The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-05-26
JOSEPH A. HINoKs.


Every membersof the Grand Inquest was pre-
sent, white and colored, except Major voorhies.
who was not in the city, and the signatures of all
except him is given in approval of the address to
Gen. Buchanan.
Mr.. Hincks, the foreman of the jury, having
read TO Judge Howe the presentment the papers
were received as record of the court without
comment on the part of the judge.
The Grand Inquest then proceeded in bodyto
the headquarters of Gen. Buchanan to deliver the
address to him. They were accompanied by At
torney General Lynch and District Attorney Lu-
zenberg.
&c The Grand Inquest having arrived at headquar-
ters. after brief delay, Gen. Buchanan gave
them and the law officers accompanying them, an
audience. Attorney General Lynch presented
the members Of the jury and informed the gene
raj that representative Of the CRESCENT was
present by invitation of the jury, with view Of
giving publicity to whatever might transpire in
the interview.
The party was courteously received by the
general, and Mr.. Hincks, the foreman. informing
him of the object of the visit, read the address
incorporated above in the presentment to the
court
General Buchanan listened to the reading with
marked attention. Mr.. Hincks submitted to him,
Also copies of the statements upon which the
jury had acted, and he read them through.
The writer did not take notes OF what was said,
but from memory gives the following, which,
although not presenting the exact words uttered.
is substantially faithful record.
The general having read all the documents, ad-
dressed Mr.. Luzenberg, and asked him what the
usage was in such matters-was the chief OF
police required to pay money out of his own
pocket to secure the arrest OF person "sus-
pected Of crime -
Mr.. Luzenberg answered that the chief was not
fo for a In
this case it was not known whether the fugitive
was in the city or beyond the limits, at the time
Mr.. Williamson refused 10 disclose where the man
was. The jurisdiction Of the chief was confined
TO the city. He could not be compelled to arrest
q party outside bis district. But the sheriff was
by law authorized to collect from the city any ex
peDse he might incur in bringing to justice party
who was charged with the commission of crime
| in the city and who had absconded.
| Cen -RnaAA.~. ahsAruaa that hA rsania taxa fhs
| case under sdvisement. He would summon Mr..
| williamson before him and hear what he had to
| cay. He (Gen Buchanan) would not decide this
or sny other case without giving the party accused
| hearing. The Grand Jury, he was confident.
would not ask him to do less, and would not ex-
| pect from him more than strict justice As to the
| man Watson, the general said he would obtain
| from Mr.. Williamson his whereabouts, and would
| see that he was arrested and returned to New
Orleans, if be was within this military district, and
| if be was not measures would be taken to secure
| his return, if practicable.
| Mr.. Hincks remarked that the Grand Jury was
/ not concerned alone about the arrest of Watson.
The great object they hadi view was to secure the
/ people Of New Orleans against the repetition OF
i such case as this-a case in which the head of
the police was concesliDg from lawful authority
/ the retreat of a notorious criminal.
Gen. Buchanan replied that he would see while
| be remained in command OF this district that
| neither Mr.. williamson nor whoever else might be
| in his place should do the like again with impu-
nifty. The general added that he would
not pronounce an opinion as to the guilt
or innocence of Mr.. williamson until Mr..
| williamson was heard in explanation. The
| general said further that he never did things by
baves Whatever he should do would be done
thoroughly. Whatever conclusion he should ar
rive at after full investigation, his action would
| be decisive.
This closed the interview, and the Grand Jury
and the gentlemen accompanying them retired.