United States Army, Pay Districtof Pennsylvania.Baltimore, Md., Nov. 9, 1864Colonel:I have had a full explanatory conversation with your Chief ofDetectives in reference to forgeries lately perpetrated upon the Government and have given him every clue in my possession, to the perpetrators.The name and recent address of the party who escaped from your office has also been obtained by me. I have therefore to request that you give him every facility he may desire in visiting both Philadelphia and New York, and that you will instruct the calling to his assistance experienced detectives.I have ordered my orderly to report to him as he is acquainted with this Deegan. The case is one of importance and no delay should occur in ferreting it out.Very respy. Colonel, your obdt. servant.,Frank M. Etting,Chief Paymaster.ToLt. Col. Woolley,Provost Marshal,8th Army Corps.
United States Army, Pay Districtof Pennsylvania.Baltimore, Md., Nov. 9, 1864
Colonel:
I have had a full explanatory conversation with your Chief ofDetectives in reference to forgeries lately perpetrated upon the Government and have given him every clue in my possession, to the perpetrators.
The name and recent address of the party who escaped from your office has also been obtained by me. I have therefore to request that you give him every facility he may desire in visiting both Philadelphia and New York, and that you will instruct the calling to his assistance experienced detectives.
I have ordered my orderly to report to him as he is acquainted with this Deegan. The case is one of importance and no delay should occur in ferreting it out.
Very respy. Colonel, your obdt. servant.,Frank M. Etting,Chief Paymaster.
ToLt. Col. Woolley,Provost Marshal,8th Army Corps.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Nov. 9, 1864.Special Order No. 164.Lt. H. B. Smith, 5th N. Y. H. Arty. and two men will proceed without delay to the cities of Philadelphia and New York, for the purpose of arresting certain persons engaged in manufacturing forged Discharge papers. Having accomplishedthis duty, Lieut. Smith and his guard will return and report at this office.The Quartermaster's Department will furnish the necessary transportation.By command of Major General Lew Wallace.Wm. H. Wiegel,Capt. & Asst. Provost Marshal.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Nov. 9, 1864.
Special Order No. 164.
Lt. H. B. Smith, 5th N. Y. H. Arty. and two men will proceed without delay to the cities of Philadelphia and New York, for the purpose of arresting certain persons engaged in manufacturing forged Discharge papers. Having accomplishedthis duty, Lieut. Smith and his guard will return and report at this office.
The Quartermaster's Department will furnish the necessary transportation.
By command of Major General Lew Wallace.
Wm. H. Wiegel,Capt. & Asst. Provost Marshal.
We had in custody one of Deegan's pals, John Battell. To save his scalp, I forced him to write a letter (copy below), that I might use with Deegan.
Deegan's Philadelphia address was a saloon, kept by Dick Callery, at 126 Callowhill Street. The letter reads:
Havre de Grace, Nov. 8th.Wm. Deegan.I am under arrest on my way to Baltimore under arrest I have just time through the goodness of a guard to send you this as we delayed here one ½ hour waiting for another train to pass it will go hard with me I suppose.Yours,John Battell.
Havre de Grace, Nov. 8th.
Wm. Deegan.
I am under arrest on my way to Baltimore under arrest I have just time through the goodness of a guard to send you this as we delayed here one ½ hour waiting for another train to pass it will go hard with me I suppose.
Yours,John Battell.
The above is a literal copy of Battell's letter, it is in his hand writing and is addressed to:
Wm. Deegan,11th Ward Hotel,Callowhill St.,Private.Philadelphia, Pa.
We were attired suitably for the occasion, velveteen caps, papercollars, colored shirts, etc., a good "jumper's" toggery.
Jumpers, or bounty jumpers, were a very distinct class of patriots (?) in war days. They were so patriotic they would enlist many, many times, and draw a large bounty each time. When they enlisted they doffed their clothes and put on the uniform. As soon as they could evade or "jump" the guards conducting them, they would shed the uniform and buy a cheap suit, such a one as I have described, and reappear at their old haunts, ready to "jump" another bounty, under the skillful management of a bounty broker. An observing person could pick out a "jumper" on sight.
We put in twenty-four lively hours with the "jumpers" and thieves at Callery's. One may wonder how a decent man could associate with such characters and not betray himself. It is a wonder, but somehow I managed to fit the niche under any circumstances.
Learning that Deegan had gone to New York and would probably be at his brother John's saloon in East 38th Street, I proceeded there.
I used the names "George Comings" or "I. K. Shaffer" usually, and they became familiar to me. In this case I was "George Comings."
To have something to recommend me to John Deegan, I wired to myself fromPhiladelphia to New York, using "R. Callery's" name (without permission), I have the telegram, which was done by the House Printing Telegraph (in type on long strips, or tape, much like the present ticker tape). It reads:
Phil Nov XIthGeo Comings. Wm Deegan is at John Deegans Thirty Eighth Street Second and Third Avenues. Please take that note to him (Battell's note.)Hund wenty six Callowhill St.
Phil Nov XIth
Geo Comings. Wm Deegan is at John Deegans Thirty Eighth Street Second and Third Avenues. Please take that note to him (Battell's note.)
Hund wenty six Callowhill St.
We associated with the "jumpers" who hung out at John Deegan's to accomplish our purposes. Wm. Deegan had gone to Boston.
Bounty jumpers in New York were on every corner. The city was infested with them. Our appearance and conduct secured us recognition by them, so much so that my men became anxious on account of our popularity.
