“Several days elapsed before Gen. Anderson felt that he could undertake the journey contemplated. Finally he concluded that he would make the effort. He thought it best for him to pass into Illinois first, as he would not be known in that State. After arranging his matters and leaving word for Jackson to remain at my house, (on his return from Washington, should he succeed in obtaining the desired appointment,) until he returned from his tour of investigation, he started. “The first stopping place of the General was at Colestown, in Charles County. There he remained several days, and found the most bitter feeling existing between the political parties. He passed very easily among the anti-war people for a Southerner and rebel. He made the acquaintance of one Maj. Cornell, who was home on leave of absence. The General, finding him a very intelligent and apparently an honorable, high-minded gentleman, explained to him that he was not a rebel, but on a mission for the Government. This made him all right with the loyal element, that could be privately communicated with and trusted. “He had noticed a gentleman, rather fine-looking, with the movements and general appearance of a Southerner. He managed to get a good look in his face, and recognized him as Mr. Jas. Walters, of Arkansas. He spoke to him. The recognition was mutual; the General invited him to his room, and there the knowledge of the Golden Circle was at once manifested. Neither disclosed at first anything about himself, but finally the General told Walters that he was up here North for his health, and to spy out the situation and report the same. They soon became very confidential, and Walters unbosomed himself to the General. He told him that he was traveling under the guise of a real-estate agent, selecting land for some large and wealthy firm, but in reality he was organizing the Knights of the Golden Circle; that he had organized, some ten miles southeast of the town, a lodge of sixty members. He gave all the names. In Colestown he had another lodge, seventy strong, with Col. O. B. Dickens as Chief of the Order for that Congressional district. “During that evening he showed the General his lists and gave him the names of men to go to in Vernon County, Jeffersonville, Fayetteville, Franklin, Perryville, Fultonville and many other places in the state.