Berkeley and Jefferson intelligencer. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va.) 1802-1810, 1805-02-15
TIE Piles or answer Of: Judge Chase to


reading. 1t shall however appeal as soon
as correct copy Can be ohtained. The
following impressive ana elegant con-
clusion. We hasten to Ia, before our rea.
ders, as specimen Of he ability with
which the plea is dr4Wn. The whole
presents sut h clear, conspicuous and
comprehensive vie<v Of the conduct of
Judge Chase, onhhe subject alluded to
in the articles If impeachment, that a
conviction of his innocence cannot but
follow an impartial perusal of it. The
effect on the audience was uncommonly
great.
This Respondent has now laid be-
fore this honorable Court, as we'll as the
ting allowed him would permit, all the
circumstances OF his case. With an hum
pie trust in Providence and conscious.
ness that he hath discharged all his OH
clal duties with justice and impartiality,
tothe best ofhis knowledge and abilities !;
and that Intentionally he hath committed
no crime or misde meanor, or any viola
ticn Of the constitution or laws of his
country-Con6ding in the impartialitv,
independence and integrity of his iudg-
es, and that they will patiently hear and
conscientiously determine this case,
without being influenced BY the spirit of
party, by popular prejudice or political
motives, chez rlully sutm himself to
their decision.
FIT shall appear to this honorable
court from the evidence produced, that
he hath acted in his judicial character
with w'lfuI ia justice or partially, he doth
not wish any favour, but expects that
the whole extent of the punishment per-
united in the constitution will be infict-
ID upon him.
If any part Of his official conduct
shall appear to this honorable court,
S'r'cti juris, to have been illegal, or to
have proceeded from ignorance or error
injudgment and if any part Of his con-
duct shall appear although illegal, to
have been irregular or improper, but not
to have flowed from depravity OF heart,
or any unworthy motive, he feels conf
dent that this court will make allowance
for the impertections and frailties Incl
dent to man. He is satisfied that every
member Of this tribunal will observe the
principle of humanity and Justice, will
presume him innocent until his guilt
shall be established bv legal and credible
Witnesses and will be governed in his
decision, by the Moral and Christian
rule, Of rendering that justice to this
respondent which he would wish to re-
CeiVe.
This respondent now stands not
merely before an earthly tribunal, but al
so before that awful Being, whose pre-
sence fills all space, and whose all seeing
eve more especially surve, the tie NIPPLES
ofjustice and rel;eio In little time,
his accusers, his judges, and himself
must appear at the Bar Of Omnipotence,
IA where the secrets Of all hearts shall be
disclosed, and every human being shall
answer for the deeds done in the body,
and shall be compelled to give evidence
against himself in the presence of an as
semhled universe. To his omniscient
JNNSSN a. AuaS d"AuA uOiTS ne now aD~
'Peals for the rectitude and purity of his
conduct as TO all the matters of which he
is this day accused
"He hath now ofIly to adiure each
member Of this honorable Court, BY the
living COB, and in his holy name, to
render impartiaijustice to him according
to the constitution and laws Of the Uni
ted States 3; he makes this solemn de-
maud OF each member, by all his hopes
81 happiness in the world to come, which
he will have voluntarily renowned by the
cath he has taken, if he shall wilfullv do
him injustice, or disregard the consti-
tuition or laws Of the United States.
which he has sole mniy sworn to make
the rule and standard Of his Judgment
and decision"
SAMUEL CHASE.