relating (where I could gain an ear) the same
heart-rending and soul-trying story which I am now repeating to you. In
pursuing that course, the people, first one and then another contributed,
until I had succeeded in raising the amount alluded to, namely, thirteen
hundred and eighty dollars. I may have had contributions from
abolitionists; but I did not stop to ask those who assisted me whether
they were anti-slavery or pro-slavery, for I considered that the money
coming from either, would accomplish the object I had in view. These are
the facts; and now, sir, it remains for you to say, whether I have been
giving abolition lectures or not.

In the course of my remarks I presented the letter of Mr. Smith to Mr.
Neale, showing that I had acted the open part while in Massachusetts; also
I referred to my having written to Mr. Smith requesting him to obtain for
me the permit of the Governor; and I showed to the court, Mr. Smith's
letters in reply, in order to satisfy them that I had reason to believe I
should be unmolested in my return.

Mr. Loring then whispered to some of the leading men; after which he
remarked that he saw nothing in what I had done, according to my
statements, implicating me in a manner worthy of notice. He called upon
any present who might be in possession of information tending to disprove
what I had said, or to show any wrong on my part, to produce it, otherwise
I should be set at liberty. No person appeared against me; so I was
discharged.

I started to leave the house; but just before I got to the door I met Mr.
James Litchford, who touched me on the shoulder, and I followed him back.
He observed to me that if I went out of that room I should in less than
five minutes be a dead man; for there was a mob outside waiting to drink
my life. Mr. Loring then spoke to me again and said that notwithstanding I
had been found guilty of nothing, yet public opinion was law; and he
advised me to leave the place the next day, otherwise he was convinced I
should have to suffer death. I replied, "not to-morrow, but to-day." He
answered that I could not go that day, because I had not done my business.
I told him that I would leave my business in his hands and in those of
other such gentlemen as himself, who might settle it for me and send my
family to meet me at Philadelphia. This was concluded upon, and a guard
appointed to conduct me to the depot. I took my seat in the cars, when
the mob that had followed us surr