New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-12-02
A STRAYosEcRETARy OF STATE"


Under this heading, The Mobile Daily Tribune has
the following in reference to Richard Reaf 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 Engishman
by BIRTH who figured in the Kansas troubles as an
active member of the Ant-Slavery party, acted as
ade-de-eamp to the notorious Gen. Lane, and was
elected a member of the Topeka Legislature. Subse-
quently TO the proceedings OF the Convention above
set forth, he returned TO England, and figured there
during the last Winter as lecturer on Temperance;
perhaps aso-though have no positive evidence OF
the fact-on Abolitionism.
Sometime during the past Spring or Summer, we
think, Mr.. Realf made his appearance in New-Or-
leans--how, OF in what capacity, we know not Here
after personal observation Of the institutions of the
South, he renowned Aboonism, and became ZEAL
Gus advocate and defender OF Slavery. He also be-
convert 10 the doctrines OF the Roman Catholic
Church. was baptized into that faith and prefxed the
name Of John to that of g Richard" writing him
self theDceforward, " John Richard Reaf"
Mr.. Realf then became constant and copi0us con-
tributor TO the columns Of The Catholic STANDARD"
both in poetry and prose- as the readers OF that jour
nal during the past Summer WILL doubt, remember.
He wrote with considerable yigor, and, although q
novice, engaged in controversy with learned and
pereneed diyines on theological questions.
Mr.. Reaf was IN this city and vicinity for several
weeks during the months OF September and October,
continuing bis literary labors at the same time. He
made secret of his antecedents in connection with
Kansas, but declared his views, principles and feelings
ON the subject entirely changed and appeared sincerely
defir0Us OF und0ing whatever mischief he might nave
been instrumental in efecting while working with The
Aboltonists He wss 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 lOth OF october,
Mr.. Reaf left Mobile for New-0rleans. He arrived
there was seen to enter hack cab, and, we are
informed, has not been heard Of since His ac9uaint-
here have felt much anxiety respecting bis fate
and fba forth with
his former connection with Brown and his associates,
an additional mystery has been thrown around the
transaction.
The sudden disappearance of Mr.. Realf 10 short
time previous the outbreak at Harpers Ferry, might
naturally attach SEINE suspicion 10 bis course. tor
eur own part, however, we have no doubt that bls
professions were truthful and his recantation of Abo
tonsm sincere. There is ample evidence in the con-
fdentiaI correspondence between Brown and bis other
confederates lately brought 20 light, 70 prove tbat
Resf 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
were under the impression that he had died the way
out and this was the belief Of Brown himself founded
OH the fact that he had heard nothing Of him after sail
ing. Moreover, bis eourse, while in Sew-0rleans and
Mobile was just the opposite of what IL wonId have
been likely 10 be if be had entertained any sinister de-
sigps. L,rt
may have been the antbor Of the anonymous letter
addressed TO Secretary Floyd, and that he was re-
strained by his pledge Of secresy well perhaps as
by fear Of the consequences 10 himself from any
direct revelations.
His mysterious disappearance in New-OrIsans may
have been oceasionee by some ntimafion Of the APP
preaching outbreak and conviction that in case Of tie
exposure Of his own connection with the foolish plot or
gained in Canada, explanation subsequent re-
cantalion would insure his immunity from the couse-
quenees.
In any case should Ike TO zee some further ela-
cdaton Of the mystery and have waited come time In
expectation Of seeing t noticed by those more directly
cOpiznDt Of the circumstances. Tins far however
seems to have escaped the attention Of the NewOreans