Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1839-01-17

crowd. demanding The lives OF The pri-
soosrs. ssd threaieaisg 70 nae the house
usIess they we're delivered OPP.
This 10 . brief account o{ this most hor-
rid tragedy, Is have slessed IL from the
testimony. The excitemen: mol only in
this city. but throughout the State, has
been tremendous, anc public opinion has
rolled like torrr nt sgaiast the prisoners.
For several Gays IN inquiry has been
progressing before His Honor Judge
Joyce. The ablest counsel have been
employed. and the Court House has been
throngcd with citizens during the exami.
nation. Feeling much interest in the
case. ] attended during the argument.
which has occupied all Of to-day. and
which will be closed To- morrow morning.
In behalf Of the prisoners, the Court was
addressed in . very able and feeling nan
ner. by Col. Robinson and Judge Rowan,
both distinguished lawyers. In behalf of
the Com monwcalih. the case was argued
by the Prosecuting Attorney. and Judge
Harden. Harden was formerly n mem.
Der Of Congress. and is known 20 you for
the power and severity with which he in .
fiicis Justice.
On tits occasion, IL IL needless To say
his argument against the prisoners. was
bold. sarcastic, and convincing showing
mind unawcd by the array OF opposing
counsel, or the wealth, standing or influ.
encc OF the distinguished prisoners.
The department Of Judge Wilkinson on
trial, is composed. digniied and respect.
| full, As is that Of his brother. The Judge
is Il man OF standing at home, and has oc.
cupled high Judicial sia,ion-has been
member OF the Legislature, and was de
puted TO Europe by his State on a mission
TO negotiate for millions Of money. and
until now his character has been unim
peaohcd. He was 10 have been married
tn an amiable lady Of this vicinity. fe "
days after bis arrest. His age is about IS.
/ Murdough is young man OF -, and a
lawyer, | believe. His department on
iiial, cxc,,es any thing but my sympathy.
! A scene occurred ia Court to-day.
which have never seen pnralleled =
/ While Harden Recommending with some
severity upon the evidence, Murdouch
looked ban fercely in the face and ex.
claimed, with voice that run Throughout,
the Court lIousc-"It's a id lie -
This was said in the face Of the Court. and
within three feet Of where his honor was
sitting. The Court was silent and the
advocate was sileni-and for a momcn,
silence and astonishmcnt pervaded the
whole assembly. Al length Mr. Harden
resumed THE Court requires no com
meni upon what il has heard" said he.
and proceeded in his argument. Never
did see mortihc alton aud chagrin more
deeply depicted than in the coun,enanoe
of Judge wilkinson, at this unfortunate
ebulli,ion of Murdough. The words wen
to his very soul. After q few moment,
Murdousb, sensible of his error, apoIoyised
20 the Court, TO which the Court made nc
reply.
! The trial will terminate 10. morrow
The prisoners are operating favorably 10
themselves on The people. The opinion
Of m any is, they will be liberated on bail
Dec. 29,h.-The trial closed 10 dav.-
DIR. Wilkinson was liberated altogether
no evidence appearing agains, him 10 sat
isfy the Court of his having designedly
participated in the afiiay. Judge Wi,kin.
son was held TO bail in the sum Of S5O. 600
and Murjongh in the sum of $4,000.
Previous TO the decision OF the Court.
Judge Wilkinson stated that he was indif.
fercnt as TO the amour, Of bail required
he wished TO he tried by the laws of his
country, and il he had done wrong TO
suffer.
! under,iand the young lady 10 whom
the Judge is bc'rothcd is in this city-and
declared. that if discharged from guilt ar.
ter fair trial. she will be true 10 her
plighted faith.