The Washington herald., 1915-02-16
HISTORY BUILDERS.
An Unknown Benefactor of Uncle
Sam.
Written Expressly for The Washington Hera,dD
By DIR. z. ]. EQMARDS

| BY DIR. z. J. EDWARDS.
While the civil war was in prog
ress two confidential transactions
were begun and completed respect
ing which the secret has been kept
from that day to this. Much of the
at one time secret history Of the civil
war has in one way or another be-
come public. "reminiscences. partic-
ularly the diary OF the Secretary of
the Navy. Gideon Wells. and various
other diaries, have disclosed what at
one time were secrets which il was
deemed OF the utmost consequence to
maintain inviolable in war days
Probably none of these secretly
conducted transactions equals in i'm
portance the two concerning which
there has been to this day no revela-
ton and probably never will be
After his service as Registrar Of
the Treasury at Washington in civil
war days was ended, l.. +. Chitten-
den was fond of narrating to his
friends an experience which he had
which paralyzed his right arm so that
he was never again able to make
use OF II. He was called upon to
sign his name to some five millions
of government bonds, and to do il
so rapidly that il would be possible TO
ship the bonds by the steamer sailing
for England in about IA day and a
half.
These bonds. Mr.. Chittenden said
were sent in response to communi-
cation from Charles Francis Adams,
at that time minister to the Court of
st. James. in order TO secure London
bankers who had lent Mr.. Adams, as
representative of the United States,
approximately five millions in gold.
Mr.. Adams was probably the sur
vivor of those-twO or three in all
who possessed the secret of the per-
son who had advanced this vast
amount of gold to the United States
President Lincoln knew, so also did
the Secretary of the Treasury, Gov
ernor Chase, but il is doubtful if any
other American. besides Mr.. Adams.
knew who the benefactor of the
United States was. Apparently Mr..
Adams left no memoranda or conf
Dental note which would, if made
public. have disclosed the name of
that person.
Mr. Adams had demanded that the
British government prevent the sail
ing of certain vessels. which he
claimed had been built and sold to
the Confederate government as priva
tecrs The British government was
well within its rights, as Mr. Adams adj
a bond of not less than $1,000 900 in
gold within twenty-four hours to Sc
cur" England in case damage suit
was brought against England for the
detention OF these vessels.
There was no Atlantic cable at that
lin" and Mr. Adams did not know
which way to turn for assistance.
Will" he was considering the matter.
= gentleman called upon him to say
hat the amount of gold that he need
ID was at his disposal. but on one con-
hitinn. ana that was that there be
ihsolut" secrecy respecting the person
ility OF tn" bCncfactor He was will
nS that President Lincoln and the
Secretary of the Treasury at Washing
ton should know. Mr.. Adams gave
hat promise and speedily the gold was !
Hithin his reach. much to the confu- |
zion of the British government. That |
'ecret was kept inviolate and although !
'om" have thought that George Pea !
body was the benefactor and others |
hat the Barring brothers came to Mr..
\dams' assistance. no one ever knew
Copyright. 1915. hy L. j. Edwards All rights re-
serTed.l
Tomorrow DR.. Edwards will tell How
| Rupture with France Was Prevented