letters were anonymous, other testimony was required to establish the
real author.

It will be remembered that the plates and letters were in Canada for
safe keeping, and must be sent for, and conveyed to the city before the
trial of Taylor could proceed. In the mean time, jealousy and consequent
dread on the part of the colonel's confederates were daily receiving new
strength. Conscious were they of having acted a most dishonorable and
deceitful part with one of whom, under ordinary circumstances, they were
accustomed to stand in awe; but now they were more especially
apprehensive of danger, because there was a provocation for seeking
vengeance. They knew he had every means to involve them in a more signal
overthrow than that which awaited himself. The only alternatives were,
either to wrest the weapons of destruction from his hands, or render the
possessor incapable of wielding them. They were driven almost to
desperation, when they reflected on their deeds of wickedness reaching
through many years, the record of which was in the hands of a powerful
and justly provoked enemy, who in a day might spread out for the gaze of
the world the portraiture of their former characters, in which were
mingled the features of darkest villany and the more glaring expressions
of open violence and crime. Goaded on by an awful apprehension, they
were prepared for any thing that might save themselves and families from
exposure and disgrace.

Colonel Brown was a Grand Master of the band of Secret Brothers. The
members of the fraternity who sought his ruin were of the same degree,
together with those holding the relation of Vice-grand Master. He had
nothing to fear from the common brotherhood, who were kept in perfect
ignorance of the transactions of those more advanced. Indeed, they were
his warmest friends, and regarded him with especial reverence, because