"DEAR LOUIS:--The time has at last come that we have all so wished for, and upon you everything depends. As it was decided before you left, we were to cast lots. Accordingly we did so, and you are to be the Charlotte Corday of the nineteenth century. When you remember the fearful, solemn vow that was taken by us you will feel there is no drawback--_Abe_ must _die_, and _now_. You can choose your weapons--the cup, the _knife_, the _bullet_. The cup failed us once, and might again. Johnson, who will give _this_, has been like an enraged demon since the meeting because it has not fallen upon him to rid the world of the monster. He says the blood of his gray-haired father and his noble brother call on him for revenge, and revenge he will have; if he cannot wreak it upon the fountain head, he will upon some of the blood-thirsty generals. Butler would suit him. As our plans were all concocted and well arranged, we separated; and as I am writing on my way to Detroit, I will only say that all rests upon you. You know where to find your friends. Your disguises are so perfect and complete, that without _one_ knew _your face_ no police telegraphic despatch would catch you. The English gentleman, Harcourt, must not act hastily. Remember he has ten days. Strike for your home, strike for your country; bide your time, but strike sure. Get introduced, congratulate him, listen to his stories--not many more will the brute tell to earthly friends. Do anything but fail, and meet us at the appointed place within the fortnight. Inclose this note, together with one of poor Leenea. I will give the reason for this when we meet. Return by Johnson. I wish I could go to you, but duty calls me to the West; you will probably hear from me in Washington. Sanders is doing us no good in Canada. "Believe me your brother in love, "CHARLES SELBY." "ST. LOUIS, October 21st, 1864. "DEAREST HUSBAND:--Why do you not come home? You left me for ten days only, and now you have been from home more than two weeks. In that long time, only sent me one short note--a few cold words--and a check for money, which I did not require. What has come over you? Have you forgotten your wife and child? Baby calls for papa until my heart aches. We are _so lonely without you_. I have written to you again and again, and, as a last resource, yesterday wrote to Charlie, begging him to see you and tell you to come home. I am so ill--not able to leave my room; if I was, I would go to you wherever you were, if in _this world_. Mamma says I must not write any more, as I am too weak. Louis, darling, do not stay away any longer from your heart-broken wife, "LEENEA."