The New York Herald Newspaper, February 5, 1865, Page 5

THE PLOT. Authentic Account of the Rebel Attempt to Burn the City. THE INCENDIARIES TRACKED TO CANADA. How Chief Detective Young Trapped the Rebel Agent Into an Interview. What Was Said---He Admits Sending the “Boys,” and Regrets that They Did Not Succeed in Lay- ing the City in Ashes. THE OFFICERS VISIT TORONTO. They Call on the Rebel Agent at His House---A Description of the House and What They Saw While There. They Take Christmas Dinner With the Sister of General John C. Breckinridge. INTERESTING CONVERSATION AT DINNER. ‘The Arrest of Captain John Yates Bell, the Lake Erie Pirate; of Captain BR. ¢. Kennedy, alias ‘Stanton, One of the Incendiarles, and Others, Baraum’s Museum Fired by Kennedy--- He Intended to Sprinkle the Phos- phorus on the Ladies’ Dresses--- Why He Did Not Do So. ANTECEDEATS OF BELL AND KENNEDY, &., &., &o, Bome timo since we published a short account of what military and police authorities had been doing to we the arrest of the parties who attempted to burn he hotels in our city, and also the names of those ar- rested. The matter had been conducted with such extra- Ordinary socresy that the public began to think that no Steps had'been taken to bring the criminals to justice; (but, as will be seen by the following report, the secresy Practised was absolutely necessary to secure even partial @uocess. Tho time, however, has now come when all the rots connected with the matter§ proper for publication gan be made public. Probably few cases have ever come Before the authorities that required moro quict, patient Perseverence and detective skili than the one fm point, and to General Dix, and Mr. Kennedy, Guperintendent of the Metropolitan Police, and to Qheir subordinates is the public indebted for the S@esulte obtained. They have not only unravelled the ‘whole plot and laid bare every important fact connected ‘with is, but have actually arrested and brought t justice @ome of the criminals. CONNYANOE OF THE REBEL PRES IN THIS CIPY. ‘The charge made by the rebel press in this city that i ‘was an abolition experiment to manufacture political gapital is pretty thoroughly exploded, and their great @arioty ut the time to make it appear so was evidently Gone to shiold the real perpetraters of the infamous deed, and shows a servility to the interests of the rebels not excelled by any of their cotemporaries in rebeldom itself. ‘The important character of the plot demands that a @onnected account of it should be given to the public, Ghat they may fully understand its origin, object and on ‘whom the responsibility rests. ‘EEE DNCENDIARIOS «UNDER SURVEILLANCE BEFORE THE vIRES. Ashort time previous tothe fires the authorities be- aware that suspected parties were in the city, and Detective Young, who had charge of the matter, ‘was working the case up, but nothing sufficiently possi- tive had devoloped itself before the fires occurred to ‘Warrant him in making any arrests. The facts in his Possession, however, enabled him to make several im- portant arrests on the night of the fires and the day fol- flowing, which proved of great advantage to him during She investigation. ‘WHO THEY WERE SENT HY—THE MANAGER IN CANADA, Ho was convinced that the incendiaries were rebels @rom Canada, and had been sent here by the rebel figent, one Wm. L. McDonald, located at Toronto, and from Gertain facts in his possession he caused the arrest of B. & McDonald, his brother, who is doing business in this Gity, and it was in his posession the carpet bags of Wil- Yams and Maxwell were found; also a small sum of money, which they had deposited with him for safe keep- fing. A letter from Williuins to lim, respecting their baggage and money, was also intercepted. The following Ga copy:— Ploago express ino trunk to Queen's Hotel, Toronto, if safe to do so. If not, take caro of all. We @re all safe. Yours, WILLIAMS. Resorve the ten dollars you paid for Stanton. Express to 8. 8. Preston & Co., Tobacco Merchants, Work street, Toronto. You will express the funds aleo. ‘It was subsequently ascortained that this letter was Written and deposited in a street box in Thirtieth street, ‘by Williams, just as ho was leaving the city. PURSUIT AFTER THE FIRE Tt was at once decided to follow up the criminals, and Relegraphic despatches were sent to all points of crossing (on the borders, warning the authorities that suspected los were on their way to Canada, and directed that utmost vigilance should be practiced to capture them. Suspension Bridge, Lewiston, and, in fact, Bil along tho borders of the State, as well as at Rouse’s Point, and other probable places where they might at- to cross, were put under as strict a parole asthe atcommand would permit, Full and particular @racriptions of tho parties, so far as they wore known, @lso accompanied the instructions, and while it was Qeped that some of tho criminals would fall into our Bands, it could hawMy be expected that proper surveil- ance could be organized im time to prevent their oscape. Chief Detective Young was put in charge of the mat- Der, and ho lost no time in perfecting measures to prose- Gute the search, Officers Bennett and McDougall, of the detective force, ‘nd two of General Dix’s officers wore at once placed @ader instructions, and directed to proceed |ramediately Qo Suspension Bridge, from which polnt they were to ex- tend their investigations in any direction they should find Ghost advantagnous for thoir purpose, ARREST OF CAPTAIN BLE Immediately upon their arrival at the Bridge they in- @Mituted a surveiilance over all trains that arrived or de- Parted, and also apon oli crossings within reaching dis- tance, and they bad not many days to wait before they had the satisfaction of falling in with » person who bore m vory clove resembiance to ene of whom a description ad beon furnished them previous to their leaving the ity. Ho had just arrived by the train from Buffalo, and Paras waiting for # (rain on the Great Western Railway to o him to Canola. It being revere! hour before the on would siart they took ample time to ecrutinize Weheir subject, who they suspected to be no lew 1 personage then Cuptain Bell, who commended the (Piratical oxpedilion on Lake Erie, which resulted in the (qapture of the Fillo Parsons, a steamer renning between ou and