Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1859-04-21
The Political Prisoners.

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our yesterdays Second Edition-reative to
the trial of the Oberlin Rescuers, we did
not state with sufficient clearness the events
which led to their being placed in jail
After the extraordinary claim of the Dis
trict Attorney that the same struck jury,
who had already made up their minds on
all the questions to be submitted, were to
try all the accused, Judge Spaulding rose
and announced that if Jury who bad set
tied upon decision upon every important
point except identity, were expected to try
every case, then the District Attorney
could call the accused up as fast as be pleas
ed and try them, for neither would they
call any witnesses for the defence nor ap-
pear by Attorney before such jury.
"Very well, then," replied Judge Bel
den-"then / ask the Court to order these
men all into the custody of the Marsal."
1t will be borne in mind by the reader
that this order for arrest was made without
any shadow of reason. The defendants
had violated no order of Court, had bro
ken no rule, were present in Court, and
had given no indication of an intention 10
forfeit the recognizances under which they
were at large. a9ls-s sTzyfgs -.3
The Court stated that the District At
toruey had the right to demand such arrest
and therefore ordered it to be made. The
Marshal then, took them into custody
Subsequently they were offered the privi-
lege of entering into their own reconizan-
ces to appear on Monday, though District
Attorney Belden was opposed 10 this
Finding them not disposed to accept such
terms, the Marshal, on his own responsible
ity offered to let them go on their own pa
role. This they refused unless Bushnell
was included. The Marshal had no pow
er in the matter and the prisoners, twenty
in number, were taken to Jail. Here Sher.
iff Wightman hesitated about receiving
them as prisoners unless advised to do so
by the County Commissioners, fearing
that the county property might be endan-
gered, and wishing some advice on the
matter. Ultimately he received them as
guests, until the decision of the Commis-
sioners was made known. After long
and anxious session those gentlemen re-
luctantly consented to the use of the Jail
for the purpose, and the accused were re-
ceived as prisoners. They are, however,
well cared for, provided with apartments
in that part of the Jail kept as private
dwelling, are well fed, and treated with ev-
cry kindness and courtesy. 49,. f,-
So far are they from being cowed by
their Imprisonment, that they enjoy them
selves as well as is possible under the cir
cumstances. Last night most appropriate
and effecting religious services were held
in their apartments. They have been Wis
tied by sympathizing friends from among
the best Of our citizens, and their residence
in the Jail confers disgrace on none but
those whose malice sent them there.
'Stone walls do not prison make,
Nor iron bars cage; ~ ts-
Minds innocent and quiet take --
That for an hermitage" - ...
Last night they had beds made up in
the upper range of cells, where they slept.
To-day they are in the upper room of the
jailor's residence, where newspapers and
writing facilities have been furnished them.
Sheriff Wightman has treated them
with kindness and courtesy: at the same
time they are strictly confined within the
walls, and no departure allowed frcm the
regular discipline of persons in their con-
dition.s aEe.
We understand that this afternoon the
prisoners will be visited by large par
ty of ladies from the congregation Of the
Prospect street Church, accompanied by
many other ladies residing in the city.
Tomorrow afternoon, about half past
two o'clock. Professor Peck will preach to
the .s'BretEren in bonds" and such Of the
citizens as can be accommodated, IN the
jail.-Herald. -1a-