Mr. Burr was doubtless aware of the scruples felt by Mr. Clay respecting the propriety of acting as his counsel, which scruples were occasioned principally by the new and interesting relation just assumed by him――that of United States senator. Mr. Clay’s doubts were satisfied, and he consented to appear at his trial as his attorney, in connection with Col. John Allen. To them Mr. Burr in the expectation of securing their services, had previously sent a large sum of money, which they declined receiving, and returned to him. The day appointed for trial at length arrived, and again the attorney sought to delay the proceedings of the court, on the ground of the absence of an important witness. Mr. Clay strenuously contended that such tardy procedure, where such interests were involved, and where the most speedy action was requisite, was unsanctioned by correct judicial usage; that the accused was sustaining material injury in consequence of the obstacles thus thrown in the way of his establishing his innocence, which he was impatiently and anxiously waiting to do. Mr. Clay’s representations succeeded. The attorney was required by the court to proceed immediately. Accordingly all the evidence he could produce was spread before the grand jury, who, after a patient and careful investigation, returned the indictment accompanied with their refusal to consider it a true bill, and reasons for the same,――alleging that the testimony contained nothing to criminate the accused, ‘nor can we from all the inquiry and investigation of the subject discern that any thing improper or injurious to the government of the United States, or contrary to the laws thereof, is designed or contemplated.’ Their decision was received with the strongest demonstrations of approbation from all quarters, which were exceedingly gratifying to Mr. Clay, and served to strengthen his conviction of Mr. Burr’s innocence when he consented to act as his counsel. It is unnecessary to say, that had he been aware of Mr. Burr’s real designs, no inducement could have been held out by that person strong enough to have determined him to appear in his defence. Subsequent events show this to be true――events which removed all doubts as to Mr. Burr’s guilt. A mass of unequivocal testimony had been obtained, in relation to his operations upon which he had already entered, and of his future projects, by the exertions of Mr. Jefferson, which testimony was exhibited to Mr. Clay, at Washington, where he repaired soon after the trial to take his seat in the senate. One of the most remarkable and indubitable portions of the evidence alluded to, was a letter in cipher which Mr. Burr had sent by captain Samuel Swartwout to the commander of the United States army, general Wilkinson, which contained a somewhat circumstantial account of his proceedings and intended proceedings. In this he expressly stated his design of seizing on Baton Rouge, preliminary to extending his conquests into the Spanish provinces.