The Placer herald., 1863-04-25
From the Carthage (Ill) Republican.
EXPOSURE OF A SECRET MILITARY
0RnER

EXTENDING THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE NORTH, THE
OBJECTS OF WHICH ARE TO ESTABLISH A MILL
TARY DEsporIsM THROUGHOUT THE NORTH!
About three weeks ago. the unders gned OBJ
served an editora article in the Daily Keohuk
Constitution, containing some information in re-
gard to a secret military organization, which
was being rapidly extended over the country,
and which it was thought, was intended to aid
in fastening on the American people an odious
military despotism. 1t Immediately attracted
our attention, and we determined to endeavor to
learn the true facts in reference to this oath
bound secret and dangerous organization. We
observed that the Gate city, an abolition paper
OF keokuk, contained an article advocating the
formation of S. B. societies in Lee county, Iowa.
and stating that arrangements were made to form
them in that locality. 1t was further stated that
perst Ms desirous of obtaining information in re-
gard to it could address John Trlmble, Jr. d. D.,
Box G295. Chicago, Illinois, who would send
circulars. constitutions, rituals, etc. We at once
decided to address this individual Thinkin it
might be better to use some other name than our
own. we obtained the consent Of Mr. T. B. Grif-
fits of this place. and sent John Trimble, d. D.,
"a letter asking information, and requesting him
to send such documents as he thought proper.
He replied to Mr.. Griffits by sending two printed
circulars In one of these circulars it is said
that "everything now depends SPEED what
we do must be done in the next ninety days or all
is LOST He requests Mr.. Griffts in this case to
send him the name of 4 good loyal man to act as
Colonel for this county, and five or ten suitable
names for Captains. To them he promised to
send commissions, rituals and private insruc-
tions etc. In the other circular he explains what
the S. B. mean. They imply Strong Band" or
"Slrong Broth rhood,' and their private mean
ing is Spartan Band, ;" and they are borrowed
from "those German Bonds which in the last
days of Napoleon did so much in uniting the
people of Prussia, Holland, etc." He says 'the
,1,. Of n,tt
together in an indissoluble bond" He says 1.-The
first men Of the nation approve it," and they
expect to have quarter Of Il million by the 4th
of July next, four times that number by New
Years. Among;other objects it is stated that
they teach by covenants, emblems, and solemn
ceremonies, the harmony, strength and beauty of
N ational Unity" He says that "a recruit must
be IS years and upward of agc"-but they will
take in youths of IA. He also says in this circu-
lar that the organization is essentially militia
ry " and that it is ''warlike in structure" He
further tells Mr.. Griffits that proper persons are
"bcing sought out in every county in your state
to enlist men in this dangerous midnight organi-
zaton.
The circulars are signed "John Trmbc, Jr.,
General Secretary. S. b."
Mr.. Grfits sent the following letter inreply
to these circulars:
CARTHAGE, Hancock County, Ill.,,
February Sth, 1868.
Dear Sir:-Y Yours of the 4th inst, came to
hand last evening. | have shown your circulars
to u few reliadIe friends, and we have agreed
that an organization should be Immediately
formed. This is strong Coppcrhcad county,
and we wish to organize as quietly as possible.
In consultation with our friends last evening we
decided to recommend A. NJ. Ossmon as Colonel
for this county. and you may send commission
to me rs Captain for this township. and this is
our understanding here. In the meantime will
visit other parts OF the county and get suitable
friends to act us captains 1t will probably be
better to have their consent before any commits
sions are sent. Please send Immediately the
rituals, commissions, guides, and such private
i strnctions as is necessary. Yours, for the
Union II. B GRIFFiTS.
John Trimhle, Jr Chicago.
Office of General Secretary S. B.
p. o. Box, No. 6295,
Chicago. H.. February 10, 1868
7. B. Griffts Captain S. b.:
Dear Cdptdin:--Yours of the Sth is received
and we forward to you by express your commits
SION ritual, &c. Write Immediately on the re-
ceipt and | will send by mail the private hey.
The rule is not to send commissions. documents
&c., until the person agrees to act. Does Mr..
Ossman agree to act? Ii so, let me know and
will forward his documents right away. Please
let me hear from you by return mail on this
subject. l think that you will have no difficulty
in operating after you have studied the ritual
am yours. for the Union
JOHN TRIMBLE, Jr..
General Secretary.
In reply to this, Mr. Grfits stated on the 10th
inst that Mr. Ossmon consented, and requested
him to forward all necessary documents. and in
order to encourage him TO think he was actively
at work he sent him two fictitious names for cap
tains to wit. John TOmpkins and VIM. Sparry.
On the l7th inst. the box came by express,
containing Captain Griffits' commission, several
copies of the Constitution, the ritual, the guides
to enlistment. fifty invitation cards, several cir
culars and nice little card stating that John
Trimble has room No, 6, up stairs, No. 96 Ran
dolph street Chicago, Illinois. The commission
is a magnificent one in appearance, is printed on
fine parchment paper has the great seal of the
S. BIS, and is as follows:
Office of the General Secretary |
CHICAGO, H.. February 10th, 1868,
To all ,chom these presents shaH come, greeting:
Know ye that T. b. Gr1its having been duly
appointed captain in the Illinois, S. B., in
the county of Hancock, l. John Trimbe, Jr.,
d. D., Secretary of the S. B. Association and
Adiutunt general for the time being for the State
of Illinois. for and in behalf of the comradship
of said association do commission him to take
rank in the S. B. as captain, from this date. He
is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge
the duties of said office by doing and performing
all matters and things thereunto belonging.
And do strictly require all officers and comrades
of the S. B. under his command to be obedient
to his orders. And he is to obey all such orders
and directions as he shall receive from time to
time from his superior officer or from this office
In testimony whereof, have hereunto set my
name, hand, and caused the seal of the General
Registration Office to be attached.
Done in Chicago, Illinois, this tenth day Of
February. in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and sixty three
[Seal] JOHN TRMBLE, D. d.,
General Secretary and Adjutant General pro
TEN.
In one of the circulars he enjons on Captain
Griffits the necessity Of vigorous act,on," and
tells him they are going to have grand conven-
ton Of July 4th next, at the State Capitol, and
also that each ''recruit" is expected to pay one
dollar. Also that Captain Grif1its is charged s5
for the honor of his commission, which he is not
required to pay until he collects it from recruits
He WW not get his fUe dollars. The ritual con-
tains So pages In the preface it is said that the
strictest secrecy is to be manttined. In chapt
sec. lst. it is said that the association isessen
TALLY miHtdry," and that the Requirements