Sandusky, After remaining at the depot a ‘hort time he went over to the Central House and or- ‘ered supper, after which he returned to the depet, and j@oating himself on a bench ina dark angle of the room (pulled his cap over his eyes and counterfeited sleep, At Rais carly stage of the investigation in which they were i the officers were unwilling to run the risk of by making tho arrest themselves, and conse- Nqveni iy oroqured the asalstange of we of the local police, Mosays. Sole and Thomas. On his'person were found a Colt’s pistol and a small sum of mo. ey. He demanded the cause of his arrest, and it not bei. Ww thought prudent Just then to tell him, he was informed shat he was sus- pected of being an escaped rebel prison ¥- As if under the tmpression that this was the most serious charge against him ho frankly admi'ed it, and said he had been three weeks making bis way from Point Lookout. In his possession was a. Srpet bag which he disowned, in which were a dirty shirt OF two, © box of paper collars, aix sperm candles, severa,' boxes of matches, and some old newspapers, put in evid. ‘otly to fill up, He was confined in « room at the Cen House over night, and the following day officer McDo.~ gall and one of General Dix's officers brought him to this city, and confined him at police Head Quarters. He was subsequently fully identified by the clerk of the Philo Parsons and others who knew him. ‘BALL TRIRS TO ROB A TRAIN OF CARS, It has since been ascertained that at the time of Bell’s arrest he was returning from an expedition te Buffalo and Dunkirk, where ho had been with a party of six or seven te capture a train of cars running between these two places, on which, it appears, they had learned would be a large amount of money in the safe of the American Express Company. They had provided themselves with all the necessary implements to break open the safe, and thought that during the confusion incident to the train running off the track, they could accomplish their pur- pose and escape With comparative security. It appears they made two unsuccessful attempts, but the third timo they tore up the rail and laid it across the track. This threw the engines and one car off, but did little or no other damage. They immediately siezed their tools and were about commencing operations when they no- ticed several soldiers getting out of the cars, and, think- ing that there might be a large number on board, they concluded the work was too hazardous, and abandoned it. WHO BELL Is. Captain John Yates Beall is anative of Jofferson coun- ty, Va., and is about thirty-two years of age. He was educated at the Virginia University, located at Charlottes- ville, in that State. Whenthe war broke out he owned a large plantation in his native county, and worked about @ hundred slaves, He possessed an ample fortune, catimated at a miilion and a half of dollars, bosides being the heir apparent to the estate of Lord Egelby. e He early enlisted in the Southern army, and was cap- tain of Company G, Second Virginia regiment, Colonel Allen commanding. His regimont formed part of Brick’s brigade, and was attached to the Army of the Shenan- doah, under General “Stonewall” Jackson. ABREST OF A RERRL SPY, Accompanying Captain Bell at tho time of his arrest was @ young man giving his name as W. R. Anderson, who was also arrested. Not much importance was placed upon his arrest at the time; but it was soon ascertained that he was a spy, and had been three years in the busi- ness. His appearance at first glance would scarcely de- note it; but he had a most admirable faculty for counter- foiting innocence and stupidity and when his guise was thrown off he was more of a man than many who pass for such, He was also brought with Bell to the city, and is now contined at police headquarters, waiting his trial. On their way to the city another arrest was made on the cars, The party gave his name as—— Baker. His cage is not yet fully developed. ‘THE DETKCTIVES GO TO CANADA. Three arrests had already been made within a few days. One of great importance—that of Capt. Bell—and the other two were valuable, This argued well for final suc- cess; and as soon as the officors had delivered their charge thoy returned to the Bridge. This time they did not tarry long at that point, but crossed over into Canada. Now camo the most diffloult as well as delicate part of their work. To beard the lion in his den and hunt him out in his jungles was not a very desirable task. CANADA A REBEL OOLONY—REBEL POLICE THERE In order to fully understand the difficult mature of the Work it must be understood that im many parts, and, in fact, all over Canada—gince it has becomo a rebel colony— and especially st St, Catharines, Hamilton and Toronto, where thes desporadoes made their headquarters, the rebels have instituted a police system of their own, and no stranger is permitted to inhabit the place an hour be- fore he ia, to use police parlance, ‘‘stood up,’’ and rebel dotectives-are at once put upon his trail, and uatil the object of his visit is satisfactorily ascertained a constant earveillance is kopt over him. They are shielded by the sympathy of the citizens, who not unfrequently act in concert with them, and thus a double safeguard is thrown around them. The officers determined to proceod at once as far as Hamilton, where they had learned they would be likely to meet some of the parties they were in search of. At St. Catharines they were agreeably surprised to find that Williams and a party of five of the samo-kidney had taken passage on the same train for Hamilton. It willbe remembered that it was Williams’ likeness that was found in one of the carpet bags captured by the police the day after the fire, and consequently hig recognition was casy and certain. e ‘THE DETECTIVES GET ON THN SAME TRAIN WITH TIE REDKLE. The entire party took seats adjoining the officers, and one of them occupied part of the seat in which one of ,| the officers sat. They had provided themselves with New” York papers, which had come up on the same train, and, for rebels, they manifested a great deal of anxiety about tho local affairs of the “Yankees,” especially in New York city, One of them was seen to read the announce- ment of “Twenty Thousand Dollars Reward,” &c., and immodiately passed it to his neighbor, whose countenance