_Webster on his Way to the Capital.--Wrecked Trains and Broken
Bridges.--An Adventure with a Cavalryman.--Rebel Emissary.--President
Lincoln and Timothy Webster._
Everywhere along the route the greatest excitement prevailed, and the
people were in a state of wildest commotion. A rumor had spread
throughout the country that the government, indignant at the riotous
conduct of the Baltimoreans, had ordered the guns of Fort McHenry to
fire upon the city, that the bombardment was now going on, and that half
the town was reduced to ashes. This rumor was false, as Webster learned
on arriving in Philadelphia, although even in the staid old Quaker City
there was manifest a degree of excitement scarcely to be expected in a
community so sedate and easy-going as Philadelphians usually are.
Leaving the train at Philadelphia, Webster made his way through the
crowded streets to the center of the city. He deemed it best to take
counsel with some of the railroad and express officials, with whom he
was very well acquainted, by reason of his connection with the discovery
of the conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln in Baltimore in the
month of February immediately preceding.
At that time Webster had been enrolled as a member of a volunteer
company of cavalry at Perrymansville, in Maryland, and, gaining the
confidence of his officers, had assisted in discovering the plans of the
conspirators, and partly through his efforts, I had been successful in
frustrating their murderous designs. This operation had brought him in
close association with several gentlemen who were connected with the
railroad and express companies, whose travel lay between Philadelphia
and the now riotous and isolated city of Baltimore. As he was walking
leisurely down Chestnut street he was accosted by Mr. Dunn, a gentleman
who was connected with a leading express company in the city, and who
was now upon his return from a visit to the Philadelphia, Wilmington and
Baltimore depot. After an interchange of salutations, Webster inquired
of Mr. Dunn the condition of affairs in and around Baltimore.
"Very bad, indeed," replied that gentleman; "the bridges are all down,
and the tracks have been torn up all along the road from Perrysville to
Baltimore. The telegraph-wires have been cut, and no communications have
been received from Baltimore or Washington except through couriers. The
roads are guarded with soldiery, whose sympathies are with the
rebellion, and it is almost impossible for any one who cannot identify
himself as a Southern man to pass the guards who are stationed along
the highways."
"It does not look very favorable for my reaching Washington to-morrow,
then?" said Webster, inquiringly.
"No, sir. I am afraid that you will find it difficult, if not dangerous,
to attempt such a journey, particularly by the way of Baltimore; and
perhaps you had better delay your departure until it can be more safely
accomplished," said Mr. Dunn.
"It may be as you say," replied Webster, "but I left Chicago for
Washington, and my line of travel was laid out through Baltimore. I will
obey my orders to the letter, and I will arrive in Washington to-morrow
night, or lose my life in attempting it!"
"I see that you are determined to go," said Mr. Dunn, "and further
argument would be of no avail; but I assure you, that you cannot travel
further by rail than Perrysville; you may succeed in getting across the
river to Havre de Grace, but after that you will have to rely entirely
upon yourself."
"Never fear for me," replied Webster, with a smile, "I will get through
all right, I feel confident. I will have but little time now to catch
the train, Mr. Dunn, and if you will be kind enough to telegraph to Mr.
Pinkerton according to my directions, I will esteem it a great favor."
"Certainly, Webster; anything I can do for you, or Mr. Pinkerton, will
be done cheerfully."
Writing out a message, informing me of his arrival in Philadelphia and
of his intentions, he requested Mr. Dunn to forward the same, and then,
bidding that gentleman good-bye, he made his way to the Baltimore depot,
and was soon on the road to that city.
As the train went speeding along upon its journey, Webster had ample
time for the consideration of his plans. He was pretty well acquainted
with the country between Havre de Grace and Baltimore, and had no fear
of losing his way, even if the journey must be made by foot. He was
impressed, however, with the necessity of using the utmost caution.
While he did not fear for his own personal safety--for fear was an
element entirely unknown to him--he realized the importance of his
mission too well to rashly imperil its success by any useless exposure,
or unnecessary risk. To reach Washington, however, he was determined,
and to accomplish that object no danger would be too great, no hardship
too severe. He nevertheless felt that he must rely solely upon himself,
that he would have no one to advise him, and his own discretion and
wisdom would have to be depended upon under all circumstances. Arriving
at the Perrysville station, he found that the train could go no further,
and that, to reach Havre de Grace, upon the opposite side of the
Susquehanna River, the passengers would be required to take small boats
and be rowed over, after which each man must make his way as best he
could.
