The introduction begins, "The trial before the Military Commission in Cincinnati, just concluded, was in many respects one of the most remarkable events of the war. The investigation has elicited testimony of the most startling character, showing conclusively to the minds of all reasonable men who have given to it careful, earnest attention that there was a most formidable, deep and well arranged conspiracy, which, but for timely discovery and judicious action, would have resulted most disastrously, not only to the particular cities and towns specified and doomed to destruction, but to the whole country. None can contemplate the danger through which we have passed without a shudder and without a recognition of the hand of a merciful Providence who has guided our beloved country in its darkest hours and who has crowned our struggles for liberty and union with glorious victory." Topics covered include _The Plot to plunder and burn Chicago--Release of all Rebel prisoners--Seizure of arsenals--Raids from Canada--Plot to burn New York--Piracy on the Lakes--Parts for the Sons of Liberty--Trial of Chicago conspirators--Inside views of the Temples of the Sons of LibertyÄand Names of prominent members. The Great North-Western Conspiracy in All Its Startling Details has the first use of the phrase hell in a hand basket in the quote: "Thousands of our best men were prisoners in Camp Douglas, and if once at liberty would `send abolitionists to hell in a hand basket.'