Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1891-09-11
@SlSg55s &
ASSOCIATED PRESS DISPATCHES.
The Hams Trial,

l
HAMPTON, Va, Sspt 11.-When Judge
Gunter opened court at $50 this morning to
continue the trial OF Hslns for shooting
flanagan, there was large number Of la.
dies present. The oolored element, which
usually pvedominstes In Virginia court,
was conspicuous by its absence, not more
J than half dozen coored men being present
Mr.. Goode made formal offering OF the
map ceding the reservation at Fort Monroe
In evidence.
Samuel Payne, oolored man, was the
arst witness for the defense. He is employ,
ed az laborer In the engineer department at
Fort Monroe. BE identified the oar and
aouillDg paddle as belonging to the canoe In
which Hams and flanagan went sailing
June 12.h. Went down to the boat and
saw then start saw them again when the
canoe was between the lighthouse and wharf
and lefty No. 1 {; the call was on the port
| aide heard report Of two shots fred close
together did not know In which direction,
was not observing the canoe SC the time ;
the boat appeared to be abou. 800 hundred
feet from shore.
Sergeant Robert Aiken, battery "F" Let
| Artillery, was sworn. He saw the prisoner
GA the evening of June 12;h ; was 10 the
fort with Corporal and two or three men !;
| followed them to the beach and saw Hanne-
gan's remains taken from the boat was
then ordered by Col. Pennington to take
| the prisoner to she commanding officer Ser
geant Aiken asked the prisoner how the az
fair occurred, but after sbarp discussion
che Judge ruled this out, to which the de-
iense took on exception. Sergeant Aiken
was then asked ss to Hains' conduct when
he was told that flanagan was dead but
this was also ruled out and objection noted.
James Ware sworn. Ia superintendent OF
the engineers department at Fort Monroe;
under Dol. Hams direction made some
measurements locating the position of the
boat In which Capt. Evans sat when the
shooting occurred, also gave length OF the
lighthouse wharf, two hundred and nine
teen feet.
Thornton J. Hams was then sworn. Left
Washington on the evening Of June b
started down the river on the yaoht CygDet
for Fort Monroe with Edward flanagan
and oolosed boy, John Beckham; on ar
rival came ashore and took dinner with
Lieutenant Todd at the Hygela Hotel spent
the night at the hotel, he and H.nnegsn
occupying the same room bad gone to the
beach and feed pistol to wake the boy on
he Cygnst; both fired one or two shots
the pistol was one he had given to Hanne-
gan; got breakfast at the hotel and then
visited the yacht; after that went ashore
and made some GALA; called on Ii eut u M
who invited Hams AMI his friend to occupy
room In his quarters; went to the engl-
nesr's Office, after which he went 10 bathing
and remained about an hour ; went back to
Lleud, Z'nn's quarters and received som.
calls, among them Lieut.. Todd; went to the
hotel for lunch and invited Lieut.. Todd to
go down and see the yeoht; had pistol to
signal the yacht Beckhsm came ashore
aud took them off; remained on the yacht
about half an hour, Lieut.. Todd then wenb
ashore; called attention to the canoe pro-
posed that all go rowing 10 her and also
asked B,okham to 60 with him both dc.
clined, when he directed Beckham to take
their evening clothes to the hotel
started out opposite tho German man-of-war
won't on to the Rir-Raps and thon went over to
Wloughby Spit; turned around and saw hugeye
which wo startei to race with; went up near the
Back river, before turning about. The wind died
away as we approached tho fort Hannosan took
an oar and was scullng On rounding the jetty
Hannegan becsme frightened and started to pus tho
boat ashore. This Hsins would not consent to.
After some words Hannegsn said he would take
tho boat in or go down with him (Hsins). Wit
moss thon ssid that whom about opposite Captain
Evanss house Hsnnegan said Take the boat In
so can swim ashore" Hsus called him a cow
ard and told him there WAS no danger. few
minutes later Hannegan turned around and said,
by God Tll 20 ashore If have to take you with
mo- Hams said "You can't d. that" Hsnne.
gan then raised his oar, and said "Tll show YOU,
Hams then took up his pistol. Hannegan then
said: Damn your pistol; am not afraid of It,"
and advanced two steps to strike. He took an osr
and illustrated to the jury the manner In which
tho tragedy had occurred.