The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-02-28
The Fenians nj Chester.

The London Times OF the 18th inst fur
nishes a summary Of the information at that
time in the hands of Mr.. Fenwick, the chiel
constable OF Chester, respecting the Fenian
demonstration in that city on Monday, the
1lth. MIR. Fenwick's information corresponds
substantially to the statements OF the Home
Secretary, Mr.. Walpole, on the 11th, in an
swer to enquiries in the House OF Commons
Earl Grosvenor, who was on the spot in COM
mand of the Chester troop of yeomanry,
confirms the general impression that though
100 or 800 men could hardly have cap
ttured England, the affair might have led to
serious rioting but for timely information N and
counter measures. The following is the sub
stance OF Mr.. Fenwick's information:
@ The Fenians have recently organized in
New York band OF fly, whose special mis-
sion it is to proceed to England and Ireland
and endeavor to resuscitate the dying BROTH
arrived in England. fffteen Of them are sta
toned ia the metropolis, and there form a
Directory. Eight OF them are ex-otficers
OF the American army. There are also SINH
lar directories at Liverpool, at Manchester, at
Leeds, at Glasgow, and at birmingham. For
some time past these directories have been
making arr. ngements 10 concentrate then
forces upon some place which was to have
been named on Friday last. This was not
done, but a meeting was called Tor Sunday at
Liverpool, and it was then resolved to attack
Chester Castle the following day, seize the
arms deposited there cut the telegraph wires,
tear up the rails and make good their escape
by rail to H1lyhead, and trust to fortune 10
get across TO ireland. What arrangements
were TO be made ior their reception in Ire
land has not TRANSFERRED 1t was also under
stood that they would attack the banks anu
jewelers. shops. IJ was also given out freely
at the meeting why Chester Castle wa, select
ed. Up to midnight on Sunday, Chester was
not protected by more than haif a dozen soi-
diers on guard at the Castle, and twice as
many unarmed policemen in the city. Under
their protection were no less than 5000 stano
OF arms Ia lew weeks ago there were 30,U0o,
but the bulk have been removed Tor conver-
sion INTO breech-loaders), 4pOO swords, anu
100000 rounds OF ammunition, in addition To
powder in bulk. There were also stored i'll
another part of the castle 900 stand OF
arms belonging to the Militia, and in a small
building in the city were 2O0 stand OF arms
belonging to the Volunteers. 1t was stated
that the whole force stationed at the Castle
was one company of tht 54Th regiment, and
that they were disafected. 1t was stated in
proof of this that they had admitted Fenian
officers, shown them through the barracks
the armory, and, in TACT, permitted them to
acquaint themselves thoroughly with the
place. ..ff t...,f., r-.. -.... { -.-.4.. ... h.
The first intimation received in Chester OF
the intended raid was at II 1-2 a. M. on Mon
day, by Mr.. Fenwick, from Mr.. Superntend-
ent HYDE ami Detective Inspector Carlisle OF
Liverpool, and was to the enect that an ex-ot-
ticer OF the American army, who produced his
commission as an officer in the kenian SER
vice, had rev ealcd the whole plot to them
The Mayor of Chester lives at Broughton Hall
In Flintshire, 80 Mr.. Fenwick at once saw MIR.
Maysmor W illiams, the Deputy Mayor, and
from him went to the commandant OF the ue-
tachment at the Castle. Prompt measures
were taken, and the commandant teiegraphed
to the Assistant-Adju tant- -GeneIal at Man
CHESTER for a reinforcement They next went
to the station, and gave instructions ior the
trains to be watched as they arrived. AT 2 1-2
a batch OF 80 fellows arrived from Liverpool,
and were evidently under the command OF
an officer. They marched up and down the
platform by twos and threes, and at length
took possession of the frst-class rereshment
room. They were soon followed by further
detachments OF from 80 to 60 from Liverpool,
and some from Manchester, all of similar APP
pearance. These dispersed quietly into the
town. Early in the mornino the Volunteers
were called out. but as there was some doubt
whether they could act except in case of in.
vasion, telegram was sent to Mr.. WalpoIe.
and his answer was that volunteers ought not
to be employed in their military capacity in
quelling disturbances, but in point of law thew
would be justified in acting as individuals in
aid the civi! power, and In serious emer.
gency they might use their arms il
necessary. Inc volunteers We're thereup-
on sworn In as special constables.-
Dy 'ne ASSISTANCE OF the police at Liverpool
anu nancnestef, the Chester police were kept
appiiseu oi Tue diferent departures of sus-
Pected oodies OF men, Atthree O'Clock il was
ascerlalhed that over 900 OF these men had
arrived. About the same time it was ascer-
tanned that number OF their officers had
peen IN chester over night. Early IN the at
ternoon the strangers became much 6oider'
and assembled in threatening bodies Forty, t,,,
nately at this time company Of lne otLn 4,,
regiment arrived from Manches.er, tnat anu III III
police are strongly inclined 70 a,taek ah early % in