The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-11-24

The NEGRO SHOOTING AFFAIR.-The case
Of Thornton Holmes, negro, charged with
shooting and killing Jacob James, was taken
up before the Mayor yesterday morning,
and the evidence Of all the witnesses who
were before the coroner's inquest was
examined.
Prior to the examination, Counsellor
Wootten arose and announced the fact that
he had been employed as counsel in the
case, and that he did not intehdsto be put
out Of it. II had been palpably stated in
open court that he was not counsel; and no
one had right to employ counsel to his
prejudice.
His Honor said that he had nothing to do
with the matter Of the employment of
counsel.
"Then," said Mr.. Wootten, waxing
warm, "Why did you proclaim in open
court that was not this mans counsel :"
Mayor" Because the prisoner chose
some one else as his counsel. Mr.. Wootten,
l don't intend to be questioned by you in
regard to what do here Prisoner, who
do you choose for your counselH
Thornton said that le preferred Judge
Crump as his counsel. j.
Upon this Ir. Wootten broke out afresh.
eyes, sir, know WhyL chooses some one
else as his counsel. 1t was, sir, because
one of your police officers spoke to him to
my prejudice. Yes, ST ono Of your po-
lice officers, sir.
Mayor pledge you my word, sir, that
unless you hush l will show you who am
and what Difference is due to me-,
Mr.. Wootten.--"B But, sir, in Difference to
me you should hear ne; the bench and
bar have their rights here, sir; and claim
my rights"
Mayor.-"Mr. Wootten, command you
to take your seat and keep quiet; you can
stand or walk about if you wish; but you
must keep your tongue"
Mr.. Wootten with great emphasis"
choose to stand, sir; and II aoil stand, sir 7"
And be did stand. After which the evil
dence was proceeded with.
Policeman Shook testified: While on his
beat, on Clay street near First, he heard
shots. He proceeded to Holiness house,
and found at the bottom Of the steps, as he
thought, the body Of man. He went up
stairs, and found Holmes and another man.
He asked, "Who killed that man ?"
i
not stand it any longer" Witness arrested
him, and before he started for the station
house Holmes told him all about the affair.
THE particulars have been given in the
testimony taken by the coroner's inquest.
DR.. Anderson testified that he had ex-
amined the wounds of the deceased and
Holiness wife. He also testified as to
answers made by the dying man to ques-
tions asked by witness; all Of which have
been published before.
Mr.. Archibald Hughes testified that he
was passing near Holmes's house, when he
heard shots proceeding from within.
Shortly afterwards he heard voice, in
excited tones say, "Open this door," He
went into the yard after while and found
Holmes under arrest. The witness then
narrated the particulars already given.
DR.. A. Y. c. Young testified to the ma
ture of the wounds. He said that her con-
dition at the present time was very
favorable one.
Ellen Lacy, small negro girl, testified
that she saw James at Holiness house
every day two or three times. Holmes was
out at work. He would generally go in
Holmes's room, but he would sometimes
sit in the kitchen for short time. Wit
ness lived upon the same lot with Holmes.
Another negro girl living on the lot gave
the same facts as were given by Ellen.
Jane Bowers, negro woman, saw Jacob
James in Holmes's every day. She saw
him in bed with her about three weeks
ago. 1t was upon Sunday night, just
after witness had returned from church.
Holmes's wife and James had also just re-
turned together.
At this point the question was asked
care there any more witnesses in this
case" A party in the lobby said 81
knows all bout it. Jacob Jeems been
gwine dar for six months" He was called
up, and sworn. He testified that James
had been going to Holiness house for six
months. Witness never went there that
he did not see James.
Daniel Eppes, an old negro man, testified
that Thornton had come to him, telling
him of his misery on account of his wife,
bad conduct. He advised him as to what
he should do.
Other evidence was adduccd, showing
that James had been On terms of improper
intimacy with Holiness wife. Ample tes-
timony of Holiness good character was
given by his employer.
His Honor said that he would have to
send the prisoner on, and defined his crime
as voluntary manslaughter. He was, there
fore, remanded to await further examina'
tion before the next term of the Hastings
Court.