Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1855-10-19

NAPOLEON Il.
er limited commenced 10 years ago. In February
| last siaid all night with him at house Of Mr.. Woods,
| near Maeks Meadows. Had good deal converse
ton particularly in reference to turnpike roads my
| business is road-maker. Nothing in his CONVERSE
ton indicated arrangement. but his COuutenanee eX
hbited symptoms of insanity. Peculiar manner of
looking at witness attracted his attention look was
fnrtive and sideways. Nothing remarkable in his
conversation except effort TO arrange his words
carefully abrupt transition from one subject to
another
Cyoss- Examined by Proseention.-Co nvcrsed intel
lpeny; exhibited no insanity in his thoughts or
their connections something in his face very peculiar,
yet difficult TO explain saw prisoner 10 or IL years
ago for short period noticed nothing remarkable
but retiring disposition don't recollect having any
| conversation with him at that period. When with
him at Maeks Meadows occupied
Examination Resumed by Detenee--Live in Mercer
county, fifty or sixty miles from Wytheye. Have
had no opportunity to know anything OF prisoners
general character led 10 observe him closely,
when last together from his peculiar look.
HENRY JoHssos-llave known prisoner about 10
years lived on his land until the last two years.
Fourteen years ago was riding from Wytheve with
prisoner the hill beyond Cove Creek he suddenly
threw himsefbaek in his saddle, grtcd his teeth and
swore hcinended to kill several persons and send them
to hell. When twice asked by witness, he replied
that he had had no fuss with any in town. He
said he had not been pestered by witness. His
tenance very black, eyes set back in his head
and neck veins swollen. The paroxysm lasted whilst
he rode a mile. II was four five minutes before
he answered witness. Frequently worked with pris-
oner and have seen him in same spells several times
Never heard him threaten any particular person
except his brother Crockett Graham whose life he
threatened. Saw him attempt his brother Roberts
life-made lick at him with hoe handle Robert
and the handle struck the corner Of the chimney
AS he passed around it, Once when going with pris-
to poatoe patch he passed before Witness when
near it, commenced gesticuating violently, pulled off
his hat and made II keen halo; appeared not to be
master of himself Once when digging coal for pris-
oner, with two other persons, heard him coming,
talking as II with some Prisoner rode up Jump
ed off his horse, passed beyond witness without
speaking caught up piece of coal threw it
his head and then returned and spoke. Prisoner fire.
qnently flushed up in the face Once spoke 10 him
about three dollars one Of the hands wanted. On
occasion last mentioned he gave it to me- but did not
charge me with it when afterwards mentioned the
matter he had entirely forgotten it. At times man
aged his business well, at others did not Lived on
bis land and his fathers for IL years. Had ample
means Of observing him Formed opinion that his
mind unsound. Prisoner wished to kill his
brother Crockett, but never said why. His mother
interposed between him and Robert. Prisoner said
Robert was always trying to impose on him. Robert
is weak-minded and inolensive. Witness saw no
cause for the attack on him, though standing near
His brother Crockett always treated him kindly, as
far as witness knew Never heard him complain of
people talking about him; never saw cause for any
of his paroXysms.
CROSS Examined dY Irosecation-The Paroxysm
Cove Creek was in $40 last before his diticul
y with Mr. Bowyer Don't know whether Robert
gave proyoeatlon when prisoner tried to kill him
no hoe on the handle Might not have been Il hoe
handle Made contracts with prisoner about raising
corn &c. Don't know that he ever made a bad con-
tract. Don't know that he capable at all times
OF making sensible contract Never heard him say
anything about Spiller. Had no conversation with
him for last two years. Talked sensibly Always
friendly with witness never attacked or threatened
him-witness never gave him any cause. Was of
irritable and high temper.
Examination ReSumcd bg DeffRce-IIis appearance
III passion was different from other men. Look was
wild face flushed he crit his teeth and set his eyes
back. Robert never gave him any cause of offence
that witness knew of: was incapable of giving of
fence TO man of sound mind.
Examined By Coart.-Not near enough to hear what
passed between prisoner and Robert in their fracas
Heard Robert say "Damn all my brothers, This
happened five or six years ago.
MRs. DAyIDsoN-Prisoner once came to witnesses
house and asked to stay all night. Husband was not
at home but told him he would return Soon discov-
cred that he was not in his right mind and said so
in the kitchen, When husband returned told him so
likewise Never saw prisoner before, and did not
know who he was until he told me- Conversation
mostly about making turnpikes disappearance was
Wild eyes looked peculiar. Did not notice that the
face was flushed. Had waited on two or three de-
ranged ladies. Comparing his appearance with
theirs, Judged him insane. Felt alarmed and would
not lhNc Sltlu Ill mousse All lllBnt Win nm alone
Never seen him since until this morning. Was not
surprised when heard of the murderand told husband
again that prisoner was deranged.
Gross Lrdmined bY Prosecutioa.-Dont recollect
what he said in particular. Said nothing Irrational
His talk seemed wild When first came up he asked
if husband was not at home then if he would be-
His mode of inching up one side his laugh aud his
eyes gave impression of insanity. Have seen the
same in other persons
Examined dg Court Prisoner remained all nipht
nOt m m ut I'm han A.
supper he got angry with the farm boys who appear
ed rather rude.
Mr. DMInsoS-Qiusband oflast wiiness9 Iecollec the
visit Of prisoner home when he came
sundoNn dark; was in the ward ami
said there derangrd man in the house. Graham Of
Nythe county, witness booted at his being doangcd prisoner
tak'don general subjects there nothing ytat
he said rather got ON two many subjects at onccand back
wards and forwards rather abrubiy talked sensby was
Tightly; would subject abruptly and without
since at Wythe Court one time he Took Wines hand
and ledh Wn the without speaking squeezing thu
stopped when prisoner asked if witness heard those men
hand grit his teeth casred his hands very bad
appearances face flushed neck swollen and ewes looking
very bad Witness thought something was wrong and ft I'M
easy walked back without speaking have avoid
ed him as much as possible Met prisoner he NJ
sort of sideways and 6ioWng did not like his ways him
change color frequently always thought him eranged;
anon me n9eiffnee between u bus t"onc person;
n9 surprised wien heall OF the murder Three years az,
ol person that something ought to he done Am
in right smart places before now Before prisoner walked
Gown me street some person spoke to me- then prisoner
Cross Examined by ProsecNtioBliave always Thought him
insane since this occurrence Hooted my Mt
idea of his being dernuged because one else t.
talk about it, Told Stewart Crockett. and era
ham, that thought him deransed Was at my homso about ~
months before the murder and subsequent his leading me-
down the Don't reoollcc who spoke to me be,re
Graham led off always grasped my hand tight when meet
ing
JAMES BAuFY-Iyciu Mercer saw prisoner in Mcrceron
lis to kaaawha In his company about three hours and
thought something day asked vho mar
rcd in Nythc) about him, became satisfied he
self judged from expression of his Talked various
SUBJECTS his conversation not connected
enance strange Have dcranged similarity very