Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-09-15
Witness replied he had not the least doubt
nf ;n,o

Mr.. Goss asked the Witness "as a medical
man." to explain what q crazy man was. The
doctor, he said, might be medical man, and
mayor but know nothings got to be may
ors and legislators sometimes and unless
the doctor would tell the jury what a crazy
man was, he thought his testimony was not
good for much. 81
Wltness-Well, Mr.. Goss, will explain
by giving an illustration. When man tells
me he is about to be married. and goes so
far as to purchase wedding clothes. white
gloves, and all the other etceteras usual for
such an occasion, when the lady he declares
is to be his wife has forbidden him her honse
only day or two before, think it some evil
dence that he is insane. ar
Mr.. Goss denied that such was the case,
and made very ingenious and amusing ex-
PLANTATION of his object in purchasing the
clothes.
Mr.. S. B. Cobb was sworn. He said the
first time he heard about Mr. Goss' insanity
he was spoken to by Mrs Mattesonin regard
to it. She said when Mr.. Goss first called
on her, she thought he was gentleman, and
received him as such. When he made pro-
position of marriage, she began to think he
was deranged. She told him she would not
marry him nor any one else, and desired him
to discontinue his visits. He replied he
could not keep away from her--he must visit
her-and begged her to receive him. He
persisted in going to her house-stad there
till late of nights, and at lergth became so
annoying by his behavior that the police were
called in, and he was elected from the house.
The witness detailed some of his singular
behavior. The most peculiar and striking
indication of insanity was that of touching
everything with his hand. He would walk
about the room, and touch with his hands or
feel every object, all parts of the wall &c.
| and could not be induced to leave the house
SO long as anything remained untouched.
| Mr.. Goss contradicted several statements
| Of the witness, particularly in regard to his
staying late at night He said he never
| then Mrs. NJ urged him to remain longer.
! Mr. Cobb-Mr Goss, don't you thinl
yourself you are insane.
Mr. Goss acknowledged be might be &c
centric.s
| Mr.. Cobb-Do you know how far thcs
eccentricities may lead you?
Mr.. Goss-I cannot tell, any more thai
you can, whether you will be crazy at fiv'
o'clock to night.-God only knows.
In regard to another question touching hi
insanity, Mr.. Goss said Poets and enthusi
asts are thought by some TO be lunatics S
is any man who bends his mind wholly to on,
idea. understand something Of theology
law and physic let one of the jury put
question to me in any of these sciences, an
if don't answer him correctly he may pre-
nounce me insane.
Mr.. Boone-Mr. Goss don't you believ
all the men in this room are insane?
Mr.. Goss-I did think my friend Dl
Boone was little insane on the temperanc
question, but / find he is hardly insan
enough.
: Mr.. Goss acknowledged that he might b
insane in love, for, said he, 81 love that woma
Mrs. Matteson) more than any other o
earth. III marry her YETI
The jury retired to make up their verdic
: As soon as they had left the room, Mr.. Go:
rose, and commenced touching, "commencin
, with the books and papers on the Judg,
table, and going to every object in the roo
I touching the hands, arms, and limbs Of eaC
one of the spectators. and even to the buttoi
4 or their garments. He conversed pleasant
and nationally all the while, displaying @
unusual degree of wit in many Of his repli'
to questions. The proceedings was continue
until the jury returned, when Mr.. Goss r
J sumed his seat. The verdict was handed
d the clerk before the "call' of the jury; aft
: calling the roll he proceeded to read it, b1
n had read but few words when Mr.. Go
interrupted him.
r Judge, isn't it usual to ask the jury if tn,
have agreed upon their verdict!'
d The inquiry was then made of the jury, wi
e replied alfirmatively and the clerk proceed
c to read, but was again interrupted.
: Judge, isn't it usual for the jury to ri
IS and face the prisoner while the verdict
o reading?"
t. Judge Manierre said it was.
} "Well, then, should like to see them G
l. up" said Mr.. Goss. The jury rose, and
n verdict was read, to the effect that the Re
e Mr.. Goss was insane and distracted.
d Mr.. Goss Immediately again commenc
y touching" Advancing to Judge Manner
IS he said-"Judge, | want TO touch you befc
!, you sentence me you are very good looki
e man-rather short in the neck, like Dough
Of but about right. guess" In this style
le went on until the bystanders left the roo
y; Verify there was method in this mad love
g madness
O. Mr.. S. L. Brown was appointed by I
I'd Court to be the reverend gentleman guards