rd. They encouraged us on to this thing. We
bought our rifles from your arsenals, and were given to understand
that you would not interfere. But this thing is not dead yet. We will
succeed. We have our orders from General Sweeny, and we can and will
perform them. If we get arms we will cross into Canada. We shall fight
your regulars if they oppose us." General Meade replied: "I have got
orders, too, and I shall fight you to enforce the neutrality laws."

In the performance of his duty Gen. Meade was inflexible, and would not
stand any bluff or bluster from the Fenian leaders. On the contrary,
he became very aggressive in compelling them to respect the laws and
authority of the United States, and largely through his firmness and
stern efforts the whole Fenian campaign was abandoned.

ARREST OF PRESIDENT ROBERTS.

On the 8th of June the United States Government caused the arrest of
Col. W. B. Roberts, President of the Irish Republic, on a charge of
conspiracy and violation of the Neutrality Act. He was brought before
United States Commissioner Betts, at New York, and committed to
jail pending a hearing of his case. From the quiet precincts of his
contracted quarters he issued several proclamations, which teemed with
gasconade and valiant promises, of which the following is a sample:

Ludlow St. Jail, New York, June 11, 1866. To the Fenian Brotherhood and
Irishmen of America:

Friends and Countrymen,--The Irish people of America are again united in
the cause of Irish independence and universal freedom. The cheer which
arose from the Irish soldiers at Limestone Ridge as the English foe
went fleeing before their avenging steel, had found a responsive echo in
every Irish heart and made us one in love, purpose and resolve. We
see, after ages of your oppression, the unquenchable desire for Irish
independence blaze forth anew, and as it sweeps along the cities and
prairies of this vast continent it gathers within its magic influence
five millions of Irish hearts and twice five millions of friends
of freedom and foes of despotism! Arise, then, my countrymen! Nerve
yourselves for the struggle so nobly commenced. Cast aside every
consideration that would darken the bright hopes of your enslaved
countrymen. Be true to liberty, your country, and your God; and your
native land, instead of being a lazar-house of slavery, will soon be the
garden of freedom. Stand by the cause! Be not dismayed by obstacles you
meet; you must surmo