I made arrangements with Major Leslie, the Chief Paymaster in New York, for the capture of Deegan, which was accomplished shortly afterwards. When I called on Major Leslie at his residence in 9th Street, I was somewhat shocked at first at his incivility. I had overlooked the fact that my personal appearance (my clothes, etc.) did not merit confidence. However, as soon as I made him know me everything went on all right. Imust certainly have looked tough.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Nov. 15, 1864.Lt. Col. Woolley,Provost Marshal.Colonel.—I have the honor to submit the following report of my trip to Philadelphia and New York, in search of William Deegan and others charged with forgeries.Among other steps that Major Elting took, previous to giving the matter into my hands, was to telegraph the Provost Marshal at Philadelphia to visit certain places and arrest, if found, William Deegan.I arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday morning and immediately called on the Provost Marshal to ascertain what steps he had taken, and I requested him to withdraw his men from the job.I ascertained to a certainty that Deegan had gone to New York, and also that the officers from the Provost Marshal's office went there (to the haunt of Deegan), dressed in uniform, stating they were connected with the Quartermasters' Office, and wanted to see Deegan. This was sufficient to scare any guilty man out of the country; accordingly I left for New York, where I visited Deegan's haunts. On Friday evening there, I ascertained that Deegan and his pigeons were gone,either to New Jersey or Boston.On Saturday I visited Major Leslie, Chief Paymaster at New York, and posted him as to the actions of Deegan and his associates, and recommended that if discharges purporting to come from the 6th United States Cavalry were presented it would be well to detain the parties presenting such discharges and final statements until he could ascertain if they were genuine; and would then probably be able to catch some of the pigeons, and perhaps Deegan. I also requested him to telegraph to Chief Paymaster at Boston, which he promised to do.Deegan's forgeries seem to be confined to the 6th U. S. Cavalry; he was formerly a member of that Regiment. He operates with "jumpers."I think this job was spoiled by the actions of the Officers in Philadelphia. I am quite positive we were not suspected, as we were at all times current with these "jumpers," that infested Deegan's haunts.I visited these places until yesterday, when I became satisfied that Deegan is too badly scared to remain about.In addition to my report I wish to give you a brief outline of the state of affairs in the Provost Department in New York and Philadelphia. Wherever I went in search of my man I met"Bounty Jumpers," who openly avowed themselves such, and seemed to defy the authorities. Dick Callery, who keeps a groggery at No. 126 Callowhill street, Philadelphia, stated he was aware of Deegan's transactions. Most of Callery's customers were "jumpers."In New York we could go but a short distance without meeting these characters. From what I could see I should think one thousand a low estimate of their numbers; they are very bold. They pay this Department quite a compliment, i. e., they say if they can only get clear from Baltimore they are all right.If about fifteen or twenty pigeons could be thrown into New York and Philadelphia to co-operate with a strong force of Detectives and Military, hundreds of these "jumpers" would be brought to justice.These jumpers without an exception are the firm support and backbone of the Copperhead Clique, and the same parties that caused the riots in New York last year. The arrest and punishment of these parties would cause rejoicing among respectable people. From my observation I can see that this class of men before the war were pickpockets, burglars, &c., but now resort to this last and easier means of stealing, i. e., "bounty jumping," at the same time they please the "Copperheads" by filling successively, the quotas of differentdistricts, and not furnishing the Army one soldier; thus defeating the object of the Draft.I am, Colonel,Very respy. your obdt. servt.,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Nov. 15, 1864.
Lt. Col. Woolley,Provost Marshal.
Colonel.—I have the honor to submit the following report of my trip to Philadelphia and New York, in search of William Deegan and others charged with forgeries.
Among other steps that Major Elting took, previous to giving the matter into my hands, was to telegraph the Provost Marshal at Philadelphia to visit certain places and arrest, if found, William Deegan.
I arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday morning and immediately called on the Provost Marshal to ascertain what steps he had taken, and I requested him to withdraw his men from the job.
I ascertained to a certainty that Deegan had gone to New York, and also that the officers from the Provost Marshal's office went there (to the haunt of Deegan), dressed in uniform, stating they were connected with the Quartermasters' Office, and wanted to see Deegan. This was sufficient to scare any guilty man out of the country; accordingly I left for New York, where I visited Deegan's haunts. On Friday evening there, I ascertained that Deegan and his pigeons were gone,either to New Jersey or Boston.
On Saturday I visited Major Leslie, Chief Paymaster at New York, and posted him as to the actions of Deegan and his associates, and recommended that if discharges purporting to come from the 6th United States Cavalry were presented it would be well to detain the parties presenting such discharges and final statements until he could ascertain if they were genuine; and would then probably be able to catch some of the pigeons, and perhaps Deegan. I also requested him to telegraph to Chief Paymaster at Boston, which he promised to do.
Deegan's forgeries seem to be confined to the 6th U. S. Cavalry; he was formerly a member of that Regiment. He operates with "jumpers."
I think this job was spoiled by the actions of the Officers in Philadelphia. I am quite positive we were not suspected, as we were at all times current with these "jumpers," that infested Deegan's haunts.
I visited these places until yesterday, when I became satisfied that Deegan is too badly scared to remain about.
In addition to my report I wish to give you a brief outline of the state of affairs in the Provost Department in New York and Philadelphia. Wherever I went in search of my man I met"Bounty Jumpers," who openly avowed themselves such, and seemed to defy the authorities. Dick Callery, who keeps a groggery at No. 126 Callowhill street, Philadelphia, stated he was aware of Deegan's transactions. Most of Callery's customers were "jumpers."
In New York we could go but a short distance without meeting these characters. From what I could see I should think one thousand a low estimate of their numbers; they are very bold. They pay this Department quite a compliment, i. e., they say if they can only get clear from Baltimore they are all right.
If about fifteen or twenty pigeons could be thrown into New York and Philadelphia to co-operate with a strong force of Detectives and Military, hundreds of these "jumpers" would be brought to justice.
