New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-11-10
JOHN BROWNS INVASION.
,rTl.E Y. Tribune.

The proceedings to-day IN the Courtroom were OF
remarkable importance. In my letter OF yesterday
disclosed the plan Of operations that had been prepared
in the case of Cook with view 10 the apprehension
of certain Northern supposed 10 be concerned IN
Browns invasion. That plan has been changed 80 far
as the employment Of Cook for the purpose goes but
not otherwise. That il 20 say, another prisoner,
Sephens il be substituted for trial in the United
States Court at Stanton, to which place nninbsr Of
persons, whose correspondence with Brown ha7 been
shown by the contents Of bic carpet bag, are TO be
summoned TO reveal what they know OF the matter
This scheme on the part of the Government has been
very closely concealed go much tina, all suspicion Of
il has hitherto been suppressed in this place. at least
IL would not have come TO light to-day but by reason
of an accidental delay in communications between
Governor Wise and the authorities here, which rem
dered ii necessary that when intelligence did arrive, it
should be published in open court. This morning
heard the Distret-Auorpey Harding, declare, in
answeroa that Cook might possibly be taken
to another place for trial. that it could never be.
tNo. Sir" he said; "if the United States want
'they him, must wait till we get through with him.
ave caught him. and we mean TO have the first chance
at hanging him. The United States may take his
dead body, if they choose" Such slaughter-house
language as this comes to ones at every turn iii
no longer singular.
When Cooks case was considered this morning some
deay was occassioned to occupy which Stephens was
brought up for trial. This man, with three bullets in
his head and two in bis breast hs face bound together
bv bandaees his frame shattered by wounds, was
dragged in fanting condition from the Jail 10 the
Court ROOM and stretched out upon the floor his head
resting upon chair. Helpless and notionless, but
wholly alive 10 everything that passed, be listened with
much appearance of interest 10 the preparations for the
trial. but Just as the jury had been impaneled and the
evidence was about be put in Mr.. Hunter the senior
counsel for the prosecution and announced that
he had at that moment received a elegTaphc dispatch
from Gov Wise referring 10 the now progressing
The dsJstch was as follows: Let Cook be tried with
YOU and turn Stephens to the United States.
Mr. Hunter went on to say that he had for some time
been in communication with Gov Wise upon THE sub
iect and that il had partly been determined TO give mp
Cook to the United States Court but that the Cover
nor as il appeared had decided otherwise and hap
pened that his decision, by great good fortune was
iust az Mr.. Hunter would prefer TO have it, certain dis
coveries having recently been made winch proved that
the purposes OF the Government could be better carried
out by the change. What We aim at" said Mr.. Hunt
er is not only the destruction OF these men whom we
{" have in confinement; we now strike ar higher and
"wickeder game"
A great sensation followed this announcement. But
when Mr.. Hunter proposed that the trial should be
suspended, and the prisoner remanded TO await the
action of the United States Court the excitement was
intense. The Distict-Attorney, Harding, protected
yehemently against the removal. He denounced all
those who should advocate it. The Court, however,
snubbed Mr. Harding, and limited 10 him 10 go about
some other business, which he did, muttering ven
geance be withdrew.
The question then lay between Mr. Sennott and Mr..
Hunter Mr.. Sennot said that, in capital ease like
this, il was not his duty to decide such matter His
duty was to defend at every hazard, and TO the last
exrensy the who lay there PROSTATE at his feet
But if Stephens should consent to the arrangement
he certainly should not interpose any objection.
word from Stephens settled the He did desire,
he said 10 be transferred to the United States Court
and he was forthwith conducted back to JAIL not at all
discontinued at the new turn Of things
Before be was removed, the counsel for the defense
asked if this trial was to be considered interrupted
forever. The Court said certainly not but am in
clined to doubt the possibility even under Virginia
law, which seems TO he equal TO any emergency, Of
Stephens being properly brought up again for another
trial under the same Indictment after this having
been to-day fairly begun, and stopped midway by the
action OF the Court itself
this new phase of affairs. Great indignation is dis
played by the prospect of one of their prison.
ers escaping from their clutches and satisfaction is
pressed by others at the hope of the eezare of the
Northern friends of Brown. Excited rumors, in such
a state of feeling are of lit..S value; but l may say
that | have beard the names of Gerr Smith, Horace
Greeley, Dr. Howe Of Boston, and number of others
spoken of as among those sure to be summoned to
Stanton
Why Gov. Wise decided that Stephens, instead of
Cook should be taken in charge by the United States
Court it is very easy to understand. There one
explanation which may be developed tomorrow, and
which if il turns out as there is to suppose il
NAV, will throw no credit upon the Government man
ayers Of these trials.
1t uncertain when Stephens can be removed. His
present condition is most pitiabe, and it will hardly be
considered safe TO put him upon any journey now.
Some of the officers say that he may not be taken TO
Staunton until next May, but do not think 80 long
delay will be permitted if he should survive till
that time, which is very doubtful
The Dstrict-Attorney, Harding, is in a most unhap
Nv state of mind He delivers orations at all the
ners on the subject. lie with all the intensity
of nebriaon for the District-Attorney is little
torious for his bibulous weaknesses that Stephens
shall never leave this place. "By -, Sir" be says,
Wise shan't have him. know my position. don't
lowe my Office to Wise; owe it 10 the voice Of the
"people and get fifty dollars for trying these
"Hnnter has boneyfuged Inc long enough, and now I'm
'going TO take the bit in my teeth mean TO have the
FIRST hanging of these fellows p-and so for
stretches Of an hour each.
ANOTHER SENSATION.
The lady of whom told you yesterday, who is sup