New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-12-03
A STRAY "SECRETARY OF STATE"


Under this heading, The Mobile Daily Tribune has
the following in reference to Richard Realf, who was
elected Secretary of State of the Provisional Govern
ment organized at Browns Convention at Chatham,
Canada West:
Mr.. Richard Realf we understand is an Englishman
by birth, who figured in the Kansas troubles ~ an
active member Of the Anti-Siavery party, acted IS
aide-de-eamp TO the notorious Gen. Lane, and was
elected member Of the Topeka Legislature. Snbee-
uuently TO the proceedings of the Convention above
set FORTH he returned to England, and figured there
during the last Winter lecturer on Temperance;
perhaps also-though we have no positive evidence OF
the fact-on Aboltonism.
Sometime during the past Spring or sammer, we
think, Mr.. Realf made his appearance In New-Or-
leans-how, in what capacity, we know not. Here,
after personal observation of the institutions OF the
South be renowned Abotionism, and became q zeal
GUS advocate and defender of Slavery. He also be-
came convert to the doctrines Of the Roman Catholic
Church. baptized into that faith and preixed the
name Of john TO that Of % Richard" writing HIM
self thenceforward, "John Richard Realf"
Mr. Realf then became a constant and copious con-
tributor 10 the columns Of The Catholic Standard
both in poetry and prose- as the readers OF that Jour
nal during the past Summer WILL no doubt, remember.
He wrote with considerable vigor, and, although
novice engaged in controversy with learned and ex-
perienced divinee on theological questions.
Mr.. Reaf was in this city and vicinity for several
weeks during the months OF September and October,
continuing his literary labors at the same time He
made secret of his anteeedenss in connection with
Kansas but declared his views, principles and feelings
on the subject entirely changed and appeared sincerely
DESTROYS OF undoing whatever mischief ne might have
been instrumental IN effecting while working with the
Aboltionists. He was an agreeable, well-informed
Young man. aud made favorable impression upon
such Of our citizens as formed bis acquaintance.
Some time between the Let and the io.h Of October
Mr. Realf left Mobile for New-Orleans. He arrived
there seen to enter back or cab and, az we are
informed has not been heard of SINCE His aequant-
here have felt much anxiety respecting his fate
and since tbs disclosures above set forth with regard 70
his former connection with Brown and his associates,
an additional mystery has been thrown around the
transaction.
The sudden disappearance Of Mr.. Reaf shor; a
time previous 10 the outbreak at Hapers Ferry, might
naturally attach some suspicion 10 bis course. For
enP own part however, we have no doubt that his
professions were truthful and his reoantation Of Abos
tonisn sincere There is ample evidence in the con-
hdental correspondence between Brown ana his otser
eonfederates lately brought 10 light, to prove that
Reslf had abandoned them and held no connection or
intercourse with them after his return from England
Several passages IN these papers show that his friends
under the impression that ne had died on the way
out and this the belief OF Brown himself founded
on the fact that be had heard nothing OF him after sail
ing. Moreover, his course, while N New-Orieans and
Mobile, was ust the opposite Of what II would have
been likely 70 be il he had entertained any sinister de-
signs a..
We think there IL strong 20 believe thai Realf
NAV have been the author Of the anonymous letter
addressed 10 Secretary Floyd, and that he wac re-
strained Dy pledge OF eecresy a. well perhaps as
by fear Of the consequences to HIMSELF from any
direct revelations.
His mysterious disappearance in Eew-Orleans may
have been occasioned by some ntmaton Of the APP
preaching outbreak and conviction that IN cfthe
exposure Of his own connection with the foolish plot
gained in Canada no explanation subsequent re-
esnation would insure his immunity from the eonse-
quenees.
In any ease we should like to see some further el-
eidaon Of the mystery, and have waited some time in
expectation Of seeing noticed by those more directly
cognzant Of the circumstances. Thus TAR however, t
seems to have escaped The attention Of the xew0eAns
press. 81 ff ~