Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-05-08
Correspondence Of the Herald. !
The Rer. Mr.. Knapp in Rochester Curious Trial


ROCHESTER,, May Sd, 1910
The Rer. Mr.. Knapp in Rochester Curious Trial.
Rail Roads &c
The Court of Oyer and Terminer, Judge Dayton
Presiding, has Just closed a session Of two weeks
The most curious and interesting trial was that of
Mr.. Young, lawyer OF your city, who was indict-
ed for resisting the Sheriff of this county, in the
vice Of process The history of this affair is briefly
follows:-About year ago, that godly saint, the
Rev Mr.. Knapp, who has lately figured in your
wicked city, held forth for the space Of nearly two
months in this place. Great was the excitement
produced by the preaching Of Brother Knapp, and
numerous were the subjects brought from natures
darkness into the marvellous light Of orthodox bap
tism The aforesaid Mr.. Young happened here about
that time, and employed in the business Of get
ting subsc riders to the stock of the Tenth Ward
Bank. He did not get many subscribers, but he got
religion under knapp's preaching In the course Of
his iabors Brother Knapp preached sermon against
hcentiousness, drunkenness and gambling, in which
sermon he attacked some Of the hotels Of Roches-
ter, particularly the Monroe House, kept by Mr.
West The day which Knapp was to leave the
city, Mr.. West sued him for SANDER, and the writ
was placed in the hands OF the Sheriff. Some ungod
ly wags were determined to escort the Rev. gentle
man out Of town with becoming honors and hired a
band Of music, which was placed in open car
rage, and followed the stage coach through the
principal streets, playing the Rogues March, and
other appropriate airs Several OF Mr.. knapP's
friends, amongst them Mr.. Young, were in the coach
with him, and the cavalcade came opposite the
Eagle Tavern, surrounded by mob, the coach was
stopped, and the Sheriff attempted to arrest Mr..
showed fight, installing the Sheriff for the leader OF
the mob, who they supposed intended TO lynch Mr..
Knapp As soon as they ascertained that IL was the
Sheriff. they surrendered at discretion, and went to
the Sheriff. office to give the necessary bail The
scene at the Office was rich beyond description. As
soon they entered, the godly man fell upon his
knees and commenced an audible prayer, in which
he invoked blessings upon his prosecutors. The
office was crowded, and in enc corner was Knapp
praying at the top OF his voice; at the table the law
yers were making out bail bonds; and at the door
and in the street immense mob some crying
out Lynch hun ~ and his female converts by doz-
ems in agony Of grief at such abuse OF holy
After the bail was given, MIR Knapp left town, and
MIR. Young was indicted, as have before mention
ed His trial came off last week, aud although the
Sheriff swore positively to the resistance, he was
acquitted Brother Knapp was here a witness in
the cause; and in to the questions Of the law
yers took occasion to give the sinners Of Rochester
some severe thrasts. Knapp is curious specimen
Of the ranting exhorter, and IL unquestionaby the
best Mawworm now living. I believe he has
turned to New York, and commend him to your
especial attention.
The opening Of the Canal has given new impulse
TO bust in this quarter Business is brisk, and
the boats full Of freight. The Legislature has re-
Gently passed law loanng the credit Of the State
for 100000 to the Tonawanda Rail Road Compa-
ny. This road runs from Rochester to Batavia, 81
miles. II has been completed about two years; is a
miserably constructed affair; and IL mortgagcd for
its full value. This loan is intended 20 pay the debts
-f the Company, and relieve Of the large stock
holders from their embarrassments. The history Of
this road would be a curious and instructive chap
ter, and Mr. schermerhorn, now Of your city, can
enlighten you in regard to H. II is something like
this:-The Tonawanda Rail Road Company Dor
rowed 80 ss9O,etO 81 Safety Fund Bank-that
Bank borrowed the money Of Comptroller Flagg.
Comptroller Cooke now wants the money. and calls
on tho Bank-the Bank calls on the Rail Road Com
pany The Company borrows the credit Of the
State, and pays the Bank; and the Bank pays the
State with the credit Of the State aforesaid How
this world is given to humbsg and the "credit sys-
tenn" Yours. sc.