“The time between the sending of my report to the President of Gen. Anderson's trip and his answer, with further instructions, was considerable. Finally, I received a letter from the Secretary of War, who seemed very much gratified about the information that had been gathered, as also at the manner in which it had been obtained. He requested that I send or go myself to Canada and ascertain such further facts as I could in reference to the conspiracy and the movements of the conspirators. Gen. Anderson, my son Jackson, and myself held a consultation as to my going. They thought the undertaking too hazardous for me to attempt, and finally Jackson proposed that he would go himself, saying that it would be at least two months before Gen. Anderson could again take the field for active operations; in the meantime he (Jackson) could be profitably employed in this business for the Government. This was agreed upon as the better course to pursue. Jackson was at once given all the secrets of the Circle as far as the General knew them. He studied the passwords, signs, and their instructions until the General pronounced him sufficiently well informed for a first class conspirator. And as soon as he could get himself in readiness he started for Montreal, C. E., by way of New York. During all this time the Circle had been busily at work, and the excitement was increasing all over the country. “The alarm for fear of the enemy in our rear was producing such a condition of things as to endanger the safety of the people every where in the West, and at this time much encouragement was given to our enemies at home by the many failures of our armies in the East. The army, as before stated, had been put under a new commander, Gen. Pike, and the displeasure created among the ranking officers was easily to be seen by their language and manner towards him. This feeling was constantly fed by disparaging articles in the opposition press. The enemy in arms could easily see that this was a golden opportunity, and they availed themselves of it. They commenced a movement which indicated an advance against our forces. Gen. Wall, of the rebel army, had by rapid marches put himself between Gen. Pike and his base. This forced a movement on the part of our troops to the rear, and necessitated an immediate attack upon Gen. Wall in order to drive him back from the threatening position he occupied. The troops were moved rapidly back in the direction of Cow Creek, where it was intended by Gen. Pike to assault him.