The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-12-02
A STRAY "sECRETARY OF sTATEv

e. =
The Mobile Daily Tribune has the following In reference
Richard Reaf was elected Secretary of State Of
the Provisional Government organized at Browns Con-
vention at Chatham, Cana la West =
Mr.. Richard ReaH, understand, Is Engiishman By
birth, who figured in the Kansas troubles active
member of the anti slavery party acted adedc camp
the notorious Gen. Lane and elected member OF
the Topeka gisa,ure Subsequently proceedings
of the above set forth he returned to Eng
land and figured there during the last winter as lee
turer on temperance; perhaps aso-though have no
positive evidence Of the fact-on aboitioDism.
Some time during the past spring summer, think,
Mr.. Reaf made his appearance in New Oreans-how or
in what capacity we know not Here, after personal OBJ
servaon Of the institutions Of the South he renounced
aboltonsm and became jealous advocate defender
Of slavery He also became to the doctrines Of
the Roman Catholic Church. was baptized into that sah
and prexed the name of john to that Of Richard %
writing himself thenceforward, sJohn Richard Realfo
Mr.. Realf then became constant aud copious con-
trbutor TO the columns of 7he Catholic Standard both in
poetry prose- the readers of that journal during
the past summer will, doubt, remember. He wrote
with considerable vgor, and, although novice engaged
theological questions.
Mr. Rea this city and vicinity for several weeks
during the months Of September and October continuing
his literary abors at the same time He made no secret
Of his antecedents in connection with Kansas but de-
carcd his views principles and feelings on the subject
entirely changed and appeared sincerely desirous Of
doing whatever mischief he might have been instrumental
in clicctng while working with the aboitionists. Ha
agreeable, well informed young man, and made
favorable impression upon such citizens as formed
his acquaintance.
Some time between the 1st and 10th Of October, Mr.
to enter hack cab, and, infor med has
not been heard Of since. His acquantances here have
felt much anxiety respecting HIS fate and since the dis
closures above set forth with regard to his former con-
necton with Brown and his associates additional mys-
terry has been thrown around the TRANSACTION
The sudden disappearance Of Mr. Rea'f 80 snort
time previous to the outbreak at Harpcr6 ferry
might naturally attach suspicion 70 ms course o
our own part, however, we have no dou0s st.as A1
professions truthful, and his recantaon OF 400
tonism sincere. There il ample evfaeDce IA tne con-
fdentia correspondence Brown and MS other
confederatcs lately brought gh TO prove tnat heaH
had abandoned thcm and held or
with them after his return from England Several pas
snres n these papers show that his friends were under
th that be had died the way ont AID this
@ a ,h niS Of Brown himself founded on the fact that
h had hoard nothing Of him amer sailing. Moreover,
Ne co,,rse while in New Orleans and Mobile Just the
os,te Of wha, 1t would have been likely to be he had
epptertaped any sinister designs.
We think there strong reason TO believe that Realr
NAV have been the author of the anonymous letter ad-
dressed to Secretary Floyd and that be restrained
by his pledge Of secresy, WE'LL perhaps by fear
OF the consequences 10 himself from any direct re-
velations.
His mysterious disappearance In New Orleans mAy
have been cccasioned by some ntmaton Of the approach
ing outbreak, and conviction that In Of the ex-
posure Of his own connection with the foolish plot
organized In Canada, explanation subsequent re-
cantaton would insure his immunity from the conse-
quences.
In any case we should like TO sec some further euca
ton OF the mystery and have waited some time In expec
aton seeing noticed by those directly cognxans
Of the circumstances. Thus far however, Il seems
have escaped the attention OF the New Orleans press