The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-08-05
The North Western Conspiracy.

The st. Louis Democrat publishes long
account Of the conspiracy for tho erection OF
a North Western Confederacy, referred to q
few DAYS since. The organization engaged
in this conspiracy is known as the Order OF
American Knights" and its real object is to
embarrass the Government in the conduct Of
the war, and overthrow the Government, il
necessary. for the supremacy Of the Order.
Its professions and purposes are different in
different States, proclaiming war policy in
New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and
other Eastern States, while in the West it is
for peace. The order is Of Southern origin,
being erected on the ruins Of the knights OF
the Golden Circle. The rebel Gen. Sterling
Price is Supreme Commander. Vallandig-
ham, while in Richmond, was made the Su-
preme Commander Of the Northern section,
and conspiracy was entered into between
him and the rebel authorities to divide tho
East and West, thus to aid the Southern re-
bellion. Vallandigham's timo in Canada
was principally spent in furthering this
scheme. He had conference with some OF
the leading spirits in the North soon after
his arrival in Canada, and arranged for the
establishment of tho Order throughout the
loyal States. The names Of oil who visited
him at the Clifton House are known to the
Government. among whom the names OF w.
b. Reed of Philadelphia, Pendleton and Pugh
of Ohio, Kribben OF St. Louis, and Storey
and Merrick of Chicago, are published. The
result Of this conference was also known to
the Government about the first Of January.
Mr.. Vallandigham issued an address to the
lodges in the loyal States, in which he calls
upon the members to renew their vows. lie
says the time is fast approaching which Will
test their sincerity. He declares that the
prosecution of the war is "a violation OF the
rights of the States, and that President Lin
coin is tyrant and usurper.
A meeting OF the Grand Commanders OF
the different States was held in the city OF
New York on the 22d day of February, for
the purpose OF organizing an outbreak ON
the 10th of March, the day fixed for the draft
to take place, but no definite plan was agreed
upon. The names of these conspirators are
also known.
The commanders had conversation with
the Supreme Commander at Windsor. Cana.
da. carly in April, for general consultation.
Among those in attendance ut this conference
were the Grand Commander in New York
Charles l.. Hunt OF ST. Louis, and Lafayette
Dealin of Indiana. The programme adopt
ed at this meeting was that Mr.. Vallandig-
ham should represent his district in Ohio in
the National Democratic Convention, to be
held ia the city of Chicago. Mr.. Vallandig-
ham in the National Democratic Convention
was to proclaim the doctrines OF the Order
Of the American Knights, namely PRO
nounce the existing Administration OF the
Government power usurpcd which the peo'
pic have u right to cxpel by force of necessi-
ty-iD fact TO inaugurate rebellion in the
North-in which he was to be supported by
the erdcr. Each Grand Commander was to
have fully armed and equipped body guard
at the National Convention in Chicago, for
the defense of Mr.. Vallandgham.
This il was thought would procipitatc the
pcople Of the Free States into an armed con-
dict, which was to be the signal Tor the
Knights Of the American Order to unite
against the lawful authorities, and kill or
capture the civil and military authorities.
The Knights were then to seize the arsenals,
arms. and public property Of all kinds, and
proclaim the Government overthrown.
Inefe II must COuNHiSiuS O'NthSS w s''N
truthfulness Of this statement. The reason
of Mr.. Vallandisham's sudden return to Ohio
was the fear of being defeated as delegate
TO the National Democratic Convention to
bcvNeld at Chicago, aud it was only by his
presence in the State that his election as a
delegate was secured. The numerical strength
of the Knights Of the American Order is over
half million. Ono hundred and fifty thou
sand Of this number are armed and organiz-
cd. The Order in New York is called the
"McCiellan Minute Men," numbering over
900 900 men. The Grand Commander in
Missouri is Charles l., Hunt, nephew of
James II. Lucas, and for many years the Bel
yian Consul An officer in ST. Louis has
long list of the names of the members ci the
Order, together with full Information con.
ccrning the whole scheme.
The whole affair has been thoroughly
brought to light, and the proof OF it is in
the hands Of the authorities at Washington,
and will be given to the public at the proper
time. rf
Sxy,crs or NORTHERN CorPEsnrAps Ac-
xSowLypcEp BY THEIR SOUTHERN FRIENDS.
While many loyal people at the North are DC,
ceiyed by the sophistries OF tho copPerhead
press, the rebels fully understand their dritt
and appreciate tho important services they
are rendering the South in its attempt to de-
,troy the Union. The Atlanta Appeal has
the following lettor from an officer in HOODS
army:
-"Pendletou's speech. published in yest.er-
days Appeal. has attracted much attention
in the army. II is regarded as the clearest
vindication Of State rights that has sever emsn'
| ated lrn,n the Nnrth PendletOn. Xallan-