assunied @ Quilp-like expression of satisfaction, and, chuckling to himself, he seemed to say, “Be sure you catch us before you pay the money.”” But little was said on the route, the officers occasion- ally ventured remarks, which were civilly replied to, and essayed to get into a conversation by loaning them such late papers as they had in their possession, but it was all to little purpose; they received thelr attention po- litely, but did not court intimacy. GETTING ACQUAINTED. At Hamilton they went directly to the Anglo-American Hotel, where it appeared some of them had roome. The officers put up at the same place, and it was not long be- fore they found opportunities to become better acquainted with some of their friends and do the agreeablo in the way ofa drink or game of billiards. One or two left the same evoning for Toronto, and it soon became evi- dent that the others intended to remain for several days at least at Hamilton. The officers accordingly pushed on to Toronto, the headquarters of all the rebels in this part of Canada, They put up at the Quoen’s Hotel, and soon ascertained that the Hon. Jacob Thompson, of Missis- the general supervising and directing agent guest of the house. Around him, of course, would centre many of the leading rebels in Canada, and it was consequently ‘an excellent place for the officers to prosecute their studies. It required a deal of patient labor, tact and shrewdness to avoid suspicion and get properly on the trail. It would be impossible to give all the minutia of their labors; but night and day were alike spent in endeavoring to get a glimpse behind the screen which the rebels had constructed to hide them in thelr patriotic labors from the intermedling throng of outsiders. All places likely to be frequented by any of the partics wore visited by them, and it was at tho trial of Burley, one of the Lake Erie pirates, that they became acquainted with the face of R. C, Kennedy, alias Sidney Stanton, alias Richard Cobbs, which finally led to his arrost. Several days were profitably spent in this manner, and many very important facts wore obtained which proved of great advantage to them subsequently. At this juncture they received information which neces- sitated their returning to the Bridge, where they were met by Chief Young. M'DONALD DECOTED, For many reasons Mr. Young deomed important to have an interview with McDonald. It was vory easy to determine upon an interview, but not so easy to bring about, To go at once to Toronto, whore he was known, would certainly frustrate the attempt, as it was not at all probable that a man in McDonald's position would volun. tarily consent to an interview with tho Chief of the Now York detective police. Mr, Young consequently ma tured a plan to draw him away from Toronte, and by o@ very skilful piece of diplomacy induced him to come as far as Clifton. It would be manl- featly improper to expose the agencies he employed in bringing it about, but suffice it to say McDonald expected to meet altogether a diferont person, from Mr. Young; and, whether Mr. Young answored the same purpose aa the friend he expected to moet, was a question ‘not put;’’ bat of one thing ho feels quite certain, he did not enter into any plot for a raid, neither did he give him “such information as would enable tw mako a big strike at the Yankees with comparative security, and with almost ® certainty of success.’ The preliminary cor- Tespondenoe might have indicated such a purpose, but tho facta would not bear i out, as MoDonald Do dqubt can testify. Noy the revel agent bad beon feirly wr NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY §, 1885, ~ cought, and be accepted his position with as much grace | the officers to be on duty from nine o'clonk in the morning as circumstances would permit. Mr. Young tells the re porter that he forgets what transpired at the interview; Dus if a trip of two miles on foot, at one o'clock at night, over the Suspension Bridge, through a driving snow storm, with the thermometer at zere and the snow knee deep would have any effect in making « person remem- ber what induced him to be out at such unseasonable hours, Mr. Young’s memory on the subject ought to be ‘M'DOMALD’S GUNTOEENTS, said he had nothing in common with the North or North- ‘erm people, and never desired to step foot on Northern soll ogain, unless, lke Bradley Johnson, of Mary- Lad, at the head of @ regiment to burn his ows home. In speaking of the recent attempt to five the hotels of New York, he regretted that the ‘boys’ had not succeeded in laying the entire city in ashe’, a8 nothing would give him greater satis faction than 0) see this great nest of bogus peace demo- crats broken up> The abolitionists were infinitely prefer- able, in his opinion, to these canting hypocrites. He expressed great ownfidence in the success of the South, ‘and said he had mo dssire to survive their defeat. ‘€'DONALD BROOMES AM INFORMER WITHOUT KNOWING If. Mr. Young had accomplished in a great measure what he expected toby the interview. Although MeDonald was evidently on his guard, and made a very cautious use of Janguage, he had one cqually skilful to deal with, and during a conversation of two hours or more Ms. Young ‘had satisfied himself on many doubtful poirits. ‘The officers had’ already learned much whideat To- Fonto, but there were many facts still necessary to be the information already within the knowledge of Mr. Young, would have but little significance, but as it was they were all important, and it was these little gape that were closed up, unwittingly, by McDonald at tho intorview, As soon as some preliminaries could be arranged the officers again started for Toronto. 