imprisonment, they sent for me. My ears ever being open to the cries of distress, whether of the human or the brute race, I hastened to the window looking into the place of their 'tor- ment.' They besought me with tears to intercede in their behalf, and obtain their release. I did so, importuning the public authority which had committed them, and they were released . . . . I . . . required from them a written con- fession of their guilt. They gave it, though reluctantly, sol- emnly pledging never again to trouble me, then left, but not to keep their pledge. Straightway, using the freedom which humanity had just given them, they proceeded to carry out new plans and plots of treachery and revenge.
"By anonymous letter and other ways I was threatened with assassination, did I not hasten from New Orleans.[1]
"Those two blood-thirsty pursuers finding a vessel ready to sail for Vera Cruz, in conformity, doubtless, to the counsel of others in connivance, embarked for that port; there to lie in wait, and destroy me if they could. Before sailing, having had permission to enter the store house where my effects were deposited, and receive a chest belonging to one of them, not- withstanding their solemn pledge to cease from troubling, they managed to abstract from my packages a chest similar to theirs, packed with articles designed for Indian presents, of the value of over $200, leaving their own, which contained nothing of value, in its stead. I was present, but being near-sighted, and my mind filled with anxieties, I did not, at the hurried moment, notice the difference between them.
"I was surprised, but not frightened at this threatening aspect of the enemy's power. Finding a spirit to vex and to
destroy me infected most of the party, I gladly dismissed them
- ↑ "New Orleans, March, 37th, 1833.
"Dear Sir:—I accidentaly overheard yesterday, some of your Oregon company
forming a conspiricy against you, and are determined to take your life either by some means or other, others thought it would be most too rash an act and had
better take you up tor swindling, and that they considered a very easy matter
according to the lawyers account.
"I am realy afraid that your life is very much at stake, and now take my
advise, and leave the country as soon as possible if you want to come off with a
sound head.
"I remain,
"A frnd." —p. 29.
