nd that he recollected of having read in two medical works, of cases
where such a gas collection had proved fatal. The physicians whom the
Sylvers employed on the post mortem, were not present, and hence no
light was gained from that source.

The lawyer presented the written statements of the released prisoner,
referring to the death, the cold, food matters, &c., at the prison, but
this was summarily swept from the board by the testimony of the steward:
"There is not a word of truth in his statement." I happened to know
personally, then, that some of the points in that statement were true,
and what I did not know myself agreed exactly with the general testimony
of the men leaving prison. But I was not referred to on the point and
thus that testimony was useless. The affidavit from the overseer, I
think, was not presented.

At about two o'clock at night, the hearing was adjourned until the next
Monday evening, after which I arranged with the Governor to see him
Monday, P. M. I saw the letters referred to, which contained the
grossest misrepresentations, uttering sentiments I never thought of, or,
if I had, should not have expressed there, unless demented.

I went home with a strong conviction that efforts were being made, by
whom I knew not, to turn the whole force of thought upon me and make of
me a scape goat in the matter. I retired, but not to shut my eyes in
sleep for the night. For a time my mind remained in confusion about
those lectures, but after resting awhile, and the excitement had passed
off, all came clearly to view, as given on a former page.

28. _Preparing for the adjourned session._ Saturday morning I wrote to a
few understanding and reliable gentlemen, who heard the lectures in
question, alluded to the letters and their allegations, and by return
mail received answers, asserting that, as nearly as they understood, and
by inquiry from others who heard, no such ideas were received as charged
in the missives, giving some ideas that were uttered, a very different
sentiment from the letters, and what no one could censure. That day, I
met the writer of one of those letters in the city, and to my inquiry,
he replied, "Oh, I did not hear the lecture, or know anything about
what was said, personally; but my son was present, and gave me what
information I had." I could but think, "A bright son that!"

In the afternoon, I called on the Governor as appointed, and found him
very much excited over the matt