The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-01-22

The MILITARY CoMM1ssIog-CAsg OF 3.
P. MooRE.-The military commission in
the case of s. P. Moore, late sheriff Of
King William county, charged with embez-
element of $2,249.39 of public fuIds, and
appropriating the same to his own use, met
yesterday morning at military beedquar-
ters, in pursuance of adjournment, at IL
o'clock. -. ,,...,
Before proceeding to the trial Colonel
Jenkins (for the defence) entered the fol-
lowing protest:
"The prisoner, Samuel P. Moore, late
sheriff of King William county, Va, OBJ
iects to trial by the military commission
as at preseat organized, Oh the following
grounds:
"First. Because the said military COM
mission has been Illegally and unconstitu-
tionally convened and organized. @'@
"Second. Because the said military COM
mission cannot take Jurisdiction Of his case
under any law of the United States or under
the law of the State Of Virginia.
"Third. Because if the said Samuel p.
Moore has been guilty of any violation Of
law he is entitled, under the laws, the
Constitution, and under the long established
and acknowledgements policy of our
Government, to Indictment and trial by
jury.
"For these and multifarious reasons the
prisoner now enters this, his solemn pro-
test, against trial by the military COM
mission organized under Special Orders No.
l3, dated January IL, 1870. . 7.1
"SAMUEL P. MOORE.
"By counsel"
Major Hambrick, in reply to this, stated
that the court had no discretion in the
matter, having been convened by order of
the commanding General.
To this the Court assented.
The charge and specifications were then
read, to each of which the prisoner plead
I" not guilty"
MIR. John W. Lee, from Lanesville, King
William county, was first examined. He
had known accused since he was first ap-
pointed sheriff. He had paid him money
due Commonwealth. Witness produced re-
ceipts for $75 paid accused for taxes.
e. F. Anderson, from West Point, was
also examined, and showed o receipt for
money he had paid the accused as sheriff
for taxes. Witness had nothing personal
against tho accused. He was on enemy tC
him only 80 far as his course in the county
| was concerned. He did not think the in.
come from the office sufficient to support
him in his manner of living. He wa
very rude in his manner towards the peo
pie.
A. J. Cavan, from West Point, also testi
| Cd Id |, loI
and showed his receipts for that amount
AS far as witness had observed, the accuses
had been courteous in his conduct toward
the citizens.
a number of receipts for taxes we're e1
hibited and acknowledged by accused.
David J. Nevins, of West Point, ais
displayed receipts for taxes paid accused
which were acknowledged by him.
Colonel T. II. Stanton, First Auditor
testified that the accused had made no re
turns as Sheriff of King William count
since his appointment. His returns wer
due on the 18th Of December. Witnes
had judgments for whole amount charge
against accused, but not against sureties
rs they had not been found. Did nc
know that accused had collected entir
amount OF license TAX uue from Ming NllllaI
county. Witness did not know whethe
the property tax-list was placed in MI
Moore's hands at the time required by tn
State law. Did not know that it was eve
put in his hands. His land textbooks ha
been returned to the Auditors office.
MIR. John W. Lee was recalled, and tes
tilted to the conduct of Mr.. Moore since h
had been in the county. He boarded wit
witness. He was perfect gentleman, an'
treated every one courteously. The citi
zens were very much prejudiced agains
him because he was northern man, ant
had declared their intention of ousting him
He testified to Mr.. Moore's style of living
which he said was very plain. ..
After he had concluded his testimony tn
court adjourned until IL o'clock to-day.
The accused WAS conyeyed to CamD Grant