Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-03-20

oil habeas corpus was issued last evening, oy
the Recorder, in behalf OF Rowland Stephen
son, supposed TO be detained in custody, with
out due process oflsw. Accordingly there was
an unusual buzz and stir about tie City Hall, al
an early hour.
The Recorder was informed soon after ten
o'clock that return would be made 10 the wri'
at one o'clock. But long before tina, hour, the
Recorders Office was crowded almost Id sutfo-
cation, by ciliz,ns, as we'll as gentlemen OF the
profession.
Puuc,ua'ly a, the hour appointed, Hays came
in with Plat, one of the Shcriffs deputies, who,
we had olready been Informed by he Sheriff,
had him in custody on civil process. Ste
phenson looked pale and detected, but has the
air of gentlemen, and every appearance OF
great mihlness, and benevolence OF character.
Messrs. Patterson, May, Wylie, ]. Blunt, and
another gentleman, appeared as Counsel iol
Mr.. Stephenson.
Messrs. Ward and Hoy, as counsel for Mr.
Ex-Sheriff Parkins. anu Mr.. Peter A. Jay, in
behalf Of the British Consul, aud Mr.. Good
hue.
The writ having been handed to the Record
err, Mr.. Sheriff Shan produced eapias, against
the prisoner, at ne suit OF Eek Sheriff Parkins.
No. obec ton being made to his discharge from
the custody Of HAYS, the ReoorG pronounced
him al liberty, so far as thu habeas corpus could
bene6. him; but, said the Recorder. as he hsio
the copias in his hand, 81 cannot discharge
him from this"
Mr.. Shaw then took charge Of the person Of
Stephenson; and
Mr.. Rober, Emmett now rose upon chair,
and addressed the multitude, win view ct
allaying the excitement. He said he was gu.
thor,sed by Mr. S,eph' ,on to say, that SO Tar as
the British Consul was concerned, end Mr.,
Hays also, he had no complaint to maxi, either
Of i'll treatment, or otherwise.
Mr. Wyiie :hen turned To tbs multitude, and
said that the statement of Mr. f. WAS consoles
ed BY the counsel for Mr.. Stephenson altogeih.
err gr atuitous.
Some collision Of words took place between
the gentlemen, when Mr.. Emmett repeated
what he had said.
Mr. Wylie and Mr. May now consulted a few
moments with Mr. Stephenson
Mr.. Patterson made a few remarks, hint'ng
at dark feature in the 'ransaction-the blame
of which rested upon some gentlemen,
Mr., Jay replied pretty sharply, AID sharp
contest Of words ensued, during which the Re-
corder several times in'erposed To ALA. the
excitement. Mr.. Patterson was cheered seve-
raj times.
Here the British Consul addressed the as
sembly, stating that upon his word as gentle.
man, he had no connection with the removal oil
Stepl eason. He received letter from two
marshals of Savannah, apprising him OF The
seizure Of s, in consequence OF which he went
on board The Savannah when she arrived.
He ACCOMPANIED him 10 Mr.. Goodhue's and
saw him there last evening. Advised him 10
90 TO Mr.. Hays house, as he would be kindly
ii He al
Goodhue's and they drank wine together. The
consul SAID, he admitted that he had sent let
ter and affioavii to Savannah 10 have S. arrest
ed, but tina, he had given him pledge to save
his life. He felt as much commisseration Tor
his situation as any man could do.
Mr. Emmett now inte-posed in behalf OF Mr.
Goodhue, who stood beside him, and who So
lemnly disclaimed any participation in the ar
res, Of S. or the means adopted Tor that pur-
pose.
Mr.. Wylie then stated, that he was au,hor-
lsed by Mr.. Stephenson to declare, that ne 'ac
been treated in most ruffiaa>lke manner.
Yes, said Mr.. Patterson that is what we are
coming to-
Mr.. Wyl;e Mr.. ST, phenson says that he
was arrested, and dragged from his bed, in the
night, by FIVE men, armed with pistols
Mr.. Stephenson: and swords also.
Mr.. Wyle: By four men, armed with DIS.
tolls and swords, and, in this manner kidnapped
and dragged on board of a vessel-on board OF
which also, lie has been bound and treated with
ru Hisn violence. A shudder ran Though the
crowd.
Mr.. May now rose to address the people; but
the Recorder entreated slenc& and the Sheriff
ordered the room cleared.
MIR. Shaw now took Mr.. Stephenson by the
arm, and he was led away 10 the Debtors FRI
sor, on the civil process before mentioned
| The excitement was very great There was
but one feeling that an unlawful anc violent
,respass had been committed, expressed by all
the citizens present. II ives understood thst
Siephenson's counsel would take proper mea-
sures 10 do justice to him and the violated laws
of the country. When he went of with the
Sheriff, the crowd, considering its density, re-
tired with great good order.
S,ephenson's arrest, and the circumstances
connected with it, will probably give rise 10 a