Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-12-25

MIR. Hornbrook was sworn: He stated
that he had been acting as State Armorer;
and had distributed arms and ammani-
ton to the United States volunteers. lie
had purchased two or three hundred kegs
ofpowder from Mr. REILLY at his tRielly'sl
own price, on the part of the State, by il
rection of the Governor. He had no per-
sonal interest in the matter at all. lie
purchased two kegs from Mr.. REILLY at So
per keg, and after buying the whole lotfor
the State sold it at retail for the slme
price. he had taken every precNution to
protect the powderaud had procured sort
of portable magazine for the purpose
he had not one cent of pecuniary interest
in the matter, but on the contrary had done
the work gratuitously. Whatever of profit
arises from the sale goes to the State, but
witness had never been able to discover any
profit in the case.
The District Attorney asked ifMr. Horn
brook had raised the price of powder
Mr.. Horubrookreplied that he had sold the
powder at the same price which he paid
Mr.. REILLY before purchasing the wholelot.
General Wheat and Governor Peirpoint
demanded to know if the price of powder
had anything to do with the case, and if
the Fede al Court was investigating
forstalling of the nrarket2
The Court remarked that the question Of
keeping the powder in the house was the
question. before the Court.
Miles Reilly stated that#he had frequent
ny hauled powder from the magazine TO
the Custom House.
James Mccluny stated that he bad
bought powder from AIR. HorubroOk,
which came from the Custom House.
The Court inquired if there was any law
authorizing the Governor to take charge
of the powder for the safety of the people
or otherwise?
General Wheat said that had nothing to
do with the case.
The District ::AttOrney stated that the
Custom House had been used by the State
Government by general CONSENT and he
approved of It. but he did not think it
should be used as magazine.
Governor Peirpoint stated that he would
be glad if even the fixed ammunition could
be removed from the building, and he
should take steps to have it done. The
Governor further stated that there was
good deal of alarm when the State Gov
eminent was first organized. 1t was con-
sidered advisable that the executive should
take charge of the powder in the city, of
which there was great deal, that it might
not fall into evil hands. People came
from all directions after powder and every
merchant was at liberty to sell it to whom
he pleased. He had the safety of the peo-
pie at heart in taking charge of the pow
der and had experienced the most intense
anxiety of mind in its management. The
powder had been sold at the retail price.
Neither Hornbrook nor anybody else had
ever realized one cent of profit from the
sale OF the powder. Hornbrook's services
as State Armorer have been altogether
gratuitous, and he has had great deal of
trouble and annoyance in the performance
of his duty.
The Court stated that it would issue an
order to have the keg powder, if any, re-
moved from the building, and be kept from
the building. AS Gen. Rosecrans thinks
there is no danger from the fixed ammuui-
ton the Court would make no order in
reference to that matter but leave it to the
General and the Governor.
The Court took recess till 2 o'clock.