He has stated also that he knew nothing of the first conspiracy when he offered to defend Catiline on the score of provincial peculations.

No writer has been heavy on Hortensius for defending Verres, but only because he took bribes from Verres.
[188] Publius Cornelius Sulla, and Publius Autronius P[oe]tus.
[189] Pro P.Sulla, iv.

He declares that he had known nothing of the first conspiracy and gives the reason: "Quod nondum penitus in republica versabar, quod nondum ad propositum mihi finem honoris perveneram, quod mea me ambitio et forensis labor ab omni illa cogitatione abstrahebat." [190] Sallust, Catilinaria, xviii.
[191] Livy, Epitome, lib.

ci.
[192] Suetonius, J.Caesar, ix.
[193] Mommsen, book v., ca.v., says of Caesar and Crassus as to this period, "that this notorious action corresponds with striking exactness to the secret action which this report ascribes to them." By which he means to imply that they probably were concerned in the plot.
[194] Sallust tells us, Catilinaria, xlix., that Cicero was instigated by special enemies of Caesar to include Caesar in the accusation, but refused to mix himself up in so great a crime.

Crassus also was accused, but probably wrongfully.