As the boat touched the land Webster sprang ashore, and, going directly
to the hotel, inquired for the landlord. He found that gentleman engaged
in earnest conversation with an individual who at once instinctively
awakened the suspicions of my operative. This gentleman was a tall,
fine-looking man, with the erect carriage and self-reliant air of the
soldier, but there was something in the nervousness of his manner, and
in the furtive glances of his eyes, which convinced Webster that he was
concealing something and would bear watching.
Approaching the spot where the two men were conversing, Webster at once
addressed the landlord in a hearty manner. "Landlord, I must get to
Baltimore to-day. How am I going to do it?"
"I do not know," replied the hotel-keeper, "this gentleman is anxious to
do the same thing, but I am afraid I cannot help either of you."
The gentleman thus referred to turned to Webster, saying:
"Yes, I am very anxious to get through. I am a bearer of dispatches to
the British Consul at Washington, and it is of the utmost importance
that they should be delivered at once."
While he was speaking a man drove up to the front of the hotel with a
fine, strong team of horses attached to a covered road wagon, and
throwing the reins across the back of his horses, leaped lightly to the
ground.
"Here is a man who can help you," said the landlord, as the new-comer
entered the room; and then he called out:
"Harris, come here!"
The driver of the team came over to where the three men were standing,
and the landlord at once made known to him the wishes of Webster and the
messenger of the British Consul.
"Harris, these gentlemen want to get to Baltimore to-day. Do you think
you can manage it for them?"
The man addressed as Harris gazed at Webster and his companion in a
scrutinizing manner, and finally, apparently satisfied with his
investigation, signified his willingness to make the attempt, provided
the price he demanded, which was fifty dollars, was agreed to.
Both men assented to the payment of the sum named, and after dinner had
been partaken of, the two men took their seats in the vehicle, the
driver cracked his whip, and they were upon their way.
"I cannot promise to take you through to Baltimore," remarked the
driver, after they had started; "I was stopped twice on the road
yesterday, and I may not be able to pass the guards to-day."
"Do the best you can," said Webster, good-naturedly, "and we will take
the risk of a safe arrival."
Webster then turned to his companion, who had remained silent and
watchful ever since they had set out, and endeavored to engage him in
conversation. The bearer of dispatches, however, was very little
inclined to be sociable, and Webster had great difficulty in breaking
through the reserve which he resolved to maintain.
The further they journeyed, the more Webster became convinced that this
man was not what he assumed to be, but he vailed his suspicions
carefully, and appeared as frank and cordial in his manner as though
they were brothers.
Nothing worthy of note transpired upon the route until the party arrived
at the outskirts of Perrymansville, which had been the scene of
Webster's first experience in military service, and where, a few months
before, he had been a member of a company of cavalry. They were trotting
along quietly, and as the day was balmy and bright the ride was quite an
enjoyable one, and for a moment the detective forgot the grave duties
which he had undertaken and the dangers that might surround him, and
gave himself up to the full enjoyment of the scenes around him. His
pleasant reflections were short-lived, however, for just as they were
entering the town they saw a mounted cavalryman approaching, who, as he
reached the carriage, commanded them to halt.
The driver suddenly pulled up his horses, and then the soldier, in a
tone of authority: "Who are you, and where are you going?"
"We are residents of Baltimore," answered Webster, not at all dismayed
by the stern appearance and manner of his soldierly interlocutor, "and
we are endeavoring to get home."
"You will have to go with me," replied the soldier, decisively, "you
can't go any further without permission."
Here was a detention as unwelcome as it was unexpected, but Webster had
recognized the uniform worn by the soldier as that of the very company
of cavalry he had previously been a member of, and a duplicate of one in
which he had previously arrayed himself. The man who had accosted him,
however, was unknown to him, and he could, therefore, do nothing but
submit quietly to his orders and await a favorable operation of
circumstances.
As Webster glanced casually at his companion, the British messenger, he
was surprised at the change which was apparent in the expression of his
features. Instead of the calm, dignified air of watchful repose which he
had observed before, his face had grown pale, and there was such an
unmistakable evidence of fear about the man, that Webster's suspicions
were confirmed, and come what might he resolved to ascertain the nature
of his business before they parted company.
They had traveled but a short distance under the escort of their guard
when they met another man dressed in a similar uniform, and evidently a
member of the same company, and as Webster gazed at the new-comer he
experienced a sensation of relief and joy, for in him he recognized an
old companion in arms.
As this man approached nearer, Webster called out from the carriage, in
a cheery voice:
"Hello, Taylor! how are you?"
Thus suddenly accosted, the soldier rode up to the vehicle, and after a
momentary glance at the features of the detective, he reached forth his
hand and cordially saluted him.
