The Rev. Aughey, suspected of being a northern sympathizer / abolitionist, was questioned closely by the vigilance committee near Kosciusko, Mississippi. One thing they focused on was his possible membership in the Odd Fellows, and his knowledge of cryptography.

Why the focus on the Odd Fellows? Did the Odd Fellows organization have a connection to Unionism in the south? Or were these people suspicious of secret societies in general?

In the end, the reverend ended up fighting for his life as he attempted to make his way through the front lines and out of the south.