site number. Of the
progress here, you already know. Of the multifarious means employed, you
yourselves can bear excellent witness. Of the ultimate success of the
venture you are now about to decide.

"The Military Governor, General Arnold, was early initiated into the
scheme. For a long time he has borne a fierce grudge against Congress,
and he hoped that the several Catholic members of the body might be
induced to forsake the American cause. They sought Father Farmer, our
good pastor, as chaplain of the regiment, but he refused with mingled
delicacy and tact. Indeed, were it not for the hostile state of the
public mind, a campaign of violence would have been resorted to; but
Arnold felt the pulse of dislike throbbing in the heart of the community
and very wisely refrained from increasing its fervor. All possible aid
was furnished by him, however, in a secret manner. His counsel was
generously given. Many of your names were supplied by him together with
an estimate of your financial standing, your worth in the community,
your political tendencies, the strength of your religious convictions.
And what a comparatively simple matter it was for one thus equipped to
accomplish so marvelous and so satisfactory results!

"I repeat, then, General Arnold is strongly prejudiced against us. It is
an open secret that Catholic soldiers have fared ill at his hands.
Tories and Jews compose his retinue, but no Catholics. I am not critical
in this respect for I observe that he is enjoying but a personal
privilege. But I allude to this fact at this moment to assure you that
this scheme of forming a regiment of Roman Catholic Volunteers is
directed solely to subvert the good relations already existing between
us and our brethren in arms. The promises made bore no hope of
fulfillment. The guarantees of immunity deserve no consideration. The
Quebec Act, and for this I might say in passing that we are duly
grateful, was never to be extended. In view of these observations, I ask
you: are you willing to continue with this nefarious business? Are you?"

"No!" was the interruption. The outburst was riotous. "Arrest the
traitor!... I move we adjourn!..."

Stephen held out his hands in supplication to beseech them to hear him
further.

"Please, gentlemen! Just one more word," he pleaded.

They stood still and listened.

"Has it occurred to you, let me ask, that the vessel which has been
engaged to transport you to the city of New York is n