Laura Dexter letter, commenting on McLeod murder trial, 1841

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A letter addressed to Mr. Edward North, Patterson, New Jersey, from Laura Dexter, dated at Whitesborough [New York], October 5, 1841. The letter makes reference to the McLeod murder trial, commenting that “McLeods trial is the all absorbing topic of the day. Our quiet, peacible village, has been under military guardianship for many weeks, by orders of our good & careful whig Governor, an armed band have patrolled our streets, breaking at intervals the still watches of the night. I am thankful that thus far the law has taken its course & McLeod is unmolested, but I fear the result if he be acquitted as many curses, both loud & deep, have gone forth against him. And a war with England instead of being deprecated, seems with some to be the great desirable.”