Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1864-08-18


O. When and where was said organiza.
ton expecte3 to co-npstato with the so-called
Confederate sraIy2
Ain the event OF an invasion by the
rebel army into Missouri.
2 We're ysa not led TO believe. after
joining said Order, by conversation with
members thereof that its objects and pur-
poses were directly opposite those Of the
Gsneral Government and 10 direct hostility
TO said Government
s A--Yes, sir.
Q-Were not the members of this Order
secretly plotting aud conuving at the des-
truotion OF the General Government, and
assisting, through the agents of said Order,
with the view Of establishing the independ-
ence of the so.called Confederate States.
Ayes, sir.
Q-From the knowledge you have of said
organization, do you not believe il to be
thoronghly disloyal and inaugurated for the
purpose OF defeating the objects Of the
present Administraticn in suppressing the
present rebellion7 a
Ayes, sir
Q--Was It not generally understood by
members of said Order that steps had been
taken to inform the Confederate authori.
ties that this Order was friendly TO the in
terests and policy of the so called Confed-
crate States, and ready and willing at any
time to render any aud all assistance in its.
power in the overthrow OF the General Gov.
ernment?
A-That was believed to be tho object of
those who give direction to said Order.
Odd not the members of this Order
secretly exult over tho reverses of the Fed.
eral army and at the success Of the so-called
Confederates .... ....l So
Ayes, sir.
Q-Were you ever present at any Temple
or Council in this city where congratulatory
speeches were made by members of the
Order at the success Of the so-called Con.
federate army?
Ayes, sir.
.Q-Piease state when, where and by
whom such speeches were made? =
A-At all times, in all Councils and Tenn
Q-How were such speeches usually re.
csived by members Of such Councils and
Temples2
A-With general satisfaction.
Q-Was it not the universal custom OF
those meeting at the Councils and Temples
of this Order to propose and take up a sub
scrlption for the purpose of buying arm,
and munitions of war, with which to arm
and equip the members thereof, with the
design OF placing it upon war-footing?
A.-Propositions of this kind have fire.
quently been made, but whether successful
or not am unable to state.
Q.-Was there not a project set afoot BY
members of this Order 10 arm and er,ip al
they could Of the members thereof, at Gov.
ernment expense, to he used whom occasion
required against the General Government
and for the benefit of its enemies2
A.-Yes, sir.
Q.-When and by whom were said pro
tects set atoot?
A.--At various times, by members gen
orally, during the past year. | will also state
that the Grand Commander, Chas. j.. Hunt,
and others, recommended that all members
of said Order enroll in the militia, instead
OF paying Communication; thereby obtaining
arms and equipments, and the benefits OF
militia service, which would enhance the
interests OF said Order and materially iniure
those Of the General Government
Q,-By what authority were you consti
tuted an agent to purchase arms ammul.
ton, &c. Tor members of said Order2
A.-Thorc were no regularly constituted
onesi every member became a self consti-
tuted agent
Q.-Have those Councils and Temples
been generally established throughout the
State OF Missouri?
NORTH of the Missouri river generally.
Know OF none in the Southwest or Centra
Missouri.
Q.-What is the number Of this organi
sation in the State of Illinois?
A.-From report, from ono hundred tc
one hundred and twenty thousand.
Q.-What in the State of Indiana7
About ninety thousand.
Q.--What in the State of Ohio2
About eighty thousand.
Q.--Do you now recolect any names OF
members omitted by you yesterday in the
list given by you?
A--Yes, sir.
Q.-Statc thcmr
Q What other prominent political men
belong to said Order, whose names have not
been given?
Al know of none. That class of men
have been initiated privately, and there are
but one or two members Of said Order VIII O
know them.
Q,-Who of said Order represented the
Grand Council of tho State of Missouri at
the Supreme Council held u tho City OF
New York last winter2
A.--Charles J.. Hunt, OF st. Louis, Jef
ferson Jones, of North Missouri and three
otneIs Wnosc hhtncS DO not know
Q.-Who of said Order attended the
special conference held at Vallandigham
hotel in Canada this last spring2
A.--Chas. Il. Hunt
Q.-You have spoken Of your knowledge
OF man named Newcomer. alias Thomp-
son, who was carrier of rebel mail TO this
city did ho become known to you as an OF.
hcer in tho rebel service?
A.-No, sir.
Odd he become known to you as
member of the Order2
A Yes, sir.
Q.-You have stated that there was n
general expectation that an attempt would
be made 10 arrest Vallandigham on his
reaching Chicago on the 4th of July, and
t. prevent him from making speech there
Was the Government to bo resisted in that
effort by the members Of the Order there
sssombledp
A.--There was general understanding
among the members of tho Order that in
case Vallanaigham should return within the
Federal lines and an effort was made by the
Government tc seize or arrest him, such ef
fort was to be resisted by the united action