Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-02-08
From the Richmond Compiler.
a II l. NJ A II X ABLE TRIAL,

! In the "arious vicssituGes Of journalist, the
flood of current and legislative details which
often overwhelni newspaper, j: cannot be posi-.
BILE Tor him TO make room for all he desires 10 no.
tlce We generally in deciding what to insert.
make species of news which perhaps some pre-
Ter, yield 10 matters of importance to the business
and interests OF the people for whom we CATER
Recently we have been compelled to leave out a
great deal which we had purposed inserting. OF
this was some account of recent remarkable
case III New ork, which we will now briefly
stale.
young woman named Amelia Norman, some
time since stabbed named Henry Ballard
in the porco of the Astor House; she was ar
rested, Imprisoned, and week before last, tried on
charge of siabbing with intent to kill. 1t is
stated that Ballard was her seducer-lhat he ac-
complished his purposes by course of cunning
the most unprincipled he abandoned her un-
der circumstances the most crne-that he made
voyage TO England-that on his return, She re-
duced 10 want. with her infant TO provide for,
sought han ana appeal led to him for aid--that he
brutaiiy repuised her, and he was about pa
into the As,or House, she desperately threw her
sell upon him and stabbed him in the breast The
wound was not serious. though inflicted but little
way from where 1t would have proved fatal. 1t
was proved that she had, before she fell into Bal
lhrd's snares, been discreet, modest and aniable
Cir! of respectable paren,age.
ne fact OF the stebbing was clearly proved
and the counsel for the prisoner moved that the
evidence establishing the facts above stated. be
introduced, as having led to the state of mind I'M
der which the prisoner assaulted Ballard. The
counsel for the prosecution objected and eIabo.
rate arguments were submitted pre- and con. On
behalf OF the motion, the decision in the case of
Singleton Mercer, by which the whole testimony
OF the seduction of his sister by Heberton, whom
he murdered, was admitted, was quoted The
Judge, however, overrued the motion, on the
ground LIST, that it could not justify the attempt 10
XIII Tor such justification, The provocation must
De contemrotancous with the Intended homicide g.
the proposed evidence was not Of that character;
"a, that as going TO show the state Of mind at the
time OF the assault, the evidence was not admissa-
blew hat would produce insanity in some con-
siiutlons, would mol in others, and therefore
causes were not safe test for the Judgment of a
jury Of the sanity of individual, unless accom-
panied by evidence of the Gtct Some act should
be proved indicating deuded state of mind at
the lime or about the limo when the assault was
committed
Notwithstanding the decision of the Court the
Jury would go behind the testimony admitted,
and make up their decision in view of the train of
events which led to the desperate deed ofthe pris-
oner. Frequent attempts made to elicit
from witnesses the desired testimony but the
Court overruled them all. Tire arguments for
The prosecution and for the defence were able
The latter was addressed with great power to the
feelings of the jury, and was often applauded by
the crowd, w III hung upon the trial with intense
interest. Court was unable 20 repress these
popular ou-bursts. After having the case sub
united to them, the jury promptly rendered YER
diet Of acquittal.
When the verdict was rendered, the courthouse
iof long time ruDg with shouts and clippings OF
applause. The prisoner at the annunciation of
the verdict, tainted with excess Of feeling but
was restored, and was taken away by number
of respectable ladies, among them Mrs Hopper.
ana Mrs. H. VI. Child, the celebrated auihoress,
VINO had stood by her through the trial, and had
undertaken 20 see after her future welfare Mrs
Child with alacrity took her to the bosom of her
family to treat her as one of It's members
The case is remarkable indeed for the extent
and degree of excitement it occasioned. On her
acquittal her counsel was overwhelmed with the
greetings and congratulations Of the crowd Bal
'aTd mad TO flee :be city. The greatest sympathy
was evlnced for the accused. Anonymous letters
were daily sent her, inclosing money. Mrs. Child(
IN Ietter to one OF the New York Editors, SIS
"l appeal TO the maniness of New Yo-a edit
TORS to iorbear inserting unfounded, pcrtfps malt
ciouS Tuinors' concerning this poor "earI
glrl' never saw stronger indic7.'ons OF V'sh
TO return TO the paths Of virtao and to ai0'' a'
lar as possible, for past errrS, by liieo' iipo
est secluslon and usefulness. In the anne OF hu-
manly, throw no obstuciions In hf %ay, Vu',"-
Their aid her if yod can. Lear GoIu oiooded
sneers TO him who ruined her, '"O "no' naturally (
enough, would like to hide 20 own shame by ag- /
gravating hers"
After referring 10 sb b;s ao'e" M "nlch
ionfnal proposes Z following remedy for this
Now here ,.st reform begin, if ever society is
r. no, I'D c|.his evil. So long as the known Sc
dncsr unprotected female innocence is admit
ted ip< respectable society-so long as honorable
AM HsPectable fathers and mothers permit such
~fehnais TO pollute with their presence, the at
sosphere Of a virtoous dwelliDg--so long will
he crime OF seduction increase. and be peTpera-
ed with impun,ty. And the only way in which
his change In public sentiment can be effected,