Upon a second look at Dean’s death, the author arrives at some new conclusions. Did Deane really commit suicide? From Dean’s letters and surviving papers the author concluded that Deane believed himself innocent and would not have had any obvious motive for suicide. And even if he did feel guilty for doing something wrong, why would he kill himself ten years after the fact? Why would he wait a week aboard ship to …showed first 75 words of 375 total…

…showed last 75 words of 375 total…given to him by Dr. Bancroft. Why would Deane want to end his life aboard ship if he was going to America in order to start a new life? He had made plans for the future and suddenly killed himself? I do not think this is the case. I think Dr. Bancroft had to do with it. I think, his fear of being busted, of being accused as a traitor helped him make the decision.