Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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An Independent Family Journal?Devoted to Politics, Literature and General Intelligence. VOL 3. ANDERSON, S. 0., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 1867. NO. 11. BY.HOYT & WAITEES. TERMS: TWO DOLLARS AHB A HALF PEE AmSTUM, ET UNITED STATES CURBEXCT. I ". RATES OF ADYERHSLNGr. Advertisemen ts inserted at the rates of One Dol? lar per square of twelve lines for the first insertion and Fifty "Cenia for each subsequent insertion. Liberal deductions made to those who advertise by the year. . JBSf* For.anhouncing a candidate, Five Dollars in advance. - ? - TTnicn League Ritual ?'- ? :. - . .-*.': - * . : ' COPIED prom the printed book. The following is an authentic copy-of the printed ritual, of the Loyal League; ] poum op council?-officers and their ; - . stations. . " "The officers' of a Council of the U. L. A. ? are i A President, Yice-President, Assis? tant Viee-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Marshal,* Herald," Sentiuel and Chaplain. The P. occupies the principal station in the room ; Y. P. and A. 'V.r. at the op - -positeend and in front of the P.; T. at the left hand of -P.; Sec. at the right hand of : P.; M. near/the V. r.yH. within:the inner - ^d?or; S. within the outer door; and the Chaplain-in tfio centre of the room, on the rights; - - emblems. **: Altar, Holy Bible; Declaration of in? dependence; tlriited- State? Constitution; Flag of the Union; Censer of Incense*; -Sword; Gavel; Ballot-Box and Sickle; ..- Shuttle;.".Anvil, and other emblems of ? industry. .* '- ? _\ " .. opening a council. (Tho P, assumes the.chair and givesone ?. tap withvthe gavel.) P. I am. about to open this council. If 1 there are any persons present not mem? bers of the Union League of America, they wUI please retire to "the -ante-room. "The officers will take their respective ? stations. (The door is. closed.) P.* Mr. Marshal, you will satisfy your? self that all present are duly qualified and report. (The M. makes a careful examination ' and feporls.) P. I pronounce this council open for the, transaction of such business as may . - be. lawfully brought before it. (Members respond,) "So be it." P. Tho Marshal will drape the altar. ?- TbeM." will then proceed to place the flag ete.7 upon the altar,.the books being open ; an,d the sword-laid across them. These mUst.so remain while the C. is in session, "~ knd w-tff be left in. the care and custody of sueh.offieer as the P. shall direct during , fiie adjournment. Each C. should pur? chase the artieles for its use. order of business. 1.. Calling the roll of officers. 2. Reading the minutes of the preced? ing meeting." and approval of the same. : 3. Examination of candidates. elected in the ante-room, by the A. V. P. and M. 4. Initiations. 5. Election of officers at such meetings as the same may properly occur. 6. Propositions for membership, and .- balloting-for candidates. 7. Report of investigating committees. 8". Unfinished business. ^ - 9. New business and the good of the order." . initiation. P. The "Marshal will proceed to tho ante-room and ascertain it there arc any candidates awaiting admission into our League, and instructing the Sentinel to admit no person except members, until those in waiting have .passed into the council room". - .' -? The Marshal will then report the name of applicants. P. Tho ?Jeerctary will read the list of names. The'Secretary reads them. P. Mr. S-5cretary, have the names of these gentlemen been duly presented in open council and balloted for and elected? The Secretary will answer according ' tb.the record.. P; Tho Assistant Tice-President, wi th the Marshal as a witness, will retire to the anti-room and make known to the candidates the object of this League, and propound to them the necessary interrog? atories as provided in the ritual. The A: V. P. and M. retire to the anti room, where tho A. V. P. makes known the following: . - object op the league. A. V. P. Gentlemen : I am directed to state to . you the object of this organi? zation. ~. It is to preserve liberty, perpetu ato the Union of tho Uuited. States of America, maintain the supremacy of the laws and constitution thereof against enemies, foreign and domestic, to secure the ascendancy of American institutions on this continent, to protect, defend and strengthen all-loyal men and members of the Union League of America in all their rights of person or property, to demand the elevation and aid in the education of . the labor and laboring men of the whole country, to make our councils schools for the prompt and proper instruction of all men in the duties of American citizenship, and for tho inculcation of sentiments of true charity and brotherly affection among the members of our order. A. V. P. Having informed you of the purposes of our order, I now expect from " you a promise of secrecy before proceed? ing farther. Have I your solemn pledgo to keep secret whatever may transpire in I your presence 1 Answer must be in the J affimativo. To the questions to be propounded 3tou ?will answer upon your honor and undor your pledge of secrecy. 