Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian., 1859-11-19
The CharlestOwn Trials.

CHARLESTOwN, Nov. 8.
The excitement in regard to the trial of the
Harper's Ferry conspirators still continues,
and fair progress is being made by the Court
in the disposal of the cases.
The case of the free negro Copeland was
brought to close on Saturday afternoon
The jury finding verdict of not guilty of
treason as charged in the first count of the in
dictment, he not being recognized as citizen
and guilty of the conspiracy with the slaves
| to rebel and of murder as charged in the Sec
| ond and third counts. The case was ably
argued by Andrew Hunter on behalf of the
State. The prisoner was defended by Geo.
| Sennott, of Boston, who labored with much
zeal for his client.
A bill of exceptions and motion for the ar
rest of judgment was entered by the prison
er's counsel, which will be disposed of to-
morrow morning.
THE CASE OF CAPT. COOK.
The Court assembled at 10 o'clock, A. NJ.
on Monday, and was called to order by Judge
Parker.
The Grand Jury was sworn, and imme-
diately proceeded to their room to consider
the case of Capt. Cook.
A number of witnesses were summoned,
and the jury was absent a little over three
hours
On the assembling of the Court Mr. Hard
ing, the prosecuting attorney, stated that as
q number of the witnesses in the case of Cook
who would not be in Stephens case were
present, he would, if agreeable to the counsel
on the other side, move to take up the case of
| Cook first.
Thos G. Green, Esq, one of the counsel for
Cook, said that as the counsel had not yet
had time to read the indictment, and had not
yet decided what plea to enter to the charge,
| he was unable to proceed in the case, and
would prefer that the commonwealth would
proceed with the case of Stephens, which
would allow them time to prepare for the case
of Cook.
| The case of Stephens was called up, and
Stephens was accordingly brought into Court
and placed on a mattrass. He is looking pale
and baggard, abstinence from food and the
large quantity of medicine taken by him hav.
ing had decided effect He bears up under
his wounds with much fortitude and is seldom
heard to murmur. His counsel, Mr. Sennott,
who had endeavored to have his trial moved
to an adjoining county, but was refused, ap-
peared, and the empannelng of the jury was
proceeded with. After q considerable num-
Der of jurymen had been obtained, Mr. Hun
ter arose and said that he had Just received a
dispatch which would probably interfere with
further proceedings in the empanneling of a
Jury. He then read the following dispatch
from Gov. Wise:
RICHMOND, Va, Nov. Z.
To Andreao D. Hunter-Dear Sir:
think you had better try Cook and hand
Stevens over to the Federal authorities.
Respectfully, HENRY A. WISE.
Mr.. Hunter stated that he had been in cor
respondence for several days with Gov. Wise
and had in possession a number of facts i'm.
portant to the development of this case
which were unknown to the public, and
would for the present remain so. He had
since his last letter to the Governor come into
the possession of other facts which pointed tC
Stephens as the most available party to be
handed over to the Federal authority, as he
felt assured enough would be ascertained t.
result in bringing before the Federal bar 9
number of the prominent Abolition fanatics
of the North.
Mr.. Harding objects to the proceedings
and insisted that the case should be proceed
ed with. He was not in league with Gov
Wise or anybody else. He was not feed by
any one, and would only secure as a com
pensation for his arduous labors in the cast
the small pittance allowed by the Circuit
Court.
Mr.. Sennott remarked that he had not con
suited with his client, and as the jury hat
partly been chosen. he would not consent
that the State should and over to the Gov
ernment the prisoner, for what purpose wa
known to Gov. Wise and h d been forshad
owed by the remarks Of Mr.. Hunter
: time had been allowed, the trouble had IN tn
empanneling Of the jury would have beer
dispensed with.
Mr.. Hunter then remarked that he woul,
then proceed Immediately with the case Q
Stephens, and hand over the prisoner Hazlett
, who has not been indicted, to the Fedora
4 Court. 1t was material whether Stephen
e would prefer trial or not.
! Nr. Sennott then asked delay Of me