Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1822-10-05

OF MT. 1EII lie could read anu WfNe
with facility, and thus attained an extra
ordinary and dangerous influence over his
fellows. Permitted by his ownerto occupy
house in central part of the city, hour
ly opportunities were afforded for the
exercise of his skill on those who
were attracted to his shop by business or
favor 1t was there that his arttul and
insidious decisions were kept in perpe-
tual exercise. Materials were abundant
ly furnished in the seditious pamphlets
brought into this state, by equally culpa-
BILE incendiaries !; while the speeches Of
the oppositinnists in Congress to the adj
mission OF Missouri, gave a serious and
imposing effect 10 bis machnations.---
This man wrote to Boyer (by his own
coniession) requesting his aid, and ad-
dressed the envelope Of his letter TO re-
latve of the person who became the
bearer of it, negro from one of the
Northern States. He was the only per-
son proved to have kept a list Of those
engaged; and the Court considered his
confession full and ample. From such
means and such sources of Information,
it cannot be doubted that all who were
actually concerned, have been brought
to Justice. There is 10 exception with
in my knowledge; it has, however, been
stated, that plantation in St. Johns was
injected, but do not know OH what au-
lhorl,y.
This plain detail fthe principal Incl
4
that the scheme has not b,en general nor
a,armingly extensive. And ii furnishes
cause for much satisfaction, that, al
though religion, superstition, fear, and
almost every passion that sways the hu
rnan mind, have been arifuily used by
the wicked ins,iga,ors of this design, so
few have been seducct from course OF
propriciy and obedience. Those who
associated were unprovded with the
means OF attack or resistance. No wea-
pons (is we aXcept thirteen hooTpoles)
have been discovered; nor any tes,mo-
ny received but ot SIX pixies, that such
preparations were actually made. The
witnesses generally agree in one fact,
ina, The attempt was 10 have taken place
on Sunday night The 10Th June, differing
a little as to the precise time; u O'Clock
appears 10 have been The hour.
From the various conflicting state
nen,s made during the trials, it Is diff
cult to form plausible conjecture oI
| heir ultimate plans Of operation; no two
agreeing on general definite principles
l'ha, the first essay would be made with
clubs against Inc State Arsenal is infera-
ole, from their being unprovided wilh
arrls, aud the concurrence of several
| Witnesses. But whether tas attack would
re made simultaneously by various de-
! ;achme0,s, or whether The whole, embo-
died at particular spot would proceed
| 10 the accomplishment OF their Object, Is
very uncertain. Upon the whole, it is
manifest, that if any plan had been organ
Z ID, it was never communicated by the
principal conspirator to the leaders
or the men, as they were wholly
| gnorant even Of the places @! renaez
yous; although within two days ot the
time appointed, and hnt one naaa arrest
ed prior to the day fixed ON for the at
tempt.
When we contrast the numbers en-
gagged with the magnitude OF the enter
prise, the impnta,on Of egregrous folly
or madness is irresistible: and suppo-
sing the attempt to have been predicted
Oh the probaoliily, that partial success
would augment their nunlbers, the III
most presumption would scarcely have
ilazarded the result. Seryiity long con-
tinaed debases the mind and abstracts
it from that energy OF character, which
IS fitted to great EXPLOITS. 1t cannot be
supposed, therefore, wilhou, aviola.ion
Of The immutable law OF nature, that
transition from slavery and degradation,
TO authority and power, could instantly
occur. Great and general excitement
may produce extensive and alarming ei-
iects; but the various passions that ope-
rate with powerful effec, on this class OF
persons, impart a confident assurance OF
detection and defeat TO every similar de-
sign. While the event is remote, they
may listen with credulty to the arlla'
ale of the insligator, and concur IN lis
plausiblli,y ; but the approach oil dan
ger will invariably produce treachery,
the concomi,au, of dastardly dispositions.
In the fidelity and attachment of nu-
merous class OF these persons, we have
other sources Of security and early inior-
nation; from both OF which, it is res-
sonable to conclude, that in proportion
10 the number engaged, will be the GER
ta!nly of detection; and that an extcn-
sive conspiracy cannot be maturedin
this slate.
have entered with much reluctan e