Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-01-29
THE REBEL spy SYSTEM.

Inc NUMBER OF spies, mail carriers, and
agents constantly plying between the North
and South is enormous. And what is more re-
markable, many of them ply their ayocation in
the very face, and even with the assistance OF
our Government officials. For example when
one of these characters desires to come North,
he enters our lines and reports himself to Pro-
vost Marshal as refugee trsm the South, takes
the oath of allegiance, and goes about his busi-
ness. When he desires to return he goes to-
Harper's Ferry, or some other point, solicits of
the Provost Marshal g pass tor Berry willie, or
Winchester. or some point in that direction,
takes the oath OF alleglance ce in an assumed name
receives an order to the guards and pickets to
pass him and at the first ia avorable Opportunity
slips within the rebel lines.
The following extracts from q report of Coz,
Margrave, a confidential agent for the Rebel
War Department, Of which L had reason to
make copy, wiil show how easily an arrange
ment can be carried cut:
RICHMOND. April 10, 1861 The Hon. James T.
Seddon, SecTetaryT War: Having, in obedience
to your orders, visited the United States aud
British Provinces, as agent for the Confeder-
ate States, have the honor to report some of
the details and the result of my proceedings.
my journey thither being destitute of any oc-
currence worthy of note. Having been longer
in accomplishing the business intrusted 10 me
than was anticipated, determined TO return
by shorter and more expeditions route. Ac-
cordingly on the 23d or Ath of March / boldly
entered the Office of Colonel Fish, Provost
Marshal at Baltimore, and obtained passport
for Harper's Ferry under the name of Isaac E.
Haines. On the 25th of March applied under
the same name to the Provost Marshal at Har-
per's Ferry for pass beyond the lines / at
once received it in consideration of my taking
the cath Of allegiance to the United States. : :
Without hesitation took the oath, and each
succeeding day violated it without the slightest
seruple or compunction, for am well aware
that the Yankee officers do not otrespect the oaths
or paroles Of honor, or other obligations they
make to US. On the 26th purchased horse
ing that movement was about to be made by
the forces under General Roberts, at Harperfs
Ferry, determined d to return and gather such
Information as l could in regard to 1t. Retrac-
ing my way to Charlestown,1 placed my pa
pers in the hands of a daughter OF the Hon.
Robert Hunter, Of the House Of Delegates, aud
n'renm renamed ID in that wretebed place, eating
and drinking with Yankee officers, until the
aOth of March, wheu Gen. Roberts was re-
that day Gen. Roberts left for Baltimore, and,
with view Of getting railroad conversation
with him, took TIE same train The Genssal
ton with him Ras brisf, but neyer,heisss
profitable. Icent4ued ny peregrinations to
Washington, and on the sth instant fonna my,
once Tor another pas 70 HsIEyxiie AID as he
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