Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-03-29

Some time since, through the exertions Of
the well known Chicago detective Pinkerton,
a plot was discovered, having for its objects
the robbery OF the mail and express on the
Pittsburgh, Fl. Wayne and Chicago Railroad.
The ramifoations Of the conspiracy extended
over the entire line, and the officer alluded to
was but waiting favorable opportunity to
seize the principal offenders, whena cirCum-
stance transpired which had the effect Of
rendering all his plans useless, and of delay
ing, for time at least the arrest Of the
guilty parties. It appears that a member Of
the gang desired letter forwarded from
the Postofice at Pittsburgh to one Of
his companions in Mansfield, and wrote q
note 70 Postmaster Dunn TO this effect
The fellow, however, made the mistake o.
placing letter intended for another of the
gang, and in which the designs of the con-
spirators were fully set forth, in Mr.. Dunn's
envelope, so that the latter gentleman was
thus unwittngly put in possession of the
entire plot.
The letter, which We give below, reveals the
ticulars OF the infamous conspiracy;
GALLON, March 81, 1861.
Dear Bob IL amjust in receipt of yours,
and have glanced hurriedly over contents
find everything much to my liking.
Can't imagine why Potwin acted so od-d
foolish. / think Banty will answer the place
much better You should have burned the
body-think you had better do it soon, and
be certain You must send Berry necessary
instructions. But how will it do in regard
to that letter, you know Buck wrote to him
some time since? and think, since he left.
Il won't do to have it 90 TO the dead Of
fee cant you send and get it out soon2
am ia great haste, so you must excuse
me for touching everything lightly. Wehave
had a special meeting TO take into considera-
ton our Railroad scheme. We have agEGed
upon plan at last-one originated by
Thompson. He has Just arrived from New
York, and has brought out some Batteries
some rockets, disguIses, &c. We are to siuk
powder under the track and ignite it by
means of the batteries. Between Lakesville
and Loudenville is the place we selected for
the mail train, and between Crestline and
Upper Sandusky for the freight train. Then
we are to destroy nearest bridges and tele-
graph, to prevent any possibility of assistance
reaching them, and then we are to illuminate
some of the nearest towns, so as to cause a
general confusion We can then operate
With perfect safety. We have another meei-
ing on the 30th, at Head Quarters, to select
suitable men-you must come up without fail
and send word to all your boys. You must
excuse me for being so brief as l have about
twenty letters TO write, and want TO call in
boys that are out.
am going down to Mansfield this evening
to mail ONE OF my letters, and vii just drop
a line to the Postmaster at Pittsburgh and
have him forward Potwin's letter. and that
will be better than to send for it. went to
Mansfield last Friday and made some inqui-
ries about that fellow you wrote about l
saw him, and from your description and his
knowledge Of you and some Of our men,
think can say positively hei the same man.
He told me himself that it was currently re-
ported that be was dead. He told me that be
had been in prison several years and that be
bad sworn of. Said he felt no III will TO-
wards you or any one else--thought he would
remain home this summer | think you had
bettor go ard see him yourself and you will
have more influence than any one else-be-
lieve him to be a flint, steel pointed. Dayy
and jess made little effort here few nights
ago, but only got few empty letters. jess
has gone to Newark and Davy is in Mans
field waiting chance.
l shall be in Crestline until the 3Oth-
don't leave MuSsiilUu unless you first inform
me. Thompson and Fred and Jerry will
stay at Cleveland. l will see JEFF and get
you some money by Saturday-you can see
your own men, and 60 with them to Lake
vile, but do not inform them of our business
you can stop with Bill Wolf-he is one oi
our bridge men, but don't be seen in daylight
and before you do anything else select some
appropriate names for your men, so we car
distinguish them. had not time to use cy.
pher, as it is so tedious and l am so busy
now. l will see Jimmy again and see if hC
can be come at and let you know.
We have enough boys on trains now, anj
shall not trust any mOre-plenty Of girl
now everywhere. CHARLEY GRIMES.