Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-08-26
GRIM. COW
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.

CfJtfI. COSV.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.
FRIDAY, June 9, 1915.
John Guthrie, esq. Plaintiff: Peer I'm Bakey
Dlnsfabie Sferne, esq. Defendant.
Mr.. Costello opened the pleading by stating
that it was an action brought against the defend
ant for criminal conversation with Plaintiffs wife,
and that the damages were laid at twenty thou
sand pounds.
aiR. PgIIL1rs rose, and addressed the court
and jury in the following words:
.gy Lo,d and Gentlemen,
IN this easel am of counsel for the plain.
tiff, who has deputed me with the kind conces-
sion of my much more efficient colleagues, to de-
tail to you the story of his misfortunes. In the
course of long friendship which has existed be-
tween US. originating in mutual pursuits, and c.
mented by mutual attachment, never until this
instant did feel any thing but pleasure in the
claims which it created, Or the duty which it
imposed. Inselecting me, however, from this
bright array OF learning and eloquence, cannot
help being paired at the kindness of a part;alitv.
which forgets its interest in the exercise of lis
affection, and confdes the task of practised Wis
dom, 70 the uncertain guidance ofvouth and IN
experience lie has thought, perhaps, that truth
need no set phrase OF Speccl,-ilIat nisfortunes
should not veil the throws which lis tears had
burned, es hide under the decorations ofan artful
flrapery, the heart-sent heavipgs with Which its
bosom tlrobbed--hc has surely thought. that bv
contrasting mine with the powerful talents Sc
lec,ed by his antagonist, he was giving you a
proof that the appeal he made, was TO Your rea-
son--not your feclings-to the integrity of your
hearts, not the evaporation of your passions
Happily, however, for him, happily for YOU, hap
ply tor the country, happily for the profession,
on subjects such rs this, the experience of the
oldest amongst MS is but slender--deeds such as
this, are not indigenous to an Irish soil. or M.
turalized beneath an irish climate. we hear OF
them indeed as we do of the earthquakes that
conyulse, or the pestiencc that infects less favor.
ed regIons but the record Of calamity is only read
with the generous scepticism of innocence. or an
involuntary thanksgiving TO the Providence that
has preserved Us. No matter how we NAV have
graduated on the scale of nations--no matter
with.what wreathwe may have been adorned, or
what blessings we may have been denied no
matter what have been our feuds, our foliies, or
misfortunes, il has at least been universally con.
ceded, that our hearths were the home of the
domestic virtues, and that love, honor, and con.
tugal fidelity WIRE the dear and indis3utable del.
tics of our househoId~-around the lfre-siles OF
the Irish howell, hospitality circumscribcd its sa.
cred circle, and provision to punish, created a
suspicion OF the possibility Of its violation. But
OF all the ties that bound-ofall the bouutes that
- - S."',u "4OSb OptJeu, most loved,
most reyerenced the nuptal contract She saw
It, tie gu OF Heaven, the charm of earth, the low
ofthe present, the promise of the future, the in
nocence of enjoyment, the chastity of passion, the
sacrament ofloye-the slender curtain, that shades
the sanctuary Of her marriage bed, has in IFS pu.
rity tie splendor Of the mountain snow < its pro-
lection texture ofthe mountain aela,pant Gentle
men, that national sanctuary has Sen violated. 3,
rs tenderest pledges torn from tbeir shrine, by
the polluted rapine off kndless, beartless, pray
Stress, remorseless aduiterer To you, religion
dehieI, morals insulted, law tlespse.l.f,,bI;c af
der fouliy violated, and individuS happines.
wantoniy wounded, make their rne|ancl,oiy Oh
psal--y2u will hear the facts with ouch pati
ence a. indignation will allow VII myself ash
ofyou 70 adjudge them with As much mercy a.
justice viii admit
The plaintiff in this case, is Join Gutllrie--b,