PLOTS TO POISON AND BURN.--FIRE AND POISON.--THE PLOT TO
BURN NORTHERN CITIES AND SPREAD DISEASE.--THE SCHEME
AVENGED.--PART OF THE CHIEF PLOTTERS BURNED BY THEIR OWN
COMBUSTIBLES.
“The earth had not
A hole to hide this deed.”
--Shakespeare
Some weeks having elapsed since Uncle Daniel was excused, we were
anxious to hear him further, and assembled again at Mr. Wilson's house.
Uncle Daniel was feeling quite well, greeted us pleasantly, and asked
that we be seated. After the compliments of the season, we inquired if
he was ready to continue his story. He replied that he was, and began by
saying:
“After Jackson had returned from escorting Seraine to her home in
Detroit, we discussed the question as to what steps should now be taken.
Gen. Anderson was still quite feeble, his wound being very painful. It
was thought that it would require considerable time for him to recover
sufficiently to again be able to take the field. He thought it would,
perhaps, be several months. Jackson, after reflection, thought he would
continue his investigation of the Golden Circle conspiracy, and to do
so satisfactorily deemed it best for him to go to England and get on the
track of their allies in that country, and see what preparations were
being made abroad in connection with the leaders in this country. Gen.
Anderson thought this a good plan. Henry, who had been growing stronger,
said to Jackson, that while he (Jackson) was making his voyage of
discovery through parts of Europe, he would go to Canada as soon as he
was able to do so, and carry out the plans left unexecuted by Jackson at
the time he returned from New York. This arrangement being understood by
all, we sent Ham out to the farm, in order that Dent might be summoned
to Allentown to give us what information he had gathered, if any, during
our afflictions and consequent suspension of our operations in that
direction.
“We directed Ham to bring Mr. Dent back with him the next morning. At
ten o'clock Joseph Dent and Ham arrived from the farm. As soon as we
could conveniently do so, we had an interview with Dent as to what was
transpiring in his immediate neighborhood among his friends, the Knights
of the Golden Circle. He related to us the facts in reference to a
meeting held two nights before, about which he had intended to come in
that day and tell us, if Ham had not come after him. The facts, as he
stated them to us, were these:
“A person by the name of Harris stated to his confederates that he was
just from Richmond, Va., at the same time claiming to be a member of the
Confederate Congress from Missouri. (A part of Missouri believed that
it had seceded, as you may remember, just as a few Counties in Kentucky
thought they had.) Harris had passed through the lines, coming through
West Virginia and Kentucky, as any one could have done at any time, and
as many doubtlesss did. His statement, as Dent told it to us, was this:
That he was sent by the President of the Confederate States (so-called),
and was on his way to Indianapolis to lay a plan before the leaders in
this and other States; thence he was to pass into Canada and meet the
leaders there, and in that way have prompt action and co-operation
assured. His greatest desire seemed to be to meet Mr. Thos. A. Strider,
who, he said, was one of their best and shrewdest advisers. His
headquarters were to be at Windsor, Canada. He directed the Lodge to
which Dent belonged to be ready at a moment's notice to do whatever
might be directed from the Supreme Council. He told his hearers to
spread the alarm wherever they could without being suspected, that there
was to be a great destruction of property in the North; that, he said,
would terrify leading men and property holders; and, in order to satisfy
his confederates that there was a basis for this statement, he disclosed
a part of a plot that had been proposed to Jefferson Davis and was soon
to be carried out. It was that a discovery had been recently made by a
professor of chemistry, one McCullough, by which towns and cities, and
vessels coming in and going out of our ports, could be easily burned
without danger of discovery. With this newly-discovered combustible
material a general and wholesale destruction of all kinds of
destructible property was to be inaugurated. Harris said that agents
were to be employed all over the country, who were to be selected from
the members of the Knights and to be made up of the most reliable and
tried men; that this matter had been duly considered and determined upon
by the authorities at Richmond; that Jacob Thomlinson, C. C. Carey and
others were now on their way to England to meet Mr. McCullough, who was
already there, and where the destructive material was to be manufactured
and brought in an English vessel to Canada, as there was noway of
getting from the Confederate States to the place from which they wished
to operate without running the gauntlet, and perhaps meeting with
dangers not desirable to be encountered. This man Harris also instructed
all who heard him that the penalty now fixed by the authorities in the
Councils of the Knights for disclosing any of their secrets was death,
which might be inflicted by any of the Order ascertaining the fact so
that no doubt could exist as to the guilt of the person who had played
traitor to them.
“This, I could see, alarmed Dent and made him cautious and hesitating at
times when we would give expression to our utter abhorrence of the
use of such villainous means as seemed to be in contemplation by our
enemies. We constantly assured the old man, however, that he need have
no fears of any of us, which, of course, he had not; yet he was somewhat
timid. He could not tell which way Harris started from their meeting,
nor how he was traveling. This ended his recollection of Harris's
statement. We then got Dent again to repeat the signs, grips, passwords
and instructions to Gen. Anderson and Capt. Jackson, as well as to
Henry, and so they found themselves well posted. Then, thanking Dent and
encouraging him to persevere in his discoveries, we allowed him to go
and make his arrangements with David's widow about matters at the farm
and then return home.
“The next day I wrote to the President, giving him the history of
matters as detailed to us by Joseph Dent; also, the plan we had laid
out for the future. In a few days I received a note from Washington,
unsigned, merely saying, 'the plan is approved.' I knew from whom the
note came, and was well satisfied to have the plans carried out.
