The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-04-08
The WASHINGTON TRAGEDY.
Trial Of Daniel e. Sickles for Killing
Philip Barton Key.
Singular Interview Between a Judge
and Juror.
.--~~~~~~~~~-
THE EXPLANATIONS IN COURT.
->~-~.~-~-~~~--->~~---
Statement Of the Case by the Dis
~ trict Attorney.
INTENSELY INTERESTING EVIDENCE.
The Scene Of the Homicide Gra-
phically Described.
fff ~.~-~~~o|~,.>~o-~>o~>~~O>
Ysstimsny Of r. v. y. Wyek, Edward Dcla-
Asid, Thsmas Dudrow, Richard n. Dow.
ner, Cyrus u. McCormiek, Thomas Z.
nartin, Francis Doyle, Abel
Upthur and E. III. Tidballs
PERSONAL SKETCHES OF THE COURT AND Council,
4e., &C., &C.
The Scene Of the Homicide Gra-
phically Described.
PERSONAL SKETCHES OF THE COURT AND council.
kc., &C., DC.
SPECIAL REPORT TO THE HERALD.


WASHINGTON, April 7, 1859.
Boon after the opening OF the Court which crowded
70 excess the jury and the trial began
vss moment Of solemn interest when the prisoner was
called stand up, whilst the jury regarded him during
the reading Of the Indictment The countenance Of Mr.
Eskts showed deep emotion, but NO want Of fort'tude
The Prosecuting Attorney then to open the case
He Ane looking man. with an impressive manner clear,
strong voice and ready eocuton He spoke half an hour,
aaa was listened 70 He vindicated the law
against all violence, no matter what provocason The
speech did rot tell much against the prisoner.
During the Call Of witnesses there was much conversa
Non, showing thst feeling was aroused.
A singular circumstance occurred yesterday at the
adjournment Of the Court. One Of The sworn jurors
Applied W the Judge be let of from serving. The
Judge refused 10 hear him. He then turned around and
addressed gentleman going out OF Court-Mr Wikod-
and began exp esng his excessive sense OF responsibility
aAd 10 get of the jury Mr. W. reminded him of the
injunction OF the Judge not to hold conversation with
One declined 10 listen further. II appears he spoke
10 Others afterwards. The sober, but was labor
Ing unoer extreme mental excitement.
This morning the Judge stated the circumstance TO the
bar, and II led to much comment The juryman, Moore,
then and explained that he alarmed ut the
sponsbity he had assumed, but since then he had
leGted, and ready TO 90 with his duty. This Incl
dent proves stirring effect this has awakened
here.
The examination Of witnesses commenced with Mr..
Reed Who admtted he knew Mr. Key. Mr.. Brady
him courteousy but with The witnesses,
unKke New York practice, are all sworn together before
being examined.
The evidence ELECTED from the witnesses called by the
day very conflicting especially as to the
number Shots fred Some also swore positively that
the parties approached each other whilst others
sucpgIy asserted q scuine ensued between Key and
scks The effect Of this is not damaging TO the pri
soref expected.
The prosecutor was not fclcitous his examinations
but seemed 10 direct his inquiries 70 the point Of Mr..
HAskles wea4iEs 0sessaak -
The examination by Mr. Brady, who took the lead
10 day, adrot aud judcous and in most cases very
hrsf.
The prosecution will rest tomorrow, but 80 far they
have accomplished little. The defence will then open,
and every one is curious to know what line 1t will take.
The justification Of Mr.. Sckes will necessarily be the
main point.
The story in journals here that Mrs Sickes in Wash
ngton s untrue, and publicly denied to-day by her IA
ther who is here. Mr. Bagol has been in court every
day. but withdrew this nornng before the evidence be-
gan and will to New York 70 morrow. Some per-
eops have coDectured the motive of his coming here,
which is attributed solely " his anxiety for the fate Of
Mr. sckes, whom he has aways held in great affection.
FROM the nfst synphtnles nave Dceu tue un-
fortunate husband.
An in erestng incident occurred in court yesterday.
bne Of the taesmen manifested strong prejudice against
Mr. Scjes, and after retiring from the stand be
Identaly round the place wnere Mr.. Bagiol Sit
ing Yielding TO his impulses, he got up and thus ad
dressed the talesnan-
81 heard you just now" he said, "say something
arsh Of the prisoner but let ask you you had lost
our wife, had your daughter sacrificed, would you
AVE been able to control your feelings and be governed
Py your reasons"
al don't know" said the man; but who is asking me
bis question:
am the father Of Mrs. sckes," replied the unfortu
ate parent, whose voice choked with emotion.
Toe talesman much affected by this unexpected
ppeal, which brought the more vvidy home to him
ban ever BEFORE and he expressed his at what he
ad sad whilst admitting that with the provocation
might have done likewise This touching scene was
ply observed by the person who relates ii.
The evidence To- day brought all the tragic details
the homicide, and seemed TO affect Mr.. Sickles
derably. he became very pale, whilst he frequently
sted his head on his hand. must indeed have been
rrowing to his feelings. But what is this TO what re.
aims behind? How his cheek will burn when the story
his wifes Grimm alty is told.
Mr. Butterworth has not yet appeared in court. Seve
witnesses to-day they did not him during
bnconue.
The jury take ample notes Of the evidence.