[Secret Circular]
EXECUTIIVE COMMITTEE ROOMS,
U. L. of A. State of New York,
July 8, 1864,
Dear Sir and Bro.,
The national grant counsel U. L. Of A. Ask Stewart aid in the work of foiling the traders who, under a specious exterior of pretense of loyalty, have planned and will plan to seize control of the Government, the coming election, the most evil of purposes.
It is well known that the majority of the delegates of the Chicago Democratic convention are start �Peace at any price� men; and if this convention had determining of the �Great Contest� we can not doubt that they would let the �Wayward Sisters depart in peace� or �let the southorn called his slave role from Bunker Hill Monument,� whichever Jeff. Davis might ask.
If this convention would declare the real sentiments of the delegates thereto, the country would have nothing to apprehend: but the National Council informs us it has �positive knowledge of the fact, that the Chicago convention design going before the public with a radical war platform - concealing their real views� and purposes in case they should succeed.
To foil the contemplated swindled it is necessary to know the real views and purposes, and you can greatly aid in this work if any delicate or alternate to the Chicago convention lives or is known in your neighborhood if you will so aid us: 
Inquire, Does a Delegate or Alternate the Chicago Convention live in this neighborhood, or is one known here if so what is the name and where does he reside?
Then appoint two or more discrete and indefatigable members to work up the case against the parties. These parties should secretly, quietly, and expeditiously seek the information in regard to the Delegates and Alternates on the following points:
1. What public offices have they held?
2. What political parties have they belonged to?
3. What are their political opinions just prior to the breaking out of the Rebellion?
4. What their opinions afterwards?
5. Have they ever favored a dissolution of the union?
6. Have they opposed coercion?
7. Are they advocates of slavery?
8. How they ridiculed our Army and Navy?
9. Have they praised the rebel army or navy?
10. Have they praised Jeff. Davis?
11. Have a favored �letting the South go�? If so, when and where did they favorite? Was it in a public speech, letter, or how?
12. Have they ever expressed a desire that the rebels might succeed or we be beaten?
13. All disloyal expression should be reported.
14. Committees of one or more should see the delegates and alternates, converse with them, and ascertain their wheels views in regard to the war and the union. These should be committed to writing.
It is designed to publish all the faxed us to be collected in regard to all delegates to that convention, and we think it will make a telling pamphlet.
In publishing the conversations or views of the delegates and alternates the source of our information will not be pointed out unless desired.
Will you have this matter attended to promptly? If you cannot, or will not, or if no Delegate or Alternate lives or is known in your locality � will you destroy this? If you will take this work in hand, gather the information as expediently as possible, and forward by mail to �Hon. J. M. Edmonds, Washington, D. C. Discretion, secrecy and promptitude will give us powerful weapon against the adversaries of our cause.
Fraternally yours,
C. W. Godard, 1 ST V. P. 
O.T. Beard, Sec�y.