth and Harrold, in their opinion, the sum of seventy-five
thousand dollars reward for the capture of said Booth and Harrold should bo
distributed as follows: —
To Lafayette C. Baker, chief detective  $17,500
To Everton J. Conger  17,500
To Luther B. Baker  5,000
To James R. O'Beirne  2,000
To H. H. AVells  1,500
To George Cottingham  1,500
To Alexander Lovett  1,000
To Samuel H. Beckwith  500
To Lieutenant Edward P. Doherty, Sixteenth New York Cavalry . . 2,500
To Sergeant Boston Corbett, Sixteenth New York Cavalry ; Ser
geant Andrew Wendell, Sixteenth New York Cavalry; Corporal
Charles Zimmer, Sixteenth New York Cavalry ; Corporal Michael
Uniac, Sixteenth New York Cavalry ; Corporal John AVinter, Six
teenth New York Cavalry; Corporal Herman Newgarten, Six
teenth New York Cavalry; Corporal John AValz, Sixteenth New
York Cavalry ; Corporal Oliver Lonpay, Sixteenth New York
Cavalry; Corporal Michael Hormsby, Sixteenth New York Cav
alry; Private John Myers, Sixteenth New York Cavalry; Private
John Ryan, Sixteenth New York Cavalry ; Private AVilliam Byrne,
Sixteenth New York Cavalry ; Private Philip Hoyt, Sixteenth New
York Cav.ali-y; Private Martin Kelley, Sixteenth New York Cav
alry ; Private Henry Putnam, Sixteenth New York Cavalry ; Pri
vate Frank McDanioI, Sixteenth New York Cavalry ; Private Lewis
Savage, Sixteenth New York Cavalry; Private Abrahara Genay,
Sixteenth New York Cavalry; Private Emery Parady, Sixteenth
New York Cavalry ; Private David Baker, Sixteenth New York
Cavalry; Private AVilliam McQuade, Sixteenth New York Cavalry ;
Private John Millington, Sixteenth New York Cavalry; Private
Frederick Deitz, Sixteenth New York Cavalry; Private John A.
Singer, Sixteenth New York Cavalry ; Private Carl Steinbrugge,
Sixteenth New York Cavalry ; Private Joseph Zisgen, Sixteenth
New York Cavalry, one thousand dollars each   26,000
Total  $75,000
The report of this committee was still very unsatisfactory
0 a majority of those clairaing rewards, and an effort was
immediately made, by interested parties, to have the decision
reversed. A systematic effort was made by lobbyists at the
capitol to have this report set aside. The most willful and
malicious misrepresentations were made concerning myself.
I had taken but little interest in this matter, never having

506 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
filed a claim for reward. I simply, as was my just right,
demanded that myself and those acting under my orders
should have the entire credit for the capture of Booth and
Harrold. On the day that this report was submitted to Con
gress, the lobbyists, interested parties, and certain disloyal
members of Congress, immediately started a story that I had
turned Copperhead, and was in the employ of Andy John
son. I had no opportunity to controvert these statements ;
the question went to the House ; the report of the Committee
on Claims was disapproved and altered, giving me a much
smaller sum than that awarded me by the committee. The
Hon. Mr. Hotchkiss, however, who had thoroughly investi
gated the matter, and become convinced of the influences
that had been working against me, and of the misrepresenta
tions that had been made concerning my affiliation with the
Copperhead party, defended the report in a speech of nearly
an hour, in which he manfully sustained my claira to the
reward, and defended, with great ability, the personal attacks
made upon me.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
FINAL REPORT OP RESULTS— THE CASE OF WIRZ.
The Auxiliary Aid of this Bureau lu Government Investigations — Its Economy —
Statement of Goods Seized — The Attempted Suicide of AndersonviUe Wirz.
The report I shall now present will convey, in condensed
and authentic form, some idea of the economical service of
the bureau, while it indicates the first auxiliary aid rendered
in the various investigations conducted by the Government.
I am sure the reader will be surprised, and greatly enlight
ened, by the contrast between the passionate denunciation
of the National Police by its enemies, with a singular silence
respecting its substantial achievements on the part of its
friends, and the simple results which appear in the column
of figures in the pages of the report. I repeat, that such an
institution is not in harmony with the spirit of our Repub
lic in peaceful times ; nor is martial law, with many other
extraordinary means employed to secure success in the ap
peal to arms. But to allow a service, because in its nature
unpopular, to blind the popular view of its real value and
honorable record, is both unjust and unpatriotic. The re
port raight have been extended to many times the nuraber
of sheets it now covers. Office rRovosT-MARSHAL "War Department, )
Washington, December 1, 1865. J
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Sir — Herewith I have the honor to forward a recapitulation and con
densed report of the operations of this office since its creation, in August,
1861, to Deceraber 1, 1865. I desire particularly to call your attention to
the subjoined report of Governraent, abandoned, and contraband property.
A very minute and careful record of every article seized ; when, where, and
under what circurastances said property was found ; to what department or
bureau turned over ; as well as the receipts and vouchers for the same, from
the various officers receiving said property; and its valu.ation as fixed by the
Quartermaster-General; all of w-hich -will be found in my monthly state-

568 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
ments, now on file in the War Dep.artraent. From the volnrainous character
of these monthly reports, I have been compelled to siraply give results in
a very condensed form. In compliance with an order from the War Depart
ment, under date of May 20, 1864, to turn over this property to the Treasury
Department, I directed another inventory to be made, under tho supervision
of two trusty employees of the Qnarterinaster's Departraent, as.sisted by two
employees of the Treasury Department, designated and detailed by Mr. H. A.
Risley, special supervising agent of the Treasury Department. This inven
tory embraced all property except ordnance and medical stores, and was
receipted for by Mr. Risley ; which receipt is now on file in the Quarterraas-
ter-Genei-.al's office. Also a stateraent showing the araount of raoneys recov
ered from defaulting quarterm.asters, paymasters, contractors, and Govern
ment employees ; also the disposition raade of said funds, to which is added a
statement of raonthly and yearly disburseraonts of all moneys paid out by me,
and on what account, &c. The nature and amount of services rendered by
tliis bureau, in detecting frauds in connection w-ith the recruiting service, is, I
think, too well known to yonr Department to require any detailed account
from me. My report to the Provost-Marshal-General sets forth fully the vast
araount of labor and beneficial results arising from these investigations. The
Secretaries of the Navy and Treasury have repeatedly solicited my services in
conducting investigations. The result of sucli investigations has been com-
mnnicated to the respective Secretaries of these Departments. It is impossi
ble, in a brief report of this cliaracter, to even refer to the tliousands of cases
investigated and reported upon at tliis office during the past four years.
These records are on tile with the AVar Department, and necessarily form a
part of the great history of the Rebellion.
I am, sir, your obedient servant, L. C. Baker,
Brig.-Gen. and Pro.-Mar. War Department.
SEVEN MONTHS IN 1802.
Goods Captured from July, 18G-2, to December, inclusive.
Quartermaster and Commissary Goods, consisting of groceries, dry goods, clothing,
&c., too numerous to mention. Value. Total.
465 boxes  $26,682 00
8,621 articles  21,884 75
2S oases  2,490 00
127ibarrels  1,820 75
62 bales and bundles  2,127 00 /
2 lots of boxes  1,856 00
1 lot of " tenting and rags "  200 00
70 sacks aud bags  470 25
Behests  122 00
10 trunks  80 00
3 baskets and packages  20 00
 $57,752 75

STATEMENT OF SEIZURES. 5(59
hiqwrs — Value. Total,
182 cases  $.'i,li:9 00
440 boxes  2,7i;i; 00
], 714 bottles  89.3 00
33i barrels  8-17 00
63* kegs  49G 00
32 demijohns  161 50
6 casks  i:U 00
7 baskets  98 00
67 jugs  59 00
32 canteens and cans  48 00
1 trunk  20 00
 $8,945 00
Ordnance —
2,601 muskets, rifles, guns, &c  $31,004 00
637 articles  958 50
11 cases  5,500 00
166 boxes  4,144 00
9 kegs  3;;2 00
 41,938 50
Vessels — 1 each, schooner and vessel  1,200 00
Lead — 35,522 pounds  $2,841 20
1 keg  40 00
 2,881 20
Brass — 3 barrels  140 00
ITorses arid Mules —
251  24,720 00
Quinine and Morphine —
150 ounces  650 00
$138,2:;0 95
TEAR 1863.
Goods, tc, Captured from January 1, 1863, to end of the Tear.
Quariermasti:r and Commissary Goods, consisting of groceries, dry goods, clothing,
4c., too numerous to mention. Value.
525 boxes  $27,501 00
8,068 articles  18,104 00
2 cases  20 00
n7J barrels and half barrels  7,859 00
8 kegs  315 00
62 hogsheads  8,900 00
1,197^ bushels  953 50
12 bags  1G3 75
21 chests  280 00
28 trunks  6,033 25
10 valises and satchels  343 00

570

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.

Value. Tutal.
1 cask  $50 00
241 sacks  1,692 00
7 bundles and packages  793 00
600 pounds of rope  120 00
24 cords of woods  192 00
 $73,324 50
Liquors —
77 boxes  $1,272 00
G cases  80 00
82 barrels  2,463 00
51 kegs  393 00
18 cans  19 00
76 demijohns  168 00
574 bottles  263 00
8 canteens  2 00
31 gallons  31 00
1 trunk  50 00
3 valises and satchels  20 00
2 baskets  8 00
 4,769 00
Ordnance —
2,137 muskets, rifles, guns, to  $21,392 00
3,414 articles  1,198 00
92 boxes  1,480 00
1 keg  9 00
 24,079 00
Hor.ses and Mules —
864  82,730 00
Steers and Cows —
47  1,839 00
Quinine and Morphine —
450 ounces  2,300 00
Opiwm and Borax —
125 pounds  340 00
Lead — 14,270pound3  '.  1,140 00
Money — Southern bank notes  $25,582 00
Confederate notes  5,387 00
U. S. Treasury  1,172 00
Northern  209 00
Gold and silver  5,097 00
Cash  130 75
.  37,577 75

$228,149 25

STATEMENT OF SEIZURES.

571

TEAR 1804.
Goods, to., Captured from January 1, 1864, to end of the Year.
Quartermaster and Commissary Goods, consisting of dry goods, groceries, clothing,
tc, too numerous to mention. Value. Total.
759 articles  $1,832 00
2 boxes  60 00
4bundle3  40 00
2 trunks  100 00
4 valises and satchels  35 00
 $2,067 00
Ordna'nce —
110 muskets, rifles, guns, tc  $1,150 00
87 articles  55 00
 1,205 00
Sorses and Mules —
83  8,300 00
$11,572 00
11 MONTHS, 1865.
Goods, to., Captured from January 1 to November 30, 1865, inolusive.
Quartermaster and Commissary Goods, consisting of dry goods, groceries, clothing,
tc, too numerous to mention. Value. Total.
liearticles  $415 20
13 boxes  5,54 00
Itrunk  1,250 00
 $2,219 20
Ordnance —
15 muskets, rifles, guns, tc  $215 00
100 articles  5 00
 220 00
Horses and Mules —
422  42,200 00
$44,639 20
RECAPITULATION. Value. Total.
1862. July, to end of year  $138,230 95
1863. Tear  228,149 25
1864. Tear  11,572 00
1865. January, to December Ist  44,639 20
'  $422,591 40

672

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.

Office Protost-Marriial -War Depart.ment, 1
December 1, ]^(V). \
The following is a stateraent showing the tot.al yearly and monthly expen
ditures incurred at this office from August 9, 1862, to December 1, 1865,
including all moneys disbursed for services of operatives, trauspi^rtation, and
subsistence of prisoners w-hile in custody, postage, telegraphing, <&c.', compiled
from the daily records now on file in this office.
1862.
Amount pay-roll from Aug. 9th to Sept. 9th  $1,31 6 12
" incidental expenses from Aug. 9lli to Sept. 9th.. 413 22
 $1,729 34
" pay-roll from Sept. 9tL to Oct. 9lh  $2,1 22 63
" incidental expenses from Sept. 9th to Oct. 9th . . 4J8 31
 2,570 94
" pay-roll from Oct. 9th to Nov. 1st  $1,996 37
" incidental expenses from Oct. 9th to Nov. 1st. . . 859 26
¦  2,855 63
" pay-roll for month of November .... $3,384 45
" incidental expenses " "  2,327 18
 5,711 63
". pay-roll " December  $2,187 03
" incidental expenses " "  1,252 09
 3,739 12
$16,606 6G
1863.
Amount p.ay-rnll for month of January  $2,778 91
" incidental expenses " "  1,165 25
 $3,945 16
" pay-roll » February  $3,389 34
" incidental expenses " "  1,477 77
 4,867 11
" pay-roll " March  $3,498 60
" incidental expenses " "  2,070 82
 5,569 42
" pay-roll " April  $3,367 16
" incidental expenses " "  2,361 00
 5,728 16
p.ay-roll " May  $3,527 39
" incidental expenses " "  2 276 72
— !  5,804 11
pay-roll " Juno  $3,470 27
'' incidental expenses " •'  1 992 27
 '¦  5,462 54
' pay-roll " July'  $3,606 25
" incidental expenses " "  1906 98
 '¦  5,513 23
pay-roll " August  $2,850 29
" incidental expenses " "  3 267 74
 !  6,118 03

EXPENDITURES IN PROVOST-MARSHAL'S OFFICE. 573

Amount pay-roll for month of September
" incidental expenses " "

pay-rollincidental expenses
pay-roll
incidental expenses
pay-roll
incidental expenses

October. .

November

December

Amount pay-roll
" incidental expenses
" pay-roU
" incidental expenses
" pay-roll
" incidental expenses
" pay-roll
" incidental expenses
" pay-roll
" incidental expenses
" pay-roll
" incidental expenses
" pay-roll
" incidental expenses
" pay-roll
" incidental expenses
" pay-roll
" incidental expenses
" pay-roll
" incidental expenses
" pay-roll
" incident.al expenses
" pay-roll
" incidental expenses

1864.
for month of January .
il It
" February
a u
" March

AprU
May. June tl
July u
August (1
September (1
October. . .
11
November
December.

$:!,300 21
1,909 63
$3,019 96
1,110 53
$G81 93
700 10
$939 10
1,068 15

$1,304 00
854 45

$1,626

74

1,372

28

$1,525

06

1,216

92

$1,526

00

1,037

90

$5,209 87
4,430 49
1,301 03
2,007 25
$56,046 40
$2,158 45
2,999 02
2,741 98
2,563 90

$1,328 99
1,244 20

 2,573 19

$1,223 83
1,542 82
$963 06
1,819 94
$1,210 00
850 99
$1,257 50
1,746 69
$1,402 50
970 26
$1,257 50
1,917 80

•2,766 65
2,783 00
2,0G0 99
3,004 19
2,378 70
3,175 30

$1,452 50
2,400 30

 3,852 80

$33,053 23

674

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.

1865.
Amount pay-roll for month of January  $1,674 15
" incidental expenses " "  1,189 86
 $2,864 01
" pay-roll " February  $59160
" incidental expenses " "  '09 14
 1,300 74
" pay-roll " March  $580 00
" incidental expenses " "  288 75
 868 75
" pay-roll " April  $1,059 22
" incidental expenses " "  2,216 58
 3,275 80
pay-roU " May  $2,718 23
" incidental expenses " "  4,264 42
 6,983 65
" pay-roll " Juno  $3,335 00
" incidental expenses " "  3,231 83
 6,566 83
" pay-roll " July  $3,480 00
" incidental expenses " •'  5,573 56
 9,053 66
" p.ay-roU " August  $3,153 26
" incidental expenses " "  6,444 36
 9,597 62
" pay-roU " September  $2,947 50
" incidental expenses " "  4,690 11
 7,637 61
" pay-roll " October  $3,237 50
" incidental expenses " "  6,120 20
 9,357 70
" pay-roll " November  $2,256 32
" incidental expenses " " .... 5,447 70
 7,704 03
$65,209 29
RECAPITULATION.
From August 9, 1862, to end of year  $16,606 66
" January 1, 1863, to end of year  56,046 40
" January 1, 1864, to end of year  33,058 23
" January 1, 1865, to end of November  65,209 29
$170,920 68
The following statement shows the amount of money received from
defaulting quartermasters, paymasters, contractors. Government clerks, and
employees ; to whom turned over, &c.
A. il. v., forage contractor, overcharge on grain  $32,500 00
T. F. E., amount obtained on false vouchers, on ice contract  1,885 5C

DEFAULTERS— ARRESTS. 575
T. A. W., amount received by him on account of forage, never deliv
ered  $2,750 00
Wm. W., amount received by him, for making false entries on ledger,
thereby increasing the weight of forage delivered by certain
contractors  2,511 00
Chas. C, amount illegally received by him on horse contract  1,500 00
F. W., amount received for entering false amount of grain, delivered
by certain contractors  1,000 00
J W. H., A. Q. M., U. S. A. Fled to Canada with $16,000, Quarter
master's funds, was pursued, arrested, and made to refund  10,684 00
0. B. F., A. Q. M., at Alexandria, Virginia  18,000 00
(The whole of the above amounts were turned over to Judge-
Advocate Turner.)
H. E. S., Paymaster, U. S. A., at New Orleans, refunded  10,000 00
(Paid into U. S. Treasury.)
0. L., Paymaster, U. S. A., at Elmira, N. T., refunded on my order . . 161,289 50
(Paid over, by direction of the Paymaster-General, to Major
Thurston, Paymaster, U. S. A.)
McL and H., on information given, and investigations instituted at this
oEBoe, showing a large defalcation, and paid over to the Paymas
ter-General   681,450 55
Received from bounty brokers, made by them on fraudulent enlist
ments, and paid over to the Provost-Marshal-General  62,829 50
Received from bounty brokers, and paid over to the wives and friends
of enlisted men  15,190 00
L. C, defaulting paymaster, received, and turned over to Paymaster-
General  12,500 00
Amount paid iuto the U. S. Treasury, as flues imposed by military
courts-martial, and commissions in cases investigated at this
oface  117,250 90

$1,031,340 95

The following statement will show the number of arrests raade since Sep
tember 1, 1862, to December 1, 1865 ; also the nature of the charges, where
committed, &c.
FROM 1st SEPTEMBER, 1862, TO 31st DECEMBER, INCLUSIVE.
Old Central
diargea. Capitol Guard Total.
Friaon. House.
Stealing Government property  14 7 2]
Robbing soldiers  1 . . 1
Aiding and abetting tlie rebellion  5 . . 5
Falsely representing himself an United States officer .... 1 1 2
Selling Government horses  2 1 3
Defrauding Government out of money by false vouchers . . 8 1 9
Selling Government property  , 1 4 0
Forging claims ou Government  2 2 4
Violating parole  1 1
Procuring and using forged passes  1 1 2

576

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.

Cliarges.
Conveying rebel mail 
Desertion 
Selling citizens' clothes to soldiers 
Disloyalty 
Purchasing Government property, knowing the same to
be such 
Passing the pickets of the Virginia army without passes .
Willfully runnino: vessel against Long Bridge 
Soldiers drunk and disorderly 
Forging discharge-papers 
Smuggling liquors in violation of orders 
Altering passes and forging signature of United States
officer 

Old
Capitol
Prison. 1

Total.

1
98 21
65

Central Guard House.

78 57
1 1
7 1

3
121

Total. 1
78 5
1.1 11
1
16 92
4
186

TEAR 1863.
Aiding soldiers to desert 
Stealing Government property and money 
Defrauding Government for forged vouchers 
Forging passes 
Desertion 
Disloyalty 
Soldiers drunk and disorderly 
Rebel spy 
Smuggling liquor in violation of military orders 
Forging transportation and passes 
Carrying rebel mail 
Contempt military orders 
Highway robbery committed by soldiers 
Falsely repre.=enting a Government officer 
Defrauding Government by delivering short weight.
Forging of soldiers' papers 
Bribery of Government officers 
Unlawfully branding Government horses U. S 
Other causes 
Scalping dead Union soldiers 
Robbery by soldiers 
Running blockade with contraband goods 
Robbery of paymasters' safes 
SeUing liquor to soldiers 
Kidnapping colored men 
Soldiers rioting 
Murder of United States officer 
Threats to kill the President of tbe United States . .
Attempt to kill Government officer 
Arson 
Forging and selling passes 

9

9

5

69

74

12

35

47

,

5

5

310

310

22

105

127

1

47

48

14

11

25

5.

45

50

14

14

2

11

13

1
1
3
3
6
6
8
19
27
7
7
2
2
4
3
3
1
2
3
2
2
3
3
6
4
7
U
2
2
16
16
10
10
3
•J
1
1
1
10
11
1
1
3
1
4
2
4.
6
ARRESTS.

577

Charges. CapitolFrison,
Blistering brand on United States horse 
Government teamsters for drunkenness 
Falsely branding Government horse 
Threats against life  1
Smuggling goods into the army 
Total  .- 86
TEAR 1864.
Stealing Government horses and property 
Defrauding Government by forged passes  16
Defrauding Government by forged vouchers  4
Defrauding Government by false weight  1
Eiot by soldiers 
Disloyalty  18
Eobbery  1
Robbery of United States quartermaster  1
Desertion 
Smuggling whisky to the army  2
Kidnapping colored men  2
Counterfeiting United States Treasury notes  24
Total  69
1st JANUART TO DECEMBER, 1865.
Defrauding Govemment by forged vouchers  33
Defrauding Government by false measurement  33
Defrauding Government by short weight  10
Stealing horses and Government property  6
Soldiers drunk and disorderly  2
Attempted assassination ,  9
Disloyalty  4
Desertion  17
Forgery  3
Bribery  1
Forged soldiers' discharge-papers  7
Murder  1
Total  126
RECAPITULATION.
Total number from September, 1862, to end of year  65
Total number for year 1863  86
Total number for year 1864  69
Total number from 1st January to 1st December, 1865 . . 126
Total  346
37

Central Guard
House.

Total.

4

4

2

2

2

a

3

4

1

1

776

11

862

6
17 5 11
18 1
1
2 22
2480

3333 10 G29
4
17 3 17
1
126

121

186

776

862

11

80

, ,

126

908 1,254

CHAPTER XXXIX.
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE OF WIRZ.
My Connection with the Imprisonment of Wirz and Jeff. D.nvis — Vigilance in Guard
ing the Prisoner — Mrs. Wirz visits her Husband — He desires a CaU — The Inter
view — Attempted Suicide.
Poor Wirz, the German prisoner, keeper at Anderson
viUe, has a place and a name in the history of the American
contlict, imperishable as that of Jefferson Davis, and no more
and no less enviable. He is only the willing servant, in
¦war's cruelest -work, of the master spirit of the revolt, who
richly deserves the disgraceful doom of the Avretched victim of
the gallows, to -whom no mercy was extended. Not alone
by the surviving victims of his barbarity will Wirz be held
in remembrance, but by all the loyal people of the land,
¦wVo -watched -with intense interest the progress of his trial.
Soon as it became evident that the testimony against tliig
disciple of Nero was sufficiently strong to convict him, there
were rebel emissaries -who, fearing a confession from his
lips, -which -would implicate Jefferson Davis and others iu
the guilt of his crimes, desired and determined, if possible,
-to bring the trial to a speedy close. Wirz himself had
several times intimated that, if convicted, he -would make a
statement of all the facts connected with his administration
of the AndersonviUe prison, -which Avould show conclusively
that he acted under the direct orders of Davis and General
Winder. I had taken no part in Wirz' s trial, most of the evidence
having been procured by military officers then on duty at
the South. Daring the last days of the trial, Mrs. Wirz
appeared in Washington, and desired an interview with her
husband. The Secretary of War had directed the officer in
command of the prison to exercise the utmost caution in

MT VISIT TO WIRZ-MRS. WIRZ. 579
respect to the prisoner. It was feared that he would commit
suicide. Orders were issued not to allow any interview to
be had with him under any pretense -whatever. He was to
be kept entirely secluded from the other prisoners, and only
visited by the clergy and his counsel. Mrs. Wirz app] led to
me for permission to see him. She claimed that she desired
only to administer to his comfort, as far as possible, and had
no objection to the interview taking place in the presence of
an ofiicer of the Government. Wirz sent me a reqaest to
visit him, and accordingly I repaired to his apartment in the
"Old Capitol." During the conversation, he expressed ear
nest desire to see his wife, when I reminded him that the
orders of the Secretary prohibited such interviews. His
anxiety was so great, that I stated the prisoner' s request to
Mr. Stanton, -who consented to a meeting in my presence,
with no communications in their own language between them.
He then gave me the following order :
'Wa.u Department, Ai>.iutant-0enf.rat.'8 Office, f
Washington, November D, ISfio. )
Major-General Augur, commanding Department of Washington : —
General — Henry Wirz has sent a request to Gener.al L. C. Baker to visit
him. The Secretary of War desires that the authority be given General
Baker. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Acting Adjutant-General.
With this document I procured a permit, and requested
Mrs. Wirz to be at the prison at four o'clock that day. The
interview took place, and I shall never forget the first meet
ing between Wirz and his wife. She exhibited the most
stoical indifference, and simply said, " How are you, Wirz ?"
Instead of embracing him, as would naturaUy have been
expected under the circumstances, she sat down in a cliair in
front of him, and looked at the doomed man a moment, and
then gave utterance to the most vindictive words against the
Government, in which he joined. Instead of talking of their
family affairs, the unfortunate position in which Wirz was
placed, and the probability of his execution, she took occa
sion to denounce Colonel Chipmari, Judge- Advocate of the
commission before whom Wirz was being tried, and the Avit-

580 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
nesses as perjurers, and in the most threatening manner defied
the Government to carry the findings of the commission into
execution. This interview finally closed in their making an
appointment for another.
The conduct of Wirz and his -wife -was to my mind very
suspicious. I did not conceive that such indifference was
natural under the circumstances, and determined to watch
their next interview very closely. It came in due time, and
-was very similar to the first one. Mrs. Wirz sat in front of
her husband, and I took a position where I could casually
observe the movements of each. Mrs. Wirz took from her
hand a glove, inside of -which I noticed she had a small
package ; what it was I could not tell. The interview waa
short, as both -were conscious that I -was observing every move
ment. At the third interview the same thing -was repeated.
As we all rose to go to the door leading to the hall, Wirz
•walking first, Mrs. Wirz next, and myself at the rear, she
for the first time approached him, when they embraced and
put their lips up to kiss each other. I watched the motion,
and perceived that she w.as conveying something from her
mouth to his. I sprang forward in an instant, caught him
by the throat, and threw him on the floor. He raised a pill
from his throat, brought it within his teeth, crushed it and
spit out. I picked it up and found it to be a small round
piece of strychnine inclosed in a piece of oiled silk. Upon
this discovery I informed Mrs. Wirz that she could have no
more interviews -with her husband. She was compelled,
therefore, to leave him to his fate. My next step was to
Inform the Assistant Secretary of War and Judge Holt of the
singular occurrence. I also sho"wed to the former the strych
nine pill. On the day of the prisoner' s execution, I related
the poison scene to a reporter of a New York paper. It was
given to the public by him. The copperhead press imme
diately opened their artillery of abuse, making me the target
af bitterest attack. The -whole statement was pronounced a
fabrication, while it was verified entirely by Louis Skade, the
counsel of Wirz, and by Mrs. Wirz. It is a fact, -which should
make the loyal men of the land reflect deeply, that these
reckless detractors of the administration of Mr. Lincoln, and
all who aided him in checking the insane revolt, who defended

ATTEMPTED POISONING OF WIRZ,

CHANGE OF TQ-NE— REBEL HATE. 581
the vilest actors in the drama of rebellion, are to-day the
friends of Mr. Johnson and his "policy." No reflective
patriotic mind can exclude the doubt -whether the infamous
keeper of the AndersonviUe prison pen -would have been
executed at all had the merited fate been delayed a fe-w
months longer, until the change in the tone of the Presi
dential feeling toward rebels, whom he had so -warmly
condemned and warned that their treason must be made
"odious" for all coming time. It is more sad and stinging
to know this, .for those of us who necessarily were familiar
with the character and deeds of the brutal servants of Davis
and his counselors and commanders. I could narrate hor
rors which would stir the indignation of the coolest loyal
heart, that were openly or silently approved by the Con
federate Government ; and yet we are asked to be charitable
and conciliatory toward men who hated with the venom of
a Nero our slain President and our "boys in blue," and
have only changed from power to wreak their vengeance to
weakness that can do no more than nurse a disarmed dis
loyalty. If it is true, in the words of the song, that John
Brown's soul is marching on ! it is equally a reality that the
souls of Booth and Wirz are still marching stealthily on
through the streets of the cities and over the plantation plains
of the "sunny South."

CHAPTER XL.
THE KEW PRESIDENT— ORDERED SOaTH— RESULTS.
The President — Mrs. Cobb, and my Official Relations to both. Efforts to prejudice
the new President ap;ainst my Bureau. The Success contrasted with that under
the former Administration — Ordered to the South to get important Papers — Mrs.
C. (\ Clay — The Documents found — A new order for Investigation — Results —
Mrs. Cobb appears on the Stage of passing Events at the Capital.
A FEW months after the assassination of Abraham Lin
coln, and immediately following the inauguration of Mr.
Johnson, reports reached me that an earnest, persistent effort
was made by my enemies of rebel character, and others
whom I had troubled in the prosecution of my official ser
vice, to convince the new President that I had committed
great wrongs under the former administration. It was
asserted that, through my confidential relations toward the
Governraent, I had come iuto possession of facts, the revela
tion of which would not only reflect seriously upon the char
acter of the President, and those associated Avith him in the
administration of the Government, but would acquaint the
public with many acts not sanctioned by law, and that both
Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Stanton had been repeatedly cautioned
against the irregular and arbitrary proceedings of the Detect
ive Bureau. Scarcely a week elapsed during Mr. Lincoln's
administration, that some complaint was not made to him
respecting my service. Both Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Stanton
for a long time listened patiently to these complaints ; but
whenever a request was made by either of them that these
charges should be put in writing, the usual excuse was that
they " dare not do it ! That General Baker had the machin
ery of his bureau so thoroughly organized, that his espionage
over the acts of public men was so complete, that he could
ruin almost any one whom he chose to sacrifice." Fre
quently the charges came from men high in authority. The

COMPLAINTS— MR. STANTON— MR. JOHNSON. 583
frequency of the complaints at length induced Mr. Stanton
to enter upon an examination that would silence these accu
sations, or secure from the complainants their written affida
vits. Early in 1863, a number of prominent secessionists, in
from Maryland, who had been under arrest, visited Wash
ington, to repeat the tale of grievances inflicted upon unoffend
ing citizens. Mr. Lincoln referred them to the Secretary of
War. He listened to their story, and then said, " Your state
ment, gentlemen, seems to be very plausible and reliable ;
you have it written out here, and as you claim to be respon
sible men, you certainly can have no objection to attaching
your signatures, and swearing to it." This they declined to
do, when Mr. Stanton remarked, " I have listened to com
plaints against Colonel Baker for more than two years. I
have never yet found an individual who was willing to
attach his signature to a statement of any kind against him.
Until you do this, and prove your statements, I shall listen
to no more of them. He is a commissioned officer in the
military service of the Government, and is clearly triable by
a court-martial at any moment." In Mr. Johnson those false
accusers found a willing listener, appealing to all his pre
vious prejudices against Black Republicans and Abolition
ists. This system of detraction and misrepresentation was
carried on for months. I was advised by my friends to see
the President, and disabuse his mind of the unjust impres
sions. I replied that I supposed the President of the United
States was a reasonable, consistent man, and would never
condemn an officer on ex parte statements. That when he
wanted me he would probably send for me, and I should
be prepared to make any explanation he might require.
Some months elapsed, and this state of things continued.
The first personal interview that I ever had with President
Johnson was with reference to securing the letters and offi
cial correspondence of Jacob Thompson, C. C. Clay, John C.
Breckinridge, and other prominent rebel leaders then in
Canada. It was considered of the utmost importance to the
Government that, as the President had offered a large reward
for the capture of Jeff". Davis, these papers and this corre
spondence should be secured. Mr. Johnson sent for me, and,
in a general conversation, desired that I should secure the

584 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
papers. On the 7th of August I received the foUo-wing
order : "War Depaetment, Adjutant-General's Office, I
-Wasuington, August 7, 186^ )
Brigadier-General L. C. Bakek, Special Provost-Marshal, Washington, D. 0. :
General — An order, of which the following is a copy, has been made this
day by the President : ExEOUTiTE Office, WAanntcxoN, D. C. I
Augutt 1, 1SC5. f
Bi-igadier-General L. C. Bakeh, Special Provost-Marshal:
Is directed to proceed with the utmost dispatch to Huntsville, Ala., and
seize, take possession of, and bring to Washington, all correspondence, papers,
and documents belonging to Clement C. Clay, that may be found at that place
or elsewhere in the Southern States. On arriving at Nashville, General
Baker will report to Major-General Thomas, commanding the Military Divi
sion of Tennessee, and submit to him, confidentially, this order. General
Thomas is directed to furnish General Baker all aid and assistance that ho
may require in the discharge of this duty, and also to give instructions to the
commanders of the Departments of Alabama and Georgia to aid General
Baker, and to render him such assistance as may be needed, in the executioa
of this order. This order will be regarded as strictlj' confidential, and the
utmost diligence will be employed to obtain the correspondence, papers, and
documents of said Clay.
(Signed) Andpew Johnson, President.
You will proceed immediately to execute the foregoing order, and report
to this Department.
By command of the President. E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Acting Adjutant-General.
In compliance with this order, I proceeded to Huntsville.
Previous information obtained from the War Department
indicated that C. C. Clay's papers were at his father's at
Huntsville ; that Mrs. Clay was to arrive at Huntsville about
the time I should arrive there, and that she would have the
papers in her possession. I reported to General Thomas at
Nashville, and from him obtained an order on the director
of military railroads to furnish a special train. On arriving
at Huntsville, I proceeded to the house of Mr. Clay's father,
and found there a very aged and infirm man, who informed
me that he was the father of C. C. Clay. In the discharge
of all my official duties during the rebellion, I have never so
reluctantly obeyed an order as the one to search this house.
The old gentleman (since dead), then in his second childhood,

C. 0. CLAY— A REBEL JUDGE. 585
did not fully comprehend the object of my visit, but at once
began to make incoherent inquiries concerning his poor son
Clement. The aged mother of Clay also manifested great
anxiety about her son. I endeavored to pacify them, detailed
to them the object of my visit, and asked them if Mrs. Cle
ment Clay had arrived. On learning that she had not, I had
to comply with my order. I immediately directed the officer
with me to make a partial examination of the papers in the
house. Nothing of importance was found, however ; and I
proceeded the following morning to Macon, Ga. I had a
letter of introduction from the Secretary of War to General
WUson, the bold and dashing cavalry commander who was
stationed at that post. At the time of C. C. Clay' s arrest by
General Wilson's scouts, it was supposed that important
letters were in his possession. On inquiry, however, I found
that General Wilson had not discovered any such papers.
Making known to General Wilson the object of my visit to
Macon, he infomied me that he had already made a thorough
search of all the effects belonging to the Clay family ; but
to carry out my instructions, I informed him that I must
proceed with the search. Ascertaining that Mrs. Clay was
stopping at the house of a noted rebel judge in Macon, in
company with General Wilson I went to it, and was intro
duced to the magistrate's wife. General Wilson then left
me, when I made known to the lady the object of my visit,
and inquired for the judge. She informed me that the judge
was at his office in the city, and if I desired to see him I must
go there. I told her I had come to search the house, and it
was immaterial to me whether the judge was present or not ;
if she wished to have him present, however, I would cheer
fully give her time to send for him. She then sent a colored
servant for her husband. When he arrived, he was of course
informed of the object of my visit, when he positively
declined to allow the search. He said the " Constitution of
the United States forbade the search of any house except on
proper affidavit." I told him "I thought he was the last
man to refer to the Constitution ; that he had been engaged
for five years in violating it, but now claimed its protection ;
that I should make the search, but did not wish to disturb
his property. I asked him where I could find Mrs. Clay's

586 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
baggage. He informed me that it was in a room up stairs,
and that Mis. Clay had the key to it, with tlie key to her
trunks. I requested him to send for a locksmith and have
them opened, adding that I would pay the expense incurred.
After an argument of considerable length, in which he
referred in almost every sentence to the Constitution, he con
sented to have the room and trunks opened. A thorough
examination revealed the whereabouts of the documents
desired. I secured them and returned to Washington. I
may here state that these papers are the identical ones after
Avard sent before the Boutwell Committee. I had so suc
cessfully performed the service assigned to me by the Pre
sident, that on the 22d of September following he again sent
for me, and placed in my hands a letter written by a Mr. D.
N. Coleman, of Tennessee, in 1861. It will be remembered
that Andy Johnson was at that time stumping the State as a
Union man. The letter referred to, written by Mr. Coleman,
denounced Andy Johnson in the most bitter and scornful
terms. D. N. Coleman now appeared in Washington as an
applicant to Mr. Johnson for a pardon. The President
had not forgotten his former communication, and refused, of
course, to grant the rebel' s request. He desired me to place
Coleman under the strictest possible surveillance ; to watch
his every movement, to see where he went, when he went,
and with whom he conversed. He further directed I should
make out each day and bring to him a record of Coleman's
movements. Accordingly, on the 24th of September, I wrote
the following communication : "Wae Department, -WAsniNflTON City, (
September 24, 1865. (
To Ills E.'icellency the President: —
Sir — D. N. Coleman breakfasted at Willard's, Wednesday morning, Sep
tember 20tli, at eight o'clock and forty-five minutes. Went to the President's
grounds (in the immediate vicinity of the Wliite House) at ten o'clock and
ten minutes. Remained around the White House until twenty-five minutes
after. Returned to hotel, went to Attorney-General's oflice at eleven o'clock.
Remained there until one o'clock. W'ent from Attorney-General's office to
Dorsey's livery stable. No. 123 Twelfth Street. Hired a small roan saddle-
horse. Rode to Georgetown Heights; did not dismount or speak to anyone.
Returned to hotel at three o'clock and twenty-four minutes ; did not leave
hotel again that day. Retired at nine o'clock and thirty-five minutes. Thurs
day, September 21. — Breakfasted at eight o'clock and fifty-four minutes;

COLEMAN UNDER SURVEILLANCE. 587
•went to President's grounds at nine o'clock and twenty-two minutes;
remained until ten forty-five. Went to Attorney-General's office nt eleven
o'clock ; remained until one. Returned to hotel at one-ten. Met a stranger
near hotel. Stranger invited Coleman to call on him that evening at nine
o'clock, at No. 9 Indiana Avenue (this is tho residence of E. B. Edwards, an
old resident of this city, but decidely disloyal). Entered hotel ; went to his
room ; reinaiiied until eight-twenty. Kept his appointment at No. 9 Indiana
Avenue; remained until eleven-forty. Returned to hotel, and entered about
twelve o'clock. Frid.iy, September 22. — Arose ,at eight-twenty ; breakfa.sted.
Went to Attorney G^ineral's office as usual at eleven o'clock ; was there up
to the time of the closing of this report.
Remarks. — Coleman seems to have but few friends among the nnmerous
pardon-seekers now in this city. He has often met and conversed with one
J. B. Fry, who is comparatively a stranger here, but is said to be engaged in
the business of ])rocuring pardons (shall report further concerning this indi
vidual) ; also converses with John S. Hollingshead, Commissioner of Deeds,
corner of Eighth and E Streets.
The above is an extract frora a police diary in the case of D. N. Coleman
from Wednesday, September 20, four o'clock, to Friday, September 22, at
twelve o'clock and forty minutes.
I am. Sir, with rauch respect, your obedient servant, L. C. Bakee,
Brigadier-General and Provost-Marshal of the War Department

"Wae Depaetment, Wabitinrton Citt,
September 26, 1865.

