Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-05-04


tuition and laws of this State. And the said Jurors
are ready if the Honorable Court shall so advise, to
furnish for the information of the Court and the 80
citor for the State list of witnesses to prove these
facts And whether this is violation OF the crlml-
nal law and what is their duty in the matter, they,
the said Jurors, ignorant, and pray the advice OF
the Honorable Court in the premises.
D. ]. ROBERTS, Foreman.
G J. D. GARRISON, JEREMIAH WEST,
JOSEPH MILLER, H. LINDSEY,
ELIJAH MORGAN, sims OWNBEY,
Jos. BARNARD, g. W. HAMPTON,
A. M. GUDGER, L. y. ROBERTS,
RoBT. HAWKINS, JAS M RAY,
JOHN MCMERRELL, U. WARREN,
E HEREIN.
CHARGE OF JUDGE SAUNDERS.
The Grand Jury applied to the Judge for instruc-
tons as to whether it indctable offence it it
should appear that Society had been formed IN this
county, the object and des gn of which was 10 ntu-
ence men to join the Society and then by oaths to
bind lis members to secrecy and to compel them to
vote against their will, for against particular
candidate His Honor replied in substance, that it
had been said by high authority, that few things are
involved in greater doubt in the criminal law than
the point at which combination OF persons in a
common object becomes illegal If his be in Eng
land in regard to associations of political character,
still it be in this country. 1t is the
combination or agreement of number Of persons to
do particular act, that constitutes the gst of the
offence. But 10 make the conspiracy agreement
combination and agreement must be to effect legal
purpose by illegal means. The administration of an
oath the members of any Society not to divu ge its
secrets, to do not to do any particular act, is le
gally Of no binding obligation, and in moral point
of view decidedly wrongs The law only authorizes
the Judge Magistrate to adm mister an oath, in
some legal investsa alton then pending and of which
the Magistrate may have jurisdiction and unless
thus administered, the party should he swear
falsely could not be convicted of perjury. If party
word of honor could not bind him, an unauthorized
oath would not likely have the effect of doing So
In England they have act of Parliament declaring
the Socie.y of United Ir1shmen. and some other So
cieties unlawful, and forbidding the admnistra-
ton of oath 10 its members, according to the rules
of the Society. But we have such statute in this
State, and whatever may be thought of such oaths
by Christian men, they cannot be treated criminal
In this country parties and associations may unite to
carry any political oh ject by fair argument,
and even hold out personal honors advantages TO
unite IN the support OF particular men or measures
But if any of men should conspire together to
elect or defeat any one, who might be held up for
public trust, by forcing the voter to vote against his
will, by threats or otherwise, the act would be un-
lawful, and therefore criminal. And if the Grand
Jury should knew that any such act had been done,
it would be their duty to present the offenders. So
if the Grand Jury should know have reason to be-
eve that there existed in the county any association
of men, combined together 10 effect such purpose,
it would be their duty to investigate the matter and
act accordingly But the Jury should not institute
such investigation, unless they had sufficient
grounds to aspect that such conspiracy did exist,
and that for an unlawful purpose.
One Articles of Faith of the Episcopal Church
and the Methodist Church it is believed has Article of
similar import-declares rash swearing is
forbidden Christian men by Lord Jesus Christ. But
mat man may swear when the Magistrate requireth.
Who Is Mrs. Patterson :---The Question Answered
The Boston Fines publishes the following letter
purporting 10 come from Mrs. Patterson, whose name
has gained some notOriety by connection with the
NCnnery Committee of the Massachusetts Legisla-
ture. There has been much to grieve and some
thing to laugh at in the proceedings of that Commit
tee. Mrs. Patersons letter comes fairly under the
latter head
BosroN, April IT, 1855
Mr.. Editor Of the Times Having been dragged
unceremonlously, and with ruthless and indecent vio-
lence before the public, by hireng Jesuitical and
parastcal press take advantage of your liberal
columns to make plain statement of facts | do
this not so much to excu pate myself-for fear nei-
Their devil nor prest-but to relieve from popular
odlum worthy and unotfending man, christian and
gentleman-Mr. Joseph Hiss.
In the first place then, Mr.. Editor am a married
woman. My maiden Matilda Blount.
married to Capt Iehel Patterson in this CITY,
by the Rev. Mr.. Streeter the 25th of August,
| 1850. | was born in Portland, Maine; from which
port my husband, for several years, ran a packet
schooner 10 New fork-the schooner's name was
" Jenny Patten." In 1852 my husband went to CAL
ltornia Not succeeding there he proceeded to the
Sandwich Islands, and he is there now, running a
small steamer between Konaka and Tooraloo He
writes 10 me by every California packet and never
have had any reason to complain of his want of al
tenton or to doubt his fidelity.
Mr. Editor, live here in private AMI highly re-
spectacle tamll ~ in Harrison Avenue. My circle of
acquaintance is limited but those with whom 10
associate bear the best reputation for sobriety and
morality. You will please bear in mind, Mr. Edi-
tor, that didn't know Mr.. Stephen Emery and have
no desire to become acquainted with such beast !
! One day the lady with whom reside proposed a
trip to Lowell, to sister of hers who was in one
OF the mills. She was also Maine lady | told
her that would go with her. because gentleman
they called Corporal Streeter lived in Lowell and nv
husband had written to me TO see him about buyne
a gold mine i'll Virginia. 1 had never seen Corporal
Streeter but my andlady said she had and would in
troduce me- we got ready TO 60, and were about
stafnng' "nen MIs. -'s (my landlady's) little
BABY was taken with spasms-she'd Just been cut
ting two large back double teeth Mis- con.
Guiding not to leave she gave me the necessary d.
rectlons, and | set off alone. bought nv ticket for
seventy five CENTS of the ticket-master in the depo
MIR. Editor took my seat in the cars, and Just
after the train started gentleman came up-I took
MN TO be a gentleman, he had such clean finger
naIls-anG smiling at me, he said enquiringly-
| :" Tins is Mrs. Patterson, believe %
Although much surprised, told him that was nv
name.
I" Mrs. Matilda Patterson 2" he continued.
{" was christened Matilda" replied.
! "Wife of Capt. Jehie Patterson 2"
Wife OF Jehlel Patterson. Anything more sir .,
enquired, growing little vexed at his impertnence
although ne looked very innocent and simple like.
He begged would pardon him. Said he knew m,
husband In California, and that he had been intro
duced to me by him in this city. | believe he lied
for don't remember ever having seen him before -
Just before we reached Lowell this eeptlemap-I for
-aaid III