4 CHRISTMAS DINNER, ‘They arrived at the Quoon’s Hotel on Saturday evening, December 26. The following day being Sunday—as well as Christmas—everybody appeared to be away from home, and they set about to enjoy as best they could thoir first Christmas in Canada. Captain Dick, the proprietor, had arranged for a very liberal display at dinner for the guests who had remained to partake of his “‘good cheer,” and who were mostly Southern refugees, The usual formality at dinner gave way to the good old-fashioned custom of seating all the guests at one table, with the Toast turkeys, chickens, geese, ducks and beef, and vegetables tastefully constructed into unique figures, and artistically constructed pyramids of confectionery, and wines, sherry, port and champagne, all arranged within Teaching distance of every one, and where everybody is expected to help himsolf, and all to help each other. REDEL SISTERS, AND SO FORTH. It so happened that officer Bonnett was seated at the table immediately opposite the sister and neice of Gen. John C. Breckinridge; and, although he was too much intorested in the good things before him to devote much of hie time or attention to what was going on or being said among his neighbors, still a sharp and scornful re- mark from the opposite side of tho table warned him ‘that the relative of the rebel general was very indignant about something. BRECKINRIDGR’S SISTER MAKEY A MISTAKE. ‘He soon ascertained that her remark had, reference to ‘@ gontieman who had been seated next to her, but who had left immediately after partaking of his soup. Sho attributed his loss of appetite to his unfortunate prox- imity to rebels, and remarked that “Yankees generally felt ill at ease whon in the presence of Southern pcople.’” This was said in euch a grand and dignified tone of voice, and accompanied with.such a majestic. turn of her head, that unmistakably showed that she at least felt her ‘Southern oats.” But it eo happened that the gentleman she had reference to wax known by the officer to be one of the most uncompromising rebelsmorth of Dixie, and, ab the time, was on a special parole to visit Canada, BRYOKINRIDOR'S STER ‘TUMBLES.’ He had scarcely vacated his soat before officor McDou- gal, who is noted for his Chostorficldian manners, grace- fully bowed himself into the aame seat; but, with all his suavity of manner, she “tumbled”’ to his nativity, and, so'te voce, she remarkod, ‘there comes anothor Yankeo.”’ ‘This time sho hit the mark, but, evidently, was not awaro of his official character. Had sho been her appetite might havo failed her. It so happened that McDeugall devoted but little timo to dinnor, and left his seat vacant before the rest of the guesta had retired. This gave her more food for conversation, and the poor Yankees occupied about as much of her time as the viands which Captain Dick had prepared with so much cost and care, She finally concluded her tirade by re- marking “How much pleasanter it would be if we ‘reba’ cquid only havo tho hotel exclusively to ourselves.” UNCLE SAM HAS ROOM ENOUGH. Decidedly so, how very delightful. You shall bs ac- commodated. Mr. Stanton, our worthy Secretary of War, is the sole proprietor of several, which are occupied ex- clusively by “rebs.”’ Send along your friends and you shall all be accommodated. You will also be furnished with a guarantee that Yankees shall not trouble you at dinner. M'DONALD AGAIN—IUS HOME, Monday morning arrived and the officers were again at work. During the day officer McDougal mot McDonald in the stroet, who treated him very coerteously and in- vited him to his house. He accepted the invitation, and, after a short walk, he was introduced into the front room of a modest two story frame dwelling in Agnos streot. In the room were four or five young mon variously en- gaged in reading, writing, emoking and chewing tobacco, who loft shortly after he enterod. The room evidently served as a bedroom, sitting room and office, and was comfortably though not clegantly furnished. McDougall had plenty of time to observe the order and arrange. ments of the room, and had he not been aware of where he really was he could hardly have failed to know by what he saw that be was inthe house of a roal live “geb"’ or the very near relative of one. REBML MEAD AND OTUER QUARTERS. ¢ Tho coats of arms of all the Southern States, tastefully ‘embollished on pieces of vari-colored silk, were bung about the walls. Over the looking glass was susponded in folds the “stars and bars'’ of the confederacy. In ite corners of the room were stacks of muskets and double barrelled sboq guns. In another cornor was abed, on which lay two or three Colt's pistols; om a nail driven in the door casing hung @ pair of handcuffs and a pair of field glasses. Some rebel uniforms were piled up in one corner on # trunk, and, with the exception of a few chairs, this constituted the contents of the room. MeDonald cutlod his attention to the handcuffs, and re- marked that they were the same pair that Captain Wil- lotts, of tho Chesapeake, wore when his vessel was cap- tured by Lieutenant Braine. After an hour's conversation or more tho interview terminated pleasantly, McDonald treating him through- out with the greatest courtesy. The following day the services of tho officers at Toronto were concluded, and they returned to the Bridge, where thoy wero again joined by Chief Young, who had been busy during their absence organizing and directing matters in another quarter. ‘THE REPELA ON THE MOVE. By an admirable piece of stratogy the officers, whilo at Toronto, learned that some of the incendiaries intended leaving Canada for the South in a few days, and alse as- certained the assumed names in their passports. This event had in some measure been anticipated by Mr. Young, who had alroady organized a force to guard all the principal avenues that lead out of Canada West along the borders of the State of New York. By looking at the map it will be observed that there are four main svonues by which travellers leaving this section of Canada can reach the States:—One via Port Colburn and Buffalo, and then over the Suspension Bridge; one via Detroit, over the Great Wostern Rail- way, and nother via the Grand Trunk Rail- way, crossing the Detroit river at Port Sarnia, By going the latter route, West or South, the connection is made at a place called the Junction, about three miles from the city of Detroit. It will be seen that operations now spread over a large tract of country, and points hundreds of milos apart must be closely guarded to ensure any bope for success. At Lewiston and Niagara Falla wore ferrics, whore they might possibly attempt a crossing, and these also had to be looked after. Chief ‘Young was not long tn perfeoting the necessary arrango- ments to guard the boarder between Lewiston and Buffalo, and as soon as this wag accomplished, himself, officers Bennett and Molougall and General Dix’s two officers started for Detroit, Officers Radford, McCord and Wilson of the detoctive force, who bad been on duty ‘at this point, were now relieved. WRAVY DUTY, till one and sometimes three and four clock at night. ‘The duty, though onerous, was performed with alaority snd unceasing vigilance, and ag day after day passed withour bringing any of the expected criminals, and the weary watching day and night begum to wear wpom the health and spirite of the officers, it required thear to summon all their enorgy and courage to keep hope alive. 