1st. Do you fully subscribe to the prin? ciples set forth in tho Declaration of In? dependence ? Answer 2d. Do you acknowledge that your first and.highest allegianco under God is due to the Government of the United States of America ? Answer 3d. Are you willing to pledge yourself to resist, to the utmost extent of your Bower, all attempts to subvert or over throw the Government of the United States ? Answer ?-? 4th. "Will you strive to the extent of your ability for the maintenance of liber? ty; the elevation of labor; the education in the responsibilities and duties of Ameri? can citizenship of all the people of this country; the practieo of a true friendship and charity towards each and all of the order, of which you are about to become a member, and for the election or appoint? ment to all places of public trust of such men only as are reliable supporters of these principles and measures? Answer 5th. Are you willing, and do you desire to bind yourself by a solemn oath to the maintenance of tho principles and policy indicated in .the interrogatories to which you have now affirmatively replied ? Answer ?? 6th. Do you pledge your honor that you will obey all rules and orders of tho Union League of America, which shall not conflict with your lawful rights and privileges as a. loyal citizen, and keep in? violate all secrets and ceremonies of the League, when communicated to you as such? Answer (Should the candidate answer all of the foregoing questions in the affirmative, the. A. V. P. shall report to the P. and 0. as follows:) A. V. P. Mr. President, I have made the proper examination, and find all the candidates worthy and willing to proceed.* Unless the report is objected to by the Marshal or other person, the President will direct as follows: P. The Marshal will conduct the can? didate to our council. The Marshal- retires and conducts tho candidates to the door aud makes the U6ual alarm. H. Who comes here under the private signal of our League 1 M. Candidates; who, having been duly elected and examined, desire admission into our loyal band. H. Mr. President, the Marshal an? nounces candidates, who,- having been duly elected and examined, desire admis? sion to our loyal band. P. The loyal and worthy are always welcome. Admit them. The door is opened, and the candidates, preceded by tho M., enter in double file, arm in arm, and passing around the altar are presented in front of the P.'s chair. As the}- enter the door the P. gives three raps with . the gavel?which will call up the C. The President rising, the M. will introduce tho candidates hy name. While the candidates are coming in aud taking their places around the altar, the P. may direct the 0. to sing a verse or more of the patriotic song, "Hail Colum? bia," or "Star Spangled Banner," which may be printed on cards for the use of the 0. By a signal from the P. the members take their .seats during the delivery of the address: M. Mr. Vice-President, I have the pleasure of presenting these candidates tor membership in our Union League. ADDRESS. V. P. Gentlemen (or sir:) AVe rejoice that you have thus voluntarilj- come for? ward to unite with us. The cause we ad? vocate is that of our country. Banded together for the purpose of perpetuating the liberties for which our fathers fought, we have sworn to protect them. In time of peril to our govcrnmentand the Union, it became the sacred duty of all true patriots to unite their efforts for the preservation of constitutional freedom, and in thwarting the designs of traitors to destroy tho tree of liborty planted by our patriot fathers, and watered by their blood. Neither domestic traitors or foreign foes must be permitted to destroy this na? tion, nor to circumscribe the influence and progress of American institutions on this continent. The first grand purpose of our organi? zation has been accomplished, through the combined efforts of our order and the gallantry and perseverance of our citizen soldiers, to whom our grateful acknowl? edgments and continued appreciation are ever due. The legitimate fruits of this triumph aro yet to be secured in the complete as? cendency of tho true principlus of popular government; the establishment of equal liberty; the elevation and education of the toiling masses of the republic; the preservation of the national