“The next day we received a letter from Peter, informing us that he was
well, and that the Army of the Center was in camp and were expecting a
long rest after the two great battles. This delighted my wife, as she
felt that while they were not moving, her boys were safe. By this time
all necessary arrangements had been made for Jackson's departure, and
after bidding his mother and the rest of us good-by he left for New
York; from there he expected to sail for Europe. On arriving at New
York he called upon Mc-Masterson and B. Wudd, and made satisfactory
statements to them as to the reasons for not going to Canada. After
obtaining letters of introduction to Jacob Thomlinson they proceeded to
discuss the situation, and from them he learned that preparations, such
as had been detailed to us by Dent, were evidently being made for
great damage to towns, cities, and property generally. He also obtained
letters from McMasterson to some important persons in London, where he
professed to be going on some mission for the rebels. The letters, as
before, introduced Mr. Jackson, of Memphis, Tenn.
[Illustration: Jackson starts for Europe 275]
“He sailed the following day and had a pleasant voyage. While on board
the vessel crossing the Atlantic he made the acquaintance of one Capt.
Redingson, a jolly, gentlemanly companion. They were very suspicious of
each other for some time, but finally Capt. Redingson gave him the sign
of the Golden Circle, to which Jackson responded. The friendship was
then at once established. Jackson carefully felt his way,--as you
have seen, he was a cautious man,--and finally discovered that Capt.
Redingson was well acquainted in Memphis. This rather placed Jackson in
a dilemma, as his letters located him at Memphis. Finally he turned the
conversation in the direction of building railroads, and finding that
Capt. Redingson knew nothing about railroads, he mentioned that he had
been employed in engineering work on the Memphis & Chattanooga Railroad.
He said he lived in Ohio, but claimed Memphis, Tenn., as his residence,
inasmuch as he was a rebel and would have nothing whatever to do with
the North while they were making war against his friends, as his people
were all natives of Virginia, he himself having been born there. This
statement made all things right, and the two had a jolly good time
together the remainder of the voyage.
“During one of their conversations Capt. Redingson, in relating some of
his war experiences, made mention of the fact that at one time, not long
past, he had met a young lady from Michigan in search of her sweetheart,
and that he had been her escort while she was at Richmond, and through
their lines to ours. At this moment Jackson told me that he came very
near spoiling everything by his agitation, but by rising and taking a
glass of water had time to recover, and then listened to the story with
great interest, asking a question occasionally. Capt. Redingson
finally took a small book from his pocket and read her name, 'Se-raine
Whitcomb,' and that of her lover, 'Henry Lyon,' and remarked, that he
intended, if ever he should have an opportunity, to find out the history
of the two, as she had impressed him very favorably, and, in fact, had
excited his admiration,--she was so gentle and frank, and withal so
brave. Jackson said at this point he again became very thirsty.
“Very soon the conversation took a turn in another direction, and
Jackson inquired if the Captain thought there were any persons in London
looking after the interests of the Confederacy, to which the Captain
replied that Jacob Thomlinson, C. C. Carey, and one or two others that
he did not know, were there on a secret mission, the nature of which was
not fully known to him, as he had only returned to Richmond from Mexico
on one day and left under orders the next, and had to run the blockade
in order to get away. His description of the passing of our vessels
in the night out from Wilmington in a vessel laden with cotton; the
darkness, the stillness of the night, the lights on our vessels, the
fear of being discovered and overtaken, the joy he experienced when
they had passed our line and were covered by one of their fast-running
cruisers (the Susquehanna) was indeed quite graphic. Jackson said that
although the Captain was a rebel, and perhaps engaged in running the
blockade frequently, yet he was cheerful, and took everything that
seemed to be working against their success so philosophically that
he enjoyed his company, and rather liked him. During the trip Capt.
Redingson learned to like Jackson also, and made him a confidant,
promising to introduce him to many friends after they should arrive,
among whom he included Jacob Thomlinson, Carey, and many others.
He finally disclosed to Jackson the fact that he was sent by the
authorities at Richmond to London and Paris with a large amount of
Confederate bonds for sale, and that he would take Jackson with him
to visit the bankers, and also get him introduced, so that he might
be admitted to some of the Gentlemen's clubs, where he could hear much
discussion pro and con about the war. It seemed that Capt. Redingson had
been across several times on business for the Confederacy.
“When the vessel reached port, and all was ready, the two went out
together, and from Liverpool to London were engaged in conversation as
to how they could best manage to enjoy themselves while in London, and
at the same time attend to the business for which they were abroad.
Jackson had satisfied the Captain that he was going more to find out how
the people there felt, and the probabilities of the English Government
rendering aid to the Southern Confederacy, for the purpose of his
speculating in bonds and stocks, than for anything else, and at the same
time to aid if he could the friends of the Confederacy everywhere;
and to use all means, no matter what, for their success. They had not
noticed any of the important points until they came within some ten or
twelve miles of London, when their attention was attracted by the church
and school buildings of Harrow, beautifully situated on a hill rising
from a plain. This celebrated institution is one of the first in
the Kingdom. It was founded in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Many
distinguished men have been educated there, among whom were Lord Byron,
Sir Robert Peel, and Lord Palmerston. After this the Captain and Jackson
took much interest in the historic objects presenting themselves till
they reached London.
