Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1867-08-16

ne jury kGated 10 Ftnd Perdtct ana
arc Discharged-A Scene in the Court
WASHINGTON, Aug. TO.
At o'clock P. NJ. Surratt was brought
into the Court room Judge Fisher resum-
ed his seat. The Crer called the Court to
order and Marshal Phillips was directed to
SAIL the Jury down. BY this time the
Court room was densely crowded.
The Jury was brought in at ! :05 P. NJ
aud BY direction of Judge Fisher the
names of the jurors were called.
Mr.. Middleton. addressing the jury,
said: Gentlemen of the Jury-have YOU
agreed upon your verdict
Mr.. Todi-'We have not been able TO
agree
Judge Fisher have received the follow
ing letter from the Jury. To the Hon.
Geo. P. Fisher. Judge of the Criminal
Court-Dear sir: The Jury in the case of
the United States vs.. John H. Surratt
most respectfully states that they stand
precisely as when they first balotted upon
entering the room. They are nearly equal
~ divided, and they are firmly convinced
that they cannot possibly max, a verdict.
We deem it our duty to the court, to the
country. and in view Of the condition of
our affairs and the situation of our fami-
lies, and in view of the fact that the health
of several of our number is becoming ser
iously impaired under the protracted con-
finenent. to make this statement aud to
ask your Honor to dismiss US at once.
Most respectfully submitted
Signed by all the Jury.
The Jury were discharged at ten MN
utes past one and left the courtroom.
Judge Fisher then rose aud immediately
read the following: L have now a very I'm
pleasant duty to discharge. but ono which
cannot inrego. On the second day OF
July last during the progress of the trial
Of John II. Surrat, for the murder OF Abra-
ham Lincoln, immediately after the court
had taken recess until the following
morning. as the presiding Justice was de-
roentng from the Bench, Joseph II. Brad
lev. Esa accosted him in rude and in
sultius manner. charging the Judge with
having offered hint Mt Bradley a series OF
iusulte from the bench from the CONNIE
mcnt of the trial. Til. Judge disclaimed
any intention W. atever of passing any III
cult and assured Mr.. Bradley 60 far from
accepting this explanation or disclaimer,
thereupon threatened the Judge with per
bbUal ctl1oItSclutub, DIS uc uuuSlet'Ou hi'H
No court can administer justice or live If
iis Judges are to be threatened with per
sonal violence on all occasions whenever
the Feasibility Of the counsel may be exclt
cd by an imaginary insrlt. The offence at
Mr.. Bradley is one which even his years
will not pailiate. 1t cannot DO overlooked
or go unpun;shed as contempt Of court.
1t is therefore ordered that his name be
stricken from the roll Of attorneys practic
ing in this court.
Mr.. Bradley Immediately rose and asked
if the Court had adjourned.
Judge Fisher-It has not. sir.
Mr.. Bra,lley-Theu. sir. in the presence
of The Court and the assembly. | hereby
pronounce the .satcmentjust made hy the
Judge as utterly false i'll every particular
Judge Fisher, iuterruptins-Crier, adj
j0urn the Court.
The Crier-This Court is now adjourn.
Mr.. Bsadley-We.i then, | will say
POW
Judge Fisher, rising to leave the bench
You can say what You please. SIR. and
make a speech to the crowd if you like.
Mr.. Bradley You have no authority to
dismiss me. That must be the act OF three
Judges OF the Supreme Court.
Judge Fisher said Very we'll, Mr..
Bradley, you can make the proper appeal