The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-03-16
LAW lNTELLIGENCE.

CRIMINAL COUEr.-Betore Hon. Henry Stump,
Judge.-Milton Whitney, Esq, States Attorney,
prosecuting. The following business was transacted
in this Court Yesterday:
State rs. Ross Johnson indicted on the charge of
arson, by setting fire to the dwelling house of Peter
Wicks, on the I'd of March, 1858.
The traverser in this case, indicted Jointly
with John Cambria, Edward Gettier and Thomas
Hardness, for two offences, one for arson and the
other for attempt at arson. His counsel, s. A.
Leakin, Esq, urged the Court to proceed with his
trial, las he we'll aware that his innocence
could be established that he might be released to
pay the last sad tribute of respect to his mother
whose death had occurred since his confinement in
prison.
A jury impanneled and the trial proceeded
with, the following testimony being elected on be-
halt of the State:
Benjamin Benton testified that he was a police
officer; the morning of the ID of March, 1858,
he was making his usual round about halfpast three
o'clock he went up Biddle street and turned into
Ross street; after he had gone along Ross street
from Biddle to Orchard street. he saw a blaze issu-
ing from the end of frame house on Ross street,
opposite Jasper street; went to the place where he
the fire and succeeded in putting it out; went
across the street, where he met officer Rigdon; told
RigdOn of the occurrence; at that moment saw Get
tier and Gambrill come out of Morgans tavern on
the corner of Eutaw and Ross streets and come to-
wards the place where the fire had been; they turn
ed back and went into Morgan's when witness and
Rigdon secreted themselves under steps in Jasper
ST.; a few moments afterwards, johnson, Hardness,
Gambril and Gettier out of Morgan's and start
ed street; johnson in front and the others to-
geher short distance in the rear when they got to
the place of the fire, Hardness sd are you going to
fire her again." heard response, but after
wards saw Gettier put some paper in between the
houses where the fire had been kindled before;
Gambrill stoop down and strike a match; the wind
was blowing pretty hard and the match went out;
saw him strike another which also went out; they
then passed and witness got from under the steps
and followed them; went up Ross street and turned
into St. Mary's street where he the PARTIES
pistol was fired by Hardness; asked what they
shooting at, and then went for assistance; Gettier
and Gambril came out of Tester street, and Get
tier went across street to his home; witness then
went to Gambr and said he wanted him; Gambrill
said he would not let him take him. and put his hand
in his side coat pockets witness called for assistance
and arrested Gambrill; the others arrested in
the morning.
Officer Rigdon testified that after he had cried
the hour of three he went into Morgans, where he
met johnson, Hardness and Gettier; afterwards
Gambrill came in; he took drink with the boys,
and started up Ross street. when he got on the cor
ner OF Paca street officer Benton told him of the
currence; put his hand in the place and felt that
1t was warm; then saw two of the men come up Ross
street; went down Paca to New street and got into
Jasper street, where he secreted himself under a
pair of steps; saw the come up Ross st., John
son ahead; when they got to the house Hark-
ness said care you going to set hre to her again.?
saw Gettier stick some paper in, and saw Gambrll
strike the matches; the moon was shining and the
wind blowing hard from the Northwest; they then
went away; johnson was intoxicated at the time
Several other witnesses were examined on behalf
of the State: their testimony did not bear upon
the facts of the offence but related entirely to the
arrest of the traversers.
The counsel for the defendant examined a number
of witnesses, who testified to the good character of
the accused. Two of them stated that he was a
seaman, and had Just returned from three years.
cruise board the st. Louis; that he was dis
charged at New York. on the ODD of February and
arrived in Baltimore the 23d, about week be
q ed he nf viii bo
indicted.
The case being submitted to the Jury without ar
gument, verdict of mot guilty. was rendered on
both indictments, and, on motion, the defendant
was discharged
Mr.. Leakin asked to proceed to the trial of the
other cases, where the parties were indicted for
arson, and stated that he not prepared to pro-
coed with the trials for attempted arson The Court
would not agree to the request and ruled the
for trial on Wednesday next.
SUPERIOR CoURr-Before Hon. Z. Collins Lee,
Judge. This court was engaged yesterday with the
of Griffith Us. Darling Mexican action to
recover the value OF vessel and cargo alleged to
have been illegally seized and disposed Ofby the de
fendants-befOre reported. Jury out at the ad-
iournment of the court.
Assignment for to-day from ls5 to ZIG inclusive
CoURT COMMON PLEAs.-Ihis Court was not in
session Yesterday, in consequence of the absence
from the city of Hon. w. L. Marshal
CmcU1r CouRr FOR BALTIMORE CrrY.-There was
no business transacted in this Court yesterday
DIsTRGcr COURr OF THE UNITED SrArrs.-Befora
Hon. VIM. Fell GILES, Judge. The following bust
ness was transacted in this Court Yesterday
United States Is. George Carroll, indicted on the
charge of buying a quantity of goods alleged TO
have been Struggled or stolen, The jury had not
agreed upon verdict at the hour of the Courts
adjournment.
United States as. Edwin Burr, George Krebs and
Nathaniel Blake, indicted on the charge of snug
CHING quantity of sugar and moasses into this
port on board the brig VIM A. Dresser. The test
mony was not concluded at the hour of the courts
adjournment