“On arriving they engaged rooms at the Charing Cross Hotel. During the
next day Capt. Redingson found his friend Jacob Thomlinson and brought
him to his room. Very soon after this he invited Jackson in and
introduced him as Mr. Win. Jackson, of Memphis, Tenn., a good and true
friend of the Confederacy, who was willing to do anything to aid in
making the rebellion a success. Mr. Thomlinson received him with much
cordiality, and conversed very freely, but cautiously. He was not quite
as free and easy as Capt. Redingson. Finally Mr. Thomlinson invited them
to visit him at his hotel, 'The Palace,' near Buckingham Palace, on
the following evening, stating he would have some friends who would
be pleased to meet them. Jackson was very desirous to accept this
invitation, as perhaps the opportunity would be afforded to get
some information of value, and was consequently delighted that Capt.
Redingson promptly indicated their acceptance.
“In good season they made their toilets as if they were to meet the
Queen of England or the Prince of Wales, and set out for the Palace
Hotel. On arriving at the hotel and notifying Mr. Thomlinson of their
presence, they were ushered into his apartments, which they found were
most elaborate and elegant.
“On entering they were presented to Mr. C. C. Carey, Prof. McCullough,
and Dr. Blackman, of Kentucky. These men had the appearance of the
Southern aristocrats, except Prof. McCullough, whose manner and speech
denoted Northern antecedents. Jackson noted this particularly, and
in the subsequent conversation he learned that the Professor was of
Northern birth and education, having been, prior to 1860, professor of
chemistry at Princeton College, N. J. For a time the conversation ran on
the voyage and the many interesting places that should be visited by all
travelers. Before the evening was over, however, the topic was changed,
and the success of the Confederacy (as they were pleased to call it)
became the engrossing subject of discussion.
“Jackson was here tested and found not only sound in this, the most
interesting of all questions to them, but it was thought he might be
made very useful in assisting them in perfecting and executing their
plans.
“Mr. Thomlinson and Captain Redingson discussed the selling of bonds,
etc.; Thomlinson stating that the intention of the authorities at
Richmond was to have given him the bonds, but that they were not
prepared in time, as he had to leave at a certain date to escape the
blockade, on account of his previous relations with the United States
Government. Captain Redingson replied that he knew nothing about the
business except from his instructions, and he could not do otherwise
than to obey them.
“After many suggestions it was finally understood that a meeting of the
gentlemen then present should be held every evening at the same rooms,
except when engagements otherwise should interfere. Capt. Redingson
and Jackson then took leave of the other parties and returned to their
hotel.
“After going to their rooms Captain Redingson remarked that he wished
Jackson to stay with him and be his guest, as he feared he might need
a friend in future in reference to his business; that he desired him to
witness his transactions in reference to the sale of the bonds in
his custody. At the same time he asked Jackson if he had heard what
Thomlinson stated in reference to his (Thomlinson) being the one who was
to have placed the bonds. Jackson responded that he had. Redingson said:
“'Mr. Jackson, I intend to deal honestly with my Government (meaning the
Confederacy) in this whole matter, and I do not intend that these bonds
in my possession shall be a missing 'Indian Trust Fund?'
“Jackson remarked, 'Why, Captain, what do you mean by Indian Trust
Fund?'
“'Oh! nothing,' said the Captain; 'it was a mere idle remark.'
“This, however, opened a flood of light in upon Jackson's mind in
reference to matters of the past, in connection with certain frauds
upon the United States Government. He pretended not to understand the
Captain, however, and there the conversation on this subject dropped.
Jackson thanked the Captain for his generosity, but declined to accept
his offer,--that of being his guest while in London,--but said he would
remain with him as long as he could do so. They agreed that the next day
they would visit some few points of interest while resting and before
starting into business matters, and separated for the night. After
Jackson had retired to his room he jotted down what he had seen and
heard, the names of those whom he had met, etc., and at the same time
he concluded there was a chance for a fair-sized row between Jacob
Thomlinson and Capt. Redingson.
“Evidently, the latter had but little confidence in the former, and was
determined to look well to his own matters of business.
“The next morning, after they had breakfasted, a programme was arranged
and they started out in a cab sightseeing. The first place of interest
visited was the monument at Fish-street Hill, near London Bridge, which
stands as the enduring monument to London's great fire in 1666. The
next place, which is usually the first one visited by travelers,
was Westminster Abbey--the shrine of the ashes of some of the most
illustrious and greatest of England's dead. They then visited the
Temple, being next in antiquarian interest; then St. Paul's Church, the
Middle and Inner Temple Hall, Middle Temple Library, Temple Gardens, and
one or two of the principal parks. By this time they had whiled away the
most of the day, and therefore returned to Charing Cross Hotel.
“After dinner that evening they again visited the rooms of Jacob
Thomlinson and found the same friends of the evening before. After
salutations, and the ordinary chat about London and the points visited
by each, the conversation again turned on the war at home. On this
occasion ways and means were discussed very freely. The Professor
and Dr. Blackman seemed to be really fiendish in their feelings and
suggestions. The Professor was very anxious that money should be
obtained at once, in order that the plan agreed to at Richmond should
be entered upon without delay, which was, as heretofore stated, that the
material was to be made in large quantities wherewith towns, cities
and other property could be easily burned without detection. Jackson
inquired of the Professor what his combustible was, to which he replied:
“'There are but two men who have the secret; it cannot be given without
the consent of both and in the presence of both. I can,' he continued,
'burn the city of New York in one day or night by throwing this
preparation in eight or ten places at the same point of time, and no
power can prevent its success in making destruction certain. The person
throwing it can, by a certain gauge, give himself plenty of time to be
entirely out of the sight of any one who might chance to be near. In
that way he would not even be suspected. When the explosion takes place
the flames will instantly cover an entire block of buildings. It has
been so thoroughly tested that there is now no longer any doubt of the
destructive power of the material.'
