Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1871-06-08
(From the Richmond Enquirer. May Is. }
THE TRIAL OF AARON BURR.

Saturday, Thomas Harrison Drew, OF
this city, was eighty-six years of age
He came to Richmond to reside Novem-
Der lst, 1900, from Cumberland, his na-
tive county, and is the only survivor of
those who took part in the memorable tri-
al of Aaron Burr in this city. in the Sum-
mer Of 1907. for treason against the Uni
ted States. He was the father-in-law of
the late DIR. Deane, aud is connected to
various prominent citizens Of Richmond.
Though thus advanced in years, Mr..
Drew's memory in regard to the events of
by gone times is remarkable. He came
to our Office Saturday by invitation, and
gave us lengthy account Of his recollec-
tions Of the Burr trial. from which we
condcnsc what follows:
On the 1st of July, 1907. he qualified
as Deputy United States Marshal, under
Joseph Scott, then United States Marshal
for Virginia. and at once started for Wood
county to summon venirc for the trial of
Aaron Burr. who had been previously in
dictcd for treason by a grand jury, Of
which John Randolph, Of Roanoke, was
foreman. Wood county was the nearest
point to Blanncrhassctt's Island, where
the overt act Of treason was charged to
have been committed. Mr. Drew de-
scribed at length the incidents of his trip,
his difficulties in obtaining the required
number Of veniremen, and his return to
Richmond.
He reached Richmond, Friday, August
9Th, and on Monday, 9th, the trial of
Aaron Burr commenced.
On Monday morning, when court OPEN
ed. every man Of the twelve answered to
their names, and Col. Burr vied with his
counsel, Messrs. Wickham. Benjamin,
Bolts, Jack Baker, John Lee, of Alexan-
dria, and Luther Martin, Of Maryland, in
efforts TO get from these uncouth and un-
lettered vcniremen admissions which would
disqualify them. The first man called
was named Creole (there were three Of
this name summoned) and all manner of
questions were asked him. In response
to one. he said it was reported in his
neighborhood that Col. Burr was too in
innate with Mrs. Blanuerhassett. The
Creeles went originally from Prince VIII
liam county. and we're rejected, rs we're
all the rest Of the twelve, except an Irish
man, Morrison. because they had either
made up or expressed an opinion rs to the
guilt Of the accused. Morrison was asked
why it was that everybody else in his
neighborhood had formed an opinion in
regard to Col. Burr's alleged treason ex.
cept himself, to which he replied, that one
day he had heard one thing and the next
day the reverse. and not knowing which
to believe he had formed no opinion.
Finding that he could not be gotten rid
Of by that process, Colonel Burr remarked
excitedly, that resort to the pcremptory
challenge. Morrison. with strong Irish
brogue rs he left the stand. remarked MY
name 10 a terror to you. Morrison 5 chris
tian name was hmilton.
No jury having been gotten, Mr.. Drew
says Chief Justice Marshal told me to
take charge of Col. Burr, and remain with
him. carried him, as arranged, to the
corner OF Ninth and Broad streets, where
keiningham now keeps. The building
was then only forty-fve feet deep. Col.
Burr occupied the front upstairs room
over the store, and l that in rear Of it,
There were wooden bars across the win
dows Of his room. but they were pu. there
for appearance sake. was allowed
guard of three mct,, I remained with
him every night during the long time it
took 10 get jury. and got Up at all hours
Of the night His room was open, the
weather being very warm, and I could al
ways sec him as | passed his door new
er found him asleep, strange to say, but
once. His eyes, which were dark and
piercing. seemed ever open and on the
lookout.
A great number Of persons were sum-
moned in Richmond, but only two COM
petent jurors were Cbtained-Colonel Ed
ward Darlington. an ex-Mayor. and Col
onel Lambert, father Of the late Mayor Of
that name. The country around was
secured in every direction. and jury e.
nally obtained -among the Jurors being
Col. Hugh Mercer. Of fredericksburg ;
Isaac Curd and Blakey, of Henrico Col-
onel Coleman. Of Halifax JOHN Mosby
Shepherd. of Hanover; Christopher An
.houy. Of Lyusiabarg, and Col. r. y.
Parker. afterwards judge Of enc Il she
lower counties.
These are all Mr.. Drew ecsld recall.
He was subsequently, sent 10 Hanover TO
summon Judge William Brokenborough.
Coloael Bmr's meals we're sent from the
Swan Tavern. on Broad. near Ninth. and
the jury were boarded at the same house,
They were seventeen days and nights in
the Capitol. occupying the old Senats
Chamber (the aosr which gave way in
April last, occasicaing the terrible disas,
seI). and The rooms nov changed and &C