however, the topic was changed,
and the success of the Confederacy (as they were pleased to call it)
became the engrossing subject of discussion.

"Jackson was here tested and found not only sound in this, the most
interesting of all questions to them, but it was thought he might be
made very useful in assisting them in perfecting and executing their
plans.

"Mr. Thomlinson and Captain Redingson discussed the selling of bonds,
etc.; Thomlinson stating that the intention of the authorities at
Richmond was to have given him the bonds, but that they were not
prepared in time, as he had to leave at a certain date to escape the
blockade, on account of his previous relations with the United States
Government. Captain Redingson replied that he knew nothing about the
business except from his instructions, and he could not do otherwise
than to obey them.

"After many suggestions it was finally understood that a meeting of the
gentlemen then present should be held every evening at the same rooms,
except when engagements otherwise should interfere. Capt. Redingson
and Jackson then took leave of the other parties and returned to their
hotel.

"After going to their rooms Captain Redingson remarked that he wished
Jackson to stay with him and be his guest, as he feared he might need
a friend in future in reference to his business; that he desired him to
witness his transactions in reference to the sale of the bonds in
his custody. At the same time he asked Jackson if he had heard what
Thomlinson stated in reference to his (Thomlinson) being the one who was
to have placed the bonds. Jackson responded that he had. Redingson said:

"'Mr. Jackson, I intend to deal honestly with my Government (meaning the
Confederacy) in this whole matter, and I do not intend that these bonds
in my possession shall be a missing 'Indian Trust Fund?'

"Jackson remarked, 'Why, Captain, what do you mean by Indian Trust
Fund?'

"'Oh! nothing,' said the Captain; 'it was a mere idle remark.'

"This, however, opened a flood of light in upon Jackson's mind in
reference to matters of the past, in connection with certain frauds
upon the United States Government. He pretended not to understand the
Captain, however, and there the conversation on this subject dropped.
Jackson thanked the Captain for his generosity, but declined to accept
his offer,--that of being his guest while in London,--but said he would
remain with him as long as he could do so. They agre