“Prof. McCullough thought it would require a greater length of time for him and Dr. Mears to make proper preparations. He thought that four weeks would be sufficient time.
“So it was finally decided that the three should make their arrangements to be ready to sail within four weeks, and that they would sail on the same vessel for Montreal, Canada. Jacob Thomlinson and C. C. Carey were to precede them and have matters all prepared for taking care of and storing their materials. The time was not then fixed for these gentlemen to sail, but it was understood they should go in advance and make all the necessary arrangements for quick and effective work as soon as the Professor and the two Doctors should arrive in Montreal. The plan was that agents were to be selected from their sworn friends of the Golden Circle, who were known to be tried and true men of great daring and courage. These men were to be placed at different points, where they were to be furnished with the material and instructed by Prof. McCullough and Dr. Mears on their arrival. Their operations were to be from Canada. The agents were to operate against New York and New England towns and cities from Montreal; also, against Buffalo and interior cities in the State of New York from Toronto, and against Cleveland, Cincinnati and Chicago from Windsor.
“These preliminaries having been settled, the next inquiry was as to how the money was to be placed to defray all the expenses. Mr. Thomlinson made inquiry as to the amount that would be required. The estimates were made at once by Dr. Blackman for his part, and by Prof. McCullough for the 'fireworks,' as Redingson now called them. The two estimates footed up $109,000. Thomlinson thought that would be very extravagant. The Professor inquired if he knew the material to be used. Thomlinson admitted that he did not.
“Jackson saw that Redingson was regarding Prof. McCullough, with a look of intense curiosity. Nothing was said for some moments. The silence was finally broken by Mr. Carey saying that he thought it might be a good plan to have one of the party who was to remain in London to have the amount placed to his credit somewhere, so that he could act as Treasurer for the two divisions of labor, and draw all the checks or drafts necessary. Dr. Blackman spoke to Thomlinson, saying that he thought well of that plan.
“'Well, gentlemen,' Mr. Thomlinson said, 'whom will you select?'
“Prof. McCullough said: 'I do not care; I am willing that Dr. Blackman shall act if he will do so. What say you, Dr. Mears?' The Doctor assented, and it was so arranged.
“Jacob Thomlinson said: 'All right, gentlemen; on tomorrow I will make the deposit, and then Mr. Carey and myself will take the first chance for getting to Canada, in in order to make the arrangements as now understood.' At the same time he asked Capt. Redingson when and where would his orders take him.
“The Captain replied that he should return to Richmond as soon as he could get through the lines. Speaking to Jackson, he said: 'I suppose you will remain in London for the present.'
“'Yes,' replied Jackson; 'I shall look around the country some little before returning.'
“They all agreed to have one final meeting the next evening, prior to separating for their various destinations. Bidding each other good-night they left.