The secrecy was assumed in order to shut out Rebel spies and the traitors from a knowledge of the contemplated outbreak.

A man named Baker--belonging, I think, to some New York regiment--was the grand organizer of the scheme.

We were careful in each of our companies to admit none to membership except such as long acquaintance gave us entire confidence in.
The plan was to dig large tunnels to the Stockade at various places, and then hollow out the ground at the foot of the timbers, so that a half dozen or so could be pushed over with a little effort, and make a gap ten or twelve feet wide.

All these were to be thrown down at a preconcerted signal, the companies were to rush out and seize the eleven guns of the headquarters fort.

The Plymouth Brigade was then to man these and turn them on the camp of the Reserves who, it was imagined, would drop their arms and take to their heels after receiving a round or so of shell.
We would gather what arms we could, and place them in the hands of the most active and determined.