He had heard of terrible vengeance being heaped upon the heads of some who had sought their freedom and failed in the attempt.

Robert knew that he might abandon hope if he incurred the wrath of men whose overthrow was only a question of time.

It would have been madness and folly for him to have attempted an insurrection against slavery, with the words of McClellan ringing in his ears: "If you rise I shall put you down with an iron hand," and with the home guards ready to quench his aspirations for freedom with bayonets and blood.

What could a set of unarmed and undisciplined men do against the fearful odds which beset their path?
Robert waited eagerly and hopefully his chance to join the Union army; and was ready and willing to do anything required of him by which he could earn his freedom and prove his manhood.

He conducted his plans with the greatest secrecy.