Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-02-11
The Trial Of Stecens, one of tie Hdrpers Fer!
InrdClers-His COuricti0n


IarGders-His Conciction
CHAgLEsTOwN, Feb. 4-The court opened this
morning at 10 o'clock, when, after some unimportant
business, the trial of Stevens was proceeded with
Owing to the severity Of the weather there was but
small attendance Of spectators.
Mr.. Small one of the witnesses for the State testi
fed that Stevens among other things said the Vir-
gnans set of thieves and robbers
Mr.. Sennett interrupted the witness and said that
he must confne himself to the under considera
tion and remarked that the jury were men of as
good sense the witness, and did not wish to hear
such testimony.
The interruption of Mr. Sennett caused a good
deal of dissatisfaction in the court. The witness
again proceeded, but soon interrupted again by
Mr.. Sennett, who objected to the receiving of the
testimony of the witness An exciting scene here
occurred between the witness and Mr.. Sennett, and
the Judge had to call witness to order.
Mr. Sennett declared if the declarations of the wit
ness were received, he would make no further at
tempt to interfere in the case
Mr.. Hunter said, if the counsel for the defence
refused to make effort for the prisoner it would
be proper to appoint counsel to conduct the defence
Mr.. Sennett stated that lie was employed by the
prisoner, and not by the Court, and he would not
withdraw at the discretion of the counsel for the
Commonwealth. The affair was then quoted and
the witness proceeded
The Commonwealth concluded the case at III
O'clock when the counsel for the defence introduced
witness Sheriff Campbell and j. w. Gallifer the
jaor testilying to Stevens good conduct whilst
der their charge. They never heard an oath from
him, and were pleased with his general department
The Commonwealth here made proposition to
submit the case without argument, but the offer
declined by the defence, who wished to be
heard for his client
Mr.. Harding made the opening argument, though
he remarked that he scarcely deemed it necessary
I IL IL
political than otherwise and the question of the dis
solution of the Union claimed more attention from
Mr. Harding than the prisoner at the bar. He de-
nounced as falsehood and libel the assertion of
Capt Brown that he to receive aid from the la
boring classes at Harper's Ferry. lie claimed that
they true to the Constitution and to the State
and referred to their action in putting down the in
vaderS of their soil.
After an eloquent reference to the American flag,
Mr.. Harding concluded with earnest appeal to
the jury to vndicate the law by their verdict He
called the prisoner blood thirsty villain and wretch
charging that he was worse than Brown. He con-
cluded at twelve o'clock, having occupied one hour
in the delivery of his address.
Mr.. Scnnett, for the defence made able and el-
oquent speech for the prisoner, going into detailed
narrative OF the rise and progress of the Republican
Party, and closing with earnest appeal to the ju
ry to spare the life OF the prisoner.
Mr.. Hunter then arose to close on the part OF the
Commonwealth, and for more than an hour enchain,
ed the attention of the Court III one of the most
powerful arguments delived in the Courtroom.
lie took up every position of the counsel for the de-
fence, and replied to them with telling effect He
said ne had no confidence in the Union meetings in
the North and said he thought that the invasion
/ had been a benefit to the South, as it had shown
/ them the position in which they were placed He
referred to Mr. Hickmans boast of eighteen millions
of freemen in the North and declared that tine South
was prepared for any emergency. He concluded at
three o'clock and after time spent in drawing up
instructions by the counsel, the case was submitted
10 the jury at four O'clock who Immediately retired
and after an absence of fifteen minutes returned with
a verdict of guilty against the prisoner on ali the
! counts charged in the Indictment. The prisoner
received the verdict Of the jury with the most per-
feet indifference aud smiled at the announcement
The course of Mr.. Sennett, in refusing to cross
question the witnesses after his colloquy with Mr.
Hunter was not generally approved though ne was
. sustained by Stevens.
| The Jefferson Guards and Letcher Cadets were
reviewed here yesterday by Gov. Letcher, who ex
pressed himself much pleased at their soldiery ap
! pearance.
The Governor left this afternoon for Richmond
| Whilst here he was called on by most of our prom
inent citizens who expressed themselves much graf
| flied with the interview.
| IIazlett's case will come up on Monday. He viii
| be defended by Virginia counsel, as Mr.. Sennet
! will return to Boston tomorrow.
CuARLEsTowS, Feb. THE trial of Hazett was
| commenced to-day. w. Ii. Harrison, resident Of
Harpers Ferry, positively identified the prisoner as
! the man he saw the morning after the invasion, In
company with Coppic, armed with Sharps rifle
! NJ. W. Henser, of Chambersburg, testified to having
assisted in arresting him on supposton that he was
| Cook
Geroge S. Calls and others of Harpers Ferry al
! so identified him as one of Browns party.