To His Excellency the President :-
SiB — Friday night retired at nine o'clock and thirty minutes. S.iturday
raorning, went to White House at nine o'clock and thirty minutes. While in
the reception-room, had a long and earnest conversation with Senator Patter
son, from Tennessee, Senator H. Clay, of Kentucky, and a Mr. Gettes, of Vir
ginia. Don't know the purport of the conversation. Returned to hotel at
two o'clock and thirty minutes. Had long conversations with a number of
pardon-seekers. Retired at nine o'clock.
Sunday. Remained in hotel until two o'clock and thirty minutes, then
went tothe residence of a Mr. M.artin, on B Street, two doors from Fourteenth
(Island), remained until nearly dark, returned to hotel, retired at nine o'clock.
Monday. Went to White House at nine o'clock and thirty minutes, was
m reception-room until two o'clock, returned to hotel, remained about an
hour, left and went down avenue to Thirteenth street, down Thirteenth to D,
np D to Twelfth, down Twelfth to C, then to hotel.
Tuesday. At nine o'clock was in conversation with three men at Willard's,
White, Gettes, and Juda.
Diary frora Police Record, in the case of D. N. Coleman.
I am. Sir, respectfully, your most obedient servant,
L. C. Baker,
Brigadier-General and Provost-Marshal of the War Department.

588 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
"Wae Department, WARmNGTON Citt, I
September 80, 1868. f
To His Excellency the President : —
Sie — D. N. Coleman left Washington in 4.30 train last evening. Before
leaving, he spent three hours in conversation with Brigadier-General McCul-
lom. Superintendent Military Railroad. In parting from his friends .it Wil
lard's, he remarked, "I hope to have better lock when I come again."
I am. Sir, respectfully your obedient servant,
L. C. Baker,
Brigadier-General and Provost-Marshal of the War Department.
Tliese reports prevented a pardon, and Coleman left the
capital in disgust, and with the smothered fire of treason in
his breast.

CHAPTER XLI.
MAJOR AND MRS. COBB— PARDONS— INDICTMENTS.
The Career of Mrs. Cobb and the Course of her Friend the President — An Application
to Mrs. Cobb for a Pardon — The Contract — The Pardon obtained — The Arrest —
Report to the President — How he received it — Subsequent Interviews — He
defends Mrs. Cobb — Gets Angry — Denounces the Detectives — The Farewell to
the White House.
1 NOW turn to a matter of grave importance, more or less
known to the public, but correctly understood by compara
tively few persons. Nothing during my connection with the
Government was so willfully and maliciously misrepresented,
no facts have been so much perverted, as the management of
the Cobb pardon case. I never hesitated to attack criminal
transactions, wherever they were found, no fear of un
pleasant consequences to me personally being allowed to
interfere with this plain duty. Perhaps no endeavor in the
course of my service, to expose a great fraud and bring the
guilty to justice, demands a more faithful record than the
story of my connection with the arrest and trial of Mrs.
Cobb. In the winter of 1863, I was called upon in my
headquarters at a late hour of the night by a poor woman
named Mrs. Bell, who resided in Eleventh Street, Washing
ton. She represented to me that a certain Major Cobb and
his wife had taken lodgings at her house several weeks.
before ; that they had rented her parlor, agreeing to pay the
rent weekly ; that she was a poor widow, with a sick and
aged mother dependent upon her for support ; and that Mr.
and Mrs. Cobb had not only refused to pay their rent, but
had taken her fuel, and for a long time had entertained at
her house persons, both male and female, of the most sus
picious character. She requested me to see them with regard
to vacating her house. I repaired to the premises, and there

590 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
for the tirst time met the notorious Mr. and Mrs. Cobb. I
asked Cobb why he had refused to pay for his lodgings, and
said to him, that as a commissioned officer of the Navy De
partment, he certainly had no right to disgrace his uniform
by conduct unworthy any honorable man. I expressed my
doubts whether he was a paymaster in the Navy, and asked
hira to show his commission. He then produced an applica
tion for an appointment to the Secretary of the Navy, and
also the usual letter granted upon the filing of his securities.
These papers bearing date some time previous, induced me to
ask for his commission. This he could not show. I charged
him with being an impostor, and told him he must leave the
premises. He left that night, and on the following day I
went to the Navy Department, and ascertained from the
records that my suspicions were correct. Mr. Cobb had
failed to file his bonds, and consequently was not a pay
master. Some three weeks subsequently I was applied to
by a one-legged soldier, who represented that Major Cobb,
of the Navy, had rented apartments at his house, but
refused to pay the rent ; that he was a very poor man, and
could not let his rooms without being paid for them. I at
once recognized the Mr. and Mrs. Cobb before referred to.
I repaired to the house, and found them to be the same per
sons. I then charged Cobb again with being an impostor,
informed him that he was not an officer of the Navy, that he
had failed to file his bonds, and that he should not assume
the uniform of a Navy officer for the purpose of imposing
upon poor and credulous people. I torj the shoulder-
straps from his coat and ordered him out of the house. He
left the premises at once. Some months afterward I discov
ered that Mrs. Cobb was keeping a cigar store in the vicinity
.of the Kirkwood House, on the Avenue. She subsequently
secured a place in the Armory Square Hospital as a nurse,
where she remained a short time, being discharged by the
surgeon of the hospital. So much has been said through
the copperhead press with reference to my action in detail
ing detectives for duty at the White House, that I desire
here to raake a plain unvarnished statement of all the facts
connected with the case. For more than two years I had
entirely lost sight of Mr. and Mrs. Cobb. On the 19th of

ISAAC SURRATT— A TRIP TO CANADA. 591
October, 1865, I was sent for by the Secretary of War, who
placed in my hands the following dispatch : —
[EeceiTCd 3 p. m. In dphcr.]
IlEAPQUARTEns DiVTSION OP THE OlTI.P, )
New Ouleakb, October 18, 1S65. f
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
General Steele communicates the following intelligence.
Isaac Surratt, another son of Mrs. Surratt, left Monterey, Mexico, some
three or four weeks ago to assassinate the President. This resolution was
taken after he heard of the execution of his mother, and the rebels at that
place made up a purse for him. The young man was very frantic when he
left Monterey some four weeks ago, traveling toward the Rio Grande on
horseback. Isaac Surratt is about thirty-two years of age, olive complexion, five feet
nine or ten inches in height, full beard, dark eye.s, black curly hair, and good
looking. Was a member of Duffs regiment of cavalry.
(Signed) P. H. Sheridan, Major-General.
That great importance was attached to the reported
movements of Surratt by General Sheridan would seem to
be indicated by the following : —
Office Cvited States Mn.tTAET Telegeapii, -War Department.
The following telegram received ut Wiishinjrtun, 11 a. m., October 30, 1865. — Fr»m New Orleans,
Louisiami, 9.30 a. m., October 23, 1865.
Hon. Edww M. Stanton, Secretary of War : —
Mr. J. K. S., the man from whom the information w.as obtained of the in
tention of Isaac Surratt, slipped otT from me on the United States steamship
Mariposa, which sailed for New York on the evening of the 26th from this
place. He is uncotiscions of the Governraent being in possession of the infor
mation that was obtained from him through Mr. A. I hesitated to arrest hira,
fearing it might interfere with the arrest of Surratt, hut he has registered his
name on the ship's register, and can be apprehended at New York on the
arrival of the boat. I think he is on his way to Canada.
P. H. SnKEiDAN, Major-General.
' The Isaac Surratt referred to in this dispatch was little
known in Washington, having left at the breaking out of the
rebellion, with a regiment of rebel troops organized in Lower
Maryland. I received no instructions from the Secretary of
War as to what course I should pursue, he leaving that, as
usual, entirely discretionary with me. On the afternoon of
the day this telegram was received, my carpet-bag was
packed for a trip to Canada, on important business, which
would detain me there for a few weeks. I left the matter in
the hands of my assistant. Colonel Assmussen, for such

692 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
action as he deemed proper, and that night was on the way
to the British Provinces.
At Baltimore, while going toward the Harrisburg depot,
I met one of my detective officers, who informed me that
Isaac Surratt was then in that city. I repaired immediately
to the telegraph office, and sent a telegram to Mr. Stanton,
in cipher, that Isaac Surratt was in Baltimore ; at the same
time telegraphing to my assistant. Colonel Assmussen, and
directing him to look out for Surratt. I proceeded to Cana
da, and was absent two weeks. When I returned, ignorant
of what had transpired, and anxious to know, I questioned
my assistant as to what had occurred ; he told me that he
had detailed two detective officers to go to the White House,
with instructions to remain outside, and not to make their
business known to any individual. This he had done solely
as a matter of precaution, to prevent any suspicious charac
ters from entering the Executive mansion. Nothing un
usual, however, had occurred. I then sent for S. S. Jones,
one of the detectives detailed for this service, and interro
gated him with reference to seeing any persons of doubtful
business or character about the Executive Mansion. He
also assured me that nothing alarming had transpired, but
reraarked, "there's some strange proceedings there;" that
the second day after he entered on duty his business became
known to some of the attaches of the White House, who
invited him inside, and he became familiar soon with many
of the frequent visitors at the National Homestead. He in
formed rae that a regular system of pardon brokerage was
in successful operation, both by the conspicuous rebels in
the capital and by a certain class of disreputable women,
well knoAvn to the local police of this city ; among whom
he mentioned the name of Mrs. Cobb, who he said was a con
stant visitor, was there at all hours of the day and night,
boasting openly to him that she had procured, and could
procure, pardons from the President, at any time, in six
hours ; and she exhibited to him, on one occasion, two par
dons which she had obtained for rebels at Richmond,
declaring on that day she had made a thousand dollars.
When questioned as to her mode of proceeding, she simply
remarked she had an understanding with the President, and

A FEMALE PARDON BROKER. 593
he dare not refuse to grant her requests. She further
claimed, that in the prosecution of her business she found it
necessary to divide a portion of the money received for par
dons with certain Government officials.
I decided to bring sucli a record of facts before the Presi
dent, with respect to her case, as would satisfy him of her un
worthy conduct, and the nefarious business in which she was
engaged. To accomplish this, I determined to manufacture
a fictitious application for pardon. To represent an appli
cant, I selected Captain H. H. Hine, formerly Assistant Pro
vost-Marshal-General at St. Louis, who was then in Wash
ington endeavoring to procure the revocation of a sentence
passed upon him by a military commission under General
Rosecrans. It seems Captain Hine had been tried, convicted
(as he claimed unjustly), and sentenced to the Alton Peniten
tiary. Before the sentence was carried into execution, how
ever, he escaped and fled to Canada. While there he was
known as a rebel officer, and consequently became very
familiar with all the rebel officers then engaged in organizing
raids and committing depredations upon the border. He
wrote me a nuraber of letters giving information as to the
movements of the rebel emissaries in Canada. After the
assassination of the President, he communicated many im
portant facts to the Government, in consideration of which
the Assistant Secretary of War gave him permission to visit
Washington, with the view of obtaining a revocation of his
previous sentence. While he was there, waiting to have a
hearing at the War Department, the case of Mrs. Cobb came
up, and I selected him to represent an applicant for a par
don. A regular application was made, in the name of
Clarence J. Howell. In this fictitious application were set
forth fully the offenses committed by the applicant. The
detective officer before mentioned, who was placed on duty
at the White House, and Avho had become acquainted with
Mrs. Cobb and her business, being in tlie secret, introduced
Howell to Mrs. Cobb as an applicant for a pardon. How
ever censurable, unjustifiable, or iUegal my course may have
been, vay only desire was to serve . the President and the
Government. The fact is familiar to jurists, that in such
case of emergency, when prompt action for the public good
33

594 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
is demanded, the courts have decided that a margin of
authority transcending the letter of the law is allowable.
The charge and verdict pronounced by the judge, in the dis
posal of tliis ease, clearly indicate his nnwiUiu"giiess to regard
the letter at tlie sacrifice of the spirit of legislation.
Captain Howell stated his case to Mrs. Cobb, and she
agreed to procure a "full, complete, and unconditional par
don for all his past ofi"enses," as the contract reads, for the
sum of three hundred dollars. It is proper here to remark,
that the usual routine at the Executive mansion and the
Attorney-General's office, in procuring pardons, requires from
two to five Aveeks, a record of the names of the applicants
being placed on the books of tlie Attoi-ney-General's office,
which names are taken up in their order and disposed of.
For an extraordinary consideration, liOAvever, Mrs. Cobb
agreed to procure the pardon in question in twelve hours, as
appears from the following contract : —
Washington, D. C, Xorember 5, 1S65.
For .ind in consideration of the sum of three hundred dollars, paid to me
by Captain Clarence J. Howell, I hereby agree as follows, to wit : To take
from Captain Hovt-ell his statement in regard to his case, and procure for him
the full and complete pardon for his past offenses. The money to be paid as
follow.^ : one hundred dollars in hand, and the remaining two hundred on tho
delivery of his p.irdon on Monday evening at six o'clock P. ii. I further agree
that in case I do not succeed in getting the pardon as agreed, I will return to
him the one hundred dollars received of him.
(Signed) Mrs. L. L. Cobb.
The above contained the following receipt on the back :—
-Wasiiikqtox, D. C, November 6, 1865.
Received on the within, one hundred dollars.
(Signed) Mrs. L. L. Cobb.
This occurred on the 7th of November. To secure posi
tive and indisputable evidence against Mrs. Cobb, I took six
fifty-dollar treasury notes and marked them in tlie presence
of five persons, that they might be identified as the biUs
paid far the pardon. On the evening of the 7th, when
Howell was to have it, accompanied by a detective officer, I
went with him to the Avenue House, where he was to
receive the document, determined, as soon as the money was

DISAPPOINTMENT— RECOGNITION— EXCITEMENT. 595
paid by him to Mrs. Cobb, and he had the pardon in liis
hands, to demand of her the money. As shown by Mrs.
Cobb's testimony, the pardon was not procured on the 7th,
she alleging that the President was sick, that Mr. Seward
was not in the city, and that a friend of hers in the Treasury
Department, who assisted her, was also absent from the city,
in New York, but on the following evening she would cer
tainly have the pardon ready. Accordingly, on the evening
of the 8th, I again visited the Avenue House with a detect
ive, and the moment Howell paid the money to Mrs. Cobb
and received his papers, I entered the room and demanded
from Mrs. Cobb the two hundred dollars. She at once
recognized me, and remarked she "had met rae before." I
informed her I had been watching her for several days, I
believed I was posted as to her doings at the White House,
and said, "You shall not impose upon the President by your
presence. He, doubtless, regards you as an honest woman,
and when he is raade aware of your real character, and the
business in which you are engaged, I think you will not be
permitted again to visit the White House." She refused to
return the money, when I asked her to go with me to my
office ; she consented, and asked me if I had any objection to
her husband accompanjang us; I replied, " Certainly not,"
and, entering the carriage with Mr. and Mrs. Cobb, went to
my headquarters. I took Mrs. Cobb into my private office,
and requested her to return to me the money paid her by
Howell, stating to her distinctly that it was my money ; I
had marked it for the purpose of entrapping her ; the person
for whom she had obtained the pardon was not Captain
Howell but Captain Hine ; I had devised this plan to ascer
tain how and through what means she obtained pardons ;
she should not impose upon the President any longer, and I
should lay all the facts before him at once, awaiting his
decision in the matter. She became very rauch excited and
extremely abusive, declaring that she had obtained a great
many pardons from the President, and she should continue
to obtain them as long as she could find customers ; she and
the President had a perfect understanding, and he dare not
refuse to sign any paper she presented to him. I asked her
how many pardons she had procured. She said she could

596 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
not tell, but a great many ; she had got three in a single day,
and very indignantly claimed that she had as much right to
do so as other brokers. I asked her who among her ac
quaintances were engaged in the business. She mentioned
the name of Mrs. Ella B. WashingtoH, she, and one of the
rebel colonels and others ; she said that Mrs. Washington
had obtained ten pardons where she (Mrs. Cobb) had ob
tained one ; she did not see why she should be selected for
arrest while Mrs. Washington and others were allowed to be
unmolested, adding the remark: "Your action in arresting
me will cost you your commission ; I shall see the President
to-morrow, and have you mustered out of service." I re
plied to her: " The President will probably require some
other reason for my dismissal from service than the state
ment of a vile creature like you."
To satisfy rae of her intimacy with the President and with
the attaches at the White House, she entered into a long
and rainute statement of conversations she had had with him,
assuring me that he had informed her that I was to be mus
tered out of service on the 15th of November ; that Mr.
Stanton would not be retained in the cabinet beyond the 1st
of January ; that many of the Black Republican and Aboli
tionist officeholders were to be removed, and she knew who
they were ; that the President had informed her, on one
occasion, that the Detective Bureau was to be broken up,
and that Stanton' s friend Baker would retire to private life.
After listening for raore than an hour to conversation of this
character, I decided immediately to see the President. I
took the pardon, as delivered by Mrs. Cobb to Captain Hine,
!Mrs. Cobb's written contract with Captain Hine for pro
curing the same, the marked fifty-dollar notes paid by Hine
to Mrs. Cobb and by her returned to me, and, leaving Mrs.
Cobb in charge of one of my officers, I went to the Execu
tive mansion about eight o'clock. I found the President
alone in his roora, and, after the usual salutation, I said,
"Mr. President, I have some papers here that I desire to
show you." He said, "Take a seat, sir." I immediately
unfolded the pardon and laid it on the table before him. He
put on his spectacles, looked at it, and said, " Sir, where did
you get this ^" " I got it from Mrs. Cobb." 1 then handed

THE CONTRACT— PRESIDENTIAL ANGER. 597
to him Mrs. Cobb's written contract for procuring said par
don. He read it, when I exhibited to hira the marked money,
and began a detailed statement of all the facts connected with
the case. He interrupted me in a moraent, and said, " ^Vhere
did you get this pardon ?" I replied, " Prom Mrs. Cobb ;"
and was proceeding to narrate the circumstances, when he
again interrupted me, and added, "Well, what is this all
about?" I began a third time to relate the circumstances,
when he interrupted me with rising passion, "This is a
detective job, isn' t it ?" I answered, ' ' Yes, sir ; and if you
will listen to me a moraent I will explain it." He raised the
pardon from the- table and said, " But what business have
you with this pardon V ' When I again attempted to make
an explanation, he broke in by saying, " Well, this is a very
strange affair. This pardon has not been recorded. You
have no business with it, sir. There is no oath of amnesty
attached to it." I then politely requested the President to
listen to me, stating that I would explain the whole matter.
I had not proceeded, far, however, when he becarae very
much excited, rose frora his chair, and said, "Sir, what
business have you to interfere here ? What business has
this woman to use my name in connection with this raatter ?
How did this pardon get out of the Attorney- General's
office without being recorded ?" Looking at the pardon, he
remarked, " This is my signature. I did not sign this pardon
untu very late this afternoon, and here I find it returned, as you
say, through a pardon broker." He called his son Robert,
and inquired, " Robert, do you know any thing about this
pardon?" Robert answered, "Yes, fiither; that is the par
don you signed for Mrs. Cobb this afternoon." He took the
pardon from his drawer, unfolded it, and remarked, " This is
a pretty business. Where is Mrs. Cobb ?" I repUed, "At my
headquarters." " Did you arrest her, sir ?" I replied, " No,
sir ; I simply asked her to go to my headquarters to make an
explanation." Again he became very much excited, walked
the room to and fro, and suddenly turned ferociously upou
me and exclaimed, "Who employs you to interfere with the
duties of the- President or the Attorney-General?" My
answer was, I certainly intended no wrong ; I did not con
ceive it to be possible that he could know the real character

598 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
of this woman ; my only desire was to exhibit to him the
character of the persons engaged in procuring pardons, and
*^he means employed ; and if I had done wrong I Avas very
dorry. He became more composed, and Avanted to knoAV
who this Mrs. Cobb was. I stated to him, as far as possible,
Avho she was. He then asked me if I Avould request Mrs.
Cobb to come and see him the foUoAving evening at six
o'clock. I replied, " Certainly."* He also requested me to
come and see him the next evening, AA'hich I promised to do,
and, leaving the pardon and Mrs. Cobb' s contract Avith Cap
tain HoAvell in his possession, I returned to my headquarters.
During my conversation with Mrs. Cobb, previous to
visiting the President, as before recorded, I learned that
;RIrs. EUa B. AVashington, residing in GeorgetoAvn, Avas also
engaged in the pardon business, and knoAving that the expo
sure that must necessarily foUoAv in Mrs. Cobb' s case AA'ould
intimidate and prevent Mrs. Washington from procuring
further pardons from the President, I immediately, on the
same evening, dreAV up an application for another pardon, in
the name of John Kelly. I placed this application in the
hands of Captain Hine, gave him one hundred dollars in
treasury notes, and directed him to go to Mrs. Washington's
boarding-house in GeorgetoAvn and make an agreement to
procure from the President another pardon. S. S. Jones,
who had introduced Captain Hine to Mrs. Cobb, accom
panied him to Georgetown, and introduced him to Mrs.
Washington as a rebel, and an applicant for a pardon. Mrs.
Washington informed Captain Hine that she Avould procure
his pardon that night. He paid the one hundred dollars to
Mrs. Washington, and took the foUoAving receipt :
AVAsniNGTON, D. C, Nov. 6, 1865.
Received from John Kelly one hundred dollars as retaining fee for obtain
ing his (Kelly's) pardon from the President.
(Signed) Ella B. Washington.
This pardon, hoAvever, was not procured, because, on the
foUowing morning, Mrs. Cobb's case had become noised
* In Mrs. Cobb's testimony on the trial, it will be noticed that she speaks of having
received a note at the hotel This note I sent her, in compliance with the President's
request.

MRS. COBB AT LIBERTY— FOUR INDICTMENTS. 599
about among the pardon brokers, and Mrs. Washington
declined to comply with her contract.
But to return to Mrs. Cobb. On arriving at my head
quarters, I informed her that she was at liberty to go home,
and immediately furnished herself and husband Avith a con
veyance. Before leaving, she reiterated her determination
to lay the Avliole matter before the President, and have me
summarily dismissed the service. She told me that she
had very influential friends in Washington, and she would
go before the Grand Jury and have me indicted for false
imprisonment, &c.
In compliance with the President' s request, I went to his
mansion the next evening, and found him in a state of great
excitement. He denounced "my interference with raatters
at the White House ; Mrs. Cobb Avas a respectable, virtuous
lady, and I had no right to interfere with her occupation."
I had sincerely believed I could render the President a
great service by exposing the character and business of this
woman. AVhen, however, I found that he was determined
to put a Avrong coi>struction upon ray motives, and to sustain
Mrs. Cobb, I felt mortified and indignant. Never Avas there
a greater contrast between anticipations and the result. It
was coming down from the summit of human glory, when
the unworthy ruler of a great people was conquered and led
captive apparently by the vile protege of his fancy. The
Grand Jury of the District of Columbia then being in session,
on the following day, very much to my surprise, I learned that
four indictments had been found against me : one for false
imprisonment of Mrs. Cobb ; one for false imprisonment of
Mr. Cobb ; one for robbery in taking from her the two hun
dred dollars I had marked and given to Captain HoAvell ;
and one for extortion. It would be difficult to imagine how
a Grand Jury could ever find evidence in this case on which
to base these indictments, but when it is recollected that
nearly every member of this Grand Jury was a secessionist ;
that many of them, if not all, had at some time during the
previous four years fallen under my official notice, these
facts will perhaps furnish an explanation. When it became
known that these indictments had been found against me,
the disloyal press throughout the country hailed the event

600 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
as one likely to terminate my official connection with (lie
Government, and declared that President Johnson would
never permit himself to be compromised by permitting tlie
continuance of the Detective Bureau. Especially AA'ere pains
taken by the associated press to send the neAvs broadcast
everywhere, that Colonel Baker had been indicted for rob
bery, without giving any of the circurastances in connection
with the case. To those reports I made no reply, determined
to wait patiently, satisfied that, if an impartial investigation
could be had, I should stand not only honorably acquitted
before the comraunity, but that my action in the case would
be commended rather than censured.
On tlie evening of November 10, 1865, in a conversation
with the President, he afiirmed that it was not possible that
he could knoAV the character of the females visiting his
house ; he desired to give all an interview ; Mrs. Cobb and
Mrs. AA^'ashington had been there frequentlj^ — he knew their
faces Avell ; believed he had on one or tAvo occasions recom
mended Mrs. Cobb to the Secretary of the Treasury for a
situation, but, bej'ond that, he kneAV nothing of her or of
Mrs. Washington ; and, if he could be convinced that the
character of these women was bad, he certainly would not
tolerate their presence at the Executive mansion a moment.
He then asked me to make out a written report, as briefly as
possible, on which he could base some order directing his
subordinates to exclude bad characters from the AVhite
House. Accordingly, on the evening of the llth of Novem
ber, I placed in the President's hands a communication, of
which the following is a copy : AVASHINGTON CiTT, Novsntber 11, 1S65.
To His Excellency the President:
Sir — I desire to call your attention to a certain class of persons in this
city (male and female), who are daily visiting the White House, known as
pardon brokers.
My attention was, some time since, called to the individuals referred to ;
the means employed in the prosecution of their business ; and also a number
of persons holding positions under the Government, &c. I declined, however,
to take any official cognizance of the matter, until quite recently, when I dis
covered that certain females, of very questionable character and reputation,
to say the least, were alraost daily procuring pardons. These females have
advertised or proclaimed themselves in tbe public hotels and saloons of this

LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT. qqi
city as "Pardon Brokers," asserting that they could procure the pardon of
any one applying, in twelve hours.
Some d.ays since an officer of the U. S. Army, who had been convicted at
St. Louis, by military court-martial, sentenced to the Penitentiary at Alton,
111., for two years, but escaped to Canada in 1864, came to Washington to
procure his pardon. Ho was advised to apply to a Mrs. L. L. Cobb, who
assured the officer that she could obtain his pardon in twelve hours, for the
sum of three hundred dollars, remarking at the same time that she, Mrs. C,
would have to pay a portion of said three hundred dollars to certain clerks
and others. The officer paid Mrs. Cobb one hundred dollars as retaining fee,
taking a receipt for the same, the original of -ivhich is in your hands.* Mrs.
Cobb inforraed the officer at their fir.st interview, that she had procured or
obtained a great number of pardons, but was always compelled to divide the
amount received therefor with certain persons holding positions in different
departments and bureaus. Mrs. Cobb having failed to procure the pardon
within the time mentioned in the above receipt, tho officer became dissatisfied,
and complained to me that he feared he should lose the one hundred doll.ars
advanced. After hearing his statement, I feared that Mrs. C. might be
engaged with others ia forging pardons, as I did not think it possible that a
woman of her character could procure a pardon under any circumstances,
mnch less procure it in the time specified in her agreement with the officer.
Being desirous, and deeming that the ends of justice would best be subserved,
I asked the officer, in case she should succeed in procuring the pardon, to pay
the remaining two hundred dollars in such funds as could be identified ;
accordingly I gave the officer four fifty-dollar treasury notes, and raarked
them. The sarae evening the officer went to Mrs. Cobb's room. No. 20 Ave
nue House, paid the two hundred dollars, taking Mrs. Cobb's receipt therefor.
I then went to Mrs. Cobb's room, and required her to give me the two hun
dred dollars, which she did. I then asked her and lier husband to accompany
me to my office iramediately. The same evening I took the receipt and coni-
tract of Mrs. Cobb to you. The pardon was found in Mrs. C.'s roora, and, on
inquiry, I found it had been delivered to her before the oath of amnesty had
been made, as required by law. Mrs. C. remained at ray office until nearly
eleven o'clock, when I discharged her and her husband, and they returned to
the Avenue House the same evening. During my conversation witli her, sho
made a long statement, claiming that she was not the only female engaged in
procuring pardons for pay, &c. The pardon referred to and procured by Mrs.
Cobb was in the name of Clarence J. Howell, a name assumed for the occa
sion. When we take into consideration the notorious bad character and
reputation of this woman (Mrs. Cobb) — her condnct while at the Executive
mansion, which is well known to nearly every employee at the White House — ¦
her public boastings that she could procure pardons at all times quicker than
any other person in Washington — that she has (if her own statement can be
relied upon) procured a larger number of pardons, through the assistance of
certain attaches of the different departments— I trust I shall be pardoned
* Given on a page preceding.

602 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
for calling your attention to the matter, in official statement of the facts in
regard to Mrs. Ella B. Washington, another feraale pardon broker, and tho
person of whora I spoke .at our interview not long since. I beg leave to say
that she contracted to procure the pardon of one John Kelly, as appears from
the receipt, the original being in my possession. The pardon was not for
warded, however. I know but little of Mrs. W.'s previous character. She is
the wife or widow of Lewis B. Washington, heretofore known as one of the
most bitter and uncompromising haters of our Government. There are many
other important facts p.artially brought to light by this investig.ation, which
go to show conclusively that a system of manipulation and corruption is
being practised, by persons holding official positions under the Government,
in connection with the procuring of p.ardons.
I am. Sir, most respectfully, your obedient serv.int,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Brigadier-General and Provost-Marshal War Department.
Before doing so, however, being desirous of obtaining
such facts from the President' s employees as to the character
of Mrs. Cobb as would satisfy him that my statements were
correct, I procured the following affida\'it from one of the
President' s private policemen, Mr. W. H. Crook. It will
be understood that Mr. Crook Avas not a meraber of my
force, and when I sent for him to ask him to make this state
ment, I had never seen him in my life :
Statement of William H. Crook.
I am a resident of Washington ; am a meraber of the Metropolitan Police
of this city ; was detailed by Sergeant Richards for duty at the AVhite House,
on the 9th of January last, where I have since been ; I know Mrs. L. L.
Cobb; she has been a frequenter at tho Executive mansion almost daily since,
I think, about the middle of June ; I never knew any thing of her business,
except, I heard she was procuring pardons; about two months since Mrs.
Cobb came to the White House, and was sitting in the East Room ; I remarked
to her, you have a pretty foot. She replied, "You have never seeu my legs."
She then raised her clothes and showed me her fine legs, some distance above
her knees; on another occasion she told me she could have any employee of
the AVhite House disraissed that she desired ; her general conduct while at
the White House has been extremely unladylike, so much so that she became
ft subject of general remark among the employees. W. II. Ceook.
As an indication of the intelligence and education of Mrs.
Cobb, I Avill here introduce a lithographed original letter
from her, addressed to S. S. Jones, the detective police

MRS. COBB'S LETTER— HER BOASTS. 603
officer before referred to as being on duty at the AVhite
House : — AVashington, D. C, Octobw 25, 1865.
Mrs Cobb begs le.if to inforrae Mr S S Jones that she has returned and
is now redy to do or transact eny buseness you raay wish her to
I am stoping at the avenue house on 7 St Mrs J R Cobb
To Mr S S Jones
At the time of the indictment, the popular feeling in the
District being against me, for reasons before raentioned, my
chances with the President to obtain justice Avere poor
indeed. After Avhat I had said to the President respecting
Mrs. Cobb and her operations at the AVhite House, and after
furnishing him with an official report, at his own request, I
certainly thought he would give orders to have her kept out
of the Executive mansion. On the contrary, I heard that she
was a more frequent visitor there than ever, and Avas boasting
among her friends that in spite of General Baker' s interfer
ence she was stUl a welcome guest of the President. I
could not think this possible. So, in order to bring the
controversy between the President and myself to an issue, I
directed an officer to ascertain whether this was true, and
learned that she was a constant visitor. Still thinking the
President could not be aware of her visits, on the 15th of
November, I stationed a detective police officer at the front
entrance, with instructions to prevent Mrs. Cobb' s entering.
About eleven o'clock, as usual, she presented herself, and
was told that she could not go in. She asked the officer by
Avhose order he was acting, and he replied, "By order
of General Baker." Mrs. Cobb replied: "Well, I will see
the President in ten minutes." She went round to the rear
part of the house, entered the kitchen, went up to the Presi
dent's private room, and told him that General Baker had
stationed a detective at the door to prevent her seeing him.
The President sent for the detective, and said: "Sir, by
whose order do you presume to guard my door?" The
detective replied: "I am not guarding the door. I was
sent here by General Baker to prevent Mrs. Cobb from
entering the house." The President said: "TeU General
Baker I Avant to see him immediately." Accordingly, he

604 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
started for my office, but in the mean time the President had
sent Ills' private messenger, Avho arriA'ed first, and in a very
excited manner informed rae tlu? President AA'ished to see me
immediately ; I raust drop all business and corae at once.
I Avent, and entered the Piesident' s private room. I found
him alone, pacing the room very excitedlj'. Furiously
he said to me: "Hoav dare you place detectives at my
door?" I told him that I supposed he desired Mrs. Cobb
and other females of like character to be kept from the
house. He ansAvered : ' ' AA'hen I Avant j'our services I will
send for you. Mrs. Cobb has just as much right to come
here as you or any other person. This is not the first time,
sir, that you have interfered at the AA'hite House. Noav I
Avant it stopped."
StUl pacing the room, he repeated several times what he
had before said concerning Mrs. Cobb — that she had as
much right to visit the AA'hite House as any other respecta
ble person. AA'alking up to me like a pugilist, he shook his
fist in my face, and said again : "Hoav dare j'ou presume to
exercise any control over the management of the AVhite
House?" I then said: "Mr. President, Avhen such vile
characters as Mrs. Cobb can visit the AVhite House at all
times of night and day ; when she can procure pardons as
she has done in the case of Captain HoAvell, and deliver
them in person incomplete, or Avithout being recorded ;
when she boasts publicly in the streets, hotels, and saloons
of this city that she is a pardon broker, and the President
dare not refuse any of her applications, but she has the
President of the United States in her poAver, I think it is
high time that somebody interfered." The President re
plied : "How dare you talk to me in that Avay, sir? Now,
sir, I tell you once for all, you must not interfere with my
business ; neither must you interfere Avith any person who
has business at the Executive mansion." I started to leave
the room, when he followed me to the door, and, with his fist
clenched, said : ' ' Now, recollect Avhat I have told you. You
can go and tell your friend Stanton all I have said. I say,
you can go now and tell your friend Stanton all I have
said." AA''ith this I left the Presidential mansion, and have
never entered it since.

