Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-01-05
WAR DEPARTMENT,
BUREAU OF MILITARY JUSTICE, !

June 10, 1860. }
To the Secretary of W0r:-The following re-
port is respectfully submitted, respecting the
case of the Illicit trade to Texas, duplicating
Hoyt, Splague and Others, brought to the notice
OF the department by Major General Dix The
papers herewith, consisting Of an abstract of the
statement of Byron Sprague and others prepared
by Major Barlcs, letters of VIM. Sprague TO
General Dix, papers and letters found upon
Hoyt, a confidential statement, which, ii is
stated, will only be used in case Hoyt is
made a witness for the government
have all been examined, and show in sub
stance, that Hoyt, residing in Texas at
the breaking ont of the rebellion, made his way
engagement with VIM. Spra9uc, for under
taking an enterprise to get cotton out of Texas
Four firms took an interest in the venture,
Sprague & Co., Reynolds & Co., Taft & Co.. and
Knight Co., all Of Providence, K. l., each firm
furnishing $4,000. Vessels were purchased
and loaded with cargo of machinery arms, &C.,
and cleared for foreign ports, but were run into
Texas UNDER changed flag. Mr.. HOyt proceeded
thlther upon one of the vessels, carrying letters
Of introduction from Gov, Sprague, commend
inc him to Gen. Butler and Admiral Farragut.
The papers enclosed do not give an entirely
clear account of subsequent operations, and
some of the evidence does not seem to have been
forwarded. 1t is unnecessary, however in this
report, to 90 into all details. 1t is sufficient to
remark that caTgOeS Of goods were sold in Tex,
as and the proceeds invested in co ton, part of
which appears to have gotten out, while some
portions were seized by our blockading cruisers.
William Sprague has written several letters to
General Dix in regard to the case, in none of
which does he admit, and in one (which he de-
MICS, knowledge of Hoyt and of the details of
any operations such as indicated by letters
from him found on Hoyt,who expressly declares
that VIM. Sprague has been cosnizant of the
progress of the business, and has advised and
aided to the utmost of his power,
1t is stated by VIM. Sprague that the object
was to aid Union citizens in Texas and obtain
information for the government, hut no one else
connected with the venture seems to have viewed
it in that light and Byron Spraguc, his partner,
who, he AYERS, had special charge of the specu-
latlOn, plainly describes it as an undertaking to
get out cotton Gen, Dix in a letter to the
secretary of war, dated March 23d, says:-
'fhe high social standing of these gentlemen
makes the case one of great delCacy, aud re-
gard it also as a question Of Importance, whether
proceedings against them should be by military
commission or in civil court, whether the facts
charged, if proved, constitute mere violation of
the laws of war or higher crime. There
are at least Two witnesses to the fact
ten proof. Harris, Hoyt and Charles
l.. Prescott, parties in interest, are willing
to testify to all tho facts in the case
provided their doing so shall not insure their
own conviction. Ii appears that among the ar,
tcles purchased in New York to be taken to
Texas, were some arms ami ammunition, aud
on the invoice of a cargo with which Hoyt went
from Havana to Aatamoras was a thousand car
tridges and percussion caps"
From an examination Of all the papers, this
bureau is of the opinion that the persons en-
gagged in this unlawful traffic may be brought to
trial before a general court martial, under the
Seth article of war; for relieving the enemy with
money and ammunition, or by military com
mission, for violating the laws of war in trading
and holding intercourse with the enemy
1t is for the secretary of war to declare
whether, in view of all the circumstances and of
the present condition of affairs, their trial shall
he ordered, j, HoLT, Advocate General,