"Why, Webster, how do you do? The boys said you would not come back, now
that the war had commenced, but I knew better, and I am glad to see
you."
The face of the reputed Englishman cleared in an instant, as he found
that his companion was among friends, and this effect was not lost upon
Webster, who had been furtively observing him. He turned his attention,
however, to the soldier who had addressed him.
"Oh, yes," he replied, "I have come back; and my friend here and I are
anxious to get to Baltimore as soon as possible."
"That will be all right," said the soldier; and then, turning to his
comrade, he said: "These men are all right, you will permit them to
pass."
After a few minutes spent in a pleasant conversation, the soldier handed
to Webster a pass which would prevent further interruption to their
journey, and with a mutual pull at a flask with which Webster had
provided himself before starting, the parties separated, and they
proceeded on their way.
This little incident produced a marked change in the demeanor of
Webster's companion, and on being informed that the soldiers were
Southerners, and not Federals, he seemed quite relieved.
By the time they were approaching the suburbs of Baltimore the stranger
had grown exceedingly communicative, and upon Webster hinting to him
that he also was engaged in the cause of the South, he without
hesitation informed my operative that he was similarly employed, and
that he was at present carrying dispatches to prominent Southern
sympathizers then residing in Washington.
As he communicated this important item of information Webster grasped
him warmly by the hand, and greeted him as a fellow-patriot, after
which, with rare good humor, they cemented their acquaintance and
confidence with a friendly draught from the spirit bottle.
Several times on their journey they were halted by the guards along the
roads, but the talismanic pass obtained at Perrymansville avoided all
questioning, and gained for the travelers a safe passage to their
destination. Arriving safely at the outskirts of Baltimore, the two men
left the carriage, and walking a short distance, they entered a street
car, and were driven to a retired hotel, where Webster had frequently
stopped when in the city on former occasions. Here they engaged quarters
for the night, and Webster's companion had by this time formed such an
attachment for his fellow-traveler that communicating rooms were
engaged, and after partaking of a hearty repast, the two men lighted
their cigars and strolled out through the city.
There were still many evidences of the riotous affrays which had but
lately taken place. The people were in a feverish state of excitement,
the drinking saloons and the corridors of the hotels were filled with
crowds of excited men, each of whom seemed to vie with the other in
giving loud expressions of their opinions, and of denouncing the attempt
of the government to transport armed troops through the streets of a
peaceful city. Ever mindful of the important duty devolving upon him,
Webster wisely forebore to engage in any conversation with those whom he
met, and among the number of the most outspoken of the Southern
sympathizers were many whom he had previously met, and to whom he was
known as an adherent of the South. At an early hour he and his newly
found companion returned to their hotel, and shortly afterward retired
for the night.
Arising early on the following morning, they found the same difficulty
was to be encountered that had been successfully overcome at the
commencement of their journey. The railroads between Baltimore and
Washington had also been torn up, so as to render the running of the
trains an impossibility. This fact necessitated the procuring of a team
that would convey them to the capital; but this time Webster's
acquaintance with the proprietors of the hotel, and several of the
permanent guests of the house, enabled them without difficulty or delay
to secure a pair of horses and a road wagon, with a trusty driver, who
guaranteed to carry them to Washington for the same amount which had
been paid upon the other portion of their journey, and at an early hour
they were upon the road to the seat of government.
Meantime Webster had been seriously considering his course of action
with regard to his fellow-passenger. That he was an agent of the
Confederacy he had already admitted, and that he was the bearer of
dispatches to prominent sympathizers with the South who were now living
in Washington, was also well known to the detective. How, therefore, to
arrange his plans, so that these papers would be intercepted and the
ambassador detained without arousing his suspicion? It must be
accomplished so that no delay should result to his own journey, as he
had resolved that his dispatches must be delivered that day. Just before
starting out an idea occurred to him, and requesting the driver to wait
a few minutes, as he had forgotten something in his room, he re-entered
the hotel, and going to the room they had occupied the evening before,
he hurriedly wrote a note which he folded up and placed in his pocket.
The note was as follows:
"TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
"My companion is an emissary of the Confederacy, carrying
dispatches to Southern sympathizers in Washington. Apprehend
him, but do so discreetly and without compromising me.
T. W."
He then descended the stairs, and entering the wagon, they were driven
away towards Washington. The day was exceedingly warm, and the horses,
unused to long journeys, early began to show signs of weakness, but they
kept on without incident, save an occasional question from a passer-by
as to their destination, and about noon arrived at a hotel known as the
"Twelve-Mile House," so called from its being located at that distance
from Washington.