CHAPTER XLII.
RESIGNATION OF COMMISSION.
The Request to be Relieved from Special Service — The Case of Mrs. WashiLgton —
Popular Prejudices, and the Periodical Press — The Trial of Mrs. Cobb — Her
Testimony.For more than two years previous to the inauguration of
President Johnson, I had repeafedly asked the Secretary of
War to relieve me from duty as provost-marshal of the De
partment. In tAVO official communications I asked to be sent
to my regiment. On the 17th of June, 1865, I tendered ray
resignation to the Secretary of War. Receiving no response
to this communication, I again wrote to the Secretary of AVar
in these words : —
On the 17th of June I tendered my resignation, since whioh time I have
heard nothing from the Department. I have respectfully to ask that my res
ignation be accepted. The war has closed, and I see no use for the existence
of a detective bureau.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Baker,
Brig.-Gen., and Provost-Marsh.al of the War Dept.
In addition to this I had frequently asked the Secretary
of War to accept my resignation, after ray last interview
with the President, and desired him at this time to include
my name in the list of volunteer officers, then being made
up, who were to be honorably mustered out of service.
Accordingly my name was inserted in the same list with
General Rosecrans and one hundred and twenty-two others,
which honorably discharged me from the service. In one
of my conversations with the President, he repeatedly ac
cused me of being a tool of the radicals. He said he had
been informed that I Avas in the employ of the radicals, and
had heard that I had detaUed detectives to watch the Presi-

606 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
dential mansion, with a vieAV to ascertain and furnish a list
of the prominent copperheads and rebels Avho were visiting
the White House.
The case of Mrs. Ella B. AA'ashington, referred to in my
offlci;il coramunication to the President, requires some fur
ther explanation. It appears that Mrs. AA'ashington, who
was the Avife of a rebel colonel, had become a great favorite
at the Presidential mansion and at the Treasury Department.
In 1862 her husband resided on the LeAvis AA'ashington
estate, in the immediate vicinity of Harper's Ferry. A
treasury agetft (Major B. H. Morse) had seized all the per
sonal property belonging to the Washington estate. After
the close of the rebellion, Mrs. AA'ashington appeared at the
capital as a claimant for this property, and it Avas reported
that she obtained from the Secretaiy of the Treasury a por
tion of the property and pay for the balance. Being a
Avoraan of more than ordinary attractions, her influence at
the Departments had become very great, and, after transact
ing her OAVU business, she became a pardon broker. She
gave soirees at her boarding-house in GeorgetoAvn, sending
her invitations to the heads of the different departments and
bureaus. On the very evening that she raade the contract
with Captain Hine, who in the application for his pardon
represented John Kelly, she gave a party at her rooms, at
which Avere present Secretary McCulloch, Colonel Browning,
private Secretary of the President, and a large number of
other distinguished guests.
It AviU not, perhaps, be inappropriate, in connection with
this subject, to relate an amusing incident, in connection Avith
this feraale pardon broker.
It Avill be recollected that two detectives were detailed
for duty at the AVhite House. One of them, Avhile so em-
IDloyed, formed the acquaintance of Mrs. Cobb and Mrs.
Washington. Mrs. AVashington, supposing the detective to
be a regular attachee of the Presidential mansion, gave him
a very polite and fashionable invitation to attend her soiree,
with the other distinguished guests before referred to. The
desire to participate in this little social entertainment of
course could not be resisted. Accordingly he Avas in attend
ance ; but during the evening the Honorable Secretary de-

EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS. 607
tected the gentleman as one of Baker's detectives, and com
municated the fact to his lady hostess, Avhen the detective
was unceremoniously enjoined to leave.
For a more detailed account of this distinguished party, I
AviU refer to the "Evening Star" of November 8th. Just'
previous to the holidays there appeared in the Associated
Press dispatches a notice that the% Honorable Secretary of
the Treasury would visit NeAV York City, to consult Avith
leading AVall Street bankers concerning the finances of the
country ; but, as appears from a telegram in the "Philadel
phia Enquirer," the Honorable Secretary spent his holidays
atthe country residence of Mrs. Washing-ton, near Harper's
Ferry ; but it is yet unknown what schemes of finance were
decided upon at this long consultation.
The exultation manifested by the enemies of the Govern
ment, at what they falsely represented to be ray dismissal
from the service cannot, perhaps, be better shown than by
the foUoAving extracts from the "New York Daily NeAvs"
of February 1, 1866, and the "New Y'"ork Herald" of Feb
ruary 8th. Said the Herald : —
We notice it is rumored that the notorious detective Baker has been rein
stated to office by the War Department. This man's conduct toward the
President, his assumption, and his subserviency to the bitterest enemies of the
President, ought to have ostracized hira forever. So far from being reinstated,
he ought never to have another office, or his face be ever seen again in Wash
ington. We should not give credit to the rumor, did we not know that such
an act would be just in accordance with Secretary Stanton's general official
condnct toward Mr. Johnson. If it be so, the act of the Secretary of War
must be regarded as insulting to the President.
The News copied the next article : —
AVashington Correspondence "Richmond Times."
The notorious Government detective, General L. C. Baker, cease.' to be a
hrigadier-general with this day. By the terms of an order from the War
Department, his commission Avas canceled on the 15th instant, and he is
mustered out of " service." It should be borne in mind, however, that the
military officers here disclaira Baker's right to recognition as of the railitary
service proper, since he did not receive his title as brigadier-general by reason
of meritorious condnct in the field, nor on account of service in the .army of
the United States. His " promotion " to a brigadiership was the work of Mr.
Stanton, upon iraportnnities of Baker, who asked the distinction as a sort of
healthy covering to hide his disreputable conduct while acting in the capacity

608 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
of chief thief-catcher, &c., for the Government. This detective has had his day;
now his trouble will commence, for he can no longer, at his own bidding, bring
to his aid tho strong arm of the Government to protect him frora the vengeance
-)f outraged citizens who have been sufferers in person and property from the
unconstitutional and utterly illegal acts of this raan.
Baker had become so impudent, and felt so entirely secure from the reach
of all men, save the Secretary of AA'ar, that he actually attempted to play the
detective upon the President apd his household sorae weeks ago. There is
scarcely a doubt, however, that this last speciraen of indecency and wonderful
imprudence was encouraged, if not suggested, by some of the President's
" radical friends." The " great detective" made an utter failure of his espion
age upou the Executive mansion, for it w.as somehow discovered by Mr. John
son, who sent a messenger to bring Baker imraediately into his presence. Tha
detective dropped every other consideration, and repaired with all haste to the
White House, totally at fault as to the purpose of this summons from the
President. His name being announced, the President directed that he be at
once admitted, notwithstanding the presence of several gentlemen* then
engaged with Mr. Johnson. The latter most unceremoniously charged Baker
with his villainous espionage, and informed hira that if he again heard of hia
presence in, or prowling about, the White House, or if he permitted any of
his creatures to sneak around the preraises, the "gre.it detective" should him
self lodge in some one of the dingy cells in the Old Capitol,t where so many
had been incarcerated upon the simple order of Baker himself, without war
rant, or the semblance of law or justice.
The " great detective " was am.azed at wh.at he heard, and remained speech
less while the President scored him. Upon the President's coraraand, "Go,
sir," Baker hastily raoved toward the door; but before he quite arrived there,
Mr. Johnson added: "Hold one moment, sir. 1 de.sire that you now go to
the Secretary of War, and tell hira every word I have said to you, and (shaking
his finger at hira) don't let me ever see you here again."
The "great detective " left instanter, and has obeyed the last injunction of
the President most religiously.
The counsel for Mrs. Cobb — Mr. Hughes, whose loyalty
was, to say the least, very questionable, j\Ir. Bradley and his
son, both open and avowed sympathizers AA'ith the rebeUion,
and the District Attorney — all undertook the case voluntari
ly. In ordinary cases, the District Attorney prosecutes.
This Avas a case — The United States vs. L. C. 13aker— and it
was clearly the duty of the District Attorney to prosecute
it ; but Hughes and the Bradley s volunteered in order to
* No person was present at this interview.
f The Old Capitol prison had been closed up and turned into private dwellings
sii months previous to the interview above referred to.

MRS. COBB'S TESTIMONY. 609
insure a conviction. A feeling of intense bitterness and
hostility was manifested toAvard me throughout the Avhole
trial by the entire community of AA''ashington, thoroughly
disloyal, and among Avhom there was hardly an old resident
of any prominence Avho had not been arrested by me. The
moment a AVord Avas said by the counsel reflecting upon me,
traducing me, there was a shout in the court-room.
I shall introduce somewhat at length extracts from tho
testimony presented on the trial, together Avith the eloquent
plea of Mr. Riddle. And I begin Avitli the story of tlie prin
cipal actor in the legal drama, Avhich cannot fail to interest
all readers who have either any curiosity in regard to the
career of the Cobbs or the details of the cause, a peculiar
arraignment from an unprincipled woman's lips : —
Mrs. L. L. Cobb sworn.
By Mr. Bradly:
My husband's name is John R. Cobb. We reside at the St. Charles's HotoJ
at present. On the 8th of Noveraber last, we resided at the Avenue House in
this city. I recognize Baker. I saw him at the Avenue House on the 8th of
November. Last AVednesday, about six o'clock on Wednesd.ay, some one
came to my door and rapped. I opened the door, and found two gentlemen,
as I supposed, standing there. The first one to walk into ray room was Baker.
I did not know or recognize him, at least at that time. He said " Mrs. Cobb,
Mrs. Cobb, Mrs. Cobb," three or four times; "I have been looking for you
for some time." I asked him who he was. He said he would show me who
he was, and s.aid he thought he knew my husband. My husband repeated the
question, and he said he was General Baker of the War Department, and that
he arrested us both. My husband asked by whose authority. He said he
needed no authority. My husband demanded a warrant for the arrest. He
said he had none and needed none. My husband then demanded his author
ity. He said he acted upon his own authority, and upon his own responsibility.
He said he w.anted two hundred doll.ai-s which I had in my possession. I told
him he could not h.ive it. He said ho would have it, and have it before ho
left the roora. I again told him that he could not have it. Ho 8.aid th.at he
would take me to his headquarters. That ice could go quietly, or he would
take us, and make us all the notoriety we wanted, and told rae to pack up my
"duds," and go along with hira. That he would put us where he would not
have any raore trouble from us, that he would break up this pardon broker's
institution. ,He again asked us if we were going along with hira, or whether
he should take us. I put on ray bonnet and furs, and my husband his coat
and hat, and went down stairs. He put us into a carriage, and from there we
drove to his headquarters. Then he took us into a front room down stairs,
.and separated ns; put me up stairs in the back room, and kept my husband
39

610 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
down stairs. He came np stairs in the room where I was, and said he had
some questions to ask rae.
Q. Was any one else in the room at that time ?
A. No, sir. He told me I was compelled to answer these questions. I
told him it would depend on circumstances whether I answered them or not.
The first question that he asked rae was whether I owned any property in
Pennsylvania, below Harrisburg. The answer was, " None of his business;"
that if he was trying me, or held me for any crirainal offense, to proceed with
his questions. He then showed rae a receipt written by one Clarence J.How
ell, and signed by me for one hundred dollars. He asked me if that was my
receipt. I told him it was. He then told rae that I should give hira that two
hundred dollars. I replied that I would not. He asked me if he nnderstood
me to refuse to give it to him ? I told him he did. He then said he would
order me handcuffed, and search me for it; upon which I handed him the
money, remarking that it did not end there. He then rang his bell, and sent
for Mr. Spear. He told him to take Mrs. Cobb to the Avenue Hotel, and get
that pardon.
Tlie District Attorney : I would state to the counsel on the other side
that I would like to have that pardon produced, and read in evidence, together
Avith the receipt.
Mr. Riddle : The papers to which you refer were returned by General
Baker to the President, who issued them by order of the Executive, and are
now in liis (the President's) possession. It was taken the same night to the
President by General Baker, who made known the whole matter to him. It
was retained by him, upon the ground that it had been improperly procured.
Mr. Bradly:
I would like to inquire of the counsel, as the explanation is made in the
presence of his client, whether that information was furnished to him by Gen
eral Baker.
A. Certainly it was. I would state that we have a certified copy of the
receipt, the original of which is also in the hands of the President. This
paper, called a receipt, will be found to be not only a receipt, but a contr.act
between Mrs. Cobb and a gentleman therein naraed, under which she under
takes to procure for him a pardon for the sum of three hundred dollars — a
receipt for one hundred dollars which was paid being on the back.
Q. What next happened ?
A. He sat there without asking any questions, or saying any thing, until
the messenger reported that Mr. Cobb had returned. I did not see him. He
then put a raan on guard to watch me, and told him to sit there until he
came back. He went out, and was gone sorae three or four hours. When
he came back, he said he had been with the President, and that I should not
go to the White House or the Treasury any more; and, furthermore, that 1
shonld not live in the District of Columbia, nor in the United States. If I
did, he would m:ike trouble for me. I told him that when the President did
not wish me to visit the White House, ho would not make a villain like him
his messenger. He then asked me if I had ever heard any thing bad about

TESTIMONY OP MRS. COBB. 611
him. I told him there was not a book large enough, nor could one he printed
in the United States large enough, to write his criraes in. He then told me
again that I should not put ray dirty nose inside of the AVhite House. If I
did, he would arrest rae, for he had his orders in his pocket from the Presi
dent to do so. He then abused me in other language, such as I would not
like to repeat here in the court-room ; and, after keeping me until about
twenty minutes of 12 o'clock, sent me home. ,
Q. At night?
A. Yes, sir. I went to the White House the next morning, but not seeing
the President, I returned to the hotel. That evening, about six o'clock, a
note came to the hotel addressed to me, brought there by a strange messen
ger, a colored man. The envelope, and the paper on which the note was
written were from Willard's Hotel. The note read : " Mrs. Cobb, the Presi
dent will see you this evening. L. C. Bakek."
Mr. Stanton : We would like to have that paper produced.
By Mr. Bradly:
Q. Have you that paper ?
A. No, sir ; the President has it.
Q. State what occurred.
A. I told the messenger to tell Baker that the President knew wliere I
was. About five minutes after the note was left with me, a card was sent up.
I did not know the gentleman's name that was on the card. My husband took
the card, and went down stairs. I presume I will not be allowed to state
what passed between the man and my husband.
Counsel: You may state any thing that happened to him afterward in
connection with the arrest of the previous day.
I went and saw the President that night.
Q. Did you see him subsequently ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Frequently?
A. Yes, sir.
Mr. Stanton : We mu.st object to all this testimony, unless there is some
thing to connect it with this case.
Mr. Stanton also objected to the contents of the note spoken of by witness
being received in evidence, unless the original paper was produced.
The Court : Of course it cannot be considered by the Jury unless brought
home in some way to the defendant.
Mr. Bradly stated he proposed to show by the witness the action of the
President in the matter, nnd put the falsehood where it ought to be, upon the
defendant. We propose to show that she not only saw him once, but raany
times after this alleged authority had been given to Baker to restrain her from
ever visiting him again.
The Court : If such were an indictable offense, the evidence might be
relevant ; but I cannot see that it^ is relevant on an indictment for an arrest
whioh had previously taken place.
Q. Mrs. Cobb, before you were sent home from General Baker's head-

612 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
quarters at the conclusion of your interview, did any other conversation pass
between you than that which you have narrated?
A. Y^es, sir.
Q. State it fully.
A. He was sitting in front of his desk or table, and I standing at the end
of it. He told me he had better give me a commission, and not to say any
thing at all about th.at affair.
Q. Did you make any response ?
A. I t(dd him I would not accept any commission from him in any way,
shape, or forra. There was not any thing further said in regard to it of any
importance that I know of. Yet I would here make one stateraent that was
made then. I told hira that I once heard it reported that I was one of his
detectives, and he said the man that said so had been stealing or he ne\-er
Avould have said it. I told him that I had not, nor would I ever, under any
circurastances, act in any shape or form as a detective for him, unless it was
to ruin him. Cross- Examination.
By Mr. Stanton.
Q. How long have you lived in Washington ?
A. I came here in November, 1861. I have been here off and on ever
since. Q. Were you married when you came here in 1861 ?
Objected to by Mr. Bradly. Objection overruled. Witness directed to
answer the question.
A. No, sir.
Q. What was your maiden name ?
A. Lucy Livingston.
Q. When were you married ?
A. Any one can find out by going to the court in Baltiraore, or asking the
Rev. Dr. Roberts, who raarried rae two years ago this last flrst of January.
Q. In what business had you been engaged in from 1861 until the present
time? Objected to by Mr. Bradly. Objection sustained ; but it Avas ruled by the
Court that that question might be asked of the witness if it was limited to
w-ithin two years of the time at which this transaction occurred. Exception
reserved by the defendant.
Q. State whether at Armory Hospital, in this city, you did not pass under
the name of Mary Livingston, sorae tirae in 1862 or 1803 ?
Objected to by the District Attorney. Objection sustained. Exception
reserved previous to the ruling of the Court. Mr. Stanton stated his purpose
was to attack the credibility and character of the witness in every form in
which it would he allowable under the law to do so. This ho should do
fairly, and by testimony which was not to be questioned.
Q. I will now ask you whether you have passed by the name of Mary
Livingston within the last two years ?
A. No, sir.

TESTIMONY OF MRS. COBB. 613
Q. Have you passed by the name of Mrs. Mason within that time ?
A. No, sir.
Q. I understand you to say, then, that within the last two years you have
not passed by any other name whatever than your own ?
A. No, sir, I have not.
<?. You say that you were living at the Avenue House at the time of this
transaction ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Did yon know General Baker prior to that time ?
• A. I believe I had seen the man twice only.
Q. Did he ever arrest you or your husband before ?
Objected to by Mr. Bradly. Mr. Riddle stated the object was, to show
that this lady was familiar with General Baker; knew him perfectly well ;
that these parties had been arrested by him before, her husband iirofessing to
be a naval officer when he was not, and having the straps taken off his
shoulders by General Baker. Mr. Stanton said he proposed to prove, fur
ther, that the witness and her pretended husband Avere arrested cohabiting
together in the same bed, in the year 1863, sorae time before the period of
her alleged marriage. The Court ruled that the counsel might ask the wit
ness whether any thing had ever transpired before between her and the
defendant of an ill-nature, and what it was, but that they could not go into
any circumstances of an arrest. They might go into it for the purpose of
showing the animus of the witness. Mr. Stanton : That is what we propose to
show, the animus of the witness. The Court suggested a question in the fol
lowing form : " Whether she ever met the defendant before this arrest, and
under what circumstances; whether she ever had any difficulty with hira
before, and if so out of what circurastances did that difficulty arise." Mr.
Stanton, resuming the examination, said : —
Q. I wish to ask you whether, at the time General Baker entered your
room at the Avenue House, any violence was offered to yoa ?
A. No, sir, any further than by threats. He said he would have the
money before he went out of the room, and as he uttered that remark made
a very significant movement of his shoulder, and winked to Mr. Spear, as
much as to say, "I have acooraplished it this tirae."
Q. What was the money General Baker demanded of you !
A. He demanded of me four fifty-dollar Treasury notes. I cannot describe
the notes any more closely than that.
Q. How did he know you had any such notes ?
A. That it is impossible for me to know any thing about. He did not get
tlie information from me.
Q. 'Were there any marks on these notes ?
A. I did not examine to see.
Q. From whom did you receive these notes ?
A. From Clarence J. Howell.
Q. Upon what considerations
A. Upon the consideration of obtaining his pardon.
Q. Then you were in the pardon broker business ?

614 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. I was in the business of earning an honest living ; that I thinl /my
woman has the privilege of doing.
Q. How long had you been in that business ?
A. I do not know as I had been in that business for any definite period. I
had procured some two or three pardons ; three I believe was aU.
Mr. Stanton : If your Honor please, this paper (a certified copy of what is
termed a contract, with receipt indorsed on the back) for by tho District
Attorney, and exhibited. I now propose to read the contract here, and to
question the witness about it.
Mr. Bradly: I object. Produce the original.
Mr. Stanton : We do not propose to read this paper in evidence, but simply
for the purpose of asking the witness a few questions regarding it. Whether
it was upon this contract that the two hundred dollars, of which she has
spoken, was received.
The Court: The prosecuting witness spoke in her examination in chief of
a receipt ; you raay read that receipt to her to know whether that is tha
receipt to which she refers, and then cross-examine her.
Objection withdrawn.
Q. Is this the contract you made with Captain Howell ?
' A. I do not think the top part of that was on it.
Q. Is the rest correct ?
A. I think it is.
Q. There is an indorsement : "Received on the within, one hundred dol
lars. Signed Mrs. L. L. Cobb." Was that receipt on the back of the paper ?
A. No, sir.
Mr. Bradly: In obedience to our summons, the marshal has placed in my
hands a paper which purports to be the original contract between these par
ties, and which was in the possession of the Executive.
Q. Now you say that that receipt was not on the back of that paper?
A. I do not think it was.
Q. Are you certain of that ?
A. It was not on the back. I think it was written at the bottom of the
paper, right along with the contract.
Mr. Bradly stated he objected to counsel interrogating the witness as to
the contents of a written instrument. He had withdrawn his objection to
their framing a question upon the contract, but he would not consent to have
the contents referred to by the witness.
The Court : You can read the receipt, and ask the witness whether that is
the receipt to which she alludes ; and you can then read the other paper,
which was spoken of in the testimony in chief, and ask if that is the paper to
which she alluded.
Q. Now I will ask you if this is the original contract (handing witness
the paper given to Mr. Bradly by the marshal), and if the receipt on the back
ofit is the one to which you referred in your testimony in chief?
A. It seems to be the receipt; but as my memory served me at the time I
answered your question it was, as I supposed, written at the bottom of the
contract.

TESTIMONY OF MRS. COBB. 615
Q. Are those signatures your signatures ?
A. Y'es, sir.
Mr. Stanton : I will state that these papers are precise copies of the other.
Q. I Avill ask if this one hundred dollars was paid ou the 5th of Novem-
Iw? A. It was.
Q. At the tirae this paper was written ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. What day was that ?
A. Sunday.
Q. It was the next day the pardon was obtained ?
A. A'es, sir.
Q. Did you get that pardon the next day ?
A. I did not.
Q. State whether the two hundred dollars was paid in pursuance of the
supposed agreement in this contract ?
A. It was paid to me when I gained the pardon for him.
Q. Did you gain the pardon for him ?
A. I did.
Q. And was this money paid to you upon that ?
A. It was.
Q. At what time ?
A. Wednesday, 8th of Noveraber, 1865.
Q. Was that the day when you were arrested ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. How long before you were arrested by General Baker, according to
your statement, had this raoney been paid ?
A. About five minutes, I should judge.
Q. By whom was the money handed to you ?
A. By Captain Clarence J. Howell.
Q. Did you deliver to him the pardon at that time ?
A. I did not.
Q. Why didn't you ?
A. Because I was obliged to file an amnesty oath with hia petition.
Q. Did he trust you with the money ?
A. He said he was satisfied, and would come at nine o'clock and go with
my husband and take the amnesty oath.
Q. Did you show him the pardon ?
A. I did.
Q. These identical notes that you took from General Baker were the ones
that you received ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Did you voluntarily surrender those notes to General Baker?
A. I did not, until he threatened to handcuff me and have me searched
for them. .
Q. Did he tell you any thing about where those notes were from ?
A. He did not.

616 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. Did he not tell you that he had sent those notes by Captain Howell
himself? A. He did not tell me any such thing.
Q. Did General Baker state to you that he had given this money to Cap
tain Howell, and it was his money ?
A. He did not.
Q. Did he give you any reason at all for taking the money from you ?
A. Not a particle further than he said he would break up the pardon bro
kerage business.
Q. When General B.aker first entered your room, did he not say to yon
something like this : " I want the two hundred dollars just given you by Cap
tain Howell for obtaining his pardon "?
A. No, sir, he did not. I will repeat to you as near as I can the exact
words that he used. Says he, "I will have that two hundred dollars before
you leave this room." He did not say he wanted it — did not ask me for it —
but said he would have it.
Q. Who was present with General Baker ?
A. My husband.
Q. Who came in with General Baker?
A. A man by the name of Spear.
Q. Did he hear the conversation between you and Baker?
A. He was present when the conversation took place. I cannot answei
for his hearing.
Q. And you say that General Baker did not say any thing to you about
this money having been paid you by Captain Howell ?
A. No, sir ; not at that tirae.
Q. Did he at any time before you gave up the money ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Did not General Baker tell you that he had been watching these par
don brokers for a long time, and he knew that you were engaged in that
business? A. He did not before he took the money away from me.
Q. Did you not say to him in that conversation that you would willingly
give up the two hundred dollars, if the transaction would not be made known
so as to make a noise.
A. I did not — nothing on the subject. He asked me not to say any thing
about it.
Q. Was it publicly known that you were engaged in this pardon business?
A. It was publicly known that I was engaged in the pardon or any other
business that would procure or help to procure for myself and husband an
honest living.
Q. When you went to General Baker's office up stairs, who was present
beside General Baker ?
A. No one present at all when we had our conversation until after he came
back from the President's. A gentleman came in, and said something to
General Baker, then passed out again.
Q. Who was that gentleman ?

TESTIMONY OF MRS. COBB. 617
A. I know him not.
Q. Was the offlc^door opened or closed ?
A. Closed. •
Q. All the tirae ?
A. Yes, sir. When he wished any one, he would ring the bell, and the
boy would corae up and answer it.
Q. Was the door locked ?
A. I do not know.
Q. Did you state during that conversation any thing like this : That you
did not know why you should be selected to be arrested, while there were so
many other persons engaged in the sarae business of pardon brokers, who
were making ten dollars where you were making one ?
A. I told General Baker that I did not know why he should persecute and
torment me in that manner — a woman who was trying to earn an honest
living. I did not say any thing in regard to anybody else.
Q. Did you say any thing about Mrs. Wjishington getting pardons?
A. I did not. He took a receipt, or what purported to be a receipt, and
ihowed me the name of Mrs. AVashington. I cannot say whether it was
Emma or Ella. I have forgotteu.
Q. Did you say that lady was getting ten where you was getting one ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Did you state to General Baker that you procured pardons in six hours,
while it took others six weeks to get them ?
A. No, sir ; nothing of the kind.
Q. Did you say any thing about your facilities for doing business?
A. I did not any thing further tlian this. I told hira that he had inti
mated that I got my pardons through foul raeans. I told hira he could think
what he chose ; but it was one thing to think, and another thing to prove it a
&ct. Q. Did you have any influence at the White Hou^se to get pardons f
A. My labor showed my influence.
Q. Did you not give General Baker a list of the names of the persons for
whom you had procured pardons ?
A. I did.
Q. Who wore they ?
Objected to. Question withdrawn.
Q. Did you explain to Captain Howell the reason why you did nol get
tills pardon on Monday, instead of Wednesday ?
Objected to. Mr. Riddle said he proposed to show exactly what did trans
pire, from the beginning to the end, Avith regard to the procuring of this
pardon. It was made directly a legitimate matter in the case, and every thing
in connection with it went directly to the question of intention on the p.art of
General Baker. The Court ruled the testiraony to be irrelevant. At this
stage of the proceedings the Court adjourned.
On the opening of the court, Mr. Bradly, Jr., said : I desire to state to
tho Court, in behalf of the prosecution, that although yesterday, having had
no conference no opportunity to confer with the witness upon the stand, Mrs.

618 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Cobb, we felt constrained to insist upon the rigid rules of law as to the cross-
examination into her private history and character while she has been a resi
dent in this city of Washington. We now desire to advree the other side that
we extend to them the largest latitude which your Honor, in your discretion,
win see fit to indulge them in. We court the investigation, with no fear of
the result; and if the gentleraen refuse to go into the inquiry now that the
opportunity is offered them, we hope there will be no more slurs and insinua
tions cast upon this lady's integrity and purity. We have been advised by
counsel on the other side that they intend to attack the character of this
witness for credibility, purity, and in every other respect that the law will
allow. We throw open the doors to them, letting them have the Avidest
latitude. The Court : I was going to state, in regard to a question which I decided
yesterday in the excitement of the debate and the confused condition in which
the case then stood, that I restricted the counsel with reference to the history
of this lady in the matter of tirae. I ara inclined to think that 1 erred in that
particular. After raore mature reflection, I have come to the conclusion that
any question may be put to a witness upon cross-examination, without Ihnita-
tion of time, in relation to any fact or circumstance connected with matters
that were stated by her on her examination in chief, even if an answer to such
would tend to degrade the witness. If, however, these matters are not rele
vant, but collateral, the fact must be concluded by the answer of the witness.
If relevant, then the answer of the witness may be contradicted by othei
witnesses. Mrs. L. L. Cobb. Examination Resumed.
Q. When did you first become acquainted with Captain Howell ?
A. On Saturday, the 4th of November, 1865.
Q. Had you any knowledge of him prior to that time ?
A. No, sir.
Q. How did yon become acquainted with Captain Howell?
A. I was introduced to him by Samuel S. Jones, an attorney-at-law from
New York.
Q. Where?
A. At AVillard's Hotel.
Q. Were you living at Willard's Hotel ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Did you raake an engagement to meet the gentleman at that place ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Was the meeting accidental ?
A. It was.
Q. What was the subject of conversation had between you at that timet
A The subject of the conversjition was this 
Objected to. Question withdrawn.
Q Did you make any engagements to meet him subsequently?

TESTIMONY OF MRS. COBB. 619
A. I did not. He agreed to come to my house that evening, at the Hotel
where I was boarding.
Q. Was it then you made the contract?
A. Instead of his coming, he wrote me a note, stating that it would be
impossible for him to come, as he would be detained on business longer than
he expected, and he would corae the following day, Sunday afternoon.
Q. Was it at your house the contract was made.
A. It was at the Avenue Hotel, where I was boarding, in my room.
Q. Was your husband present?
A. He was.
Q. In that conversation, do you remember that yon denounced General
Baker very bitterly ?
Objected to by Mr. Bradly.
The Court said that he did not see that such evidence related to any fact
or circumstance in the examination in chief.
Mr. Riddle stated he desired to have it to show the witness's state of
feeling toward the defendant.
The Court stated they might ask her what her state of feeling was to Gen
eral Baker, but he did not think it proper to go into an examination of all the
conversation held by her with other people in regard to General Baker. He
must therefore exclude evidence of that conversation.
Defendant reserves exception.
Q. Did you tell Captain Howell at that tirae what means or facilities yon
had, or what persons .aided you in obtaining pardons frora the President.
Objected to. Objection overruled, and witness directed to answer the
question. A. I told Captain Clarence J. Howell that he need not ask me by what
inflnence, how, or through whom I received the pardons, for I would not tell
him or any other living sonl.
Q. You did not then speak of any gentleman who was at that time absent
in the city of New York, and prevented from getting a pardon on Monday ?
A. I did not.
Q. What did you say to Captain Howell in reference to this matter of
pardon, as to what you could do if you had money to accomplish your object?
A. Our conversation was with Captain Clarence J. Howell. I siraply told
hira that I could not live without being paid for ray labor. I was not going
to work, not knowing whether I could get his pardon or not, without receiv
ing some compensation for my labor. I told him, furthermore, that money
would accomplish almost any thing.
Q. Didn't you tell hira that you were under the necessity of dividing what
you received with other persons, but you would not tell who they were?
A. I never told hira or anybody else such a thing in my life.
Q. Do you see Captain Howell present in court?
A. I do not see hira now. He raay be here.
Q. Is this the gentleraan (Captain Howell rising from his seat)?
A. Yes, sir.
C. Did you receive this pardon from the President himself?

620 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE,
A. I received that pardon from Major Long. I received the order for the
pardon from the President.
Q. You stated that it was given to you upon condition that it should not
be delivered to Captain Howell until he had taken the oath and filed it in the
Secretary's office?
A. I did not say any such thing.
Q. State what you did say?
A. I said that I was pledged to the President not to deliver to Clarence J.
Howell the pardon until he had first taken the amnesty oath and given it to
me, so that I could file it with the petition then on file at the Attorney-Gen
eral's office.
Q. Were you not required to carry that pardon and deposit it in the office
of tbe Attorney-General ?
A. I was requested to give my receipt at the Attorney-General's office for
that pardon. When I gave my receipt for the pardon at the Attorney-Gen
eral's office, I did.
Q. To whom did you give that receipt?
A. To W. F. Pleasants, the pardon clerk.
Q. Did you have an order to that effect from Mr. Pleasants?
Witness: To what effect?
Counsel: From the President to Mr. Pleasants to give you the pardon?
Witness : I did not.
Q. Did you give an order of any kind to Mr. Pleasants ?
A. I did not.
Q. What time in the day was it you went to the Attorney-General's office,
at 'ihe time you carried the pardon there ?
A. It was from fifteen to twenty minutes to three o'clock.
Q. Was not the Department closed when you went there ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Did anybody go your security for the proper disposition of that pardon
and the appearance of Captain Howell to take the oath ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Did Mr. Pleasants give it to you upon your simple assurance that you
would have it properly attended to ?
A. Mr. Pleasants said nothing in regard to the amnesty, nor any thing of
the kind. The agreeraent was between the President and myself.
Q. Mr. Pleasants gave you the pardon without knowing any thing
abont it ?¦
A. Mr. Pleasants gave me the pardon as he gives others pardons, as he
has the power to do. In order to answer your questions properly, so that
the court and jury will understand it distinctly, I will have to explain the
Avhole proceeding from the beginning until the tirae the pardon landed in the
Attorney-General's office. I was to have got this p.ardon on Monday, if a
possible thing. He carae to me on Sunday. I was to get it for him on Mon
day night, if possible. I told him I would let all my other business go and
try and do it. I took the petition on Monday morning, went to the Attorney-
General's office with it, and presented it at first to Mr. Pleasants, the pardon

TESTIMONY OF MRS. COBB. 621
clerk. He says, "I can do nothing with this. It is a railitary offense for
which he is tried and convicted. It Avill have to go before Judge Holt." I
asked, " Cannot Attorney-General Speed issue a warrant for it, or recom
mend, or order it to be done ?" His reply was, " He can if he chooses to." I
inquired, "Is ho in?" He says, "He is not." "Is his assistant in?" I fur
ther inquired. " He is," he responded. I will state that I knew Mr. Ashton,
the Assistant Attorney-General, very well indeed. I went in to see hira, and
s.aid to hira, " Can you do any thing about this?" He says, "I cannot; your
best plan is to take it to Judge Holt." Instead of taking it to Judge Holt, I
took it to the President, and showed it to his priv.ate secretary, his son. Colo
nel Robert Johnson. Says he, " Mrs. Cobb, you had better go over to Judge
Holt's, and see Avhat the report is in Judge Holt's office .against this man."
His petition set forth that he had been arrested by General Rosecrans, and
thrown into prison, convicted, and frora there escaped, and went into Canada.
That he had an order in his pocket, frora Secretary Stanton, driving him from
the District of Columbia, and giving hira only twelve hours in which to leave
town, and that Baker's hounds were dogging hira in such a raanner that he
had to live here under a fictitious name to prevent being arrested. He said
he had saved General John P. Slough's life, and that he was trying to get his
pardon for hira, that he had paid hira fifty dollars, which he could not recall.
I took the petition to Colonel Johnson, and he told rae I had better go to
Judge Holt with it. I went to Judge Holt. Says he, " I can find the record
of no such man as that on my books, but I think if yon go to the President,
and state the facts to him, i. e., that he has saved one of our general's lives,
and that for that reason, because the war is over, and because he is desirous
of starting in business in New York, as he represented to me he did, the
President will pardon hini." I went to the President and stated the facts to
him. The President told nie to corae back on Wednesday or Thursday and I
will give you an answer. I went back on AVednesday, about twenty minutes
to three o'clock. Says he, " I cannot pardon Clarence J. Howell." Says I,
^^ Why not?" lie replied, ^^ He is in Canada.'" "JVo," I responded, "he was
at my hotel last evening ; I expect him to be there again this evening. As long
as the war is over, and there is no more spying to be done, and he has saved the
GeneraVs life, cannot you pardon him?" Says he, " I think I can on that
ground." He sat down and wrote on the back of that petition, " The Attorney-
General will issue a warrant for the within named person, as I am informed
he is in tmon," aiid signed Andrew Johnson. He was about to seal it up and
send it over to the Attorney- General by one of his mounted orderlies, when I
said to him, "Are you going to send that over by the orderly?" " Yes," he
says. '^ Let me take it," I said. Says he, " Well, take it yourself to the At
torney -General, and see what he will do for you." It was twenty minutes to
three o'clock, or thereabouts, when I reached the latter place. I went to Mr.
Pleasants, the pardon clerk, and handing him the paper said, " Can you put
that through for me?" " Yes," says he, "in about ten minutes.'" "Very
well," says I, " do so.'''' He wrote an order for the icarrant, and then called a
young clerk from Ms desk, and told him to take that right in to the Attorney-
General and get it signed, and then go over to the State Department and have

622 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
it attended to, and then bring me iack the pardon. He did so. Mr. Pleasants
then put on it, " W. F. Pleasants, ordered by the President." He then sent
it over to the President, by the messenger of the Attorney-General's office, to
have him (the President) sign it.- I went over with the messenger. When I
got there I says to Major Long, '- Can you take this in to the Prtsideiit, and
get it signed?" He says "I can." He took it in, the President signed it, and
he then brought it out to me. I took it over to the State Department and got
it sealed and signed by the Secretary, and sealed by Mr. Bartlett. The
messenger at the State Departraent took it over to Mr. Pleasants. I gave
my receipt to Mr. Pleasants, and he gave me the pardon. That is the whole
ofit. Q. Did you tell General Baker, at the time you were at his office, that
two members of Congress had gone security for you for the proper return of
that amnesty oath?
A. No, sir, I never told him such a word.
Q. I understood you to say, yesterday, you were married the 1st of Janu
ary, 1864?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Did you live at Mrs. Smith's or Mrs. Bell's, on Twelfth Street, in
1863? A. No, sir.
Q. At what time did you live there ?
A. I moved there the 2d, 3d, or 4th of January, 1864. It was after I was
married. Q. You have st.ated that you made this contract on Sunday afternoon, and
that you received one hundred dollars at that time ?
1. Yes, sir.
Q. Did you not, the first thing the next morning, go to see a very promi
nent officer in one of the departments, in reference to this matter?
A. I did not. I took it directly to the Attorney-General's office.
Q. You did not stop at the private house of one of the officers of the
Government? A. No, sir.
Q. Did you pay out to anybody part of that one hundred dollars that yon
first received ?
A. ATes, sir.
Q. After yon were discharged by General Baker at his office, did he send
you home in a carriage ?
A. He did.
Q. Did you pay for the carriage ?
A. I did not. That would have been a pretty dear bargain, to have my
money taken from me, and then pay for the carriage beside to ride under
arrest in.
Q. How did you part with General Baker that evening ?
A. I parted with him with cool contempt, with a simple "good-night."
Q. You did not speak to hira, and bid him good-night very kindly ?
A. I said: "Good-night, General," in as insulting manner as I could.

