The first or probationary degree of the Order is intended for the masses.
The candidate for initiation is selected, so far as possible, with
reference to his political proclivities, if he has any. He must be known
to the member proposing him to be opposed to the Radical party; to be or
to have been in sympathy with the cause of the rebellion; to be opposed to
the elevation of the negro to a social and political equality with the
whites; and to have a hatred of negro worshipers, carpet-baggers, and
scallawags, as those terms are interpreted in the Order.
These points being satisfactorily settled, he is notified to proceed to a
secluded place on a designated night. There he is met by three Conductors,
who blindfold and lead him to the vicinity of the Camp, which, in order
the more effectually to guard against surprise, rarely assembles twice in
the same place. On the way he and his Conductors are encountered by a
guard or sentinel, who challenges the party with:
"Who comes here?"