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Studying the Situation. I renew my Acquaintance with old Friends of the Federal Army. Half-formed Plans. I obtain an Introduction to Colonel Lafayette C. Baker, Chief of the United States Secret Service Corps. Colonel Baker and General Winder of the Confederate Secret Service compared. Baker a good Detective Officer, but far inferior to Winder as the Head of a Secret Service Department. I solicit Employ ment from Baker as a Detective, and am indorsed by my Friend General A. Baker gives a rather indefinite Answer to my Application. I go to New York, and fall in with Confederate Secret Service Agents, who employ me to assist them in various Schemes. Learning the Ropes. I send Intelligence of my Movements to Richmond, and am enrolled as a Confederate Agent. I have several Interviews with Baker, and suc ceed in gaining his Confidence. Baker's Surprise and Disgust at various Times at his Plans leaking Out. The Secret of tjie Leakage Revealed 392

An Attack on the Rear of the Enemy in Contemplation. The Difficulties in the Way of its Execution. What it was expected to Accomplish/ The Federals to be placed between two Fires. I have an Interview with Colonel Baker, and propose a Trip to Richrnond. He assents, and furnishes me with Passes and Means to make the Journey. I run through the Lines, and reach Richmond in Safety. I return by a roundabout Route, laden with Despatches, Letters, Commercial Orders, Money Drafts, and other valuable Documents. I am delayed in Balti more, and fall short of Money. The Difficulties I had in getting my Purse filled. Sickness. I visit Lewes, Delaware, and deliver Instructions to a Blockade-runner. On reaching New York I learn that a De tective is after me. I start for Canada, and meeting the Detective in the Cars, strike up an Acquaintance with him. He shows me a Pho tograph, supposed to be of myself, and tells me what his Plans are The Detective baffled, and my safe Arrival in Canada. Hearty Welcome by the Confederates there. I transact my Business, and prepare to return 403

I return to Washington for the Purpose of reporting to Colonel Baker. Apprehensions with regard to the Kind of Reception I am likely to have from him. The -Colonel amiable, and apparently unsuspicious. I give him an Account of my Richmond Trip, and receive his Congratulations. General A. calls on me, and he, Baker, and I go to the Theatre. A Supper at the Grand Hotel. Baker calls on me the next Morning, and proposes that I shall visit the Military Prisons at John son's Island and elsewhere, for the Purpose of discovering whether the Confederate Prisoners have any Intentions of Escaping. I accept the Commission, and start for the West. Reflections on the Military and Political Situations 420