“Capt. Redingson here interposed a question, desiring to know if this
would come within the range of civilized warfare?
“'Civilized warfare!' said Dr. Blackman; 'what do I care for the rules
of civilized warfare? Have not these Yankees destroyed our property?
Are they not setting our slaves free? Is not that destruction of our
property rights?'
“'Yes,' said Capt. Redingson; 'but this is retaliation on property and
persons that are not doing any injury. You must remember that we
have many good friends North, and this mode of warfare would be the
destruction of women and children.'
“'Very well,' said Dr. Blackman; 'let that be so. If those people are,
as you say, our friends, let them join in and help us. They can stop
this war if they want to do so. No, sir! they are only pretended
friends. They are after the dollar, and play between the lines!'
“Jacob Thomlinson here spoke up, saying: 'You are quite right, Doctor;
we cannot look for help from any of those people, and the sooner we
light up their cities with a grand and bright light the better!'
“'Very well, gentlemen; I was merely wishing to understand the matter,'
said Capt. Redingson.
“Dr. Blackman by this time was walking to and fro across the room
somewhat excitedly. Halting in front of Capt. Redingson, he said: 'I
presume that your Christian sentiments would revolt at my proposition,
and to which the authorities have already assented.'
“'What is that?' quickly inquired Capt. Redingson.
“'It is to spread disease in the Northern cities and through the
Northern army.'
“The Captain promptly replied: 'Well, sir, this would be a novel way of
fighting battles. I had supposed that physicians were educated in the
line of preventing and curing diseases, and not in the practice of how
to spread them.'
“'Yes, sir! as a principle, that is so; but in a case like this, where
is the difference between shooting a man to death and poisoning him to
death?' said the Doctor.
“'Doctor, I can see a very great difference. In the one case you fight
him, giving him an equal chance with yourself; in the other, you murder
him in the most dastardly and cowardly manner.'
“'I am greatly surprised at you, sir,' said the Doctor. 'I thought you
were one of our truest men?'
“'So I am,' responded the Captain. 'But, Doctor, we had better not
discuss this matter further. I shall obey my orders; but please excuse
me from anything more than to do so in the direction of which you were
speaking.'
“During this discussion Jackson had remained silent. The Doctor, turning
to him, said:
“'Mr. Jackson, what are your views on the subjects under discussion?'
“To this Jackson replied that, being unacquainted with the usages of
war, he was not competent to decide, but he thought while all parties
implicitly obey orders, he did not see that individual opinions cut very
much of a figure in the operations of a great war.
“Thomlinson said that was the most sensible solution of the question;
that he presumed there were a great many questions upon which we might
all have very different shades of opinion.
“'But, Doctor,' said Jackson, 'there is a difficulty in my mind as to
how you are to carry out your proposed plan.'
“'Not the slightest difficulty, sir. I have already made arrangements
with all the smallpox hospitals of England, so that instead of
destroying or burying in the ground the towels, sheets, covers,
blankets, and under-clothing, they are all to be boxed up tightly and
covered with clean blankets and sent to an out-of-the-way place which I
have prepared.
“I am to pay for them on delivery. I have persons employed, all of whom
have passed through the most malignant forms of the disease. They are
collecting and having brought to this out-house those infected goods.
When I have a sufficient quantity of them I shall purchase a large
amount of material used by soldiers, such as handkerchiefs, stockings,
underwear, sheets for hospitals, etc., mix them with the infected goods,
box them up and ship them to the Sanitary Commission in New York by way
of Canada for distribution to the Union Soldiers, post hospitals, and
sanitariums. I shall go to the Charity Hospital Association here and get
permission to send them in their name; in fact, I have the permission
now. They, of course, do not know they are infected goods, but I have
given them the list of goods I intend to purchase, and they will give me
the letter I wish, turning the goods over to me as their agent to take
them to New York and present them to the Sanitary Commission for the
Union armies. I have given to them the name of James Churchill, of
London.'
“'But, Doctor, how will you take them on board ship without danger to
the people on the vessel?'
“'Very easily, sir. There is not the slightest danger in doing so. I
will pack them inside fresh linens and blankets, with cotton and paper
outside of them, making the boxes of good material and very close in
the joints. I shall leave for New York in about one month, and I have
no fears that I will not succeed in doing great damage to the army, and
also to the members of the Sanitary Commission who handle the goods. I
regard the Commission as a set of scamps and hypocrites.'
“Jackson here interrupted, saying: 'Doctor, you seem to have your scheme
pretty well planned, and it looks as though it might be a success.'
“This Dr. Blackman seems to have been a communicative individual, and
Jackson having sounded him all that he wished at that time, the Captain
and Jackson took their leave and repaired to their hotel. When there
the Captain walked into Jackson's room and stood for a moment looking
straight into Jackson's face. Finally, he spoke in about these words:
“'Mr. Jackson, I am a rebel! I am what is called a traitor to the United
States Government. I am in favor of the whole country becoming one
universal wreck before I would submit to go back into the Union. But,
sir, I want you to remember, if you should ever think of Capt. Redingson
in the future, that his mother was a Christian woman, and taught her son
to have some of the instincts of humanity. No, sir; I am no murderer;
no city burner; no poisoner! I have listened to all these things and
remained partially silent. But, as God is my judge, I will not be a
party to any of these schemes. I will obey all legitimate orders, so far
as money is concerned, and as a soldier will do my duty; but no man has
a right to order me to commit murder or to perform inhuman acts, and I
will not do it!'
