Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1862-02-04
Trial and Discharge of Henry j. Webster

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good aoood.
Trial and Discharge of Henry j. Webster
The County Court were engaged during last
week in the examining trial of Mr.. Henry j.
Webster, of Coumbia, Tenn, who, in November
last, killed Mr. John 3. Snder in the oyster sa-
loon of Mr. John Beck, of this place. When
this act was committed, and our citizens found
that one of their number, who was highly es-
teemed, had been shot down by soldier to
whom he had offered no provocation, they were
naturally indignant, and, feeling that an mex
cusable outrage and horrible crime had been
committed, were excited to az intense degree
against the perperator of the act, snd desired to
have VI hat they conceived to be merited pun
ishment Inflicted upon him.
Great interest was manifested Ia the trial, and
the Court House was nearly filed with specta
tors from the beginning to the conclusion OF it,.
As the testimony was being developed, showing
that the act was the result of an unfortu-
nate accident, instead OF a malicious and mur-
derous intent the hearts of those most excited
against the prisoner b4gan to relent, and before
it was concluded their feelings of vengeance were
converted into emotions OF lively sympathy for
the unfortunate prisoner ard, instead of desiring
to see him punished, hoped that he would be
discharged and set at liberty. The cause was
argued on the part of the Commonwealth by
Capt. Henderson NJ Bell and Col. VIM. Il. Har-
man, and, on behalf of the prisoner, by Hugh
W. Sheffey, Esq, Hon. Alex. q. FL. Stuart, aud
Thos. J. Michie, Esq. The Commonwealth was
well represented, and as strong view as the
testimony would justify was presented against
the prisoner. The speeches on behalf the defence,
having the advantage of testimony, were able
and conclusive and having the advantage OF the
strong feelings of sympathy which the character
of the testimony had excited in behalf of the prs-
oner, were pathetic to unusual degree, and many
persons unused TO the melting mood" shed tears
of sympathy profusely. The prisoner was pro-
ven to be a young man of pre-eminently good
character, of kind and humane disposition, o
mild and evea temper, OF good morals and
pure integrity, honorable, high minded, brave
and chiYElrous; dutiful son and fsi:hful an6
obedient soldier, who never disubeyed an order
and who was never absent from his post of du
ty; that he was Sergeant in the Company Il
which he belonged, and was exceedingly popu
lar with the whole Company. When the Com
monwealth had concluded the argument, anG
whilst the members of the Court were consult
ing as to the character of the decision they would
announce, and when, TO the Spectators, the tate
of the prisoner seemed to be suspended in &
doubtful balance, the profandest silence prevail
ed, and the vast number of spectators seemed te
be holding their breath fearing that the mex
word which should break the silence would re
consign him to the prisoners gloomy cell. Wher
the Presiding Justice announced that the major
ty of the Court were iD favor of d;schGrgirao th,
prisoner, the pent Up emotions of the sympathiz
ers, unmiDdfnl of the impropriety and ndeco
rum Of the act, found expression in loud, repeat
ed and heart felt cheers. An Arlan lead of op
pressive dread was removed from their hearts
and, without taking time to think that they were
in the presence of Court still in session, tbey
gave expression to their emotions of relief and
pleasure by loud cheering and repeated eiacu-
latio1s of qualification.
This decision of the Court will be gratifying
to the friends Of the orthy deceased, as it will
satisfy them that their dear friend was consign-
ed to his untimey grave by an accident and not
by the fendish act of murderer-that the hand
which slew him was innocent Of guilt. and not
stained with crime which the waters of ocean
could not etface 1t must be a relief to them TO
know that his fate, though sad and untimely.
was not caused by murderer, but BY mere
accident On the part OF worthy young man
who meant not the slightest i'll to him. It is to
be hoped that this Sad affair will have the effect
of causing the unfortunate instrument of it to
resolve never again to put that into lis mouth
which will steal away his brains
1t is hoped that he will firmly resolve
Never to lift the wine cup though pleasure may swim
Md the bubbles taat fash round its roseate brim
For dark in the depths of the fountains below
Are the sirens that lurk by the vortex of woei
They have torn the liye wreath from the brow of the
brave
And changed his proud heart to the heart of the slave
And cen the fair fame of the good and the Just,
With the gray hairs of age, theve tramped in dust