These jumpers without an exception are the firm support and backbone of the Copperhead Clique, and the same parties that caused the riots in New York last year. The arrest and punishment of these parties would cause rejoicing among respectable people. From my observation I can see that this class of men before the war were pickpockets, burglars, &c., but now resort to this last and easier means of stealing, i. e., "bounty jumping," at the same time they please the "Copperheads" by filling successively, the quotas of differentdistricts, and not furnishing the Army one soldier; thus defeating the object of the Draft.
I am, Colonel,Very respy. your obdt. servt.,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
My report and recommendations were so highly esteemed by General Wallace that he had a copy sent to General N. L. Jeffries, the Provost Marshal General of the United States, and by him were my suggestions acted upon. Colonel Lafayette C. Baker was sent to New York with a force of men and very ample money; a very vigorous and extended raid was made, partially successful, but I think my plan of putting fifteen or twenty men in with the jumpers, to actually "jump" with them, thus obtaining evidence to convict, would have been more successful. The current newspapers treated this matter as of great importance, using the findings of my report, saying: "Our quotas are being fraudulently filled, and furnishing no men for the army, etc."
General Wallace's letter to secretary of war, Charles A. Dana (afterwards editor of the New York "Sun") asking for an extension of territory for my work, incidentally introducing Colonel John S. Mosby, giving a list of his men and their home addresses—A train robbery, paymasters robbed—I recapture part of the money—Commissions in promotion declined.
Coleman's Eutaw House,Baltimore, Nov. 19, 1864.(Unofficial.)Hon. C. A. Dana,Asst. Sec. of War.Dear Sir.—Lt. Smith, my Chief of Detectives, will hand you this note.It is necessary to one of his schemes, based upon a late discovery, that he should have a pass from the Secretary of the Navy to go through the lines of the blockade on the Potomac. The pass should cover a vessel, a crew of six orseven men and two or three hundred dollars' worth of goods.I have every confidence that Lt. Smith will uncover a good thing.About his honesty there is no doubt.Very truly,Your friend,Lew Wallace,Major General Commanding.
Coleman's Eutaw House,Baltimore, Nov. 19, 1864.
(Unofficial.)Hon. C. A. Dana,Asst. Sec. of War.
Dear Sir.—Lt. Smith, my Chief of Detectives, will hand you this note.
It is necessary to one of his schemes, based upon a late discovery, that he should have a pass from the Secretary of the Navy to go through the lines of the blockade on the Potomac. The pass should cover a vessel, a crew of six orseven men and two or three hundred dollars' worth of goods.
I have every confidence that Lt. Smith will uncover a good thing.
About his honesty there is no doubt.
Very truly,Your friend,Lew Wallace,Major General Commanding.
The above letter is in General Wallace's own handwriting. I prize it more than any commission or brevet commission that I have.
I needed just such an extended privilege as General Wallace asked for, and in March following I obtained it.
Colonel John S. Mosby's Guerillas were the most annoying and expensive antagonists we had. He operated along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad west of Washington, and also with a detachment between the Potomac and Rappahannock. My probings extended into the territory covered by him. I made a study of his tactics and was preparing to counteract him. His men were at home in the district; it was, in fact, their home. They were, or many of them were, farmers, who might be innocently tilling the soil as our scouting parties passed, but who, at Colonel Mosby's whistle, if the chance was propitious, would jump on horse and surprise us before long. Small bodies of troops were taken unawares. They never offered a front to large bodies; they would swoopdown on a defenceless train, or destroy railroad bridges.
Mosby was a valuable asset to the Confederacy, worth many times Harry Gilmor's Raiders.
I think, without doubt, it took twenty or thirty thousand of our men to guard against his intermittent incursions.
Mosby was an educated man. An impression was abroad then that he was a barbarian; he was not. He was loyally doing for the South what I would have done for the North. I captured his foraging order, on one occasion and it opened my eyes for it was evidence of as civilized methods of war as was ever manifested. In this order he provided for payment for private property which he took.
I planned to organize a body of men to compete with Mosby, and I asked for a command to operate independently of district lines, or military commanders.
I had been locating Mosby's men (their homes), from all sorts of sources of information, preparing to capture them in detail. I was planning to take them at their disadvantage, when they were at the plough, and not when they were in the saddle. Here is part of my list so tabulated:
"Members of Mosby."
You will see later on in Paine's statement that I quizzed him on thesame subject. I presume my information was not always reliable, but was nearly so.
The following is quoted from an interrupted Confederate letter, in speaking of Mosby:
"He is well off for Greenbacks since he captured those paymasters on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad line. When the plunder secured on that occasion came to be divided up every officer and man who assisted got $1,922.50. A good deal of this money you have already got back. I will tell you how. Old men and women residents in the neighborhood of Upperville, who have gone within your lines and taken the oath of allegiance, have been sent by Mosby and many of his men to Berlin, to purchase goods: such as hats, &c., and have paid for these in captured Greenbacks, and got the goods out to the Battalion."
"He is well off for Greenbacks since he captured those paymasters on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad line. When the plunder secured on that occasion came to be divided up every officer and man who assisted got $1,922.50. A good deal of this money you have already got back. I will tell you how. Old men and women residents in the neighborhood of Upperville, who have gone within your lines and taken the oath of allegiance, have been sent by Mosby and many of his men to Berlin, to purchase goods: such as hats, &c., and have paid for these in captured Greenbacks, and got the goods out to the Battalion."
This information was correct. I captured one man's part of the plunder entire, or nearly so. The money was yet in its original shape, as issued to these paymasters from the Treasury Department. I took it there and they were able to identify the packages.
