Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1859-10-29
Trial OF tn e Insurrectionists.

Trial OF the Insure ctionists.
Assembling of the Magistrates Court
-.4ppedranc4 of The Prisoners
Speech Of Capt. BrOVn.
CharleslOwn,Y a., Ocl. 25.-The Mag
lsira,es' Court assembled here this morn
ing TO examine dhe prisoners captured in
The recent insuI reclon. The following
magistrates were on the bench Col. Da-
venport, Presiding Justice {; DR.. Alexan,
der, John J. Lotk John F. Smith, Thorn
as II. Willis, George w. Eicheberger,
Charles h. Lew is and Moses w. Burr.
AT hall-pasi 10 o'clock the Sheriff was
directed 10 bring in the prisoners, who
were conducted from all under guard OF
eighty armed IN Pm. A guard was also
stationed around the court house, their
bayonels bristlHig on all sides.
Charles B. Harding, Esq Attorney for
the county was assisted by Andrew Hun
ter, counsel for he Commonwealth.
The prisoners were brought in amids;
profound slenGe. Brown and Edwin
Coppie were manacled together. Brown
seemed weak AMI baggard, with his eyes
swollen from the effects Of the wounds on
his head. CopPie is uninjured. Sle1-
ems seemed less injured than Brown, but
looked hsggard hnd depressed. He has
also a number of wounds on the head.
John Copeland is a bright mulatto,
about 25 years Of age. Green is a dark
negro, about 80 years Of age.
Sheriff Camp bell read the commitment
OF the prisoners on the charge of treason
and murder, when Mr.. Harding, the
States Attorney, asked that the Court
might assign counsel for the prisoners II
they had nome.
The Court inquired if the prisoners had
counsel. when Brown addressed HE Cour,
as follows:
Il did not ask for any quarter at the
time was taken. did not ask to have
myself spared. The Governor Of the
State Of Virginfa rendered me his assn
rance that should have fair trial, and I'M
der no circumstance whatever will | be able
to attend 10 tisl. you seek my blood
you can have i at any moment without
the mockery Of trial.
Il have had no counsel. | have not
been able TO advise with ore. know
nothing about the feelings OF my fellow
prisoners, and am utterly unable TO attend
IN any way I'd my defence. My memory
don't serve me. My health is insufficient,
although imploving. There are mlnga-
ting circumstances, if fair trial is 10 be
allow ed us, that would urge in our favor.
But if we are no be forced with mere
form Of a trial. 10 execution, you might
spare yOursel YES that trouble. am ready
for nv late. j do not ask a tIial. plead
for no mockery of a trial. No insult,
nothing but that which conscience gives or
cowarGice would drive YOU 10 practice.
Il ask to BE- excused from the mockery
of a trial. lido not know what the design
of this examination is. DO not know
what is to BE the benei, Of it 10 the Com
mnnweallh.I | have now little 10 ask OH
er than tina, be not publicly insul'ed as
cowardly barbarans insult those who fall
into their hands"
The Court assigned Charles J. Faux
ner and La wson Bolts as counsel for the
prisoners.
After some consultation with the pris.
oners, Mr., Faulkner addressed the Court,
stating lh3 he declined the right of this .
Court TO assign counsel for the prisoners.
and that he could not under any circum-
stances enter upon the defence of these
nrisonersI on such short notice. as it
would indeed be mockery OF Justice
sir. Bdtls said he did not feel it his du-
I, 10 dedline the appointment of the
Conrt. He was prepared 10 do his best
TO defend lhe prisoners, and he hoped the
Corr, would assign him some experienced
assis an, if Mr.. Faulkner declined.
A Negress arrested and Examined,
Betsy Pea,s, negress, who lived al
Rolivar. mile above the Ferry, was ar
rested and examined on Monday. before