Paddington' Pollaky, Private Detective

by Bryan Kesselman

  HSS.139.14.3. Pollaky to Sanford

  ‘Brighton 16 August 61’ [Friday]

  Pollaky writes of an interview he had with Sanford. He had placed a watch on the premises of Candler’s warehouse in Biliter Street, London, where guns and rifles were being packed, and stated his intention to return there the next day. He writes that Yancy seems happy with his treatment by the ‘English Goverment’ [sic], and that Mann has had an interview with the Spanish Ambassador.

  HSS.139.14.4. Pollaky to Sanford

  A letter sent by Pollaky from Field’s office.

  20 Devereux Court, Temple 18th August [1861 – Sunday]

  […]

  Mann has had a long Conference with the Spanish Ambassador at Bedford Hotel, and the Coast of Spain ought simaliar [sic] to be watched.

  Bullock receing [sic] daily letters from Scotland Liverpool New York letters arrive for him under the name of Barnett, Hatchetts Hotel.

  WHSP Sanford to Pollaky

  August 21 [1861 – Wednesday]

  Dear Sir

  Yours of 16th is at hand, having followed me in my absence from home – Please continue to write & fully to same address. The young man is of not much more account than his father – I would give attention mainly to the practical men – Your literary friend might be able to supply [unreadable] all political information of interest –

  Yours &c H.S.

  HSS.139.14.5 & 14.6. Pollaky to Sanford

  Pollaky describes movements of the Confederates around England and Jersey. The CSS (confederates states ship) Thomas Watson was still in Liverpool waiting to load. Twenty-two cases of rifles were being moved to Manchester, and a further five cases shipped to Cuba:

  London 26th August [Monday]

  […]

  I enclose You a Report from my Literary Friend which will clearly show You our progress in that Quarter[.] I should recommend a more lavish expenditure and an additional staff of men[.] Doing the buisness [sic] as it is now done is both useless and wasting money – I beg You to relieve me from the Responsibility at Your earliest convenience as the improbability of giving satisfaction becomes daily more certain –

  Was Pollaky being truly sincere when he asked to be relieved of his responsibility? If he was, his wish would be granted well before the end of the war.

  Pollaky gives some information about Field in the following paragraph:

  Mr M— also hangs back [...] for considerations easily understood – particularly if I tell You that Mr Field has been deprived of his pension by Order of the Secretary of State for meddling in international affairs – fiat justitiam. [Fiat justitiam: Let justice be done]

  In 1861 Charles Frederick Field had his police pension stopped for four months. This was possibly due to his continued reference to himself as ‘Inspector’ Field, despite the fact that he was no longer employed by the police force. Why should this fact be worthy of mention in a letter to Sanford, since Field was by this time not involved, and why should Mr M— hang back because of Field? Sanford as US Consul must have felt the need to tread carefully with his enquiries if the Secretary of State was looking at what was going on, for the British position at that time was officially one of neutrality.

  Pollaky continues: ‘With the exception of my man in Liverpool whom I shall now soon recall unless I hear from you Speedily nothing is and can be done as we have no funds.’ Towards the end of the letter he cannot help returning to this matter:

  If You think fit I will continue my surveillance until You are in receipt of an answer from Washington, which will settle any further question – but You must remit funds and remain in constant direct Communication with me as Mr M— appears to be dans l’embaras [sic], what to do, even in the case that something good turns up. [Dans l’embarras: embarrassed.]

  Finally, he writes that Sanford’s presence ‘for a few days only would be highly beneficial’.

