He received McMaster's letter through Mr. Considine. McMaster's ancestry probably grew out of Whelan's thoughtlessness in enclosing his note in the letter forwarded by a friend. If he had any confidence in the mail agents he would have forwarded it all. He thought the bulk would attract attention and invite examination. As yet there is no arrest, and it is only rumored as likely to take place. Judge Thompson and other respectable citizens were arrested two weeks ago for refusing to take an oath of fidelity to the United States and an oath to support Lincoln's reorganized government of Virginia. Whelan will not take the oath and the enemy would make a mistake in arresting him, for he exerts considerable influence over the Catholics of the South. If McMaster considers him mistaken in supposing the reservation attributed to Virginia, he shall modify that part of his protest. He believes that the State government is the essential government, and that the Federal government has been formed by sovereign states, the citizens' allegiance being to the state directly and indirectly to the federal government, a double citizenship, the first, foremost and the latter relation indefinite and secondary. It is absurd to think themselves bound to the government that is inflicting injustices on his own state. The framers of the Constitution could not have failed to see the possible conflict between the two governments and by their silence they disclaim the right of coercion. The obligation of the citizen to his state is the simplest form of organization. He is not prepared to admit Lincoln's silly doctrine of county rights. At the beginning of the crisis no more necessary powers belonged to the United States. The Declaration of Independence says that if all authority is derived from the agent of the people, and this authority is withdrawn, the authority ceases. He shall send an amendment in a day or two, as he does not wish to delay his explanation. :: I-1-m A.L.S. 8pp. 12mo.