The purpose of the club was to discuss in a free and unrestrained manner, political issues affecting the District of Kentucky. After the discussion closed a vote was usually taken to arrive at the sentiment of the members. Discussions incident to the adoption of the proposed constitution of the United States is supposed to have given birth to the club. These discussions ended with its adoption. Afterward the club took up such pertinent issues as—Should there be an emission of paper currency for the District? Should tobacco be grown for export? (First decided in the negative, but after General Wilkinson obtained his permit, in the affirmative). Shall slaves be imported into the district? Why does not Congress force the British to surrender forts of the Northwest Territory? Questions of special interest repeatedly debated were: The propriety of separation from Virginia; in favor of which the club voted unanimously. Then Wilkinson and his friends after considerable log rolling, sprung the added issue: “Resolved, that after separation as an independent state, this Commonwealth should sever relations with the Union and if expedient unite with Spanish Louisiana.” They claimed that only in this way could Kentucky obtain a free river and market for her products. This had been the only question discussed since the receipt of Mr. Brown’s communication; and for a better name was called by its opponents—The Spanish Conspiracy. John began accompanying his uncle, who was a member, to these meetings when this discussion was at fever heat; and had very decided views upon the issue. He felt tempted many times to raise his voice in argument upon the minority side—That Kentucky should remain with the Union; feeling assured that relief would be procured by treaty. Saturday night, following the adjournment of the Sixth Convention, the club had an open meeting which was addressed by General Wilkinson, who spoke strongly in favor of Kentucky’s withdrawal from the Union; at the time being an agent and pensioner of the Spanish Government. As the discussion, like the meeting, was an open one, when Wilkinson had finished, the chairman, as was the custom, stated: “The club would like to hear from an advocate of the other side. Any one feeling himself competent to answer General Wilkinson’s very able address, is invited to the stand.” John, trembling with excitement and desire to speak, but too modest to respond, hoped that some one of capacity would answer him. He felt that the argument was a specious one and that the orator’s pleasant manner masked a hypocrite and a traitor.