Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-12-25
THE CASE or CONSUL GENERAL GID.
DINGS.


The following statement Of this case is brief
but authentic:
On or about the 9th Of November last a
man named Jones, called at the United States
Consulate in Montreal, and announced him
self as one Of the detective police. He said
he wanted to start that afternoon with a pris-
oner for New York that the prisoner was a
dangerous man, and he thought Of taking an
assistant but ieard that they would not al
l'w pay for him. and desired line from the
Consul to the authorities in New York, ad-
yisng the payment Of an assistant.
Mr.. Giddngs told him that the United
States Marshal would see him sent forward
when delivered to him. Jones said it was ar
ranged that he should 90 through to the city
himself, and he desired to get pay for an as
slsiaut to go with him. The man. Jones.
being Canadian officer, and supposed to be
acting under Canadian laws, Mr.. Giddings
possessed no authority to examine his powers
or process. He had never seen nor heard of
the officer or prisoner before, OF even heard
their names. No advice or direction was
asked. Jones simply wanted to get pay for
an assistant; and Mr.. Giddings, saying there
was no question on that point, Addressed a
letter to Mr.. Kennedy, Chief Of Police in New
York, advising the paymenS Sof an assistant in
such cases, And handed tge letter to Jones'
who then left the Office It is said that Jones
reported that this letter constituted warrant
for the arrest Of Redpath and that such ar
rest was made st the request Of Mr.. Gddings /:
aud many other falsehoods stated by Jones as
well Redpath, the prisoner, we're caught
up by secessionists and secession sympathi-
sers, and published and reiterated ia every
English paper in Montreal, while not an editor
or reporter even called on the Consul for in
formation or explanation Secessionists de-
nounced him as a kdnapper, and Englishmen
reiterated the charge. One French journal
only maintained position Of dignity and neu-
trslity.
The excitement increased. Mr.. Giddings,
feeling that he could net endure the rigors Of
this climate, had previously obtained leave of
absence from the 18th of November until
April lst, in order to spend the winter in a
mllder climate. OF this the whole city were
informed The people in May last saw him
prostrated ard unconscious for four hours,
and all medical men agreed that the next re-
turn OF atrophy would close his earthly exis-
terce; md all were av are that he felt himself
liable to depart at any time. Redpath and
his friends knowing that Mr.. Giddings had
expended his substance and his labors in IA
vor Of suffering humanity, called on him the
first TO contribute to his relief, and received
small sum with note commencing his case
to the charitable; snl on the next day, being
Sabbath, appeared before the proper author
iiy and obtained capias, placed it in the
hands of the bailiff. and Mr. Giddings was
arrested on the Lords day.
Two wealthy men from the States entered
bail in the sum Of S25 600. Thus came tho
suit against Mr.. Giddings, which has been
mentioned in the newspapers. We believe
it will amount to nothing, except to demon
strate the malignity of the secessionists and
their sympathizers in Canada The govern
ment Of Canada, we are sure, will permit no
injustice TO be done.