The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1822-08-23
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
August :, 1884.
LIEUT.. ABnOTTS TRIAL.

Within a few days past we have reeeiv.
ed, aud with particular attention read, the
authentic or oGicidi report of the trial of
Lieutenant Abbott. We had before read
the report by Mr., Waldo, and then formed
our opinions with regard to the parties con.
ccrhed, and particularly of the agency of
commodore Porter in the affair Although
there is to be found some, aud perhaps rs
sentrd, difference between the Two reports,
yet ti.c general impressions made by each
ure with us the SAME The conduct Of
captain Hull, agent Bmney, lieutenant Alb
bolt, aud others, as presented by both re-
ports, is susceptible of different construc-
tions; which, from the temper displayed at
Boston and elsewhere, will no doubt be
maintained with little Cancellation between
their partlzans. AS 10 those gent. men
and their conduct 1T present, i: is believed,
we ought not 10 eXpreas opnians, because
II Is Understood court, perhaps Of com
pcten. jurisdiction, has been constituted to
take them in charge. Our intention, in
commencing this article, was barely 10
state, and that distinctly, that we have
iouat, il either Of the reports of lieutenant
Aboott's trial, no cause to arraign commo-
dore Porter before the public, as a m;lg-
hant prosecutor on the one hand, or the
po.ogst Cl corruption or peculatloa on the
other.
The motive Of the Secretary Of the Navy
n sending the commodore 10 Boston, i,
u5tiied by every principle connected with
he good of the service, and the character
OF the department over which he preside.
A suitable Investigation was due To the
character Of all the Officers on the Boston
station; and to lead in this investigation,
he could not have selected more fiji person
than commodore Porter. Able, honest,
and dislnteresteil /; he Was the man for the
0cc1s,on. Proceeding 10 Boston ON III,
arrival at New York he met lieutenant Ab
hott, and ordered him to report himself al
Boston to make good his charges against
captain HAL and Others at Boston he al
lowed him the opportunity of furnishing
his witnesses, hich he hemtatcd, II not re-
fused to do. What was to he done :
Commodo,e Porter adopted TEE oaly
course left for hun 10 accomplish the views
OF the Secretary OF the Navy, which were
to bring to specific Investigation and de-
cislof the various controversies that had for
IL tiilIe tAl5itQ abOGl TIC Navy 4 III u ~
Boston and for tins cad he arrested lieu |
tenant Abbot, and Put him upon the proof
OF his allegations against his commander,
and others en- aged in Tie public service.
This alternative was forced upon comno-
dore / orter, and every principle OF mar
I al law .lustiies him. Perhaps he was IT.
r gular in signing llle charges and specica
lions against lieutenant Ahbott as ,Agry
c mmiSSioaer." lie arrested him and az
uused him, by virtue of his copmlssion in
the Navy of the United States. He is .
post-captain, senior officer to lieut.. Ab- |
bott, and possed the power not only 10 az
cuse but to arrest him. In addition to
which he was clothed with the special
power, qHoad hoe, To enquire into ali the
matters at the Boston station; and accord |
ing TO his discretion to suspend sc. any
and every officer implicated; all which
he dad without fear, favour or Partially.
We have nothing TO add atprescnt touch
ing the conduct Of the court martial, the |
Judge advocate, nor the results of the trial.
1t appears TO us, that there il every proha-
bity that Ill these subjects will shortly he
revised by other tribunals. Until the de-
yelopemeni ofthe proceedings ofthe Court
of Enquiry. about 10 set on captain Huh, |
we shall say no more Ban. timer.