Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1862-05-30

FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW Cdse Of C6pelqnd.-
Among the various cases tried before the
Commissioners appointed for that purpose
was the case of Copeland, the fugitive slave Of
Ignatius r. Waters, residing near Rockville,
in this county. Copeland was tried before
Commissioner Cox. Mr. Dean, member Of
Congress from Brooklyn, N. r., acted as
counsel for the fugitive. DR.. VIM b. Magru-
der was called as witness.
DR.. Magruder testified that he was neigh
Dor Of Mr.. Waters, and knew him well knew
the fugitive; did not know him by the name
Of Copeland, but BY the name Of Wilson; had
seen him about Mr.. WIS plantation, and he
was called his (Mr. WIS., servant. He was
spoken ofas one Of those who had absconded
Mr. W., lives about 20 miles from Washing
ton, and about half mile out Of Brookyille.
Question By Mr.. D. Have you conyersed
with the boy since his arrest2 Here some Of
the crowd punched the witness. Answer
have. Another puach.] Question: Where
does be say he has bcen2 Here one fellow
erked the Doctors coat, another punched
him in the side, and the third bawled out,
q ia like to know IL that is eyidence?" The
Doctor evidently did not like the promptings,
and turning on his tormentors told them that
he desired to give in his evidence without their
interference Mr. Dean remarked to the wit
ness that, as he was a professional gentleman,
he certainly ought TO be competent to testify
without these promptings. The witness said
that he was, and he did not desire any inter-
ference. He knew what he was about lie
then stated that the boy said that he had been
out near the Soldiers Home" employed by
the Government at 50 per month, and his
clothes furnished him. The witness then
statedsthst when he saw him first, after his
escape from Brookyille, he was dressed in sol
dieris clothes, and with knapsack on his
back, he Was marching through the streets
with some soldiers.
Question by Mr.. Dean--Do you know wheth-
or Mr. Waters has furnished aid and comfort
to the rcbels2
Mr.. Cox-That question has been ruled out.
Mr.. Dean--Well, ! merely wish TO enter the
question. The witness can decline TO answer
Dr. Magruder--l am perfectly willing to
answer. He has not lie is n loyal man. We
are most Of ~ loyal men out there. But we
regard abolitionism and secession as twin sis
ters--they were born at one birth. We are
loyal, and more, we are in favor Of the Presi-
dent emancipation message. A large num-
Der Of Us are tired Of our negroes. They are
no pr0ht 70 us. But we do not want them
stolen from us. We wish TO be paid for them.
Mr.. Dean bore stated TO the Commissioner
that he objected to the rendition Of thefugitiye,
on the ground that he is in the service of the
United states Government, and cannot be
taken from that service under this process.
The Commissioner postponed his decision
and the boy was sent to jail.
Notwithstanding the above reported pro-
ceedinga, we think there must be some mis-
take IA that portion Of Dr.. Magruders testi-
mony, in which he is represented as having
asserted that a large portion Of the citizens Of
this county are in favor Of the emancipation
policy Of President Lincoln. We cannotsup-
pose that any intelligent man who is at all ac-
qnainted with the general sentiment Of the
people q this county, would hazard such
gratuious statement 10 TIC face Of The facts to
The contrary