The New York herald., 1863-06-06
The Mysterious Deaths OF Three Can.
tains-Charge OF Poisoning ON the High
UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT.
Before Hon. Judge Shipman.


0ess, Sc.
UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT.
Before Hon. Judge shipman
JUB 5.-7M United s ates us. John H. GriMn.-The
TRIAL Of this charge OF poisoning this morn.
ing After some other testimony
Thos Lees who had been indicted for the offence but
acquitted by the Of the United States District
Attorney was and examined for the prosecution
He stated that he thrtyone years Of age, and
slewayd o. the Betsy Williams sailed from New York
sor Havana 10 July, % Griffin The prisoner succeeded
nurkc os nrst mate ter detailing the circumstances Of
Tho sickness and deaths OF captains as reported
yostc day. witness proceeded heard Griffin say there
belonged TO him and they had no right to come there the
vessel remained at anchor and brig passed astern
the captain sung out, "Captain Hood Is dead" " the pri
oeuer said THAT is the very thing wanted - and that
was damned good job; Griffin get boat and went
aehorc when he camo back he said the damned Of
naster Of the vessel, and IL didn't matter how
many captains came there; lie made Of the mon
nate Griffin acted as captain until Car tain 3unce
board iew days before Captain Bunce came, Griffin
oA that he had the last o. his cargo would take the
ship away Grnn said when Captain Euncc came, "Iere
comes another damned navy man ;" he called me aside
end asked me If would work under Bunce | said yes;
= asked me TO tell the not TO work under Bunce
] told him had nothing to do with the crew; when
Captain Bunce handed Griffin mis- papers he grumbled
ead said he 1T to be mate he nt TO be captain
prisoner asked what he better do told him lie
bad better 60 TO work. Captain Bupce sick in
4hree or four days after he came board; he
ebore; was sick the day before plain Bunce taken
"; told Griffin was sick he said had been drinking;
! said drank nothing but wine he said that that wine
Vas not nj 70 drink that he did drink that wine
vas 10 o dcmtjohn, In the cabin and brought on
ooerd BY Captain Bunce; appeared TO be claret the
eaptAin drank Of Il once twice. saw Grinn take
ehreo or four glasses Into his and take bote Of
oue vriol; he poured some water In cup smoke came
eat II he got piece Of rag and dipped in the cup
90 rubbed 10 the inside II the glass; asked him what
- was dong he said, Taking grease or" he put the
cap on the shelf and the vriol In his beth and then
went deck; when the captain sick his vonit
uyeen beard Griffin say TO tho captain Don't you know
Tn captanf" Captain Bunce said 70 him. Take the ship
but leave me alone when nsked Grfnn what he used
ehe bottle for he sad "To get rid Of that damned crsc
On Cross examination by Mr. Howe witness said that he
gas arrested By police officer whom he shorc
lemedios; was not arrested as prncra made part Of
0s statement 20 the Consul told him OF Griffin mixing
Boston, charged with murder; did not give ev
1soce al Boston do not know that ! have been
esraigned . prisoner; did not employ counsel to
Ae(eud mo; I was arragned here q principal;
Was indicted here principal: Imado statement TO
ny counsel, Mr. James think did make mention OF the
olue vhrjol; think told Mr. James the ~ told
~ G. urt to-day; made mention OF the vriol to
Optan Bunce bad suspicion Of what Griffin was doing
akSes BuDccs DEATH was suspicious OF Grimm the first
Time mentioned about the cup IA this building
tas told that told the truth about what occurred
Nneemcnt here day before the death of Bunce
~ knife for my protection: chaeed mo with
knife and had 70 protect myself that krfe belonged
- Captain Coffee one Of the former captains: had
tatch in my posses Ion after Captain Hoods death Ad
foufned.