TESTIMONY OF MRS. COBB. 623
Q. Didn't your husband get exceedingly angry, because of your treating
him in such a kind manner ?
A. Yes, sir, as he had a right to do, and as any gentleman would when he
sees his wife insulted as I was. I bid the General good-night, not because I
had any respect for hira, but because I was determined to prove rayself a lady,
in spite of all his mean insults.
Q. That made your husband very angry, did it?
A. Not that alone, sir.
Q. He refused to ride with you ?
A. Yes, sir ; at flrst.
Q. But he did finally get into the carriage ?
A. Yes, sir ; he is not ashamed to go anywhere with his wife.
Q. Did you persuade hira to go ?
A. I did not. Ee ¦ Exam ina tion.
By Mr. Bradly :
Q. I desire to ask you a few questions. What was the reason assigned to
you by General Holt why this man's narae could not be found on record?
A. It could not be found on the record because there was no charge pre
ferred against him by that name, Clarence J. Howell.
Q. What was his real narae ?
A. Lt. Henry H. Hine.
Q. State whether, in any of the conversations to whioh you have already
testified, it was stated to you by any one of the parties for what he had been
convicted and under what circumstances ?
A. I raay perhaps answer that question in this manner. When he told
rae he had put his petition in the hands of General John P. Slough, for Gen
eral Slough to get his pardon with, I, after being arrested on Thursday, went
to see Gen<!ral Slough. I asked him about this raan. He told me he was
charged with being a spy for the rebels, while holding a commission in the
Federal army, and had been convicted by General Rosecrans. Furthermore,
Captain Clarence J. Howell acknowledged the same to me hiraself.
Q. You have been asked something with reference to your husband.
What is his present condition, and his occupation?
A. He is at present lying very sick with erysipelas. His occupation is that
of a clerk in the Treasury Department, under Mr. Randall.
Mr. Bradly : Noav, if your Honor pleases, I make an offer to the gentleman
on the other side. It was yesterday said publicly by one of the counsel, that
this Mr. Cobb w.as sought after by General Baker because he was claiming to
be a naval ofiicer, when in point of fact he was not, and that the papers shown
him, if he had any such papers, were forged papers.
Mr. Riddle : We said nothing about forged papers, or abont his having any
papers. Mr. Bradly: I raay be wrong about that, sir. I raake the offer here to
present to the gentleraen on the other side, if they see proper to h<ave it read
to the jury, the commission of this gentleman, signed by the Hon. Gideon

624 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Welles, as .acting paymaster in the navy. I am prepared to show that he was
an officer in the service, wounded in action, and is now suffering from the
effects of that wound; whether that these papers were taken from him at
that time by General Baker, and retained by hira until he was satisfied of their
genuineness, and that Mr. Cobb himself was placed under arrest.
Mr. Stanton : Do you claim this is a commission ?
Mr. Bradly : It is complete as far as it goes. He never qualified, because
his surgeon told him th.at, owing to the character of the wound which he had
received, an internal hemorrhage continually existing, it would be greatly
prejudicial to his health, if it did not endanger his life, for hira to undertake
to go to sea and live upon salt food.
Mr. Stanton : May it please your Honor, it does not seera by this paper
that this gentleraan was offered an appointment, and required to give bonds;
and that upon the strength of this, before giving bonds, and before being
actually appointed in the navy, he held hiraself out as a payraaster in the
navy. For this General Baker arrested him, and took his str.aps from his
shoulders, and took these papers from hira and carried them to the Secretary
of the Navy, who assured him there was no such officer on the lists of the
Department. That is the whole state of the transaction.
Mr. Bradly : He never had any straps on his shoulders, or any uniform,
other than that of an officer of the array. I would state further that Mrs.
Cobb has the bond e.xecuted by her husband, and is prepared to show that the
reason why he did not qualify was because of this wound. She has also here
her marriage certificate, showing the date of that marriage, and where and by
whora it was celebrated.
Mr. Stanton : If the point is considered material, we propose to prove the
fact that Wiis stated upon the authority of General Baker, that he had the
straps of a naval officer on his shoulders, and that he (Baker) took them off.
The Court: Was any thing testified to by this witness on the cross-exami
nation in reference to these shoulder-straps?
Counsel: No, your Honor; but the offer was made publicly, and the
charges preferred.
The Court: Whatever counsel m.ay say on their opening, or in the way of
parenthesis during the conduct of a case, the jury \vill of course understand
is mere bosh, and h.as nothing to do with the case unless proof is introduced.
Mr. Riddle : The matter wa? referred to while I was asking the witness
whether she was previcusly acquainted with General Baker, and this reference
was made in order to try and refresh her recollection, as she answered in the
negative. Now, after some hours of deliberation, the gentlemen come in,
with their case all fixed up, and beg that the matter shall go forward. The
subject was disposed of at the time, and we shall leave it precisely where it
was. Q. Do you know where it was you first saw General Baker, to know
him ?
A. The first time I saw General Baker was about the time that Surgeon
Bliss, of Armory Square Hospital, was under arrest, lying in the Old Capitol
prison.

TESTIMONY OF MRS. COBB. 625
Q. When did you next see hira ?
A. Some three or four days after the 20th of February, 1804, at the time
he arrested my husband on those papers, alleging them to be false.
Q. What opportunity had you at that time to see him, and to know that
it was the same man?
A. I was lying in bed. He was in my bedroom.
Q. How did he get in there ?
A. He threatened to burst open the door, unless ray husband let hira in.
My husband was partially dressed, and opened the door for him, being dis
posed to do this, rather than have sorae one else's house broken down beside
his own. Q. Was that before or after your marriage ?
A. That was after. Ho carried away with those papers my marriage
certiflcate, and took them to his own house, and showed them there before
Mr. Spear, who will come here to-day and testify to it.
Mr. Bradly read marriage certiflcate, dated January 1, 1864, and offered
the paper in evidence.
Q. You have been asked by what name you went to Armory Square Hos
pital. A. You will flnd my name on record as a nurse in Armory Square Hospi
tal as Mrs. Lucy Livingston, and no other. ,
Q. Why was it so ?
A. Because they objected to having a single girl as nurse in the hospital,
and I took the name simply for the sake of being there near where my only
brother was. I carae here voluntarily to take charge of the sick and wounded
soldiers of our army, and received an appointment from Surgeon Blis.s in his
hospital as nurse. Surgeon Bliss well understood the reason why "Mrs."
was attached to my name.
Q. Who gave you a letter of introduction to that physician ?
A. Surgeon Wood, of Philadelphia.
Q. By what name ?
A. Mrs. Lucy Livingston.
Q. Where was your brother?
A. In the Eleventh New York Regiment. He was at that time in West
ern Virginia.
Q. Have you at any other time, in Washington, had any other name than
that of Lucy Livingston ?
A. Yes, sir. After the death of my brother, who was killed at the battle
of Gettysburg, I opened a cigar store on Pennsylvania Avenue, for the sake
of earning, or trying to e.arn, an honest living ; and, on account of my people
living in New York State, I took the name of Lucy Randolph.
Q. Why did you select the name of Lucy Randdph ?
A. Because at that time I was engaged to be nfarried to Mr. Cobb^ and I
took his middle name by his own sanction.
Q. How long did you keep that store ?
A. About two or three months.
Q. What year was that ?
40

626 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. That was in 1863.
Q. What period of the ye.ar?
A. I opened a store there the 16th of July, I think, bnt I am not cert.ain.
I kept it open until September, I think.
Q. You have been asked -n-hether,- on the morning aftw-nrceiving tlie one
hundred dollars on account of that work you were to do for this Howell, yon
paid any portion of that raoney to any officer of the Government. I will ask
you if you had any understanding, agreement, contract, or arrangement of
auy sort whatever, by which you gave compensation to any one, and facili
tated your work at the Department ? <
A. No, sir, none at all. I can tell you where every dollar of that one
hundred dollars went. In the first place, I gave the one hundred dollars into
my husband's hands. I then went with my husband to Mr. Lockwood's,
Pennsylvania Avenue, where I had given an order for him to have half a
dozen fine shirts made, and took one of these 'fifty-dollar bills, and went to
Mr. Lockwood, the cashier, and paid for his shirts, and had thera sent home
to the Avenue House. The other fifty-dollar bill he took and went to the
store under the Metropolitan Hotel, where he had been measured for a pair
of fine boots, and paid fifteen dollars out of th.at for the boots. So you see
one of the fifty-d ollar. bills was in the shoe-store, the other in Mr. Lockwood's,
the rest of the money went to j^r. King, the proprietor of the hotel, for onr
board. Q. Where w.as the petition filed ?
A. At the Attorney-General's office. The President sent to theA-ttorney-
General's office and got the petition the next night after I was arrested.
By Mr. Stanton :
Q. How long were you at the Armory Square Hospital ?
A. I do not know the exact tirae that I was there.
Q. Did you resign your position there, or were you discharged ?
A. I was discharged from there on account of sickness
Q. Was there any other reason besides sickness given ?
A. No, sir.
Q. No charge raade against you ?
A. No, sir. I have Surgeon Bliss's letter of recoraraendation of the high
est kind, and his faraily and I are on an equal footing with each other, and
visit each other when we see proper — his wife and daughters.
The counsel for the prosecution state that they here rest the case of the
Governraent. Mr. Riddle opens for defense.

CHAPTER XLIII.
THE PROGRESS OP THE TRIAL.
Testimony of Alfred A. Spear, au GfEcer in- the Bureau of the National Detective
Police — Interesting Details of his Inter-views with Mrs. Cobb, and Matters con
nected with her.
The next witness brought on the stand was Mr. Alfred
A. Spear, an efficient officer in the National police, whose
intimate connection with the disclosures of Mrs. Cobb's
character and business will shed additional light upon both.
Alfeed a. Speak, sworn.
By Mr. Riddle:
Question. State whether you were in Washington about the 5th, 6th, 7th,
8th, or 9th of Noveraber last.
Answer. I was.
' Q. Will you state the transaction that occurred at the Avenue House ou
the evening of your calling with General Bakcjr ?
A. Well, sir, on the evening of the 8th of November, General Baker and
myself proceeded from his office to the Avenue House with Captain Howell.
Captain Howell walked on one side of the street and we on the other. Gen
eral Baker and myself proceeded to Mrs. Cobb's room ; I forget the nuraber.
I knocked at the door, when somebody within said " Corae." I think it was
General Baker who then opened the door, but I won't be positive, and we
walked in. I saw a gentleraan and lady standing in the middle of the floor,
she Avas evidently a little confused about something. General Baker inquired
for Mrs. Cobb. The lady present introduced herself as the one inquired for.
He then introduced himself as General Baker ; I do not know whether he
said from the War Departraent or not, but I recollect distinctly his saying
General Baker. Mr. Cobb was standing in the middle of the floor with a
bunch of keys in his hands ; I am not positive whether they were on a steel
ring or not ; at any rate they were tied together ; he broke whatever conflned
them, and the keys became scattered all over the floor. In the mean time I
sat down in a chair ; the rest remained standing. There was some little time
spent in looking up the keys, during which nothing at all was said. Finally
Mr. Cobb, I think it was he, inquired General Baker's business ; he informed
him that he came there after two hundred dollars of his money, which had

628 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
been paid by Captain Howell for a pardon. She did not deny having the
money, bnt wanted to know by wh.at authority General Baker demanded it.
lie said the raoney belonged to him, that he had furnished it for that purpose,
and that it was marked — four fifty-dollar bills. Treasury notes. I know they
were raarked, because I marked them rayself. General Baker was walking
the floor, pacing up and down, and when he got near where I Avas sitting he
remarked to me, "I think I have seen this woman before."
Q. Did she hear that?
^1. She did. She replied to him, " General Baker, I ara a lady, sir." The
General said he kncAV nothing to the contrary, and thought he had treated her
as such. He then s.aid to Mrs. Cobb, " I want you to go to my office or my
headquarters. I want to talk over this pardon business." Mr. Cobb says to
General Daker, "Are we to consider ourselves under arrest?" Says General
Baker, "No, sir. I merely want you to go to my office to talk over this
business. It has been going on long enough, and this obtaining of pardons
under false representations has got to be stopped ; and I am going to stop it.''
Ho then said, " Mrs. Cobb, are you going?" Says she, " I suppose I will have
to,'' and then added, "would there be any objection to ray husband accompa
nying me?" The General said, "No." They then put on their things and
left the roora. Mr. Cobb turned down the gas, locked the door, put the key
in his pocket, went down stairs, and got into the can-iage.
Q. State whether the carriage was called there, or you took it there Avith
you. A. It was called there. We all got into the carriage, and drove to General
Baker's office. We went into the lower room, first floor. General Baker said
to me, " You show Mrs. Cobb up to my private office," which I did, Mr. Cobb
remaining down stairs. I believe General Baker went in there immediat«Iy
after I came away. I did not go into the roora, but merely opened the door.
When I got down stairs, Mr. Cobb Avas sitting on the lounge. I asked him if
he had the pardon ; told him I had a curiosity to see a document of that kind,
as I had never seen one. He said he hadn't it, and had never seen it; that
Mrs. Cobb had it. In the mean time General Baker's bell rang for the boy.
The boy having gone to the post-office, I went up stairs to see what he
Avanted. He told me to do soraething, not connected with this case at all. I
forget now what it was. Says I, " General, you have got the pardon ?" I
thought probably Mrs. Cobb had bronght the pardon with her.
Q. Was this in her presence ?
A. Yes, sir. He turns round and says, "Mrs. Cobb, where is that par
don ?" Says she, " It is down in my room, in a bureau drawer," specifying the
drawer. " My husband knows where it is, and he can go down and get it."
Says the General, "Very well; Mr. Spear, go down with him." Her hus
band had the key of the room, and had locked it when he went out, and put
the key in his pocket. We got into a carriage, went down, and Mr. Cobb got
the pardon just where she said it was, in a bureau drawer. He handed it to
me, and then looked around for a letter which was addressed to Secretary
Seward, which he found in an old valise. He placed them both in my hands.
We then walked out of the room. He locked the door again, when we got

EXAMINATION OF A. A. SPEAR. C29
into the carriage, and drove up to General Baker's office. I Laid the docu
ments down on General Baker's desk, and I have never seen them from th.at
day to this.
Q. His desk in his priv.ate office, or the one in the room below?
A. Below.
Q. What next transpired ?
A. Mr. Cobb, getting chilly from his ride down in the carriage, says to
rae, "Let's go and get a drink." Says I, "I will go." We both went out,
took a drink, got a cigar, and then came back. I then left him in the office,
and was gone for I suppose three-quarters of an hour. In the mean time, by
pacing up and down the floor he raade Collins, a watchman, who is now some
where in Pennsylvania, and who was writing at the tirae, very nervous. Col
lins says to him, "Mr. Cobb, I wish you would either sit down or go out."
Mr. Cobb said he Avould not go out until he got ready, but would pace the
floor just as must as he chose, which he did.
Q. State whether he was put under any restraint.
A. He was not. I did not have, and I don't believe .any other man about
the establishment had, any orders to keep an eye on Mr. Cobb. lie went into
the office with his wife when we first arrived there, and remained there, off
and on, until his wife came down stairs. When she came down stairs I was
in the office. I heard her bid General Baker a very pleasant good-evening
indeed, as she possibly could. Her pleasant manner of parting with General
Baker made her husband very angry, and I could hear him talking very
angrily to her all the way from the hall to the carriage. He at first declared
he would not ride with her, or any one who would act in that w.ay. She,
however, finally prevailed on him to get into the carriage, and they went
away. Q. Do you know, whether, during the tirae they were there. General
Baker was himself absent frora the office at any time ?
A. No, sir, I do not. I heard that he was.
Q. Were there any guards placed there ?
A. No, sir; no guard about the office at all.
Q. Was there anybody there, to your knowledge, under arrest?
Q. No, sir.
Q. About what time was it you went to the Avenue House that evening?
A. I think it was in the neighborhood of six o'clock.
Q. How long did you reraain, after reaching the Avenue House, before you
went in ?
A. We went into the Avenue House, and sat down in an office at the left
of the hall as you go in, which is used as a kind of a barber-shop and a sitting-
room. We took position there so that we could see anybody that carae out.
There was a signal agreed on by Captain Howell and General Baker, by which
General Baker raight learn whether the pardon was or not obtained. We had
been down there twice before.
Q. State what the signal was.
A. Raising the hat.
Q. State whether you got the signal from him.

630 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. We did.
Q. You then went immediately to the room?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. In the room on the first floor, or up stairs ?
A. Up stairs.
Q. There you found Mr. and Mrs. Cobb ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. AVhat part did you take in the transaction? What did yow say?
A. I did not say any thing. I merely knocked at the door, hut I am not
certain whether I opened it or not, and then went in and sat down.
Q. State whether there was any thing said to you except what General
Baker reraarked. i
A. No, sir; not a word.
Q. You state in that conversation that General Baker said to her that that
money belonged to hira, that it was marked ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. And you remember that the money was marked, because you marked
it before it went there, in General Baker's private office ?
A. Yes, sir; I marked it on Wednesday evening.
Q. Whose money was that?
A. General Baker's. That is, he took it out of his pocket. I suppose it
was his.
A. Do yon know for what purpose it was given to Captain Howell?
Mr. Bradly, Jr., objected, on the ground that it is not material to this
inquiry for what purpose General Baker caused some money to be given to
Hines, even this identical money.
The Court: Money is clairaed to have been extorted from this witness —
two hundred dollars — and the evidence is therefore applicable to that part of
the examination.
Mr. Stanton : May it please your Honor, it is tho very gist of our defense
that General Baker, for the purpose of exposing this business of pardon-bro
kerage, adopted this plan of eraploying this gentleraan. Captain Howell, to
take the $300, and go to this woman, who was eng.aged in this business, and
engaged her to procure this pardon, paid her the first one hundred dollars of
Baker's money, in the raanner stated, and paid her the second araount fur
nished by Baker, which was marked by him, and subsequently obtained from
her, the money having upon it the same marks it had when Hines took and
paid it to her. Now, if that constitutes a defense, and we think it does, we
are entitled to show it.
Mr. Bradly, Sr.
The Court : I rule counsel are entitled to trace this raoney, from the time
it is said to have come out of General Baker's pocket, until found in the pos
session of Mrs. Cobb. I cannot see, however, what the object can be of having
that of itself left alone unsupported and unsu.stained by other testiraony before
the jury. But if it should be followed up by testimony showing that there
was an amicable understanding on the part of Mrs. Cobb that this money was
to be returned, or any thing of that kind, that would certainly tend to justify

EXAMINATION OF A. A. SPEAR. 631
a defense. Or suppose it to be followed up, not by that, but by testimony
going to show th.at this pardon was obtained by indirection, by dividing the
money with certain public officers — for that is foreshadowed by the defense —
then it would also bo important and material. I do not know, Mr. Carring-
ton, how it may comport with your views, but if I were the prosecuting
attorney, I should have no hesitation in resorting to such means for the pur
pose of detecting frauds which were constantly being practiced onthe Govern
ment. It would be rather singular, to hold that where the mail, for instance,
was robbed, it would not do for a public officer to put a snare to catch a thief
with. Q. You may relate -what transpired at the time that this money was
marked and given by General Baker to Captain Howell — what was said as to
what was to be done with it,
A. Well, sir, I marked the money, and handed it back to General Baker.
He then handed the money to Captain Howell, for the purpose of having
Captain Howell pay it over to Mrs. Cobb for a pardon, which she was to
procure for hira by Monday night.
Q. Now, for what purpose did General Baker go there in connection with
that transaction after the payraent of the money ?
A. To get the money back.
Q. What, if any thing, was said at the tirae this money was delivered ?
A. There was nothing said in my presence about that.
Q. But you stated before, that, when you went, you went with Captain
Howell at the same time.
A. Captain Howell left the office about the same time, and proceeded to
the Avenue Hotel ; General Baker and myself got there probably two or three
minutes after he did.
Q. Yon state you went there two or three times.
A. Yes, sir ; on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings.
Q. The actual trtmsaction took place on the Wednesday ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Did yon see that money again at any time afterward?
A. No, sir.
Q. Were there any sentinels or guards abont the headquarters of General
Baker on that Wednesday evening ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Had there been any there within three or four months preceding that
time? A. No, sir ; not to my knowledge.
Q. Will you state, Mr. Spear, what menace, or force, if any, was used to
induce Mrs. Cobb to leave the Avenue House to go to General Baker's office ?
A. There was none.
Q. What menace, threat, or force, was employed towards her, as far as
you know, while at the headquarters ?
A. Not any.
Q. What did you see or hear of any thing that indicated the use of violence
or threats toward her ?

632 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. Nothing
Q. How many persons were about headquarters that evening belonging to
the office?
A. I should think there were four or five. I do not know positively how
many. Q. Do you remember the naraes of any of them?
A. Yes, sir. There was Mr. Smith, General Baker's confidential clerk;
Mr. Collins, the watchman ; and myself. I believe those are .all.
Q. About what time in the evening did Mr. and Mrs. Cobb leave head
quarters to go home?
A. I think it w.as about eleven o'clock. I know I left for home immediately
afterward, and I got horae about a quarter or twenty minutes after eleven.
Q. About how long were you in their room in the Avenue House, on the
interview you have related ?
A. Not to exceed ten minutes, I think; probably eight minutes would
cover the tirae. Cross-Exam ination.
By Mr. Bradly, Sr. :
Q. You say you reside in New York.
A. Yes, sir.
Q. In what position there?
A. Well, sir, ray faraily reside in New York. I am here, there, and every
where. I have traveled a great deal.
Q. As what ?
A. As agent of the War Department, under General Baker.
Q. Have you an appointment or coraraission ?
A. 'Ye%, sir.
Q. How does that run ?
A. It reads that I ara an eraployee of that Department, and that I am
authorized to inspect corrals. Government workshops, or any thing else that
I raay be told to do. I do not know that it runs exactly in that way, " any
thing else."
Q. By whom were you to be instructed as to what to do ?
A. By General Baker.
Q. You still hold that commission under him ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Did you receive it from him or the War Department?
A. From him.
Q. AVho signed it?
A. General Baker.
Q. How long have you been employed in the business of which you have
spoken ?
A. Over a year.
Q. How long had you been in the city before the 8th or 9th of Novembei
last, when these incidents occurred ?
A. I think I got here the day before, but I am not positive.

EXAMINATION OF A. A. SPEAR.

633

Q. Ware you acquainted with Captain Howell?
A. No, sir. I might have seen hira before, but I do not think I was ever
introduced to hira before.
Q. AVas he also in the eraploy of General Baker ?
A. I do not know.
Q. Have you seen hira receiving any directions or instructions from Gen
eral Baker, or reporting to him ?
A. General Baker did not give instructions in the presence of any of his
mon. Q. Nor receive reports ?
A. No, sir. I Avill state, however, I am inclined to think he is employed
by Baker. Q. What makes you think so?
A. His being around headquarters so much.
Q. Does he seera to do like the Roman soldiers, go when Baker tells him
to go, and come when Baker tells hira to eome?
A. I see him corae and go, I do not know whether Baker tells him or not.
Q. You never saw hira in Baker's office ?
A. Yes, sir; I have.
Q. When did you first learn this arrangement, about Mr. Howell?
A. On the evening of the 6th of November.
Q. Then you knew it before the one hundred doll.ars was paid?
A. No, sir ; I did not know when the one hundred dollars -was paid, or
that it ever was paid. I have heard of it here in court. The thing never w.as
explained to ine at all. General Baker called me up into his private office,
and said, "I Avant you to m.ark these bills," which I did. He then handed
those bills to Captain Howell, and invited me to go down to the Avenue
Hotel, and I went.
Q. You did not hear him say any thing as to what he was going to do
with these bills ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Do you remember what mark you put on these hills?
A. I do.
Q. Can you describe it?
A. I can.
Q. Do so.
A. I decline doing so, because there may be a dozen marked just like them.
Mr. Bradly insisted upon witness describing the marks.
Mr. Stanton said he supposed the witness declined to describe tho marks,
as they were Government marks. He himself had no objection.
The Court stated that it Avould be better if the notes could be produced
and shown the witness, in order that he might identify the marks as being tlie
enes he placed on the notes; but, as they could not be had, he did not see the
impropriety of the witness describing thera, and directed the witness so to do.
Witness: On top of the bill there is "U. S.," and through both the "U"
and the " S " I made two pin holes. The different numbers of the notes were
taken down by Captain Howell in my presence.

634 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. Did you examine to see what nurabers he put down?
A. I saw hira look at the bills, and then write a nuraber on the paper.
What it was, I do not know.
Q. You did not corapare the nuraber he wrote with that on the notes ?
A. No, sir.
Q. What was said by any one of you three at that time, further th.an you
have stated ?
A. Well, I understood the money was to be paid to Mrs. Cobb for the
pardon. I thiuk that was said.
Q. By whom ?
A. I think by General Baker ; but I cannot be positive about that.
Q. Did he say so to you or to Captain Howell?
A. He did not address his conversation to me at all.
Q. Did he say to Captain Howell, " You will give that money to Mrs.
Cobb"? A. I do not know how he worded it, but it amounted to that.
Q. Did he tell hira when he was to do that?
A. Not in ray hearing.
Q. What becarae of Ilowell after this?
A. Howell left, and went down to the Avenue House, I suppose.
Q. What tirae in the evening was that?
A. It must have been between flve and six o'clock.
Q. How long after that did General Baker go down there ?
A. Alraost iramediately.
Q. He did not tell you what he wanted you to go down there for ?
A. No, sir. He just asked rae to go out and walk down to the Avenue
House with him.
Q. You did not know that you were going down to see Mr. and Mrs.
Cobb? A. I did not know what part of the duty I was to perforra.
Q. Did you know you were going down to see Mr. and Mrs. Cobb ?
A. I supposed I was.
Q. Did you understand that Howell had gone down to see Mrs. Cobb ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Fnini -^vhat did you infer that Mr. and Mrs. Cobb were at the Avenue
House, and that yon were to find Howell down there ?
A. I knew Howell had gone there.
Q. How did you know that he had gone down there ?
A. I understood that from the conversation between himself and General
Baker ?
Q. I understood you at first to say that General Baker told hira that
money was to be given to Mrs. Cobb, but you did not know when or where ?
A. I knew " where," but not " Avhen."
Q. But you understood he was to go right down to the Avenue House
then? A. Yes, sir.
Q. And yoa understood Mrs. Cobb was at the Avenue House ?

EXAMINATION OF A. A. SPEAR.

635

A. I supposed she was, or he would not go down there to see her. I un
derstood that he was going to the Avenue House, and that his business was
Avith Mrs. Cobb.
Q. You did not know that you were going down there to have any thing
to do with this matter of Mrs. Cobb and Mr. Howell ?
A. I did not know it officially, I merely supposed so.
Q. Was nothing said about it by General Baker, on your way down ?
A. No, sir.
Q. After you got to the Avenue House, was any thing said there, between
you and General Baker, about seeing Mrs. Cobb ?
A. No, sir, nothing s.aid about my seeing Mrs. Cobb.
Q. Anything said about his seeing her?
A. That would depend upon circumstances — if he got the signal from
Captain Howell.
Q. I ask you if any thing was said about his seeing her ?
A. No, sir.
Q. When were you first enlightened as to the object of your visit to tha
Avenue House ?
A. My instructions were, to sit in the door and see when Captain Howell
came down, and if he raised his hat to tell General Baker.
Q. When did you receive these instructions ?
A. After we had been sitting in the housp probably three minutes.
Q. Then you did not know what had happened ?
A. No, sir.
Q. What roora did you go to ?
A. None at that tirae.
Q. When did you go down there again ?
A. The next evening.
Q. Did any thing pass between you and General Baker between that time
and the next evening in regard to the matter ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Did Gener.al Baker tell you the second evening what you were going
down there for ?
A. No, sir.
Q. On the third evening what passed ?
A. On the third evening, after he got the sign from Captain Howell, he
says, "We will go up stairs. You go on ahead," he said, "for you have the
number of the room," whioh I had, having obtained it from Captain Howell.
I went up and knocked at the door, and then had the interview of which I
have spoken. General B.aker did not say any thing to me, other than what I
have stated, from the time I went up stairs until the tirae I knocked.
Q. Then Captain Howell came down and spoke to General Baker in your
presence, before you went up ?
A. I s!iw the signal made by Howell, and told General Baker ofit.
Q. When did Captain Howell give you the number of the roora ?
A. I do not recollect.
Q. How did General Baker know that you knew the number ?

636 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. I suppose that Captain Howell must have told him that he had given
it to me.
Q. As I understood it, yon went up to the room and knocked at the door,
without knowing who was in there ?
A. No, sir, I supposed Mr. and Mrs. Cobb were in there?
Q. AVhy suppose so?
A. Because that was given to me as the number of their room.
Q. When Howell gave you that nuraber, what did he say?
yl. Nothing more than to give me the nuraber of the room. I think T
asked him the number of the roora that Mr. and Mrs. Cobb h.ad.
Q. How came you to ask hira that, when you did not know that you were
going down to see Mrs. Cobb ?
A. No, sir, that is true, I asked to know. I raight have asked hira, or he
might have told me, I do not recollect which.
Q. Didn't General Baker know the number of the roora ?
A. I do not think he did.
Q. AVhat did he tell you ?
A. He siraply told rae to go on up to Mrs. Cobb's roora, that was all.
Q. Can you tell me why General Baker could not have had as private an
interview in that room, with Mrs. Cobb, as he could up at his quarters?
A. I cannot
Q. In this conversation, between Mrs. Cobb and General Baker, did her
husb.and interpose at that time ?
A. I do not think he did. He wished to know General Baker's business
there. That was after he had been looking over the fioor for the keys.
Q. You do not know whether there was any conversation going on whUe
Cobb was looking up the keys?
A. General Baker remarked to rae, that he thought he knew that woraan.
That remark was made about that time. General Baker was w.alking up and
down the floor with his hands behind hira. It was after Mr. Cobb got through
looking for his keys that he inquired General Baker's business. The General
said that he had corae down to get two hundred dollars of his raoney, which
was marked, and which had been paid by Captain Howell for a pardon.
Q. Did he say that to Mr. or Mrs. Cobb ?
A. I do not know whether he directed himself to Mr. or Mrs. Cobb.
Q. Who answered ?
A. I think Mrs. Cobb, but I ara not positive.
Q. Do you reraember what she said ?
A. She wanted to know by what authority he demanded them. He said
the raoney was his.
Q. Previous to that time had he, or not, told her that he was General
Baker, of the War Department ?
A. He told her he was General Baker when he first came in. I do not
know whether he said of the War Department or not.
Q. Have you told us all that General Baker said just at that time — that it
was his money, and he wanted it ?
A. Yes, sir.

EXAMINATION OF A. A. SPEAR. 637
Q. Didn't you hear him distinctly say that he would have it before he loft
the roora ?
A. I did not.
Q. When General Baker said it Avas his raoney, and demanded it, what
next followed?
A. Well, sir, there Avas not any thing said for a little while. The General
then said he wanted Mrs. Cobb to go to his headquarters.
Q. What was her reply ?
A. Mr. Cobb replied, saying, "Are we to consider ourselves under arrest?"
S.ays General Baker, "No."
Q. Then what folloAved ?
A . Then he said this pardon business had been going on long enough, and
that he was going to stop it. Then followed what I have already stated.
Q. Do you remeraber his saying that he would give her all the notoriety
she wanted, or soraething to that efiect ?
A. No, sir ; I recollect a conversation that occurred between Mr. Cobb
and myself in regard to notoriety.
Q. In that room ?
A. No, sir, that was in the carriage, going down after the pardon.
Q. Did General Baker then propose to enter into any explanations with
her, or make any inquiries of her, in regard to that money, in her chamber,
Avhile her husband was present ?
A. Not that I recollect.
Q. Did he not require her to go to his headquarters ?
A. He said he wanted her to go to his headquarters, and explained to her
the reason why ?
Q. When General Baker says to you, Mr. Spear, I Avant you to do so and
so, is that an order or not ?
A. It is an order frora General Baker, because I am in his eraploy.
Q. When General Baker says he wants such and such a man, is that an
order for his arrest ?
A. No, sir, he gives me better authority than that.
Q. Authority in writing ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Always ?
A. I think almost always ; I do not think I ever arrested a man unless I
had authority.
Q. Written authority ?
A. Authority more than verbal
Q. I say any written authority ?
A. I do not recollect ever having arrested a civilian without written
authority. In fact, I have arrested but very few people, for I am not in that
line of business.
Q. When you went up stairs with Mrs. Cobb, at General Baker's head
quarters, who did you leave with him in the room with Mrs. Cobb ?
A. General Baker.
Q. When you carae down, where was General Baker ?

638 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. I think in the hall, or else I met him on the stairs going np.
Q. Did you see Captain Howell that night, after he left the Avenue
House ?
A. I did.
Q. Where?
A. Swing down to Willard's Hotel.
Q. Did you see him at Baker's headquarters ?
A. I do not recollect seeing him there. There is a little office occupied
by General Baker's men, he may have been in there; I did not go in there
that evening.
Q. The door was not open so that you could see from the main hall ?
A. No, sir.
Q. How long were you in the room down stairs with Cobb before the bell
rang? A. I should think, probably, half an hour.
Q. I underst.and you did not go into the room with Mrs. Cobb at all?
A. No, sir, I just merely went to the door.
Q. Do you recollect whether you closed the door or not ?
A. I think I did.
Q. What is your recollection as to whether you locked it or not ?
A. I am positive I did not. General Baker went up imraediately; I think
I met him at the bottom of the stairs.
Q. When that bell rang, and you went up stairs, did you see anybody in
the hall while General Baker was in that room?
A. I did not.
Q. When you carae out, did you see anybody in the hall?
A. No, sir.
Q. When you carae down stairs to see Mr. Cobb, about going down to tho
Avenue House, who did you find there then ?
A. I think the only man I found there was Mr. Collins.
Q. Where were these other two men you have spoken of — Smith, and the
other raan ?
A. There was only one other man I spoke of — Smith. I think Smith
came in from his supper just as Cobb and myself were going out.
Q. When you returned with Mr. Cobb, where was General Baker?
A. I could not say.
Q. Where did you see him ?
A. I saw him down in his office, probably an hour or an hour and a half
from that timo.
Q. After you got back ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Have yon any idea what time it was yon went down to the Avenue
House with Mr. Cobb ?
A. No, sir; but somewhere between seven and eifht o'clock, I should
take it.
Q. And you were gone how long ?
A. I cannot say.

EXAMINATION OF A. A. SPEAR. 639
Q. Can you swear whether tliero Avas not, all the tirae you had gone frora
that house, and while at that office, a raan in the hall above, near the door of
the roora where Mrs. Cobb was ?
A. I cannot swear positively there was no raan there, but I do not believe
there was ; at least, I did not see any.
Q. What tirae was it that you and Mr. Cobb went out to take a drink ?
A. That was after we carae back from the hotel.
Q. AVith the exception of the instances you have raentioned, did you
remain all the tirae in that office until Mrs. Cobb went away ?
A. No, sir, I went out on the sidewalk and down a little way.
Q. And left Mr. Cobb in there ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. AVas not Mr. Collins in there with him when you went out ?
A. I do not think he was.
Q. When you Avent out on to the pavement, and so on, did you see Col
lins anywhere ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Did Mr. Cobb go out of the room with Mr. Collins or anybody else, or
go out at all, except when he went with you ?
A. I do not know whether he did or not ; I do not know of his having
done so.
Q. When yoa went down with Mr. Cobb to get that paper, did you come
at his request ?
A. No, sir.
Q. When you went back with hira, was it at his reqaest ?
A. There was no request about it; we went down together and came
back together. I told Mr. Cobb what Mrs. Cobb said to General Baker with
regard to the pardon.
Q. I suppose he would have gone down in that carriage as well without
you as with you ?
A. Yes, sir, I suppose so.
Q. And you went along merely for company ?
A. That is all.
Q. Nothing was said to you by General Baker about going down with
him? A. Yes, sir; he told me to go down with him.
Q. Then it was by General Baker's direction, and not by Mr. Cobb's invi
tation, you went down with him to the Avenue House ?
A. Not at all ; I went down because General Baker told me to go, and
also for company's sake.
Q. Do you recollect whether any thing was said about Mr. Wilson, the
Third Auditor, during your drive with Mr. and Mrs. Cobb from the Avenue
House ?
A. I do not.
Q. If it had been said while you were aU in the carriage together, I pre
sume you would have heard it ?
A. Yes, sir, I should think I would have.

640 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. You say Mrs. Cobb parted with General Baker in a very pleasant man
ner. Did they shake hands ?
A. I did not see thera shake hands.
Q. You say Mr. Cobb Avas very angry. What did he say to indicate that
he was angry ?
A. I did not hear distinctly what he said, but I could tell by the tone of
his voice that he was very angry. I did hear him s.ay that if she was his wife
he would not go down Avith her, because she had treated General Baker so
well under the circumstances.
Q. How far off from him were you ?
A. Probably four or five yards.
Q. AVere you not all four standing in a group together ?
A. No, sir; they were walking out at the tirae.
Q. Did you hear Cobb say any thing about being arrested, and about be
ing kept there for such a length of tirae ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Is there an indictraent pending against you about this same trans
action ?
A. I heard there was an indictraent up here.
Q. You have never beeu arrested ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Have never given bail ?
A. No, sir; I carae up here the d.ay General Baker did.
Q. Did you join in the bail given by Mr. Baker ?
A. No, sir; I had nothing to do with it. I was in the court-room, and
somebody called ont Mr. Spear, and I carae forward right there to that desk ;
they then said there were two indictraents against me, that was the first I
knew of it.
The clerk was directed to read the official entry in the case, which showed
bail had been given by the witness.

