The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1859-11-02
AFTER SHERIFF CAMPBELL read the com.

mitment OF the prisoners-Brown, Coppee,
and others-charged with treason and MUIR
der, Mr.. Harding, the State Attorney, asked
that the Court might assign counsel for the
prisoners if they had none; whereupon the
Cour, inquired il the prisonersh had counsel,
when Brown addressed the Court in the fol-
lowing manner:
"l did not ask for any quarter at the time
! was taken. did not ask TO have my life
spared. The Governor Of the State Of Vir
ginia rendered me his assurance that |
should have fair trial, and under no cir
cumStances whatever will be able 10 al
tend 10 a trial. If you seek my blood, you
can have it at any moment without the
mockery of trial. have no counsel.
have not been able TO advise with any one.
know nothing about the feelings Of my
fellow prisoners, and am utterly unable to
attend in any way 10 my own defence My
memory don't serve me. My health is in
sufficient, although improving. There are
mitigating circumstances, if fair trial is to
be allowed us, s,that would urge in our favor,
but if we are 10 be forced, with the mere
form Of trial 10 execution, you might spare
yourselves that trouble. am ready for my
fate. l do not ask trial. beg for no
mockery of trial-no insult, nothing but
that which conscience gives or cowardice
would drive you TO practice. ] ask 10 be
excused from The mockery of trial. do
not know what the design o. this examina-
ton is. do not know what is 10 be the
benefit of it to the Commonwealth ? have
80 l.ie to aek other than that De not
foolshly insulied, as the cowardly and bar
barous insult those who fall into their pow
er"
The Court assigned Charles ]. Faulkner
and Lawson Bolts as counsel for the prison.
er.
Mr.. Faulkner, after consulting the pris.
oners, said-"I was about to remark 10 the
the Court that, although | feel at ary time
willing to discharge any duty which the
Court can legally, by authority of the law,
devolve upon me. am not, in the first
place, aware of any authority which the
Court has, sitting as an examining Court, 10
assign counsel for the defence. Besides, it
is manifest from the remarks just made by
one Of the prisoners, tha, he regards the
appearance of counsel under such circum-
stances, not as bona fde act, but rather as
mockery Under these circumstances, |
do not feel disposed to assume the respon-
sibiity of that position. have other rea-
sons for declining the position, connected
with my having been at The place of action
and hearing all the admissions of the pris.
oners which render it improper and nexpe.
dient for me 10 act as their counsel. If the
Court had authority 10 order it peremtorily,
| should acquiesce and obey that authority.
But am not aware that there is any such
power vested in this Court, and as it is of
the prisoners desire, will see that full JUS
tce is done them.
Mr.. Bolts said he did not feel il his duty
TO decline the appointment of the Court
He was prepared TO do his best 10 defend
the prisoners. and hoped that the Court
would assign him some experienced assist.
ant, if Mr.. Faulkner declined.
Mr.. Harding then addressed Brown, aud
asked him if he was willing to accept
Messrs. Faulkner and Bolts as counsel
Brown repled-I wish 10 say that have
sent for counsel. ! did apply through the
advice of some persons here to some per-
sons whose names do not now recollect TO
act as counsel for me, and have sent for
other counsel who have had no possible op-
portunity 10 see me. wish for counsel if
am to have tair trial. but if am 10 have
nothing but the mockery of a trial, as said
before, do not care anything about coun,
sci. 1t is unnecessary 10 trouble any gentle
man with that duty.
MIR. Harding-Yol are TO have fair trial
Brown-There were certain men, think
Mr.. Bolts was one of them, who declined
acting as counsel, but am not positive
about it. cannot remember whether he
was the one, because have heard SO many
names: | am a stranger here; do moi
know the disposition or character of the
gentleman named; have applied for coun-
sci of my own and doubtless could have
them, if am not, as said before, to be
hurried 10 execution before they can reach
here. But if that is the disposition that is
to be made of me, all this trouble and ex-
pense can be saved.
Mr.. Harding-The question is, do you
| desire the aid of Messrs. Faulkner and
Bolts as your counsel. Please 10 answer
yes or no.
Brown-1 cannot regard this as an exam
ination under any circumstances. would
prefer that they should exercise their own
pleasure. Ieel as if it was a matter of
very little account to me. If they had des.
igned 10 assist me as counsel should have
wanted an opportunity 10 consult them at
my leisure
Mr. Harding-Sievens, are you willing
that these gentlemen should act as your
counsel.
Stevens-I am willing that that gentleman
shall, (pointng 10 MIR. Botts)
Mr.. Harding-Do you object TO Mr. Faul.
kner?
Stevens-No, am willing TO take both.
MIR. Harding then addressed each of the
other prisoners separately, and each stated