It is matter of demonstration, that, but for the military preparations onthe appointed Sunday evening, the attempt would have been made. Theringleaders had actually met for their final arrangements, when, bycomparing notes, they found themselves foiled; and within another monththey were prisoners on trial. Nevertheless, the plot which they had laidwas the most elaborate insurrectionary project ever formed by Americanslaves, and came the nearest to a terrible success. In boldness ofconception and thoroughness of organization there has been nothing tocompare with it; and it is worth while to dwell somewhat upon itsdetails, first introducing the _dramatis personae_.