Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1853-09-24
The Trial of Robert Swami.
HAoERsrowN, Sept. 20, 1858

i $500
Court met, and the examination of witnesses Oh
| behalf Of the defence was continued.
! VIM B, BaIlell re-called.-On Sunday night
after the insult by splitting, met Sprigg at HefeE
| fingers hotel, who spoke OF challenge; did no
| stale terms; but said he could not notice chal
lenge sent in that way it lad been left Tor him
the bar. Said he had been out of town, at hisfa
theirs, all day; and the bar-keeper handed him tn
| letter upon his return after hight.
Geo. w. Blocher called.-As sheriff of Allegha
! n.y. had visited Swami in Jail the morning after h
| was committed; he seemed So ewhat excited; b.
is naturally quick; he talked rational; spoke will
him about shooting Sprigg, and he said he had dom
the act in justification of his honor; that he wa
sorry for it, but having done all he could there wa
no other alternative left.
The funeral was expected to pass, and witness
asked Swami if he would like to it; he said ht
would if not exposed to the public gaze; witness
| told him he could avoid that, and placed him in
position 10 do so; upon seeing the coffin and the
friends of the deceased, as the funeral passed
Swann's head fell, and he cried and continued
downcast. Swann's general character was that o.
peaceable, quiet boy-a genllemanly and inof-
fensive man-lery polite and kind, and had neveI
heard anything TO the contrary. Soon after Mr..
Swann's commitment had given orders not to adj
NIT any person in the jail except having note
from himself, and witness said he had never given
permit to DR.. Moore, "a witness on the part OF
the State.)
Cross examined-Dr. Moore has good general
character. Would believe him on OATH. f
ia. G. Magraw called-Late postmaster at Cum
berland, and formerly head of an academy in Allie
gany county. Sprigg bore bad character; was
regarded as a desperate; often heard it remarked
that he would never die in bed. Swann's charac-
ter gentlemanly; his department good, and never
heard anything said against him. Swami seemed
greatly changed after the insult seemed depressed
and undetermined; previously cheerful
Observation-Disclosures had any difficulty with
Sphgg-he seldom came 10 the post Office; often
sent him word.when letters were there for him.
Geo. S. Evans called.-Sprigg lore the charac-
ter of being abusive, and when excited would cut
OF shoot. Knew Swami from his childhood; was
peaceable, clever, and general favorite.
/ Cross examined.-Sprigg was naturally excita-
ble-quick TO resent or forgive an injury; gene.
rouS and open-bsarted. Can't say that Sprigg car
RED arms.
John F. .Fetterman called.-Sprigg's character
was bad; passionate, desperate. t
John White called.-Justice of the Peace; re-
sides IN Cumberland. Sprgg was excitable and
violent. Never had heard anything derogatory to
Swann'S character.
Michael TIiver called-Sp rigg wasa violent man
Swami sociable and peaceable. Swann's appear
ance and department much changed after the in
suit; seemed greatly depressed, and in deep study
as to what to do. eJ
VIM. K. Newman called.-Sprigg was aquar-
relsome and desperate man; Swann's character
good; never heard anything against it; but after
the insult there was marked change in Swann's
appearance and manner, especially on the day of
killing. ilsss
Francis Donnolly called.-Sprigg coming into
witness cellar, McDermott accosted him as aduel-
ist; Sprigg said no, Swami had not pluck enonghI
to kill cat, or challenge him, andif he should he
would cut his Id head off. Sprigg's genefalI
character was not good.
James Furgeson called.-Sprigg was alnan OF
violent temper; never heard anything disrespectS
full IN gard to Swami; had talked with binl alter
the INSULT found his mind disturbed and unset.
lied; offered to sell the store witness was occupy
ing, and said he would take it out in smoking. 81
conduct wasso remarkable as to cause witness to
lpeakofi.; saw Swami soon after the killing; he
vas much agitated. S'ss