The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1865-06-01
The InfsstIon Plet---Tsstimony
tho Assassnatlo on Trial.

The InfsetIOn PlOt.--TestimOnY ae
the ASsAssnstIOn Trial.
The special Washington correspon-
dent of the Cincinnati Gazette says of
the testimony in reference to the in
fection plot
Probably tlN most fcndish acts in
tho whole catalogue of diabolical
crimes proved against the rebels were
disclosed this afternoon, in the testi-
mony Of the witness Hyams, who gave
'us an account of his employment by
DIR. Blackburn in Toronto to convey
to this city several packages of cloth
ing infected with yellow fever and
small pox, to be sold unfortunately.
The work was faithfully performed by
the witness Hyams so far as he en-
gagged to execute the devilish job
No credit could be attached to the
evidence of this wretch Hyams, were
there not some other circumstances
and credible witnesses to corroborate
enough of his testimony to make it
probable that the whole oft is true.
He ratified off his story without hesi-
fancy, and there was that in his man
ner which impressed the hearers that
he was telling the truth, notwithstan-
ding, he, in this, discovered himself to
DO one of the most heartless, cold
bloodcd, and whole sale would-be as
sassins of them all. Hyams is a gen.
teely dressed man ofsmall stature and
of dark complexion. During his re-
cital of the TRANSACTION, the audience
gave, in suppressed murmurs and ex-
clamations, unmistakable domonstra-
tions of what their verdict would be
were the witness himself on trial be.
fore them. The verdict seemed to be
unanimous to hang the wretch. Tho
audience was principally composed of
ladies, and the rooms were packed to
their utmost capacity. There were
about dozen congressman present,
among them Hon. Benjamin Eggles.
ton, member elect from the First Dis.
trict of Ohio.
The following is the testimony taken
on the 29th ult.
The prosecution called Mr.. Hyams,
who testified 10 roeeting DR.. Black.
burn at Toronto in December, 1862.
and knew that he was in the service
Of the rebellion; that Blackburn took
the witness to private room and
asked him if he was willing to 20 on
an expedition. He told him he would
make ono hundred thousand dollars
and receive more glory than Lee
Tho witness consented and received
letter from Blackburn dated May 10th
last at Havana, stating that he would
arrive at Halifax, and witness made
his way and perfected arrangements
for the distribution of infected cloth
ing, and bringing trunks to New
York, Philadelphia, &c. Blackburn
stated that his object was to destroy
the Federal army; that the clothing
had been infected with yellow fever
and that other parties were engaged
with him In injecting the goods
amounting to one million dollars
worth with that disease and small pox.
Tho witness understood that the cloth.
ing in valise which was sent to Pres
ident Lincoln was infected with both
diseases. When the witness returned
to Hamilton he met Clay and Hot,
combe, who congratulated him on his
success, and he telegraphed to DIR.
Blackburn, who came down next
night, and when witness told him what
he had done, he said it was all right,
as "bag No. 2 had gone to Washing
ton and he was sure it would kill at
sixty yards" Blackburn said Thomp.
son would pay him and he went to
Thompson, who stated that he would
be paid when they heard the goods
had been delivered according to in
structions. Witness showed them a
letter from Wall & Co., when Thomp-
son gave the witness fifty dollars on
account.
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