CHAPTER XLIV.
PROGRESS OP THE TRIAL.
Mr. Jacob Smith Testifies — A Clerk in the Detective Bureau— His Account of the
Interview at Headquarters with the Cobbs.
Me. Jacob Smith, who was a clerk in my office at the
time of the arrest or examination of Mrs. Cobb, was called
upon to give his knowledge of the transaction, which he did
very explicitly and clearly, from his own personal recollec
tions. Jacob Smith sworn.
By Mr. Riddle :
Question. In what business were you during the month of November last ?
Answer. Clerk for General Baker.
Q. Do you remeraber the transactions of the evening of the 8th or 9th of
November, in which Mr. and Mrs. Cobb were at the office ?
A. I recollect a portion of those transactions.
Q. Do you recollect the evening?
A. I do.
Q. Will you relate to the jury your recollection of what transpired that
evening in reference to Mr. and Mrs. Cobb ?
A. They were there but one evening, to my knowledge. On the evening
in question, after coming frora supper, which I presurae was in the neighbor
hood of half-past six o'clock, I found Mr. Cobb in the room down stairs. I
remained there some time, when, finally, the bell rang up stairs. The boy
whose business it is to attend to that being at the post-office at that time, I
ran up stairs to see what was wanted. General Baker and Mrs. Cobb were in
a private room up stairs. The General requested rae to take a seat. I did so,
and he left the roora. I reraained there, I presume, some two or three hour.s,
when the General returned. I think I was in there sorae little tirae after his
return, and heard a portion of the conversation between thera. I then went
down stairs for sorae purpose or other, and did not go up, to ray knowledge,
until they went away.
Q. When you came there that evening, you found Cobb below?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Who else, if anybody, did you find there?
41

642 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. One of our men, by the narae of Collins, who was det.ailed as a watch
man th.at night.
Q. Were there any soldiers on duty there — guards, or sentinels?
A. We have none such.
Q. There wore none that evening for any purpose?
A. None at all.
Q. AVhat «-as Cobb doing there that evening?
A. When I was there he was part of the tirae sitting on the lounge; at
other times walking about.
Q. Do you know whether he went out during the evening?
A. I do not, because I Avas up stairs during a good part of the evening.
Q. State whether he was under a guard, or in any other way restrained of
his liberty.
A. He was not.
Q. And about what tirae was it you went to answer the bell in the private
room ?
A. I presume about seven o'clock.
Q. General Baker requested you to take a scat there?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. AVhat else did he say about that ?
A. Nothing.
Q. Did he state why he was leaving, or where he was going?
A. No, sir.
Q. Do you know where he did go ?
A. Well, I found out afterward.
Q. When he returned, did he go into the room where you were?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Did he state where he had been, on his return?
A. He did, in her presence and mine.
Q. Wh.at did he say ?
A. He said he had been to the Executive mansion. I cannot detail to yon
the conversation.
Q. Did he state for what purpose he had been there?
A. I cannot say as to that. The conversation turned upon the pardons,
and I presume she was aware what his business was there that evening.
Q. Did you hear any conversation between Mrs. Cobb and General Baker
in reference to what the business was that he had been to see the President
in regard to?
A. I cannot recollect as to the exact conversation. I presume the convei:-
aation was upon that point, that he had been to the President's house, and
had been in conversation with the President on that point.
Q. Was there any thing said in your presence there that showed that he
had been to the President then upon business that brought Mrs. Cobb there?
A. I think there was. I cannot relate the conversation jnst as it occurred,
but the tenor of the conversation was such. The substance of the conversa
tion was, that the General had been to the President, and laid the case before
him. The President was much surprised at the way in -which pardons wer«

JACOB SMITH'S TESTIMONY. 643
procured, also that the General concluded that the thing should be broken up.
The time had come to break th.at thing up, and he told Mrs. Cobb to that
efiect. She, from the tenor of her conversation, I should judge, was very
intimate with parties connected with the Executive mansion. She was very
independent indeed in her manner, and seemed to intimate that she could do
as she pleased.
Q. Have you related all that you remember of that conversation ?
A. I cannot think of .any thing just now other than I have stated.
Q. Where did you go to from there ?
A. I went down stairs in the office.
Q. Where did Mrs. Cobb go ?
A. When she came down stairs, I came out of the office in the hall to pay
the hackman.
Q. How long did she remain up stairs after you went down, before she
came down ?
A. I presume she was up stairs from half an hour to an houp ; then she
came down.
Q. You went out and paid the hackman as she was about to retire ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. What occurred at the time of her leaving, between herself and General
Baker, or between herself and husband ?
A. Well, she bid the General a very pleasant good-night, and when sho
got out on the sidewalk, and was about to enter the carriage, her husband
refused to enter, upon the ground that as she had been so polite, I presume,
to General Baker, although her husband, he would have nothing to do with
her, and would not enter the carriage. She, however, finally prevailed upon
him to enter the carriage, and they drove off together.
Q. Do you remeraber what she said to hira?
A. Oh, well, she told him there was no use in going on in that way, &e.
I cannot remember the exact words.
Q. What means, if any, or force, or coercion, did you see exercised toward
Mrs. Cobb, while there ?
A. None whatever.
Q. What complaint did she make to you, while you were in the room, of
ill-treatment? A. She made no complaint. She and I entered into very pleasant conver
sation upon general topics.
Q. Did she that night, at the time of leaving, or at any other time, in your
presence, complain of any ill-treatment on the part of General Baker toward
her? A. Not at all.
Q. Did Mr. Cobb complain of any ill-treatment?
A. I do not know as I heard Mr. Cobb say any thing. If he did, it was
very trifling.
Q. Did you see any person, or know if there was any person, on the same
floor, or in the hall near this private room, while Mrs. Cobb was there ?
A. No, sir. I know there was not, and I can relate a little incident which

644 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Mrs. Cobb herself will recollect. She was very dry, and wished a drink of
water, and I was very anxious to find some one to go and get a drink of
water for her, as it was some little distance off from the place. I had to look
sorae tirae before I found any one. Finally I found one of our men, and
requested him to do so.
Q. In what capacity were you acting, then ; as a guard to keep her there
in that roora ?
A. I cannot say as to the purpose exactly. It being a private room, and
there being a great raany private documents lying around, I presume I was
called to take a seat there to see that nothing was removed or touched.
Q. Did she say any thing about wanting to go down?
A. She did not mention the subject at alL I presumed at the time she
was waiting for the General to come back.
Cross- Examina tion.
By Mr. Bradly, Sr. :
Q. She could have gone out any time she pleased and you would not have
stopped her?
A. I do not suppose I would.
Q. Why didn't you go and get the water ?
A. I felt as if I had something else to do.
Q. What else?
A. To reraain in the office.
Q. And if you went out she might get these valuable papers?
A. I had no business to think otherwise.
Q. And you say she might have gone out without your preventing her?
A. If she had felt inclined to go, I do not think I should have prevented
her. I had no authority to do so, at any rate.
Q. You have no authority, then, when General Baker goes out, and leaves
you with a person sitting in his room, to keep that person there ?
A. I do not suppose I have, unless I have orders to that effect.
By Mr. Stanton :
Q. Did you have any orders ?
A. None at all.
Q. What were your instructions ?
A. To take a seat.
Q. Have you ever been required to act in the capacity of a guard ?
A. No, sir.
Q. You never told any person in that office, " You cannot go yet" ?
A. No, sir.
Q. " You cannot go until General Baker comes?"
A. I do not know. I might have done so. I do not know to whom you
have reference.
Mr. Bradly : Never mind to whom I have reference ; I understood you to
say you never told any body so.

JACOB SMITH'S TESTIMONY. 64S
Mr. Riddle : I will inquiry whether, when there was occasion to hav«
guards. General Baker was not supplied with thera?
A. There were men that he used to detail for that purpose.
By Mr. Bradly : Were not the officers and detectives employed by him,
not such guards, military guards over the prisoners when they carae there ?
A. Sometimes I have known thera to be called upon to take charge of .a
man. We have no prisoners kept at the office. Sorae one raay be directed to
take charge of a prisoner for a while, but for a while only.

CHAPTER XLV.
PROGRESS OF THE TRIAL.
Mr. Stanton examines Lieutenant Henry H. Hines — By order of tho Secretary of War,
is connected -with the Secret Service — His Story of what he saw of Mrs. Cobb.
The facts already narrated in various forms will have a
decided confirmation in the plain statement of Lieutenant
H. H. Hines, who was for some time connected with army
service. Hbnet H. Hines, sworn.
By Mr. Stanton :
Question. AVhat is your position ?
Answer. First lieutenant of cavalry in the volunteer service. United Statai
Army. Q. You still hold that commission ?
A. I believe I do.
Q. Are you at present on duty in th.at capacity ?
A. Well, sir, in order to answer that question, an explanation is necessary.
Counsel: Very well. Give it.
Witness: Last July, I was directed by the Assistant Secretary of War to
place myself at the disposal of General Baker, to act under his directions.'
I have done so ever since.
Q. Now state, if you please, what you know of this transaction with Mrs.
Cobb, relative to obtaining this pretended pardon, the payment of any money
to her, and so on.
A. On the 4th of November, in company with Mr. Jones, I called at the
Avenue Hotel to see Mrs. Cobb. She was not in. Her husband came down
in answer to the card of Mr. Jones, and I was introduced to hira. He made
known the business which I came on. I was introduced to him as a Confed
erate officer seeking to obtain a pardon. He .said that he had placed his wife
in a carriage, and she had gone to one of the Departments, and would be back
at three o'clock. We concluded not to wait, but requested him to send her to
AVillard's Hotel, where I was stopping. We went to Willard's Hotel. He
went up stairs, and carae down, and said Mrs. Cobb was in the parlor. If I
would walk up, he would introduce rae. I walked up, and he introduced me
as Captain Howell, the only name under which he knew me at all.

LIEUTENANT HINES'S STATEMENT. 547
Q. Was that on Saturday or Sunday?
A. On Saturday. After stating to rae why he had introduced rae, he said
BS he had no further business he would leave, we could ra.ake our own arrango-
ineuts. Q. Who introduced you, Mr. Jones or Mr. Cobb ?
A. Mr. Jones. He retired from the parlor, and Mrs. Cobb, I think, was
sitting in the middle parlor, but of that I am not positive. She took a seat at
the further window toward the Treasury building, and invited rae to take a
seat there near her, as there were other people in the p.arlor, and sho did not
wish the conversation heard. The first thing that she said to rae, putting her
finger very significantly to her mouth, was, " ;Mura is the word. If I under
take to obtain a pardon for you, it is necessary th.at the utraost secrecy and
caution should be observed." She then went on to state to me the facilities
Avith which she was enabled to obtain these things.
The District Attorney : If your Honor pleases, I do not think this is
proper testimony. I think it is ray duty to object, unless the able counsel who
are assisting in the prosecution see proper to let it go on without objection.
Mr. Stanton : We insist upon this testimony, because it is the very transac
tion itself. ^
The Court: This is a p.art of the res gestm. The testiraony is admissible.
Witness, resuming : In saying to rae that she possessed these facilities for
obtaining pardons, she said she h.ad obtained as many as seventy-five in one
day, which was a great stretch for my credulity to believe. I, however, did
not make any objection to her st.atement. She says: " You need not ask me
how I do it, through what influence I do it, for I will not tell you or anybody
else." I says, "It does not matter to me what influence you bring to bear so that
you do it." After a great deal of talk, perhaps lasting an hour, perhaps longer,
I .agreed to raeet her that evening; and ray recollection is that in consequence
of my not being able to see General Baker, as I desired to do, I wrote her a
note, stating that other business would prevent ray meeting her that evening,.
but the following day I would see her. I stated to General Baker the conver
sation, and stated to hira ray belief was that the Executive was being imposed
upon, by outside influences being used to obtain this pardon, and it was a
disgrace to the country and the nation that such things existed. I had then
deposited no papers, paid no money, and General Baker had taken no action.
He said to me, "I do not believe that this woman can do these things."
"Well," says I, "I do not know.'' I had only just arrived in Washington —
got here the last d.ay of October — and did not know her, or anybody else
scarcely. He said to rae, "I do not bi-lieve that this woraan can do these
things." I says, " You have her statement to rae just as she made it. The
only way you can tell whether she can do these things or not, is to test it."
He then says, "Can you get up a petition in a proper shape to test it." I
replied, " I will endeavor to do so.'' I s.atdownat the desk in General Baker's
office, and drew up a stateraent, not true. I do not deny that it is not true,
but I drew up a statement, and in that statement I affixed the certificate of a
nvigistrate. I then turned to General Baker's clerk, and said, " Will yon,
under any narae you please, sign th.at jurat?" He signed it, but I do not

648 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
recollect by a iiat name. With that paper, I called upon Mrs. Cobb at the
Avenue Hotel, gave it to her, and made a memorandura of a contract which
has been exhibited here. She signed it.
Q. State what conversation about corapensation occurred before that time?
A. She says to me at the Hotel, " Any thing can be done with money."
She said she didn't care what crirae I had committed, or what position I had
held in the Confederacy; whether I had been guilty of incendiarism, been a
rebel spy, or any thing else — with a sufficient araount of money she would
guaranty to me an unconditional pardon. Well, the idea struck me very for
cibly that if that state of things existed here, there raust be outside influences
at work to obtain these things, and I asked her what she would charge to get
my pardon. She s.aid six hundred dollars. I replied that I did not think iny
m.atter w-as worth six hundred dollars. That I was in the States, and nobody
had raeddled with rae, and did not feel like paying that, but w-ould give her
three hundred dollars, which she agreed to take — one hundred dollars when
she took the papers, and the balance when the pardon was obtained.
Q. Did she state what it was necessary to do w-ith any part of that money?
A. Yes, sir ; she said that if she got all the raoney, she could work cheaper ;
but she had to divide it; raoney had to be u'Sed outside to do these things.
Q. Did she say with whom ?
A. She did not.
Q. Did she s.ay what character of persons?
A. Yes, sir; with raen connected with the Departraents. She informed
rae in the flrst place that she would not tell rae who she did these tilings
through, or anybody else. On Sunday afternoon, I called at the Avenue
IIou.se, with this contract, and this statement which I had drawn up. She
signed the contract. I Avrote the receipt on the back of it for one hundred
dollars, which she also signed, and gave her the papers, when some conversa
tion took place. I do not recollect w-hat it w-as, but I do not think it was
any thing very important. Her husband reraarked to her, before I went away,
that it was necessary for her to call upon ilr. AVilson early in the raorning tlie
first thing.
Q. What Wilson?
A. I do not know. I did not know Mr. Wilson, what his position was, or
any thing about hira. That pardon was to have been handed to rae at six
o'clock on Monday evening. These facts I reported to General Baker as they
occurred. On Monday evening. General Baker, Mr. Spear, and rayself went
to the Avenue House. Mrs. Cobb stated to rae, that owing to the fact that I
was a rebel spy, had been convicted, and been sentenced to be hung or shot —
I forgot which — it would require a great deal raore time to get that par
don through, and she would have to have another day. I could say nothing
against that, and so retired.
Q. At that tirae did she say any thing abont any gentleraan being absent
frora town ?
A. No, sir. She said she would certainly have it by five o'clock the fol
lowing day. I told her I wished to leave the city ns soon as possible, and go
to New York. The following day, I palled to see Mrs. Cobb, in the parlor.

LIEUTENANT HINES'S STATEMENT. 649
That was on Tuesday. She said the pardon was all ready, with the exception
of attaching the seal of State to it, and, it being cabinet day, she was unable
to obtain it. I left again. On Wednesday evening I called, and she showed
me the pardon. I took it, and read it over. She naraed three gentlemen,
and I gave their names to General Baker — I did not take their naraes down,
but I have good reason to believe they were prorainent gentleraen — who she
told me had gone her security ; that the pardon should not leave her hands
until I had taken the amnesty oath, which I told her I would corae the follow
ing raorning and take, and receive the pardon. I gave her four fifty-dollar
compound-interest Treasury notes, the numbers of which I have forgotten, and
passed down stairs, she retaining the pardon. I also wrote a letter of accept
ance of the pardon, on the conditions named in it, to the Secretary of State.
Leaving the letter Avith her to deliver, I passed down stairs, and upon giving
the signal agreed upon between General Baker and myself, I left the house,
and walked imraediately to General Baker's office. I found hira there when I
arrived. Q. Will you state where the raoney that you speak of carae frora, and what
transaction took plaoe in connection with that?
A. AVell, the four fifty -dollar bills were new bills. General Baker took
them from his pocket, and gave thera to Mr. Spear, w-ith directions to raark
thera. On this being done, he handed thera to rae, and asked rae to take the
numbers of them. He gave them to me for the specific purpose of having me
hand thera to Mrs. Cobb, according to what I had agreed to do on obtaining
this pardon.
Q. Was it his intention —
Objected to.
Mr. Stanton : I want to show, raay it please your Honor, that this raoney
was not intended to be absolutely given to Mrs. Cobb, but that it was a part
of this plan, and that the money was to be returned.
Mr. Hughes : Put your question to the witness, and then we will state our
objection. Mr. Stanton (to the witness) : I want to know what instructions or under
standing there was in reference to that raoney.
Mr. Hughes : We object to that, unless Mrs. Cobb was a party to it. We
object to any private arrangement between Mr. Baker and this man.
Mr. Stanton: It is a part of the res gestm.
Mr. Hughes : It is part of the res gestcs of what the defendant did in laying
this trap for the woman. It is no part of the res gestm of the imprisonment,
and the illegal acts, for which he is being prosecuted. Counsel on the other
side have a very happy faculty of getting off their case, when trying Mrs.
Cobb, but it must be recollected Mrs. Cobb is not on trial. The Court has
extended the rule quite as far as necessary to do justice; but the Court has
not yet s.aid that the secret consultations, the dark, designing plans and cabals
of this clique of raidnight assassins, in which they plotted the destruction of
this woman, can be given in evidence.
Mr. Stanton: May it please your Honor, the object of this scheme, trap, or
whatever you choose to call it, was to trace out the infamy of the parties who

G.jO UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
are engaged in this infamous business ; and it is our purpose to show, as we
have a right to, precisely the raeans adopted for that purpose, and precisely
the intention with which these means were adopted, in so far as we can. We
have a right to show that General Baker did not intend to halt w-ith the
ownership of this raoney. He is charged with extortion. Our purpose is to
show that this money w.as not intended to be passed to Mrs. Cobb. It is true
she was not the party to that arrangeraent. That fact will of course appear ;
and if the gentleraen can raake it out that th.at gives her a good title to the
money, w-ell and good. That is a question whioh Ave will argue with them
when the proper tirae conies ; but w-e want to show the true nature of this
transaction. So far as I am concerned, I am not responsible for it in any way,
shape, or form. I am not under the necessity of saying that it was a proper
affair, a legitiraate transaction, such a one as I would have engaged in; bnt I
do say that no raan can properly declare that this was a fraudulent transac
tion, that these things were forgeries in the technical sense of the term,
because there was no intention to do Avrong. The intention was, Avhether
properly made out, or disguised, or not, to expose a publio wrong. Our
object is to bring out the wliole character of the tr.ansaction, all the negotia
tions, all the statements made by General Baker at the time he gave this
testimony to this witness for the purpose already stated.
Mr. Hughes : We understand very weU Avhat they want to show ; but the
question is, can they show it by the oonversation of the defendant himself
with his confederates.
Mr. Stanton : Undoubtedly, when in the very act himself.
Mr. Hughes : Then the defendant can manufacture all the testimony neces
sary for this case. Wliy, the gentleraan a few rainutos ago offered a written
paper here, made by the defendant, which he wanted to get in as a report to
the President, but he did not even seriously urge the admissibility. Now,
how rauch more admissible are the oral conversations of the defendant with
these tools and co-conspirators ?
AA'itness : I beg your pardon, I am not a tool.
Mr. Hughes: You keep still; -we will show w-hat you are.
Witness : I appeal tu the Court for protection.
The Court : Mr. Hughes, witnesses coming here and testifying, are entitled
to the protection of the Court.
Mr. Hughes : Your Honor, I simply called these men co-conspirators with
the defendant. He is proposing to prove here by his counsel a con^piracy,
and has proved it, and I say he cannot raake out his defense by the conversa
tions between him and his co-conspirators. Now, what does it all amount to,
if true, that in order to break up soraething which these self-tonstituted
guardians of the coramunity desired to break up, as they w-onld have us be
lieve, they were going to induce the coraraission of the very offense which
they propose to prevent. The gentleraan is too good a iawyt-r not to know,
that even if a thief is entnapped into the commission of larceny, by having
raoney put in his way, and induced to steal it, he cannot be convicted for that
offense. It is not an offense, procured in that way; but the offense rests at
the door of those who designed and executed the plot. Then the very propo-

LIEUTENANT HINES'S STATEMENT. 651
sition of the gentleman is to prove that, if the obtaining of pardons was a
statutory offense, and this woman had been induced to obtain it in that way,
he would be guiltless, while his client would be guilty. That is, the proposi
tion and the mode of proof is to be out of the mouth of General Baker hira
self and his co-conspirators; but no man who comes into a court of justice,
and states upon his oath that he drew out a paper, and had the magistrate's
certificate forged to it, and the facts stated in it Avere false, need talk to me
when I am commenting upon his testimony in direct connection with the
question before the Court. The days of bullying raen have passed aAvay. The
courts of justice are open, and these oppressors and robbers must corae under
the law, and lower their crest a little when their deeds are being properly
spoken of. (Applause among the spectators.)
The Court : Mr. Marshal, clear the court of all who are not connected
with this case.
Mr. Biddle : This case is being tried by a raob, your Honor. (This order
the Judge afterward withdrew, but ordered the marshal to take into custody
all persons who might exhibit either approbation or disapprobation concern
ing the case before the Court, and commit them to jail for contempt of
Court.) Mr. Stanton : May it please your Honor-
Mr. Hughes : I do not wish to deprive Mr. Stanton of the privilege of any
thing he desires to say, but I believe in the present instance we are the
objecting party, and unless he has something —
Mr. Stanton : I merely want to read an authority.
The Court: You need not read me any authority on the subject — I am
satisfied. If we go back to the polar star of this investigation, we will ob
serve that there is a clause in that indictraent charging the defendant w-ith
being guilty of extortion, and these two hundred dollars have been spoken of
as the subj ect-ra alter of that extortion. I have held before, and still continue
to hold, that any thing in reference to that two hundred dollars, as to its his
tory, from the time it left Colonel Baker's pocket until it came iuto the pocket
of Mrs. Cobb, is evidence.
Mr. Bradly. Sr. : Your Honor will observe that that is not the precise
point of the objection. The precise point is this : That the witness shall not
tell what instructions he received from General B.aker, but in point of fact
did pay that raoney delivered to him by General Baker to Mrs. Cobb.
The Court: If the purpose for which General Baker parted with this
money is a fact within his knowledge, whether he intended to part with the
proprietorship of the money or not, he can so st.ate it.
Mr. Stanton : I was about to read an authority to that very effect. That
the declaration of the party, made at the time, is evidence of such trans
action. Mr. Bradly, Sr. : The declaration made at the tirae of the res gestm would
be. What is the res gestm here as to this particular thing? It is the delivery
of the money to Mrs. Cobb, pursuant to a written contract with her for her
services. The Court: I have decided the point. You might just as well tell ir.e th.at

652 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
a man who had lost his raoney, and it had been found by some party, could
not go into evidence to show that he had lost it.
Mr. Bradly: I am not objecting to that. But the question is. What in
structions he received when he received this money ?
The Court : That is with a view of knowing whether or not General Baker
parted with the ownership of this raoney, or whether he received it as the
custodian for General Baker, or whether he received it for the purpose of
paying it out for any purpose.
Mr. Hughes : I will ask the Court to direct the witness to state the actual
conversation, and not inferences.
The Court : Yes, he must state only what he knows — what actually did
take place.
Witness : The instructions I received when I got that two hundred dollars
were these : That he would accompany rae to the Avenue Hotel. He in
structed me to pay the money to Mrs. Cobb, as I had agreed to do, and he
would be there to take his money back. There is one thing I omitted to
state, which, perhaps, is relevant to the issue. When I was shown the par
don, on Wednesday evening, I stood up by the center table. When in the
act of leaving, Mra. Cobb said to rae that she would not make any thing at all
out of this transaction, as she would have to pay out about all the money she
had received, and said if I had any more business, or any of my friends, she
would be glad to have me recommend them to her.
The examination in chief was here concluded.
AVitness concluded.
Court adjourns until to-morrow morning at ten o'clock.
Cross-Examination.
By Mr. Bradly, Sr. :
Q. You have stated that you were a lieutenant in some regiment ; up to
what time ?
A. I believe I am now. I think so.
Q. You are now, if I understand you, holding a coramission in the army,
and employed by and report to Mr. Baker ?
A. That is my understanding of the order; I have not seen it. I wan
tried once by a military commission as a spy.
Q. When did you report to General Baker ?
A. Last July.
Q. By written or verbal orders ?
A. Verbal orders.
Q. From whom ?
A. Tbe Assistant Secretary of War, General Eckert. He directed me to
place rayself at the disposal of General Baker, and to act under his direc
tions. Q. Are you receiving pay as lieutenant in the army ?
A. I am not receiving any pay.
Q. What pay have you received since you reported to General Baker?
A. I have not received any.

LIEUTENANT HINES'S STATEMENT. 653
Q. When did you last receive any pay from the Governraent?
A. In St. Louis.
Q. When?
A. On the 2d day of May, 1864.
Q. You have been in the array ever since, and have received no pay ?
A. No, sir, I have not been in the array ever since.
Q. Didn't you say you were there yet ?
A. I said I believed I was there yet.
Q. Under any other commission than that of lieutenant ?
A. No, sir.
Q. When and where were you tried by this military coramission, of whioh
you speak ?
A. In St. Louis, in July, 1864.
Q. Were you under arrest from May, 1864, until that time?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Do you know what the charges were that were preferred against you f
A. Yes, sir ; but they are so long I could not repeat them.
Q, One of them, being a rebel spy ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Yon do not recollect any of them ?
A. One of thera was for false imprisonraent of parties.
Q. Is that the only one you recollect?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Do you reraember the result of that trial ?
A. It was not published at the tirae I left there.
Q. Have you ever had any inforraation in regard to it ?
A. No official inforraation.
Q. Have you upon inquiry ascertained ?
A. I never have inquired.
Q. You do not know then whether they found you guilty or not ?
A. I understood they found me guilty; but mere finding of mo guilty is
not the result of it.
Q. Do you know what the senteifce was ?
A. I have heard what it was ; but I have no official inforraation.
Q. In the sarae way that you discovered they found you guilty, did you
learn what the sentence was ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. What was it?
A. Two years hard labor in the Alton military prison.
Q. You are an American by birth ?
A. I am.
Q. Where did you form the acquaintance of Mr. S. S. Jones ?
A. At Willard's Hotel.
Q. Was he at that time also in the employment of Baker ?
A. I supposed he was. I had seen him around the office, but he did not
know me.
Q. You were introduced by him, I understand yon, to Mrs. Cobb ?

654 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Did you st.ate why you wanted to be introduced to her ?
A. I think that the reason why he introduced rae to her was because of
nis overhearing a conversation betw-een Mr. Janney, of Colurabia, Sonth Caro
lina, and rayself. Mr. Janney arrived here the sarae day I did, and told mo
he had obtained a pardon. I was dressed in a suit of gray. He approached
and I entered into conversation, stating to him that I also came here for a
pardon. Q. Did Jones then know that you were employed by Baker ?
A. I do not think he did.
Q. You knew he Avas ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. I will ask you to tell me what you stated to him when you asked him
to introduce you to Mrs. Cobb ?
A. I do not recollect what I stated to him ; I suppose, hoAvever, I stated
to him that I wanted a pardon.
Q. He did not know you then in any way, except that you were a rebel,
here seeking for a pardon ?
A. I do not think he did. He had no means of knowing.
Q. IIow long had you then been in Baker's employment ?
A. I told you I reported to Baker in July.
Q. Had you been at his office during that tirae, or elsewhere ?
A. .At his office occasionally.
Q. Did you see Jones ?
A. I saw him there in July. I left here in July on business, and was ab
sent, I think, about two raonths. On ray return I remained here but two
days, when I was sent away again, and was gone a inonth.
Q. You do not know, then, that Jones had ever seen you about that
office? A. I do not think he had any knowledge as to who I was, or that I w-as
in any way connected with the office.
Q. Were you at that time dressed in gray ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. From July down did you dress in gray?
A. No, sir ; sometiraes in white and soraetiraes in black.
Q. AA'hen did you first see Jones at Baker's office ?
A. I could not say.
Q. IIow long after you first began to go there ?
A. I might have seen him the first day I went there ; I do not recollect,
however, about that.
Q. So that although he had seen you at Baker's office raore than once,
from July down to Noveraber, you think that on the raiddle of Noveraber he
did not know that you were in Baker's eraploy?
A. I do not think he knew I was in Baker's eraploy until after the trans
action. I do not think any of Baker's raen knew I was in his eraploy, or had
any thing to do with the office.

LIED TENANT HINES'S STATEMENT. 655
Q. Then it was a genuine moveraent on his part to introduce you to Mrs.
Cobb, and had nothing to do w-ith the plan you had in view ?
A. I do not know that.
Q. Didn't you state you thought he overheard you talking to Mr. J.anney,
and in consequence of that introduced you ?
^i. That raay have been his reason ; I do not know.
Q. Where did you form Jones's acquaintance ?
A. At Willard's Hotel.
Q. IIow long before this ?
A. Well, sir, I could not tell you how long before. I boarded at Willard's
Hotel when I was here.
Q. In July ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Was Jones boarding there then?
A. I think not.
Q. When did you first fiud him there ?
A. I think I met him there when I came here the last of October.
Q. In what part of Willard's Hotel was your first conversation ?
A. In the parlor.
Q. She did not go up to Mr. Jones's private room w-ith you ?
A. No, sir.
Q. You are sure of that ?
A. I think I am.
Q. Can you fix the precise date when this conversation occurred ?
A. It was on S.aturday, I think, the 4th day of Noveraber.
Q. When did you flrst give her that petition ?
A. On Sunday, the 5th of November.
Q. You had the next interview with her on Monday afternoon ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Tuesday you did not see her ?
A. Yes, I did.
Q. Wednesday?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Wednesday was the day of the arrest ?
A. I did not know that she was arrested. I was not present then.
Q. The day you and General Baker went there to pay her that friendly
visit in the evening?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Have yoa ever seen that pardon ?
A. Yes, sir.
<^. Do you remeraber the date of it ?
A. I do not. Mrs. Cobb showed it to me on Wednesday evening.
Q. Nor ever saw it afterward ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Was it not dated the same day, Wednesday, 8th.
A. It might have been.

656 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. Didn't it strike you at the time that it was the same day yon went
down to pay the money ?
A. I do not know that it struck me at all ; I was thinking of something
else. Q. Be good enough to look at this paper (handing witness a written doon-
ment), and tell me if that is the original paper prepared by you, with the
attestation or certificate of the justice of the peace ?
A. Yes, sir; that is it.
The paper was read by Mr. Bradly as follows: —
To his Excellency Andrew Johnson, President of the United States:
Your petitioner would respectfully represent that he comes to the City of
Washington for the purpose of obtaining the pardon of your Excellency for
past offenses ; and in making this application your petitioner would respect
fully set forth the facts in his case. Your petitioner held a captain's corarais
sion in the Confederate array, and was assigned to duty in the Trans-Missis
sippi Department, under General Libbey, and accompanied his command into
New Mexico; returned with hira after his defeat by General Canby at Apache
Canon, Pidgeon Ranche, and Per,alto ; was then detailed in the Secret Service
Bureau, and carae north into the State of Missouri ; reraained there in accord
ance Avith instructions until the date of ray arrest, in March, 1864, by order of
Major-General Rosecrans, and incarcerated in the railitary prison in the City
of St. Louis. In the month of July, was called out and exarained at different
times, and reraanded to prison; and about the raiddle of September, 1864,
raade ray escape frora prison, and succeeded in getting into Canada, where I
have rera.ained ever since, and lived in strict accordance with the Enghsh
neutrality laws, taking no part in any plot or conspiracy against the Federal
Government. Having in all things acted under the orders of ray superior offi
cers, .and coraraitted no act not recognized by the laws and usages of war,
would respectfully beg that you extend to rae your executive clemency, and
restore rae to the rights of citizenship, of which I ara now deprived. My resi
dence is in the State of Missouri ; age thirty-five. Respectfully asking your
early attention to the within petition,
I remain your obedient servant, Clarence J. Howell.
Suspension Bridge, Cottntt of Niaoaha anb I
State of New York, October 24, 1SG5. [
Personally appeared before me, J. W. Moss, a justice of the peace in and
for said county, Clarence J. Howell, and solemnly affirms th.at the within
stateraent is true, to the best of his knowledge and belief; and I hereby cer
tify that he did, in my presence, affix his signature. J. W. Moss, J. P.
Q. You put this paper into her hands for the purpose of having her obtain
a pardon for Clarence J. Howell, without any information on your part that it
was a false or fabricated paper?

LIEUTENANT HINES'S STATEMENT. 6.57
A. Well, sir, I placed it in her hands for the purpose which has been
stated and reiterated by the counsel.
Q. Can you not answer the question ?
A. Allow me to answer it in my own way. I put it in her hands for the
purpose of testing the question whether she possessed the influence in obtain
ing pardons which she stated to rae she did. I raade no such intimation to
her as you have spoken of.
Q. Did you not put it into her hands for the purpose of having it laid
before the President of the United States ?
A. I put it into her hands for a purpose. The purpo.se was to show that
the obtaining of pardons by these parties was a fraud upon the people. It
was for the purpose of detecting that fraud that that paper was drawn and
presented to her ; to see if, without any knowledge on the part of any
bureau of the United States, such a man as Clarence J. Howell could receive
a pardon. Mr. Bradly insisting upon a more direct answer, the witness said —
A. Well, sir, I had no purpose in the matter at all, except to accomphsh
the object for which I started out.
Q. Did you expect to accomplish that object unless that pardon was pro
cured ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Did you not know that the pardon could not be procured without the
petition being laid before the President ?
A. I didn't know any thing about that.
Q. Did you understand the pardon could be procured without the Presi
dent having the petition?
A. I did not understand any thing about it. I did not know whether I
could or not.
Q. You did not understand that the President would have to grant the
pardon ?
A. I understood that the President would have to grant the pardon.
Q. And you did not understand that petitions for pardon had not to go
before the President?
A. I had no thought about that at all.
Q. You expected, then, by means of this paper, ifl understand you, a par
don would be procured and signed by the President?
A. I do not know that I did expect it in that w.ay either.
Q. You did not expect that through these instrumentalities a pardon
wonld be signed by the President ?
A. I think Mrs. Cobb said to nie that I would have to m.ake a stateraent
on which to found her application for a pardon. I think she stated that to
me on Saturday.
Q. Suppose she did after you raade that stateraent?
A. I had not made any stateraent then.
Q. After you made the statement in writing, and put it in her hands, did
you, or not, put it into her hands in the expectation and belief that a pardon
from the President would be obtained upon that petition ?
42

658 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
A. I did not believe any pardon would be obtained.
Q. Then why did you go there, day after day, to see if she had got it ?
A. I expl.ained that sorae time ago — because she told me she could get it.
Q. And you did not believe she conld t
A. No, sir, I did not.
Q. AVhy did you take the money that evening and put it into her hands,
if you did not think she could get the pardon ?
A. Because she assured me she wonld get it. The thing would have
failed if she had not procured it.
Q. Then you expected it would not fail, and you would expose her?
A. No, sir, I expected it would fail. I did not believe that it was possible
for her to do these things.
Q. And yet, not believing she could succeed, yon resorted to all these in
strumentalities ?
A. Yes, sir, I did. I acted under instructions.
Q. Didn't you suggest it yourself?
A. I suggested that if such things existed they should be exposed.
Q. Didn't you suggest to Colonel Baker that you could prepare a formal
petition? A. No, sir ; he asked me if I could do it. I said to him one would have to
be prepared for a foundation. He then asked me if I could prepare it. I told
hira yes, and did so.
Q. Didn't you understand all this was to be done for the purpose of dis-
clofing Mrs. Cobb's raanageraent of such cases?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. You had no faith in it?
A. Yes, sir, I paid her one hundred dollars, and got bit out ofit.
Q. And yet you did not at that time believe that any thing would come
of it ?
A. I did not believe there would.
Q. You have said you -had no raeans of knowing that this petition had
to be laid before the President of the United St.ates. I will ask you why you
.addressed it to the President ?
A. Because he was the highest authority.
Q. Was not he the only one who had the pardoning power, and didn't
you know it?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. How did you expect to discover Mrs. Cobb's agency in this matter un
less she succeeded ?
A. No response.
Q. Do I understand you rightly to say, that when you put th.at paper into
the hands of Mrs. Cobb you did not expect it to go to the President?
A. I did not say any such thing.
Q. Did you expect it to go there ?
A. I had no expectations about it either one way or the other.
Q. Do you recollect of mentioning, in tho course of any conversation witb
her, the name of General John P. Slough ?