“Jackson listened to him, and then gave him his hand, saying:
“'Captain, you are a man, and a gentleman, with true appreciation of
what may be justified in war, and that which cannot be.'
“The Captain said he would go the next day to see the syndicate that was
to take the bonds, and as soon as he could arrange his matters he would
leave London.
“Jackson told him he would go with him, and they parted for the night
with that understanding.
“The next day the Captain made a visit to the office of the syndicate,
where all the preliminaries were arranged. Jackson, at the Captain's
request, and in pursuance of their former understanding, accompanied
him. An arrangement was made for the Captain to meet these gentlemen
the next day at the Bank of England, where the bonds were to be verified
with papers sent by the Secretary of the Treasury of the Confederacy.
Being quite weary they did not that evening visit the rooms of Jacob
Thomlinson. After the Captain retired Jackson wrote to me a detailed
statement of all that had transpired, and directed his letter to his
mother, so that no suspicion could attach, not knowing what might
happen.
“I will digress here a moment to say that the letter was received in the
due course of the mail. The statements it contained as to the proposed
schemes were so revolting that they struck terror to my very soul.
I left for Washington the next morning. On arriving there I laid the
letter before the President. He read it and seemed to be dumfounded. He
finally said:
“'Is it possible that such men live in this day and age?'
“He sent for the Secretary of War. The letter contained a minute
description of Dr. Blackman and Professor McCullough. Certain reliable
officers were at once detailed and dispatched to New York, with proper
authority to arrest either or both of these men, if they or either of
them should chance to enter that city. The President talked freely with
me after this was done, asking me many questions about the feelings
of the people. As soon as I could leave Washington I did so. Having
performed my errand I returned home and found Henry sufficiently
recovered to undertake his promised trip to Canada, and the day
following my arrival he started. I have wandered from the subject,
however, and must get back to London.”
“It is all interesting, Uncle Daniel,” said Dr. Adams.
“Yes, yes! but I must get back to London. The day agreed upon the
Captain (Jackson accompanying him), met the gentlemen of the syndicate
of the Bank of England, and then and there the bonds in the possession
of Capt. Redingson were verified and found correct according to the
Secretary's letters. The bonds taken by the syndicate amounted to
several millions of dollars, and, much to the surprise of the Captain,
the syndicate had instructions also from the authorities at Richmond to
place two millions in the Bank of England to the credit of the Treasury
of the Confederate Government, one million in the Bank of France to the
same credit, and one million in the Bank of England to the credit of
Jacob Thomlinson, and the remainder (|50,000) to be paid to Capt. T. P.
Redingson. This he placed to his own credit. He then took a statement of
the whole transaction from the bank. After giving his signature, so that
he might draw for his money, he was then ready to leave. When asked if
he knew Mr. Jacob Thomlinson, he replied that he did, and then in
turn asked the bank officer the same question. He answered that Mr.
Thomlinson was well known to the bank, and, in fact, was then in the
back room in consultation with some other gentlemen. This seemed to
nettle the Captain, as he felt that he was watched by Thomlinson.
Jackson asked the Captain if he was ready to return. He signified that
he was. They took leave of all the gentlemen, and left for their hotel.
“That evening they visited the rooms of Jacob Thomlinson. Before
starting the Captain spoke rather angrily about Mr. Thomlinson's conduct
and about the amount of money placed to Thomlinson's credit. Jackson,
being a very deliberate man, advised the Captain not to have any
discussion with Thomlinson, but to take everything for granted and to
agree to whatever plans the gentlemen at the rooms might suggest; that
he could leave the country whenever he wished, and not meet them at any
point in the United States or Canada. The Captain, with some warmth,
said:
“'Mr. Jackson, I will not meet them anywhere away from here to assist in
carrying out their murderous plots and schemes! Thomlinson has the money
to his credit, and can buy and pay for what he pleases. I will no longer
be responsible; and the fact that so much money is placed to his credit
causes me to have suspicion that these schemes, as they say, have been
indorsed by the authorities at Richmond. Now, my dear sir, if I knew
that to be true, so help me Heaven, I would renounce the whole concern,
as much of a rebel as I am. I would go to Mexico or some other country
and live. What! I, Thomas P. Redingson, a man of reputation, born of
Christian parents, assisting in spreading disease amongst poor soldiers,
who are merely obeying the orders of their Government? No, sir! no sir!
never I I do not believe that the All-seeing God will allow this infamy
to prosper.'
“Jackson then said: 'Captain, let us go; they may be waiting for us.'
“They proceeded to the meeting place. Upon entering they found all
present, and apparently feeling very much gratified at something. The
champagne was flowing freely and the conversation became quite loud. A
new face appeared in their midst. They were introduced to him. His name
was given as Dr. Mears, formerly of Washington City. In the course of
the evening it was disclosed that he was the man referred to by Prof.
McCullough as the only man other than himself possessing the secret of
the discovery of the great combustible that was to burn up the world.
Jackson excused himself from taking any wine on account of his head not
being in good condition. After many bumpers they all sat down to review
the situation.