honor and faith; tho inculcation of a brotherly affec? tion and true charity towards all; the complete and final overthrow at the ballot box, as in tho field, of the oligarchy of political leaders, who soughtto ruin when they could not rule, and through whose errors and wrongs our country has been baptized in blood; the establishment here of an asylum for tho oppressed of other lands and of a beacon light so prominent and enduring as to bo seen by all nations for all time, and so unerring as to guido all people to the certain possession of na? tional and true liberty. By means of this Loyal League these grand purposes may bo realized. Wc ask none to join us who have not tho noble sentiment of patriotism deeply implanted within their hearts, for such only are capable of rising above the level of tho mere partisan, and claiming and de? fending tho boon ot frocdom in its intrin? sic value. It is to sustain tho govern? ment and tho principles and policy wo' havo indicated, that we are united and for this purpose you are now required to take a solemn obligation, which I assuro you does not in any way conflict with the duties you owe to yourself, to }'our coun? try, your family or youv God. With this .assurance are you willing to take such an obligation ? 1 * k ?t<v?r to bo in the affirmative.) V. P. Candidates will please turn and approach the altar. (Here the P. calls up the C. by four raps, in couplets and says :) P. The Chaplain will now invoke the blessings of Almighty God upon our un? dertaking. prater: Eternal God! Supreme Architect and Ruler of the Universe! wo humbly be? seech Thee to protect the loyal people of the United States, and especially tho members of this patriotic organization. Wilt Thou bo pleased to direct and pros? per all our consultations to the advance? ment of Thy glory; the honor and wel? fare of Thy people ; and may all things be ordered and settled by the co-ordinate branches of our government upon the best and surest foundations, so that peace and happiness, truth, liberty and justice may be established among us for all genera? tions. Save us, -we pray Theo, from foreign foes and domestic traitors, and make us all faithful and true to the noble cause of constitutional liberty which Thou hast graciously committed to our care. Be pleased to guide and direct us, as Thou didst our forefathers. With the strength of thine Almighty arm Thou didst uphold and sustain them through all their fiery trials, and at last did crown them with victory. May wc be united in love for our com? mon country, imbued with sentiments of liberty, attached to the principles of the Constitution, filled with reverence for thj llo\y Law, and may Thy good spirit guide, strengthen and comfort us, now, and forever. Amen. Here, after darkening the room, the M. lights the fire of libcrt\r, to burn during the administration of the obliga? tion; the members will be notified to join hands in a circle around the candidates and the altar?the P. stopping within the circle. When there are more candidates than can reach the flag or Bible, they should be divided and obligated by sections. The P. then continues as follows : Xow place your left baud on the national flag and raise your right toward heaven, re? penting after me the followingobligation : OBLIGATION. I, (repeat your name after mine.) do solemnly swear (or affirm.) in the presence of God and these witnesses, that I will never voluntarily bear arms against the United States, while I am a citizen there? of; that I will support, protect and de? fend the Constitution and Government of tho United States and the flag thereof, against all enemies, foreign or domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; aud that I will also defend this State against any invasion, insurrec? tion, or rebellion, to the extent of my ability. This I freely pledge without mental re? servation or evasion. Furthermore that I will do all.in my power to elect true and reliable Union men, and supporters of the government, and none others, to all offices of profit or trust, from the lowest to the highest, in ward, town, county, State and general government. And should I ever be called to fill any office, I will faithfully carry out the objects and principles of this League for the good of the order. And further, that L will protect, aid and dcfend'all worthy members of the U. L.; and that I will never make known in any way, to any person or persons not mem? bers of the U. L., any of the signs or pass words, proceedings, debates or plans of this or any other C. under this organiza? tion, except when engaged in admitting new members into this L. (Place your right hand upon the Holy Bible.) And with m}- right hand upon the holy Bible, Declaration of Independence