4 avocess. Tt was tr this exhausted condition of mind and body, after completing their scrutiny of the passengers on the morning trains over the Michigan Central and Michigan Southern Roads, that they stood on the depot platform at the Junotion, waiting the arrival of the Port Sarnia train over the Grand Trunk Road. After scrutinizing the pas- ‘sengers who changed cars for the South and West with- out discovering the object of thoir search, they natu- rally concluded that another fruitless trip had been made, and got om board the train for Detroit, + ARREST OF RmNUEDY. Tmmediately upon entering the car they “dropped” upon @ face that very much resembled Stanton,” whom one of the officers had seen during the trial of Burley. A loser scrutiny strengthened thetr suspicions; but they were not fully certain of their man, and it was decided to defer making the arrest unti? they reached Detroit, as the officer had observed while at- ‘Toronto that he had apecutiar manner about his walk, and this would be discovered as soon as he left the car. Im Toronte he wore.a light colored suit of clothes, long Bair and @ light colored siouched hat. He was now dressed im plain black, short hair and @ black hat, this made a great change in his gencral. appearance and rendered identification dificult. He had, bewevor, hardly got owt of the cars before the officers‘became satisfied thoy were properly on the scent, ‘and officer McDougal approaching him asked to see his passport: ‘This decided all doubt, ‘Richard Cobb, aged twenty-seven years, going to Rock Island, Ill., dated De- eomber 24,1864" Exactly coinciding with the memo- randum imtheir possession.. He was informed that he ‘was a prigoper, and he instantly setzed his pistol, but it was of no use. Officers Bennett and McDougall knew too well how not to let-him use it, He was taken to tho Biddle House, and Chief Young, procuring a commitment from the United States District Attorney, lodged him in the House of Correction until he started for the East. After continuing the search for several days it was concluded to return home. Along tho entire route Stan- ton displayed the most uncompromising spirit, and“lost no opportunity to effect his escape. When his handcuffs were on him he would frequently hold up his hands, and, rattling them, exclaim, in a loud tone ef voice, “These (alluding to bis handcuffs) are badges of honor—I am a Southern-fan.”” This was done it is supposed to attract the attémtion of Southern people, should any be on the train. Frequently, when drinking, he would propose toasts, like the following :— Here’s to the Southern cross; long may it wave O’er the land of the free or the pall of the brave, And again:— Here’s to the South; if there 1s. just God in Heaven she will gain her independence. BM YRRLS DESPRRATR. He gave the officers fair warning that he would lose no opportunity to escape, and would kill them and all others who endeavored to prevent him, if he could. Once while in the saloon of the car he raised the window, and attempted to leap headlong from it when in full motion; but officer Bennett, who had takon a position on the steps of the car, administered him a sharp rap on the head, while officer McDougal seized him from the inside, He made several similar attempts, but all to no purpose, Ho was brought to the city and confined at police hoad- quarters, where he has since been recognized by several who saw him in the oity just provious to the fires. At no time during his incarceration has he manifested the slightest abatement in his hostility to the North, and loses no opportunity to attest his devotion to the South. He seems to be continually meditating escape, and the greatost vigilance bas to be practised by his turnkeys to guard against such an event. BE MARES A FUS) AND A DAGGER, Upon searching tim one morning during his confine- ment@e doorman found concealed upon his person a caseknife, which by a deal of patient labor he had suc- cooded in grinding down to the shape of a dagger. When first qudstioned ad t what use he intended to make of it he declined to stéife; but his object was too apparent, and ho frankly admifged that he intended it should serve him in effecting his escape should opportunity offer, and that ho woukl use it upon any one who stood between him and liberty. ‘HR CAN'T CONTEMPLATS MIS PATH CALMLY. He is a man of unflinching nerve, and manifests the most careless regard for his fate, seldom speaking of It ia other than a humorous manner. He was represented by his as:ociates ip Canada to be one of the most desperate of their number. During Mr. Young's visit West he defi- nitely ascertained that it was he who fired’ the Museum, It is said he distributed the phosphorusin the Presence of several visitors who stood by, and were so overcome with amazement and fear that they were un- able to remonstrate or give the alarm before he had an opportunity to escape. HE WOULD HAVE DONE WoRSK BUT WAS ‘AFKATD.”” Tt appears algnost incrdible, but if what ho says is to be believed he intended to sprinkle the phosphorus on the dresses of the ladies, and among the wax figures, and was only deterred from doing it through foar that the consternation would be so greatyand the’combustion so rapid that he would be unable to effect his own escape. A short acquaintance with the man would tend to convince one that he was capable of this unheard of fiondishness, and even of greater were such a thing pos- sible, For the eake of humanity it would be charitable to discredit his statement in this respect, but his admis- sions were voluntary, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with him that he had eonceived so terrible a re- venge, and consequently it must be accepted as true. WRG 18 WM. L. M’DONALDY McDonald, who figures as rebol agent in the foregoing