The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-05-13
SPIES AMONG THE FEDERAL TROOPS.

WASHINGTON, May IL, 1861.
There plenty of spies In the very midst of the
federal troops here and elsewhere but there being
declaration of made they cannot be treated spies
they must be proved be traitors their country and
dealt with as SUCH
At battalion drill yesterday of the Fifth Massachu-
setts regiment, under command OF Lieutenant Colonel
Greene, deep ditch made in the suburbs Of the
city, which the troops exercised in charging,
In order to accustom them to all the emergencies ef
tual service. Col. Greene and his command much
applause by their excellent and sodiery display.
The steamer Bienville, with the First regiment from
Connecticut arrived up the Potomac within forty miles
of the city last night and anchored till this morning,
when she came up to the city The regiment is under
command of Colonel Tyler.
The steamer Cahawoa, with the Second Connecticut
regiment under command Of Colonel Terry will arrive
here tomorrow. The had o pleasant passage and
all we'll
MORE ABOUT THE CAPTURED STEAM GUN.
WASHINGTON, May IL, 1851.
Yesterday morning the three persons who taken
prisoners at the Relay House, custodans of the steam
gum brought before Gen. Butler at Annapolis for
examination The two earnsers told straightforward
story that the General at released them, and
turned them their mules John Bradford, the chief of
the party, Jared differently. He at first expressed de-
sire to consult COUNCIL before lking any statement.
Gen. Butler replied that honest would not want
counsel and explained that his examination only for
the purpose of deciding whether he should be held or
not. II he made no statement he would certainly be
held for trial.
Bradford then went on to state that he was
native of Maryland where he remained
until twenty y-four years Of age, when he be
came citizen of Louisa county, Virginia. On the
18th of October last he went TO Baltimore, and during
the Christmas holidays took his family there, but intend
ed TO return, and therefore considers himself cti
of Virginia. AZ he is informed and believes the
steam gun seized by the city authorities of Baltimore
on the day succeeding the attack upon tho Mas
sachusetts Sixth regiment by the mob, About
week since one Dixon, or Nickerson, the re
cord reads both ways) said to the prisoner
that the city did not want the gun ard did intend
keep It, Thereupon he (Bradford) proposed that they
should proceed with the machine to Harpers Ferry and
there seli it, Previous to this time the twain had had
conversation about the sale OF the gun Nickerson
whatever his is hung fire at first, but finally
assented TO the proposition. Accordingly bargain
struck with the teamsters to transport the gun TO
Harpers Ferry for hundred dollars OF which
Bradford paid half down. the balance payable the
completion of the journey This fifty dollars he borrowed
but fatty refused from whom he procured it,
When asked if he knew that Virginia had passed
ordinance secession he rened that he did, but did not
believe the people would sustain IL. he intended or ex
pected that gun should be used to defend Virginia
against invasion. "Invason by federal troops?o sug
gested the General ''No, replied Bradford al don't
see il in that light The General thereupon gave Brad
ford sharp lecturing upon shutting, and finally Brat
ford acknowledged that he meant invasion by federal
troops the General pleased TO call his forces by that
name He had done what he had upon his own motion,
and upon solicitation of other person He further
stated that his age ia forty years. that he has been
engaged for many years in mining business but OF late
has been connected with the Baltimore Mechanics Ex-
change which it would is sort OF patent agency
In conclusion Bradford essayed political grafton, in
which he avowed himself secessionist but said he had
been Union until recently. he believed fully in
the invioabiy OF state soil This stump speech, the
General informed him. the Secretary would not take the
trouble TO preserve. He was forthwith sent TO Jail.
The machine was patented by Dickerson last August,
he Bradfor) had no interest in except in the event of
q sale being effected. he believed that, when in
order il would be formidable weapon he had
periments made with it, The story OF which he had not
heard until il related by the General, that wnen
seized it the way TO suitable locality for
periments at long range stated by the Baltimore SUM-
he regarded as q subject Of merrment.
About to-day Mrs. Bradford wife OF the prisoner
arrived Annapolis and asked 20 her husband The
request was granted, and she accompanied by an
officer She is a fine young lady, and did not evince
husband.