“C. C. Carey said that the first thing now, since the necessary money
had been provided, was to ascertain what length of time would be
necessary to perfect the arrangements, as well as for Dr. Blackman to
complete his collection.
“Dr. Blackman, always loquacious, spoke up instantly, 'I will be ready
in two weeks.'
“Prof. McCullough thought it would require a greater length of time
for him and Dr. Mears to make proper preparations. He thought that four
weeks would be sufficient time.
“So it was finally decided that the three should make their arrangements
to be ready to sail within four weeks, and that they would sail on the
same vessel for Montreal, Canada. Jacob Thomlinson and C. C. Carey were
to precede them and have matters all prepared for taking care of and
storing their materials. The time was not then fixed for these gentlemen
to sail, but it was understood they should go in advance and make all
the necessary arrangements for quick and effective work as soon as the
Professor and the two Doctors should arrive in Montreal. The plan was
that agents were to be selected from their sworn friends of the Golden
Circle, who were known to be tried and true men of great daring and
courage. These men were to be placed at different points, where they
were to be furnished with the material and instructed by Prof.
McCullough and Dr. Mears on their arrival. Their operations were to be
from Canada. The agents were to operate against New York and New England
towns and cities from Montreal; also, against Buffalo and interior
cities in the State of New York from Toronto, and against Cleveland,
Cincinnati and Chicago from Windsor.
“These preliminaries having been settled, the next inquiry was as to how
the money was to be placed to defray all the expenses. Mr. Thomlinson
made inquiry as to the amount that would be required. The estimates were
made at once by Dr. Blackman for his part, and by Prof. McCullough for
the 'fireworks,' as Redingson now called them. The two estimates footed
up $109,000. Thomlinson thought that would be very extravagant. The
Professor inquired if he knew the material to be used. Thomlinson
admitted that he did not.
“Jackson saw that Redingson was regarding Prof. McCullough, with a look
of intense curiosity. Nothing was said for some moments. The silence was
finally broken by Mr. Carey saying that he thought it might be a good
plan to have one of the party who was to remain in London to have the
amount placed to his credit somewhere, so that he could act as Treasurer
for the two divisions of labor, and draw all the checks or drafts
necessary. Dr. Blackman spoke to Thomlinson, saying that he thought well
of that plan.
“'Well, gentlemen,' Mr. Thomlinson said, 'whom will you select?'
“Prof. McCullough said: 'I do not care; I am willing that Dr. Blackman
shall act if he will do so. What say you, Dr. Mears?' The Doctor
assented, and it was so arranged.
“Jacob Thomlinson said: 'All right, gentlemen; on tomorrow I will make
the deposit, and then Mr. Carey and myself will take the first chance
for getting to Canada, in in order to make the arrangements as now
understood.' At the same time he asked Capt. Redingson when and where
would his orders take him.
“The Captain replied that he should return to Richmond as soon as he
could get through the lines. Speaking to Jackson, he said: 'I suppose
you will remain in London for the present.'
“'Yes,' replied Jackson; 'I shall look around the country some little
before returning.'
“They all agreed to have one final meeting the next evening, prior to
separating for their various destinations. Bidding each other good-night
they left.
“Capt. Redingson and Jackson wended their way to their hotel. After
arriving at their rooms Capt. Redingson commenced the conversation. You
will notice that these two men never talked on the street, or elsewhere
than in their room. Redingson said to Jackson:
“'Did you see how loath Thomlinson was to put money in any other hands
than his own?'
“'I saw some hesitancy,' said Jackson.
“'Well, sir, he proposes to spend only what is absolutely necessary.
None of it will ever find its way into the Confederate Treasury. He
loves money equal to any Yankee. But now, Mr. Jackson, what do you
propose? Will you return to New York, or will you remain here for a
time?
“Said Jackson, 'I ought to return very soon, but I have learned but
little as yet in reference to the sentiments of the people in England,
and am thinking of remaining for a short time longer.'
“'Well, sir, if you have no objections, I will remain for a time with
you. I would like to see and learn more than I have about several
matters. Let us go to-morrow and take a look around. What do you say?'
“'Very well,' replied Jackson.
“'Good night,' said the Captain.
“When Jackson was alone, he wrote again under cover of his mother's
name, without signing his own, giving full details of the plan of attack
on the cities named, agents to be employed, etc. He gave the names
of places in Canada from which the attacks with fire were to be made.
Thomlinson and Carey's headquarters were to be at Montreal; therefore
Jackson suggested that I send for Henry and put him on the track, and
for him to discover the agents so they could be arrested, etc. This, he
thought, could not be risked in a letter to Canada. Hence, I wrote to
Henry to come home. He came at once. I gave him Jackson's letter and
he studied it, making diagrams, etc., and then returned to Canada,
determined to get in with these men and learn who their agents were,
etc. I could not visit Washington at that time, so I took the chances
of a letter to the President. He received my letter and took the proper
precaution to have careful watch for the developments of the dreadful
wickedness.
“Now, let me return to the Captain and Jackson. According to their
agreement when we left them, the following morning they started out and
spent a day of great interest to them. While riding in a cab the Captain
said: 'I have a proposition to make to you, Mr. Jackson, which I will do
to-night. The more I reflect upon what certain men are going to attempt,
the more atrocious it appears to me.'
