CHAPTER XXXV.
VISIT TO RICHMOND AND CANADA.
An Attack on the Rear of the Enemy in Contemplation. The Difficulties in the Way of its Execution. What it was expected to accomplish. The Federals to be placed between two Fires. I have an Interview with Colonel Baker, and propose a Trip to Richmond. He assents, and furnishes me with Passes and Means to make the Journey. I run through the Lines, and reach Richmond in Safety. I return by a roundabout Route, laden with Despatches, Letters, Commercial Orders, Money Drafts, and other valuable Documents. I am delayed in Baltimore, and fall short of Money. The Difficulties I had in getting my Purse filled. Sickness. I visit Lewes, Delaware, and deliver Instructions to a Blockade Runner. On reaching New York I learn that a Detective is after me. I start for Canada, and meeting the Detective in the Cars, strike up an Acquaintance with him. He shows me a Photograph sup posed to be of myself, and tells me what his Plans are. The Detective baffled, and my safe Arrival in Canada. Hearty Welcome by the Confederates there. I transact my Business and prepare to return.
MAGNIFICENT scheme was on foot during the summer and fall of 1864, for making an attack upon the enemy in the rear, which, if it had been carried out with skill and determination might have given a very different ending
to the war. As it was, the very inefficient attempt that was made created an excitement that almost amounted to a panic, and seemed to show how effective a really well-directed blow, such as was in tended, would have been. Such schemes as this, how ever, are always extremely difficult of execution, and this one was particularly so, on .account of the necessity which existed for the most profound secrecy in all the movements, up to the very moment when the blow was to be struck. A large extent of country was to be operated upon, several distinct movements, of equal importance, were to be carried
on at the same time, the failure of any one of which would imperil everything, and a neutral soil was to be the base of operations.
403
