CHAPTER XIV.
THE KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE.
No one was more surprised than Calhoun when told that he had been selectedto go North on a secret and most important mission.
"General Breckinridge and I have selected you," said Morgan, "because wehave confidence in your sagacity, bravery, and discretion. We know no onebetter fitted to intrust this delicate, and perhaps dangerous, mission tothan yourself."
"But I am so young," said Calhoun; "while I gladly accept the honor whichI feel you have bestowed upon me, would not one older and more experiencedthan I do better?"
"Your youth is one of the main reasons why we have chosen you," repliedMorgan. "A youth like you will not excite suspicion half as quickly as aman."
"Then I am more than willing to go," answered Calhoun, "and trust that theconfidence you repose in me will not prove to have been misplaced."
"I have no fears on that score," answered Morgan; "I know that you willsucceed, if any one can."
The General then fully explained what was required of him. Calhounlistened in silence.
"I think I fully understand what you want of me, General, but how am I toapproach these Knights of the Golden Circle? How am I to find out who areKnights?"
"That has already been provided for," answered Morgan. "We are now readyto initiate you into a camp of the Golden Circle."
"Does the order exist down South, too?" asked Calhoun, in surprise.
"Certainly, to some extent," was the answer. "If not, how could we knowthe secrets of the order? You are willing, I suppose, to take the oathsrequired?"
"If there is not anything in them to hinder me from being a true son ofthe South," replied Calhoun.
"I assure you there is not, for I have taken them," said Morgan; "but youmust bear in mind this is a Northern order, its chief purpose to overthrowthe Lincoln government; its chief cornerstone is States' Rights. The Hon.C. L. Vallandigham, who was lately sent into our lines for disloyalty, butwho has now found a refuge in Canada, is the Supreme Commander of theorder. No truer friend of the South exists than Vallandigham. He believesin the doctrine of secession. The North is sick and tired of the war, andwants to put a stop to it and let the South go in peace. This is thepurpose of the order."
"All right," said Calhoun; "I am ready to join any order that has that forits purpose."
Calhoun was conducted to a tent where, to his surprise, he met quite anumber of the officers of the command. There was one stranger present, agentleman in civilian dress. Calhoun was told that he was from the North,was a high officer in the order, and that he would conduct the initiatoryceremonies. When Calhoun issued from that tent he was a full-fledgedmember of the Knights of the Golden Circle. But he had taken only thefirst degree. The other degrees were to be given to him after he hadarrived in the North.
After having fully learned the signs, grips, and passwords of the order,Calhoun was ready for his journey. He now received his final instructionsfrom Morgan and Breckinridge.
It did not take Calhoun long to see that while these gentlemen werewilling to use the order, they had the utmost contempt for it. All nationsuse traitors and despise them at the same time. The Knights of the GoldenCircle were traitors to their section. Calhoun felt this, and loathed themen with whom he was to mingle; but if they could help the South to secureher independence, it was all he asked. He, like the noble Major Andre ofRevolutionary fame, was willing to risk his life for the cause he loved.Andre failed, and suffered an ignominious death; but his fame growsbrighter with the centuries, while the traitor Arnold is still abhorred.
"Here is a belt containing ten thousand dollars in United States money,"said Morgan, handing him a belt. "You will need it; our money don't go inthe North."
"Whew! you must have had your hand in Lincoln's strong-box," said Calhoun,as he took the money.
Morgan smiled as he answered: "A Yankee paymaster don't come amiss once ina while."
Calhoun was next given an official envelope, which he was to hand toGeneral Forrest, who was then operating in Northern Mississippi andWestern Tennessee.
"You will receive full instructions from Forrest," continued Morgan, "whatto do, and how to get through the Yankee lines. We have concluded to sendyou by the way of Western Tennessee, as you will not be so apt to meetwith any Federal officer who might know you. Now go, and may successattend you."
