band of desperadoes, and that he generously and unselfishly risked his life in the performance of his duty. Let us freely grant that his work against the Molly Maguires was of such a high order, that both he and the Agency deserved the lavish praise which was showered upon them, and that in general the work of the Agency in this case was SO VERY GOOD, that they were fairly entitled to the enviable reputation for detective ability resulting therefrom. <
There was once a soldier in the American Revolution. He materially assisted in the capture of Fort
202 The Pinkerton Labor Spy.
Ticonderoga in 1775. He was severely wounded while gallantly leading an assault on the fortifications of Quebec, in 1776. He fought with such dare-devil bravery in the battle of Saratoga, in 1778, that no small portion of the credit for this important victory belongs to him. For more than five years he underwent all the hardships and privations of active field duty. During five years his gallant conduct endeared him to his brotliers-in-arms and the country at large. This man forfeited name, honor and glory forever, on that day when he betrayed his country ; and, his brilliant record notwithstanding, he is execrated by everyone to this day as "Benedict Arnold the Traitor/'
It must be apparent to every intelligent person, that the record of Benedict Arnold, prior to his treason, is a chronicle so full of martial daring and brilliant achievements, that it is almost sacrilege to compare it with the puny Molly Maguire record of James McParland. Nevertheless, as an aid to establishing the truth, we will stretch a few points. Arnold became a traitor, and took the path leading to eternal infamy. James McParland, by virtue of his and the Pinkerton Agency's reputation, boldly marched along the road leading to affluence and fame, and for many years has assisted his Agency in committing a treason against their