LIEUTENANT HINES'S STATEMENT. ^59
A. Yes, sir. I mentioned his name on Saturday. Mrs. Cobb repeated
some of the conversation here in her testiraony.
Q. I Avant yon to state it.
A. I do not recollect it. I think I told her that on one occasion I saved
his life. Q. Was that so ?
A. No, sir. General Slough was the colonel of ray regiment at the time?
Q. Do you recollect saying any thing about his making efforts to obtain
your pardon.
A. Yes, sir ; I did state to her that the papers were in his hands.
Q. And that you had paid him fifty dollars.
A. Yes, sir.
Q. When you paid her the one hundred dollars, yon did not say any tiling
about General Slough ?
A. I think not.
Q. Do you recollect of your saying that General Slough had gone with
you to the banking house of Jay Cooke & Co., and become security for your
borrowing sorae raoney there ?
A. No, sir.
Q. And you are positive of that ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. When yon went up into the roora on the evening that you three gen
tlemen visited Mrs. Cobb, what passed between you and Mrs. Cobb in the
room before you saw these other two gentlemen down stairs?
A. Well, Mrs. Cobb bantered rae about the pardon, and said she had not
obtained it, &c. I did not know. There was quite a little conversation
before she went to the bureau and got a p.ai-don. On her giving it to rae, I
read it over, and she told me the naraes of the gentlemen who had gone her
security, thiat the pardon should not be delivered to rae until I had taken the
amnesty oath. I have forgotten the names of those gentleraen. I gave thera
to General Baker the sarae night. She asked rae to write a letter of accept
ance, in accordance A\'ith the terras of the pardon, to the Secretary of State,
and address it to hira. I did so, and gave her fonr fifty-dollar corapound-
interest notes, and took her receipt for thera,
Q. Why didn't she give you the pardon?
A. The reason I have stated.
Q. Then what did you do ?
A. I got up and went out.
Q. Where did you go ?
A. Down stairs.
Q. Who did you see there that you knew?
A. I saw in the sitting-room or barber-shop of the Avenue Hotel, to tlio
right as I went out of tho door. General Baker and Mr. Spear.
Q. Did you stop there Avith thera ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Did you say any thing to them ?
A. No, sir.

660 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. You walked right out ?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. And they walked up stairs ?
A. I suppose they did.
Q. How long did you stay at General Baker's office after you went there
from the Avenue House?
A. Until after ten o'clock.
Q. At what period of that time did you have that conversation with
hira. A. Very soon after I got to the office. He was there when I got there.
Q. AVho else was there while you Avere there ?
A. Mr. Roberts and Mr. Jones. That is, in the small office attached to
the main offlce of the building. My recollection is that Mrs. Cobb was in his
private office up st.airs, sitting by the window.
Q. Where was Mr. Cobb ?
A. I did not see hira. I was told he was in the General's lower office.
Q. How near to the office were you ?
A. There was a brick wall between.
Q. How near the door communicating?
A. About ten feet, I should judge.
Q. You did not go into the room to see Mr. Cobb ?
A. No, sir.
Q. You think you stayed there until after ten o'clock?
A. I think so.
Q. Did you see Mr. Smith ?
A. No, sir. He was up stairs at the tirae, I think.
Q. Did you stay there until Mrs. Cobb carae away ?
A. No, sir.
Q. When did you see General Baker after you went hack to headquar
ters? A. He came down stairs, and I met him right in the vestibule between the
lower office and the office I was in at the foot of the stairs.
Q. Was anybody with him ?
A. No, sir.
Q. What becarae of those four notes which were taken from her ?
A. I cannot tell you what becarae of thera.
Q. Did you ever see thera ?
A. Think I have.
Q. When and where ?
A. I think I saw thera the day following.
Q. In whose possession ?
A. General B.aker's. '
Q. Have you the number of those notes?
A. I have.
Q. Can you give thera to ns now ?
A. I can.
Mr. Bradly : Let's have them.

LIEUTENANT HINES'S STATEMENT. 661
Witness: They are as follows: October 16, 1865, 289,234, letter B; Octo
ber 16, 1866, 289,235, letter B ; October 16, 1865, 289,227, letter B- August
1, 1865, 265,039, letter D.
Q. I understand you to say that you have not been in the public service,
receiving any pay, since the spring of 1864. I wish to know if you have sup
ported yourself during that time, or whether you have received pay from the
Governraent for any service?
A. I have not received any pay from the Government since the 2d day of
May, 1864.
Q. Since you have been in Washington, since July last, and reported to
General Baker, have you not received any compensation ?
A. My expenses have been p.aid by the Government, I suppose. When
ever I am sent away, on my return I render my bill of expenses, and that bill
is paid. Q. Who furnishes you with the money when you go away?
A. The cashier of General Baker.
Q. Who pays your board bill and expenses while here?
A. The cashier of General Baker.
Q. You have had nothing for clothing during all that tirae ?
A. No, sir ; I had money from other sources.
Q. Nothing from General Baker's office? Do you not receive extra com
pensation for making arrests ?
A. I have never raade an arrest since February, 1864.
Q. Have you made any arrests since you have been in Baker's employ
ment A. No, sir.
Q. Where did you go immediately after this transaction of Mrs. Cobb's
arrest? A. I decline to answer that question.
Q. Did you leave the city ?
A. When I got ready.
Witness stated that the reason he declined to answer the question put to
him, a rainute ago, was because of his being in the secret service of the Gov
ernment, and being sent away on official business.
Q. I want to know whether you were sent out of the city of Washington
shortly after this transaction, and sent by Baker.
A. I was sent away on business. I left here on the evening of Novem
ber 9th.
Mr. Bradly : The pardon, I think, is dated the 8th.
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Before you left, were you or not aware that Mr. and Mrs. Cobb were
taking steps to seek redress ?
A. No, sir ; I never knew any thing of it, until I saw it published in the
papers where I was.
Q. And that you are perfectly clear about ? I
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Do you recollect meeting any acquaintance at the depot as you were

662 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
going away, and having any conversation with him on the subject of this
transaction with Mrs. Cobb?
A. Well, I do not know ; I might have met some one there that I knew.
Q. Do you recollect of meeting General Slough there ?
A. Yes, sir; I did.
Q. Do you reraember what you said to him, or he said to you, about this
matter ?
A. He said soraething about Mr. and Mrs. Cobb coraing to his office, when
Major Wyncoop was there, and asking him if he knew Captain Howell ; and
after describing rae, and the way in which I was dressed, he said it must be
me, naraing me.
Q. Is that all?
A. He says, "What are yon up to?" I says, "Not much of any thing; I
reckon you will find out." Says he, "I ara waiting for the baggage for my
wife, that should have come this morning," and says, " Where are you going."
I told him I was going West on business, and I think I said something in
regard to this transaction.
Q. Do you remeraber what you said in regard to it, and what he said to
you? A. I do not.
Q. Do you remember of his making in reply to what you said, any sugges
tion, by the w.ay of advice, that you had better get out of town?
A. No, sir; I do not remeraber any thing of the kind.
Q. Not in precise words or substance ?
A. No, sir.
Q. Was there any thing said at the tirae about Mr. and Mrs. Cobb making
any disturbance about the matter?
A. I do not know that there was. Even if there had been any advice
given to rae to go out of town, it would not have made me go, because I was
acting under orders.
Q. Then, if I understand you right, before you left town that evening you
h.ad heard soraething abont this business ?
A. Not that there was to be any thing of this kind going on, or that Gen
eral Baker was to be arrested, or any thing of that kind.
Q. Or any thing against you in the matter ?
A. No, sir.
Q. I understand you to say, that you prepared that petition, and asked
Mr. Smith if he could not prepare the affidavit for you ?
A. No, sir; you will find it all in my own handwriting. Mr. Smith put
on the name of sorae magistrate ; not the name of any magistrate that I
knew of.
Q. How came you to write the name of the magistrate in the body of the
certificate ?
A. I wrote the first name that came into my mind.
Q. You did not ask him to think of some name to sign, but you had writ
ten it yourself?
A. Yes, sir.

LIEUTENANT HINES'S STATEMENT. 663
By Mr. Stanton :
Q. What position was it you occupied at St. Louis, before you left there ?
A. That of Assistant Provost-Marshal General of the Department of Mis
souri. Q. Do you remeraber whether the name of J. W. Moss was suggested by
yourself or by Mr. Sraith?
A. I do not recollect.
Q. You say that you are an American citizen. Where were you born ?
A. New Haven, Connecticut.
Q. AVhere have you resided mostly ?
..1. Ill .almost all of the Southern States, and some of the Territories.
Q. Any tirae in Ohio ?
A. Yes, sir; I was a boy in the sarae town in which Judge Carter prac
ticed law. He has known me from boyhood up. Mr. Riddle knew my father
very well in his lifetime.
Q. Have you applied to the War Department for any hearing upon this
affair ?
A. By permission of the Court, I would like to say something in regard
to what has been alluded to by Mr. Bradly, in regard to my case.
Q. In regard to the conviction ?
A. Yes, sir.
The Court : You can state any facts.
Witness: What has been said may leave an erroneous irapression on the
mind of the jury in regard to ray case. The fact that I was arrested and
tried by an arbitrary order of General Rosecrans did not raake guilty of the
offenses with which I was charged. I have in my possession an affidavit
showing a conspiracy, and the amount of money that was paid by tlie con
spirators to place me in the position in which I was placed by the arbitrary
order of General Rosecrans. I Avas dismissed the service, incarcerated in
prison, and kept there six raonths, until I raade ray escape, because General
Rosecrans swore I should lay there and rot. On making my escape, as soon
as I had tirae, I made my report to the Secret.ary of War — stating where I
Avas, and the circumstances. Upon the examination of ray papers, the Judge,
Advocate decided that the proceedings against uie were illegal and void, and
consequently of no effect; but the groat number of the affidavits which had
been placed in the hands of the Government, in regard to the raatter with
which I was charged, although raost of thera were perjured stateraents, which
I am able to show beyond the possibility of a doubt, induced the Government
to order a trial before the court of whioh Colonel Burnham is the Judge- Ad
vocate. I have always courted a complete and thorough investigation into
every charge that has ever been brought against me as a public officer. I en-
terecl the service of the United States at the breaking out of the war. Gen
eral Slough, and every officer with whora I have served, will certify that the
only thing the Governraent ever had against rae was because I reported the
frauds and corruption of superior officers, and the stealing and robbing of the
GoA'ernment. That is the fact in regard to my case, and I would as soon ex-

664 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
pose the man who stood at the highest pinnacle, if he was defrauding the
Government, as an ordinary soldier in the army. I never aspired to position ;
I would as soon have entered the service as a private as any other way. I
was tendered a coraraission by the Governor of tbe Territory in which I lived,
and solicited to take it. I did so, and to the best of my ability I have ever
since discharged my duty as an officer of the army, as I had always previously
done as an American citizen.
By Mr. Bradly :
Q. You say you lived in Ohio ?
A. Yes, sir, in 1845 or 1846, I think.
Q. Have you known Mr. Riddle or Judge Carter since that time?
A. I have met Judge Carter several tiraes; I have met him but once since
I have been here, that was yesterday morning. I was not acquainted with
Mr. Riddle ; it was my father who was.
Q. The only charge you cad recollect of is that for malicious arrest and
false imprisonraent ?
A. That constitnted a part of the malfeasance in offlce; I believe that is
the charge.
Q. At what time was it you reported to the Secretary of War, after yon
got out of prison ?
A. Two years ago, in the month of November, 1864.
Q. When did you get orders to report to General Baker ?
A. In July.
Q. Oral or written ?
A. Oral.
Q. You came here, then, in July, and went to the War Department, where
you were directed to report to the chief of the detective force ?
A. No, sir, they directed me to place myself at the disposal of General
Baker. Q. Did you not know that he was the chief of the detective force ?
A. I had seen his name in print as the special agent of the War Depart
ment. Q. Didn't you know that he was the chief of the detective force of the
War Department ?
A. I mu.st say that I do not consider that he is the chief of the detective
force. He is the special agent of the War Departraent, and so signs himself,
and did iu his letters to me eighteen months ago.
Q. Who is cliief of the detective force ?
A. I do not know that there is any detective force.
Q. Who gives directions to the detectives ?
A. I do not know any detectives.
By Mr. Riddle :
Q. Y'ou state that you met Judge Carter yesterday ; let mo inquire whether
Judge Carter did not give you permission to refer to him ?

EVIDENCE OF DR. BLISS. 665
Objected to by Mr. Bradly : on the ground that the testimony of the Chief-
Justice himself was the best evidence.
Objection sustained.
Dr. D. W. Bliss sworn.
By Mr. St.anton :
Q. Please state your rank and position ?
A. I ara a physician and surgeon in the array.
Q. Were you at any time in command of a hospital in tiiis city?
A. I was — Armory Square Hospital.
Q. Did you know Mrs. Cobb ?
A. Not as Mrs. Cobb.
Q. By any other name ?
A. I recognize a lady here whom I knew as Mrs. Livingston.
Q. Will you state the reason she took the narae of Mrs. Livingston?
A. I do not know any thing about any reason — I supposed it was her
name. Q. Was it Miss or Mrs. Livingston ?
A. Mrs., I think.
Q. AVas there any rule that excluded single ladies from acting as nurses in
the hospital ?
A. Not that I am aware of.
Q. Was Mrs. Livingston discharged from the hospital ?
A. I believe she was.
Q. For what reason ?
A. I do not know that I can recollect what reason. I have had a large
number of feraale nurses in the hospital at different times, and these things I
would not charge ray mind with.
Q. Do you rvemember what she said about her husband at any time —
where he was ?
Objected to as not at all responsive. Objection sustained.
Q. Did you ever give Mrs. Cobb a letter of recoraraendation?
Objected to by Mr. Bradly.
Q. -Are you acquainted with the character of this woman for truth and
veracity ?
A. No, sir. I do not know that I ever heard her truth called in question.
Q. Do you consider Mrs. Cobb a fit associate for the members of your
family. Objected to by Mr. Bradly. Objection sustained.
Cross-Examination.
By Mr. Bradly :
Q. Do you recollect of her bringing you a letter of introduction from Dr.
Haywood ?
A. I recollect of her bringing rae a letter of introduction from Dr. Wood
ward, Assistant Surgeon in Philadelphia. It was on his recommendation that
she was appointed.

666 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Q. Do you remeraber of her being sick before she received her discharge ?
A. I do not recollect about it.
Q. Sick with neuralgia, and attended by yourself?
A. I do not recollect it.
Q. Do you remeraber shortly before of her face being very rauch swollen
with neuralgia, and being in the hospital sick?
A. I do not.
Q. Will your books show whether she was sick or not at that tirae?
A. I think not. I do not think our records of that date were kept so
close. Q. What is your recollection as to admitting into the hospital unmarried
ladies under a certain age. Was there not objection to adraitting them under
thirty-five years of .age ?
A. There were objections by sorae of the physicians in the early part of
the establishment. I h.ave heard different opinions expressed. I heard Mrs.
Dix wanted thera to be fifty years old.
Q. Mrs. Dix did make objections?
A. I believe so, but I did not see it ; I can state what orders I had.
Q. Had you any orders to keep women out?
Objected to. Cross- Examina tion.
By Mr. Stanton :
Q. Did you ever talk to Mr. Jones about the reputation of this woman?
A. I never did. Mr. Jones asked me one day what she was on, and I told
him I did not know. I think that is the only conversation Mr. Jones and
myself ever had.
Q. I want to know whether you ever introduced persons to this Mrs. Cobb
for the purpose of getting her to procure pardons from the President?
A. I think I introduced one gentleman to Mrs. Cobb.
Q. For that purpose?
A. I cannot say whether for that purpose or not.
Q. Did you know she was engaged in that business ?
Mr. Bradly: I desire to show, ra.ay it ple.ase your Honor, by the witness
that he had received orders not to let Mr. Jones come there to interfere with
any person going into the Executive mansion, Mr. Jones being in the employ
of General Baker, and claiming to be there under his (Baker's) authority.
Objected to. Objection sustained.
Thereupon the Court adjourned until Monday raorning, at ten o'clock.

CHAPTER XLVI.
CLOSING SCENES IN COURT.
Eloquent Plea of Mr. Riddle — His able Resume of the whole affair— Scenes in the
Court House — Verdict of the Jury, and Decisions of the Court— Spicy Bitterness
of certain Papers — List of Pardons — Abuse of Executive Clemency and Power.
I TURN with unfeigned pleasure to the closing plea of
Mr. Kiddle, whose able argument held the attention of all
present, and whose history of the guilty parties, including
some in highest positions, Avill be coniirmed by the revelations
of time, and the future records of the great crisis through
-which the nation is passing.
Mr. Riddle: May it please your Honor and you gentleraen of the Jury,
tw-o or three evenings since, as I w-as passing up i'oiirteenth Street to my
residence, an elderly gentleman, well known in the city, connected socially
and otherwise with sorae of the highest circles in the city, h.aving occasion to
speak of the trial in progress, and of the troublesome times through which we
had passed, sorae of the unfortunate incidents, sorae of the great outrages th.at
people have suffered, spoke of a raatter which fell under his personal observa
tion, and with which he w-as connected. He is ray sole authority for the
incident. During one of these periods in the year 1863, when there w-as
about as little regard paid to the rights of individuals, whether rightfully or
wrongfully, as at any tirae, his attention was called to an aged and infirra raan,
who was in prison, a resident on the Virginia side of the Potomac, a bereaved
man, the father of an only daughter — which daughter, it seeras, had been
induced by an officer, through his professions of love, to submit her person to
the gratification of his vile lusts, without the ceremony of marriage. In those
days, it took very little to incarcerate and imprison; and, I have no doubt,
many a raan was iraprisoned solely to gr.atify private spleen or person.al
diglike ; and when this old m.an interfered for the protection, and, if possible,
the restitution of his daughter, in order that the seducer raight the more
readily secure access to the victim of his lusts, complaint was lodged against
this blameless old raan, and he was lodged in one of the prisons of this city.
With no friends to inquire, no one to care for hira, there he lay, suffering all
the tortures of a living death. The facts were brought to the notice of ray
informant, Avho immediately became interested in the case. This feeble.

668 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
broken-hearted old raan had already lain there nearly two months, nearly
eaten up with vermin, the victim of outr.age, oppression, and wrong. My
informant went at once to a gentleman then occupying a somewh.at responsi
ble position in public aft'airs, and raade known to him the circumstances of the
case. The gentleraan to whom he applied promised hira that he would go
the next raorning, and give personal attention to the case, his position being
such that he had access to whoever was in prison. He went, and, hearing
the old man's statement, finding there was no person to complain against him,
having the power, he opened the prison door. He took him ont, caused hira
to be thoroughly cleansed, burnt every rag of his worn and soiled clothing,
and from his own means furnished hira with such a dress as a re.spectable
gentleraan might appear in, lodged him at a respectable hotel, supplied him
with a horse, saddle, and bridle, together with a safe condnct back to his place
of residence, and all this w-ithont taxing either the public or the individual
characters of any person.
That man, capable at least of these Christian charities in such uncharitable
times, was Lafayette C. Baker, then Provost-Marshal of the War Department,
and now on trial for an alleged outrage upon the personal rights of the com
plainant in this case. He raay be, jierhaps is, exactly what is said of him ;
but it is barely raore than possible that there is, w-ithin the limits, at least at
the present tirae of these United States, a man upon whora more unmitigated,
steady, strong, vituperative invective, s.arcasni, and epithet, have been cas*
w-ith or without cause. I ara not speaking of that charged upon hira. Yo.
have been regaled from the publio prints, gentlemen — poetry has been quoted
to you as marking exactly what I have s.aid. I beg leave to read from the
"Intelligencer" of last S.aturday, as erabodying, by expi-essing in a condensed
and convenient forra, the public feeling which h.as been invoked, in your pres
ence, to take this case frora your hands, and try it by outside infiuence. I
know- it has been the custom in this District, when public opinion has run
any one way, and the justice, the law of the case has run another, to open the
doors and invite the raob to try the case ; and nothing but the steady, strong,
inflexible bearing of the person of the Court would have grappled, crushed,
and annihilated that spirit that found open voice during this present trial.
The extract to which I refer is as follows: —
"The self-respect of the people of the United States basin nothing, araong
.all the exactions and oppressions of the times, been so rauch insulted as by
the existence, with secret and unknown powers, of a vast r.amification ol
detectives throughout the country in time of peace. But in the District of
Columbia, where the central bureau was located, under the unconscionable
presidency of the once fearful and now despicable Baker, the remerabrance on
the part of our citizens of the nuraberless oppressions and indignities infiicted
upon them by this person is peculiarly poignant. The patron and employer
of this man, having no longer pow-er to protect hira frora the responsibility
which other raalefactors incur to the law of the land, he is now on trial in the
Crirainal Court of the District of Columbia."
Oh, yes, gentlemen ; his patrons and employers, being without power, you
are kindly informed that if you will have the goodness, Avith or without law,

MR. RIDDLE'S ARGUMENT. 669
in the absence of proof to convict General Baker — as this is a sort of experi
ment, to test the question upon the capacity to secure conviction — that thev
will then place before you a man who is a little higher, and a little raore
responsible. " This trial is a trial of the public sense of liberty, and personal
sanctity." It is, is it? AVhat of personal sanctity, when the leading journals
in the land, published in your midst, and thru.st into yonr hands while you ai-e
trying a person, thus undertake to assail liiin. Oh, we, too, venerate and love
the law. It was precisely that whioh protected this unfortunate (for unfortu
nate she is) woman, who has appeared before you. It asks no questions as
to her position, none as to her habits, none as to her associates ; but it conies
as the sunlight comes, it coraes as night comes with brooding rest to protect
her, wherever she raay have been, engaged in whatever she raay have been;
and it is a part and parcel of the same law that adjusts and ascertains the
character of the transactions for which this raan is upon trial, and metes to
him rewards of his deeds, whether it shall be to go to prison, or be allowed
to go free. It is a matter of great congratulation that the fearful paroxysms
which shook the very soil upon which we trod have passed .away, and we may
now return to the old healthful, well-ascertained law of the land.
"It is gratifying to find that the able District Attorney is aided by a gen
tleman of the ability and the dignity of character of Judge Hughes, who, in
the progress of this prosecution, has exhibited a becoming zeal for the vindi
cation of the law, and the American disgust of professional treachery."
He says to you that he is not troubled with any of those nice, conscientious
acquirements and scruples in reference to the use of all necessary means. I
presume, gentleraen of the jury, that you might go through the broad extent
of this laud, from here northward, westward, and eastward, and you can
scarcely find a m.an who Avould stand up here now, and say that lie was not
always in favor of all the necessary raeans for carrying on the war and bring
ing it to a successful issue. The misfortune of these gentleraen is that no
inea.9ure proposed was by them deeraed necessary ; and it was tbe misfortune
during the last two Congresses that these gentlemen, with their conspirators,
found no measure that was constitutional, but opposed every thing aud any
thing. Oh ! it was the fashion of these gentleraen then to denounce him
whose name can scarcely be mentioned now ; who passed aw.ay in your midst
— denounced him —
Mr. Bradly : If your Honor please. Judge Hughes has been called out of
town, and requested me yesterday afternoon, if any allusions were made, such
as the gentleraan is now raaking, with reference to his political affiliations
npon the questions of the day, at that time, to state for hira, that he w-as, and
always has been, from the inception of the political troubles up to this d.ay, a
friend of the sarae raen who sustained the now President of the United States.
The Court : Judge Hughes stated the same thing yesterday himself.
Mr. Riddle: I do not know that his absence shall protect him or the case
from the fitting remarks upon what he found occasion to say to thera, and I
will be abundantly responsible to Judge Hughes, dignified as he may be.
Mr. Bradly : It is not a question of personal responsibility, but one of per
sonal courtesy.

670 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
Mr. Riddle : I h.ave not a word to say, personally, of the excellent gentle
raan ; but it is a little reraarkable, frora his high political association and high
character for personal bearing and intelligence, that it is left for him to
declare now, after the war is over, what his views were. A man that has to
raake affidavits, or make stateraents, six months after a danger, as to the
position that he occupied in reference to it, seems to call for an explanation.
Ah, yes, you can landate the President now ! How I remember those
fearful tiraes. in 1861, when those gentlemen that represented those Southern
States dashed off the cahracter of representatives, threw away the senatorial
toga, and rushed headlong to organize that array, for the consummation of
the frightful and bloody era in your midst. It is curious how these gentle
men laudated those gentlemen then; and it is a little marvelous, that we find
those same men that rushed out of the Congress, out of the Government,
rushing back, and demanding entrance precisely as they broke out. I ,ara not
discussing that jiolitical question, but I remeraber that Senator, standing
alone, a dark, thoughtful, taciturn man ; I remeraber him, as he w.alked
silently and alone through the streets of Washington, and th.at the coraraon
raen, and women too, raade a little tw-irl, and got out of his way as he passed
along. I remeraber hira well, personally ; I reraember, it did not require
that the gentleraan should eulogize him here, to remind us w-hat we owed
him when he took upon hiraself the responsibility of a position in one of the
border States, then in rebellion, and confronted, with the siime inflexible face
and the sarae heaving breast, the rebel foe, personally meeting the danger.
Ah, yes, and denounced thera — I do not say by this gentleraan, but by these
gentlemen generally — denounced thera as exercising usurped powers. There
was no epithet or expression that they apply now to Baker, th.at they did not
then apply to the gentleraan to whom I refer. They corae in here now,
when his onward steps have borne hira to the heavenly spheres, the most
obsequious — sycophantic. There is a purpose, an object for all this — some
thing to be made in sorae quarter. I Avill pass all that with a simple refer
ence to it. I am backed by nobody; I have nobody to cheer any thing I raay
say. It won't be necessary to adraonish the officers having charge of the
police of this court room to repress any outburst of euthusiasra.
Why, gentlemen, it was marvelous! If you will go back to those dark
.and fearful days, when this great rebellion rose, and even broke against the
very walls of this capital, then the President w.as the great tyrant, the great
oppressor, the great outrager of the rights of the people. As the waves of
that rebellion receded, and its colors paled, and the President seeraed to
emerge a little, it w-as not quite so popular, perhaps not quite so profitable
and expedient, to traduce and denounce the President, and undertake to assail
tho next earnest and good raan, the Secretary of War; and they visited upon
liiiQ, frora th.at tirae, precisely the same invectives, precisely the sarae charges,
raade by precisely the sarae men, for the same purpose, and exactly for the
same causes. As the war died away, and its thunder subsided, and the cloud
rolled below the horizon, it was not quite so fashionable and popular to assail
the Secretary of War, but still there must be somewhere somebody found to
vent the spleen and spite of gentlemen upon, and then they selected his

MR. RIDDLE'S ARGUMENT. 67]
subordinate, Baker. Why, in those troublesorae tiraes, when the President was
the great center of the shafts of these men. Baker was not oven named. He
scarcely came into notice when the Secretary of War w-as the recipient of uU the
favors of those gentlemen ; and since he has risen quite be)Hind their reach,
find can no longer be affected by their shafts, the sarae men sent the same
invectives upou the then Colonel, now General, Baker, for precisely the same
causes. He is now the epitomized center of all the shafts left for the sore
and yet disappointed and broken down rebellion, wherever it raay be found
or wherever it speaks.
Gentlemen, I did nut bring this discussion here; I would have said noth
ing about General Baker, personally, if it had not been provoked by what
has been said by gentlemen on the other side. Now let me say a word or
two in regard to him. Some men, who have supposed him too monstrous to
have had his birth in this country, have charged over the offense to a foreign
nation. I will state that General Baker was a native of Western New York,
of a .'itock that fought the first wars with Britain; born of a father who was
n soldier, under General Scott, iu the war of 1812. He may be a spy, he raay
lie the epitorae of all treachery ; if so, let the land that bore him bear all the
disgrace. It has been said that he was the subject of a supervision of the
Vigilance Coraraittee in the City of San Francisco, and departed the country.
I would state, in refutation of the base calumny, that he was one of the raost
active and efficient agents and parties of that Vigilance Coraraittee; and
Avhen they surrendered back the governraent of the city to the civil hands, it
was one of the conditions, that the now detested Baker should have a high
position upon the police force of the city. That he occupied until he came to
the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, in the beginning of these troubles.
This raan, too, who is not to be raentioned in connection w-itli the railitary
positions, organized one of the first companies of returned Califoruians, that
fought so gallantly under the lamented Colonel E. D. Baker. Being ambi
tious, however, and finding the process of getting into the ser\ ice through
that organization a little too slow, he sought for service, and found it under
General Butler, who led the first thoroughly organized force frora the North.
lie was General Butler's bearer of dispatches, frora sorae place in that neigh
borhood around the City of Baltiraore, to Washington. He carried back the
orders which led that Gener.al to take position at Annapolis. He passed frora
that service ; General Scott wanted a man of personal bravery, of good ad
dress, of courage, of devotion and fidelity, to send upon a desperate mission.
Genei-iil Hiram Walbridge, of New York, personally introduced to hira L. C.
Baker as a fit raan for that service. He sent him on a raission to Richmond;
twice captured by our own pickets and returned back to the city, the third
atterapt, from Port Tobacco, Landed him across the river in the hands of the
rebels; landed him in the presence of General Beauregard, at Manassas. He
was charged as a Yankee spy, and threatened with the gallows. He was
placed on board of a train of cars, and transferred to Richraond. The latter
part of Jlay found hira relieved. In Richmond he was placed in the upper
loft of an engine-house, the most convenient and serA'ice.able for his purpose,
as it overlooked the fortifications of the city, which, together with the posi-

672 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
tion of things at Manassas, he carefully traced on a piece of paper, w-hich he
secreted about his person. Twenty-seven days was he in Richmond. But I
suppose he was capable then of insinuating hiraself into the good graces and
confidence of others. He practiced great treachery. He got into the confi
dence of the leaders of the Confederacy. Three tiraes honored with personal
interviews w-ith Jeff. Davis; was .appointed by hira the secret purveyor and
purchaser of goods and .arras for that Southern Confederacy, and, arraed with
a raission frora Howell Cobb for this purpose, and w ith safe conduct from
Jeft'. Davis, that carried hira to Fredericksburg, he was arrested raaking his
way in this direction. Making his escape, he raet with vicissitudes. Pursued
by cavalry, he found a resting-place in a hay-field, under the new-mown hay,
and going to a house the next raorning for the purpose of procuring some
refreshment, he w-as there set upon and captured by eleven rebel soldiers,
tried by a drum-head court-martial as a spy, and sentenced to be hung.
Finding it irapossible to escape until near daylight, he crept away, and got
into a skiff, and raade off. He was fired upon, first by the two raen, .and then
by the whole garrison. Upon the city becoming alarmed, the raen sprang
down after hira with their weapons. Showers of shell and musketry literally
hailed around him. One of the shells carried away the bow of his skiff, and
he worked his way across by fioating down the river twelve railes, and re
ported hiraself at Washington, where he had to identify hiraself to General
Walbridge, who returned him to General Scott, with the plans of the fortifi
cations that he h.ad obtained.
Oh, he is a spy ! He deserves the execr.ation of every Araerican citizen ;
deserves that the leading journals should open upon liiin, while he is upon
trial, and anticipate, if possible, the verdict of a jury. But he was guilty of
more treachery than that. You have heard of the Knights of the Golden
Circle. There was a prorainent circle over at Baltimore. Lafayette C. B.aker
becarae a Knight of the Golden Circle ; of course practicing fraud, and all the
known crimes, according to these gentlemen's ideas. For tliree w-eeks he
i-uinained in that order. The result of it, for he is a gre.at betrayer of wrong
doers, was the suppression and capture of the Secesli Maryland Legislature,
Avhich was charged upon McClellan and Scott. The Bureau, connected at that
tirae with the State Department, was soon after, in January, 1862, tiansferred
to the War Department. General Baker was transferred with it, with this
missive frora the head of the State Department.
I needn't stop, I raust hastily gl.anoe at two or three prorainent points.
The raode and manner in which he discharged the duties of that place are
matters of history. He w.as the first gentleraan that explored and took pos
session of the ruined works ab.andoned by the rebels at Manassas, and the
honorable Coraraittee on the Conduct of the War did him the honor, and
theraselves the credit, ofi ncorporating verbatira into their report, not quito
giving hira the credit, but incorporating entire his report to the Secretary of
AVar of his raission on that occasion. He Avas authorized (and I think
it is the only instance in the history of this war) to appoint all the officers
of his regiraent. That was not a raere sh.am. The regiment was raised,
equipped, and armed, and portions of its battalions have been led by this

MR. RIDDLE'S ARGUMENT. 673
hated man w-ith as mnch cour.ago and chivalrous bravery, in the hoavy lights,
as were over seen by "Miles O'Reilly," who is now dos;,'ing hira with his
doggerels. Yo-.i raay leap from that to his appointment as brigadier-general —
not a brevet. That appointraent has been read to you, and marks upon its
face the services for which it was a rew-ard.
While a year or raore ago it was found that the groat State of New York
was furnishing but phantoms and figures, while her quotas were filled on
paper, her soldiers never reached the rendezvous, and were never arraed,
General Dix and his detectives, and the great detective force of the city of
New York, were utterly at fault, until General Fry asked that Colonel Baker,
Avho wins tlie confidence and betrays everybody, should be detailed for that
special purpose, and he was. He took his raen, and they went to the differ
ent rendezvous, and Avero recruited, and thereby he learned the secrets,
which resulted in the parties being arrested. As an evidence of the value of
the service thus rendered by General Baker, I will state that General Grant
said that the moral effect of tbat exposure was equal to placing under his
command, about Petersburg and Richraond, forty thousand troops. And that
other incident referred to in that conversation, when the grand, great explo
sion, the general blowing up of the last of this great rebellion took place,
when men were wild and jubilant, Avhen the city w.as ablaze, there fell th.at
mysterious blow, that smote the great head of the nation, and left the whol"
body politic to quiver in the balance. Tho assassins fieeing, the united detec
tive force was summoned to Washington, and Avere placed, as it was supposed,
upon their track. On the Sunday following, Colonel Baker returned frora his
duties in New York, reported for service in Washington, and was referred
to the detective force that had this thing in charge. They had never con
ferred with him, and he had to t.ake up the case anew, search it out for hira
self frora the beginning, and, going over the ground over which they had
gone, discovered the trail w-hich they had missed. There was jilaoed Captain
Dougherty with his twenty-five. A whole week had elapsed. If you recol
lect the sickening, deadening feeling that came over the public lieart, and
caused the general pulse to stand still with indignant grief, at the thought
that the raurderers had escaped, and would not be captured — and they never
would have been had it not been for General Baker. His hounds that they
speak of here — the hounds of Gener.al Baker — were laying along the bloody
track of the raurderers, and the universe could not have hidden the assassins
from the eye of Gener.al Baker, unless they had skulked away into some dark
crevice or cavern, and their dishonored bodies would have been dragged forth
even thence. By Baker they were captured and given up to punishment —
the dishonest Baker, the traitor, the man who stands before you, wlio looms
up as one of the extr.aordinary men of these extraordinary tiraes, and educated
by the tiraes for the services w-hich he has performed.
Pardon me, gentlemen of the jury, for glancing thus hastily at some of
the prominent points in the career of this man. All this raay be true, as it
is, but .still, according to the gentlemen, he m.ay be entitled to your verdict
of condemnation. I stand here, gentleraen, as his humble advocate; I know
nobody in this defense but General Baker; I represent nobody but hira; I
43

674 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
w.as retained by hira, I expect to be compens.ated by hira ; I know of no pur
pose beyond that of raaking for hiin a fair and legitiraate defense; I know
nobody that is standing behind him stimulating this defense, or who is in any
way responsible for it. I may know one or tw-o things connected with this
transaction, which we have not thought proper to spread before you, for it
would not change m.aterially tlie chai-acter of the defense, and for which no
outsider is responsible in any raanner or shape. Don't let an.ybody give a
wrong construction to this remark ; and that brings me to discuss, briefiy, the
matters pertaining directly to tho charge.
I may feel obliged, possibly, in referring again to sorae raatters which
have been brought 'there by others, to say a word or two, lest they are
brought here. You recollect we have been charged with an atterapt, per
haps, to trap the President to do a great variety of things. Th.at this is a
great grand crusade of soraebody against someoody else, for something to be
done somewhere, at sorae tirae, for sorae purpose, to which nobody h.as given
us any clue, and in comparison with which this little painted girl, this Gen
eral Baker, are but little trivial incidents ; that this is a great contest between
soraebody else, fought out one way and another in their naraes, through the
niediuin of this trial. But I know of no such thing — I believe no such thing;
and I w-ill deal with the balance of this case, referring possibly to a remark
or two w-hich has been made, siraply as a case brought before you to be tried
upon the ordinary rules of evidence ; nor do we complain of the learned array
of counsel which surrounds this woman, for it is not the candid thing to speak
of her as the defenseless, the lonely, the solitary, the drooping outlaw— to be
siraply the subject of charity — w-lien with one wave of that little hand of
hers, one glance of her eye, as it rolled around, falling upon these outsiders,
you know w-hat kind of chivalry it crcatea along tho raale electric chords.
It needed only one glance, one w.ave, for this defenseless w-oraan to summon
to her assistance the pow-erful arr.ay of talent which has stood about her case.
Business calling Judge Hughes (the first in point of place) aw.ay, the head of
the bar, the distinguished Mr. Bradly, receives the fainting form of this
bruised and crushed w-oman into his hands, and, when the rheumatism lays
him low, why the younger, the gallant, handsorae young gentlera.an, more
fitting by his years, as one would suppose — possibly less so from some other
reasons — conducts her along, until all three together unite to bring her into
the embrace of the district attorney. And ,ah ! gentlemen, it is the glory and
pride, th.at none are found so humble, and so lowly, be they beautiful or
plain, be they innocent or guilty, that at the bar they do not find ready and
willing advocates to see that their rights are protected. AVe do not complain
of this. The gentleman made it the subject of his own remark. It makes
no dift'erence to us, as it makes none to you. We siraply are to perforra our
duty, and as far as I ara concerned I do not wish to provoke any comparison
between myself and raore learned gentlemen, knowing I can but suffer in that
comparison, and I do not speak of her for the purpose of raaking any such
invidious comparisons. I siraply deal with these gentlemen as advocates and
gentleraen — I say nothing of them personally. I speak of them siraply, and
of the sentiraents they declare on this floor, as they have found occasion to