Calhoun took his chief's hand. His heart was too full to say a word. Astrong grasp, and he was gone. He had no trouble in finding GeneralForrest, who carefully read the papers that Calhoun handed him. He thenscanned Calhoun closely from head to feet. "I reckon you understand thepurport of these papers," he said, in rather a harsh voice.
"I suppose they relate to sending me through the lines," answered Calhoun.
"Well, I can send you through, young man, but you are going on a fool'serrand. I have had a good deal to do with those Knights of the GoldenCircle, as they call themselves. They are all right in giving awayeverything they know; but when it comes to fighting, bah! one of mycompanies would lick ten thousand."
"Then you haven't much faith in the fighting qualities of the Knights?"said Calhoun, with a smile.
"Faith? Not I. They are Yankees, mere money-grabbers. Ask one of them forten dollars and he will shut up as tight as a clam. But they worry theLincoln government, and keep up a fire in the rear; therefore they shouldbe encouraged. You will find them a scurvy lot to deal with, though."
"How soon can I start North?" asked Calhoun.
"To-night," answered Forrest. "I am the president of an undergroundrailroad, took my cue from the Abolitionists when they were engaged inrunning our niggers through to Canada. I have a regular mail North. I willsend you through with one of the carriers. I reckon I had better send yourcredentials by a second carrier. It might be awkward if you were capturedwith them. You must leave here dressed as a citizen, and bear in mind thatyour name is W. B. Harrison."
"Where shall I find my credentials?" asked Calhoun.
"At Mount Vernon, Illinois, which is the terminus of my railroad atpresent. Inquire for Judge Worley. Once in his hands, you will be allright. If all the Knights were like him there would be something doing;but he is a Kentuckian, no whining Yankee."
Calhoun had heard much of General Forrest, and during his interview withhim studied him carefully. He put him down as a man of indomitable energy,of great courage, and possessing military genius of a high order. On theother hand, he was illiterate, rough in his language, and lacked thepolish of a cultured gentleman, which Morgan possessed. But there was amagnetism about him which drew men to him.
"If I were not riding with Morgan, I should surely want to be withForrest," thought Calhoun.
Night came, and Calhoun was introduced to the mail-carrier who was to behis guide. He was a thin, wiry man, named Givens. In age, Calhoun put himdown at about forty. The few days during which Calhoun was with Givensgave him a very high opinion of the guide's bravery and sagacity. Givensrelated many of his hairbreadth escapes during their journey, and seemedto treat them as great jokes. During the entire journey through Tennesseeand Kentucky, Givens kept to unfrequented roads, and in the darkest nightrode as one entirely familiar with the way.
At every place they stopped, they seemed to be expected. A man would taketheir horses, and in the evening when they started, they would find freshhorses provided. Givens informed Calhoun that these stations were a nightride apart, and that at each a relay of horses was kept concealed in thewoods.
"I now understand," said Calhoun, "what an underground railroad means. Ifthe Abolitionists had as complete a one as you, no wonder they were sosuccessful in getting away with our slaves."
Givens chuckled as he answered: "They did, I know all about it; was in thebusiness myself."
"You?" asked Calhoun, in surprise, and he instinctively recoiled from theman.
"A man has to do something for a living," growled Givens; "I got so muchfor each nigger I ran
off." He then refused to discuss the subjectfurther.
One night as they were travelling at a rapid gait, a low, tremulouswhistle came from the side of the road. Givens reined in his horse soquickly that he fell back on his haunches. He answered the whistle in thesame low, tremulous note. A man stepped from the bushes into the road, andspoke a few words to Givens in a low tone.
Givens turned to Calhoun and said: "Yanks ahead. We will have to go roundthem."
Under the guidance of the man they turned into a path through the woods.The way was rough, and Givens swore roundly because they were losing time.A good-sized stream was reached, which they had to swim. They emerged fromit wet and out of humor, Givens cursing the Yankees to his heart'scontent. He explained that it eased his mind. When the road was reachedtheir guide bade them good-bye, and disappeared as suddenly as he hadappeared.
