Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1833-11-28
miscellaneous.


CoNTEmPT.-The Senior Editor of
this paper was, on Thursday, taken in
to the custody of the Marshal of the
Eastern District of Va, fer an alleged
contempt, in disobeying the process of
the Court for the county of Alexandra,
in refusing to appear before that Court
as a witness in the case of the pretend
ed conspiracy against the person of the
President. By the courtesy of the
Marshal, major Christian,) he has
been permitted TO go at large.
On Thursday at 2 o'clock, he applied
to Judge Bfockenbrough, then holding
the Superior Court of Law and Chan
Gerry for Henrico, in the Capitol, for a
writ Of Habeas Corpus, which being
granted as Of right, was made returna-
bic at 10 o'clock yesterday morning.
At that hour, the case was called when
after a short discussion on the princi
pies involved, on the part of Messrs.
Leigh, Robertson, ATTY Gent of Va.
VIM. FL. Mcfarland of Norfolk, and
Forbes, who addressed preliminary OBJ
Iservations to the Court, in opposition
to the legitimacy of the power assum-
ed by the Court at Alexandria, the case
was postponed until 10 o'clock this day,
when it will be regularly argued.
The defendant feels no doubt how
the case will be decided by Virginia
tribunal. The assumption Of the Coun-
ty Court of Alexandra, is treated with
scorn, by, we believe, the unanimous,
or nearly unanimous, Bar Of Rich
mond.
The arguments will be reported for
the sake of the principle involved, and
the satisfaction of the profession, and
the public generally.-Rich. Wing.
The United States and Lieut.. RAN
dolph.-We understand that Ro. B.
Randolph, Esq. late Lieutenant in the
U. S. Navy, and who acted pro. TEN.
as successor to the late purser Timber
lake, has been arrested by the Marshal
of the United States for this District,
and committed to close confinement in
Henrico Jail, by virtue of warrant of
distress under the act Of Congress of
18th May, 1920, for a sum exceeding
$40, 900, involving his account as set.
tied by Government.
This proceeding is in the nature of
an execution against the person of Mr..
Randolph, who has the option of pay
ing money not due, giving security to
lpay it, or remaining in Jail as long as
it may suit the pleasure of Andrew
Jackson, Esq.
Vindctive as this proceeding is very
generally considered, and mode re-
sorted to to inflict punishment for the
indignity to the Presidents nose, and
not to recover money due to the public,
it is viewed by the public generally
hereabout, with disgust and indigna-
ton. If Mr.. Randolph owes any thing
to the Government, it cannot exceed
1000 and some odd dollars, and as this
defalcation is firmly believed by his &C
quaintances, if it exist at all, to have
been caused by ignorance of accounts,
in complicated business, if not by the
designing villainy of certain persons at
Washington, all men are disposed to
look with disapprobation upon the ri
gor Of the Government, and with CON-
passion upon the fate Of a gallant SAL
Tor, whose courage and devotion to his
country have been signalized in all
parts of the world, not only harshly
and insultingly deprived of his CON-
mission, but at the suit of that country
thrown into a Jail, there to rot as long
as it may suit Mr.. Amos Kendall and
his master.
1t is right TO say that the Marshal
has performed his unpleasant duty,
with the courtesy which distinguishes
him as gentleman, and with all posi-
BILE leniency.-Rich. Wing.
FedrlesSneSs in the discharge of Du-
Ity.-One of the convicts at Sing Sing,
having been subjected to punishment,
had vowed the death of Capt. Lynds
the first opportunity. This threat CON-
ing to Capt. Lynds' ears, he sent for
this convict, received him alone in his
bed chamber, and, without appearing
TO notice any thing peculiar in his man.
ner, directed the convict to shave him.
The convict performed the operation
without any attempt at violence. When
1T was over, Capt. Lynds dismissed
him, telling him that he had heard he
had threatened his lie, but that he
knew he would not dare to attempt
ii; and that he had sent for him alone
and without arms, to let him see how
little he feard him.
HAYTl.-The Haytian Govern
ment and people are in considerable
transformation in consequence of the
pcremptory demand of the indemnity