report, was formerly in the carriage business in this city, and just previous to the breaking out of the warhad completed a large warehouse at 614 Broadway, opposite the St. Nicholas Hotel, known by the sign name as the “Southern Carriage Repository.” His trade was almost exclusively with the South, and, like many other South- orn houses, was compelled to suspend business when the war shut off his trade. He was one of the most bitter and consistent partisans of the South anywhere to be found inthe North. He subsequently obtained the sut- lership of « New Jersey brigade, and while serving in that capacity was taken prisoney and lodged in the Libby Prison. He succeeded im procuring « special exchange for a Mr. Anderson, now serving as private secretary to Mayor Gunther, who was then on parole; but the War Department, not altogether satisfied with the aspect of the exchange, together with other matters, issued @ war- rant for McDonald's arrest, which, however, he got wind of, and managed to make good his escape to 3 John’s, The next heard from him was the Chesapeake affair, im which he proved te be the lead- ing spirit, He next tumed up at Toronto. and was hore appointed rebel agent. Since he has been acting in thie capacity he has boem working diligently to got even with his “persocutors,” and, as the result of his efforts, wo have had the St. Albans raid, the Lake Erie piracy and the Georgiana affair, having for its object the release of the prisoners on Johnson's Island; and last, but not least, the attempt to burn New York city. TWH NUMBER ENGAGED IN FRING THA HOTELS. Mr, Young has definitely ascertained that only siz wore ongaged in firing the hotels, some of them setting fire to as many as three, Thoy engaged rooms at the hotele they intended to burn, and as soon as they fired ono they would hurry to the next, In this mannor the came man fired the Belmont, Tammany and French’s; while another fired the St. James and St. Nicholas. The parties engaged in it were mostly young men, between the ages of twenty. five and thirty-two and nearly all had formerly been officers in the rebel armies. Suxpar Evewiwa Sacrep Coxcears.—The first of o sories of sacred concerts, under the direction of Mr. R. Gonzales, will be given at Clinton Hall, Bighth street, this evening. It is the intontion to continue these en- tortainments every Sunday evening, with a new pro- gramme. The solections are made from the works of twenty-five of the most eminent composers, including Haydn, Handel, Donizetti and Rossini. These works will be interpreted by & number of well known artiete— among thom Madame De Lussan, who will sing the leading soprano parts. Comrumantany Concert To Mm. Oscanyay.--A grand vocal and instrumental concert has been tendered a4 & compliment to Mr, Qscanyan, the calobrated Oriental lecturer, by @ number of distinguished artiste and citizens generally, I ie announced to come of st Nivlo’s Saloon on Thursday evening, Oh inst. Wo have no doubt that the intended ¢ompliment.will be a substantial one, Indeed, if the Migma-Phi Literary Club, of which Mr. Oscanyan ts @ favorite member, should “= 5 gn GUNBOAT DISASTERS. Particulars of the Loss of @.° Moni- Full List of the Casualties on the Patapsco. she went down in five sent all that remains visible smokestack. AM who duck watch im the engine room: were sav ng. ford had the charge of the deck watch at the time, with » few exceptions) of those below were lost. oatswain’s mate escaped by passing th: the berth deck into the engine-room, thence out through the hatch to the deck. i climbing out of the turret: chamber. ad over the fame water several times that night. She would drift down with the tide amd'then steam back to her original Position. At the time she was struck hor engines were going under four bells. The was well known in these waters, having been on service in different pasts of the department tor many months. Her record isa clean one, following is & list of the saved and lost:— SAVED. 8. P. Quackenbush, Lieutenant Commander, command. ing; W.T. Sampson, Lioutenant and Executive Officer; Reynolds Driver. First Assistant Enginecr; A. P, Bashford, Acting Ensign; John J. Ryan, Third Assistant Enginee Isaac Barnes and William Nolan, boatswain’s mates; Mi chael McCaffrey, gunner’s mate; Peter Nolan, quartor- master; Joseph’ Rodgers, captain forocastle; James Mil- lor, quarter gunner; Richard Cunningham, coxswain; ‘Andrew Lawson, Edward Eden and (eo. W. Wing, seaman; Andrew Fenton, Hugh McCrowan, James Murphy and) Edward ’ Blake, ordinary ‘seame Henry Weigle, George A. Bocker, Michael Sargent, Robt. K. Brown, Peter Ross, Joseph Johnson, Edward Ganley, Michael Honlan, James M. Thomas, ‘George Caldwell, landamen; James Mulh Edward Bogan, James 1 Burke, first class boys; John H. Sykes, first class fire- man; Edward Golden, Thomas Bache, James 0'Gorm: John McCarty, James’ O'Bryan, James T. Brady, seco class firemen; John Larkin, Wayne West, Thomas Shea, Thomas Pyne, coulheavers. Lost. John White, Acting Paymaster; 8, H. Pettz, Assistant Surgeon; William 8. Crewy, Paymastor; Jos. U. Brown, Acting Ensign; Jos. L. Jolinson, Acting Ensign; George L. Palmer, Second Assistant Engineer; D. C.’ Davies, ‘Third Assistant Engineer; B. P. Stevens, Third Assistant Enginoer; B. B. Taylor, pilot; Ansen Field, William Poterson, Thomas Brown, W. H. Miller, Samuel’ Kenntr- ton, Hiram Winter, Michael Fitagerald, Jamos F. Hatha- way, W. H. Bissington, Jacob H. Frank; John Wolfkin, Surgeon; Ed, Williams, ship cook; 8 M. McRea, Alex. Davis, Alex. Black, Martin Borloy, Alfred Taylor; John Smith, carpenter; Albort Dunbar; John Francis, coxswain; James Stevens, James Goodall, L. K. Plummer, FE. M. Hopkins, James Mayle, Michael ’ Barrow, John McGinley, Charles Washburne, Alex, Armstrong,’ John Manning, James Divier, Willlam Moore, Bern.’ Corrigan, Henry Williams, Eugene Coan, Seth Brinkelly, Lorenzo Blais- dell, Frank Albertson, John Bradley, Thomas Murphy, John Mason, Patrick Hawkins, Ed. Gibbs, James Niclan, Wm. Rowand, W. P. Burbeck, David ‘Harkett, John Famon, Thomas Cain, 8. H. Davenport, Wm. Gorclan. Loss of the Gunbont Dat Ching. {From the Port Royal Now South, Tho lows of the Dai Ching, an evont which took place om the 26th inst., will be looked upon by all in the dopartment as a Circumstance to be seriously regretted. We are indebted to some of the officers of the ill fated veasel for. their courtesy in furnishing us with the main details of the affair. ‘On the night of tho 26th orders were roceived by the commanding officer of the Dai Ching to be in readiness on the following morning to up the Combabee river as far es the — point near the Charleston and Savannah Railroad—for the purpose of co-operating in fn advance movement of General Howard's forces. In accordance with those orders the Dai Ching got under way at an oarly hour on tho 26th, and, aftor having pro- cooded up the Combahee for a few miles, was fired upon by & rebel batiory situated on the right bank of the The battery opened with heavy pieces and at range, nearly every shot taking eftect in some part of the vessol. The position of the Dal Ching when first fired upon was such as to expose her to a raking fire; but notwil ing this fact she brought to bear on the fort with good effect hor 100-pounder bow gun. fore the battery engaged her the Dai hey 3 ms good luek would have it, fell in with and captured tho block- ado runner Coquette, bound from rleston to with a cargo of mvonty-five balos of cotton, A prize crow was immediately put on board with orders to take the prize to Port Royal, at which place she subsequently Vv arrived. The DaiChing maintained the fight with the rebel battery for seven consecutive hours, and had not the un- fortunate circumstance of her [oped around occurred, the result in ron papery would have been the capture of the fort together with all its guns. As it happens the Combahee river ts difficult of navigation in consequence of its nomerous short turns and shallow places. On one of those shallow potita, technically known as a “bight,’’ the Dai Ching ran aground while manuvring to get's broadside to bear on the fort, Her uncomfortable position having been observed by the rebels, they re- doubled their efforts to disable her, and in order to effect this result several additional guns were brought into ac- tion. The officers and crow of the Dai Ching behaved splendidly, and although they had extreme odds to con- tend agninst, they crippled and shattered the enemy's fort to that extent that {t would have been in our posses- sion had the position of the ship admitted of one more hoar's working of the guns: At last, at three o'clock in the afternoon, it being apparent that the vessel could not be got afloat, and that it and all hands on board would be captured unless measures were taken to pre- vent such an ever was decided to fire and then aban- don hor, The navy steam tug Clover, acting as tender to the Dai Ching, followed the gunboat a certain distance up the river, It so occurred that when the Dai Ching was aground the tender was not suificiontly near to render immediate relicf. A signal of distress was hoisted in the Dai Chi but, for soIne reason—a good one we are bound to believe—it was not heeded by the tender. The effurts of the officers and mon on board the tender to rescue tl ing’s party in the afternoon seems to be sufficient evidence that they had no thought of acting a mean part. The tonder, at pad — a the Vessel that brought the party safely to ort Royal. As to the Dai Ching, we are positively assured that her officers did not abandon ber until it was clearly that such 4 course was in every rospect cssential for their own safety; and, as far the ship herself is concerned, the question was, should she be surrendered, with her bat- tery, to the rebels, or destroyed where she lay by our own people. We take tho ground that, under the cir- cumstances, no better course could have been pursued than tho destruction of the vessel by her officers, It is to be retted that « small boat, containing Acting Ensign Charles D. Duncan and four men, which put of to hail the Clover, was captured by’ the enomy while on its mission. The remainder of the part; of the Dat Ching succeeded in reaching the wars! im small boats from the ship. Their toils and leper wet however, were by no means ended when they had reach the marsh; for they were compelled to wade and tramp through the weed and mud for a distance of ¢ or thirteen miles before they reached a point on th ok of the river where they could emburk in » sinall boat for the tender which was awaiting them. To those who have been for any longth of time in the Department of the South, or in the South Atlantic squadron, a description of the Dai Ching and the tnyort- ant service rendered by her while attached to the squadron would be considered superfluous. Sho had been in these waters since July, 1863, and had taken part im nearly every important naval engagoment that haw transpired hore since that time. Atthe time of her loss her officers and men numbered about one hundred. All of her ntioned above, are officers, with the exception of one saved. She carried seven guns, ove two twenty pounders and four brass time she was fired hor guns were loaded, and when the heat ignited the powder of the one-hundred pounder, the shell went plump into the middle of the rebel fort, so the enemy thought our mon wore still at tho _ robels fired upon the Dai Ching until it was evident that no living man could remain aboard of her, The offi- cors saved nothing in the way of personal property. A articles belonging to the government were got off ip email boats, Annoxed will be found a list of the oMcors of the Dai Lieutenant Commander J. ©. Chapin, Executive William MeKindry, Acting Master Geo. Howort), rdson, Acting A% iret Aneetar Acting Ensigns Walter Third or ven, lonigomery €, Chaplin. Ching Officer ‘Acting Assistant Surgeon J. R. sistant Paymaster Edwin Sherman, Acting Jeorge R. Bonnot Enginoor ton, Charles D. D. Caatina, J H. Fisher, Captain’s Clork ‘The first of a series of lectures on “Daniel—His Youth in the City of Babylon and Court of Nebuchadnezzar,” will be dolivered im the Forty-second street Presbyterian church, located between Seventh and Fighth avenuos, by the pnator, the Rev, W. A Scott, D.D., this evening, at half-past seven o'clock. The seoond of a course of lectures on the ‘History, Order, Doctrines and Worship of the Body of Christrias known aa the Gatholic Apostolte Church,’ will bs 4 livered by the Rev. John S& Davenport, in the hail of Dodworth's studio building, corner of Fifth avenue and Twenty-ine® street, this