Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-04-06
THE FENIAyS AFL0AT.
Startling Statements from the O'Mahony
HeadQuarters-AnE Expedition from New

startling Statements from the O'Mahoay
Headeuarters-An Expedition from New
York at Sea.
IFrom the New York Daily Newsl
No little whisper has been created in fenian
circles by the sudden departure OF Il. Doran
kIllIan from this city on Monday last, ana all
DAY yesterday and on Tuesday vague reports
were a1ioat that something extraordinary was
on the carpet The fact seems TO be thai our
correspondents authentic account of the es-
cape OF stevens from Ireland, added 20 the
consequent paralyzation OF the sale of the Fe-
Dian bonds, had necessitated the immediate
inauguration Of some movement in order 70
sustain the waning enthusiasm OF the Fenian
brotherhood. and prevent their going over 20
the Sweeney plan of commencing hostilities
with an invasion ofCanada- Whether this be
or be not true, an impatient demand seems 20
have been informally preferred that somethiug
be done and done Immediately. On the other
hand, II rs claimed by those well learned an the
secrets OF Fenianism thar the expedition has
been on the carpet for some time, and that
every preparation has been made TO render the
expedition a success. Subloined will be found
as full a collection OF the facts connected with
the affair. il Fenan sources Of information may
be considered unQuestionable. The account
below has been collated by our reporter from
the most accessible EenIan sources, and nothing
" set down except what rs sustained by the
severatons OF Eenians OF high Office in con-
nection with the movement The details are
somewhat meagre, but are su lcient TO give an
idea OF the strength Of the alleged Fenian ex-
peditlon on foot
The authorized statement from the O. Mahony
headquarters is TO the effect that Il. Doran
kiIlian, whllom Secretary of ne Treasury r.
B., started on Monday evening in company
with an expedition consisting Of three steam
ers-two propellers and one side-wheel steam
er-of fast sailing qualities. unrivalled. The
eXpedinon was fitted out with 3,UOO mea well
ofhcered, both officers and men being mostly
composed of yetel an sailors who nave fought
during the late war with the South. These
vessels are well armed and equipped, one of
them being a formidable iron clad carving two
one hundred pounQ Parrot guns-one fore
and one aft-and tour rified guns of the heaNi-
est calibre amid ships. Large Quantities Of
ammunition and spare arms have been put on
board, all intended TO lind their ultimate desti-
nation in Ireland. Tie second part OF the
expedition rs composed OF a couple OF pro-
pellers, capable of making eighteen miles per
hour under q full head OF steam These ves-
sells are also fully armed and equipped. and
have on board a complement OF :, 80 men,
besides those ne, essary to manage the vessels.
These men have all been selected from the
skilled veterans of the late war with the South,
and are fully armed and equipped for service
IN the field The whole number accompany
ing the expedition, exclusive of sailors, Is,
therefore. according 20 statement 5,s3A.l These
vessels are said TO be fitted ont with a view 70
the sevCrest naval combat, If rendered neces-
sary by any contingency, and are thought
10 be equal TO any emergency which, with
the exercise Of due caution, can possibly
occur Both expeditions are in the hands of
eminent Fenians and are commanded by expe-
rienced naval officers, who have seen service
during the war, Captain Downing being
whole three vessels are manned with picked
men. Il. Doran killian is invested with the
supervision Of both expeditions. II Is also as
serted at headquarters that seven war ships
have left the coast of California, simultaneously
with the above-named from an eastern port, q
given telegraphic signal having been agreed
upon which would prevent the possibility OF
any failure of the California expedition 10 sail
upon the receipt Of the telegram that all was
ready in New York. These California vessels
are said TO be models of the naval fortress and
armed and puuinnpd in a
with the ornaments OF the eastern portion of
the expedition. The California expedition
takes out IN round numbers 10000 men fully
armed and equipped for field service. Other
expeditions have. IL is stated upon competent
authority, left several northern ports sirnulta-
neous with the above, all armed with every
implement OF naval and land service. and
con mmanded by men Of ability and experience
The plan is understood 10 be 10 seize Ber-
muda, and make il a base Of supplies; after
which, with as little delay as possible, the
whole expedition will be put 70 sea, falling
upoL British commerce, and sweeping British
trade iron the seas with the besom OF destruc-
tion. and enacting over again the careers OF the
Alabamas, the Shenandoahs and the Petrels Of
the Confederscy. Other expeditions will fol-
low at as early date as possible. These will
he designed TO operate directly upon the Irish
coast, where, at given point, q landing will
be effected.
Ii is also claimed in Fenian circles that Ste
phens Will be in Ireland long before landing
the expedition, his present whereabouts being
at certain point on the coast of France, with
In easy distance Of Ireland. The fitting out of
the expeditions mentioned above has been con-
ceiyed and managed by his authority. The
Irish people 10 be ready at a given signal TO ffy
to arms In every part OF the country-that sig
nal being the lighting Of fires upon all the hill
tops on the island, and TO prev ent mistakes the
exploding OF rockets burning with a certain
specihed combination OF colors, which have
been agreed upon. Ii is believed that $4,000
men. vanously armed. can be gathered abo1t
the banners Of the L. X. IL. IN Ireland. and
these, with 25,0OO veterans, are believed sum
clent to expel the English forces, which consist
OF 3TNOO regular troops and about 9,UOO con-
stabulary, and Of which Stephens claims az
least one-third TO be Fenians. Head Center
O'Mahony remains in New York. The Rev.
the treasury department + b. L; is believed
that AT least four Of the council +. b., have ac-
companied the expedition.
Proclamation of O'Mahony.
HEADQUARTERS FESIAN BRoTHERHooD,
New York, April 81 To the Fenidn BrotherAool-
Brothers: Ii is my duty 10 announce 70 you
the arrival in Paris Of James Stephens, O. T.,
X, and 10 prepare you for his coming 70 the
leaving ireland he despatched a special envoy
10 your Head Centre, with instructions 10 pub
lish the following facts as soon as he had
reached in safety the French capital:
LIST. He informs the American and Irish puh
lie, through me, that he left the organization in
Ireland In as good condition as II has been
America, and had cast gloom over the hears
OF all true lovers of freedom; and that he had
placed the reins Of his government in the hands
OF competent, devoted, and well:tried leaders
during his temporary absence.
20 That he went TO Paris on most important
business connected with the present struggle
for Irish nationhood, and not because he had
been forced thereto by the enemy.
Sd. He is now coming 10 the United States
for the purpose OF restoring harmonious coun-
sci and well certed action among all true
friends of Ireland on the American continent.
10 reconcile all discordsnt elements. and make
last appeal for his suffering country 70 all
liberty loving people throughout the world
His stay will be short Let MS receive him on
his advent 70 these shores as his patriotic de-
votedness, his high talent, and stern ideiitv
deserve. And may dire discord and hateful
jealousies vanish from among us at his ap-
proach; and may they cease thenceforth and
forever 10 be fell and constantly-recurrfnr
destroyers Of our hopes for national resur-
rection. 80
lremain, in fraternity, your obedient servant
JOHN O'MAHoNr, H, q. y. b.