Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/302

294 found. I have circulated as widely as possible the information that all who desired to return to the discharge of their duty could obtain transportation to their respective commands within the Confederacy. For this purpose I have made arrangements with reliable gentlemen at Windsor, Niagara, Toronto and Montreal to forward such, as from time to time may require this assistance, as far as Halifax, from which point they will be sent by Messrs. Weir & Co. to Bermuda. The system thus organized will provide for the return of any ordinary average of escaped prisoners. If, however, any contingency should lead to the accumulation of a large number in Canada, some special arrangement, like that contemplated when I left Richmond, would be required. As events (to which it is scarcely prudent to refer) may soon transpire which would render this contingency by no means remote or improbable, I have deemed it my duty to defer my departure for a time. I feel the more confidence in my judgment from the fact that it has the concurrence of Messrs. Clay and Thompson. I have availed myself of the interim of every opportunity to co-operate with those gentlemen and think that I have been able to render useful service. My present expectation is to return in September.

A distinct communication from Mr. Clay and myself is sent by this mail.

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