The capture was made in this way: One of Mosby's men named Dr. John A.Kline, of Loudoun County, Virginia, came to Baltimore. He was accompanied by his mother, Mrs. Mary A. Kline, and a niece, Nannie O. Bannon. He became intoxicated, talked too much, and the whole party was arrested. They were searched, the women by one of my female officers, and the money, about two thousand dollars, was found on the mother, in a belt worn next to her skin. We confined the women in a hotel, but were finally forced to send them to jail, as the mother got intoxicated, and so disturbed the other guests.
Kline was sentenced to ten years hard labor. The mother was confined until the close of the war.
Appleton, for 1864, speaks of the train robbery, on page 156, as follows:
"All that district of country west of Washington and immediately south of the Potomac River, was infested with guerrillas throughout the year. Colonel Mosby was their leader. Many of their expeditions were conducted with great boldness. Sometimes they came within a few miles of Washington."On one occasion during the year they captured a passenger train on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, between Harper's Ferry and Martinsburg. A rail was removed, and the train thus running off the track was brought to a stop. Their proceedingshave been thus graphically described," etc."They then made a final search, and saw the work was complete; the train had been burned, a paymaster with sixty-three thousand dollars robbed, the passengers plundered of their hats, coats, boots, watches and money, and locking and burning the mail, express, and baggage, they made us a boisterous farewell."
"All that district of country west of Washington and immediately south of the Potomac River, was infested with guerrillas throughout the year. Colonel Mosby was their leader. Many of their expeditions were conducted with great boldness. Sometimes they came within a few miles of Washington.
"On one occasion during the year they captured a passenger train on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, between Harper's Ferry and Martinsburg. A rail was removed, and the train thus running off the track was brought to a stop. Their proceedingshave been thus graphically described," etc.
"They then made a final search, and saw the work was complete; the train had been burned, a paymaster with sixty-three thousand dollars robbed, the passengers plundered of their hats, coats, boots, watches and money, and locking and burning the mail, express, and baggage, they made us a boisterous farewell."
The matter of my suggestion for a party to compete with Mosby, went through all the channels, up to Major General Halleck, the President's military adviser. I was informed that General Halleck approved of it, to give me a commission as Captain and Assistant Adjutant General, to report to the Adjutant General. This was suggested to overcome rank restrictions. The matter, however, was delayed (I will refer to it again in March, 1865). The war ended without this scheme being accomplished. Meantime I declined to accept several tenders of commissions in promotion, expecting to realize this greater recognition.
The following tenders of promotion were declined:
Headquarters 8th N. Y. Arty.before Petersburg, Va.,Nov. 22, 1864.Friend Smith.How are you old boy and how have you enjoyed yourself since I last saw you? I am well, and full of fight as ever. We have done some fighting since we came into the field, and would like to have you with us.There is a Captain's commission waiting for you if you will accept it. If you will send answer to me immediately, I will get it for you.The officers of the Regiment would like to have you come. The Regiment is commanded by Major Baker, our Colonel (Willett) Commands the 1st Brigade, 2nd Div. 2nd Corps.We have some good times and some d——d hard times, but I think it will pay.I hope you will join us as Captain.Good Bye,J. W. Holmes,Major 8th N. Y. H. Arty.2nd Brig. 2nd Div. 2nd Corps.
Headquarters 8th N. Y. Arty.before Petersburg, Va.,Nov. 22, 1864.
Friend Smith.
How are you old boy and how have you enjoyed yourself since I last saw you? I am well, and full of fight as ever. We have done some fighting since we came into the field, and would like to have you with us.
There is a Captain's commission waiting for you if you will accept it. If you will send answer to me immediately, I will get it for you.
The officers of the Regiment would like to have you come. The Regiment is commanded by Major Baker, our Colonel (Willett) Commands the 1st Brigade, 2nd Div. 2nd Corps.
We have some good times and some d——d hard times, but I think it will pay.
I hope you will join us as Captain.
Good Bye,J. W. Holmes,Major 8th N. Y. H. Arty.2nd Brig. 2nd Div. 2nd Corps.
Harper's Ferry, Va.Dec. 15, 1864.Dear Captain:I suppose I have the right to address you by the above title now. Your Commission as Captain came yesterday and you will receive it by same mail as you do this.Your Friend,J. H. Graham.
Harper's Ferry, Va.Dec. 15, 1864.
Dear Captain:
I suppose I have the right to address you by the above title now. Your Commission as Captain came yesterday and you will receive it by same mail as you do this.
Your Friend,J. H. Graham.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Nov. 20, 1864.Special Order No. 171.Lieut. H. B. Smith, 5th N. Y. Arty. Comdg. Detective Corps 8thArmy Corps, and one man as guard will at once proceed to Washington, D. C., in charge of prisoner J. J. Chancellor, on arrival at that point he will report with Chancellor, without delay, to Hon. C. A. Dana, Asst. Secretary of War. Having completed his duties at that place he will at once return with the guard to these headquarters.Quartermasters will furnish necessary transportation.By command of Major General Wallace.Wm. H. Wiegel,Capt. & Asst. Provost Marshal.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Nov. 20, 1864.
Special Order No. 171.
Lieut. H. B. Smith, 5th N. Y. Arty. Comdg. Detective Corps 8thArmy Corps, and one man as guard will at once proceed to Washington, D. C., in charge of prisoner J. J. Chancellor, on arrival at that point he will report with Chancellor, without delay, to Hon. C. A. Dana, Asst. Secretary of War. Having completed his duties at that place he will at once return with the guard to these headquarters.
Quartermasters will furnish necessary transportation.
By command of Major General Wallace.
Wm. H. Wiegel,Capt. & Asst. Provost Marshal.