  HSS.139.14.7. Pollaky to Sanford

  A description of the departure of the CSS Thomas Watson from England. She would be captured by the USS Roanoke off Charleston, South Carolina on 15 Oct 1861:

  Monday, 26 8.30 p.m. [August]

  In my last Report I stated that the Thomas Watson’s Hatches had not been off from the time of her taking a bath alongside the Dock Quay. I knew from her appearance that she could not have room for much more cargo than what she already had aboard which was said to be a cargo of Salt – I ascertained today that she has not only Salt but a quantity of fire arms she has also a long gun covered over in her poop cabin in readiness to be run out in the quarter Deck for use when required, and also another brass gun under Hatches. I had scarcely ascertained this when I observed preparations being made to take her out of Dock and at high water this day, she was towed out into the River (quite unexpectedly as I heard the Dockmaster remark)

  She had scarce cleared the Dock when she hoisted an immense Confederate Flag, and was towed up the River purposly [sic] to Display the Flag to the ‘Northeners’ [sic] she then returned down the River and altho’ I ascertained that a Magazine boat was to meet her with a large quantity of powder, this did not occur this side of the ‘Rock Light’ which having rounded, I lost Sight of her, and have since heard that she received the powder and proceeded on her way to Charleston.

  Description

  The Thomas Watson is 367 Tons Shippers (Mess Fraser Trukholm [Trenholm] Co. Capt. Allen. She is ship rigged Hull black – Quarterdeck topsides white, with white painted nettings round poop Rails and taffrail lower masts bright, yards black figure head the bust of a man coat painted blue she has a large gilt eagle on stern and masts very taut.

  HSS.139.14.8. Pollaky to Sanford

  30 August ’61 [Friday]

  Sir !

  The Princess Royal will not be ready for loading for another 8 or 10 days. Capt D. has returned from Glasgow to Liverpool, he visited yesterday the Glasgow Steamer ‘Ostrich‘ in company with 3 other gentlemen and remained on board one hour and half.

  Mr Morse got ill and is now laid up in bed[.] Your presence here is very urgent indeed –

  HSS.139.14.9. Pollaky to Sanford

  ‘10/Sept 61’ [Tuesday]

  Pollaky had received notice that Sanford would arrive in London, but since he himself had to leave and didn’t want to miss him, he asked for details of date and time. He also reported that, ‘Informations of the greatest moment have reached us concerning a wide spread Conspiracy in the State of New York.’

  HSS.139.14.10. Pollaky to Sanford

  21 Sept 61 [Saturday]

  Sir

  Please hasten Your arrival here as much as You possibly can otherwise the interest of the U.S. Government might be greatly Compromised[.]

  Was he being melodramatic? We know that he liked to be considered important, and that he needed to be seen to be providing vital intelligence. Was he just doing his job? Why did he not include his information with his letter? Was it truly so sensitive that he felt it could not be risked, or was it a ploy to make certain he was paid?

  HSS.139.14.11. Pollaky to Sanford

  ‘Monday Sept 23rd 1861’

  This letter, almost unreadable, so scrawled and faded is the handwriting, is a description of Pollaky on stake-out with a detailed timetable of his activities. It was sent from his new office address in George Street. Since this office didn’t officially open until 1 January 1862, he was evidently already making preparations to remove himself from Field’s office.

  9 a.m. – he went on standby.

  10 a.m. – a hansom cab arrived at 58 Jermyn Street. A tall dark man with a brush moustache got out. He and ‘Captain B’. went to Campbells Army Contractors opposite.

  11.50a.m. – they went back to number 58. and stayed there for five minutes.

  Pollaky managed to speak to the cabman, who told him from where he had brought the first man. ‘Captain B.’ [Bulloch] then went away in another cab, but Pollaky could not follow as there was too much traffic. No conclusion is drawn from these movements, but it is significant that a
few years later, Pollaky, tired of these types of activities, would employ others to do this tedious sort of work for him. The letter is signed ‘Mephisto’, one of the noms de plume Pollaky used in this correspondence.

  He was working efficiently, so his subsequent treatment by Sanford and his associates seems a little unfair. He certainly thought so, but, of course, Sanford had to look after the bigger picture, and was not concerned with details. It nevertheless remains that Pollaky found it very hard to obtain payment for his services, and that his not unreasonable expectations were met with criticism by Sanford’s associates who presumably felt that Pollaky should donate his time to the well-being of the United States of America gratis.

  HSS.139.14.12. Pollaky to Sanford

  Tuesday, 24 Sept ’61

  […] The Surveillance is now established whole & everywhere[.]

  The Postman will furnish daily the names of towns and dates of the letters which B. receives for which I promised 1£ per week.

