Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-04-23
New Hanover super,or Court.

New Hanover Superior Court.
We understand that His Honor, Judge Manly is I'M
avoidably detained and viii not arrive here before this
evening, and will open Court to morrow morning.
The State docket is unusually heavy one there be-
ing beside minor Offences the following persons in Jail
charged with capital feones Pitts and two Aliens,
the two last brothers, charged with highway robbery
committed upon Mr. Enoch Robbins of Columbus
county, in the cars of the Manchester Railroad Com
pany while the train at the depot the west side
of the Cape Fear River, opposite town Peter slave
belonging to Mr.. Owen Holmes, charged with the muir
der of Mr. Nixon on Topsai Sound in this county -
Scott free negro charged with the murder of slave
belonging to Mr.. Laspeyre who is now in California
This homicide was committed last Summer on the lot
attached to the residence of Mr. T. Ell. Lane in this
town. There are also five persons from Columbus
county charged with the murder of Aamance county
waggoner, named Shaw the particulars of which have
already been stated in this paper Of these five, two
are white men and three are free negroes We under
stand that deep feeling exists in Mr. Shaws county,
where he would appear to have BEEN much liked and 1t
is said that Hon. William A. Graham may be looked
for here to assist in the prosecution 1t probable that
two of the cases mentioned those of Scott and Peter will
be removed for trial to some other county.
Daily Journal 18th INST
Ba~ The Superior Court, Judge Manly on the bench,
is engaged this forenoon in the trial OF some cases OF
trading with negroes. None of the capital have
yet been taken up.--B 10th INST
The Court is engaged this morning in the trial of
Peter, slave, the property of Owen Holmes, Esq.,
charged with the murder of Mr. Nixon, some time since
on Topsa Sound For the State Mr. Solicitor Strange
for the defence Ii, L. Holmes Esq. Mr.. Owen Holmes
was the first witness examined His testimony is pref
tv much to the same effect as the statements of the affair
which have already been published. Peter is "a young
man-pure negro, but not very black, and has not at
all bad countenance at least not that would at
tract any attention He appears perfectly calm and has
something of a stolid look.
The evidence in the above closed little after
eleven o'clock. The for the State opened by
j. L. Holiness Esq. At II o'clock Geo. Davis, Esq,
was speaking on the same sde-b. 2ld INST
When we closed our report yesterday Mr. Davis was
addressing the jury the case of Peter indicted for
the murder of Mr.. c. w. Nixon. He was followed 10y
H. L. Holmes, Esq. After brief but clear charge
from his Honor the put to the jury, who after
brief consultation returned verdict of Guilty of Muir
DER Ills Honor sentenced refer 10 Do nu0S on the h
day of May, 1858.
There much feeling abroad in regard to this case
the amiabe and every way worthy character of the
deceased had secured him many friends outside of the
large and respectable circle of his relations this county
The outrage resulting in his death was of fragrant
character, yet the law was allowed to take its course
freely and without impeachment Peter had as fair tria
as could have and the advantage of able counsel
The verdict is in accordance with the conclusions of al
who heard the testimony well as with public feeling
yet there indecorum-no exhibition of feeling
All quiet and. respectful.
Scott free negro, indicted for the murder of Bob,
slave belonging to Mr.. Laspeyre, was put his tria
this forenoon Some difficulty experienced in get
ting jury, but about eleven o'clock the number was
completed and Mr. Solicitor Strange commenced stating
the case for the State. The evidence in this case il
pretty lengthy, know, it having all been gon
over at our last Superior Court when Jack Dudley
yellow fellow tried accessory-Ib. 22d a1lSt