The Vermont freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1842-1843, 1842-12-10
LATIMER CASE IN OHIO

Inc peaceful town oil Newark, IN Ohio, has
recently been thrown into quite turmoil by
the arrest and commitment TO Jail of negro
man named Nelson, claimed as the property of
John Dyke. of Clarke Co. KY. his removal I'M
der a writ of habeas corpns, and final escape
Nelson came TO Newark some four months ago..
and hired TO tend livery stable, where he re-
manned until his arrest, steady and attentive
hostler. Judge III rughey issued the warrant
for the arrest of Nelson, and the Sheriff COM
mitted him to jill TO await an investigation into
the claim pet up for him as slave. The Ga
e-.a-saSsA
This was the first intimation the public nae
of any thing of the kind going on, and as might
well be EXPECTED, it created terrible buzz in
the camp of the abolitnnsts; expresses were
despatched hither and thither in every direction
Messrs w. Stanherry and S. White were en-.
gagged as counsel for defendant, and Mr.. G b.
Smythe for plaintiff, and every thing was in a
whirl of excitement. This feeling continued
until Monday morning, when all expected to
hear the trial But before the trial came on,
writ of habeas corpus wa. issued by Judge
Bancroft of Granville, and despatched to the
Sheriff, authorizing him 10 have the prisoner
before him in Granville forthwith This was
only oil to the already burning fame; the ex-
element increased, and breath was by no
means spared by either of the parties
After considerable difficulty, at times nearly
amounting TO riot, the prisoner was taken to
Granville, and the trial took place in the con-
ference room Of the Academy, which was crowd
ed TO its utmost with excited spectators. Mr.
Stanberry appeared as counsel for the negro,
aud Mr.. Smythe for the claimant Tie Judge
decided the law of Ohio under which the slave
was arrested, to be unconstitutional, and the
Court said. "that in deciding such cases, it
IL Al
higher Courts. and as U. S. Supreme Court had
decided that all laws conflicting with those of
the General Government are Unconstitutional
he must therefore discharge the prisoner"
But now followed scene, that if put ON cam
vass would have honored Hosarth or a West
1t defies description. No sooner had the Judge
said that the prisoner discharged, than a
rush was made for him by the abniiionists, he
was caught by the collar and dragged few pa
ces, when the crowd became so thick around
him, that some laying hands on him were mista-
ken for " Nggn-k.tchers and had their faces
used as anvlls for the greatest kind Of sledges,
and for few seconds confusion reigned tri-
umphant. While were laughing TO the
abolitionists endeavoring to maui each other. we
1 were no less amuse4 by .he lcci:s Of lie Ken-
tuckian and his assistant
He stood back apparently supplied. his neck
| stretched to its utmost, and his eyes like mus
/ ket balls resting on his cheeks-tfe very picture
| of horror. surprise, and dismay; and we suppose
saying his prayers. and making his peace with
the world. We turned our notice TO the negro
| tumble. which had now reached the door, and
followed it as fast as possible. but by the time
we got out. they had reached the street with the
negro, had him mounted on a horse, an escort
! by his side-when one loud whoop of triumph
was given by the abolitionists, returned by the
negro ahead. his form recsding from view, and
the clashing of honfs he went over the hill.
West of Granville, was all that was left of VIVA,
i had caused so much fuss.