The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1859-05-07


poor devil who may chance to be out
late in the evening in the capacity, haply
of an amateur Ioacher, or otherwise, so
Burrows-who might not be innocent
was handed over for examination, and
subsequently was put upon trial for his
life, as the supposed robber of the Hon.
Jonas Petit, member Of Parliament,
aforesaid.
In defense, Burrows simply asserted
that he was laborer, without any
especial profession. 1t was his lot to be
anywhere and everywhere from time to
time. He had formerly been out at SER
vice, and on the present occasion $50 he
declarcd,) he was on his way in search of
a new place, having travelled from Brigh-
ton on the day he was falsely arrested,
and never having been, to ms knowledge,
in tie vicinity of the crossing of the
Charing and Darlington roads in his
life. The defense was of no account, Of
course, when the solemn observation of
an honorable member Of Parliament stood
against it, and, moreover, when such an
honorable gentleman was so certain of
the scarced hand, &C., &c.
The evidence had been duly submitted,
however, and upon the afternoon of the
second day of the trial, as we have
noted, Mr.. Henry Edgcford had been
prevailed upon to visit the court house.
The honorable accuscr had testified, to
the best Of his knowledge and belief,
that Burrows was the man who robbed
him; all the connecting circumstances
had been set forth by the prosecuting
attorney, who exhibited the customary
zeal Of a Government officer where the
rich and influential are put in opposition
to the humble and powerieSs and the
prisoner was finally supposed to be in
critical position.
"Upon M word,' said Mr. Edgcford,
suddenly turning to the gentleman who
had accompanied him from the hotel to
the trial, "npon my word, | have seen
that prisoner somewhere before this -
and raising his eye glass for Il closer
inspection Of his person and features, he
declared that he was sure he had met
the fellow within few months of this
he was positive.
The prisoner gazed upon the stranger
an instant, as if he partially recognized
him, when the chief judge arose to
charge the jury.
He entertained no doubt, he said,
after listening to the pointed and CON
elusive evidence which had been pre-
scented to the court, Of the prisoners
guilt; then, turning to the prisoner, he
asked il he had anything to offer, when
Burrows arose calmly, and in clear
voice, replied:
"My Lords am poor stranger in
this place, without Il friend to turn to
for aid in my emergency; but | am
innocent Of the high crime you have
charged against me. At the time when
this alleged robbery was committed, |
was far distant from the place where ii
was effected, and | never was iii that
locality at all in my life.
" | am totally ignorant of your rule,
of law, and | may not be permitted now,
perhaps, to present any evidence that
may affect my unfortunate case favorably.
Nevertheless, | see among the spccta,
tors present, one person who providcn
TALLY, may save me. ! do not know his
name, but l beg that the gentleman who
sits on my right yondcr pointing to
Henry Edgeford) may be placed upon
the witness stand and sworn"
All eyes were now turned on the tray
elcr, who, at the request of the court,
ontnrn1 tho witnocc- how ,rbon +ho Wi,
oncr thus Intercepted him:
" Have lou ever before seen me, to
your knowledge 2"
| am quite sure | have"
" Will you give the court your name
and business %
My name is Henry EdgcHord, of
Leeds, and L am a manufacturer q
cutlery"
Will you state when and where you
met me, and under what circumstances -
Il was travelling about the middle of
June, last, from Dover to Aldboro', and
on arriving at the latter place, saw
you in waiting at the lower stage house.
Being incumbercd with luggage, l en-
gagged you to carry my box to the hotel,
afterwards to other lodgings and |
clearly remember your person and fea-
lures"
"At what time was this -
"About the middle of June"
Can you state the precise date OF
your arrival there %
"No. think it was on the 18th or
10th of the month" Then turning to
the court, the witness added 81 am
not clear, your honors. as to the exact
day but if your honors will allow ne
to send to my hotel, where | am tenn
porarlly stopping here, can obtain my
memorandum book, which Will assist me,
your honots permitting it,
Leave was given at once, and in few
minutes small trunk was brought into
court from the strangers room at the
hotel. On opening the box, on the
diary was the following " item"
Mcm.-Paid porter lol carrying luggage
, to lodgings in Aldboro', halt a crown
/ Arriving at = Pm.
The judges now asked again: "And
, do you state that this prisoner was the
identical person who did this service for
you, Mr.. Edgeford, at that time -
L" | am perfectly clear. your honors.
in this belief.'