evening, ab haif-past soven o’clocR, At the Second Universalist church, cvrner of Second avenue and Eleventh atrest (formerly Orchard street), services will be held meruing and evuning, at the ueual : attend, a8 We are informed they will do, the houso will be | hours Tn onder to guard gl the trping wes ovemry Oe filled 09 GQRUTNORIND. Lenin); Mele coum far chheon Kev. Profegne Smyth will eit Wljuiold’s sermon on the “Publican and the Phariess,”’ at Clinton Hall, Aster Place, to-day, services commencing at eleven A. M. ‘The John street daily Union prayer meeting ws helé Dotween twelve and one, to which strangers are at all tdmos cordially invited. Thero are scrvices every Sab bath in the chureh, which is very convenient for visitoms stopping temporarily at the down town hotels. ‘The Rev. Sidney A, Corey will preach in the Murray Hill Baptist church, oorner of Lexington avenue an@ Thirty seventh street, at half-pastten A. M. and half-past woven P. M. At St, Ann's Free church, Eighteenth street, near Fite av ‘Due, the Rev, E. Benjamin will preach at & quarter te cigs’ 4. M. and half-past seven P. M., and the rector a haif-pa ‘ton AM. and three P. M., the latter service Dotag for” deat mutes, ‘The Rey: Honry Blanchard will commence s cours of Tectures ow \the subject of “Modern Universalism” ia the Qhurch of tre corner of Monroe piace and Clark street, Baroklyn, this evening. Giles will deliver this-evening, at im the tawsdanterd street, between Foarth and Loxing- ton avenues, the noednd locture of “a series on the Coming of the Lord. \Subject—“'The Marmer of his the Clouds of Hawaen, the Powor and Glo! athe Cige Son of Maa in Byaver the Angels Gathering from the Four Wine's.”” ‘The Rev. ‘i a preach in the bs mynd ee Redempt in ‘Fourteenth street, ev Bivine borvice at halfpast seven o'clock ao ‘The third of the course of lectures on “‘Dantél” will Be delivered by Jbho Wildanr, at ae bp ag re rm Washington aro, this cvening, 4 Oclock, Subjest—-"Nebacadnezane’s Visow of Tumge’’—the futiere of the(\id World. y Ab the Obuxch of the Keeu.trection, Thirty-Afts nour Slath avenue, the Rev. Ed' 0. will: proach morning and-eveni.yg. Services to coi at balf-past ten A. M. and half-)2ast seven P, M. Atthe English Lutiieran Clurc 0 of St. Jamon, Fifthone® strest, between Second and Third avenues, the Rev. P W. Conrad, D.D., of CAambersbur,y, Pa., will preach af half-past ten AM. and haif-paat seven P.M. At AllSaints’ Protestant psi church, corner off Henry and Scammel strents, _ v. 8. R. Johnson, ,, will preach at half-past on & M.,,andthe Rev. Alval ‘Wiswall 24 haif-past sever P. M. At the Chureh of the Hey" Apcatles, corner of Nint& avenue and Twenty-eighth serwet, third’ service will be held at half-past seven P. M. At the Spiritualists’ Sosiety; Dodwortt: Hall, No. be 4 Broadway, Mr. Willis will spowk.at Imif-past ten o’cl on the “Religion of Spiritualiam;” a3 iali-past seven “The Progress of Spiritual Truths. A ovvference be held at three o’clock. Subjset, ‘The Trance, ”” The Rev. Dr, Boll will supply Professor Mattison’s pit this morning. In the eveaing Professor will speak on the “Objects, Order and Results of the Final Judgment,” to bé fallowed by immersion, Sozodont.—An Article that iv’ at Once teeth preserver and breath purifier, and yet so” plemsant church, Thirty. convenient to use ts exceeding populart Joes not surprise one, Time has fully establish: fact that ite SOZODO: aseancn thene excellent qual in ae-eminent e. um legitimately acqui right (> & po tollet table. Sold by drugaists everywhere. DRAWING OF THE SHELBY COLLEGE LOTTERY OF KENTUOR, CLASS 83, ON THE ROYAL HAVANA PLAN OF SINGL’ NUMBIRB) Drawn at Covington, Ky., on Tuesday, Jan. 81; 1686 Prise. ap cag as boaitd FA Prizes Cashed im all Legalized Lotte= ries and information give: J. OLU' Broker's Office, 176 Bioedwaye it xX Prizes Cashed im AJ] Legalized Lotte= ries. Information giver CLAYTON, 10 Wall street. At $2 a Yoar or 20 cents a Number. Take the Illustrated Phrenclogical Journal. FOWLER & WELLS, 389 Broadway. N. ¥, A Well-known Poet Sings of “Flower Kissed gaiea.”” Had he boon blessed with the ecquain of some of the young beauties who use PHALON'S NIG BLOOMING CEREUS he would have di “8 le 00) ‘he the teal word and slag of” "lower bisa’ pita.” not have helped it, you know. Address to Smokers.—Pollak & Moerschaum Manufacturers, 692 Br , near Fo street. Pipes cut to order. ae a Coughs, Hoarseness and the various Throat affections t whion Public Speakers, Milllary Officers and Singers are Mable, relieved by BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES, Haw ing a direct influence to the affected parts, they allay Pulma» nagy Trritation. ie Dyc—The Best in , instantaneous, The only street at the drug sores and nt my offee rug stores and at m} SARAH A. CHEVALIER. i. Cherokee Medicines for the Unfortu: page pamphlet, w Ml partioulare, free. H. Morwin & G street, New York. Figaro Leds ‘orte.—20,000 Rece! ie r steamer Columbia, February 2, from Gyo J. RAYNER, $1 Brocd strect and " eview of Mr. Fessenden’s Re BW YORK SOCIAL SCIENCE QU. for January. Office 161 Broadway. vallers, For Articles on pete mp et ae Spencer, Bone the NEW YORE SOOTAL ao Ky 16, Broadway ARTERLY KEYIEW. Bold ot booksellers st Premium Lockstitch Se KEL WI Broad ways Immense Prices Paid for OM. BROTURNS, 1 Noseau, detweon Deckman and Participation. MARKET FIRE INgORANoR COMPANY, NOT IN “THE RING,” ta Gombination to coerce in thelr business, bee wi RATES AND RULES FaeB, continue to lorure LE PARTE F, RESPECTABLE PARTIES OM FAIR. AKD. REASOMA When brokers, undor the ‘9 of “the ring,” to bring la risks, (he comtalsaiona will be. to the tie , ASHEB TAYLOR, President. crntary Smalipos, Smallpox. A preventive ag oure are, ANDKETH'R PILL. Tecan reter to persons cured Jot this this wlid and moet effeactous madicine. DA Ceiial street, OF Union sqaare, ay mente, ES ts PER ROX. ‘The geonine kas B. Brandreth, im white letters, om sia Wed B. BRANDANTE, The Army o1 + AT Tie DE Will continue ale oto aviter with mental anguteh, Soe en cking pain, dyspeptic agoslen, Tetug, onfounded prejudice; ae\f aman wines thue — though! faith exoceding weak.” 4 my ayes were sallow, ard, my breath tremendons bad traubléscrmo—in fact, ne My vinage By dlepoatti is gently hinted 1 was (vt bee i od it ” Bp tter canis. « th