s, a commission as Colonel of Topographical Engineers,
and the sum of $1,000,000? If so, your Honor may most
explicitly expect the transaction to be carried into
execution between the 4th and 6th of the month. * * * I
trust you will not press in regard to the manner in which I
intend to perform it, or anything connected with the
execution.

"'In case of an affirmative answer there is no time to
spare; and to show you still further my sincerity, I will
even refrain from asking for any pecuniary assistance in
carrying the project through, notwithstanding my means are,
for such an undertaking, very limited, and that some funds
would materially lighten my task, diminish the danger, and
doubly insure success. * * * I intend to throw myself at a
convenient place into Maryland and to enter Washington by
way of Baltimore.

"'Very respectfully, your obedient servant, "'

(Signed)
C. L. V. DeKalb.'

"Carey said that this man was in the employ of the Confederacy, but that
the authorities would not adopt his scheme without the indorsement of
their Northern friends, so that those friends could have warning and
not be endangered at the time. This man being a foreigner, and not
understanding the situation, regarded all Northern men alike and would
destroy one as soon as another. Therefore, those having the authority
to do so, would not accept the proposition unless due notice could be
secretly given, under the obligations of the Sons of Liberty, to
their friends in Congress. Carey said he thought this a very dangerous
undertaking on account of the friends who might be imperiled, but felt
that there was no doubt but it could be accomplished.

"Walters spoke up at this point, saying this proposition was not
feasible at all, and a number assented to his remark.

"Mr. Carey said the third proposition was also in the form of a
communication, and was placed in his hands by the authorities in
Richmond for consideration by the Northern friends, and was in the
following language, which he proceeded to read:

"'Boston P.O., Ga. "'Jefferson Davis.

"'Sir: Having a desire to be of benefit to the Southern
States is the only excuse I can offer for addressing you
this letter; and believing the best plan would be to dispose
of the leading characters of the North, for that reason I
have experimented in certain particula