“He said it was thought that it would require about one year yet to get the organization perfected and in good working order; that they had to work very cautiously, and would have considerable trouble getting the right kind of arms into their hands. There was no trouble, he said, in having them all armed with pistols; 'for,' said Walters, 'these Yankees are so fond of money that you can buy arms anywhere, if on hand. You can get them made at some of the private arsenals, if you could assure them against discovery. The intention, however, is to get all things ready by the time of the next Presidential election, and if we do not whip them before that time we will resort to such methods as will insure the election of one of our friends, or one who believes that we can never be subjugated.' [Illustration: Drinking to the success of Treason 118] “The General responded to what he had said, and remarked that it did seem that if those plans could be carried out that success must certainly follow. “'Yes,' said Walters; 'we must not and cannot fail. I tell you, when these money-loving Yanks see their towns and cities threatened, prisoners turned loose, maddened by confinement, and commence applying the torch, you will hear peace! peace! for God's sake, give us peace! This will be the cry, sir! Mind what I say!' “Col. Walters by this time had disclosed the fact that he was a colonel in the rebel army; he had pulled at his flask frequently, and was growing quite eloquent. Gen. Anderson could not drink, and his looks gave him a good excuse for not doing so. Finally Walters said: “'Anderson, how did you get here, anyhow? The last time I saw you was at Vicksburg, four years ago, attending court.' “'Well,' said the General, 'I might have asked you the same question.' “'Now, don't play Yankee on me in answering my question by asking me another.' “'Well, said the General, 'I was in Kentucky, and when I crossed the river no one asked me any questions. I looked so ill and emaciated that they thought I told them the truth when I said I wanted a change of climate--and then, I am also playing the Union role, you know.' “'Is it not very curious,' said Walters; 'I have traveled all over this country, and no one has asked me a question as to where I came from or what I am doing. In our country we would both have been in prison or hung before this as spies. Don't you think so?' “'We would have been in great danger,' said the General “'Danger! Thunder!' said Walters; 'we would have pulled hemp before this.'