The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-06-09
THE WRONG PACKAGE

In 1868 John Smith, southern specu-
Iator, who was better known by another
name which it is not necessary to give
here, thought it best to wind up his bust
ness and get out of the COnfederacy- He
quietly converted his property into Con-
federate money, with which he purchased
diamonds and greenbacks. The money
and gems amounted to about 500, 600.
The speculator had made arrangements
to take passage for Nassau on a blockade
runner from Wilmington. He had ex-
emption papers and a Confederate pass
port, and the only thing he dreaded was
his possible capture by a Federal war
vessel. To guard against this he spent
two or three months in Wilmington before
sailing. and he made it his business to Gull
tivate the most experienced blockade run
ners and get pointers from them about his
trip.
1t was a dark, rainy night in October
when Smith boarded a blockade runner
and went to his staterOOm. He was plain
" dressed in a suit made to stand the wear
and tear of travel, and it was his intention
not to take off his clothes until he reached
a place of safety on dry land. Under his
sack coat, suspended by q strap around
his shoulder, he wore a strong leather
pouch, securely locked, and in this recep-
tacle he carried his money and diamonds.
He intended, when he reached Nassau, to
erpOol and remain IN Europe until the
war was over.
Just before the ship weighed anchor
that night messenger from Richmond
came on board and asked for Mr.. Smith.
He was conducted to the passenger s state
room, and there introduced himself. He
brought with him package of dispatches
from the Confederate state department. to
it's representatives in London and Paris,
and letter requesting Mr.. Smith to see
that the documents were placed in safe
hands, so that they would reach their des-
tination.
This was an unpleasant surprise to the
speculator. If he was captured with these
papers on his person, it would go hard
with him. He was not so much concerned
about his valuable personal property, be-
cause he had influential kinsmen in high
Federal positions who would look after
his interests.
He could not refuse, however, to take
the dispatches So he took the package,
unlocked his leather pouch and slowed the
little bundle snugly away side by side with
his own precious parcel. The man from
Richmond departed, and Smith proceeded
to the deck, where he watched his sur
roundings with lively curiosity.
After taking several pulls at a fnsk
Smith swelled with pride as he thought of
his important mission.
Perhaps the IaGe OF 6n0 COnIeQ6raCy was
in his hands. He would deliver the dis
patches in person, and he would make the
highest officials of the English and French
governments understand that he was their
equal-an envoy extraordinary in disguise
on secret business.
He took another drink, and was form
ing some grandiloquent sentences to be
used when he met the head Of the British
foreign Office.
The gently lifting fog made the outlines
of three Federal cruisers distinctly visible
a short distance off. Smith did not know
what to do, and he took another bracer.
This last drink muddled his head.
He ran in every direction, looking for
his friend the captain, but that worthy
was too busy to attend to him. Then he
questioned the other officers and the sail
ors, but could learn nothing definite. He
was told that they were in a devil of fix
and would be captured.
The Federal cruisers came nearer, and
one of them fired shot which narrowly
missed the blockade runner.
''What is the matter with our shipP'
yelled Smith to a passing sailor.
Machinery disabled, - was the answer.
''We must get back to port or be cap
tured''
Escape was out of the question, and the
frightened man opened his pouch, slipped
his hand into it and threw a package into
the sea.
THAT won't trouble me any more" he
said, land if I am taken prisoner, will
swear that am Union man leaving the
COnfederacy to avoid military service.
That will save my property"
One or two shots were fired, and the YES
sci surrendered. In few minutes she was
in the possession Of a Federal lieutenant
and squad of marines. The captain an
swered the questions frankly, and was told
sT,4 \ IN
conf1scated, he would probably be released
after short detention.
Mr.. Smith then doomed up as the chief
object of interest. He was questioned
closely, and his valise was searched.
You will have to submit to a personal
search, - said the officer in command.
'An right, . replied Smith. 81 am, as
I told you, a Union man, and I was not
willing to fight the old flag. turned my
property into money and diamonds, and
they are here in this pouch. If you arc
going to take charge of them, give me a
voucher. They will be returned to me
after I see the authorities at Washington. -
The officer took the pouch and opened it
with the key handed to him by its owner.
He pulled out package and glanced at it.
II see nothing here but letters" he
said inquiringly.
'Great goddlemighty shouted Smith,
"where are my diamonds and the money!"
How should I knowP' answered the
other.
"Well, I know groaned Smith; ST
threw the wrong package overheard by
mistake and I am ruined man.
The unhappy passenger made an at
tempt to leap into the water, but two
marines held him
"These letters said the officer, care
addressed to various Confederate minis
tiers and agents in Europe. I must send
them to Washington, and you will be sent
there Also
81 am Union man." pleaded the pris-
oner
"That may be-" WAS the reply. but
you have been caught running the block
ade with Confederate dispatches. The
matteF will have IN he investi gated -