Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-10-30
SATURDAY. October 2.


Mr IGze73eH was again called by col r..
and asked whether he had observed any in
consistency in the evidence ofgeneral Will
kinson. Mr. Tazewell said it was not for
him to state what his impressions were,
arising from the whole tenor of general
Wiikinsot's evidence. Indeed it was i'm
possible Tor him 90 answer question put
IN that way: il lie were asked whether in
any particular part of general VViikinson's
testimony he had observed a variance, he
would answer the question. He WAS then
asked, whether he had observed any in
consistency or contradiction in the evidence
delivered Ivy general Wilkinson, before the
Judge, and that given 20 the grand Jury
lis answer was, none at al But, said Mr.
laZewel, as have gone g. farin speaking
OF my impressions it may be proper for me
to state what opinion had formed. must
say, that saw no good reason for general
Wilkinson to invite colonel Burr to the
Western country. Mr Hay. Do you re.
collect whether the testimony of Swart-
won't conceded with that of gen Wilkinson /?
a. They could not be said to oppose each
other in their testimony. Mr. Swartwout
was examined hrst; and many of the cir
cumstances to which he deposed were un-
kncwn to general Wilkinson. Mr. HAY.
speak as to the conversations between
owar;wGut and general Wilkinson. Mr.
tazewcsi. Perhaps there was this differ
ence: General Wilkinson stated, that in
the absence OF COL Gushing, which was
spoken OF by both of them, Mr. Swartwo ont
slipped into his hand the cyphcred letter
from COL Burr. Mr. Swartwout who disco.
vered the utmost frankness and candor in
this evidence, stated the transaction IN \
different manner. He decla1 ed that the letter
was delivered openly, without any effort tn
conceal 1t. Mr. Hay. But they both stat
ed the fact to be the same that it was deli
veredin the alb. ence of col Gushing? A Yes.
They both stated that fact in the same
way. l would not be willing TO be under
stood that doubted any thing, MIR Swart-
wcut sa d. Altho' he appeared before the
G. Jury undervery unfavorable circums;an-
ces, and my impressions were very strong .
gainst him; yet the very frank and candid
manner in which he gave his testimony, /
must confess, raised him very high in NV
estimation, and induced me to form a very
different opinion of him, from that which /
had before entertained.
(AA)
Washington, 1st March, 1907.
Major Bruff communicated to s. 6. and
Col. Read, That Judge Esston, (immedi.
atcly after the first number of the Western
World appeared told him, (BruffO that it
was in his power to ruin col Burr, that he
had told him his plans, that they were such
a. had made his hair stand an end, but he
had gone SO far that he could not recede.
Bruif told him, that lie owed it to himself
as an honest man to inform government.
That cannot do said II. for am under an
oath OF secrecy, but you had previously ta-
ken an oath paramount to any other to your
country: / cannot tell, said j.. but / will
communicate the wole to you, if YOU will
come under AN oath of secrecy indeed
continued he, col. Burr told me, that he
had heard Of YOU, that he heard you was a
brave man, had sense and firmncss and de-
sired me TO speak to you. ] am therefore
at liberty to tell you all the plans, if you
will swear that yon will keep the secret.
Bruifrefused and advised Raston to act like
a man of honor and a friend to his country,
or he would hereafter repent.