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The Doctor examined my document, and finding it all right he engaged to call for me the next day, in the afternoon, and take me down to the parlor, where I should then meet the Trustees.

Keeping my wardrobe in order for the dancing parties, I easily found a very suitable summer costume in readiness for the occasion, which, with a tasteful head-dress to relieve the sky-blue trimmings of my white lawn dress, I made quite as good an appearance as any one need desire.

Therefore with more of a queen-like feeling, than that of an imprisoned slave, I took the proffered arm of the Doctor, and was escorted by him into the parlor of these grave, dignified gentlemen, and introduced, in the most gallant manner, first to the chairman, and then to the other gentlemen, sepa-rately, after which, he led me to a most conspicuous seat by the chairman, when I withdrew my arm from his own, and sat down.

Here I must notify my readers that there was one gentle-man present to whom he did not introduce me, and to whom I did not speak. But, as I afterwards learned, he did speak of me, and of the impression made on his feelings, as he saw me so politely escorted into the room by the Doctor, in these words:

"I never saw a lady look so sweet and attractive as she did!"

Now I will introduce the gentleman to my readers as Rev. Mr. Packard, the husband of this lady.

The chairman, Mr. Brown, then addressed me in these words:

"Mrs. Packard, we have heard Mr. Packard's statements, and Dr. McFarland has informed us that you have something you would like to say to us. We will allow you ten minutes to say it in."

Taking out my watch and looking at it, I remarked to the Doctor who sat opposite me:

"Please inform me when my time is up, will you sir? and I will stop at any moment you designate."

Nodding his consent, I commenced reading my document with a clear, calm, distinct voice, to a silently attentive audience. So profound was the silence, I could almost hear the joyous pulsations of my own heart.

On, on, I went, assailing fortress after fortress of the Calvinistic creed, and notwithstanding the havoc and devasta-tion, thus caused by the skillful use of the weapon of truth and common-sense, still was tolerated. Neither did my time-keeper inform me that I was trespassing upon the limits assigned me, although my ten minutes were soon lost in fifty minutes before our interview terminated.

Having finished my "Exposure of Calvinism and Defence of Christianity," I was emboldened by their toleration to ask another license, which was, permission to read another docu-ment which I had clandestinely prepared and taken with me, but which the Doctor had never seen.

That this license was most cheerfully and readily granted, was indicated not only by an unanimous hand vote of the Trustees, but also by the accompanying exclamations:

"Let her go on! Let us hear the whole!"

In view of this generous and cheerful response, I playfully remarked:

"I should think appearances betoken that I am in the ele-ment where freedom of opinion is tolerated."

"We don't know about women thinking as they please! We must look after them," responded Mr. Club.

He was promptly silenced, however, by the noble "woman's right's" Miner, remarking in a very decided tone:

"Go on! Mrs. Packard -- Go on! "

After thanking friend Miner for his generous defence, I proceeded to read my unknown document to equally attentive listeners.

This document exposed "The Conspiracy" of their Super-intendent and Mr. Packard against my personal liberty, in as bold and uncompromising terms as my exposure of Calvinism had been given in. Still I was tolerated!

The Superintendent and the Minister listened in mute amazement to this dauntless revelation of the truth and their own guilt. Without denying one of my statements, or offering a single apology, Mr. Packard left the room at the request of the Trustees.

The Superintendent soon followed.

The Trustees now acted the part of cross-questioning attor-neys, while I their witness, was secretly exulting in the oppor-tunity thus afforded me, of making further revelations of the depth and magnitude of this malign conspiracy.

The playful, easy style and manner in which I made my statements, seemed to dissipate the sanctimonious gravity of this august body -- so that they came to seemingly regard me as one of their number, instead of a culprit under the grace of court! They manifested a willingness to do anything and everything I asked.

Mr. Brown told me that he saw it was of no use for me to think of returning to my husband, assuring me he now under-stood that my incarceration had been obtained in consequence of my using my reason, instead of losing my reason!

He kindly offered to send me, independently of Mr. Packard, to my children at Manteno, if I thought best to go; or, they would pay my passage to go to my father in Massachusetts; or, they would pay my board in Jacksonville, if I chose.

In short, I could have my liberty to do just as I pleased, as they were satisfied the Insane Asylum was no place for me.