New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-11-12
COCKS TRIAL And CONVICTION

Correspondence of The N Y. Tribune.
CHARLEsTows Va, Thursday, Nov. 10, 1853.
Yesterday the trial of Cook was continued He was
defended by his five lawyers, Gov. Willard, Attorney
General Mcdonald, District Attorney VOORHEES,, and
Messrs. Bolts and Green, just one lawyer for each
count in the indictment. This party of gentlemen have
been moving heaven and earth for the last FIVE days to
get up feeling in favor of Cook The whole forenoon
was consumed in the examination of witnesses and in
raising the same points which had been already taken
in tie preceding cases. In the afternoon the Prose-
cutting Attorney Harding, poured out stream of his
peculiar eloquence for two mortal hours, such as
probably was never heard in a courtroom before, ex
cent in Old Virginia What he was talking sbout no
person seemed to know or care about at ALL and the
cracking Of chestnuts the trsmphng of heavy boots
and the rustling of book-leaves continued rs tran
GULLY "a if be were not in existence.
The Judge, who il one of the most patient Of men,
improved the opportunity to read his newspaper and
examine his orderbook. The lawyers collected their
authorities and arranged their points and Mr.. Harding
having exhausted his tobaccobox and levied upon the
plugs Of all bis neighbors, wound up by saving rat
just,tio ruat coiuru and then rushed out Of the
Court without waiting to the effect of his remarks
Without taking the least notice Of him, Distrct-At
y
of the prisoner in speech of great power almost al
hitting the guilt Of Cook, but throwing the blame on
the Republican party and the Aboitonists, and be-
seeding mercy, at least recommendation for mer-
cy Mr. Andrew Hunter followed for the prosecution,
with his usual directnes, force and success for sfter
being ont abou, an hour, the Jury returned verdict
such Us had been returned against the two negroes,
namely-not guilty of treason, but guilty of the re-
naming counts-for conspiracy with slaves TO rebel
and murder. Cook received the verdict without any
exhibition OF emotion He will hear his sentence in
the morning.
The arrangement undoubtedly was to get rid OF the
count for TREASON which Gov. Wise could not over
set and take convicton for conspiracy and murder,
which is thought he and VIII pardon. To TINS
end the prosecution allowed the witnesses called in
Cooks favor to testify with great latitude and even
admitted An article from The " y Times 10 be read
in evidence, showing the romance of Cooks nature,
and how easily he was led away. Harding, who was
least able 10 that something wrong ana VINO
was in the secret objected 70 the reception OF such
testimony At the top of his voice. but while stopping 10
pick up large and valuable deposit Of tobacco which
had unfortunately dropped of MS mouth, ne was
interrupted by Mr.. Botts who proceeded at wave Oh
Mr. Hunters hand, and got the start Of poor Harding
No management or eloquence, however, could inouee
the Jury do anything but what they had already de-
cded upon aud Cook stands convicted IN the same
manner all the Others with an additional count IN
bis indictment which the Others had not,
All the parties remaining unsentenced viii De seh-
fenced tomorrow morning, when the proper notions
in each will be heard prior to taking the ~hoie
matter up 10 the Court of Appeals.