Givens and Calhoun now urged their horses to their utmost speed, in orderto reach their next stopping-place by daylight. But do the best theycould, the sun was an hour high before they reached their haven of rest.Luckily they met with no one, and they felt safe.
"One more night and we shall reach the Ohio," said Givens, when theydismounted after a long, wearisome night ride. But it was destined thatthey should not reach the Ohio the next night, for they had not riddenmore than five miles after they had started before they were brought upwith the sharp command: "Halt! Who comes there?"
"Citizens without the countersign," answered Givens without a moment'shesitation, and then to Calhoun, "Wheel and run for your life."
They both turned and clapped spurs to their horses, but not before thesentinel had fired. Calhoun heard a sharp exclamation of pain, and turninghis head saw Givens tumble from his horse. He had carried his last mail.There was no time to halt, for Calhoun heard the rapid hoof-beats ofhorses in pursuit. Coming to a cross-road, he sprang from his horse andstruck him a vicious blow which sent him galloping wildly down the road.In a moment a squad of Federal cavalry passed in swift pursuit. Calhounbreathed freer after the trampling of their horses died away in thedistance. But he was alone, without a horse, and in a strange country. Hewas now thankful that Forrest had not sent his credentials with Givens.
Calhoun made his way slowly on foot, turning into a road which led in thedirection which he wished to go. All through the night he plodded, andwhen morning came he found he was close to a large plantation. Hedetermined to make himself known. Placing his revolver in his bosom, wherehe could get it in a moment, he boldly went up to the house. Fortunatelyhe met the owner of the plantation, who saluted him with, "Heah, git offof my place, or I will set the dogs on you. I want no tramps around heah."
Calhoun glanced at himself, and did not wonder he had been mistaken for adisreputable character. His night's walk had made sad havoc with the looksof his clothes. The road was muddy, and he had fallen down several times.Rather in desperation than thinking it would do any good, he made the signof recognition of the Knights of the Golden Circle. To his surprise it wasanswered.
"Who are you? and why do you come in such a plight?" asked the gentleman.
Calhoun's story was soon told. "And you are one of Morgan's men," said thegentleman, whose name was Cressey. "I have a son with Morgan," and he gavehis name.
"One of my scouts," replied Calhoun, delighted. Calhoun had indeed found afriend, and a place of refuge. The next night, with a good horse andguide, Calhoun was taken to a house but a short distance from the river.The farmer who owned the house was to take a load of produce into MountVernon that day. Calhoun could easily go with him without excitingsuspicion. This was done, and before noon Calhoun, free and unsuspected,was walking the streets of Mount Vernon.
Shortly after dinner he inquired for the office of Judge Worley, and wasshown the most pretentious law office in the little city. Entering, heinquired for the Judge, and was told that he was in his private office.
"Tell him that a gentleman wishes to see him on very important business,"said Calhoun.
A clerk bade him be seated, and disappeared. He returned in a moment andsaid the Judge would see him at once.
When Calhoun entered the private office he saw seated at a desk adignified-looking gentleman about sixty years of age, who eyed himsharply, and Calhoun was sure a look of disappointment came over his face.This, then, was the gentleman who wished to see him on very importantbusiness--hardly more than a boy.
He did not even ask Calhoun to be seated, but said, in a cold voice:"Well, what do you want? Be in a hurry, for I am very busy."
This was not the kind of reception Calhoun was looking for. Gulping downhis indignation, he said: "I am just from the South, I was directed tocome to you, who would prove a friend."
"Ah! some one must have taken an unwarranted liberty with my name."
While he was saying this, Calhoun was aware a pair of steel-gray eyes weretrying to read his very soul.
"Is that all?" at length continued the Judge. "I have no time to give you;as I told you, I am very busy," and he dismissed his visitor with a waveof the hand.
As a last resort Calhoun gave the sign of recognition of the Knights ofthe Golden Circle. There was no recognition; instead a testy, "Why don'tyou go?"
