Omaha daily bee., 1902-05-04

fogy and was not worth talking to on such
a subject. Winder then proposed that In
order that we might be satisfied that the
project was fully approved by the presi-
dent, we, should call on the president at
once. We did so and Winder introduced
the subject to the president, saying 'that
these men, referring to Lamar and myself
wanted to hear from his (the president's)
own lips what protection we would receive
in the event of our being captured In exc
cutting our undertaking. The president re-
Piled that we should receive all the protec-
ton the government could afford, and that
IL captured he would hold for hostages two
for one until we should be released. The
president then said. addressing Lamar
that the undertaking he was about to en-
gage in was a dangerous one and required
a great deal Of skill, caution and courage
and that the salvation Of the confederacy
probably depended on his success; that he
should take care to engage none but men OF
sobriety and courage to assist him; that he
should know them we'll, and should not dis
close his plans until all was ready. Presi-
dent Davis further said that he did not
wish that the life of Lincoln should be
taken unless absolutely necessary; that II
he could be brought a prisoner alive 1t
WOulu SCI VIC II NOhhhAJ OANNAAS 49,
perhaps better than~to kill him. but that II
it was necessary for ouK own safety. or we
could do no better, that we should mete out
to him the deserts that the greatest tyrant
the world ever saw deserves, which Is
death. Lamar then spoke about the neces-
sary funds to carry out his plans. Davis
said we should be furnished through Cen
eral Winder with all the funds necessary.
After a few words Of caution from Mr..
| Davis we left his office. T"
The next conversation / had with Mr..
Davis took place about a fortnight later
than the one hereinbefore referred to, and
after the assistance engaged had been sent
north. A man named McCulloh, who had
been engaged by Lamar to aid In the en-
terprise, had been arrested for disclosing
the plot and sent TO Castle Thunder. Az
soon as Lamar heard OF the arrest he called
on me, and we went together to the ofic'
OF General Winder, to learn the particu'
lars. We we're there informedtby Captain
Winder, son Of the general, that his father
had gone to see the president in regard Il
McCulloh's case, and Lamar and l forth
with started for the presidents ONCE. W.
there found the president, General WindeI
and Mr.. Wright, a government detective, II
conversation. AS soon as we were ad'
mitted General Winder said to Lamar
"One Of your drunke scoundrels has beer
raising hi, and unless you strike at one
your scheme will be thwarted." Mr.. Davii
then said: Eyes, gentlemen, you mus
proceed to the execution OF your projec
Immediately or failure will be certain
These blockade-runners. such as McCullol
has been boasting to. are half OF then
Yankee spies and may lose no time in com
municating what they heard to their gov
eminent, and thus place their presiden
on his guard. and thus render your effort
futile" Winder then repeated with al
oath: Eyes. strike at once and bring tn
monkey here, body and soul, as soon a
possible; and II you can't bring his who'll
carcass, fetch his id scalp" Mr.. Davi
then said: Gentlemen. you will not mis-
understand your instructions; It is my wisl
that you capture and bring Mr. Lincoll
within our lines without harming a hair o
his head, II possible; but II after making
the capture you find there Is danger Of hi
being retaken. you will take care that h
does not rsturn TO Washington alive. : :
JOHN H. PATTEN.
page 955. Series II, Volume viii.)
Headquarters Military District OF For
--.u We AuO o. 1874 TIon n n