“Jackson looked at him, but with his usual caution made no response,
except that he would be glad to hear what he had to say. That night when
all the parties met at Jacob Thomlinson's rooms, as per engagement, all
were good natured and full of hope and belief as to their success and
the future triumph of the Confederate cause. In the conversation it
seemed that the Professor and Dr. Blackman had come to the conclusion
that they could be ready perhaps a week sooner than they had at first
thought. Jacob Thomlinson said: 'All right, gentlemen, the sooner the
better.'
“He then revealed to them that he had that day chartered for safety a
fast-running steamer called the Will-o'-the-Wisp, to transport them and
their supplies of material from Liverpool to Montreal. The Captain
and officers were, he said, their friends, and ready to aid them in
anything. To Dr. Blackman he said: 'Take this letter; in it you will
find full instructions and memoranda, so that you can at any time
communicate with the Captain of the vessel. You had better send your
material along with some discreet person as rapidly as possible, and
leave for Montreal the first moment you can do so.'
“He also stated that he and Mr. Carey would leave London in the morning
to take passage from Liverpool to Montreal. The Messenger being the
first steamer to leave, they were going over in her. After some further
talk of no great importance, the Captain and Jackson bade good-by to all
and withdrew.
“After entering Jackson's room the Captain said: 'Mr. Jackson, I told
you last night that I could not see how the Living God could allow such
inhuman plans to succeed. Now, what I propose is this: for you and me to
remain and find if any vessel will leave for Montreal near the time,
but later than the Will-o'-the-Wisp, and that we take passage on her and
follow them. I am resolved that I will prevent this inhuman scheme from
being carried out. I do not believe that you will betray me, therefore I
tell you this. I do not now know how I am to do it, _but I will do it!_
What say you, sir? Are you a Christian man?'
“Jackson responded, saying, 'I am a man of but few words, and therefore
only say, give me your hand.'
“They elapsed hands and pledged fidelity to each other.
“'Now,' said the Captain, 'let us off for Paris to-morrow. We will not
see these men any more while here. We can watch the papers and learn
about the vessels, when they leave, etc.'
“This being agreed upon, the next day they were off.
“They visited Paris and quite a number of points of interest during the
delay of their friends in London. Finally, the Captain came to Jackson
with the Liverpool _Gazette_ and showed him the advertisements. The
Will-o'-the-Wisp leaves Liverpool for Montreal, Canada, on Thursday,
------ day of ------.
“'We must leave for Liverpool at once,' said the Captain, and in an hour
they were en route to London.
“Here they took the cars for Liverpool, and arrived the morning of the
departure of the parties with their fireworks, poisoned clothing, etc.,
on the Will-o'-the-Wisp. She was a beauty--very long, with a sharp prow.
She sat in the water like a seafowl, and sped away out of port as if she
expected to attract the admiration of the immense throng on the wharf.
They soon ascertained that the Fairy Queen, a very fast-going steamer,
would leave the same evening for the same place,--Montreal, Canada,--and
at once engaged passage and went on board of her.
“During the day the Captain said: 'Mr. Jackson, you are not as much of
a talker as our friend Blackman. I do not believe there is one of the
friends whom we have met in London who could tell your full name, where
you were born, what your business is or has been, or where you intend
going.'
“'No, sir,' replied Jackson; 'I never intrude myself upon any one. These
gentlemen all seemed unreserved in their conversation, did they not? How
did they know that I could be trusted with their secrets?'
“'Oh! they knew that I would not have introduced you unless I knew you
were all right. And they do not seem to appreciate the enormity of what
they are doing. Oh! I did not tell you the curious dream that haunted me
in my sleep last night?'
“'No,' replied Jackson; 'will you tell me what it was?'
“'Yes, sir. It was this: I dreamed that Dr. Mears and the Professor had
committed a murder in London, and were tried, convicted and hanged; they
were both cremated mated, and that you and I were invited to see it;
then their bodies were in a blaze like tinder, and soon became nothing
but a small quantity of ashes.'
“Jackson said that was a very singular dream.
“'But that was not all. I thought that Dr. Blackman was a perfect sight
to behold with smallpox, and that he was delirious, and jumped into the
Thames, and that you and I rescued him, took him to the hospital, and
had him attended to. I then awoke. The whole thing was so vivid to my
mind that I believed it to be true for a moment. What say you to this?
I believe somewhat in dreams, and fear that these reckless men will get
into trouble with their infernal machines, or fireworks, and poisons.
They must not be permitted to carry out their hellish purposes, as I
told you, and you agreed that they shall not do it. I will suffer death
before I will see these plots succeed and carry the guilty knowledge on
my conscience through life. I swear, if President Davis has sanctioned
this, I hope the Confederacy may sink into utter nothingness. What say
you?'
“Said Jackson: 'I agree to all, except I do not believe in dreams.'
“'Well, well, we shall see,' said the Captain. 'It is a warning of some
kind.9
“That afternoon the vessel moved out of port in majestic style. The
steamer Fairy Queen was stylish and noted for speed. Nothing transpired
to cause any excitement until the sixth day out. They had spoken several
vessels on the voyage and found them moving on all right. On this day
they discovered a vessel far in advance of them. The Captain and Jackson
were on the deck, and concluded that it must be the Will-o'-the-Wisp.
That night they were coming close to her, when the Captain of the Fairy
Queen told them that the vessel in sight was the Will-o'-the-Wisp, and
that she was moving slower than usual.
“During the night, perhaps about two o'clock, they were aroused by
fog-horns and various noises. They arose and went out. It was dark and
the fog so dense that nothing could be seen. The fog-horns indicated
that the vessels were coming dangerously near to each other. The running
to and fro and the language of the Captain of the ship all betokened
danger.