  This is of the greatest importance as You will perceive[.]

  He notes that the Thomas Watson had been captured.

  This suborning of the postman, for it was not legal for him to supply to Pollaky the information he wanted, shines only a small light on the methods involved in espionage. That the postman was corrupt, happy to receive his £1 a week does not excuse the corruptor. We can never truly know the lengths to which Pollaky was prepared to go in order to solve any of the cases with which he was involved. Instead, we have newspaper reports and the correspondence he sent to others to show us brief glimpses into his world.

  HSS.139.14.13. Pollaky to Sanford

  Sept ’61

  Messrs Isaac and Campbell the Army and Navy contractors 71 Jermyn Street have since 3 months been exclusively engaged to execute the ordrs [sic] for the South.

  HSS.139.14.14. Pollaky to Sanford

  Tuesday, 24 Sept ’61

  6.p.m.

  Re Bullock [sic]

  Arrived on duty at 8 o’clock this morning saw the Postman, who delivered a letter with the margate postmark, I gave him a half crown for the promises to keep me informed of the places from whence Capt B.’s letters arrive. at ½ past 10 p.m. B. came out and posted a letter in St. James’s St. returned to 58 Jermyn St. Shortly afterwards a gentleman tall with black head and moustache drove up in a Cab 3560, entered remained up to ½ past 3 oc. B. went oposite [sic] to the Army & Navy Contractors Mess Campbell carrying a Sword in a black patent leather Case; remained there one hour and went afterwards to 15 Half moon St. where Yancy resides. Came out at 6 o’clock accompanied by Lt. Hughes B. returned to his residence, lighted his gas drew the blinds and did not come out again at 9 pm when I left – (Mephisto)

  HSS.139.14.15. Pollaky to Sanford

  Friday 27 Sept 1861

  A brisk report detailing Bulloch’s visit to Euston Square to ask after the arrival of cases of rifles that he was expecting.

  HSS.139.14.16. Pollaky to Sanford

  Pollaky had been asked to find a ship for Sanford, and had managed to find one.

  Margate the 28 Sept 61 [Saturday]

  According to Your intentions [...] I have looked out for you New Steamer suitable for the purpose for which You want them. [...] The Capt Mr H. is a man who will not stick at trifles. You understand as long as it pays well. He also expects to find the Crew trustworthy fellows, in fact he takes all the responsibility and will thro if necessary all life [sic] Stock overBoard –

  Not certain of Sanford’s commitment, he adds:

  Be good enough to let me know if You intend to carry onto that Steamer [...] if so, I engage myself it shall go on properly an in a manner to give You satisfaction – I must give the Capt an answer within 8 days –

  Captain H. does not come over as the nicest individual one could hope to meet, and what he meant by ‘trustworthy fellows’ when he described his crew, one can only imagine:

  HSS.139.14.17. Pollaky to Sanford

  Saturday, 28 Sept’61

  Commenced watching at 7.40 a/m at 58 Jermyn St Piccadilly. Postman delivered 2 letters for Major Anderson one for Major Gore (all from Liverpool) Major Gore is as I learned only lately arrived in England. ½ past 9 Saw Gentl go to 58. White hat, mourning band on hat, light cape [...] and moustache also black beard, remained in about 10 minutes; went across to Messrs Isaacs & Campbells the Army & Navy Outfitters (I have not seen this man before). Major Anderson, Major Gore, Capt Blackley, Capt Huse & Lieut Hughes, went then all together to 15 Half Moon St and being joined by Yancy went to the Bath Hotel.

  And so it continues – details of the watch being kept, but nothing of significance to report. Pollaky, undeterred by this, finishes with his intention of watching out for the ship Princess Royal and for Captain B. It is worth mentioning that Pollaky often refers to Captain B.; this could mean Bulloch or Blakely, but it is not always obvious from the context which man he was referring to.