Capture of Confederate bonds and scrip—Arrest of Pittman, Brewer and Fowler; Lieut. Smith, alias I. K. Shaffer, alias George Comings, led them, victims, into a maze, to their undoing.
I will now tell you of the Confederate bond matter. Special Order No. 172 enabled me to make my arrangements at Willard's Hotel:
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Nov. 20, 1864.Special Order No. 172.Lieut. H. B. Smith, 5th N. Y., and one man will proceed to Washington, D. C., on secret service. On completion of his duties he will report with his guard at these headquarters.By command of Major General Wallace.John Woolley,Lt. Col. & Pro. Marshal.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Nov. 20, 1864.
Special Order No. 172.
Lieut. H. B. Smith, 5th N. Y., and one man will proceed to Washington, D. C., on secret service. On completion of his duties he will report with his guard at these headquarters.
By command of Major General Wallace.
John Woolley,Lt. Col. & Pro. Marshal.
Office Provost Marshal,Baltimore, Nov. 24, 1864.Lt. Col. Woolley,Provost Marshal.Colonel.—I have the honor to report the arrest of J. S. Pittman, Dr. D. R. Brewer and T. S. Fowler.I herewith hand you a carpet sack, containing Confederate Bonds and Scrip amounting to $82,575, which was collected in different ways from these parties. Also $22 from Dr. Brewer and $280 from Pittman, in currency, and a trunk said to contain 23 dozen cards (cotton and woolen cards) from Brewer's house.Herewith I hand you several statements in reference to the case.I would respectfully call your attention to Mr. Fowler's statement, viz.: that "that they sell this stuff to Jews, &c., that run the blockade," and that "it is all done for the benefit of the U. S. Service," and then to Pittman's statement that he did not know the New York man who was to buy of him in Washington, and then to my statement, i. e., that I told him that I was from New York, and gave him my name and address in writing, and also told him how I intended to use the funds with blockade runners. Putting all these statements together I should conclude that if he is doing all this "for the benefit of the service," that he would have informed the authorities of my intentions.Pittman's and Brewer's statements were made under oath. Brewer stated to me that the cards were bought to send to Dixie. Inhis sworn statement, after arrest, he declined giving the history of them, as it might injure his friends.I am, Colonel,Very respy. your obdt. servt.,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
Office Provost Marshal,Baltimore, Nov. 24, 1864.
Lt. Col. Woolley,Provost Marshal.
Colonel.—I have the honor to report the arrest of J. S. Pittman, Dr. D. R. Brewer and T. S. Fowler.
I herewith hand you a carpet sack, containing Confederate Bonds and Scrip amounting to $82,575, which was collected in different ways from these parties. Also $22 from Dr. Brewer and $280 from Pittman, in currency, and a trunk said to contain 23 dozen cards (cotton and woolen cards) from Brewer's house.
Herewith I hand you several statements in reference to the case.
I would respectfully call your attention to Mr. Fowler's statement, viz.: that "that they sell this stuff to Jews, &c., that run the blockade," and that "it is all done for the benefit of the U. S. Service," and then to Pittman's statement that he did not know the New York man who was to buy of him in Washington, and then to my statement, i. e., that I told him that I was from New York, and gave him my name and address in writing, and also told him how I intended to use the funds with blockade runners. Putting all these statements together I should conclude that if he is doing all this "for the benefit of the service," that he would have informed the authorities of my intentions.
Pittman's and Brewer's statements were made under oath. Brewer stated to me that the cards were bought to send to Dixie. Inhis sworn statement, after arrest, he declined giving the history of them, as it might injure his friends.
I am, Colonel,Very respy. your obdt. servt.,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
This story is quite complicated. During the progress of this case, I was known to the parties as "Comings," "Shaffer" and Lieutenant Smith, and to show how complex it was, although Pittman and Brewer were together in prison, until trial came they had not been able to understand that the three names were for one person.
When I was about to go on the stand in their trial, their counsel asked me if Comings and Shaffer would be present? I answered yes; but when on the stand I began and told the story, their counsel claimed the Government had taken an advantage of them in concealing the facts.
Captain Hassing was my medium for getting into the case. It was a Baltimore gang, but either from suspicion of Hassing, or for other reasons, they would not meet the New York party (me) in Baltimore, so I arranged for a meeting in Washington, at Willard's Hotel. I went overand engaged a room there and registered; the following wire came:
Baltimore, Md.,Nov. 20, 1864.I. K. Shaffer,Willards, Washington.Have seen the parties arrangements are made for to-morrow be here to-night.Capt.Hassing.
Baltimore, Md.,Nov. 20, 1864.
I. K. Shaffer,Willards, Washington.
Have seen the parties arrangements are made for to-morrow be here to-night.
Capt.Hassing.
In reply, I wired:
Washington, D. C.,Nov. 20, 1864.Capt. Hassing,German St. Green House, Baltimore.Telegram recd will meet you to-morrow evening at place appointed cannot close up my business with my friend here until morning.I. K. Shaffer,Willards Hotel.
Washington, D. C.,Nov. 20, 1864.
Capt. Hassing,German St. Green House, Baltimore.
Telegram recd will meet you to-morrow evening at place appointed cannot close up my business with my friend here until morning.
I. K. Shaffer,Willards Hotel.
The above telegram and the one following were for Hassing to exhibit to the gang, to show my earnestness:
Willards HotelWashington, Nov 21 1864I. K. ShafferTelegraph OfficeBarnum's BaltimoreDisposed of documents as you desired will see you in New York on 26. Your telegram recd.G. B. Lyman.
Willards HotelWashington, Nov 21 1864
I. K. ShafferTelegraph OfficeBarnum's Baltimore
Disposed of documents as you desired will see you in New York on 26. Your telegram recd.
