Secret Band of Brothers | Page 8

the city,
who might have procured bail; but gratitude found no place in their
hearts. They had also violated their oaths. Day after day would parties
of his old friends and neighbours visit him, both in the prison and
hospital. They would tell him that arrangements were in progress to
effect his escape. The whole, however, was false, as no action had been
taken. The prisoner depended much upon a delegation from Dearborn
county, Indiana, of whom he had a right to claim assistance; but they,
like the rest, proved traitors. I have counted thirty different men from
that county, who visited him from time to time. These, at home, were
men of good standing, equally respected with other citizens. Several
were leading men in all the moral and religious enterprises of the day,
and generally individuals of wealth. Two of them, I knew, made great
professions of religious enjoyment and zeal. One was a very strict
church-going man, but with the heart of a Judas. His hypocrisy was of
such a deep and damning character, I can hardly forbear giving his
name. Duty might demand his exposure, but for the injury that would
be inflicted upon an innocent family. These men may reform. I am
delaying exposure. I hope ere long to have an evidence of their sincere
repentance, but fear they are too far gone, too much in love with the
wages of iniquity. They have too long turned a deaf ear to the pitiful
cries of the widow and orphan whose ruin they have effected, whose
natural protector they may have robbed, leaving his injured family in
penury and want. Some of these, who were comparatively poor at the
time of the colonel's downfall, in 1832, have since become rich. There

is reason to fear that such sudden wealth, obtained without any visible
means, was not very honourably acquired. It is seldom that honest
industry will thus accumulate. The letters I shall publish will be
accompanied with explanatory notes. The persons concerned will
recognise their own productions, and I hope to see such a change in
their future life as shall deserve a charitable silence. But I return from
my digression.
The sworn friends of the prisoner had forsaken him in the hour of need,
and left him single-handed and alone to meet the stern rigours of the
law. There was no remedy unless in his own stratagem, which was now
being matured. It was as follows. His brother was to remain in prison as
an evidence against Taylor, mentioned in the previous chapter, while he
was to assume all the responsibility of the counterfeit money, plates,
&c., as well as all the other villanies which had been charged upon
them conjointly.
The colonel was very sick from the action of the medicines. He
supposed every effort had been made to bail him, but was greatly
deceived. His fate was sealed. A conspiracy was formed against him.
He suspected foul play, because his former associates did not come
forward and bail him. His removal to the hospital was only a pretence
set up by them, that might give more time to carry out their treacherous
designs. He was a prisoner, and they were determined to make him
such the remainder of his life. He had his friends, however,
warmhearted, and true. He was almost worshipped by the poorer
members of the brotherhood. The richer part envied him for his
superior skill in his profession and general popularity, and feared the
consequences. In this he differed widely from his brother, who was
neither loved nor feared, and was only respected from his relationship.
When the plan was devised for the younger brother to swear the
counterfeit money and plates upon Taylor, it was intended by these
professed friends, that he should be caught in his own net, and be thus
prevented from rendering the colonel any assistance. The
consummation of this plan, I will next detail.
CHAPTER IV.

The younger brother was to produce various letters which had been
written to him from different parts of the Union, by different
individuals. That this could be done will be seen by what follows. The
colonel had been an extensive speculator in merchandise of almost
every kind. He was extensively known. His correspondence was
wide-spread. In his villanous communications, however, letters were
never addressed to him in his proper name, unless some one should
labour under the impression that he was an honest man. He used two
fictitious names; the one was George Sanford, and the other that of his
brother. These letters were placed in the hands of that brother for safe
keeping. Thus the colonel, to all appearance, only maintained an
honourable and necessary business correspondence. He consented that
his brother should use these letters if they could be made