The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-02-01
CLOSING OF THE WHARTON POISONING
CASE-YERDICT, ssNOT GUILTY.v

CAVJINN We VHANlVN IV1DVNlNV
CASE-YERDICT, "NOT GUILTY."
This remarkable case, which has consum-
ed forty three days, closed on the 24th inst,
with verdict of sNot Guilty" We give
below the particulars Of the closing scene as
taken from the Baltimore Sun Of the 18th y
In the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel
coutny, before Judges Miller, Hayden and
Hammond, the trial of Mrs. Wharton for the
murder of Gen. Ketchum was this morning
closed by verdict of not guilty. The jury,
after the case had been given to them yester-
day, remained out all night, being unable to
agree upon verdict. They passed the night
in the court room, using the benches and ia
bles for couches Early this morning they
we're still divided. Breakfast was furnished
them in the jury room, and about ten O'Clock
they sent word to the court that they had
AGREED UPON THEIR VERDICT
The news soon spread through the town,
and before the arrival of the judges the court
room was nearly filled. Notwithstanding the
cold, there were quite number OF ladies' pre-
sent. The judges soon arrived. Mrs. Whar
ton appeared with her daughter, and the
friends who have usually attended her; and
the room was soon densely filled. The char
acter of the verdict having become generally
known, there was no particular interest felt
except to hear it announced. At 1920 the
court sent for the jury, who entered, looking
somewhat fatigued. Mrs Wharton took her
seat
IN THE PRISONERS BOX.
Previous to the entry Of the jury in the
court room, Chief Judge Miller admonished
the audience that no manifestations ofappro-
val or disapproval would be permitted on the
rendering of the verdict. After the jury had
entered and taken their seats, for few mo-
ments solemn silence pervaded the ROOM
Mrs. Wharton was standing in the prisoners
box. with Mr.. Crawford Nelson at her side,
and by them stood Miss Nellie Wharton with
Mr.. Thomas, one Of the counsel.
THE VERDICT.
The oppressive silence was broken by the
calling OF the jury by the clerk and their an
swering. Col Harwood, clerk, then said =
Gentlemen of the jury, are you agreed upon
YOUR verdict 2" There was nod Of assent
by the jurors.
CLERK Who shall answer for you?" A
Juror answered, 'Our foreman"
Mrs Wharton was then directed to stand
up and raise her right hand.
CIerk-"Genteme Of the jury, look upon
the prisoner at the bar. How say you-is
she guilty of the matter whereof she stands
indicted or not guilty {! :.
Foreman (Franklin Deale Not guilty"
AS the foreman answered there was a
slight manifestation Of applause, which was
instantaneously checked.
coNaRAruLAr1NG THE PRISONER.
Every eye was fixed on the prisoner, who
still stood calm and apparently unmoved.-
Mrs. Wharton returned to her seat within
Tho bar where she was congratulated by her
counsel and friends. A whispered converse
ton became general throughout the room :
Mrs. Wharton appeared calm and motionles
49, ever Mrs Nelson placed her handker
ch;ef 70 ber ewes. and Miss Nellie conversee
in an animated way with her friend, Mis-
No;Json The court then discharged tn
talesmen on the special jury panel.
THE VAN NESS CASE.
Judoe Miller asked the counsel what the
nronosed to do with the next case on tn
docket No. s. This was the indictment Q
Mrs Wharton for assaulting and attempting
to noison Mr.. Eugene Van Ness.
The States attorney, Mr. Revell, said a
} the counsel were much exhausted with tn