“By this time the passengers were all up and out in so many different
garbs that it was laughable, though the danger was imminent. The two
vessels were nearing each other in spite of all that could be done by
officers or crews. Finally the Fairy Queen was turned and run in the
contrary direction from her course, and by that movement we got out of
the swing of the Will-o'-the-Wisp. All remained up, filled with alarm.
“In the morning the fog lifted, and again they could see their way. The
Will-o'-the Wisp was still in view, but seemed to be struggling. Nearing
her again they found she was crippled in some way. The Captain of the
Fairy Queen spoke her and inquired her trouble, when he found one of her
shafts was broken. The arrangement was being made to get her tow-line
and aid her on her way. Just as they were fastening it they saw a stream
of fire pour from her that looked as if the whole ocean was in a blaze.
Their vessel had to cut loose and move rapidly to save herself. The fire
seemed to leap into and out of the water, like great burning shafts,
seemingly reaching the very heavens. It would then play on the surface
of the water and reach apparently miles away.
[Illustration: The Burning of the Will-o-the-Wisp 284]
“There was no possible means by which any assistance could be rendered.
No one could live near her, nor could a vessel of any kind approach.
They could hear such frightful shrieks as would have made a demon
shudder. Finally nothing could be seen save sheets of sulphurous flame
jumping and skipping over the water as if playing with the waves. Then
all became dark, and a streak of suffocating smoke hung over the water,
as if a lake of burning brimstone was belching forth over the sea.
“All on the Fairy Queen stood aghast and looked as though stricken
with paralysis. When the dark cloud of smoke had passed away there
was nothing in sight save one small boat, perhaps a mile away. The
Will-o'-the-Wisp was gone forever, and it looked as though all on
board had gone with her. The Fairy Queen steamed up and steered in
the direction of the small boat, and found that it contained but two
persons. It was found that one sailor and Dr. Blackman had escaped by
cutting loose with the little boat when the first signs of trouble were
discovered. The doctor knew what was coming, and made away for dear
life.
“When Jackson and Capt. Redingson made themselves known to him he was
greatly surprised. They then talked the matter over, and all agreed that
all the schemes of the Professor and Dr. Blackman were at an end.
“Capt. Redingson turned to Jackson, saying, 'There is my dream.'
“Blackman said Dr. Mears and the Professor were lost, and their great
secret with them.
“Capt. Redingson asked how this fire could have occurred.
“The Doctor thought some of the Professor's material must have ignited
in some way. 'The truth is,' he said, 'the ship was wrapt in flames in
an instant. I saw this sailor jump into the life-boat, and I followed
him. We are the only ones of all on board that are saved. The rest were
all burned to death before they could possibly get from the vessel into
the sea. There has never been any such combustible made before, and
perhaps never will be again. But it is lost.'
“He seemed very despondent all the rest of the voyage. When they arrived
in Montreal and conveyed the sad intelligence to Jacob Thomlinson and
Mr. Carey, they were overwhelmed with disappointment. Their schemes were
all blasted and they were bewildered.
“Finally, after some days of talking and consulting, they concluded to
send Dr. Blackman to Richmond for instructions as to further
operations. The first news that reached Richmond of the burning of
the Will-o'-the-Wisp created great consternation. The loss of Prof.
McCullough and Dr. Mears was thought to be the severest blow they had
received.
“Dr. Blackman left Jackson and Capt. Redingson to go to Richmond, but
which way he went they never knew. Capt. Redingson took passage for
Nassau, there to run the blockade, and was never heard of again by
Jackson. I hope he is alive, as I think he was at heart a good man, full
of noble impulses. Jackson was very fond of him, rebel as he was.”
Col. Bush said: “Well, Prof. McCullough and Dr. Mears got their just
deserts; their own fireworks did the business.”
“Yes, yes! but the innocent officers and crew suffered with them.”
“Yes,” said Col. Bush, “but this had to be; the Lord did not intend that
such infamy should be permitted to succeed.”
“But,” said Maj. Clymer, “there was Dr. Blackman, just as bad as either
of the others; he escaped most miraculously.”
“Yes,” said Col. Bush; “his material, however, was all lost, and he had
a warning against trying the same thing again. There was no great secret
in his material to be lost; but there was in the others', and the gain
to mankind was in the loss of their diabolical secret.”
“Uncle Daniel, what became of this vile conspirator, Dr. Blackman?”
asked Dr. Adams.
“Well, Doctor, I am sorry to be compelled, with shame, to state the
fact, but nevertheless it is a fact, that this same man, Dr. Blackman,
has been made Governor of one of the States since the war, and at the
same time his record was known by his constituents. But it did not seem
to lose him any friends with his party, but, on the contrary, seemed
to help him. Yes, yes, my friends, this is the sad phase of the whole
matter. It matters not what a man did if he was a rebel; but if a Union
man, and he did the slightest wrong, he was disgraced forever. None
of the great and inhuman wrongs are remembered against the individual
rebels who violated every instinct of humanity.”
Here the old gentleman became silent, and placing his hands over his
face, wept like a child. At length he continued:
“I, with all my sacrifices, even here at home would be thrust aside
in order that the citizens might pay homage to the men who would have
afflicted their own household with loathsome disease, and at the same
time mocked at their calamity. If God wills, let it be so. I do not
believe, however, that He is doing more than trying the Nation, to see
if our people are worthy of such a Government as ours.”