Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-11-09
The Harper,s Ferry Affair.

CHARLEsrowN, VA, Nov. 8.-The excite.
ment in regard to the Harper's Ferry conspir-
ators still continues, and fair progress is being
made in the disposal of cases. The case of
Copeland, the free negro, was brought to a
close on Saturday afternoon, the jury finding
verdict of not guilty of treason, as charged
in the first count of the Indictment he not be-
ing recognized as citizen, and guilty Of con-
Spiracy with slaves to rebel, and Of murder, as
charged in the second and third counts. The
case was ably argued by Andrew Hunter in
behalf of the state, and Geo. Sennott, Esq, of
Boston for the prisoner. bill of exceptions
and motion for arrest of Judgment were en-
tered by the prisoners counsel, and will be dis
posed of tomorrow morning.
On Monday morning the Court was called
to order by Judge Parker, and the Grand Jury
sworn, who Immediately proceeded to consider
the case OF Capt. Cook. The jury were alb
sent about two hours. On the assembling OF
the Court, Mr.. Harding, the prosecuting attor-
ney, stated that, as a number of witnesses in
the case of Cook whe would not be in the Ste
phens case, were present, he would, if agreea-
BILE to the counsel on the other side, move to
take up the case of Cook One of the counsel
for Cook said thst, as counsel, he had not yet
had time to read the Indictment, and he 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
should proceed with the case OF Stephens. A.
ID. Stephens was accordingly brought into
Court and placed upon mattrass. He looked
pale and haggard, his abstinence from food,
and the large quantity of medicine taken by
him, having had decided effect.
Mr. Hunter then remarked that he would
proceed Immediately with the case of Ste
phens, and handed the prisoner, Hazelett, who
has not yet been indicted over to the Federal
Court.
Mr.. Sennott asked for delay, for a moment
for consultation with Stephens, after which he
announced that the prisoner accepted the offer
of the state to bind him over to the federal
authority, and would therefore prefer to be re-
manded to Jail.
Mr.. Harding desired the clerk to enter his
earnest protest against the proceeding. He
considered the proceeding wrong and wished
it to be shown in the docket.
Judge Parker to the clerk-Do no such thing.
wish no such protest entered in the docket of
this court.
The prisoner was then handed over to the
United States Marshal and lodged in Jail,
where he will remain until the term Of the
Federal Court at Staunton, which will not
meet for some time.
The Jury were then discharged and large
number of freeholders of the county summon
ed to appear tomorrow morning at nine
o'clock, when the case Of Cook will be
taken up Cook will be defended by j.
t. Mcdonald Attorney General, and Mr..
Vorshies, District Attorney of Indiana, and
G. Greene of our own bar. The prosecution
will be conducted by Andrew Hunter. The
prisoner seems in fine spirits, and is not with
out hope of a verdict in his favor Governor
Willard and Mr.. Crowley his brothernlaw
will be present during the entire trial. He
bears up under his wounds with much forti-
tude, and is seldom heard to murmur. His
counsel Mr.. Sennot, who had endeavored to
have his trial moved to an adjoining county,
but was refused, appeared, and the empannel-
ing of the jury was proceeded with.
After a considerable number of jurymen
had been obtained, Mr.. Hunter arose and said
that he had Just received despatch, which
would probably interfere with the further pro-
ceedings in empanneling the jury. He then
read the following Geographic dispatch from
Gov. Wise:
RICHMOND, VA, Nov. 8.
ANDREW HUNTER: Dear Sir: Think you
had better try Cook and hand Stephens over to
the federal authorities.
Respectfully Yours, II. A. WISE.
Mr. Hunter stated that he had, for several
days been in correspondence with Governor
Wise, and had in his possession number OF
facts important to the development of the
case, which were unknown to the public, and
which would for the present remain so. lie
had since his last letter to the Governor come
into possession Of other facts which pointed to
Stephens as the most available party to be
handed over to the federal authorities, as he
felt assured that enough would be ascertained
to result in bringing before the federal
bar number of the prominent fanatics
in the North. Mr.. Harding objected to
this proceeding, and insisted that the case
should be proceeded with. He was not in
league with Gov. Wise or any one else, and
was not feed by any one else. He would only
receive as a compensation for his arduous labor
the small pittance received by the Circuit
Court.
Mr.. Sennott remarked that he had not con-
suited with his client, and as the jury had part
ly been chosen he would not consent that the
state should hand over the prisoner to the gov
eminent. For what purpose it was to be done
was known to Gov. Wise, and had been fore
Swallowed by tie remarks Of Mr.. Hunter II
time had been allowed him, the trouble had in
empannelling the jury would have been dis
pcnsed with.
Homicide on Shipboard
New YORK, Nov. S.-Ihc steam frigate