Here the party halted for dinner, and while engaged at their repast
Webster noticed at an opposite table a friend of years ago, who wore the
uniform of a Lieutenant of infantry. Fortunately, however, the officer
did not appear to recognize him, and during the progress of the dinner
Webster kept his face hidden as much as possible from his new-found
friend. As the Lieutenant ceased eating and arose from the table,
Webster, who also had about completed the bill of fare, arose, and
excusing himself to the driver and his companion, passed out into the
hallway and met the officer face to face. Cordial greetings were
interchanged, and in a few minutes Webster had detailed to his friend
the circumstances attending his meeting with the so-called British
messenger, and his suspicions concerning them. It was not long before a
plan had been arranged for the carrying out of the project of arresting
the pseudo Englishman without occasioning the slightest suspicion to
fall upon Timothy Webster, and shortly afterwards the Lieutenant mounted
his horse and rode off in the direction of Washington.
After smoking their after-dinner cigars, Webster and his companion again
resumed their journey. By this time they had become thoroughly
acquainted, and they enlivened their drive with many a pleasing anecdote
of experience or of invention, until they came in sight of Washington
city. Here a difficulty awaited them, apparently unexpected by both
travelers. A Lieutenant at the head of eight men emerged from a house by
the wayside, and in a voice of authority directed the driver to stop his
horses, after which he advanced to the vehicle and saluted the occupants
with the utmost courtesy, saying:
"Gentlemen, I am sorry to discommode you, but I have orders to intercept
all persons entering the city, and hold them until they can
satisfactorily account for themselves. You will be kind enough to
consider yourselves under arrest and follow me."
Blank astonishment was depicted on the countenances of both Webster and
his companion, but realizing that to parley would be useless, the two
men dismounted and followed the lieutenant and his men into the
building, which proved to be a military guard-house.
Here they were separated and conducted to different apartments, where
they were securely locked in, Webster's companion standing outside of
the door of the room in which Webster was placed, and after witnessing
the operation which confined Webster a prisoner, he was conducted to the
room assigned to him, and the key was turned upon him.
In a few minutes afterwards Webster was quietly released by the
Lieutenant who had effected his arrest, and who was none other than the
friend to whom he had given the information. In less than half an hour
thereafter my detective was ascending the steps of the White House,
inquiring for his Excellency, the President of the United States.
Having also been provided with a letter to the President's private
secretary, Mr. Nicolay, Webster was soon ushered into the presence of
Mr. Lincoln, to whom he made known the nature of his business, and
taking off his coat and vest, he removed the dispatches and letters, and
handed them to the President, who had been silently watching his
movements with a great deal of amused interest.
"You have brought quite a mail with you, Mr. Webster," said the
President, "more, perhaps, than it would be quite safe to attempt to
carry another time."
"Yes, sir," replied Webster. "I don't think I would like to carry so
much through Baltimore another time."
The President carefully looked over the papers he had just received, and
finding that they required more consideration than could be given to
them at that time, he turned to Webster and said:
"Mr. Webster, I have a Cabinet conference this evening, and I will not
be able to give these matters my attention until to-morrow. Come to me
at ten o'clock and I will see you at that time."
Again thanking the detective for the service he had so successfully
rendered, he bade him good evening, and Webster sought his hotel,
thoroughly exhausted with his journey, and soon after he was sound
asleep.
The next morning, on repairing to the White House, he was at once
admitted, and the President greeted him with marked evidences of
cordiality.
"Mr. Webster, you have rendered the country an invaluable service. The
bearer of dispatches who was arrested last evening by your efforts,
proved, as you suspected, to be an emissary of the South, and the
letters found upon him disclose a state of affairs here in Washington
quite alarming. Several prominent families here are discovered to be in
regular communication with the Southern leaders, and are furnishing
them with every item of information. Until this time we had only a
suspicion of this, but suspicion has now resolved itself into a
certainty. You have performed your duty well, and before many days there
will be an account demanded of some of these people which they are far
from expecting."
"I am glad to be of any service," replied Webster; "and I have done
nothing more than my duty. If you have any further commands for me, Mr.
President, I am ready to obey them."
"Very well," said the President; "take these telegrams, and when you
have reached a point where communication is possible, send them to
General McClellan, at Columbus, Ohio; they are important and must be
sent without delay. Also telegraph to Mr. Pinkerton to come to
Washington at once; his services are, I think, greatly needed by the
government at this time."
Rolling up the papers which he received, Webster placed them in the
center of a hollow cane, which he carried; then, replacing the handle,
and promising to attend faithfully to the duties assigned him, he left
the executive mansion.