G. B. Lyman.
I "fixed up" and went over to Washington on the same train with Pittman.I entered a forward car and Hassing saw to it that Pittman took one in the rear. At Washington I took a cab and landed in Willard's Hotel ahead of Pittman. Willard's, as you know, is in the shadow of the Treasury Department.
I was a sight to look upon; I wore a beaver, had my hair curled, had a birth mark on one cheek, and carried a cane; I was a New York swell in appearance surely. It almost made me sick to look in the mirror.
We introduced ourselves, each to the other, and then we went to my room. Pittman was very cautious; he said every other person in Washington was a detective. I assured him of my sympathy and told him that in New York we did not suffer from such surveillance. He said he was happy to become acquainted. He said he was so timid that he did not dare bring his bonds and scrip along, until after meeting me, when his confidence came to him, and said he would go over to Alexandria and return in the morning ready to do business.
We went down stairs; my two officers (Babcock and Horner), who were following me to make the arrest when I indicated the propitious moment, were there. Pittman passed out the side entrance, and then Babcock and Horner invited him into their carriage. He protested, of course, but tono use; in the carriage they searched him and then hurried him on to Baltimore. They could not get out of him who had been with him up stairs in the hotel.
I then went into the barber shop, had my curls straightened, washed the birth mark off, and went to bed. In the morning I wired myself, using Pittman's name. The telegram I used as an introduction to Dr. Brewer, as follows:
Washington, D. C.,Nov 22 1864Geo. ComingsWashington HotelBaltimoreGo to see Dr. Brewer yourself. I will come on as soon as I see my mother in Alexandria. Telegraph me the result of your visit.J. T. Pittman.
Washington, D. C.,Nov 22 1864
Geo. ComingsWashington HotelBaltimore
Go to see Dr. Brewer yourself. I will come on as soon as I see my mother in Alexandria. Telegraph me the result of your visit.
J. T. Pittman.
Dr. Brewer resided at the corner of Sharp and Conway Streets, not far from our office. I rang his bell and he responded. I unceremoniously rubbed my telegram under his nose as an introduction, giving him no chance to survey me. After considerable talk, explaining the necessity for my early return to New York, he said he would go and get the bonds and scrip. Having previously engaged a room at the Maltby House, I offered to walk with him, hoping thus to learn where the bonds weredeposited, but that did not work. He later met me at the Maltby House, and we went up stairs to count over and settle; the two officers following to make the arrest when signalled, remained in the rotunda.
It took until dark came on to finish our business. We packed it all into a carpet sack. I gave Brewer $1,300 in currency, and then we went down stairs. The arrangement had been for my men to arrest him after he got far enough away from me, but so much time had elapsed, I presume my men had become careless, at any rate they were not in sight. I did not dare let Brewer get out of my reach, so I proposed to walk with him, to get some fresh air. When near his home, and when I had about made up my mind that I would have to make the arrest, to recover my $1,300, my men appeared; I skipped, and they made the arrest. Brewer was obstinate, but finally assumed a more reasonable attitude.
In their defence they tried to lighten the case by claiming the paper was forged, but when the Government demanded to know where they got the paper, they failed to inform.
Arrest of T. A. Menzier and exposé of a prominent railroad official— Arrest of Barton R. Zantzinger, involving Milnor Jones—Arrest of John Henry Skinner Quinn, alias J. Y. Plater, alias Simpson, a spy—Arrest of E. R. Rich, a spy.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 4, 1864.Capt. W. H. Wiegel,Asst. Provost Marshal.Captain.—I have the honor to report that by direction of General Wallace, I arrested Mr. T. A. Menzier and locked him up in this jail, and ordered the officer of the Navy that was in company with him, Surgeon L. J. Draper, of the Receiving-Ship "Princeton," Philadelphia Harbor, to report to you at ten o'clock A. M. to-day. These parties were in town yesterday morning and intend to return to Philadelphia this evening; neither of them had papers. Menzier's sister, atwhose house I arrested them is a rebel.The rebs were having a grand jubilee over his visit. The Doctor had no arms.I am, Captain,Very respy. your obdt. servt,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 4, 1864.
Capt. W. H. Wiegel,Asst. Provost Marshal.
Captain.—I have the honor to report that by direction of General Wallace, I arrested Mr. T. A. Menzier and locked him up in this jail, and ordered the officer of the Navy that was in company with him, Surgeon L. J. Draper, of the Receiving-Ship "Princeton," Philadelphia Harbor, to report to you at ten o'clock A. M. to-day. These parties were in town yesterday morning and intend to return to Philadelphia this evening; neither of them had papers. Menzier's sister, atwhose house I arrested them is a rebel.
The rebs were having a grand jubilee over his visit. The Doctor had no arms.
I am, Captain,Very respy. your obdt. servt,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
I found in this house a number of prominent citizens, among whom was a very high officer in a big railroad company. He begged me not to report his presence, with which request I complied, in my written report, but did not, of course, fail to report verbally to General Wallace. This man was in confidential relations with the departments at Washington.
Menzier was a Rebel assistant surgeon. Both were turned over to Commodore Dornin, for the Navy's disposition.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 5, 1864.Capt. W. H. Wiegel,Asst. Provost Marshal,8th Army Corps.Captain.—I have the honor to report that I confined Barton R. Zantzinger, from the Rebel Army.Herewith I hand you his statement, which places Mr. Milnor Jones in a worse fix than ever. Perhaps this corroborativeevidence will be sufficient to convict Jones of blockade running.I think Zantzinger should be detained as a witness, if for nothing else.I am Captain,Very respy. your obdt. servt,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 5, 1864.