and the Con? stitution of the United States of America, under the seal of my sacred honor, I ac? knowledge m}'.sclf firmlj7 bound and pledged to the faithful performance of this my solemn obligation. So help me God. (Response by the members.) To this wc pledge ourselves. P. Gentlemen, around you is a band of brothers alike sacredly pledged. This circle is never to be broken bj' treachery. (Response by tho members: ".Never!") P. Brothers, will you enlarge your cir? cle to admit new members? (Response:) "Wo will." P. With clasped and unlifted hands re? peat after me the freeman's pledge. To defend and perpetuate freedom and the Union I pledge my life, my fortune and my sacred honor. So help me God. Then follows a song. The members of the Council will now bo seated, tho candidates will now take their places before the Altar. CHANGE. The oath 3-011 have now taken of your own free will and accord cannot now be violated without leaving the stain of per? jury of your souls. You havo declared that, under God, 3-011 r first and highest allegiance to the government of the United States. You have taken such an oath of allegiance upon the IL0I3- Bible, Constitu? tion' and Declaration of Independence, I3 ing within the folds of the flag of the Union. These contain the enduring re? cords of our rights and privileges. The symbols of industry which greet you upon the altar, aro to remind you of one of the main purposes of our order, and to represent the foundation on which our institutions rest. To strengthen and elevate this, is to add lo the grandeur and durability of the structure we uphold. The flag is the ensign of our American nationality?the visible emblem of the sovereignty of the Union. Its stars rep? resent the sister States; its stripes, the thirteen original States; its colors, cour? age. ??f?*r *ad truth. The Bible contains man's moral code and the principles of his religious faith; points out his duty to his follow creatures; the reward of virtue and the punishment of vice. The Declaration of Independence de? clares, as self-evident truths, that all men are created equal?that they are endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happi? ness. It denies tho despot's dogma of the "Divine right of kings" to rule over man? kind. It asserts that governments derive their just powers from" the consent of the governed, and solemnly affirms the right of the American pcoplo to govern them? selves as a free and independent nation. The Constitution is an instrument re? ducing to practice the precepts of the de? claration. It is liberty regulated by law. It defines and circumscribes tho powers and duties of the national government. It was ordained by the fathers, "in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insuro domestic tranquility, pro? vide for the common defence, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their pos? terity." The sword is a weapon of protection and defence. By it and the aid of Divine Providence the independence of the American pcoplo was obtained. With it wc may defend the rights and liberties belonging to a free and loyal people, jealous of their country's glories, great? ness and grandeur. Lastl}*, the light 3*011 behold burning upon the altar is emblematical of the sacred fires of liberty that burn forever in breast of all true patriots. Wc inculcate the spirit and arts of peace as essential to national happiness and prosperity; but when foreign foes or treacherous hands attempt to rob us of our national inheri? tance, let a million gleaming swords leap from their rests and turn ever}* way to guard the tcrnplc of our liberties. (Here the 31. instructs the new member in the signs, etc.* When these have been imparted, the P. may givo a short history of the origin and history of the organiza? tion, lie should caution thorn not to use the signs too often, or uncautiousry.) It is enjoined on each officer to commit to memory his part of the initiatory cere? mony. The council rooms should be made at? tractive by emblems and ornaments, and b}- a supply of reading matter. If any person belonging to the order cannot road, he must be instructed. *To pass yourself as a Leaguer, when questioned, give the "Four L's" as follows: right hand raised to Heaven, thumb and third finger touching their ends over the palm, and pronounce "Liuerty." Bring? ing the right hand down on a line with the shoulder, pronounce "Lincoln." Drop? ping the hand open at your side, pro? nounce "Loyal." Willi your hand and fingers downward in the chest, the thumb thrust into the vest or waistband, across the body, pronounce "League." - -o A Strange Story about Booth. The following most extraordinary letter has been translated for the Louisville Journal, by tho