DELAWARE COUNTY. 801 better appreciated them. You were just entering upon the duties of life. We have a most painful duty to discharge ; nevertheless we are ready to do it. You have but a few days to live. You should prepare for eternity. You will have time to reflect. It is not the murder of Steele only that you are guilty of, but the laws themselves have been violated. An awful fate awaits you. You will have an opportunity to see your friends, and will also have religious counsel if you desire it. The sentence of the law is, that on Saturdai/, the twenty -ninth day of November next, you he tahen from your confinement to the place of execution, and there he hung hy the nech until you are dead.' " The prisoner remarked, as he turned to be conducted back to jail — 'I die innocent; remember that, my friends.^ " The court finally adjourned, after a prolonged session of about three weeks, having accomplished a great amount of business. All agreed in awarding great credit to Judge Parker, for the uniform calmness and decision preserved throughout the trials of the prisoners. Indeed, his integrity and honor were so highly appreciated by all parties, that even the prisoners, many of them, preferred throwing themselves upon his mercy to risking the verdict of a jury. During the trials, the court-house and jail were strictly guarded by an efiicient force. A rumor was circulated during the trials, that a numerous body of disguised Indians, many of whom were from adjoining counties, were collecting in the vi- cinity of the village of Bloomville, preparing to make a de- scent upon the village and rescue the prisoners, as soon as their strength became sufficient. And these rumors were not altogether groundless, as facts afterward elicited went to show. A plan of attack had been concerted, but owing to the guarded condition of the village, it was not deemed expedient to risk an engagement. The following attempt upon the life of one of the picket guard, was published at the time : " Between 26
