o'clock that night, when we were arrested (Arrest No. 1) by one of my former associates, who was on guard at that place. Telling him that our family needed groceries and that the boy had some marketing to dispose of and that he would return the next day, we were allowed to pass over the bridge, and proceeded on our way without further molestation. After having the horses put up at Burch's livery stable on Fourteenth street, I gave the boy directions to go to the market at sunrise, sell what he had, buy the groceries and return home.

Cassius M. Clay's First Prisoner.

I then started for Mr. Seward's house, although it was one o'clock at night. When I reached the corner of Fourteenth street and Pennsylvania avenue, in front of Willard's hotel, I was halted. by a sentry, but refused to obey until I heard the click of his gun and the threat that he would shoot if I took another step. I was soon surrounded by six or eight men, with their guns, and all de

manded of me the reason for being on the street at that hour of the night. I told them that I was on my way to Secretary Seward's house, and had something of importance to communicate to him. At this two men grasped hold of me, and I was put under arrest and roughly marched to the rear of Willard's Hotel and into the hall, where there were about one hundred more men drilling. This was the second of the many arrests to which I was destined to be subjected during my career. (Arrest No. 2.)

I was then taken into a side room and Gen. Cassius M. Clay summoned, who requested me to give my reasons for wishing to see Mr. Seward at this unwarrantable hour. "No one but Mr. Seward shall know my business," I replied.

I was then roughly searched and the recommendation given me by Mr. Thomas taken from me. They then crowded about me, a noisy and excited mob, threatening to hang me if I did not disclose my reason for wishing to see Mr. Seward. Some of them fixed their bayonets and swore they would run me through, but I remained firm, and refused to say anything except to Mr. Seward. Finding that I could not be moved from my determination, General Clay and some others had a conference and decided to take me to the United States Marshal, Col. Ward H. Lamon. I was therefore marched up to his room. We found him in bed, but he at once arose, dressed himself and questioned me closely. I told him that I had nothing to say except to Mr. Seward, so they decided to march me to the Secretary's house, which was done. Leaving me in charge of the guard, Colonel Lamon entered and aroused Mr. Seward, who immediately sent word that he would

see me.

The guard appeared very much surprised that I should be admitted to the Secretary's presence at that hour of the night. Col. Ward H. Lamon accompanied me to Mr. Seward's room and then retired, leaving me alone with the mature man of state. I informed him that I had just returned from Virginia, and while there had learned through credible sources that an attempt would be made that night or the next to capture the Arsenal or Treasury by an organized force consisting of Southern infantry, cavalry and artillery; that most of the troops were in Alexaridria or near the

Long Bridge and Chain Bridge, and that boats were in readiness for use at any moment.

The Secretary quickly summoned Marshal Lamon and told him to make haste and see Gen. Winfield Scott and to have every ablebodied man in the city armed at once and sent to the river front. Mr. Seward then thanked me heartily and ordered a room for me at Willard's Hotel, which I reached between two and three o'clock in the morning, and I immediately retired. But, weary as I was, I could not sleep, for the streets resounded with the tread of marching feet, the clashing hoof of dashing cavalry and the mighty rush of hurrying artillery. The wings of the god of war hovered over the nation's capital and the voice of impending conflict echoed from every quarter of the city.

First Lieut. Amos Beckwith of the First United States Artillery has since told me that a message was brought to him in the early morning hours to proceed with his battery to the Long Bridge at once, whereupon he sprang out of bed as though the house were on fire and ran to the stables situated near where the War Department now is, and in less than half an hour was at the Long Bridge with his battery. An accident to a train loaded with troops from Richmond caused a delay in carrying out the plans of the enemy as early in the night as was intended, and the appearance of the United States military in such large force prevented any further attempt to capture the city that night.

Immediately after breakfast I called at the hotel office to pay my bill, but was informed that it was already settled. At the same time a message was handed me from Secretary Seward requesting me to call at his office at eleven o'clock that morning. When I appeared before him the Secretary took me by the hand and said:

"Young man, your patriotism to the Union cause deserves encouragement, and you may report to me for duty tomorrow morning, as messenger in this Department."

I thanked him, and was directed to go with a young man whom he had summoned to another room, where I received my appointment, at a salary of $50 per month.

Nine o'clock the next morning found me at Secretary Seward's office, and at ten o'clock I was handed a message to deliver to President Lincoln, which was the first duty I performed in my new office.

Thenceforward I found myself, in the performance of my duties, frequently vibrating between the Department of State and the White House, and I was thus brought into close contact with President Lincoln and the many public and eminent men of that most eventful period. My employment was very agreeable and interesting, and I soon became a general favorite.

In the letter of recommendation given me by Governor Thomas the name of "James W. Jackson, secessionist," had attracted the attention of Mr. Seward, and one day, while conversing with the the President, he asked me if I had the letter with me. I replied that I did not, but would bring it to him later, which I did. It was by him exhibited to the President, who was very much amused, and showed it to others present, little thinking that the most peculiar signer of that paper would be the man to kill our then most distinguished Colonel (Ellsworth), paying for the deed the immediate penalty of his own life, as will be explained in more detail further on, but such was the fact. On still another day, at a Cabinet meeting, Mr. Lincoln and his Cabinet obtained the letter again, and became very much interested over it, laughing, talking and commenting upon the addition of secessionist to the signature of James W. Jackson.

My duties at the State Department generally ended between three and four o'clock P. M. After that time I was at liberty to go wherever I pleased, and took advantage of this spare time in watching and studying the military operations wherever possible. Troops were coming into the city by thousands. I went to the camp of each regiment, learning the name of every Colonel, and soon ascertained that preparations were being made to cross the river and camp on the Virginia side, which, from my knowledge of the boys on guard on the other side of the Potomac, I thought would be a very difficult thing to do. When the time was fixed to move I asked Mr. Seward for a note of introduction to the Commanding General soliciting his permission to go over with