of the plot or the plotters I partook not of the Bloody deed directly nor indirectly in any way, but was always in favour of magnifying the law: (I speak also for my ) we are and always have been opposed to mob violence and more especially the shedding of Blood and may heaven avert the handing down of our names to posterity in connection with this horrid massacree otherwise than in its true light and then I shall never shrink or fear to meet it in time or Eternity Before J & s Friends or Enemies any man or set of men or the congregated hosts of heaven with Jehovah at thier head, and I here declare that my consienc [conscience] bears me witness that my garments are clean of the Blood of those men, and as it is impossible for you to search the recesses of my heart I appeal to Jehovah the judge between me & they. I deeply sympathize with the Bereaved families of the Messrs Smiths— I shall duly appre[c]iate your answer gentlemen as soon as you may be ready & with considerations of Respct