The Great North-Western Conspiracy in All Its Startling DetailsAyer, I. Winslow
History
The Great North-Western Conspiracy in All Its Startling Details
Ayer, I. Winslow
Knights of the Golden Circle; Northwestern Conspiracy, 1864
At the close of the Convention, and the compromise had been made by the
different factions of the party, then came a time for general rejoicing.
In the evening torchlight processions, with lanterns and transparencies
bearing devices and mottos, all expressive of their animosity at the
administration. At the head of one of these processions was Maj.-Gen.
Barrett, the military commander of Illinois. At that very time Barrett
had in his pocket a programme, which had an intimation been received
from Price or Buckner, would have been of fearful import to the citizens
of Chicago. Barrett had at one time lived in Chicago, but for some
months past was a resident of Missouri. He was thoroughly armed, and
well knew the elements that had assembled in the city. Barrett had been
in the rebel service, or rather we should say in _another_ arm of the
service, inasmuch as none in these days, when all men are for the Union,
and it is so easy to be a patriot, will pretend to deny that the Sons of
Liberty were as much an arm of service for Jeff. Davis as his artillery
or infantry. This fellow Barrett, had on one occasion, as appears by
testimony before the Cincinnati military commission, visited Chicago as
an accredited agent of the Davis government, but he was not molested,
and mingled with men of his own stripe, without fear and without
difficulty. It will be interesting by and by, to read of the Chicago
Convention, and the incongruous elements there assembled. But as all
things have an end, so did this remarkable gathering, and dispersed
quietly, never again to meet as the representatives of the American
people.
Of course most of the Roughs of the Peace wing had been induced to come
to Chicago, with the idea that an uprising was imminent, and would no
doubt take place, when they would be able to repay themselves abundantly
from the property of our citizens. It is not strange therefore, that
these half starved, brutal wretches looked with evil eyes upon our
National banks, and hoped till the last that some lucky incident
might occur which would provoke an outbreak, and they would have an
opportunity to pillage our banks, stores and dwellings, but they were
doomed to disappointment, and with surly looks and threats of vengeance,
left the city, resolved at a future day to draw their pay, principle
and interest, from our banks, and we shall, in a future chapter, see
the manifestation of the same spirit, easily recognized as Peace wing
democracy.
CHAP. IX
REBEL OFFICERS IN THE TEMPLES OF SONS OF LIBERTY--MURDERERS, BOUNTY
JUMPERS, DESERTERS, FELONS, VAGABONDS AND TRAITORS IN COUNCIL--PLANS
OF ATTACK ON CAMP DOUGLAS--FIRES TO BE KINDLED IN THE CITY--BANKS AND
STORES TO BE ROBBED--NAMES OF SPEAKERS--HATRED OF UNION SOLDIERS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account