Calhoun's face flamed with anger, but controlling himself, he replied:"When you receive some mail from the South, you may find some dispatchesfrom General Forrest which will cause you to treat me differently. If suchdispatches come, be here in your office at nine o'clock to-night."
When Calhoun mentioned "mail from the South," and "General Forrest," theJudge turned pale, and Calhoun fancied he made a motion as if to stop him;but the young man paid no attention to the signal, and strode indignantlyfrom the office.
No sooner was he gone than the Judge turned eagerly to a pile of mailwhich he had just received, and which the coming of Calhoun hadinterrupted him in reading. Hurriedly running over the letters, he pickedout one, and opened it with nervous fingers. It was written in cipher.Opening a secret drawer in his desk, he took out the key to the cipher,and began the translation of the dispatch. As he did so, he gave vent tohis surprise in various exclamations.
"Lieutenant Calhoun Pennington of Morgan's staff ... will go by name of W.B. Harrison ... comes North to fully investigate conditions.... Iffavorable will invade North.... Pennington is member of K. G. C."
The Judge laid down the letter and seemed to be gazing into vacancy. Hewas thinking--thinking hard. At last he picked up the letter and read itthrough to the end. Then he made preparations to go out.
"I shall not be back again this afternoon," he said to his clerk, as hepassed out. "You can lock up the office when you leave. I shall not needyou this evening."
When Calhoun called that evening, he was met at the door by the Judge, andgiven a reception much different from that he received in the afternoon.
"I am glad to see you, Lieutenant," said the Judge, and he raised his handas if in military salute, but was careful not to touch his forehead.
"And I am rejoiced to make the acquaintance of Judge Worley," repliedCalhoun, raising his hand as if to shade his eyes from the light.
They then advanced and grasped each other by the hand, the fore-finger ofeach resting on the pulse of the other.
"Nu," said Calhoun.
"Oh," responded the Judge.
"Lac," answered Calhoun.
"Nu-oh-lac," they then both said together.
Thus were they introduced to each other as members of the Knights of theGolden Circle.
The Judge was now profuse in his apologies for his treatment of Calhoun attheir first meeting.
"The fact is," said the Judge, "we are surrounded by Lincoln spies onevery hand. Some of them have gained admittance into the order. One cannotbe too careful. Then your youth misled me. I am now surprised that one soyoung should be selected for so important a commission."
"No apology is needed," said Calhoun. "I confess I was indignant at first,but I now see you were right in receiving me as you did. Have you receivedGeneral Forrest's let
ter yet?"
"Yes, and it makes all plain. By the way, I see that your name is Calhoun.Have you ever noticed our password particularly?"
"No; you must bear in mind I am a new member."
"Read your name backwards," said the Judge, with a smile.
Calhoun did so, and exclaimed, in surprise: "Nuohlac! Why, it's my namespelled backwards."
"Aye! and it is the name of the greatest American who ever lived,"exclaimed the Judge, with enthusiasm. "I trust that you honor the name.Would that John C. Calhoun were alive now. What a glorious day it would befor him. But his spirit lives--lives, and thank God there is no AndrewJackson in the presidential chair!"
"Lincoln seems to have more nerve than I wish he had," answered Calhoun.
"Lincoln is an ignoramus, a filthy story-teller, a monster. Seward is thebrains of the administration. Without Seward, Lincoln would be nothing."
Calhoun thought it wise not to dispute with the Judge, so he changed thesubject by asking the number of Knights of the Golden Circle in the state.
"That, under my oath, I cannot give," answered the Judge. "I see byGeneral Forrest's letter that you have taken only the first degree of theorder. That entitles you to very little information. It is the duty ofthose who take only this degree to obey, not to question. General Forrestadvises that the other degrees be given you as soon as possible. I havealready made arrangements to have you initiated into the second and thirddegrees this evening. That is as high as we can go here."
The Judge here looked at his watch, and said it was time to go.
Calhoun accompanied him to a room over a saloon, the Judge explaining thatthey had selected the place so as not to excite suspicion by so many menpassing in and out. Calhoun found at least fifty men assembled, and whenhe was introduced as one of Morgan's men, he received a perfect ovation.
