as to the "secret band of brothers;" not a syllable was to be lisped
that would lead to exposure.

To obtain the desired end, and give greater security, instructions were
given to the wife of one of the brothers to examine carefully all the
letters, and select out from them those of a specific character, and to
keep them sacred, subject to the order of the colonel. These letters had
been conveyed in a chest from Canada, where they had been preserved with
great secrecy. This chest was sent for in February, 1832, and arrived
the next April. Some three days after the reception of the trunk
containing these papers, information was given that the removed letters
had come, and were ready for the examination of those who were acting as
prosecutors of Taylor. By this time, public opinion had become so much
changed toward both of the prisoners, that a very little effort would
have secured their acquittal. They had acted with great skill and
prudence, and were in a fair way to succeed. This was perceived by the
leaders of the fraternity. They were unwilling such a man as the colonel
should escape. A deep plot was consequently laid and rigorously carried
out to thwart him in his efforts to escape the penalty of the law. His
trial was put off and the inducement held out that bail should be
obtained. All this was done to keep up appearances. His enemies dared
not openly provoke him. They dared not come out and proclaim their
hostility, for they well knew he had the means to expose them. To seek
his ruin by an open show of opposition would be to touch fire to the
train, that, in the explosion, would involve them all in a common ruin.
They must approach him, Joab like, and drive the dagger to his heart
while saluting him with professions of friendship. But his patience had
become wearied by a protracted sickness and continued disappointment.

The letters above referred to were done up in packages of three hundred