Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-08-11


buildings, and soon reached. those which were
adjoining on the south and east on Second street;
and burned with prodisious fury. until the whole
block OF wooden houses, from Second street TO
Mrs. Wright's alley, was consumed.
/ The sufferers by this dreadful fire which did
not last much longer than two hours, were, Sam
uel Langdon, Esq. Mr.. Chambers, Mr.. John
Brown, L. p. Hall, Esq Mrs. Scott, VIM. G..
/ Lord, Esq. Ancrum Berry, Esq. Mrs. Wright,
Gabriel Holnes, Esq. Nj. Tibbits, Archibald
NJ. Hooper, and Henry Sampson, "a colored
man.
Steamboat Racing.-The steamboats, De Witt
Clinton and Ohio. which left New York toge-
Their on Wednesday last, came in contact with
each other at the wharves at Newburg. The
conclusion was extremely violent, and although.
providentialIy, no lives were lost, a number of
persons made very narrow escapes.
-aNe
The Savannah Georgian states that Mr.. Sur
ges, hitherto considered very respectable mer-
chant of Augusta. Georgia, has been lodged In
Jail, charged with having committed torgeries to
large amount. He was the agent of two opu-
lent planters Of Burke county. on whose genuine
note. he had raised and appropriated TO his own
use Sl7 ,0GC, besides obtaining from the banks
and others las far as yet discovered $4,000,
On the forged notes of the same gentleman.-
This system of renewing one forged note by ano-
Their had been practised for about eighteen
months.
The Salem MUder-Ehe correspondent of
the New York Courier furnishes the following
account of the progress of the trial OF Francis
Knapp.
"SALEM. 4th August. 1880.
yesterday afternoon. the examination Of wit
nesses on the part Of the prosecution against Frank
Knapp commenced. The first stage OF the inqui-
rs was the evidence relative TO the murderous
deed-The examination aud appearance of the
body. and the traces left around the house by the
nerpetrator. The interest, however. did not com
mence till Young man by the name of Laiton,
from Wenhan. was put on the stand. 1t appears
that this Laishton. or Laiton, was employed as
farm servant about the brother-in-law of Joe
Knapp. Sometime previous 10 the murder, the
two Kulpps were one day walking down the ave-
nue. leading from the house, and approaching the
gate of "A stone wall. on the other side of which
Laighton was at work. They were talking to-
gether. On reaching within four feet Of the gate
wav, he heard ice Knapp say to Frank-''have
piled Frank. do YOU know: asked Joe, "lf
he has killed him?'' Il don't know, said Frank.
.Weil,' continued Joe, IF he does not,
won't pay him the money!" After this CONVEX
sation thew moved OF in another direction. The
witness did not particularly understand the drift
of these words at the time. On the dav after
the murder was committed. it struck him that
their application was then found out lie had
mentioned the words 10 another person, but when
he had heard the news of the murder. he express
ed himself In store before some perS0us--.'i
Know more If the murder than they think fdr."
subsequently. he told to some persons what he
had heard, and during the excitement he was once.
if not oiteIer. threatened BY one OF the knapps,
if he said any thing about them. Knapp shew-
cd him dirk which he carried about his person,
and told hin to be quiet. The witness under
went severe examination by Nr. Dexter. yet
he Showed little embarrassment or hesitancy in
his replies. when he understood the questions.
"The evidence given by him produced con-
siderable sensation. He had not been before the
Grand Jury, and it was not supposed that any
such evidence existed. Still it is circumstantial.
and will have to be supported by other witnesses.
The principal difficulty apprehended 10 that aris-
inc from legal points. Richard Crowiusheld's
death has produced it all. The great point-the
knotty point, is what constitutes constructive
presence" Frank Knapp is the one indicted for
this species OF prnoipaishp. He was it is suppos-
ed, at the cornerofthe square with Crowninshield
when the deed was done. lie is Il yong fellow of
some daring and resolution-Joe is the weak pal
lid, cadaverous rogue, who vet had pride to keep
aloof from the gang, until he had job for their
leader to perform.
To-day the Rev. Mr.. Coleman and Palmer
have been examined Mr.. Coleman was arrest.
ed in the midst of his disclosure ON legal point.
Before that arrest had taken place, he had given
several interesting disclosures. Coleman, with
relative of the knapps. went to the cell in which
Frank was confined. Frank was spoken to in this
language Frank we have come to tell YOU that
Joe had determined to confess, and he wants
YOUR consent" To this Frank said, .stbat is
hard, as the thing was done for his benefit" Joe
hadtaken this course for thepurpose Of endeavorng
to save his life by turning states evidence Frank
was displeased with it. and expressed his displea-
sure in the words stated. He added IN subse-
Quent part of the conversation, that ..when Joe
1 first nropospd II THE murder said II ,