Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-12-17
CONCLUSION OF THE STACEY
TRIAL.
Evidence and speeches.
Capt. stacey Acquitted.

The trial Of this cause was resumed yes
terday morning at IL O'Clock. The main
object on the part of counsel for the de-
Tense, in eliciting further evidence, was to
invalidste the testimony of Larkin Bradley,
chief witness for the prosecution.
H. P. Mckinney, Deputy United States
Marshall, deposed: He was acquainted
with the general character of Bradley; it
was very bad and witness would not be-
lieve him where he was interested in law
suit; where he was not interested he would
believe him; meant by that he would think
Bradley would tell the truth where there
was no motive to tell lie.
George F. Akers testified that he was ec-
quainted with his general character and
would not believe him where he was inter-
esied; where be was not interested, it was
doubtful.
Mr.. S. Higgins testified that be was ac-
quainted with the character of Bradley,
that is, what others say of him. His char
acter was that of liar and thief He
would not believe him on oath in court
Of justice.
Col. Reese w. Porter was called. He
testified that he was Revenue Collector in
1867 and visited the distillery of Larkin
Bradley in October of that year.
Witness stated that he at that time had
made some discoveries which he did not
think correct and had opened his distillery.
If Bradley ever ran his distillery contrary
to law he did not know. In response to a
question by the prosecution witness re-
Piled that he knew Bradley's general char
acter very well, and that from that general
knowledge he would not believe him on
oath.
At the close Of this testimony the
prosecution made affidavit that he desired
to procure additional witnesses from Clarks-
vile to establish the Yeracity Of Bradley,
and asked a continuance till the 18th.
Counsel for the defense objected and
argued the noh-acceptance Of the affidavit
at length and with ability, while it was
advocated with persistent earnestness by
the prosecution. The continuance was re-
fused and by mutual consent of counsel
the case was proceeded with. The evi-
dence having been closed, the argument
was opened by prosecuting attorney, Smith,
who reviewed the evidence affirming that
| they had made strong case against the
| accused. The prosecution was fol-
lowed by MIR. w. G.. Brien, In
one Oh tue olOQuonts AOSlCdA anu SSaLOh-
| ing efforts characteristic of him. Mr..
| Spurlock followed Mr.. Brien in full and
able resume of the law and the evidence,
touching upon all the points involved in
the case. His remarks upon malicious
prosecutions, and the incompetency of an
accomplice to testify against the principal
in offenses, were forcible and telling. AL
the counsel in the case exhibited talent,
adroitness and high degree of legal acu.
men. The closing remarks of Mr.. Smith
we're mainly a review of the arguments o.
opposing counsel. At the conclusion o.
his remarks the case was submitted, wheI
Commissioner Campbell decided that there
was nothing in the case authorizing the
holding of the defendant, and Mr.. Stacey
was discharged. Thus ended case tina
during the last few days has created much
interest in the community. We hope thai
whatever of malice or personal asperitie'
may have been engendered by the case
| will die with tha dacision