Hon. T. Fernandez, of Havana, from the original in possession of the Hon. Stephen Maxwell. Professor ot Theology, who has consented to its publication. Professor Maxwell, was. when last heard from, August 5th, 1SG7, at the Ingiatcrra Hotel, Havana. He is a waini personal friend of the learned writer, Professor Frazier: Bombay, British India, May 30, 1S67. Hon. Stephen Maxwell, S. T. P., Havana, Island of Cuba: Dear Sih?.Since }*our departure a strange incident has occurred in this city, something similar in its nature to the affair that created so much excitement in Calcutta some months ago. though in this case the amount at issue is four times "?renter than in the other. Having prom-! ised j*ou that I would make diligent en-; quiry about the ship Bird of the Ocean and her commander, it luckily so happen? ed that I was spared the troublo of ex? tending my inquiries beyond this city, b}* thc arrival of the ship in question at this port on the 2Gth of March.' The "Bird of the Ocean" having become notorious, through the agency of her com? mander?the celebrated Captain W. Mar? tin Tolhert?in consequence of having piratically captured several merchant ves? sels in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, as it has been alleged, attracted no little attention upon entering Bombay harbor. Her papers were subjected to a rigid examination by the custom house authorities, but no flaw could be found in them, she having creditable clearance for Singapore, and manifest, embracing a full list?of cargo, duly authenticated. Her cargo consisted of general merchandize, on consignment to the house of Lenard & Co., which she commenced discharging on the second day after entering port. I took advantage of an opportunity of visiting her on the da}* subsequent to her arrival, in company with Captain Parker, of the ship Sea Gull, Captain Hunt of the Tyrol, and Col. Ferguson, the last named gentleman being acquainted with Captain Tolbert. We were cordially received on board by that noted individual, of whom I had heard so much, but never met till now; and, from his affable manners and genial conversation, I could scarcely real? ize that the man confronting me was tho^ celebrated character whoso daring deeds" have oftimcs produced such a furor and excitement in the East Indies. The vory embodiment of grace and politonoss, ex? cessively lavish in manifestations of hos? pitality, and brim full of dry humor, my first impressions could not be otherwise | than favorable?for, to my amazement, I' discovered in him evidences of tho refined gentleman instead of the "blood-thirsty pirate" which the "Times of India" has been pleased to term him. In compliance with the request of Col. Ferguson, Captain Tolbert narrated the particulars of the manner in which he won the wager in Calcutta?"that Booth was alive;" and in reply to a remark ven? tured by Captain Hunt, as follows : "Well, Captain, I must say you did humbug tho Calcutta folks pretty badly, really it is a shame?" "Humbugged them? there was no humbug about it, sir! I fulfilled my part of the contract, and furnished proof that Booth was alive! Why do you term it humbug ? I desire an explanation, sir!" The following conversation then ensued, which (having taken down on the spot) 1 give verbatim et literatim: "The reason why I call it by that name is simply this: ?I do not believe that Booth is alive, nor that, if your opponent had scon proper to have contested the matter, a fair decision would have given it in your favor."? Whereupon Captain Tolbert becoming somewhat excited, remarked: "Captain Hunt, if I am not mistaken iu 3-ou, you arc a man who will back any assertion you may make with your money; am I correct'(" To this Hunt replied : "I bc licvo I am sir, if I know myself." "Well, then, sir, if you bclicvo Booth is not alive, how many pounds would you bo willing to back that belief with; otherwise, what do you value your opinion at ?" "I value my opinion very highly. Captain, but that is not saying that 1 would risk a bet on a thing unless I thought I had some chance for a fair shake!" "Please name your own conditions, and the amount you wish to put up; you shall bo accommodated in each." "The only manner in which I should be willing to stake anything upon the matter in dispute, would be this: I must see Booth with my own eyes, and have an opportunity of conversing with and questioning him in order to satisfy myself whether ho is alive or not, as it so j happens I know him quite intimately and could not bo deceived. If the person whom you allege is Booth should prove to be a humbug the money at stake will be mine; but if I recognize in him the genuine John Wilkss Booth, it will be yours. I know Booth so well that I could not fail to identify him