The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1865-06-09
The Assassination Trial.

Lewis F. Bates was this morning ex-
amined for the prosecution. He testified
that he resided in Charlotte, n. c., for
the last four years. JEFF. Davis stopped
at his house on the 10Th of April, and
made an address from the steps. Davis
received and read to the crowd telegram
from Gen. Breckenridge, dated Greensboro
April 10, as follows:
President Lincoln was assassinated in
the theatre on the night of the l4th.
Secretary Stewards house was entered the
same night and he was repeatedly stabbed
and is probably mortally wounded"
Witness said that after reading the dis
patch to the crowd Davis stated that
eff it were to be done it were better ii
was we'll done" The day after Breckin-
ridge and Davis conversed in the house OF
witness on the subject of the assassina-
ton; Breckenridge remarked to Davis
that he regretted it very much; it was
unfortunate for the people of the South at
that time; the regret seemed to be the
cause of sympathy for the South and not
because of the criminality of the act; Da-
Wis replied: "Well, general. l don't
know, if it were to be done at all it were
better it were we'll done, and if the same
were done to Andy Johnson, the beast.
and Secretary Stanton, the job would then
be complete
Francis s Walsh testified that he has
resided in Washington since 1887: am a
druggist: have known Harold since he
was boy: have known him intimately
since 1868; he was for nine months clerk
for me ; know nothing Objectionable iii his
character he was like most young men.
light and tritling in some things, but III
moral character; l saw nothing to find
fault with in him: he was temperate in
his habits and regular i'll hours: should
think him more easily persuaded than boys
or young men of his age.
Several witnesses testified in similar
manner in regard to Harold; placing
him below the average of young men Is
to intellect.
The rebel Gen johnson was called by
the defense.
Gen. Howes said johnson was educated
at the United States military academy :;
it was we'll known rs u condition prece-
dent to an officers receiving the oath of
allegiance; that it was notorious that
Johnson had borne arms against this Coy
ernment, and came here with his hands
red with the blood of his loyal country
men, To offer him rs a witness WAS t.
insult the Court. and he moved he be
elected.
Gen. Ekin was glad the motion had
been made: the introduction of such a
man as witness was the hight of i'm
pertenence.
Mr.. Aiken, of the counsel for the de-
tense, said the Confederate officer. Jett.
had already appeared as a witness for the
Government, therefore no disrespect was
intended by Introducing this witness
Judge Holt and Others spoke, when Gen.
Howe withdrew his objection.
General Johnston then testified that he
was acquainted with 4 man representing
himself as Won Steinicker who WAS q
private in the Second Virginia Infantry ::
he never heard of 4 secret meeting such
as that to which Won Stcinicker testified.
having in view the assassination of the
Presidents he never heard such a thing
spoken of, or desired; he never saw Booth
in his camp, or heard of him till the as
saSsinatiOn.