Capt. W. H. Wiegel,Asst. Provost Marshal,8th Army Corps.
Captain.—I have the honor to report that I confined Barton R. Zantzinger, from the Rebel Army.
Herewith I hand you his statement, which places Mr. Milnor Jones in a worse fix than ever. Perhaps this corroborativeevidence will be sufficient to convict Jones of blockade running.
I think Zantzinger should be detained as a witness, if for nothing else.
I am Captain,Very respy. your obdt. servt,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 6, 1864.Capt. W. H. Wiegel,Asst. Provost Marshal,8th Army Corps.Captain.—I have the honor to report the arrest of John Henry Skinner Quinn, alias J. Y. Plater, alias Simpson, on charge of being a spy.I hand you two sworn statements that he made to me, also his memorandum book in which is a partial description of his first visit to Baltimore, also some entries, some of which he explains in his statement. I also hand you his furlough, which he said he did not have, in his first statement.On this trip he registered at Miller's Hotel as "Simpson." On 23d April last, he registered at same hotel as John Y. Plater.You can see by his statements that he tries to conceal theRebel sympathizers of this Department, and some he positively refuses to name, but asks me to kill him, and not ask him any more questions.He came to this office to report as a Rebel deserter, but when he found that I had been on his track, he owned up, but refused to implicate his friends.I am, Captain,Very respy. your obdt. servt.,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 6, 1864.
Capt. W. H. Wiegel,Asst. Provost Marshal,8th Army Corps.
Captain.—I have the honor to report the arrest of John Henry Skinner Quinn, alias J. Y. Plater, alias Simpson, on charge of being a spy.
I hand you two sworn statements that he made to me, also his memorandum book in which is a partial description of his first visit to Baltimore, also some entries, some of which he explains in his statement. I also hand you his furlough, which he said he did not have, in his first statement.
On this trip he registered at Miller's Hotel as "Simpson." On 23d April last, he registered at same hotel as John Y. Plater.
You can see by his statements that he tries to conceal theRebel sympathizers of this Department, and some he positively refuses to name, but asks me to kill him, and not ask him any more questions.
He came to this office to report as a Rebel deserter, but when he found that I had been on his track, he owned up, but refused to implicate his friends.
I am, Captain,Very respy. your obdt. servt.,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
As General Wallace had said, it was our duty to ascertain by every means, the status of all persons; our archives were crowded with information, which materially helped us to avoid the dilemma General Schenck described.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 7, 1864.Capt. W. H. Wiegel,Asst. Provost Marshal,8th Army Corps.Captain.—I have the honor to report the arrest of E. R. Rich, of the 1st Md. Rebel Cavalry, on the charge of being a spy. He came to this office to report and take the oath of allegiance, but I think he did not come until he heard from his friend Quinn, with whom he came to this city. I hand you herewith hissworn statement, memoranda and pocket book, which show his character.You will also see an entry in his memoranda where Skinner Quinn (now in prison) started for Baltimore last spring, which corroborates Quinn's statement. You will also see that he registered under several names.The memorandum book shows that it was his intention to return for good to Virginia.Very respy. your obdt. servt,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 7, 1864.
Capt. W. H. Wiegel,Asst. Provost Marshal,8th Army Corps.
Captain.—I have the honor to report the arrest of E. R. Rich, of the 1st Md. Rebel Cavalry, on the charge of being a spy. He came to this office to report and take the oath of allegiance, but I think he did not come until he heard from his friend Quinn, with whom he came to this city. I hand you herewith hissworn statement, memoranda and pocket book, which show his character.
You will also see an entry in his memoranda where Skinner Quinn (now in prison) started for Baltimore last spring, which corroborates Quinn's statement. You will also see that he registered under several names.
The memorandum book shows that it was his intention to return for good to Virginia.
Very respy. your obdt. servt,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
Both Quinn and Rich were sentenced to be hanged, but their sentences were finally commuted to imprisonment during the continuance of the war.
Statement of Illinois Crothers, giving valuable and reliable information, implicating Mr. William Mitchell and a Mrs. Keenan, of Winchester, Virginia—Report on Daniel W. Jones and Joseph Bratton—Am given unlimited access to prisoners in Baltimore city jail.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 10, 1864.Lt. Col. Woolley,Provost Marshal.Colonel.—I have the honor to hand you statement made by Illinois Crothers, of 1st Md. Rebel Cavalry, who came to this office to report.I questioned him closely and on every point of importance, he seemed very ignorant. He was in this city several days without reporting, and to all appearances is as bitter a Rebel to-day as ever.I took from him a document marked "A," which shows that it was generally known to the authorities in Virginia, that he was coming to Maryland, and unless they were sure he would return,he would not have been granted the liberty. You can also see that he came an unusual route, for a deserter, i. e., by the way of Richmond.I have reliable information that all of the Rebel Spies, commissioned as such, are from the Signal Corps.Harry Brogden, named in the document, was once in our hands, tried as a spy. Herewith I hand you Brogden's history.I think that this document shows that he, (Crothers), came with the consent of the Rebel authorities, and with the intention to return.I am, Colonel,Very respy. your obdt. servt.,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.P.S.—Mrs. Keenan, of Winchester, should be arrested.This is not the first transaction of the kind implicating Mr. Wm. Mitchell. (H. B. S.)
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 10, 1864.
Lt. Col. Woolley,Provost Marshal.
Colonel.—I have the honor to hand you statement made by Illinois Crothers, of 1st Md. Rebel Cavalry, who came to this office to report.
I questioned him closely and on every point of importance, he seemed very ignorant. He was in this city several days without reporting, and to all appearances is as bitter a Rebel to-day as ever.