at first sight, even through his disguise?should he wear one. If you will grant me this lib? erty I would be willing to draw a draft in favor of the winner for two' thousand pounds sterling at thirty, sixty or ninety days' sight." "Your proposition [is ac? cepted, provided that you havo no objec? tions to going before a Magistrate and tak? ing an oath of eternal secrecy, the naturo of which I shall then and there make known to you." "Having no desire to profit by giving information to tho United States Government of his whereabouts, in case he is alive, I have no objection of taking an oath of secrecy so far as divulging Booth's place of residence is concerned. Firmly believing that he is not alive, my only object is to fully satisfy myself of the fact. If I lose, 1 shall have sufficient sense to hold my tongue, and if I win, of course I will do the same. In either case my cariosity shall havo been fully satis? fied. Is that satisfactory ?" "I will take you at 3-our word, Captain. But hold ! ?perhaps it would be better to have all this in black and white, as we are stran? gers to each other;" whereupon, having : gained Hunt's assent, Captain Tolbort hastily drew up an article specifying tho terms of tho agreement, to which both Hunt and himself signed their names, re? questing the remaiudcr of the party pre? sent to witness it, and theu gave to Col. Ferguson, requesting him to keep it until the question was decided. Tolbert then said : "Let us now proceed to a magis? trate's office and have the other articles drawn up at once:" Everything being in readiness, wc all above started ashoro a fow minutes after the spirited conversation transpired, Capt. j Tolbert going in his own boat, (a hand? some littlo gig with which his ship was supplied.) We were not long in reaching the qua}', and, being invited by the two Captains to accompany them to the Mag? istrate's office, Colonel Ferguson, Captain Parker, and myself were witnesses to*all that transpired between them. Upon reaching the office the following oath was administered to Captain Hunt: "You do solemnly swear, in the presence of Al? mighty God, that you will not betray tho codndenco reposed in you by the two in? dividuals with whom you arc about to enter into an agreement, so help 3-011 God." Tolbert then suggested tho following more secure form, which was drawn up: "I, Charles Newton Hunt, do solemnly swear, in the presence of Almighty God I and these witnesses, that I will forever conceal and never reveal the name of the town, city or country whero lives and breathes the mortal bod}' of John Wilkcs Booth, so help mc God." Tolbert then drawing a sharp-pointed stillcto, vcrju coolly presented it to Captain Hunt, asked him to pick his arm till the blood camo; J then, handing him a pen, requested him to catch a drop of the blood upon tho point and write his signature to the abovo oath. Captain Hunt very reluctantly : complied, signing his name in full, written ' with his own blood. The magistrate, Mr. ! Samuel IJobolict, Colonel Moses D. Fer I gnsori, Captain Joseph II. Parker, and myself then witnessed it, and Captain I Tolbert, sealing it up, handed it to Mr. Boboliet, requesting him to put it in a place of safct)-, and deliver it to no person savo himscl? Tho magistrate then drew up the fol? lowing article of agreement: "We, tho undersigned, being equal participants in the question at issue, do hereby bind our? selves to deposit two thousand pounds sterling (.?2,000) each in tho hands of tho President of the Bank of Bombay, in the city of Bomba}-, British India, this ihc 21st day of March, 1867, tho aforesaid sum total of four thousand pounds to be The Intelligencer Job Office. Having recently made considerable additions to this department, we are prepared to execute JWZB WDM AJUL S2OT? Iu the neatest style and on the most reasonable terms. Legal Blanks, Bill Heads, Posters, Cards, Handbills. Pamphlets, Labels, and in fact every style of work usually done in a country Printing Office. Egg* In all cases, the money will be required npon delivery of the work. Orders, accompanied I with the cash, will receive prompt attention. held by said President of said bank till the expiration of ninety days, to be sub? ject at such time to the order of cither of the two parties whose signatures are here? to affixed. (Signed.) W. Martin Tolbert, Chas. Newton Hunt. Done before mc, at my office, in the city of Bombay, this, the 21st day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven. (Sigued) Samuel Beboliet, Notary Public.) Two duplicates of the above agreement were drawn off, signed, and one delivered to each of tho Captains, the original being held by the Magistrate. The costs having been paid, etc., wo pro? ceeded to a