I have reason to suppose that many of the band settled in and about Lawrenceburgh, Indiana; and from the year 1800 to 1827, they were very numerous, and some of them wealthy; they were mostly close traders, who turned every cent they got, honestly or dishonestly, into real estate.  Many of them, also, were well educated, and composed the aristocracy, while the poor honest man was crowded down by these influential members of society.

There are now three classes of wealthy men in that neighbourhood:  the honest, whose property was obtained fairly; the members of the band; and some, of whom I am doubtful whether they belong to the band or not.  If they do not, they are villains by nature, and do not need their assistance.

In the year 1846, I delivered a lecture at Lawrenceburgh, in which I exposed this band, and showed the manner in which their correspondence was carried on.  The old members of the band had art enough to persuade the doubtful rogues that they were the persons alluded to, and they believed it.  Whether conscience had any thing to do with their belief or not, I do not pretend to say; but the community generally seemed quite ready to grant them that honour.  It was very amusing to notice the difference between the conduct of the guilty and that of the innocent, in relation to the exposure.  The “Brotherhood,” all at once, were very much concerned about the fair fame of their neighbourhood—­called me a slanderer, and in fact caused a much greater excitement against themselves than would have occurred, had they kept still; while the honest citizens quietly asked for the names of the “brothers,” and whether any of their relations belonged to them; they begged me to go on, and expose every member.

Since 1802, many robberies have been committed under circumstances which strongly indicate that such a band existed.  Public agents, and other highly respectable citizens, have been robbed of funds which they held in trust, and no trace of the robbers could be found, and no curiosity seemed to be excited by the fact.  Sometimes the person robbed shared in the spoils, and sometimes they were innocent; and it has sometimes happened that the innocent man was suspected.  The honest citizens of Lawrenceburgh have, for forty years, known what a curse it is to have bad neighbours.

During the excitement occasioned by my lectures above mentioned, a resident of Lawrenceburgh related the following incident, which is only one among many which might be named to show the nature of the transactions in which these men engaged, and their facilities for carrying them out.  I will give it as nearly as I can recollect in his own words: 

“During the year 1832, a stranger came into the town of Lawrenceburgh, and for several days was noticed in the public places watching every one who passed, as if looking for some one.  At length he came to me, and told me that he wished my assistance in the business on which he came, but that it would be necessary to keep the matter secret.  I answered, that if it were proper, I had no objections to secrecy.  He then related the following facts as introductory to his business.