The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-05-22
Court or GcnoraI sc.s,on..

Before the Recorder Aldermen Hatfield and Brtton
MAY 2lTyfaI (or Assault with Intent to KiH-A man
named Hugh McDermott was placed on trial. charged
with having the 10th of March last assaulted his
Wife Joanna McDermott with hatchet and attempted
to take her life. En- 5'.t. trs 80.
Joanna McDERMorr being called to the stand testi-
fed that between and O'Clock in the afternoon OF
the Of thu so 70 ua me
time and witness washing her hands and face:
McDermott burst the door Open and immediately COM
menced assault upon her saying that he wanted to
die her. she towards the door, and attempted to
make her escape but he struck her the head with
lath hntchet, knocked her down, and held her the
floor while he administered other blows on her neck
head choed her severely and otherwise maltreat
cd her; witness extricated herself from the grasp of
prisoner by biting his finger; she received two wounds
upon the top of her head and her forehead;
these wounds were inflicted With the sharp side Of the
lath Ratchet witness beleves she badly wound
ed the blood flowing freely from the wounds when
a physician sent for; he came and dressed the
some weeks witness testified that she had been sepa-
from her husband two months; she left him
| because he was incorporate and treated her bad
that she could not live with him; he had often she
said taken knife to her and also threatened to shoot
peace when he committed the assault.
Witness cross examined by prisoners counsel,
but nothing elected except the fact that prisoner
had been jealous for a long tme but there was no
cause for his being jealous
THOMAS MoonE, policeman being called to the stand,
ter that he called to arrest McDermott the
10th of March, he entered the house 362 Broomc street.
saw the woman, and arrested her husband; when hs
was first arrested he denied having struck the woman
and said that the who committed the assault was
up sars the policeman being told by ctators
that this the husband Of the wounded woman,
rested him. and gave him in charge Of another po-
liceman.
The surgeon and physician who attended Mrs.
MeDermott called TO the stand and testified to
the severity of the wounds which appeared to have
been inflicted by some instrument with blunt edge.
They dangerous wounds, and he considered the
life Of his patient In danger for some days.
The defence called several witnesses, who testified
that certain indications Of insanity had been apparent
in the conduct OF the prisoner for several years past
1t stated by his brother that six years ago he
received wound upon the head, being kicked BY
/ horsc Since that time the defendant had been ex-
ceedingy irritable 1t proven also that McDermett
! was jealous of his wife No attempt however was
made 10 prove that any existed for jealousy
he case was ably summed up by the counsel both
sides The Recorder addressed the jury at length
planine TO them the law applicable to this case The
Jury retired, and after absence Of about half
hour returned verdict Of guilty Tho prisoner was
then arragncd for sentencc and on being asked what
lie had to say why judgment should not be passed
against him, he commenced by stating that he knew
nothing of the crime charged against him. lie then
to detail at length and with great minute
n, S. list of which convinced him. he
said OF his wifes nfdclity (All this Mrs McDermott
teJce which was that the prisoner be imprisoned in
the State Prison at Sing Sing for the term VI six
Tiiai for Burglary "A black woman, named Armand
Chambers was put upon trial charged with burglary in
Joseph w. Mecks at 100 Duane street. on the night
thel1th ofApr last and stealing
$50 Entrance into the house effected by breaking
through basement window. The depredators, after
getting into the house proceeded TO the second Story
VI the rooms oil which they carried OH some
glassware, pillows, and articles Of wearing apparel.
The prisoner was arrested by policeman, having in
her possession tilk dress as one stolen from
the house of Mr.. Meeks. On being arrested she said
she got the dre together with other articles from
woman in Church street Her srrcs. was s. csoogns
about by information being lodged ~ inc fiitn ward
station house, by MIR Phillpsa pawnproker AZ NO 90
Orange street who informed Capt Carpenter that the
accusrd had been in his store, endeavoring to sell
looking glass two pillow. aud bolster 1he prisoner
denied having committed the theft but as she did not
~ atisfactorily that she honestly by the goods
found in her possession the jury found her guilty Of
ra,sry in the second degree. She sentenced to
the State Prison for five years.
7yiciE or Burglary Jacob Young, simple fellow,
was put trial for burglary in the Sd degree charged
with breaking into the junk store Of Mr. John Haydock
200 Second street the night Of LIST Of May and steal
ing quantity Of old copper, brass and some paper
rags, valued in all at about sl2 After hearing the
evidence the District Attorney told the jury that he
could not ask for conviction. The accused pro-
nounced not guilty, and discharged from custody.
The court then adjourned