"Hurrah for John Morgan!" shouted one enthusiastic member, and the cheerswere given with a will.
Three cheers were then given for Jeff Davis, followed by three groans forAbe Lincoln.
Calhoun could scarcely believe his ears. Was this the North? He could wellbelieve he was in the heart of the South.
The object of the meeting was stated, and Calhoun was duly initiated intothe second and third degrees. There was no mistaking the nature of thesociety; its object was the overthrow of the Lincoln government. Butresistance to the draft was the main thing discussed. Their hatred of eventhe name of Lincoln was shown in every word.
Calhoun, now armed with the proper credentials, was told that to obtainthe information which he sought, he would have to visit the GrandCommander of the state, who was a Dr. Warrenton, of Springfield. Calhounmarvelled that the head officer of such an order should reside under thevery shadow of the state capitol.
The next day found Calhoun in Springfield. It was full of Federalsoldiers, and from almost every house a United States flag was flying. Itdid not look like a very promising place for opposition to the Federalgovernment, but Calhoun afterwards learned that the place was honeycombedwith members of the Knights of the Golden Circle.
Calhoun was received by Dr. Warrenton with the greatest caution, and itwas only after he was fully satisfied that his visitor was what herepresented himself to be that the Doctor consented to talk.
"Be frank with me," said Calhoun; "John Morgan is contemplating a raid inthe North, and he wishes to know whether in that case he can expect anyaid from this order, and if so to what number."
The Doctor seemed to be fired with the idea of Morgan making a raid, butsaid: "If you are to be given the full information you ask for, you mustbe initiated into the fourth degree of the order. That is a degree whichbut very few take, and can be given only with the consent of the SupremeCommander. The Grand Commanders of the different states meet the SupremeCommander in Canada next Tuesday. This is Friday. You had better attendthat meeting, as your mission is very important."
"Why meet in Canada?" asked Calhoun.
"Because it is safer, and--and we want to meet the Supreme Commander of theorder."
"Ah! I understand," said Calhoun. "Mr. --"
"Stop; on your life mention no names! Our oaths forbid it."
"I stand corrected," answered Calhoun, humbly.
It was arranged that Calhoun was to accompany Dr. Warrenton to Canada; butthe Doctor warned him that on the cars they must be to each other asstrangers.
"When we reach Detroit," said the Doctor, "go to the Russell House, andregister as from Chicago. Write Chicago 'Chic.' "
"I think I will go through to Chicago this evening," said Calhoun; "Ishould like to make some investigations there; you can meet me thereMonday."
So it was arranged, the Doctor giving him the names of half a dozen men inthat city whom it might be well for him to see. "But mind," saidWarrenton, "do not tell any one of Morgan's contemplated raid. That mustbe a secret."
Calhoun spent two days in Chicago, and what he saw and learned theresurprised him more than ever. Opposition to the Lincoln government waseverywhere. The leading newspaper boldly demanded that the war be stopped,boastingly proclaimed that there would soon be "a fire in the rear" thatwould bring Lincoln to his senses. Resistance to the draft was openlytalked on the streets. It was even hinted that there was a secret move onfoot to liberate the prisoners at Camp Douglas and burn the city.
"This is proving interesting," thought Calhoun; "the whole North seems tobe a seething volcano, ready to burst forth into flames, yet somethingseems to smother the flames."
Calhoun had an inkling of what smothered the flames when, representinghimself as a young Englishman, he asked a Federal officer why thegovernment permitted such open talk of treason.
The officer smiled as he answered: "It is better for them to talk thanact. The government has its eye on them. As long as they only talk it letsthem alone. The first overt act will be crushed with a heavy hand."
Then Calhoun remembered what both Worley and Warrenton had told him; thatgovernment spies were in the order, and that they knew not whom to trust.Would the spies of the government find out who he was, and his mission? Itwas not a very comforting thought.
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