The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1864-08-11

loyal States. That order having been
thoroughly exposed-its rituals, signs,
grips, &C., made known to the public
it became necessary TO organize
in its stead.
STERLING PRICE THE CHIEF.
The result of the effort, it would
seem, was the order of American
Knights, of which Major General Ster-
ling Price, of the rebel army, became
the chief, known by tho title of Su.
preme Commander. While distin-
guished demagogue and agitator, from
Ohio, sojourned at Nthc city Of Rich
mond, in exile, he it seem was fully
enlightened in the mysteries and pur-
poses of this sublime rebel order, and
submitted to all its rights and privile-
yes as a member. .." 7.
i-. VALLANDIGHAM IN 1T. ...'..
The next step was a gigantic con-
spiracy between himself and the rebel
authorities to inaugurate another re-
bcllion in tho loyal States to separate
tho West from the East, and thus give
aid and comfort to the Southern
rebellion. To do this he was made
Supreme Commander of the Northern
section of the order, embracing the
loyal States, and was assisted to make
his escape through the blockading
fleet to Canada, whittier he fed to cs-
tablish his headquarters and commence
the organization of the Northern sec.
ton of the order of traitors.
HIS WORK IN CANADA.
Soon after the arrival of this infa-
nous traitor in Canada, he had q con-
ference with the master spirits of those
in affinity of feeling and sentiment
with him from the various loyal States,
those of the West. The
names of those visiting him there at
the Clifton House are all known and
preserved, to be furnished to the pub.
lie whenever occasion mayrequire that
it should be known who tho conspira-
tors are that early met in conclave, up
on foreign soil, 10 confer with him and
aid him in the organization Of this re-
cret league of sworn traitors.
VALLANDIGHAM's SECRET ADDRESS.
About the first of January last he
issued an address to the lodges or tenn
pies throughout the loyal States, of
which published copy has been OBJ
tainod, and which discloscs freely the
reasonable character of the order. 1t
may not be out of place to give some
quotations from it to show the charac-
ter of the order and the reasonable
purposes its members have in view.-
Here is one extract!
, "Brothers, again renew your solemn
vows Swear at your hcarthstones-
at the altars consccratcd to your house.
hold gods Swear in the holy sane
tuary where your fathers worshippcd
at their tombs and by their sacred
memoriesl that here quoting the Ian
guagc of the Obligation of the order.
L will at all times if need be, take up
arms in the cause of the oppressed in
my own country. First of all against
any armed monarch, prince, potcntate,
power or Government usurper, which
may be found in arms and waging war
against people or peoples who arc
endeavoring to establishing or have
inaugurated n government for them
selves of their own choice, in accord
anco with, and formed upon, the etcr-
nal principles of truth! This do pro-
mise without regard to the namc, sta
ton or designation of the invading
power, whether it shall arise from
within or come from without"
Hero is another quotation: "ThC
time is near when these VOWS must be
redecmedl The despotism which has
crushed us under lis iron heel so long
is the Government uSWped, which is
found in arms'and waging war against
our noble States, and would degrade
them from sovoreigntlcs to the mean
condition of dependencies Of a central
lied power"
These extracts are in themselves suf.
ficient but another is added:
"To be prepared for this crisis now
approaching, we must catch from afal
the earliest and faintest breathings Of
the spirit Of the storm. To be success
full when the storm comes, we must be
watchful, patient, brave, confident, or
ganized, armed"
MEETING OF THE GRAND COMMANDERS
A meeting of the Grand Command
ers of the different States took place ir
the city of NewYork on the 22d of Feb
ruary last Its object was to organize
an outbreak on the 10th of March, the
day which had been fixed on which
the draft for the raising Of troops was
to bo made, but no definite plans, Oh
purposes, owing, perhaps, mostly tc
the absence of the Supreme Comman
der ofthe NortherhSection, were agreet
upon. The names of the conspirator'
thus assembled are, however known
They arc watched, and may be taker
care of in good season. Failing to ar
rive at any definite conclusion, an ad
journment was had for the purpose o
having a consultation with this leader
in exile in Canada West. ,. .
..... fHE DEGREES.
The first degree seems to be veal
and diluted dose for tlovices who may
have squeamish stomachs. The grea
mass of the members of the order arr
admitted only into the mysteries of j
thus far, the leaders thus securing thei
support Without ehdshgering them
! n ~ r.1I--.I.. A