The letter was, in fact, a full and complete exposé of the plans of the Confederates. It told of the conception of the plot; who was carrying it out; of the hundreds who had taken the oath of allegiance in order that they might work more securely, and that many had even enlisted in the State militia, so that when the supreme time came they could desert: the time set for the uprising was the last of July or else the first of August, by which time they hoped to have at least forty thousand men enrolled.
"Blair and Schofield must see this, and no time lost," said Lawrence to himself as he placed the communication carefully in his pocket.
Blair was soon found. After carefully reading the letter he said, "I am not surprised. I warned the Government of the folly of removing so many troops from the State. But who could have written this?"
"If Guilford Craig was alive there would be but one answer," replied Lawrence. "As it is, it is a mystery."
"Let us see Schofield at once," said Blair. "There should be no time lost."
Repairing to the headquarters of General Schofield, they were readily admitted. General Schofield was the chief of staff to General Lyon at the time of the battle of Wilson Creek, and, of course, knew Lawrence well. "Glad to see you, Captain," said the General. "Curtis has written me of your good work. You are not with him now, are you?"
"No, you know the commission I held was granted by Fremont. The authorities at Washington declared it illegal."
"Ah, there was a large number of those commissions. I must see what I can do for you."
"I thank you, General, but General Blair has just done me the great honor of appointing me on his staff."
"General Blair, as well as yourself, is to be congratulated," answered the General.