The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1848-03-18

Coolidge before the mnrder The DR.. had
previously asked him several times wheth-
err he had any money 10 lend him. If he
mentioned any amount, II was not more
than $500. When he asked me for the
$4,000, told him l would think of it,
Witness was frequently in and out of the
prisoners Office. Has been in The back Office
with the DR.. Did not know he kept brandy
bottle there. Once drank some cherry tree
bitters there, which the boy got; cannot say
whether prisoner was present. On Saturday
morning, after the murder, at or o'clock, at
Williams tavern Coolidge, Savage and Robin
son were in the bar-room; Coolidge called me
into the front entry, behind jog that is there
no other person was present. Coolidge re-
marked that the inquest questioned him as to
the conversation with witness about money.
Witness told him when he heard that the DIR.
had applied to Edward Mathews for money,
he (witness) remarked that the d.. had ap-
piled to him also. The doctor then said he
had not asked for money; he had said there
might be money made in speculations west
and south. Prisoner asked witness if he could
not fix it somehow so. Witness said he should
tell it as itswas. The doctor remarked, "Mv
God! am ruined man ~ Says he, George,
II can only get rid of your evidence, l am
clear. Said he could prove by his uncle IN
Hallowell thot Mathews was lar-that he
was not going to have money of him. Said
qe was making 500 day by his business, and
had no occasion for money. Said mis- reputa-
ton alone would clear him. He asked me if
had told for whom this money was; l told
him had said it was for DIR. Potter. He ask
ed me if couldno get rid of Potter somehow
told me to thy to get rid of him if could.
Repeatedly said, "My God, am a ruined
on old Nv r1 - = III
innocent man." In the course of the CONVEX
saticn, Dr. c. spoke of making witness a pre-
sent of $50. Had not then been before the
inquest. Told witness to say before the in
quest, that he CDR. c. had frequently spoken
about makinS money by speculatious-had
mentioned 1t that very day-requested me not
to say anything CT Or. Potter. Cannot sey
in what conversation he spoke of the present
of $50.
Cross examined. Lived in Waterville then.
Was II last May. Has not been in the habit
OF letting large sums of money; was not in
any particular business was collecting rents
part OF the time; seeing to farming business;
was about the street much of the time. Had
traded in horses; about $4,000 ar $4,000 a
year; carried six horses to Boston at time to
sell: bought them about Waterville. Not
mnch money to be made in the business did
not make much. Had about $500 to trade on.
Had nothing when he begun. Was Just
about able to clear out and pay up what he
had hired. Gave or per cent for the mon
ey he hired. Had sometimes 5000 at time,
but owed for what he had borrowed. First
went before the inquest on Saturday aftor-
noon. The next time was Monday. This
conversation in the entry was before witness
went before the inq uest. Did not mention
this conversation in the entry the first time he
went before the inquest. Witness does not
know where he could raise $4,000. Does not
say that DR.. Coolidge was perfectly acquaint-
ed with his pecuniary ability. Cannot say
what DR.. c. thought-supposed him to be Sc
rious in his proposition. Never drank any
thing in the doctors office but the time men,
toned. Was frequently there. The doctor
appeared pretty cool part of the time during
the conversation in the entry; the other part
OF the time he appeared anxious and excited
uneasy, agitated When he spoke of DIR.
Potter, he appeared alarmed. The doctor
once let witneas have $44 to buy a horse
bought it, and the doctor did not take it. Paid
the money afterwards to Pray. The under.
standing was that the doctor was to bear the
loss; refused to pay him the money till the
horse was sold when the horse was sold, paid
the money to Pray. Did not like it very well
that Pray made him pay the money. Was Is
10 oU minutes Denlnu tne STAIRS WIN the doc
tor. Some one passed in the entry during the
conversation; witness did not see whom
There was excitement in the village but not
many stirring at that hour. DR.. Coolidge's
name was freely connected with the affair
thinks the money and watch had not then
been found. Did cot know that Coolidge was
watched at that time. Collected rents for
witness father n. Gilman, now lives in New
York ; rents on real estate and stores; father
previously lived in Waterville. Witness is
now iu the leather and hide business in New
York. with Mr.. Miles-capital $4,000. Part
nership was formed fortnight since, or there
abouts. When before the inquest on Satur-