great work laid out for me to do, to four in whom I had the greatest
confidence, (Henry, Hark, Nelson, and Sam)--It was intended by us to
have begun the work of death on the 4th July last--Many were the plans
formed and rejected by us, and it affected my mind to such a degree,
that I fell sick, and the time passed without our coming to any
determination how to commence--Still forming new schemes and rejecting
them, when the sign appeared again, which determined me not to wait
longer.

Since the commencement of 1830, I had been living with Mr. Joseph
Travis, who was to me a kind master, and placed the greatest confidence
in me; in fact, I had no cause to complain of his treatment to me. On
Saturday evening, the 20th of August, it was agreed between Henry, Hark
and myself, to prepare a dinner the next day for the men we expected,
and then to concert a plan, as we had not yet determined on any. Hark,
on the following morning, brought a pig, and Henry brandy, and being
joined by Sam, Nelson, Will and Jack, they prepared in the woods a
dinner, where, about three o'clock, I joined them.

_Q._ Why were you so backward in joining them.

_A._ The same reason that had caused me not to mix with them for years
before.

I saluted them on coming up, and asked Will how came he there, he
answered, his life was worth no more than others, and his liberty as
dear to him. I asked him if he thought to obtain it? He said he would,
or loose his life. This was enough to put him in full confidence. Jack,
I knew, was only a tool in the hands of Hark, it was quickly agreed we
should commence at home (Mr. J. Travis') on that night, and until we had