I took from him a document marked "A," which shows that it was generally known to the authorities in Virginia, that he was coming to Maryland, and unless they were sure he would return,he would not have been granted the liberty. You can also see that he came an unusual route, for a deserter, i. e., by the way of Richmond.
I have reliable information that all of the Rebel Spies, commissioned as such, are from the Signal Corps.
Harry Brogden, named in the document, was once in our hands, tried as a spy. Herewith I hand you Brogden's history.
I think that this document shows that he, (Crothers), came with the consent of the Rebel authorities, and with the intention to return.
I am, Colonel,Very respy. your obdt. servt.,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
P.S.—Mrs. Keenan, of Winchester, should be arrested.
This is not the first transaction of the kind implicating Mr. Wm. Mitchell. (H. B. S.)
It required experience and skill to cull out the spies from among real deserters and refugees. Spies would swallow the oath of allegiance as easy as water. One of the best tests of probabilities, was to ascertain the route travelled in coming out from the Confederacy.
Harry Brogden was the Confederate secret signal officer on the Potomac.No real deserter or refugee came by his way. I knew him, and if my operations had been extended to the peninsula between the Potomac and Rappahannock, as we desired, I would have caught him; personally he was a fine fellow. He was a prisoner at Fort McHenry under me; he and I joked about turning our "arms into ploughshares" many times. He was certainly as loyal to his side as I to mine.
The following is a report made from the records in my office, and it serves to show how thorough in detail our data had come to be:
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 13, 1864.Lt. Col. John Woolley,Provost Marshal,8th Army Corps.Colonel.—I have the honor to give you a history of the previous arrests of Daniel W. Jones, and Joseph Bratton, of Somerset Co., Md.The first arrest of Daniel W. Jones was made in 1862, and he was placed in Marshal McPhail's custody, under charge of attacking an enrolling officer. He was afterwards released on giving bonds to the amount of $2,000 to keep the peace, and to deport himself in every way becoming a loyal citizen. A copy of the bond is on file in this office.He was again arrested by General Lockwood, May 7, 1864, on charge of having violated his parole; on this last charge four sworn statements are on file in this office, one to the effect that he drew a revolver on a Union man because said Union man declared his sentiments.Joseph Bratton was arrested March 31, 1864, on the charge of disloyalty, and aiding the Rebels. A sworn statement now on file in this office shows that Bratton aided an escaped prisoner from Point Lookout to evade military and get back within the Rebel lines.I am, Colonel,Very respy.-your obdt. servt.,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 13, 1864.
Lt. Col. John Woolley,Provost Marshal,8th Army Corps.
Colonel.—I have the honor to give you a history of the previous arrests of Daniel W. Jones, and Joseph Bratton, of Somerset Co., Md.
The first arrest of Daniel W. Jones was made in 1862, and he was placed in Marshal McPhail's custody, under charge of attacking an enrolling officer. He was afterwards released on giving bonds to the amount of $2,000 to keep the peace, and to deport himself in every way becoming a loyal citizen. A copy of the bond is on file in this office.
He was again arrested by General Lockwood, May 7, 1864, on charge of having violated his parole; on this last charge four sworn statements are on file in this office, one to the effect that he drew a revolver on a Union man because said Union man declared his sentiments.
Joseph Bratton was arrested March 31, 1864, on the charge of disloyalty, and aiding the Rebels. A sworn statement now on file in this office shows that Bratton aided an escaped prisoner from Point Lookout to evade military and get back within the Rebel lines.
I am, Colonel,Very respy.-your obdt. servt.,H. B. Smith,Lt. & Chief.
The following gave me unlimited access to our prisoners confined in the city jail:
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 19, 1864.Col. Thomas C. James,Warden, City Jail.The bearer, Lieut. H. B. Smith, 5th N. Y. H. Arty., who commands my detective Corps, is permitted to see any prisoner in the City Jail who belongs to this office, and at such timesas he may deem necessary for the good of the service.He will be permitted to have private interviews if he desires them.By command of Major General Wallace.John Woolley,Lt. Col. & Pro. Marshal.
Headquarters, Middle Department,8th Army Corps.Baltimore, Dec. 19, 1864.
Col. Thomas C. James,Warden, City Jail.
The bearer, Lieut. H. B. Smith, 5th N. Y. H. Arty., who commands my detective Corps, is permitted to see any prisoner in the City Jail who belongs to this office, and at such timesas he may deem necessary for the good of the service.
He will be permitted to have private interviews if he desires them.
By command of Major General Wallace.
John Woolley,Lt. Col. & Pro. Marshal.
Statements: Jeremiah Artis, a real deserter from the Confederates—William J. Bradley, an honest refugee—Charles E. Langley, an official Confederate spy—Langley, personating a correspondent of the New York "Tribune," was a most successful and dangerous spy.
I have told you that it required experience and skill to determine who were honest deserters, sick of the Confederate service, and seeking homes in our lines, or who were refugees, entitled to a refuge, or who were spies. Under the head of spies were placed those who came North to visit friends, or gain a remount intending to return to the Confederate lines; these latter were not being especially employed as spies, but they were persons who might carry valuable information. But it was the real official spy that we were after.
By a "remount" I mean those who were granted leave of absence by the Confederates for the purpose of remounting. These were mounted men who having lost their horses, were given a "remount pass" which was practically authority to come within our lines and gain a horse by anymeans; therefore without desire to weary you I will give you the examinations of one of each class, to wit: Jeremiah Artis, a real deserter; Wm. J. Bradley, a refugee; Charles E. Langley, one of the most expert and successful official spies, who is the one I referred to in the Emmerich case as the "pal" of the conductor on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad.
In reading these statements, you will notice jumps, or gaps, where these occur; it indicates a question from me eliciting the statement following.