Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-11-18

measures taken to Defeat the Plot
The country was somewhat startled on
Thursday last, November l2th by the an
release the prisoners, confined on Johnson's
Island, Lake Erie, by the United States au-
thorities. y rumor of the intended escape of
these prisoners had been current in ofic ia
circles for several days, yet little credence
was given to report; but on the evening of
the lth the Secretary of State was informed
by the British minister, Lord Lyons, that,
from telegraphic information received from
the Governor General of Canada, there was
reason TO believe that there was plot on foo,
by persons who have found an Asylum in
Canada, to invade the United States and de-
stroy the city of Buffalo-that they proposed
TO take possession OF some of the steamboats,
on Lake Erie, to surprise Johnson's Island,
set free the prisoners of war confined there
and proceed with them to Buffalo
This information was at once telegraphed to
the Mayor of Buffalo, with the request that he
should take the proper steps to prevent a sur
prise. Information was also given to other
cities on the lake, which are subject to a sim
liar raid.
The Government authorities took immedi-
ate steps to prevent surprise, or the escape
of the prisoners from the Island, by ordering
a gunboat to the vicinity, should an attempt
be made to iberate them.
The Ceave land Leader of the 18th says,
that upon the request of the officers at John.
sons Island, $50 men OF the 18th Ohio cavalry
were sent to the Island that morning, and that
a PIttsburg battery of six y FOUNDER Napo-
Icons and 125 men, commanded by Lieut.
Harris, passed through Cleveland for Erie
the same day, for the defence of the frontiers
against the pirates.
A rumor was current in Buffalo that the
Captain of propeller from Sandusky reports
that a tunnel has been discovered extending
from the prisoners quarters on Jobnson's Island
to woods several hundred feet distant from
the quarters; and that 600 muskets, which
had undoubtedly been smuggled over from
Canada, were found in the tunnel.
The plot to seize the steamer Michigan and
two of the New York central propeIlers, and
make raid on the shipping and the city OF
Buffalo.
There is not sufficient positive evidence to
reveal fully the designs of the conspirators,
but enough has en- made public to put the
authorities on the alert, and if the conspirators
attempt to put their plot into execution they
will meet with a warm reception. The steam
er NJ ichigan is ready for any emergency that
may arise.
TORONTO, G. W. Nov. IA. The .4dcerfiser, "a
Secession newspaper. to day admits the failure
of the rebel plot and says: ssThe Confederate
Government had fitted out the steamer r E.
Lee, from Wilmington, n. c., bound to Hall
fax, with cargo for the purpose of furnishing
funds to carry out the plot. ''Thrty-Six Off
GERS and three hundred men were to come
over, and in small parties to meet at general
endezVous. 1t was their intention to surprise
the Federal garrison at JohHson's Island, lib
crate the prisoners, and convey them into
Canada. They did not intend to violate Brit
ish neutrality, but only to rescue the twenty
five hundred prisoners from snch wretched
quarters, which are designed TO kill them by
slow degrees.''