Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-12-01

Kesrs Editors Having remained silent up the prssso,
moment In relation TO the Hsgrant wrong which has been
done mo by citizen Of this Common esh hope fsu
remarks In relation to Il, win DO tolerated By indul
gent public Tho particular object Of this communication
Il notice article published 10 your paper Of the esd
inst, which purpor TO DO defence Of Col Smith, Of the
NJ Institute for the pursesd BY him upon the
melancholy occasion to which had reference. II does
strike me- With SURPRISE that any intelligent friend Of Col
Smith, at this time should think that his conduct needs
any defence In relation this II be spps-
rent TO one that the object Of the attack him
vas with no view to fasies 90 him any imputatou Of
wrong but merely to furnish somshng BY which to divert
the public mind from the eoriy Of the crime commit.
by the prisoner at the bar That having been
accomplished the Of the Colonel viii doubt
less acqutt him Of oil blame. II any citizen 10 the Com
mouwea,h complain that additional counsel
employed in the prosecution It myself aud take
pleasure In saying. that my wishes only anticipated
by my friends In this matter. aud they have my most
sincere thanks for 40 doing And 90 far ss Col Smith
concerned should have considered him his
duty to me, had hc have done Otherwise. Ny deeply
lsmented copfied to his care aud had he have
left bis memory be tampled by sttoruey
.hould have thought that he vas unworthy the
high position he held In the service Of the State
Mr.. Niche, therefore, employed BIT Mt to de-
fend the reputation Of my amen,sd con from any as
saus vhi,h the attorney Tor the prisoner might make to
him from the Just penalties Of the Law which be had
40 grossly violated. Aud have only to lament that
headed the advice Of friends in employing counsel on
the late trial. Ii represented that the FIRST trial
the whole burden Of the argument Of the counsel for
the prisoner assault Mr. Niche in appearing
to assist the prosecution. But We have melancholy proof
In the attendant circumstances Of the late trial. that ons
could sustain himself however able he may be
to Ordinary occssons against nine feed lawyers
aud many Of them skilled in the 9ur ks sud Of thu
law The half harsuguing plant and weak minded
jury and the other half to direct the operations of
oesoted mob Wei have likewise iuconestsb Die evidence
In the result Of this trial. that any Is safe In tho
mission Of crime, Who has the purchase
emptou FROM the penalties Of the Law. SO long Is cou-
sjered respectable members of the bar advocate
any enormity for "thc thirty pieces Of silver" long will
society grosn under offences which revolving to hu-
he should have the thanks Of the friends
Of the prisoner, that he by his mterpositiou put II in
their power purchase the life Of the prisoner SO that
nothing exceed the iugraude Of those who controlled
and directed the operations Of tho besotted mob which
d:graced the Common wealth by their proceedings after
tne release Of the prisoner.
Having, then assumed all the responsibility OF employ
ing counsel in this case will ask conclusion IL i, has
this point in this land OF boosted liberty that
citizen is to be robbed OF bis dearest rights aud then
be denied by public opinion from making his griey.
known through tho courts of the county? II So
it the kind Cf liberty which my heroic grand sire
the friend and companion in OF the good Washing
ton-fought and bled Tor In revolutionary struggle
He fought and bled life liberty and the pursuit
OF happiness to his descendants; aud the only time has
bccu called for has been denied through the influence
filthy iuers! But forbear to say more this sub
ct. r. S. BLACKBURN.
Noren6er 81. 1891.
ia.or citizen who has been deeply wropged by copy
ing the above.