Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-06-11

charges, all things would fall to the ground; and
that he would, thereby, virtually retract what
he had alleged against YOU.
Question. Prior to the proposition yo. made
Inc from Com. Porter, did you not tell me that
you had gone on board the John Adams, and
attempted TO act as mediator between us, but
that you found him SO incensed against me, that
he would listen tonothng you could say on the
subject
Answer. l mentioned to Lieut.. Kennon. on
the 29th December, the conversation respecting.
the Certificate of p. Wilson, which had beca
sent on shore, that had suggested to Com. Por-
Ter, that before he sent il Oh shore. he had bet
ter permit me to see Mr.. Kennon, probably there
might be some misunderstanding and that the
affair might be settled without the necessity of
sending item shore; that the Commodore refused
ito accede to my proposal, and that he appeared
to be very angry. This was drawn from me by
repeated questions from MIR. Kcnnon.
Question. Did not express my surprise, that
Com. Porter should continue to be hostile to
me, when the editor of the Herald had publicly
avowed himself to the author. of the offensive
paragraph IN his paper which Com. Porter had
ascribed TO me, and in which had also publicly
declared ha1 no agency whatever,
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. Did not Com. Porter, express his
surprise to you, that p. Wilson'S certificate had
upt oCcH PuOifsileCl, as III n1O OGen sent from
w aslaigton, TO the Herald office, for pubIica-
ton, and that time enough had elapsed for it to
have appeared, and did he not then request YOU
totake copy of it, and shew it to the officers of
the John Adams, - and TO the other officers on
tins station! and did you not say to me, that the
reason you had undertaken to do so, was, that
you found him resolved to have il circulated,
and that you thought you could do it in a man
ner less Injurious TO me, than less interested
person, or something to that effect.
Answer. Yes, that is substantially correct.
Question. Did you ever shcw the certificate
of p. Wilson to the officers of the Congress /?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. Did Com. Porter desire YOU to
furnish me with copy of it, before you put in
circulation, or in any other manner to apprize me
of it,
Answer. No, sir.
q Iestion. Did not Com. Porter lead YOU to
oeneve that the letterI published in the Herald
OF the 18th December, as a testimonial from
him to me, had been fabricated by me, and that
what had published under that date was false
and that had attempted an imposition ON the
public?
Answer. EIe stated to me that hc never had
written MIR. Kennon such letter as that
Question. Did Com. Porter say he would
retract what he had allcdgcJ against me- or in
any other manner do me justice for the injury
ne had done me; or did you merely infer il
from his offer to Withdraw the charges?
Answer. He merely said he would withdraw
his charges.
Question. Had not Com. Porter, before he
made any propositions to me, through you, for
an adjustment of the misunderstanding between
us, been apprizod, by the Hon. Secretary ofthe
Navy, that he would be detained until my trial
was over?
Answer. don't know.
Question. Are you certain that | replied to
you after reading Com. Porter's written propo-
stion, which you handed me, 81 answer as
did before" or did l say to you, Ell will an
swer in the same way" (meaning in writingH
Answer. understood you distinctly to say,
BEFORE" here witness referred to memoran-
dunn made the day after the above conversation
and stated that Lit. Kennon's answer was, &C re-
ply as did before.''
Question. Did you not remark to me, after
reading my publication of 10th November that
you thought what had there said about Com.
Porter was sufficient TO satisfy any one?
Answer. don't recollectt that did, sir, I don't
believe that did.
The accused offering no further question to
the witness, the Judge Advocate stated that he
should examine more witnesses on the part of
the prosecution.
Mr.. John Myers, of Norfolk, was then intro
duced, and, being lawfully sworn, was examin-
ed as follows, by the accused.
Question. Did you pick up the paper now
hand you, on board the steamboat Potomac?
Ifso be pleased to state the time and circum-
stances.
Answer. did, sir, ON Monday, Goth Decern-
Der. l found it lying publicly in the cabin.
MIR. KennoD accidentally, at that moment, came
on board. l drew his attention to it. From
delicate impulse, he hesitated to look at it. He
then read it, and withdrew, without making any
comment on 1T.
The witness, Mr.. John Myers, withdrew :;
and Lieutenant kcnnon stating TO the Court
that several of his witnesses were absent, but
that he expected them up before tomorrow,
the Court thereuponadj ourned to meet again to-
morrow, the Court thereupon adjourned, to
meet again tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.
UNITED STATES NAVY YARD,
Gosport Ta, Fi'iday, Feb. 10, "A. ID. 1924.
The Court met pursuant TO adjournment.
Members present as on yesterday.
Lieutenant Kennon appeared; and, at his
request, Mr.. Hambleton, the witness exemincd
yesterday, was again introduced.
Question by accused. Did not Captain Porter,
i'm his conversation will, you adroif that be p,e