MR. RIDDLE'S ARGUMENT. 675
utter them here. Now, then, what have you ? Why, it was announced here,
in grave and solemn terms, that these gentlemen would put Mr. Baker upon
trial here upon the sever.al ch.ai-ges— assault and battery, false imprisonment,
and extortion. The books were re.ady to show what extortion was. Wo
were tried here four or five days for extortion, assault and battery, and I do
not know what else beside, until the thing fell under the judici.al eye, and
the law pertaining to the case was ex.arained and applied to the text of that
indictment, and these gentleraen at once conceded that there was not any ex
tortion. We did not mean any such thing at all. There is not an assault
and battery. The fact is, gentlemen of the jury, there is not any thing, that
is the trouble about the case ; because, don't you recollect the learned and
ingenious analysis cf the gentleman w-ho so ably opened this case yesterday,
in which he took up and discussed the rules of law, adv.ancing the doctrine
that you could imprison without the exercise of any force. There heed bo no
walls of a prison — oh, no! AVe have ordinarily associated prison — we have
associated it in these dark and troublesorae tiraes — with being sent up by
somebody for something or nothing; but we have corae to learn, finally, that
it is not necessary for iraprisonnient that there should be a prison, or that it
should have walls, but it raay be the broad, free .atmosphere. You must sur
round them w-ith some moral, intellectual, or some other restraint that we
cannot see, and do not feel as if anybody knew any thing about, but which is
nevertheless an imprisonraent — a thing in the constitution of which force does
not enter, and thus are we guilty of false iraprisoninent. It is conceded that
there is not any thing in the case of a vindication of the rights of the subject,
and the experiment whether this shall be an entering wedge to some other
transaction which raay araount to nothing. But this is not to be disposed of
quite in this suraraary way. There are several things yet to be said about
this. Now, it is charged and sworn, that there can be no difficulty as to
understanding the meaning of the words eraployed by the principal witness,
that General B.aker entered her apartment at a given time, and, as she s.ays,
arrested herself and husband, took thera up to his offlce, had a private inter
view w-ith one of the parties, and induced her to restore to hira a portion of
the money, and Avent aw-ay. There is no actual detention of the person, and
there is the iiiiprisoninent. Then very much is made of what is said to have
been the opening of the defense, that he was about the AVhite House disclo
sing the fact that he was Provost-Marsh.al of the AVar Depaitnient, and th.at
hs took notice of such occurrences as demanded attention of a detective, as
of course he did, being the agent of the War Departraent. Wb.ether I made
- the remark exactly as published, or not, is immaterial. It is w-ell known,
however, that there was an incipient conspiracy to assassinate the present
President. The regular Metropolitan Police of this city contributed its qnot.i
to the protection of his person. One of the detectives, under General B.aker,
was detailed for the sarae purpose ; not for the purpose of watching tho dis
tinguished citizen that is at the head of the Republic, in the discharge of his
duty; not for the purpose of casting any infamy upon him ; but men of large
experience were placed in the neighborhood, for the purpose of seeing that
the great catastrophe that so nearly struck down the Government in the

676 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
spring should not atterapt to repeat the blow, or, if atterapted, that it ."hould
not be with impunity. I need not repeat the further part of that opening.
It was clairaed therein that he went to the Avenue House, not for the pur
pose of raaking an arrest; that lie did not raake any arrest, but that he acted
upon inforraation which he had received frora others, to w-it: that this young
Avonian w-as engaged in a business supposed to be reiirchcnsible, whether it
was or not. Acting npon it, he raust rise or fall, sink or swim, by the merits
of the act itself. The purpose for which he Avent there is made perfectly
known. It w.as simply for the purpose of exposing what there Avas bad, if
there Avas any thing bad, in the process by which the jiardoning power was
made to dispense its favors. Why, gentlemen, not that anybody suspected
the President, not that anybody sought to ass.iil hira, not for .any snch con
temptible purpose as to seek to entrap the President, nor that any person
could liave had any purpose to gain by such a process as that. If they had,
of all conceivable methods for realizing the purpose they had in view, they
w-ould not have resorted to such an efficient method as this. Now, it was
simply to test the business itself, am! to know and determine what it was..
If right and proper, by calling the attention of the President to it was the end
of it; if improper, the attention of the President w-ould also be called to it,
and in his hands would it bo left.
Mr. Riddle, at this point, paid a glowing and eloquent tribute to President
Johnson, and, after referring to his exalted ];osition, his multifarious duties,
and his power, argued, that in the midst of his duties he raight be imposed
upon by this woman. Now, what w-as Baker's object? That has been raade
known. Let me follow this right along, just here. They say he arrested her.
Why, gentlemen. Baker is not a fotd. He may be criminal, which they claim
hiui to be, but he is not quite to be charged with being demented. Now,
why arrest her? Of what service w-onld that be? What object had he to
gain by the arrest? Why, say the learned gentleman, he had just taken his
Ifssoiis as to the law of arrest under llie act of Congress, upon judicial
authority announced to him by the Suprerae Court of the District — a court
of original jurisdiction, whose acts are subject only to be reviewed by tho
highest Court known to the Constitution. They had advised Baker, that if
he acted under the order of the President, and he received that from the Sec
retary, or even frora the raessenger of the Secretary, and by parol, that that
was his warrant. Gentlemen, if he had had a purpose, as he could have had
none in the arrest of Mrs. Cobb ; but if he did purpose to arrest her, if he is
really tbe minion of that other man (and we all know who is referred to),
that compact, vigorous man, that raan of intense energy, who planned so
raany campaigns, frora whose almighty brain went forth so many great
projects, wliose hands conjured from the earth the material with which to
fight the great battles, Avho stood by and sustained the great generals, and
who received thera back to the capital, when they returned, after the con-
suniraation of his projects — the raan who, in the dark hours of the assassina
tion, ere the present President h.ad reached the position or power to make
himself felt, when the whole fabric was sb.aken, he who sustained it by hi.-*
simple arm — now, I repeat, if Baker had had a purpose to arrest, and il

MR. RIDDLE'S ARGUMENT. " 677
Baker was but his minion, all he had to do was to say to the Secretary of
War, "I want an order for the arrest of Mrs. Cobb," and it would have been
made, and you never could have touched Baker; so say the gentlemen them
selves. In the first place, then, I 8.ay he had nothing to achieve by her
arrest; and, in the second place— with the judicial lesson which had just been
inculcated upon hira, by which he might profit— if he had intended to arrest
her, he would, at least, have arraed himself with that which couhl be no more
punctured than the shield of Achilles. The fact that he did not, is con
clusive that he never intended to arrest her. If he had intended to arrest
her, not only would he have gotten tbe order referred to, but ho w-ould have
whistled to sorae one of those whom gentlemen characterize ,as his hounds,
for General Baker seldom, in ordinary cases, himself undertakes an arrest.
If in this case he desired the arrest of this party, he would have gone and
accomplished it, and brought Mrs. Cobb to his office. But, in the first place,
no arrest was intended — none was necessary, in the nature of tbe case. But
we come here, now, directly to the collision of these witnesses. It is said
we labor under that disadvantage. Here is a woraan, I have nothing to say
about her reputation, I have had nothing to say, any further than I under
stood, myself, the arrest to have been challenged by the gentleraen.
We know perfectly well, gentlemen of the jury, that in attempting to
impeach the character of a feraale for truth and veracity (but nobody can see
the force of the reasoning), we are strictly confined to her reputation for
truth. The theory is a sort of solecism in the law-, that the quality which
alone marks a w-oinan as truthful raay be wanting, and yet you are not per
mitted to say by that that she is untrue. What makes a woman ? Why,
gentlemen, her purity — with females, a thing so sacred that it is scarcely to
be named ; in illustration of which there can be found no raaterial type in the
universe, araong the raost delicate and the raost beautiful things, that can be
the object of sense and touch. We know perfectly well that it is but the
band, the lig.an'.ent which surrounds and binds up all the beautiful and lovely,
qualities which go to make up the sura tot.al of the woman, and ordinarily
we would suppose that to prove that that band was annihilated, that ligature
thrown away, all these qualities blackened by unchastity, would be sufflcient
in order to raise a question of doubt. The law is different; of that we have
nothing to say, but accept it as it i.s. But, gentlemen of the jury, you w-ill
remember that you are asked to convict this man upon the unaided testimony
of this woman. I do not speak of her save as she appeared — soraething that
you know she has lost, as soraething you know she has gained. Why, the
two days that she occupied that chair were to her field-days. The audience
to whom she spoke were over here ; she did not vouchsafe scarcely a turn of
her eye upon you, gentleraen of the jury.
A word just here, gentlemen, with regard to the city and its citizens.
Let rae say that the citizens are not quite responsible for quite all that goes
on here. I took occasion the other day, on coraraenting on a ra.atter here in
court, to say that I thought this was as badly a governed ten railes square as
could be found anywhere. In saying that, I did not mean to charge this
unpleasant state of affairs upon the local authorities of this District — not by

678 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
any manner of raeans. Everybody and every thing fioats in here, the good
and the bad. It is charged iraproperly and wrongfully upon the Character of
the resident population, when it simply belongs to tbe character of the city as
a raetropolitan city, to which all portions of the country contribute alike their
good and their bad eleraents. Sometiraes the bad predominates a little.
I only raake this reraark, as these parties are not your citizen.s, and to show
to you, gentleraen of the jury, that under no blind excitement or heat of argu
ment will I do injustice intentionally. If I am thoughtlessly led into it, I ara
always glad of the opportunity to make reparation, and no one will ever do it
more cheerfully than myself to raan or woman. But I said that the witness,
Mr.s. Cobb, stood there upon that stand, and that there was an apparent loss
of w-hich she was not conscious. She had lost the outside manner and bear
ing of chastity. She AVfis not quite conscious of it, but it Avas gone. No
power, no art could simulate it; and she had gained what perhaps she was
not conscious of, that which women gain alone by .associ.ation and by fast
raen. Little suppers vi'itli one woraan and half dozen gentleraen. I do not
say she is this, that, or the other. I only speak of it as she spoke, not only
by her voice and countenance, but by her bearing and her manner. And
does she occupy an unprejudiced position? Did not she repeat, with empha
sis, a threat which she raade to General Baker, that she would be engaged in
his office in no shape, save for the purpose of ruining hiin. That is the pur
pose for which she is upon that stand. And she is raet in her stateraent by a
witness that contradicts her. AVhen raay a thing be taken to be proven,
gentlemen of the jury — w-hen one veracious witness testifies to it, and he tells
.a probable story, and is not contradicted by another witness? When may
a theory be said to have been disproven — when another equally credible
witness, having no greater motive to state the opposite, appears upon the
stand, and swears to having had the sarae opportunities, and positively
declares that the things testified to did not happen? That leaves it as it was
before. Remeraber that the prosecution here has the afflrinative. They take
upon themselves the labor of this case. They are to prove to your satisfaction
of reason, to the exclusion of reasonable doubt, that the allegations in this
indictraent, as they apply to the case under consideration, are all true. But
when one witness swears to them, and other witnesses, with equal means of
Icnowledge, and no more compromised by their connection with the case than
i.^ the w-itness swearing in the affirmative, swear that they were present, and
the things sworn to did not happen, the testiraony of the one neutralizes the
other. But it is said that Spear is an informer, nnd ought not to be believed
for that reason, -'^gain, he has been indicted for participation in this same
offense, and for that reason ought not to be believed. Then, by the same
raode of reasoning, this woman, who it is said is the subject of this outrage, is
unworthy of belief. There can be nothing said of the one that cannot be said
of the other. If it is said Spear is an informer, she is a ¦  . You may fill
up the blank with any thing you see proper, and you will do no injustice.
Now, then, which probably tells the truth. There was no motive to arrest
this woman. There could not be any arrest, because there were no means
employed to arrest her, such as would protect the man making the arrest.

MR. RIDDLE'S ARGUMENT. 679
She swears there was an arrest. Spear swears positively there was not. She
does not say ex.actly by what means he arrested her, but that he so said in a
reply to a question frora her husband, when he inquires, " Are we to consider
ourselves under arrest?" Alre.ady arrested, and did not know it! Ju.st here
she is met by Spear, who says, when the impiiry was made as to w-hether they
were to consider theraselves as under arrest. Baker replied, "No, you are
¦not under arrest." He makes that emphatic denial light on the face of this
witness. His raanner on the stand raust have convinced you, gentlemen, that
he was telling the truth. Calra, intelligent, and collected, and answering
readily, having no hand in the transaction save as by his person.al presence,
and without knowing in advance what was to transpire, can you, I say, in the
face of this negation, take the statement of this woraan to be true. " AVhy,"
says the learned ?tentleman, " if he wanted to converse with her, why not do
it there." Down there in the hotel in a private roora, liable to interrnption
from anybody .and everybody I If Baker h.ad sought to take her away to
gome place of confinement, some other means would have been employed than
those used by hira. Bnt the gentleman dwells upon the language of the wit
ness, Mrs. Cobb. Mr. Baker desires her to go, perhaps raaking a pressing
invitation. He .asks her if she will go. She says, " I suppose I must." AVhat
does th.at mean ? Persons a thousand times s.ay they must do a thing, when
they are constrained by no physical force. "I raust go to see ray wife," "I
must go and call on my neighbor," "I must go to balls;" but in no instance
does the expression, "I must do a thing," imply that I ara in any w.ay coerced
by force, or by the exercise of force. Not at all. The carriage, too, is called ;
no carriage is brought there. Both she and her husband are invited to enter,
and they did enter. Did she protest against it; did she say to anybody that
she w-ould not go; did she ring her bell, and suinraons the landlord, call in
friends, burst into tears? No! Although in the presence of this dreaded
man, this awful Baker, whose very presence is a living pri?on, so that wherever
he walks he carries false imprisonment with him — this terrible man, taking
this w-oman at niglit-fall away from the protection of her lodgings, frora the
surroundings of her acquaintances, to incarcerate her, perhaps, in the Old
Capitol — not a murmur, not an objection, not even a woman's tear ; but
quietly and gracefully she places her outside garments around her. gets into
the carriage, and is driven to the headquarters of General Baker. Then what
happens? Her husband accorapanies her — they say he w-as arrested .and taken.
I wish you to keep that in mind. We say she inquired whether her husband
might be permitted to accompany her, to which he rei)lied he might. AA'hat
did Baker want with Cobb? was any thing to be done with him? When she
got to General Baker's headquarters, then what? Why he separated her
from her husband. And how? AVhy General Baker called a gentleman to
show rae to his priv.ate room, she says. Did she object? Does she say she
did? Was there a single inquiry on her p.art, as, for instance, "AVhy take rae
to General Baker's ?" " What are you going to do with rae ?" If under arrest,
she raight have expected to be taken to prison ; but she was not under arrest,
and she knew it. Does she desire her husband to go to the private room ?
Does she inquire what he is going to do Avitli him while she is gone ? Not a

680 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
word, but voluntarily she walked to that place. Again, it is said, gentlemen,
that this dei'eiidant has put upon the stand his ow-n s.itellites — his tools, as tlie
gentleraan calls thera, the minions of his power. They have not only con
tributed by their preseni-e and their conduct to the working out of his nefa
rious pnrposi., but thev are here on this stand for the purpose of, liy their
evidence, exonerating him from the consequences of this awful case. Of
course, gentlemen, they have told the truth on this stand, or they have lied.
If they have lied, they might just as well have gone a little further, and lied a
little raore. Some one or more of these raen would have sworn that they
were lueseiit with Baker and this woman in this private roora, and given you
what transpired. Indeed, if Baker had intended any outrage on that woman
tliere of any kind, he would have had a w-itness present, w-ho w-ould have
sworn that there was no outrage. And as to Sraith, who w-as left by Baker
in the rcoin with her, she does not contradict a single w-ord of his testiraony.
She does not begin to complain to hira, and s.ay, "I am here under arrest.
What do you suppose is to be done w-ith ine? Shall I be sent to the Old
Capitol? Baker has taken frora me my money." Is there a word of that?
Does she siqipose that she i.s in prison? Does she a.sk Smith if slie might go?
Not one w-ord of it. Smith, when put on the stand, w-as asked if he was
placed there to guard her. "No.'' "Should you have let her gone, if she
w-antedto?" "I supiiose I shonld." "Why?" "Because I had no orders
to detain her." Does Sraith lie? Surely he would not have told such a
staring lie .as that. If ho was going to lie at all, he w-ould have sworn that he
w-as present in tbat room all the tirae, and that nothing such as she has
related occurred. Does she contradict Smith ? No; she is not called to the
stand to rebut anybody. And I ara reminded just here of w-h,at has been said
by gentleraen in rcg.ird to Cobb. They say that now Cobb is well ; and if his
¦wife did not tell the truth, w-hy not produce him to contradict her. I reply
by asking those gentlemen, if he would sustain his wife, why not produce him
to sustain her. Besides, the Court distinctly proposed to these gentlemen to
postpone this case until such tirae as it was thought probable Cobb could
have corae in and certified. But oh, no! They knew whether they w-anted
hira or not, and it was for thein to elect whether they would go to trial, or
not, in his absence. No, it is evident they did not w-ant hiin. We did not
Avant hira, because it would have been only adding wickedness to folly, vice
to something that shall be nameless.
And when she coraes down and t.akes leave of Baker, she does so so gra
ciously that it provokes the ire of Cobb at once. But, says she, "He had a
right to get ni.ad when he saw rae treating Gener.al Baker so kindly after what
I had suffered." AVli<at was her object? Why, she says she was deterrained
to show General Baker that she would be a lady in spite of him. Oh, indeed !
Anxious for the good opinion of General Baker, after he had so terribly
abused her, and whora she was so desirous of ruining. One thing furthe;-.
She swears that her husband was arrested. Was he? He was, if she was;
for precisely the testiraony that proves the arrest of the one, proves the arrest
of both, so that if it follows he was not arrested, then it follows very clearly
that she was not. To show that he was not arrested, we have only to recur

MR. RIDDLE'S ARGUMENT. 681
to the fact that he was allowed to go about and do what he pleased. He
walked about the roora when he was nervous, and went out and took a drink
when he was dry ; and Spear, the raan who helped to commit the outrage on
her. he invited to go with hira and drink. There is forgiveness for you,°!:cn-
tlenien. He would not forgive the kind words of his wife to General Baker,
but he would forgive any outr.age that he had himself received. It having
been shown cleariy that he was under no restraint whatever, and it following
that if he was not, his wife was not, we will forbear dwelling longer on that
point. Then, how stands this case upon that proof. AVhat has Baker done?
He h.-us done simply nothing. I do not stop to inquire w-hetlar you would
have done w-hat he did, or not. That is not the question. The question is,
whether, doing what he did, he has committed an infraction of the law. Let
us see for a moment why he acted .as he did. He had been inforraed upon
authority, that he had a right to rely upon, by his eraployees, that this wom.an
was procuring pardons, and that others were, in a curious nnd marvelous
way. Gentleraen say, why did he not go and admonish the President? AVhy,
he did not then know what they were doing He had not the means of
knowing until he himself could, tlirough gentleraen on whora he could rely,
learn frora tliein what Av.as done. And so here Avas this Lieutenant II. H.
Hines, who, passing here under the narae of Captain Ilowell, known as Cap
tain Howell, and by no other narae, save to two or three, known to Baker's
assistants .as Captain Howell, introduced as such, proclaimed as such, intro
duced to her as such. It is said to you, and I am not going to discuss to you
the character of this pardon brokerage business, for oh! if I ara to stand up
here, in the brightness of this beautiful winter's sunshine, in the middle of the
day, to argue that the high prerogative of a pardon is to be turned into the
noise of public sale and prostitution, if I have to argue such a thing as that to
the jury, I [iropose to place niy hand over my mouth and be silent. I do not
undertake to say that people raay not be assisted in this as in any other
matter. I only say, that when it coraes to be a trade, to be trafficked in for
the profits that corae out of it, that it clearly cannot be countenanced by a
jury of Araerican citizens, at the Araerican capital. Nor am I to enter into
any very extended details of this transaction, and I take the transaction as
detailed by her. Mr. Howell has given you his version of it. What does she
s.ay? Why, that he was introduced to her, that he told her he was here under
an assumed narae, because Baker and his hounds were after hiin. She was
not imposed upon about the raatter of being here under an assuraed narae.
Whether she imposed upon the President or not is quite another raatter. She
had that inforraation, that he w.as here under an assuraed narae, and she
undertook by that contract to procure that pardon in less than twenty-four
hours; nay, less than that, for she only began after the business hours, nine
o'clock, and closed before six, the tirae it was to be delivered. Why, gentle
men, have you had any cognizance, had any thing to do with tbe cruel delays
that attend the prosecution of business in the publio departments, and espe
cially at the White House? It is not any fault on the part of the Executive,
for he discharges raore of the individual business of the citizen than does any
other bureau, of any other Government in the world. He undertakes the

682 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
overwhelming burden of doing the business of everybody that approaches
him, nnd necessarily there have to be idiannels that he recognizes, known and
established channels; not that he is not at liberty to depart from it, sitting up
there as he does the highest citizen in the Republic, doing the duty of the
citizens. He cannot know who approaches hira, he is not particularly to care.
He governs all — the good, the bad, and the indifferent. He does not set any
spies on those who approach hiin, nor does he ask that anybody else should, and
nobody else attempts to do any such thing. Why, gentleraen, you know that
when a petition for a pardon is placed in the hands of the President, he refers
it to the Attorney-General for a report, if for a civil off'ense, and to the Judge-
Advocate-General, if for a railitary offense. When the report is placed in his
hands, he .acts upon it. But what does the young lady say? This light,
dancing bubble, th.at floats on the raephitic vapors of this strange cajiital — and
there is not another city whose atmosphere would keep such a person afloat
twenty-four hours — only at one glance of her eye the walls of the White
House vanished, and she at once confronts the President. She went, she
says, to Mr. Pleasants, and to the Attorney-General, but they could not do
any thing for her. She went to the President, and he sent her to Judge
Holt. Wh.at has she ? A petition under an assuraed narae, as she knows, for
she says Howell told her he was under an assuraed narae. It is j;ist one of
the boldest cases that could have been contrived, and the best for the test to
which General Baker proposed to put this business. She went to the Judge-
Advocate. The Judge- Advocate told her there was no such case. She says
she returned to the President, and herself t(dd hira there was no such ca.se.
Did she tell the President he was here under an assuraed narae? Not at .all.
She swears she knew it. The President told her to corae back within two or
three days. She w-ent back at the expiration of the time naraed, and he told
her that he could not grant the pardon, as the party was over in Canada. She
told him he w-as here, and then, after having told hira he Avas here, told about
the petitioner having saved the life of one of our generals. He said, "Well,
if that is so, I will pardon liiin," and sat down, and did so. But, geiitlenien,
is there one word of truth in this story that that woman tells? Why, of
course she could get seventy-five pardons in a day. All she had to do was to
ask for thera, tell any .story. Is the grave exercising of the pardon power, of
Avhich the President is simply the trustee, thus abused ! Why, gentlemen, if
she tells the truth, this is a thing to make the very Capitol blush, from the
face of the bronze statue of Liberty upon its dome to its foundation-stones —
to raake the very paving-stones in the gutter, where flow-s unutterable filth,
turn theraselves in their sliray beds in very sharae. No, gentlemen, there isn't
a word of truth in it. I do not know how she got it. I know she did not
get it so. Oh, I know that the man that has traced his honored steps to that
great height, while he does not and cannot know Avho approaches hira, and
judges alone of the merits of the application, never saw that.
The very transaction itself proves that it w-as tho duty of somebddy to
direct the attention of the Executive to it. He did do it. What did Baker
do? After he had received from this woman the money bearing the marks
by which he could identify it, after he had received from the hands of her

MR. RIDDLE'S ARGUMENT.

683

husband the pardon— and the very mode under which that was secured
showed that nobody was under duress- then ho waits on the President.
What transpired in the presence of the President the prosecution might have
proved. If we then raade admissions against ourselves, they could prove it.
What transpired between the President aud ourselves we cannot prove utfirin-
atively. The learned gentleman who stood at the head of this prosecution
said he would have the President suraraoned. I believe they did not, how
ever, send the process for hira. Whether they learned by personal investiga
tion w-hat the result would be, if they should take his stateraent, does not
appear. Of course, nobody would ask, in any exigency of the adiniiiistration
of justice, of the gre.at Executive, in whose hands are willed the mighty
destinies of almost comparatively the whole human race, for peace or war, to
corae and participate in the squabbles of a criminal court; but his statement
might have been taken. Did they go to learn Avhat his stateraent would be?
Oh, inquires Judge Hughes, " AVhen Baker went and made his report, did ho
receive the declaration : 'AVell done, good and faithful servant'?" I do not
know that he did. If I do, I am not at liberty to state it. I know that ho
was not condemned. The man who sits up at the White House is not a man
to be trifled with. If there had been that in the conduct of General Baker
which did not meet with the President's approbation, the raotion of his little
finger would have stripped, disgraced, and dishonored General Baker. No
matter what his services were, no raatter what subordinate head of a Depart
ment might ask for his services, thiit head, too, raight roll in tho basket.
General Baker made his report. He offered a sworn copy of that report. Uo
could not offer it as atfirin.ative proof It was oft'ered to the gentleraen so
that they might examine, and use it, or not, as they pleased. AVhat more
could we do? AVhat raore should we h.ave done ? We called the attention of
the President to this raatter respectfully. There we left it, and th.at was the
end of the pardoning business as carried on in that way, right or wrong, good
or bad. Now, then, gentleraen, here I leave this case. By the proof there was no
arrest. There can be none found affirraatively. If there was, it was but the
slightest conceivable technicality in the Avorld, into which enters the intention
of parties. A man cannot coinniit a crime without intending to do it. What
conceivable purpose could General Baker have had, save the good of the
service? Did he rush into print to glorify himself? Has he ever gone into
print for any purpose. Who has been suborned to glorify General Baker in
the prints? lie has discharged his duties, made his official reports, w-,aiting
until the mountain of publio odium, that would have completelv overwhelmed
and long ago driven from business and public employment a less deterrained
character than hiraself, should be removed— w.aiting for tho lapse of these evil
times, and looking to sorae other day, possibly to sorae other ger.eration, for
the vindication of his character and his transactions. Did he do wrong in
suppressing this business of pardon brokerage? Did he not, on the contrary,
do a good thing? If he did a right act, you cannot find hira guilty; and the
proof is he did not coraniit a crime.

684 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
During the progress of this trial, the counsel for Mrs.
Cobb Avere almost hourly in consultation with the President.
The}' Avere back and forth, betAveen the court room and the
Executive mansion, three or four times a da}-, consulting
Avith the President. It Avas generally understood by the
counsel and the public, that the prosecution Avas begun, in
the first place, at the President' s request, and that he Avas
assisting all he could, by his infiuence, in pushing it for
ward. He Avas aAvare that the testimony Avould be so dama
ging against himself, that unless he took some measures to
convict me, the Avhole thing would reflect upon himself.
During this trial, Avhich occupied a number of days, great
pains Avere taken to impress the public -with the gravity of
my offense. Flaming dispatches -were sent broadcast through
the country, of Avliich the following are samples : —
Detective Baker's Case. — We learn that the case of Detective Baker
was yesterday closed in the District Court of this city. He was found guilty,
as charged in the indictment. AVe now wait iinp.atiently the next scene in
this drama, and trnst that Baker will have full justice raeted out to hini. He
has insulted the President by his course in the arrest of Mrs. Cobb, and we
tru.st that Judge Fisher, in passing sentence, will take into consideration the
enormity of his criraes.
Again :
The Great Detective Baker's Case — How the Mighty have Fallen. —
The case of Baker is concluded, and we only wait the sentence, which we
trust will be adequate to his crimes.
Again, from the "National Intelligencer" of Washing
ton : — THE CHARGES AGAINST DETECTIVE B.\KER.
Tbe following we extract from the Washington correspondence of the
New York "Herald"— '
" Mrs. and Mr. Cobb, the plaintiffs in the cases against Gener.al L. 0.
Baker, have, for some un.accountable reason, altered their tone considerably
within the faw days last past. According to reports of their convers.ation,
they are not so bloodthirsty by half ag.ainst Baker as when they swore out
indictraents ag.ainst hira for robbery and false iraprisoninent. Many well-
informed persons hazard the opinion that they will not appear against him
when those charges are brought to trial. Mr and Mrs. C. are old acquaint
ances of Baker, who threatens to produce in court the accumulated history
of their several years in AV .ashington."
AVe invite the District Attorney, who is reputed in this community to be a

NEW^SPAPER COMMENTS. 685
man of resolution, to take a hand in this business. "Mr. nnd Mrs. C. " and
their "old .acquaintance. Baker," the Grand Jury, the District Attorimy, and
the Judges of the Court of the District of Colurabia are all involved in the
matter It does not, in our opinion, and, as Ave believe, the opinion of all,
rest with "Mr. and Mrs. C." whether they will "a]ipear against" their old
friend, whose revelations or persuasions, in prospect or in hand, so strongly
infiuence them. Nor does it rest simply in the discretion of the District
Attorney whether he will invoke the proper coiniralsory process for securing
the attendance of witnesses. There are laws which provide for these cases,
and it is confidently expected, if not sternly demanded, by irablic oiiinion
here and elsewhere, that a prosecution of such consequence should not bo
suft'ered to fall by the susi)fceted procurement of the accused through the
timidity or dishonesty of prosecuting witnesses. If this detective is guiltless
of statutory crirae, tliere is no doubt he will eagerly court a trial. If the
w-itnesses are ashamed of themselves, that should not frustrate a legal prose
cution. In contrast with the above, the following appeared in the
Philadelphia "Inquirer" : —
COLONEL BAKER'S CASE.
The case of L.afayette C. Baker, forraerly Chief of the Government Detec
tives, which has, in various phase.s, been before the public for sorae tirae, and
which has been a frequent subject of reference in news frora Washington,
may at length be considered ended, as far as the prosecution brought by Mrs.
Lucy Cobb is concerned. The latter was arrested by Colonel Baker, upon
the charge of being a pardon broker. She alleged that she had been kept in
custody until she paid Mr. Baker two hundred dollars, when she was released.
On the late trial, there were two counts against the defendant ; first, that he
had iraprisoned her, and extorted two hundred dollars ; .and, second, that he
had subjected her to false imprisonment. The jury acquitted Mr Baker on
the first count of the indictment, but found hira guilty upon the second. The
effect of that conviction upon the mind of the Court is expre-ssed by the pre
siding judge in his reraarks, when sentence was passed, in which he said that
the offense was technical, involving no turpitude on the part of Mr. Baker;
coraraitted in excess of zeal, and punishable only by a norainal fine. Mr.
Baker deserves congratulation upon his substantial triuraph. It is so easy to
embarrass, annoy, and prosecute faithful officers in the discharge of their duty
to the people, that the failure of any effort in that direction may be considered
as a raatter worthy of congratulation to the public, whose servant i,he
officer is.
I conclude this chapter by giving the charge of Judge
Fisher, and his sentence : —
Gentlemen— The protection of personal liberty is a matter over which the
comraon law— a part of the heritage descended to us from our mother country

686 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
— from an early period in English history, has ever exercised the most vigilant
and zealous care. The unlawful restraint of that personal liberty has, in our
system of jurisprudence, for generations past, not only forraed a subject of
civil suits, but has been regarded as a crirainal offense, and as such indictable
at coramon law. It is in this crirainal view of it that you are now called upon
to act in this case before you. The defendant, Lafayette C. Baker, stands
indicted for the offense of having unlawfully restrained the personal liberty of
Mrs. Lucy L. Cobb, the prosecuting witness, in this District, on or .about the
8th day of Noveraber last, and so to have continued this i-estraiTt of her liberty
until he had extorted frora her the sura of two hundred dollars. This is the
charge contained in the first count of the indictment, and the second and last
count is but a repetition of the first, with the extortion omitted. It is the
ordinary common law forra of indictraent for false iraprisonnient.
This offense of false imprisonraent raay properly be defined to be any
intention.al and unlawful restraint of a person's liberty. It may be the arrest
and restraint of a person under color of law by raeans of an illegal or insuffi
cient warrant or process, as w-hen a person appears before another, pretending
to be an officer, and pretending to act under authority of a legal warrant,
when he has really no such warrant or authority ; or it raay be by raeans of a
legal ]irocess at an illegal tirae, as upon a Sunday, when a civil writ cannot be
lawfully executed ; or as in the case of the arrest of a member of Congress on
such a writ while attending upon, going to, or returning from his Congres
sional duties; or it may be altogether without color of law, th.at is to say,
without any pretense, on the part of the person making it, that he is an execu
tive officer, or that he is acting in obedience to a legal warrant.
Again, this offense may be effected with physical force or violence; or it
. may be done w-ithout touching the imprisoned party's person, siraply by men
acing words or gestures, producing in the raind of that party a reasonable and
well-grounded fear that, if the imprisonment or constraint be not submitted to
without physical force, personal injury raust inevitably be the result, and
compelling the imprisoned party by nieans of this Avell -grounded fear to go
w-liere he does not w-ish to go, or to refrain from going where he has a right
to go. E.xtortion, in its more extended sense, signifies any kind of oppression
nnder pretense or color of right, when such right really does not exist. But,
in the raore restricted and technical sense in Avhich you have to deal w-ith it
in this case, it siraply means the unlawful taking by an officer, by color of his
office, or under a pretended right as such officer, of any money or thing of
value that is not really due to hira, or raore than is due, or before it is due.
This offense of extortion differs frora that of robbery and of trespass in this.
that the former — extortion — is comraitted by an officer under pretense that ho
has lawful authority, as such officer, for the doing of the act, when he really
does not possess such law-ful authority ; Avhile trespass and robbery grow out
of acts done by individuals not acting in an official capacity, though they may
pretend to be officers of the law.
You will infer frora these observations that the defendant in this case, in
order to have rendered himself obnoxious to the charge of false imprisonment,

JUDGE FISHER'S CHARGE. 687
mnst have been proved to your satisfaction, by the evidence in the case to
have restrained the prosecuting witness, Mrs. Cobb, of her liberty, by present
ing himself to her in the character of an officer charged with the duty of
making arrests, and under the pretense that he had a leg.al and sufficient war
rant for her apprehension, -vvhen in truth and in fact he had no such official
char.acter or authority; thereby inducing her to go with hira, under a well-
grounded belief that she Avas obliged by law to do so; or that, without any
official pretension, he, by physical force, or by w-ords, or gestures, or both,
so aroused her just .and reasonable fear for her personal safety, as to compel
her compliance with his orders to go where she did not desire to go, or to
refrain from going where she wanted to go and had a right to go. This com
pulsion to go where she Avas not obliged by law to go, or the hindering or
preventing her frora going w-here she had a right to go, you are to understand
may have been effected either by actual force applied to the person of the
witness, or by Vcn-ds or actions sufficient to put her, or any other person of
ordinary reason and nerve, in fear of irapendiiig injury. If j-ou sh.all be satis
fied beyond a reasonable doubt, from all the evidence before yon, that the
defendant in this case, under pretense that he had as an officer a lawful war
rant from the President of the United States, or from sorae one of the Cabinet
ministers, or frora any officer of the Governraent clothed with proper author
ity to grant such a warrant, did go to the roora of Mrs. Lucy L. Cobb, and
there gave her good reason to believe that he was an officer of the Govern
ment, authorized to make arrests, and th.at he had in his hands good and
sufficient authority in law to t.ake her to his headquarters, and to believe th.at
in accompanying hira thither she w.as acting in obedience to the mandates of
the law, w-hen really he had no such authority, then he has been guilty of
false imprisonment.
If, in addition to this, yon further believe that, under such pretended
authority, he corapelled her, by force or through fear, to pay hira raoney which
he was not entitled to take from her, or did not rightfully belong to hira, then
he was guilty both of the faLse imprisonment and extortion, and you will find
hira guilty as indicted. Or, if you are satisfied, frora the evidence, that
although she, of her own free volition, without compulsion, or physical force,
or fear of personal injury, accompanied the defendant to his headquarters, and
that he there prevented her frora leaving these headquarters, by means of
pretended authority in his hands as an officer of the Government, and that he
continued that imprisonment under such pretended authority until he succeeded
in obtaining from her a sum of money vvhich w.as not due to hiin, then he
would also be guilty of false imprisonraent and extortion, as charged iu the
first count of the indictment, and you will find hira guilty as indicted.
If, however, you are not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that he
arrested and restrained her of her liberty under pretense that he was a public
officer, arraed w-ith authority; but that he did arrest and restrain her of her
liberty merely as an individual, without having raade any such pretense of
laAvful warrant therefor, then he is guilty of false iraprisoninent, and not of
extortion, although he raay have obtained the money without being entitled
to it, since the taking of the money in that case would amount, not to extor-

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
tion, but to trespass or robbery, according to the circumstances of claim of
right and felonious intention ; and, in that event, you would find him guilty,
under the second count, of false imprisonment only.
Bnt, gentlemen, before you can properly convict him at all, in either form
charged in the indictment, you must be assured, beyond a reasonable doubt,
frora the evidence in the cause, either that he presented hiraself to the prose
cuting witness in the ch.araoter of an officer whose duty it was to arrest and
iraprison in proper nnd lawful cases, and that in that character he set up to
her, in this p.articular case, the pretense that he was acting under lawful
authority, eraan.ating from sorae public officer having the right to confer it,
and thereby caused her to act under the Avell-grounded belief that in jilacing
herself under his custody she was acting in obedience to the law; or, if yon
do not thus believe, then you raust be s.atisfied, beyond a reasonable doubt,
that, without any pretext of legal authority, he used physical force to arrest
and iinjirison her, or by words, or gestures, or both, placed her iu such fear
of personal injury, as to constrain her to go where she did not Avish to go, or
to refrain from going where she had a right to go.
But you are not to take for granted, gentleraen, that the defendant was
such an officer, pretending to be arraed with such authority as that I have
raentioned, without evidence of the fact that Mrs. Cobb, taking hira for such
officer without any pretense on his part, was ready to consider herself nnder
arrest and iraprisoned the moment he announced himself as General Baker
of the AVar Departraent, and that, therefore, inasrauch as siie supposed he had
coine to arrest and iraprison her, she must necessarily corarait herself to his
custody and do his bidding, vvhether he professed to hold lawful authority
for that purpose or not. You raust have satisfactory evidence before you
that General Baker's actions and condnct were such as to satisfy a reasonable
and sensible person either that he had lawful and sufficient warrant to arrest
and ira|)ris(m her, or that he by violence or by intimidation corapelled her to
a submission to do as he coraraanded.
Peihaiis it raay simplify the law of the case if I say to you that there are
three questions asked of you, either one of which, if ansvvered in the affirma
tive by you, will convict the defendant of false imprisonment, unless the arrest
was justified by lawful order.
The first is, Did he, either at the Avenue House or at his headquarters,
intentionally give Mrs. Cobb to understand that, .as General Baker of the
Detective Bureau, it was his duty, in obedience to lawful order or warrant,
to arrest her or detain her in custody ?
Second. If not, then did he, without any color or pretense of such author
ity, use personal violence, which restrained her liberty?
Third. If he did not use pretense of lawful authority or personal violence,
then did he use such language and gestures as ought reasonably to have
induced her to believe that if she did not yield herself his prisoner, such vio
lence would be applied ?
But if you are not fully satisfied, beyond a reasonable doubt, that he used
one or other of the agencies which I enumerated, you cannot convict hira of
false imprisonment, and you should accordingly render a verdict of acquittal.

