Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-06-24
Trial of Jeter Phillips in RicInm ontl.

Alexandria, free holder, Mr. I. A. Waters,
had not formed nor expressed an opinion, had
no scruples against capital punishment, and
had no prejudice for nor against the prisoner.
Cross. examined-He knew nothing about
the case. He had heard no expression Of
opinions regarding it since his arrival Ac-
ecepted.
B. Wheat, of Alexandria, gave the same
answers to the same questions, ibut requested
to be excused on the ground that he was an
officer Of the Alexandria Fire Department, and
was discharged
S. D. Harper, Of Alexandria, had formed an
opinion when reading the evidence, but it was
not decided, and he could give any evidence
due weight. Set aside for the present
w. Ii. Muir, Of Alexandria, answered all
questions satisfactorily, and was accepted
William L. Dennis of Alexandria, had joked
a little about the affair before he was summon
ed here. but had read little of the case, and
had formed no opinion. The jocular remark
to which he referred, was that an Alexandria
jury would hang any man whom they were
taken SO far to try. Accepted.
William N. Parrott, of Albemarle, was ac-
cepted, as was w. W. Adam, of Alexandria,
and r. H. Maddox, of Albemarle
Robert l.. Wood, Of Alexandria, had no
prejudice, but thought from the fact that it was
necessary. to send so far for a jury, that popu-
lar opinion against the prisoner must be very
strong. Set aside for the present.
James Henderson, of Alexandria, had jocu-
larry said, when leaving for this place, that 'he
was coming TO hang Q man !" knew little Of the
case and had formed no opinion. Demurred
70 h1, bo 1ot NO, iE,, foor +bo ,,,;1o of nv,
sistcncy might lead him to carry out his threat),
A. Harper, of Alexandria. i.
Zeph. English, ot.Alexandria, had formed
and expressed an opinion. Set aside.
about the case. Accepted. ~. ..-... -
John O. Toolc, Of Alexandria, had formed
and expressed-an opinion. Set aside.
L. d. Harmon, ofAlexandria, had not read
the testimony Had no bias either way.
Thought capital punishment should be abol-
ishcd but il convinced that prisoner were
guilty would bring verdict accordingly. Ac-
copied ~aH[ ...
g. w. Bailey, Of Alexandria, had read the
evidence, but had formed no decided opinion.
Thought he could give the prisoner as fair a
trial as if he had never read the evidence; dis
carding any impression which might have been
made upon him. Objected to, and set aside
for the present.
w. II. McCafferty, Of Alexandria, knew
nothing about the case, and answering all ques-
tons, satisfactorily, was accepted.
John Howell, Of Alexandria, had read some
Of the evidence, had formed no opinion, but
statements made to him, before coming here,
had produced an impression unfavorable to the
prisoner, but he could discard this and give the
prisoner lair trial Objected to by the de-
fence, and set aside for the present
John 2. Mayo, Of Albemarlc, knew nothing
Of the case. Accepted, as was James n. Mon
rec. Of Alexandria,
Joseph Cooney, of Alexandria, had never
heard OF the case before summoned. Ac-
copied
Frank Creighton, of Alexandria, had read a
small portion Of the evidence. but had formed
no positive opinion, and could give the prison
er fair trial A party in Alexandria who
had heard the evidence, had spoken to him I'M
favorably regarding the case, but he attached
10 Importance to the opinion Accepted
G. 1. Mankin, of Alexandria, know nothing
Of the case. Accepted
Thomas E. Kemp, Of Alexandria, had re-
celvcd IN impression, but did not know that it
was positive or had any solid basis, as it was
formed on partial reading Of the evidence.
Could not say that he was wholly free from
bias, but, if placed on the jury, would cndcav-
or to act conscicntiously. Set aside.
A. n. Hurdle, of Alexandria, had read
nothing Of the case, and was accepted, thus
completing the PANEL. ..-
The counsel for the defence and the prisoner
then retired Tor consultation.
After an absence OF about an hour, the par
ty returned and the names of the following
gentlemcn were stricken from the PANEL. S. D.
Harper, Frank Creighton, S. O. Baggott, S.
S. Moore, A. Curtin, r. Maddox, John p
Mayo and VIM. Parrott
The vcnire was then drawn, and the following
gentlemen drawing blanks were discharged
}. L. Monroe, John r. Bib, John r Allen
and A. p. Hurdle.
The following jury was then sworn in:
j. N. Wheeler, foreman W. II. Muir, W.
4. Dennis, John r. Henderson, W. w. Adam,
t. D. Harmon, T.. A. Waters, w. II. McCaf-
terty G. ". Houchens, w. S. johnson, JOS
cph Cooney, Charles T. Mankin.
The witnesses for the Commonwealth were
then sworn, (the brother and sister of the MUIR
dered woman being among them, and next the
witnesses for the deIencc-and the trial COM
meDccd.