Soak overnight.In the morning, mix together all ingredients except the beans, onion, and cloves in a large bowl.In the bottom of minimum 4-quart slow cooker, layer the diced onion, then add the beans*.Pour the liquid mixture over the beans, then add up to an additional 3 cups of water until the tops of the beans are just submerged.For extra flavor, take the reserved onion end and press 8 cloves in