trust me."

"I trust you implicitly, Mr. Swartwout. The embassy on which you come
is of a delicate character, requiring discretion--as secret service
always does."

The general opened the package, and found that it contained three
separate papers. The first was a letter introducing Samuel Swartwout,
and vouching for his prudence, courage and trustworthiness. The other
two papers were in hieroglyphics. Wilkinson, smiling graciously,
turned to the messenger.

"Perhaps I had best be alone while I examine the other documents. I
will see that you are made comfortable."

An officer was summoned. "Captain Danvers, this gentleman is my guest.
Please see that he is suitably quartered and provided with a seat at
my table. He is the son of an old military acquaintance of mine."

The cipher agreed upon by Wilkinson and Burr was a composite of
arbitrary signs and of numerals representing letters of the alphabet.
The first riddle read by Wilkinson was a private letter to Burr from
General Dayton. Part of the contents ran thus: "Under the auspices of
Burr and Wilkinson, I shall be happy to engage, and when the time
arrives, you will find me near you. Write and inform me, by first
mail, what may be expected from you and your associates.... Wealth and
honor, courage and union, Burr and Wilkinson! Adieu."

The other communication was from Burr himself.

"Your letter, postmarked 13th May, is received. At length I have
obtained funds and have actually commenced. The eastern detachments
from different points, and under different pretences, will rendezvous
on the Ohio, 1st of November. Everything internal and external favors
our views. Naval protection of England is secured. Truxton is going to
Jamaica, to arrange with the admiral on that station. It will meet us
at the Mississippi. England, a navy of the United States, are ready to
join, and final orders are given to my friends and followers. It will
be a host of choice spirits. Wilkinson shall be second to Burr only,
and Wilkinson shall dictate the rank and promotion of his officers.
Burr will proceed westward 1st of August, never to return. With him go
daughter and grandson. The husband will follow in October, with a
corps of worthies. Send forwith an intelligent friend, with whom Burr
may confer. He shall return immediately with further interesting
details; this is essential to harmony and concert of movement. Send a
list of all persons known to Wilkinson west of the Alleghany
M