"]
Late on a stormy night in February, 1812, Terrence conducted Henry to
the mansion of President Madison. But little was done at this first
meeting. Henry said he had some secrets to divulge which were of very
great importance to the people of the United States. An interview was
arranged for the next evening. Again Terrence conducted Henry to the
president's mansion.
On the way he said:
"Say what you say for war. I want to meet Captain Snipes on say or
shore."
When they were closeted in the president's private office, Mr. Madison
asked:
"Now, sir, who are you, and what is your business?"
"I'm John Henry, an Irishman, sir," said Henry. "And I want to tell you
that for two years efforts have been in progress on the part of British
authorities in Canada, sanctioned by the home government, to effect a
separation of the eastern States from the Union, and attach them to
Great Britain."
"Can that be possible?" cried the president. It was no news to him; for
he had heard the rumor before; yet he had always regarded it as
groundless;--at least he had doubted the disloyalty of his opponents
in the East.
"It is every word true, Mr. President, and I have the very best proof in
the world of it."
"What proofs have you?"
"Can I speak freely?"
"Certainly."
"Without danger of arrest or imprisonment?"
"You can."
With this assurance, Henry said:
"I was in the employ of Sir James Craig, governor-general of Canada, in
1809, as a British spy to visit Boston and ascertain the temper of the
people of New England.
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