The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-07-27

The following is an exact copy of the origi-
nal paper now in the hands of the Govern
ment, and it will be read with intense inter-
est bv every loyal citizen:
THE REPORT.
TORONTO, c. W., Dec. 3, 1864
Hon. j. P. Benjamin, Secretary of State.
SIR: Several times have attempted to
send you communications, but have no as
surance that any one of them has been re-
ceved. have relaxed no effort to carry out
the objects the Government had in view in
sending me here. 1 had hoped at different
times to have accomplished more, but still l
do not think my mission has been altogether
fruitess. AT all events we have afforded the
Northwestern States the amplest opportunity
to throw off the CALLING dynasty at Washing
ington, and openly to take ground in favor
of State Rights and Civil Liberty. This fact
must satisfy the large class of discontents at
home of the readiness and willingness of the
Administration to avail itself of every proifer-
ed assistance in our great struggle for indie
pendence.
On my arrival here I heard that there was
such an organization as the order of the
"Sons of Liberty" in the Northern States,
and my first effort was to learn its strength,
its principles, and its objects, and if possible
W put ulySGu III COMMUNICATION Will lis lead
ing spirits. This was effected without much
difficulty or delay. 1 was received among
them with cordially, and the greatest conf
dence at once extended to me. The number
of its members was large, but not so great as
Mr. Holt, in his official report, represented it
to be. Its objects were political; its princi-
pies were that the Government was based on
the consent of the parties to it; that the
States were the parties, and were sovereign
thaf No ;,,+ h. ~ 1
Government to coerce a seeding State The
resolutions of 1898 and 1893 were set forth as
presenting the true theory of the Govern
ment. Its organization was essentially mill
tary; it had its commanders of divisions of
brigades, of regiments, of companies.
In the month of June last the universal
feeling among its members, leaders. and pri
Yates was that it was useless to hold a presi-
dental election; Lincoln had the power and
would certainly re-clect himself, and there
was no hope but in force. The belief was en-
tertained and freely expressed that by bold,
vigorous, and concerted movement the three
great northwestern States of Illinois, Indiana
and Ohio could be seized and held. This be-
ing done, the States of Kentucky and Mis-
souri, could easily be lifted from their pros
trate condition and placed on their feet, and
this in sixty days would end the war. While
everything was moving on smoothly to a sup
posed successful consummation, the first in
terruption in the calculation was the post
ponement of the meeting of the Democratic
convention from the Fourth of July to the
10Th of August, but preparations still went
on, and in one of the States the Doth of July
was fixed as the day for movement.
But before the day arrived general coun-
Gil OF the order from different States was call
ed, and it was thought the movement on the
10th OF July would be premature and the
10th of August was fixed upon for general
uprising. This postponement was insisted
upon the ground that it was necessary to
have series of public meetings to prepare
the public mind, and appointments for public
peace meetings were made-one at Peoria,
one at Springfield, and one at Chicago on the
10th. The first one was at PEORIA and to
make 1t success L agreed that so much
money as was necessary would be furnished
by me. 1t was held and decided success.
The vast multitudes who attended seemed to
be swayed .but by one leading idea-Peace.
The friends We're encouraged and strength
ened and seemed anxious for the day when
they would do something to hasten them to
the great goal of peace. About this time that
correspondence between our friends and Hor
ace Greeley made its appearance. Lincolns
manifesto shocked the country. The belief
in some way prevailed over the North that
the South would agree to reconstruction,
and the politicians, especially the leading
onos, conceived the idea that on such an is
sue Lincoln could be beaten at the ballot box.
At all events they argued that the trial of the
ballot-box should he made before a resort to
force-always dernier resort The Spring
field meeting came of, but it was apparent
that the fire exhibited at Peoria had already
dlmlnlshed-the whole tone of the speakers
was that the people must rely on the ballot
box for redress of grievances. The nerves of
the leaders of the order began to relax.
About this time large lot of arms were pur-
chased and sent to Indianapolis, which was
discovered, and some of the leading men were
charged with the design to arm the members
OF the order for reasonable purposes. Treach
cry showed itself at Louisville. Judge BulIitt
and Dr. Kalfus were arrested and sent to
Memphis.
The day on which the great movement
was to be made become known to Mr.. Nc
Donald, candidate for Governor of Indiana.
and believing that it would mar his prospects
for election unless prevented he threatened to
expose all the parties engaged unless the pro-
Ject was abandoned. Thus the,day passed BY and
nothing was done. The Chicago Convention
came ;the crowd was immense ;the feeling was
unanimous for peace; a general impression
prevailed that reconstruction could be had:
and that it was necessary to so far pander to
the military feeling as to take General Nc
Clellan to secure a certain success, This
nomination, followed as it was by divers dis
closures and arrests of persons, prominent
members, totally demoralized the "Sons of
Liberty" The feeling with the masses is as
strong as ever; they are true, brave, and /
believe willing and ready, but they no leaders.
The vigilance of the Administration. its LARGE
detective force, the large bounties paid for
treachery, and the respectable men who have
yielded to the temptation, added to the large
military force stationed in these States. make
organization and preparation almost an i'm
possibility. A large sum of money has been
expended in fostering and f1rthering these
operations, and it now seems to have been to
little profit. But, in reviewing the past, do
not see how it could have been avoided nor
mas 1t been spent altogether in vain. The
apprehenslons OF the enemy have caused him
to bring back and keep from the field in front
at least 10000 to watch and brow-beat the
people at home. In this view of the subject
the same amount of money has effected so
much In no other quarter since the COM
mencement of the war.
In July last Captain Charles II. Cole. of
General Forests command made his escane
from prison. He represented to me that he
had been appointed lieutenant in our navy.
sent him around the lakes, with instructions
10 go as loWer-deck passenger, to familiarize
to the several harbcrs. the
strength OF each place, the depositaries of
coal, and especially to learn all that he could
about the war steamer Michigan, and devise
some plan Tor her capture or destruction. |
This duty he performed very satisfactorily |
lie was then instructed to return and NIT
himself in communication with the officers of |
the Michigan, and feeling his wav, to endea- !
vor to purchase the boat from its officers.
For time he thought he would succeed in
This, it he could give the guarantees Of paw
nent OF the sums stipulated, but by degrees |
The question was dropped, and Iheasked permits |
'ion to organize a force, board, and take her
This was given, and Acting Master John Y |
8eall was sent him to aid in the Organization |
md in carrying out the enterprise,
Their plan was well conceived and held |
tut the promise of success 1t had been nre-
'iously ascertained from escaped prisoners
rom Johnson's Island that an organization
xisted among the prisoners on the island for
he purpose of surprising the guard and cap
urlng the island; the presence of the steam
II Michigan, which carried fourteen guns,
vas the only obstacle. Secret communion
ions were had by which they were advised
nav .to Oh .lle light OF the 10Th of September an
'' @n 70 selzs t1e Michigan would be made.
'iousy established the friendliest rei.+inns
With the officers of the steamer was t 81 I
wine-drinking with them on hoard ooa na'e
iven hour Acting Master Beall was "t ~ aC d
'ear on boat, to be obtained for that mr.
ose:, with sufficient body of Confederate
oldiers to board and take the steamer
n rNfVr L,