Uncle Daniel's Story Of "Tom" Anderson, and Twenty Great Battles

by John McElroy

“During one of their conversations Capt. Redingson, in relating some of his war experiences, made mention of the fact that at one time, not long past, he had met a young lady from Michigan in search of her sweetheart, and that he had been her escort while she was at Richmond, and through their lines to ours. At this moment Jackson told me that he came very near spoiling everything by his agitation, but by rising and taking a glass of water had time to recover, and then listened to the story with great interest, asking a question occasionally. Capt. Redingson finally took a small book from his pocket and read her name, 'Se-raine Whitcomb,' and that of her lover, 'Henry Lyon,' and remarked, that he intended, if ever he should have an opportunity, to find out the history of the two, as she had impressed him very favorably, and, in fact, had excited his admiration,—she was so gentle and frank, and withal so brave. Jackson said at this point he again became very thirsty.

“Very soon the conversation took a turn in another direction, and Jackson inquired if the Captain thought there were any persons in London looking after the interests of the Confederacy, to which the Captain replied that Jacob Thomlinson, C. C. Carey, and one or two others that he did not know, were there on a secret mission, the nature of which was not fully known to him, as he had only returned to Richmond from Mexico on one day and left under orders the next, and had to run the blockade in order to get away. His description of the passing of our vessels in the night out from Wilmington in a vessel laden with cotton; the darkness, the stillness of the night, the lights on our vessels, the fear of being discovered and overtaken, the joy he experienced when they had passed our line and were covered by one of their fast-running cruisers (the Susquehanna) was indeed quite graphic. Jackson said that although the Captain was a rebel, and perhaps engaged in running the blockade frequently, yet he was cheerful, and took everything that seemed to be working against their success so philosophically that he enjoyed his company, and rather liked him. During the trip Capt. Redingson learned to like Jackson also, and made him a confidant, promising to introduce him to many friends after they should arrive, among whom he included Jacob Thomlinson, Carey, and many others. He finally disclosed to Jackson the fact that he was sent by the authorities at Richmond to London and Paris with a large amount of Confederate bonds for sale, and that he would take Jackson with him to visit the bankers, and also get him introduced, so that he might be admitted to some of the Gentlemen's clubs, where he could hear much discussion pro and con about the war. It seemed that Capt. Redingson had been across several times on business for the Confederacy.

“When the vessel reached port, and all was ready, the two went out together, and from Liverpool to London were engaged in conversation as to how they could best manage to enjoy themselves while in London, and at the same time attend to the business for which they were abroad. Jackson had satisfied the Captain that he was going more to find out how the people there felt, and the probabilities of the English Government rendering aid to the Southern Confederacy, for the purpose of his speculating in bonds and stocks, than for anything else, and at the same time to aid if he could the friends of the Confederacy everywhere; and to use all means, no matter what, for their success. They had not noticed any of the important points until they came within some ten or twelve miles of London, when their attention was attracted by the church and school buildings of Harrow, beautifully situated on a hill rising from a plain. This celebrated institution is one of the first in the Kingdom. It was founded in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Many distinguished men have been educated there, among whom were Lord Byron, Sir Robert Peel, and Lord Palmerston. After this the Captain and Jackson took much interest in the historic objects presenting themselves till they reached London.

“On arriving they engaged rooms at the Charing Cross Hotel. During the next day Capt. Redingson found his friend Jacob Thomlinson and brought him to his room. Very soon after this he invited Jackson in and introduced him as Mr. Win. Jackson, of Memphis, Tenn., a good and true friend of the Confederacy, who was willing to do anything to aid in making the rebellion a success. Mr. Thomlinson received him with much cordiality, and conversed very freely, but cautiously. He was not quite as free and easy as Capt. Redingson. Finally Mr. Thomlinson invited them to visit him at his hotel, 'The Palace,' near Buckingham Palace, on the following evening, stating he would have some friends who would be pleased to meet them. Jackson was very desirous to accept this invitation, as perhaps the opportunity would be afforded to get some information of value, and was consequently delighted that Capt. Redingson promptly indicated their acceptance.

“In good season they made their toilets as if they were to meet the Queen of England or the Prince of Wales, and set out for the Palace Hotel. On arriving at the hotel and notifying Mr. Thomlinson of their presence, they were ushered into his apartments, which they found were most elaborate and elegant.

“On entering they were presented to Mr. C. C. Carey, Prof. McCullough, and Dr. Blackman, of Kentucky. These men had the appearance of the Southern aristocrats, except Prof. McCullough, whose manner and speech denoted Northern antecedents. Jackson noted this particularly, and in the subsequent conversation he learned that the Professor was of Northern birth and education, having been, prior to 1860, professor of chemistry at Princeton College, N. J. For a time the conversation ran on the voyage and the many interesting places that should be visited by all travelers. Before the evening was over, 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: