Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-02-08
The Harrison Impeachment.
In THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES,
January %. 1870.
Charges and SPECIFICATIONS.


January %, 1870.
Mr.. Pierpoint, from the special committee
to investigate the charges against Judge Ma
thaniel Harrison, reported back the charges
against Judge Harrison, aud
On motion of MIR. Pierpont it was
Ordered, That the charges lie on the table
and be printed.
To the Legislature Of Vest Firginia:-
The undersigned citizens and voters of the
Seventh Judicial Circuit of said State, re-
spectfulIy represent that they are aggrieved
By having, as Judge of said Circuit. Nathan
lei Harrison. who, they charge, has proved
himself in every way unworthy of that high
and responsible Office; that he has usurped
authority and jurisdiction which did not be-
long to him, and that he is dissipated, immor-
al and licentious.
They charge specially
First That he has been guilty of taking
jurisdiction of causes in which he is person
ally interested.
Second, That he has unlawfully and cor
ruptly advised parties as to suits to be brought
and as to the management and conduct of
suits in his Courts.
Third, That he has used his judicial pow
err and authority oppressively, vindrassly
and corruptly.
Fourth, Your memoTialsts charge tat he
said Harrison has w.llfully neglected to Boid
the number of courts and at the times pre-
scribed and required by law. See certificate
of Joseph II. Avis, Clerk of the Circuit
Court of Mercer county, herewith submitted,
and also certificate of Clerk of Mcdowell
county to be hereafter filed; also testimony
of ID. A. Stofer.
Fifth. Your memorialist charge that the
said Harrison has permitted lawyers to prac-
tice at the bar of his courts without taking
the oath prescribed and required by law. See
testimony of Samuel Price, Henry NJ. Ma
thews and others to be hereafter produced.
iSirfh Your memorialists charge that the
said Harrison permitted one Hercules Scott
to qualify as Deputy Clerk of the Circuit
Court and Deputy Recorder OF Mercer coun-
ty, without taking the oaths prescribed by
law. See certified extracts from the records
of said Mercer Circuit Court, herewith sub
mitted.
!SerentA, They charge him with willful
and corrupt swearing.
Eighth, They charge the said Harrison
with>drunkenness when on the bench. See
affidavit of Samuel Price, herewith submits
ted, and testimony of Benjamin White, to be
hereafter furnished.
Ninth. They charge said Harrison with
habItualiy carrying concealed weapons In vi
olation of law. Witnesses, John w. Harris,
Robert f. Dennis and others.
Tenth, They charge the said Harrison with
violating the law in playing cards at public
places. Witnesses, Alexander Walker and
Lewis Ballard, and others to be hereafter
furnished.
E2cveneh, They charge the said Harrison
with gross RIGHTEOUSNESS and adultery. See
afiidavits in support of this charge, herewith
submitted, of Mamie Perkins, Jane Reynolds
and Fannie White, and other testimony to be
hereafter furnished
Trelfth They charge that the said liar
rison's conduct has been such as to destroy
all confidence in. or respect for him, either
personally or officially, upon the part of the
great mass Of the people composing his cir
cult, and that he is therefore totally unfit to
occupy his position of Judge.
Your memorasts therefore pray that the
said Nathaniel Harrison may he removed
from his said Office of Judge of the Seventh
Judicial Circuit, by the concurrent vote of
majority of your honorable bodies, and they
will ever pray. LEWIS BALLARD,
Y. +. NICKELL,