  HSS.139.13.19. Pollaky to Sanford

  ‘Sunday 29th, Monday 30th’ [September 1861]

  A report about Bulloch. Pollaky had watched his place of residence in London for these two days and saw the arrivals of Major Anderson and Captain Blakely. The postman delivered a number of letters on the second day. Since Pollaky had managed to get the postman on his side he was able to ascertain that the letters were for Major Anderson, Captain Huse and Mr ‘Weybrow’, the last name, he thought, was Bulloch’s newly adopted code name, however, the appearance in the next letter of a Mr Whybrow puts paid to that theory. The letters were from Paris, Liverpool and York.

  All these gentlemen went out to perform their various tasks. Pollaky followed Bulloch who went to Isaacs & Campbells, the Army & Navy contractors, and stayed there for 30 minutes. The Confederates were now using Pickfords the removal firm to move military stores to railway stations so that they could get to the ships that would carry them to America.

  Pollaky, declaring himself in this letter to be ‘fully awake to the business’, was supplying important information in his usual meticulous fashion, sincere in his desire to do the right thing and to be seen to be doing the right thing. From newspaper reports later in the same decade, and from his own actions, there is no doubt that he believed in the rights of the individual. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln had already spoken against slavery. What would be more natural than Pollaky supporting the Federal States of America in the struggle, albeit for payment. It is surely inconceivable that he would have agreed to support the Confederate side, knowing their support for slavery.

  HSS.139.14.18. Pollaky to Sanford

  October 1th [sic] [Tuesday]

  Re Bullock

  Commenced duty 8a/m in the morning saw Postman deliver letters:

  2 Capt Huse (Liverpool)

  1 Mr. WhyBrow (York)

  2 Major Anderson (Liverpool)

  1 Mrs Brown in care of Major Anderson (Liverpool)

  Capt Blackley & Huse went into Campbells Mr WhyBrow came out and went down James St.

  Bullock & Lieut Hughes went afterwards into Campbells with a rifle covered with green baize and went back again with it to 58.

  Porter came out in the afternoon hired 3 Cabs:

  Hansom Cab 10324

  4 Wheeler 11378

  Dtto 1168

  loaded the luggage – Blackley & Hughes went off[.] I followed them to the Euston Square Station and saw them label their luggage and start for Liverpool. I did not follow as my instructions are solely to follow Bullock – and simply watch the others – I returned to Jermyn St and remained there until 6 o’clock when relieved […]

  Mephisto

  This report continues on another sheet marked ‘Confidentielle’:

  From information I received I determined to watch the Premises of Mss Campbell myself tonight – at ½ past 8 a van of Mss Pickford No 269 drove to the Warehouse and loaded 15 cases military stores. I suppose they contain parts of Rifles without the wooden parts, they are square boxes marked on the sides A.E.B on the top W_D they weighed very heavy – I followed
the van to Vine St. Depot and assertained [sic] they are to go to Greenock in Scotland – This is all I could learn[.]

  Pollaky speculates in this letter on the probable intention of the Confederates to ship the rifles from Greenock across the Atlantic Ocean. However, his information led him to conclude that at that time they would find it hard to get a ship. He ends his letter on a familiar tone:

  I am still without a single line from You not knowing what may have become of my Rpts.

  Major Edward C. Anderson kept a diary (now held at the Southern Historical Collection at the Louis Round Wilson Special Collections Library, University of North Carolina). This includes an entry made in his most informative, articulate and amusing style. Dated early October 1861 (either 1st or 2nd – Anderson muddled the dates and days that week), although it does not refer to Pollaky, it does show the sort of pressure that the Confederates were being put under. He writes of how he was watched everywhere he went by private detectives. One in particular had followed him doggedly that day. At first the man was dressed ‘in a neat suit of black clothes, dark hat, stand up collar, frock coat & heavy walking shoes’, but later the same day, as Anderson bought a railway ticket, he noticed the same detective, who had ‘completely metamorphosed himself’. He was now wearing a shiny white beaver hat, had turned down his shirt collar, and had glued onto his face, ‘a jaunty little black mustache & goatee’. Anderson describes how he confronted the detective who was most discomfited at having been rumbled. Later that day he discovered that another detective had replaced the first, boarding the train to Liverpool which Anderson had taken while it stopped at Rugby. Anderson was able to name both men. The first was called Brett, and the second McGuire.