The New York herald., 1879-12-30
TEE R0CKLAND TRAGEDY.
Commencing the Thirteenth Week
of Hayden's Trial
TESTIMONY OF THE ACCUSED.
Going Over the Story of the Arsenic
and the Knife


NEW HAVEN. Conn. Dec 90. 1879.
The Hayden trial was resumed this afternoon and
entered upon Its thirteenth woek. However there
have been in the three months that have passed
only forytwo days of actual session. and several Of
these were or but three or four hours. 1t is
timated that the trial will close the carly part OF
next week. Mr.. Hayden finished his testimony this
afternoon. The State pushed him on several
points. but he made no admissions that can affect
the weight his story will possibly have with the
jury. One Of his counsel says that he is the
best client he ever had during years OF
experience in criminal practice. He has been re-
markaby cool throughout. even under pressure OF
sharp questioning which would anger or at least
disturb many q witness less nervous than he is nat
uraly. Old Benjamin Stevens one of the most i'm
portant witnesses in the case is reported far
valescent as to warrant the belief that he be
brought into Court this week. while reports from
another source that he had a relapse and his
physician regards doubtful whether he will ever
leave his house again. The New Haven Union
Is authority for story that before tho first Grand
Jury empanneled in the Hayden case, Susan Hawley.
Mary Stannards half sister. appeared and testified.
and her story as given publicly in the courts during
the pending trial does not embrace all that she told
the Grand Jury, according to q gentleman who sat
on that jury. Besides the story concerning MaryAs
statements to her in the flesh. Susan told about the
conversation which she alleged occurred between
Mr.. Hayden and Mary at the spring. This she ad-
mitted, when questioned, she received on the
authority of clairvoyant. and the jury thereafter
attached no Importance to the alleged spring con-
versation. Among the visitors this afternoon was
the venerable Mrs Ann S. Stephens. the authoress
who had quito . long conversation with the &C.
cused clergyman and his wife during the recess
The court room was packed when the judges emerged
from their private room at twenty minutes past
two O'Clock, and took their seats upon the bench.
The High Sheriff raped the assembage to order. the
Jurors names were monotonousy called over by the
slerk and the defence recalled to the stand the ac-
used clergyman. Mr.. Waller, fer the prosecution,
proceeded with his cross-examination.
HAYDEN AGAIN STAND.
O. Had you used any arsenic before Sep1em-
Der. 1878? A. No, sir.
Q. Had you ever seen any? A Not that recol-
tect.
O. Were you familiar with itP A know it was
very deadly.
q. Did you know to its operation, that is
whether it would produce sleep burning sensa-
hon? A. No, sir.
Q. Did you know at that time how much arsenic it
and small amount would kill-that little on the
point OF knife might be deadly.
T. Where had you learned this? A. don't think
can tell you.
Q. Where was Ben Stevens when you first saw him
when you stopped at the Hayden house the fore
noon of the murder? A. He standing ut the
fence.
Q. Did you state before the coroner's jury that
you first saw him inside the house? A. Idon't re-
member that anything was asked me about it.
Q. What time did you leave the oyster supper to
go to your house? A. About nine O'Clock; was alb
sent not exceeding ten minutea.
To Mr.. Jones lfor the defence,-When was ar
rested the handle of the knife in my tool chest;
had Ean fhp n ftn.a h.pnr
one-baded knife, with bone handle.
q. Where is that tool chest? A. ~ my new tene-
ment i'll South Madison.
q What became of the knife your wife gave your
A. l don't know; have not seen it for years.
O. Have you owned while IN Rockland any other
than these two and the Hayden" knife? A. No sir
excepting my little boys knife
A. To put my children to bed; always did SO when
was home; this time went to the house at my
wife's request
@. What were you doing at the supper, A. We
disposed of a bed quilt, and the name or everybody
who paid for the supper was taken by me as he or
in the interval between the FIRST and ..second'
tables the interval was not threequarters of an
hour.
@. How did you come to borrow money from
Susan Hawley? Mary Stannard's half sister.l A. I
had note to pay. and wife informed me that Susan
mad some money to lend; wife and myself gave our
joint note for the s75.
Q. How many times were you at the Stan
nards house? A. Only four times; first, about the
money; second, when wen. after cucumbers; an
other time to get some apples. and again the night
i
regularly
Mr.. Hayden next testified that women often used
pocket knives to peel fruit and Vegetables rather
than case or carving knives and tbst snch t; s
were kept in many hardware stores ~ ~
q. On the day OF the affair had Won anv Lrow,odoo
whether certain Rockland people were MOI around
home that dayf A. No. sir; went away carly in
the morning.
Q. Where the ..ribbon path'' rms from one road
across TO the other near the fork what is the CON
uition OF the ground south OF the path and toward
the houses2 A. The ground has very light shrub
berry ' --e
q. Suppose YOU were crossing that natb on
mission of murder would Won sbnt vour avas so .s
not to see a wagon coming down the roadS ~ -