JUDGE FISHER'S CHARGE. 689
. The evidence in the case, gentlemen, is somewhat conflicting. It might
be expected that it would be. The prosecuting w-itness, Mrs. Cobb, the only
witness produced by the Government to prove tho arrest, tells you that she
was unlaAvfuUy restrained of her liberty, both at her room in' the Avenue
House and at Baker's headquarters, and th.at Baker declared at her roora that
on his own authority merely he arrested both herself and husband. Mr
Spear, Mr. Jones, Mr Smith, and Captain Hines, are equally positive in their
testimony that no arrest or imprisonment took place. The prosecuting wit
ness acknowledges and exhibits to you great bitterness of feeling against Gen
eral Baker, while the witnesses in his behalf are persons in his eraploy. They
may on both sides, whilst not intending to mislead you, be so influenced by
their prejudices and feelings as to give an account of the transaction whicli
may not be the true one. You will reconcile these contradictory statements,
if you can, w-ith the theory of guilt or innocence ; but if you are left by them
unable to determine in your minds that he is guilty beyond a reasonable
doubt, you will give him the benefit of that doubt.
You have doubtless wondered, gentlemen, that a case of misdemeanor like
this, where there was not over a few hours restraint of liberty, if any restraint
at all, should for six or seven days have drawn here so large a crowd of spec
tators, and why such an array of counsel should have been retained to assist
the district attorney in the prosecution of this case. It raay be because of
the jealousy with which the American people are disposed to watch every,
even the slightest, encroachment upon personal liberty, or it may be that the
explanation is to be found in the remarks of the counsel who first addressed
you in behalf of the prosecution, when he told you that you were the repre
sentatives of the people, and that as such you should set a precedent, by your
verdict in this case, to be followed in other similar cases hereafter.
Let me say to you, gentlemen, that you are in the jury-box only as the
representatives of that stern, sublime, and holy attribute of the Almighty —
His eternal justice. You raay, as He does, teraper that justice with mercy,
but the justice must ever be raaintained ij-' its integrity.
You have also been reminded by the counsel for the prosecution, that the
right of deciding all questions of law, as wei. is of fact, is ultiraately with the
jury. It raay be so, gentlemen, but if in the exercise of that right a jury
shall, without reason, entirely disregard the instructions of the Court, and
decide questions of law for themselves, they will be just as culpable as
though they should decide questions of fact without regard to the testiraony
of witnesses. It is as much the office of the judge, under his oath of office,
to testify honestly as to the law of the case, as it is the duty of the witness,
under his oath, to testify honestly as to the matters of fact pertaining to it ;
and the jury are just as much bound to take his testimony as to what the
law is, that they may apply it to the case, as they are to credit the testimony
of a witness who stands before thera unimpeached as to the facts involved in
it. I dismiss the subject with this further observation, that on one or two
occasions, in a practice of nearly a quarter of a century, I have heard the
counsel for the accused, in cases of great pressure, remind the jury that the
44

690 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
law as well as the fact was to be judged by them ; but I have never before
heard such a reminder suggested by the prosecution.
You will take the case, gentlemen, and determine it as best you can,
according to the facts testified before you, under the light of the instructions
which I have endeavored to give you. You are not to look to any considera
tion of party or public clamor. You are to rise above such influences, and
spurn thera with contempt. You are to hold the scales of justice with an
even, steady nerve, and you will let not one atom of any thing but the law
and the evidence disturb their perfect equipoise. Convict if you are certain
of guilt ; acquit if you have a doubt.
The jury took the case, and retired at ten minutes before eleven o'clock,
and after an absence of one hour and twenty minutes, they returned, and
returned a verdict of guilty of false imprisonment, but not guilty of extortion.
THE CASE OP DETECTIVE BAKER.
To-day, F. P. Stanton, of the counsel of Lafayette Baker, st,ated in the
criminal court that Baker was present to receive sentence in the case of the
false imprisonraent of Mrs. Cobb, he having been convicted in January last.
Mr. Stanton reraarked that if Mrs. Cobb had any title to the money, the sum
of two hundred dollars, of which it is alleged Baker robbed her, he having
taken the money away from her at the tirae of her arrest, and which he
had previously raarked as a decoy, she had her reraedy at law, but his
counsel did not concede that she had any title to it.
Judge Fisher, in passing sentence, addressed Baker as follows : —
"You were indicted by the grand inquest for the County of Washington,
in Noveraber last, upon a charge of false iraprisonraent. Tbe indictment found
against yon contained two counts: the first count for the false imprisonment
of Mrs. Lucy L. Cobb, and detaining her under arrest for sorae five hours, and
until she had paid you the sum of two hundred dollars for her enlargement ; and
the second count for the simple false imprisonraent. To this indictment yon
pleaded not guilty, and put yourself upon a jury of your country, who, upon
a fair and impartial trial, decided by their verdict that you were guilty as
charged in the second count of the indictment, and not guilty as charged in
the first count. The effect of this conviction is substantially, as I understand
it, that you were technically guilty of that offense which is termed false im
prisonraent, deducted of the circurastances of aggravation with which the first
count in the indictraent sought to invest it. It appeared in the evidence, to
my satisfaction, certainly, and, I doubt not, to the satisfaction of the jury who
convicted you, that the act with which you were charged, and of which you
were convicted, was the result of an honest, though it may have been an ill-
advised endeavor, in the discharge of your duty as a Governraent detective,
to discover by whom and by what means certain fraudulent and corrupt prac
tices were carried on against the Government of the United States in obtain
ing pardons frora the Executive. Whether you were successful in that en
deavor I know not, nor is it necessary, for tlie purpose of this case, that I
should; nor do I desire, in any way whatever, to intimate any, the slightest.

APPOINTMENT OF A PARDON AGENT. 691
suspicion that the party arrested was one of those who were engaged in the
bad business of obtaining pardons by fraudulent or criminal means, or by any
indirection whatever; but after fully and maturely, and I hope impartially,
considering all the circumstances of yonr case, I have come to the conclusion
that you may have been guilty technically of the offense of false imprison
ment, there are not apparent in it any circurastances of raoral turpitude or of
malice, or of such ill-treatraent of the party complaining as would warrant
me in visiting upon yon a heavy punishraent. The case presents itself to me
in the aspect of one where an officer of the Government, in a zealous effort to
discharge his duty, may have been led by his zeal to go a hair's-breadth too
far, and done an act which, though it cannot be justified in law, yet which
in a moral point of view, has much to mitigate the punishment. The sentence
of the Court, therefore, is, that you pay to the United States the sum of one
dollar and the costs of the prosecution."
Baker immediately paid the fine and costs, amounting to about thirty-six
dollars. District Attorney Oarrington entered a nolle prosequi in the other indict
ments against Baker for the false imprisonraent of Joseph R. Cobb, and the
three indictments against Spear for false imprisonment and robbing Joseph R.
and Lucy L. Cobb.
The impositions and frauds practiced upon applicants for
pardon at the capital had become so notorious, that the
President, under the advice of some of the Provisional Gov
ernors of the Southern States, decided to appoint an agent,
who should reside permanently at Washington, Avhose duty
, it should be to receive all the applications, to place them on
file in the Attorney-General's office, receive pardons from
the Attorney-General, aud forward them to the respective
applicants. It was claimed by the President, and by the
Provisional Governors, that the Southern people were sub
jected, not only to great expense in coming to and going
home from "Washington, and their hotel bills while in the
city, but that on their arrival they were beset by male and
female pardon brokers, and, in order to secure their pardons,
were obliged to submit to any tax that the pardon brokers
might impose, as above stated. To obviate this difficulty,
the President appointed, as an agent for this purpose, a man
reported to have been a rebel colonel. It was advertised
throughout the South that such an agent had been appoint
ed, and consequently those desiring pardons were requested
to forward their applications to said agent. In pursuance
of this notice, applications came forward in great numbers.

692 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE.
They were taken to the Attorney-General' s office ; pardons
Aveie issued and returned by the Attorney- General to the
agent, and by the agent taken to Adams & Co.'s Express
office. Instead of doing the business gratuitously, and, as
at first alleged, to break up this fraud and imposition prac
tised by pardon brokers in Washington, the rebel agents
sent the pardons through the Express Company, Avith in
structions to collect, on delivery, one hundred dollars. The
foUoAving is a list, copied from the books of Adams & Co.,
of a feAV of the names of these applicants. Those books
shoAV that over thirteen thousand pardons were procured by
this agent, and forwarded through the Express. Pardon,
Nov. 10  T. Pollard  Montgomery, Ala.
" 10  D. C. Anderson  Mobile,
" 10  C.Hopkins  "
" 10  Eli Shorter  Eufala,
" 10  E. J. Kelhemer  Selma,
" 10  George Hughley  West Point, Ga.
" 10.... T. P. Nolan 
" 10  W. C.Darden 
" 11  M. L. Walker  "
" 15  Amos Hughley  "
" 15. . . .W. C. Ray  Montgomery, Ala.
" 15 . . .L. AV. Lawler  Selma,
" 15. . . .H. C. Sempler  Montgomery,
' 15. .. .James T. Holtyclan  '-
" 15. . . .John W. Maloue  Athens,
" 15. . . .Colonel S. Owen  Montgomery,
" 16. .. .Lewis Owen  "
'• IG  E. W. Pettis  Selma,
" 16. . . .D. C. Anderson  Mobile,
" 16. . . .J. C. Anderson  "
" 16. . . . J. F. Holtyclan  Montgomery,
" 17  Dr. Blount  "
" 20  B. Tardy  Mobile,
" 20  M. H. Bloodgood  •'
" 21  H. P. Watson  Montgomery,
" 22  M. T. Walker  West Point, Ga.
" 22  George HlUyer  Atlanta,
" 24 . . .L. W. Lawler  Selma,
" 24  M. T. Walker  West Point,
The history of Executive pardons, from the spring of
1865 to the present date, would be a record unparalleled in
national annals for its disregard of any fixed principles of

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CONCLUDING REMARKS. 693
justice. Female influence, old prejudices and sympathies,
and political affinities, seem to have been the reasons for
clemency in a majority of cases.
In the narration of my official experience, of course,
much was left out of the book, whose interest was equal to
any thing included in it, because the time has not yet come
for its publication. But one thing is certain — Avhen a foil
and accurate history is written, the Eepublican party, with
Abraham Lincoln at its head, in its general character and
measures will be vindicated, whatever individual ambition
and corruption might have done in the name of Liberty and
the Union. It will appear that the ruling spirit of the rebel
lion was only subdued by force of arms, and that the golden
opportunity to complete the work, in a righteous peace, waa
sacrificed by the very first acts of the Johnson policy ; and
that more was accomplished to undo the achievements of a
great confiict, and revive the hopes of the conquered, dm ing
the first Six months of "Andy Johnson's" administration,
than ever before in the wake of any victory, so vast and
complete, in the annals of the AVorld. But there is a " silver
lining to the cloud" now, as Avhen it Avas charged with the
bolts of Avar. The same good and wrong occupying Provi
dence Avhich threatened the despot, and threatened plottings
of any conspiracy before such times began, and has brought,
in unexpected Avays, secret crimes against humanity and the
State to light, to judgment, and to punishment, since this
work has been in press, has moved the people, through tbe
State elections in nearly half of the Union, to pronounce a
verdict against compromise witli treason, Avhose tone of
thunder reverberates over the land, and whose echoes will
linger in the White House until its present occupant ceasea
to dishonor it. And no one more fervently than the writer
of these necessarily imperfect annals can hope, that never
more, in the future of this already costly but glorious Ee-
public, may occur the occasion for the service of a National
Detective Police, to divine the lawless plotters and specula
tors at the expense of its safety and honor, and to protect the
loyal citizens who love and are ready to die for its unity and
perpetuity.

APPENDIX.
FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS IN THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.

As it will doubtless be of interest to my readers, I give
some additional testimony before the Congressional Com
mittee, in relation to the frauds and other malpractices in
the Treasury Department.
By Mr. Garfield :
Question. You have been summoned to appear before this committee with
all the papers, docuraents, and depositions you have respecting the printing
or publication of the public raoney, or the persons engaged therein. You will
proceed to give us what inforraation you have in relation to affairs in the
Treasury Departraent, as regards the printing of the fractional currency, and as
to the character of any person engaged therein.
Answer. I suppose the coraraittee will expect me to raake a stateraent in
reference to the manner in which I came to go into the Departraent, in the first
place, to raake the investigation. I was sent for, on or about the 20th of De
ceraber last, by the Secretary of the Tre.asury, and in answer to tbat sumraons
I was inforraed that there was some suspicion that there was something wrong
in the departraent. I inquired in reference to whom the persons were upon
whora suspicion rested ; and I was told they were Mr. Stuart Gwynn, Mr. G
A. Henderson, and Mr. S. M. Clark. I think I was directed by Mr. Chase to
go to Mr. Jord.an, Solicitor of the Treasury, for the particulars as to what I
was expected to do in the Department. I went to Mr. Jordan, and told hira it
was irapossible for rae to raake any investigations in the Departraent, as ray
tirae was taken up, night and day, in investigations in the quarterraasters'
departraent, and, besides, I was a coraraissioned officer of the War Depart
ment, and was not at liberty to undertake any investig.ation in the Treasury
Departraent. I left the Departraent, but on the following day I received an
order, signed by the Secretary of the Treasury, in substance as follows: —
By the direction of the Secretary of War you are ordered to report to the
Treasury Departraent, for the purpose of making such investigations as may be
deemed necessary.

696 APPENDIX.
I think that is the substance of the order. The first arrest raade was th.at
of Charles Cornwell, who belonged to the Rederaption departraent. Cornwell
was detected in stealing money from the burning or Redemption department.
On the following day he was arrested, and, by Mr. Johnson's order, was com
mitted to the Old Ca[iitol prison, and thirty-one or thirty -two thousand dollars
were taken from him, which he admitted was stolen from the department.
Most of it was in five-twenty bonds, and sorae of it was in Treasury notf-i.
Within two or three days after this arrest, I was sent for by Mr. Jordan. I
raet Mr. Jordan, Mr. Mansell B. Field, Mr L. E. Chittenden, and Mr. McCul
loch, Coraptroller of the Treasury, and I think Mr. B. F. Spiimer was [)re3-
ent. The substance of the inquiry at this tirae was in reference to Dr Gwynn
and his oper.ations in the Treasury Dep.artment. I reported to tliese gentle
men that I had made sorae inquiries .and investig.-itions in regard to Dr. Gwynn,
and frora those investigations had become satisfied that he was engaged in an
operation in the Treasury Departraent involving the outlay of a great deal of
money and the consumption of a great de.al of time unnecessarily, and that his
presses, pl.ans, and raacliinory Avould never work. This inforraation, I will
state, I obt.ained from such raen as Mr Neil, superintendent of plate printing
under Mr. Clark, and Mr. Corbin, a raan represented to rae as being a raan of
scientific ability in that particular line of printing and engraving. At the
interview referred to with those gentleraen, Jordan, Chittenden, and others, I
stated the result of the partial investigations I had raade. The question arose
then as to what should be the next step taken in the matter. I recoinmandid
the immedi.ate arrest of Dr. Gwynn; Mr. Chittenden, I think, favored the
recommendation; I think }i[r. Field did also; I think Mr. Jordan had very
little to say about it on that occasion. My recoraraendation, however was
not acted on at that interview, and the interview was broken up and I went
away. On the following day I was sent for by Mr Jordan; I think this was the
4th or 5th of January last, as ne.ar as I can recollect. I entered raore into
detail with Mr. Jordan in reference to these matters, and raade sorae explan.a-
tions .and stateraents referring hira p.articularly to those presses that had he»n
bought by Dr. Gwynn, and asked hira to go with me to look at them ; he did
not, however, go with me on th.at occasion. On the following day I was sent
for ag.ain. I recommended that either Mr. Field or Mr Jordan should go
through the building for the purpose of making an examination of what was
being done in Mr. Clark's department, and raore particularly in reference to
the raanufaoture of the membrane paper, which was represented to me as
being made exclusively in the Treasury Department; we obtained a permit
from Mr. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury, and went through Mr. Clark's
department; and on inquiry of Mr. Clark as to where the paper was raanu
factured, he told us he did not think it would be possible for us to get access
to the roora where it was raanufactured, that Dr. Gwynn had thrown around
the manufacture of this p.aper all sorts of restrictions to prevent its being coun
terfeited, .and in order to prevent any of it frora getting out of the building
but that he would go with ns and show us where the room was, at the same
tirae remarking that he did not think we should be able to get in there ; we
went to the roora and tried one or two doors, but found them locked; we
finally went around through the heating or furnace room and found a door

APPENDIX. gQY
which stood wide open ; we went into the room, which was eightv to one
hundred feet long; there were six or seven giris in the roora, .some 'of thera
at work scrubbing the fioor, and some of them picking up paper; I found two
or three doors leading out of this room into the h.all, where there were sorae
workraen engaged in laying the pfiveraont in the open corridor. I saw work
men and laborers passing from this room into the hall ; Mr. Field called my
attention to it, and reraarked that it was singular that paper should be raanu
factured in that way, with so little restriction .about it. I then suggested to
Mr Field that he should ask the young man iu charge, Mr Hudson, who was
there as Dr. Gwynn's agent, clerk, or superintendent, what raeans or raode he
had of knowing how much paper he had on baud, how much he manufactured,
how rauch he sent to the printing roora, and wh.at raeans he had of prevent
ing people from stealing it; he did so, and the reply was, "None, wh.atever,
except we count the sheets at night." AVe h.ad some further conversation,
whioh I do not recollect now. At my suggestion, Mr Field sat down at the
desk, ordered the room cleared of every oue in it, ordered it closed, and took
possession of the paper, machinery, and every thing in it, and Mr Field took
the key; the young man, however, who had charge of the room, wanted iir.
Field to give hira a receipt for what was in the room, which Mr Field de
clined to do, bnt he gave hira a copy of the order, and took possession of the
roora. I think this occurred the day or the day before Dr. Gwynn's arre.st ;
it was decided, however, that Dr Gwynn should'be arrested. I went up into
Dr Gwynn's roora, which is in the third story, to bring hira down into Mr.
Jordan's roora, where Mr. Chittenden and Mr. Field vvere sitting. When I
brought hira down and stopped at the roora I found they had gone, and I took
Dr. Gwynn to my office. I iramediately returned to Mr. Jordan, took one of
my officers with me, told Mr. Jordan that Dr. Gwynn was at my office, and
asked hira to send a raan with me to Dr. Gwynn's roora for the purpose of
taking possession of all the letters and papers whioh he had in Ijis room. He
put on his hat and said he would go vvith me himself; we went up and looked
the door on the inside ; Sergeant Lee, of ray office, was with us ; we gathered
up the letters, papers, speciraens of printing, and w-hatever we could find, and
at Jord.an's direction they vvere carried to my office. In going down st.airs, I
told Jordan I would look 6vev the papers as soon as I could, and raake a
report. In the mean tirae. Dr. Gwynn was placed in charge of an officer
that night, and the next raorning I reported to Jordan th.at I had found suffi
cient against Dr. Gwynn to convict hira ; he then gave me an order directed
to the superintendent of the Old Capitol prison, in the following words : —
You will receive and retain in close custody, until further orders. Dr.
Stuart Gwynn. By order of the Secretary of the Treasury:
Edwin Joedan, Solicitor.
I do not know that I can better inform the coraraittee of what transpired
after this time than by reading a report which I raade to Mr -Jordan, dated
April 1, 1864.
The witness here read a copy of the report referred to, and vvhich is
marked, among the papers of the committee, "Exhibit A."
By Mr Wilson :
Question. At wh t time was that report delivered to the Solicitor of the
Treasury?

698 APPENDIX.
Answer. I think it was delivered on the 4th or 5th of last month — April.
I ara not ceitain as to the exact date, but my books will show.
Q. At what time was the arrest of Dr Gwynn made?
A. On the 6th of January last.
Q. What was the occasion of the delay in delivering the report to the
Solicitor of the Treasury?
A. It was a report requiring some time to make out. I will state to the
comraittee that I h.ad supposed, when I went into the Treasury Dejiartment
to make the investigation, I was to be aided by the heads of the bureaus. I
found, however, when I got in there to make it, that there was no one in
clined to assist me at all.
Q. The first suggestions to you in relation to the operations of Gwynn, I
understood you to say, carae frora the Secretary of the Treasury ?
A. I do not know whether they came frora the Secretary, directly, or
from Mr. Jordan. My interviews generally were -with Mr. Jordan, and, in
fact, I did all my business with Mr. Jordan. In making out this report, I
had occasion to call on Mr. Corbin, whose narae I have raentioned, and ira
raediately after he furnished rne with those statistics, referred to in tho report,
he was disnii.ssed by order of the Secretary.
Q. How did you becorae possessed of the fact that he was disraissed ?
A. I saw the order disraissing him.
By Mr. Garfield :
Q. From all the data in yonr possession, what araount of fractional cur
rency do you suppose they could possibly have worked off during all this
tirae in all their operations ?
A. That is a subject to which I have given no attention.
By Mr. Wilson :
Q. How raany roller presses had they in operation at the tirae you made
the examination ?
A. I think they had about one hundred.
By Mr. Brooks : f
Q. Who was this Mr. Corbin ?
A. He w,as an eraployee of Mr Clark.
Q. What was his business?
A. He was there as an experimenter. He is a Prussian, an engraver by
trade, and a chemist.
Q. In your report, you spoke, at the close, of accompanying docuraents.
What did that refer to?
A. The letters and correspondence which passed between Dr. Gwynn and
Clark and others.
Q. Where are they ?
A. With the origin.al report. The Secretary or Mr. Jordan has that. All
the letters referred to in that report can be had by applying to Mr. Jordan.
By Mr. Wilson :
Q. You stated that you advised Dr. Gwynn's immediate arrest?
A. Yes, sir.

APPENDIX.

699

Q. Have you stated, in your report to the Solicitor of the Treasury, all the
facts upon which you advised the arrest of Gwynn ?
A. I do not think I have. Before those interviews of which I spoke, with
Jordan, Chittenden, and others, we had got possession of certain bills which
had been rendered by Gwynn to the Departraent, and on whioh Gwynn had
obtained raoney. On inquiry of those persons whom the bills represented,
we found that they had not received the money. Mr. Jordan directed that
copies of the invoice book should be raade out. They were brought down to
him, and it was decided upon them and other papers that Gwynn had
received thirty -five thousand dollars for certain bills which he had not paid.
That was the charge on which I recommended that Dr. Gwynn should bo
arrested. Q. Are you prepared to state that those parties who shonld have received
that money, according to your view of the case, had charged these accounts
to the Governraent, and not to Mr. Gwynn ?
A. I can only say what the parties stated to rae; and one stated under
oath to the Secretary of the Treasury, in ray presence, that he had made the
charges on his books to the Treasury Department.
Q. When was that statement raade ?
A. I think it was made the day after Gwynn was arrested.
Q. At the time you advised the arrest, did you know that any of the
accounts upon which Gwynn had received raoney from the Departraent were
charged, by the parties of whora Gwynn received raaterials and raachinery,
to the Governraent of the United States?
A. We knew it this far. Mr. Jordan and Mr. Chittenden had asked Gen
eral Spinner and other heads of departraents to bring to Mr. Jordan's office
their books, in order to ascertain what bills had been paid. Frora those books
it was ascertained that certain moneys h.ad been paid Gwynn ; and it was
from the same books ascertained, or from the stateraent of parties to whora
the money was to be paid, that they had not received the money. I recollect
that the matter was talked over by all of us together, two or three mornings.
Mr. Chittenden, parti#il,arly, took a great interest in it, and said he was satis
fied money had been paid to Gwynn vvhich he had not paid over to the par
ties at all. For example, Gwynn had represented to certain parties in the
Department that he had paid Woodruff & Beach, a manufacturing corapany at
Hartford, Connecticut, for presses. We knew he had not, for I had sent
down, in the mean tirae, and ascertained that they had not received the
money. I had requested Woodruff to corae to Washington, and he was then
in the city. When these bills were brought in, Mr. Chittenden got the war
rant, whioh passed through the Treasury Departraent, for some forty-three
thousand dollars, whioh had been paid to Gwynn. General Spinner, Mr.
Field, or sorae one of the heads of bure.aus present, said that he recollected
that Gwynn, when he raade the requisition for the sura of forty-two or forty-
three thousand dollars, stated that a portion of it was to go to the Woodruff'
& Beach Manufacturing Corapany. I told thera I had sent to Hartford, and
had ascertained that none of the money had gone to that manufacturing
company, and that Mr. Woodruff hiraself was in this city. After that, Mr.
Woodruff went before the Secretary, .and raade a sworn statement of the
fact.

700 APPENDIX.
By Mr. Garfield :
Q. What knowledge have you, if any, in relation to Mr. Clark's operations
in the Treasury Department, in connection with the feraale eraployees there?
A. I have a nuraber of affidavits here in reference to this matter, and I
desire to state how I procured them. In the first place, I had heard various
ruraors about Clark in connection with certain women in his eraploy. Mr.
Schraidt, a Gerraan, a confidential agent of Mr Chase, and who has recently
gone to California, came to me and gave me the naraes of two of these women,
and told me where they resided, and told me he thought those woraen were
being iraproperly used by Mr. Clark. I iraraedijitely took raeasures to ascer
tain where their rooms were, and then took measures to get possession of
certain correspondence and of a certain diary kept by one of those girls. 1
got the original diary, and copied the whole of it. I got possession of letters
and notes frora Mr. Cl.ark, which I have here; also letters from Mr. Hender
son to these girls. After I had ascertained all these facts, I sent for one of
these girls. I did not tell her what I wanted of her. I began by asking her
some questions about her connection w-ith the Treasury Department. I asked
her how long she had been there, and she told me. I asked her where she
was on a certain night; asked her if she did not go to the Central Hotel, and
sleep with Clark that night. She said she did. After I had put all tlio
questions to her I desired, I asked her if she h.ad any objections to making a
statement. She said she had not. I then wrote this statement which 1 hold
iu my hand, and read it to her very carefully, three or four times, and tlien
handed it to her, and allowed her to re.ad it heraelf I then sent for a notary,
and had him read it to her, and had her read it to the notary.
Q. Was she an employee in the Departraent ?
A. She w-as an employee in the numbering room of the Treasury Depart
ment. Qi At this time?
A. I suppose she is there, for I saw her there to-day, sitting in the
window eating her dinner. The roora of tliis girl, Ella Jackson, is at 27&
Pennsylvania Avenue. In the same building there i* residing a Miss Ada
Thompson, who has no connection with the Department, and, so far .as I can
ascertain, is a very respectable woman. I have heard nothing against her.
She occupied a roora adjoining Ella Jackson for a long time. It was through
her that I first obtained access to the pajiers to wbich I have referred. My
detective first obt.ained access to the roora to get possession of those p.apers.
I do not know that it is neces^^ary to enter into the minntiiB of the operations
of ray detectives. I will read the stateraent of Miss Ada Thompson and the
stateraent of Miss Ella Jackson.
The witness here read the papers referred to, and which are marked,
among the papers of the coraraittee, respectively, Exhibits B and C.
By Mr. Wilson :
Q. Were these stateraents placed before the Secret.ary of the Treasury ?
A. They were. Mr. Jordan told rae he h.ad t.ila-n the statenuiits to Mr,
Chase, and that Mr Chase had requested hira to send for those girls and the
persons making these affidavits, with a view to ascertain whether they would
make the same statements before him (Mr. Jordan) that they had before me.

APPENDIX. fjQ-j^
Mr Jordan sent for the girls, and he gave rae the result of his interview vvith
them. It was this. He told them he wanted thera to understand that they
were there in his room under no restraint vvhatever, and that they w-ere at
liberty to take back the whole of the statements they had made to me, if they
thought proper He asked thera if they had sworn to those statements.
They said they had. He then read the stateraents over to thera carefully,
and in one or two instances they made some immaterial corrections as to dates.
Mr Jordan's language to me was: " All the stateraents were sustained." He
also stated to me that the Secretary required hira to raake out a report ; that
he did raake out a report, in which he stated that he had carefully examined
all the persons who h.ad made affidavits, and tbat he found that they corrobo
rated the statements of those girls, with sorae immaterial corr'-'-tions.
Q. At whose instance did yoa commence the investigation as to these
females ?
A. At the instance of Mr. Jordan and Mr. Chittenden.
Q. You have spoken of three stateraents. Are those all you have?
A. No, sir. I have here some seven or eight statements.
Q. How raany of those girls still reraain eraployed in the Treasury
Departraent? A. All of them but one, and she left of her own accord. The question
came up, one day, as to the propriety of discharging the girls, and Mr. Jordan
and Mr. Chittenden both insisted th.at they should not be discliarged until Mr.
Clark was. Hence the girls have been kept there until the present tirae.
By Mr. Dawson:
Q. Have you had any conversation with Clark about these affidavits ?
A. I have had none.
Q. Have they been communicated to him ?
A. Yes, sir ; Mr. Chase requested Mr. Jordan to send for Mr. Clark and
read the affidavits to him. Clark came down into Jordan's roora, and Jordan
showed hira the affidavit of Ella Jackson first. He looked at it and threw it
across the table, saying, "Yes, sir; I know all about this. I deny yonr right,
or the right of Mr. Chase, to question ray private character."
Q. When was that?
A. Quite recently — within the last two weeks.
By Mr Garfield :
Q. State to the comraittee briefly what other raatters you have here in
the way of affidavits, and what are the facts substantially.
A. I have an affidavit of Miss Germon, who corroborates every statement
made by Miss Ada Thompson and Miss Jackson. There is also the stateraent
of Laura Duvall, who is now in the Departraent. Here is a statement of Mr.
Spurgeon, a job printer, now working for Polkinhorn, of this city. He cor
roborates all the other statements. There are also statements of Mano Lulley
and Anthony Lulley. Mano Lulley resides at No. 406 K Street.
May 14th, I forAvarded the foIloAving statement :—

702 APPENDIX. '
AVAsmsaTON, D. 0., May 14, 1364.
General Garfield, Chairman of Treasury Department Investigating C in-
mittee : —
SiE — I am to-day informed that Miss Ella Jackson, one of the women who
made certain sworn statements concerning S. M. Clark, has removed to No.
425 Eleventh Street, this city.
I wonld respectfully recommend that tbe coraraittee send for Mr 6. A.
Henderson, who will, no doubt, give sorae important facts concerning Clark's
assignations with various feraale eraployees of his bureau, but more particu
larly in relation to the evening spent at the Central Hotel with Miss Jackson
and Miss Germon.
I am reliably informed that S. M. Clark has to-day circulated araong the
female eraployees of his bureau a certificate, which he (Clark) has required
these feraales to sign, setting forth that he (Clark) had invariably deported
hiraself with propriety toward these female employees.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. Bakeb,
Colonel, and Special Agent War Department.
AVashington, D. C, May 19, 1861.
Hon. Mr. Gakfield, Chairman of Treasury Investigating Committee: —
SiR^Herewith please find a statement submitted to me by the father of
the young lady referred to. Mr. Weeden (the father) is a very respectable
and reliable mechanic, and now employed in the Navy Yard at Washington.
If you deem it proper to send for hira (vvhich I trnst yon will), he will
place you in possession of all the facts connected with the matter. Tliere is
no question as to the truth of that portion of the stateraent referring to the
mulatto woman, Catharine Dodson. There are other sirailar cases in whioh
she has figured in precisely the sarae raanner.
I ara, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. 0. Bakeb,
Colonel, and Agent War Departraent.
AVAsmKQTOH, May 20, 1864.
Hon. p. H. Watson, Assistant Secretary of War: —
Sir — You are doubtless aware of the startling developments recently raade
in the Treasury Department, through my instrumentality. A Congressional
coraraittee of nine, frora the Senate and House, have for some days been in
session, making investigations.
The proof is so overwhelming and positive in its character, that even Mr.
Chase's personal friends are alarmed for the safety of his (Mr Chase's) char
acter and reputation.
A republican meraber of the coraraittee referred to called on me late last
evening, and asked me where a subpoena would reach you. Th.at he desired
lO show by you what my character, position, and standing had boon for two
vears past in the War Departraent ; vvhether I was worthy of trust or not,
fee. I inforraed him that I did not know your whereabouts, but would ascer-

APPENDIX. 703
tain and let him know. This morning I called on Mr. Whiting, who kindly
furnished me with the desired inforraation.
After your many acts of kindness and consideration toward me, I regret
the necessity that compels the coraraittee to send for you on my account.
If you deem it consistent and proper to send me a stateraent, in. writing
(which I can place before the coraraittee at the proper tirae), as to ray status.
character, and reputation in the AA'ar Department, I would consider myself
under various obligations.
The First District Colurabia Cavalry have done nobly in the recent battles
under General Butler (see official report of General Kautz); the repeating
rifles do the work cleverly, showing the wisdora of the Assistant Secretary of
War in directing the purchase of this raost effective weapon.
I ara sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) L. C. BakSr,
Colonel and Agent War Department.

ACTUAL BTJRIAL-PLACE OF BOOTH.
Incompliance with a promise raade in the Prospectus of this work, as -well
as to gratify publio curiosity, and, if possible, forever put at rest the many
absurd and foolish rumors in circulation concerning the final disposition of
the reraains of the assassin, J. Wilkes Booth, I subrait the following facts : —
In order to establish the identity of the body of the assassin beyond all
question, the Secretary of War directed rae to summon a nuraber of witnesses
residing in the city of Washington, who had previously known the murderer.
Some two years previous to the assassination of the President, Booth had had
a tumor or carbuncle cut from his neck by a snrgeon. On inquiry, I ascer
tained that Dr. May, a well-known and very skillful surgeon, of twenty-five
years' practice in Washington, had performed the operation.
Accordingly I called on Dr. May, who, before seeing the body, minutely
described the exact locality of the tumor, the nature and date of the opera
tion, &c. After being sworn, he pointed to the scar on the neck, which was
then plainly visible. Five other witnesses were exarained, all of whom had
known the assassin intimately for years. The various newspaper accounts,
referring to the mutilation of Booth's body, are equally absurd. General
Barnes, Surgeon-General U. S. A., was on board the gun-boat where the
post-raortera examination was held, with his assistants. General Barnes cut
from Booth's neck about two inches of the spinal column through which the
ball had passed ; this piece of bone, which is now on exhibition in the Gov
ernment Medical Museum, in Washington, is the only relic of the assassin's
body above ground, and this is the only mutilation of the remains that ever
occurred. Immediately after the conclusion of the examination, the Secret.ary
of War gave orders as to the disposition of the body, which had become very
offensive, owing to the condition in which it had remained after death ; the
leg, broken in juraping from the box to the stage, was much discolored and

70J: APPENDIX.
swollen, the blood frora the wound having saturated his under-clothing.
AVith the assistance of Lieut. L. B. Baker, I took the body from the gun-boat
direct to the old Penitentiary, adjoining the Arsenal grounds. The building
had not been used as a prison for sorae years previously. The Ordnance
Department had filled the ground-fioor cells with fixed araraunition — one of
the largest of these cells was selected asthe burial-place of Booth — the ammu
nition was reraoved, a large flat stone lifted from its place, and a rude grave
dug ; the body was dropped in, the grave filled up, the stone replaced, aud
there rests to this hour all that remained of John Wilkes Booth.

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