CHAPTER XXXVII.
JOHNSON'S ISLAND. PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK ON THE FEDERAL REAR.
On the Way to Sandusky. I am introduced to a Federal Lieutenant on the Cars, who is conducting Confederate Prisoners to Johnson's Island. He permits me to converse with the Prisoners, and I distribute some Money among them. Arrival at Sandusky. First View of Johnson's Island. I visit the Island, and, on the strength of Colonel Baker's Let ter, am permitted to go into the Enclosure and converse with the Pris oners. I have a Talk with a young Confederate Officer, and give him Money and Despatches, and explain what is to be done for the Libera tion of himself and his Companions. Returning to Sandusky, I send Telegraphic Despatches to the Agents in Detroit, Buffalo, and Indianap olis. How the grand Raid was to have been made. Its Failure through the Treason or Cowardice of one Man 433
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
IN THE INDIANAPOLIS ARSENAL. FAILURE OF THE PROJECTED RAID.
I deliver Despatches to Agents in Indianapolis. Waiting for Orders. I obtain Access- to the Prison Camp, and confer with a Confederate Offi cer confined there. I apply to Governor Morton for Employment, and am sent by him to the Arsenal. I obtain a Situation in the Arsenal, and am set to work packing Cartridges. I form a Project for blowing up the Arsenal. Reasons for its Abandonment. I receive a suspicious Number of Letters. How I obtained my Money Package from the Express Office. I go to St. Louis, and endeavor to obtain Employment at the Planters' House, for the Purpose of enabling me to gain Information from the Federal Officers lodging there. Failing in this, I strike up an Acquaintance with a Chambermaid, and by Means of her Pass Key gain Access to several Rooms. I gain some Information from Despatches which I find, and am very nearly detected by a Bell Boy. I go to Hannibal to deliver a Despatch relating to the Indians. Hearing of the Failure of the Johnson's Island Raid, I return East, and send in my Resignation to Colonel Baker 444
CHAPTER XXXIX.
BLOCKADE-RUNNING.
Making Preparations for going into Business as a Blockade-runner. The Trade in Contraband Goods by Northern Manufacturers and Merchants. Profits versus Patriotism. The secret History of the War yet to be told. This Narrative a Contribution to it. Some dark Transactions of which I was Cognizant. Purchasing Goods for the Southern Market, and shipping them on Board of a Schooner in the North River. How such Transactions were managed. The Schooner having sailed, I go to Havana by Steamer. On reaching Havana I meet some old Friends. The Condition of the blockade-running Business during the last Year of the War. My Acquaintances in Havana think that the Prospects of the Confederacy are rather gloomy. I visit Barbadoes,
