Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1841-05-12
The Case of Mcleod.
SUPREME CoURT-Belore Chief Justice Ne
son and Justice Cowen.

S~i S'io JuSi1CO OC"eH
May CAS- it was generally krown that
the case Of Alexander Mcleod would come
this day before the Court, the doors were be-
sieged at an early hour by gentlemen of the bar
and others, who desired admission. There
were also several elegantly dressed ladies' pre-
sent, who obtained ingress through the person
al exertions of distinguished members of the
bar and were accommodated with seats near
the bench Mcleod was brought into court by
the Sheriff of Niagara county, without partcu-
lar observation, his person not being generally
known. He took a seat within the recess of
one of the western windows of the court room,
where he remained as long as his presence was
necessary. He is man of geniemanly bear
ing, rather over the middle height, OF very re-
spectacle exterior, but of saow complexion.
His counsel In attendance were Mr.. Joshua A.
spencer, who has received the appointment of
United States District Attorney for the Wes-
tern District of New York, since Mcleod be-
came his client, and Mr. Bradley. The Attor-
ney General for the State, Mr.. Willis Hall and
Mr. Wood, the District Attorney for the coun-
ty of Niagara, appeared for the people. The
Court having been opened, ami some unimpor-
tant business disposed of,
The Chief Justice Observed Motions in
Criminal cases In order.
Mr. Spencer have case Of that descrip-
ton, sir 1t is the case of Alexander Mcleod,
who is brought up on hdbeaS corpus. We are
ready TO proceed with the argument now, or
when the morning business is closed, as the
Court may please We bring here the record
as well as the body.
Chief Justice-What is the nature of your
motion!
MIR. Spencer-We intend to move for the dis
charge of the prisoner, though there are several
motions, some of which are consequent upon
the others. We shall move for the prisoners
discharge, on the ground that the offence with
which he stands charged is public offence, if
anything, committed under the authority of the
Colonial Government. The conduct and the
order have been approved by the British Gov
ernment, Of which we have evidence, and which
we make part of the Sheriff's answer and re-
turn.
Chief Justice-If there is to be any investi-
CATION beyond the record, perhaps it would be
better TO make disposition of that question now.
Mr. Spencer-Oh! there will be nothing OF
that sort.
Chief Justce-And give time to produce aay
evidence that may be desired
The Attorney General-The case has been
presented 10 the Court on the allegation Of the
prisoner, to which we demur, on the,part of the
people; as we deem those allegations insuh.-
cient to sustain the present motion.
| Chief Justice-Then the case is ready tr
argument on both sides?
| Mr.. Spencer-On both sides.
Chief Justice-On account of the importance
of the case, we are inclined to postpone the
gument until the arrival of Judge Bronson, that
there may be a full bench; and he probably will
not be down until next week.
Mr.. Spencer-So far as am concerned it
would be convenient to postpone the argument
until the next non-enumerated day-Friday of
next week. How will it suit your convenience,
Mr.. Attorney General?
Attorney General-Friday Of next week will
be convenient for the prosecuting officers, and
if no objection be made we will defer it to that
day.
! Chief Justice---We set the case down then
for Friday week, at the opening of the court.
The Attorney General at a subsequent period
of the morning, informed the court that Friday
week was the day set apart as the day. of gen
erat fasting and humiliation, in consequence'ot
the Provdehial bereavement of the nation by
the demise of the late President.
Chief Justice---Take Saturday then.
Mcleod was then removedin the custody of
the sheriff, but in consequenceTof theYgreally
increased crowd, and the excitement which was
observable, he was reconveyed in coach to
the debtors gaol in Centre street, Ewhere he is
confined, instead of walking through the streets
as he did when brought up. BY those well in
fo., IL, =: Ill. Il
od's affidavit will set forth the orders of the
Colonial authorities, to cut off the Caroline
wheresoever she might be found, as piratica
vessel--that Mcleod, however, was not one OF
the party-aud also letter from Mr.. Fox, the
British Minister, 10 the Federal Coy ernment
addressed TO Mr.. Webster, the Secretary OF
State, assuming the act on the part of the Brit
ish Government.---N. Y Herald
Distressing Occurrence.