A council of war followed, and all was now activity. In view of active operations in Canada, all monies were called in, and orders were issued from head-quarters to have in readiness all the military organisations. The final order was issued in April as follows:—
“Head-Quarters Fenian Brotherhood,
“No. 10 West Fourth Street,
“New York, February 10, 1870.
“P.O. Box 5141.
“To the Military Officers of the Fenian Brotherhood.
“Brothers,—You have, no doubt, ere this received general orders No. 1 from General Michael Kerwin, Secretary of War, F.B. (head-quarters, No. 50 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, Penna). A strict compliance with the requirements thereof is hereby imperatively demanded. The success or failure of our holy cause now depends upon the prompt and energetic performance of the duties incumbent upon each and all of us, and upon none does the responsibility rest so heavily as upon the military officers of the F.B.
“Brothers, if you be so situated that business or family duties will prevent you from getting your commands in readiness for active and immediate service, you will please forward your resignations to the Secretary of War at once, and at the same time send on the names of persons suitable to take your places. If you are thoroughly in earnest, you will not hesitate to give your assistance to those who may be appointed to fill the vacancies created by your voluntary withdrawal from the positions to which you have been commissioned.
“Your duty, if circumstances permit, will be to get your men in readiness at the earliest practicable moment. If you should resign, this duty will devolve upon your successors. If there are any arms, ammunition, or military clothing within your knowledge which can be forwarded to certain points, to be named hereafter, so inform the Secretary of War, whom you will address in reply to this circular, and he will, on receipt of your communications, forward private instructions with regard to your respective commands.
“Pay no attention to what may appear upon the surface or in newspapers. We mean fight—speedy fight—and nothing else, thigin thu?[2]
“Officers receiving copies of Military Oath with this circular will sign the same in presence of witness, and return to the Secretary of War.