ously encouraged by the tricks of the
judges to force trials before it is possible to collect the evidence,
dispersed through a line of two thousand miles from Maine to Orleans.
The federalists, too, give all their aid, making Burr's cause their
own, mortified only that he did not separate the union or overturn the
government, and proving, that had he had a little dawn of success, they
would have joined him to introduce his object, their favorite monarchy,
as they would any other enemy, foreign or domestic, who could rid them
of this hateful republic for any other government in exchange.

The first ground of complaint was the supine inattention of the
administration to a treason stalking through the land in open day. The
present one, that they have crushed it before it was ripe for execution,
so that no overt acts can be produced. This last may be true; though I
believe it is not. Our information having been chiefly by way of letter,
we do not know of a certainty yet what will be proved. We have set on
foot an inquiry through the whole of the country which has been the
scene of these transactions, to be able to prove to the courts, if they
will give time, or to the public by way of communication to Congress,
what the real facts have been. For obtaining this, we are obliged to
appeal to the patriotism of particular persons in different places, of
whom we have requested to make the inquiry in their neighborhood, and on
such information as shall be voluntarily offered. Aided by no process
or facilities from the federal courts, but frowned on by their new-born
zeal for the liberty of those whom we would not permit to overthrow
the liberties of their country, we can expect no revealments from the
accomplices of the chief offender. Of treasonable intentions, the
judges have been obliged to confess there is probable appearance. What
loop-hole they will find in the case, when it comes to trial, we cannot
foresee. Eaton, Stoddart, Wilkinson, and two others whom I must not
name, will satisfy the world, if not the judges, of Burr's guilt. And I
do suppose the following overt acts will be proved. 1. The enlistment
of men, in a regular way. 2. The regular mounting of guard round
Blannerhassett's island, when they expected Governor Tiffin's men to be
on them _modo guerrino arraiati_. 3. The rendezvous of Burr with his
men at the mouth of Cumberland. 4. His letter to the acting Governor of
Mississippi, holding up the prospect of civil