Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
Department of State,
Washington,
August 9, 1864.
My Lord: I have the honor to enclose a copy of
a communication of the 8th instant, from the War Department, in regard
to reported hostile projects of insurgent citizens of the United States
lurking in Canada.
I will thank your lordship to communicate this information to his
excellency the governor general of Canada, with a view of an inquiry
into the matter, and to the adoption of precautionary measures, if such
may seem to be called for.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient
servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons,
&c. &c., &c.
[Page 675]
Gen. Townsend to Mr. Seward.
War Department, Adjutant
General’s Office,
Washington,
August 8, 1864.
Sir: I am instructed by the Secretary of
War to transmit to you the enclosed copies of two letters from
Lieutenant Colonel B. H. Hill, United States army, in relation to
certain rumors of rebel plots against the United States said to be
on foot in Canada.
I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your most obedient
servant,
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant
General.
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State.
Lieut. Col. Hill to Mr. Potter.
Headquarters District of
Michigan,
Detroit,
July 29, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to report that I have
on two occasions been approached by persons living in Canada with
propositions to divulge something of great importance to the
government for the sum of $5,000. They promised to put me in
possession of papers, &c. I replied, on both occasions, that the
information they desired to communicate might already be in the
possession of the government; that I could make no stipulation to
pay such a sum, but if they were really in possession of information
valuable, they could communicate it and rely upon the government to
pay what it was worth. This was declined in both cases The person
who made the last proposition I am still in communication with He
represents that he is an English subject, in a banking-house in
Windsor, that he has joined the scheme or plot, and can give me full
information; but that he will only do so on condition of being paid
the sum above mentioned, as he would have to leave Canada,
considering his life in danger if he remained there.
I have thought it proper to communicate this matter, as the major
general commanding or the government may be in possession of
information which may give some clue as to whether or not the
disclosure proposed to be made is of any real importance.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. H. HILL, Lieutenant Colonel United
States Army, Commanding District of
Michigan.
Captain Carroll H. Potter,
Ass’t Adj’t Gen., Headquarters Northern
Department.
Adjutant General’s
Office,
Washington, August 8, 1864.
Official copy:
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant
General,
[Page 676]
Lieut. Col. Hill to Mr. Potter.
Military Commander’s
Office,
Detroit, Michigan,
July 30, 1864.
Captain: Since my letter to you of
yesterday’s date, information has been communicated to me that
points to an attempt by rebel refugees in Canada at the destruction
of our cities on the lake.
This coincides more with the impression I formed in the interviews
referred to with the persons who were desirous of selling
information. There is now frequent communication between the
refugees in Windsor and Messrs. Sanders & Co., at Niagara Falls,
and a telegraphic despatch was yesterday received, at Windsor, from
Sanders, summoning three of the most prominent of the refugees to
Niagara.
There are floating rumors that they are in possession of some
machines to be mounted on vessels, &c.
I communicate this because you may be in possession of information to
which this may offer some clue.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. H. HILL, Lieutenant Colonel 5th United
States Artillery, Military Commander District of
Michigan.
Captain C. H. Potter,
Assistant Adjutant General, Columbus,
Ohio.
Adjutant
General’s Office,
Washington, August 8, 1864.
Official copy:
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant
General.
