Norfolk day book. [volume] (Norfolk and Portsmouth Va.) 1868-1880, 1869-04-13
POR rs M OU TIL

Augustus Anderson, Chas. Norris, Re
ter Arson, Herman Cross, Fifty Franl
and Robert Arson, all of whom wer
sailors from an English brig, who came
ashore on liberty yesterday, and drink
ing too much mean whisky were picke'
up by the beaks for fighting and drunk
en- conduct, were fined SIS each, saw
Cross, who was fined $40. The Captain
gave an order on w. B. Reynolds & Go.
in Norfolk, for the payment of the fines
Perhaps it will learn them better lessor
on next liberty day.
Nat Wann, negro, appeared before
the Mayor, and charged John Bullock
with making an assault upon him cut
ting him with a knife-Bullock was
committed to court.
The next case in court was that of Mr..
Pyle and Mr.. Booth. -...
The court room was densely filed by
all classes, but Mayor Stokes had the
room cleared of those negro women who
at all times crowd in, bringing with
them such an unpleasant smell. All
things being in readiness the case was
commenced.
Mih1in Pyle, charged with making an
assault upon Mr.. Joseph Booth, on Fri
day last, represented by White and Ed
wards.
+ DIR. McAlpine, the attending physi-
cain, called to the stand and sworn -
Last Friday morning between the hours
of and 9 o'clock l was sent for to at
tend Mr.. Joseph Booth; Immediately re-
paired to his residence in Newtown, and
found him suffering from blow given
in the forehead; also having severe pains
in the right side, and having convul-
sions frequently; at that time formed an
unfavorable opinion of his case; towards
the close of the day still found him in
pain, and still suffering from the effects
of the blow, from which he has as yet
not recovered.
On being questioned by the Mayor if
he considered his case out of danger, he
remarked that his condition was more
favorable, and if something did not turn
up, which he at present did not antici-
pate, it was his opinion he would recov-
er.
On being asked by the counsel if it
was his opinion the blow which felled
Mr.. Booth was given by any thing save
the fist, replied he saw no cut where the
blow was given, and it was his opinion
it was given with the fist.
Officer Harrison sworn and testified as
follows On Friday morning 7 was
called upon to hasten to Newtown :;
that Mr.. Pyle had murdered a man by
the name Of Booth; at once I fastened
to the residence OF Booth after gaining
information pertinent to the affair l
went in search of Pyle, whom / found
in Gosport; 1 went up to him to arrest
him when he asked if l had a warrant
for his arrest replied in the Mega
tive, but told him to come with me,
which he did.
l brought him over and locked him
in the station house; then apprehending
that Booth would die from the informal
ton l received, 1 thought it advisable
TO have the deposition of Booth. In or
Ter to obtain it I hired hack and ac-
Justice Knott to the resi-
lence ofBooth where the deposition was
aiken.
Mrs. Gross deposed that on Friday
morning, between the hours named, she
aw Pyle and Booth behind the drink
ne saloon of Mr.. Lovitt; saw them talk
ng, and judged from their department
hey were irritated. Booth shook his
niger in menacing attitude in the face
fPyle; Immediately afterwards saw Pyle |
mock Booth down.
On being questioned by Pyle's counsel
she heard the language used, she re-
,lied in the negative. She saw Pyle offer
assistance to Booth while lying on the
ground. but he apparently refased aid
rom him f; did not see Pyle kick him
after he fell; should not think he would,
IS he offered assistance he appeared to
eel sorry for what he had done. |
No other witness appearing for the
commonwealth, the case was given to
he counsel, Mr.. White, who denounced
he press as striving to embitter the
minds of the people against his client
~ using flaming headings and other
hings, which he confessed shocked him.
lie then applied his learned intellect to
prove that is was case of an assault |
md battery, of every day life. He
loped the Mayor, with his experience
md knowledge of the law, would dis
Miss the case. Mayor Stokes bound Mr.. |
Pyle over in the sum of $3.50 for twelve