Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-04-02
CHARGE OF MURDER AGAINST THE
MATE or AN AMERICAN SHIP


John Riley, second mate Of the American ship
Marathon, was brought before the siipendRry
magistrate at the police court Thursday, charg-
ed with the willful murder of Henry Brown, an
able bodied seaman. and one Of the crow of the
above-named vessel. Information Of the alleged
murder having been forwarded to the police GU
the arrival Of the Marthon in this port, Riley
was at once taken into custody on the charge.
Mr.. Wilding, American yice-oonsul in Liverpool,
was present during the inquiry. Tho partcu-
lars of the case will be gathered from the eSi
dence Of John Smith, one Of the crew, who stated
that he aud the deceased man, Brown. signed
articles in New York, on the l4lh Of January,
and on the 10th left that port in the Marathon,
bound for Liverpool Riley was second mate of
the ship. On several occasions between tie 10Th
and 18th of January, witness saw him strike
different men Of the crew with a Delaying pin, Il
broomstick, or anything that came in his way,
and he also kicked them frequently. The men
were always ut their work when he did this
About eight o'clock on the morning Of the 10Th
Of january, witness was holding brace by the
main port rigging, when he saw Henry Brown
standing at work by the butt ropes on the yard,
Riley was standing on the top Of the cross jack
yard, looking at brown at work. witness heard
the prisoner say to Brown, "Come on here as
fast as you can"
Brown went along the yardarm towards the
mast, and when he got within the reach Of Riley
the latter kicked him three or four times about
the face causing him to fall about half way
down the mizen rigging. He struck against the
upper chains, and from there fell overheard
Witness saw him "strike out TO swim n bit" but
a sea covered him, and he was carried away
Witness saw no attempt made to save the un-
fortunate man. There was good breeze, but not
a heavy sea- at the time. The captain was then
| haff Ia xYha Ia L,,..
where the first mate was. Riley appeared 10
kick Brown with all his might. Witness heard
a cry Of "a man overheard as soon NJ Brown
fell into the water, but did not hear the latter
cry at all. About seven o'clock in the morning
Of the day upon which this occurred, when the
crew were called out Riley stood on the deck
with Delaying pin in his hand, and addressing
them as they were Chewing up the sails said an
sacrifice one Of you before night"
Witness could not say whether Riley was sOhel
or not when he kicked Brown. lie had boots OF
at the time. Had not heard Brown give him any
impudence. lie was not doing anything wronl
when Riley kicked him. Several other witnesse,
were examined. Their evidence was precisely
similar to that given by Smith. witness callel
at the request Of tue prisoner, expressed hit
> opinion that there was great deal of prejudice
; existing amongst the crew against Riley and tina
what the witness had stated was not exactly
correct. The prisoner also denied the truth o
the statements made by the witnesses, adding
that II he had allowed the crew to go on shor,
as soon as the ship got into the river, withou
t. making her secure, nothing would have beet
heard of the charge made against him. Mr.
; Raflles informed him that he need not make AM
defence, as he was not going to be tried here
the Court having no jurisdiction in the case
. The dispositions would be forwarded to tn,
> United States Consul, aud he 1.-THE prisoner
> would be handed over to the American auihoIi.
> ties, to be tried in his own country.