refreshment saloon, and after partaking of a sumptuous repast at the expense of Captain Tolbert, our party dispersed to arrange tho preliminaries of tho bet, making an appointment at the Royal Exchange at 3 P. M. Col. Parker, Col. Ferguson, and myself were on the ground promptly at the ap? pointed hour, and found Tolbert already there. Hunt arrived a"bout fifteen min? utes later, and thence we all proceeded to tho Bank of Bombay, where tho two Captains deposited Bank of England notes to the amount of two thousand pounds each, and received bank certifi? cates therefor, payablo at ninety days sight, with the understanding expressed in writing that'thc whole amount should bo paid to cither party on the presenta? tion of both receipts. A few days after this the papers an? nounced that the ship '-Bird of the Ocean," Tolbert master, had sailed for Colombo, Ceylon. Meetiug Captain Parker the iarue evening, I enquired if Captain Hunt had gone, "yes,'' he replied, "he went as passenger in the "Bird of the Ocean," and left his first mate in charge of the "Loyal" till his return. He told me he would be back in about six weeks, and appeared quite jubilant over his big bet; said he felt confident of winning, as he believed Tol? bert was only a "blower," and was deter? mined to "bluff," him; that he still felt sure Booth was not alive, and when he found out where the "hoax" was, he would expose it." I told Parker I was fearful Hunt would loso his money; that it did not seem reasonable that Tolbert would recklessly bet so large a sum on an uncer? tainty, and that he must remember he woo in Calcutta. Nothiag was heard of the ship for seven weeks, when it was announced by tele? graph that the "Bird of the Ocean" had ? ?arrived at Madras. On the following day Captain Parker received a telegram in these words: <4I have lost! The man Booth is actually alive. I should have beeu at Bombay ere this, but we have en? countered heavy weather. Shall be there soon.?Chas. Newton Huut." " Neither of the parties can reach here for some time to come. "When they do arrive there will be considerable excite? ment, in their immediate circles of acquain* tauce at least. Thus, it seems, has Cap? tain W. Martin Tolbert won another largo sum of money upon this most mysterious - of all the mysteries of the nineteenth cen? tury, leaving uo doubt in the mind of any thinking person that J. Wilkes Booth is alive. I have given you the full details of this strange affair, so far as I know, and will >vrite you again as soon as Captain Hunt returns, if I gain any further partic? ulars as to how he lost the wager. I still remain your sincere friend, WILLIAM A. FRAZER, F. R. S. ? -* Eemoval of Gen. Sheridan. Headq'es of the Army, Adjutant-Genepal's Office, Washington^ August 10,18G7. General Orders Ko. 77. I. The following orders have been re? ceived from the President: Executive Mansion, Washington, August 19, 1867. Major-General George H. Thomas is hereby assigned to the command of the Fifth Military District, created by the Act of Congress passed on the 2nd day of March, 1867. Major-General P. H. Sheri? dan is hereby assigned to the command of the Department of the Cumberland. The Secretary ot War ad interim will give tho necessary instructions to carry this order into effect. (Signed,) ANDREW JOHNSON. IL In pursuance of the foregoing or? der of the President of the United States, Major-General G. H. Thomas will, on re? ceipt of the order, tum over his present command to the officer next in rank to himself, and proceed to New Orleans, Louisiana, to relieve Major-Gcnenil P. H. Sheridan of the commacl of tho Fifth Mil itarv District. III. Major-General P. IT. Sheridan, on being relieved from the command of the 5th Military District by Major-General G. II. Thomas, will proceed to Fort Leaven worth Kansas, and will relieve Major Gencral W. S. Hancock, in the command rof the Department of the Missouri. IV. Major General W. S-> Hancock, o i being relieved from the command of the Missouri by Major-General Sheridan, will proceed to Louisville, Ky.. and will as? sume command of the Department of the Cumberland. V. Major-General G. IT. Thomas will continue to execute all orders he may find in force in the 5th Military District at the time of his assuming command of it, unless authorized by the General of the Army to annul, alter or modify them. VI. Major-General Sheridan, before relieving Major-Gcneral Hancock, will re? port iu person at these headquarters. , Bv order of General Grant. E. TOWNSEND, A. A. G. _-o Judo-eJ. W". C. Horne, a prominent citi? zen of Sumtcr County, Georgia, has been murdered by a party of freedmen. Five were arrested by the military and im? prisoned at Macon, four of whom confess participation in the crime.