The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-05-03
LOCAL.
TRIALS IN THE RIOT CASES.


TRIALS IN THE RIOT CASES.
Our readers have no doubt read, with the
same surprise which we have felt the ex-
traordinary testimony given before the
CORPORATION Court, in the cases Of those
persons arrested for participation in the riots
and murders which dsgraced our city on the
18th of April We have not heretofore had
in our hands the proof we deemed necessary
to use; in the investigation of portion of
this evidence; nor were we willing unneces-
sarily to make remarks upon the action of
the Court which, after all, however remaka-
bic it appeared, might only have been in
duced by desire to do justice to the accused,
under the lights before them.
We now call attention to a portion OF the
case of Edward Long charged with murder
before the Corporation Court, copied from
our report of the 28th of April, and to the
testimony of Major Stanhope, the substance
of which was given alike, we believe, in all
the city papers
"The case being opened, the Common
wealth resumed the examination OF their W.T.
nesses. Upon conclusion, the defence SUD-
mitted their case without producing any tes-
testimony.
Major Stanhope was sent for at the request
Of the defence. He appeared in Court and
stated that Mrs Whitehurst admitted in his
presence and hearing that she was shot by
her son, Robert Whitehurst, while attempt
ing to take the pistol from him in the house"
This testimony of Major S,anhope has been
much discussed among the citizens of this
place, and we need hardly add that the pre-
vaing feeling was one of incredulity. 1t was
known that Mrs. Wbitehurst never spoke
from tho time of the entrance of the crashing
bullet,-even were it probable she could have
told SO wild and improbable story
It is not strange, in common, with the
whole of this community, that we should feel
strongly in relation to this subject. The
peaceful citizens of Norfolk have been malign-
ed and insulted---all sorts Of obloquy have
been cast upon then--and the foul charge of
commencing this riot has been attempted to be
fastened on them-by presses and writers at
the North beginning with Greeley, of the
Tribune, and running down through every
yelpipg cur of abolition. Whether Major
Stanhope, and his staff or satellites, or what
ever they are, have contributed towards this
malignant falsehood, we have no means Of
knowing. But it has been spread broadcast
through the North by interested parties and
it is our duty to sift all concerning the dis
graceful business to the bottom. On whom
the odium properly rests, it shall rest.
Mr.. John W. Whitehurst, whose wife was
killed, the woman spoken Of in Major STAN
hopes evidence, has voluntarily given us the
following statement:
Mr.. WhiLehurst's Statement.
To the Editor Of the Day Book:
Sir:-As many stories have been circulated
about the recent affair on the 18th of last
month"; in which lost my white and son,
and as perceive by the papers that Major
Stanhope asserts that my wife gave him to I'M
deostand that she received her death wound
from my son whilst endeavoring to take pis-
to out of bis hands, think it is only right
and proper that should make statement.
In the first place there has not been in my
mouse or IN possession OF any one OF my family,
such thing as pistol for ten years Neither
OF my SOUS had pistol in his hands at that
time or at any time during that morning, and
it is remarkable that Major Stanhope should
get such information from my wife when no
one else about her either before or after could
get any sign from her. Major Stanhope and
his squad of men came in my house, but made
not the slightest attempt or offer to assist my
wife, but left her laying on the floor, helpless
and suffocating
As be is the only one who could get any
sign from my wife, wish he had been able to
ascertain who robbed her pocket of about $50
or $40, and also who carried off my own and
my wife's clothing, family Bible &c.
| will also state that he refused to allow my
friends to come in to the assistance of my
wife
JOHN W. WHlTEHURsT
Norfolk Virginia, May 1866