New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-07-10
Slave Cases In California.

From the Placer Times OF May ~
The proceedings Of our courts the past week nave
aft rded unusual interest. Charles coOred man,
claimed as a slave Of Lindal Hays, was brought be-
fore Judge Thomas on writ OF hdbeds corpus, and
discharged, the Judge maintaining that under the
Constitution Of the State, and under the Mexican
laws previously existing, be had no right TO detaln
him. We shall give the opinion OF the Court at
length, and history of this highly important trial,
on another occasion. The man Charles was again
brought up on Friday for breach OF the peace, in
having made an assault upon said Hays, and for
unlawful resistance to the Sheriff and officers ar
resting him. Mr.. Hays deposed that the prisoner
drew knife upon him, against which he defended
himself that the knife was accidentally dropped,
when the prisoner took to flight Hays in pursuit
a third party, a gentleman, then came up, struck
the fugitive with stick and added him Sheriff
Mckinney appeared at this time, with officer TAFT,
who took the prisoner in charge. Other witnesses
were examined but nothing material elected. The
defense offered very little testimony and that bear.
ing upon the circumstances OF the arrest and resist
ance OF the prisoner. The arguments urged by de-
PENDANTS counsel were, that the Sheriff had no
warrant and was not authorized TO make the ar
rest without one. Second That no breach OF the
peace was committed at the time OF the arrest nor
In presence of the Sheriff Third, That the prison
er, Charles having been declared a freeman by the
decision of our Courts was JUSTIFIED In the resist
ance he offered TO Linda Hays's attempt to cap
ture him. -
Numerous authorities were cited by counsellor
Zabrskie to sustain these and the collateral posi-.
tons affecting the case. This gentleman adhered
closely to the legal aspect OF the question: and dld
not respond to the irrelevant dituse, and personal
haraneue which was permitted to succeed him
In consideration Of the peculiar circumstances oil
the case and the great interest manifested by the
crowded assemblage which had been drawn TO-
eether, the Court allowed liberal latitude OF aus
cussion Justice Sackett promptly discharged tns
prisoner. the position taken by the defense being
fully supported by the testimony OF the witnesses,
and thoroughly sustained by the direct bearing Oh
the authorities 1t is well known that Oh the per
sous brought here az slaves, bat small proportion
are now retained in service by their assumed mas
ters Whatever impressions maintain elsewhere,
few in our midst doubt the perfect liberation tnat
awaits the slave who places bis loot on our iree
soil but the friends OF freedom and humanity eV-
ervwhere will welcome gladly the ready response
hitch onr Courts have given to the unshackling
tendencies which distinguish the spirit OF this age
colored man by the name OF Lawrence was
married, on Thursday evening, to Margaret
woman hired out to service In this city, oy VII
liam Mar, who claims to be her master Inc 9 &C
remony was performed by the Reverend and Hon
| DIR, Deal. The happy bride and groom had retired
for the night bat very early in the morning were
rudely disturbed by the attacks OF said Marr upon
the house, which were continued until admission
was gained when, by threats and drawing plstol'
be compelled Mrs. Lawrence TO go on WIZ nlm'
withc ut the show of any legal authority, and con-
trsry to the laws Of the State and he now holds
her in in custody and safe keeping, and threatens
10 carry her away against her husbands consent
We learn that writ Of kdbeas corpus was refused
BY Judge Thomas on the ground OF nsuthcIency
in the application, and that doubts entertainer "
him as TO the rights OF black man to obtain such
writ to the detriment of the claims OF white
person. In the nuptis affair, sad to relate 1t APP
ne,rs that the bride is since disposed to stay with
her present claimant as mistress of his household,
propositions having been made aud accePte6 TO
that effect but as be offers TO resign her upon
tusl affections cannot be much commended, while
! the questionable morality Of the whole affair is
| apparent