The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-04-03
THE COLONEL's TESTIMONY.
Most of the Plaintiffs Testimony De-
MED by the Defendant.

MED by the Defendant.
The carriage ride Of August, 1892 when
Miss Pollard said Colonel Breckenridge had
made the first formal proposal of marriage
to her, was the first subject to which Col.
Breckenridge addressed himself when he
took the stand to-day. He denied with his
customary reiteration, that any such ride
had taken place. that he had made any pro-
posal, or that he had talked over family
matters Then, continuing, he said: II
never asked the plaintiff TO give up any
child; never knew plaintiff had ny liv-
ing child; / never at any time spoke OF
marriage to the plaintiff before the death
of my late wife" Denying the conversa-
ton which Miss Pollard said took place at
the Hoffman House to the effect that COM
pany had been formed by Whitney and
Fairchild, which he was to represent, he
said that he had not seen the plaintiff on the
3Oth of April; that he had not been absent
for a moment from the side Of his wife that
day, as he had not been married forty-eight
hours. He never had any business rela-
tionS with the gentlemen mentioned. never
contemplated a visit to Europe, never spoke
of intending marriage.
Mr. Butterworth called the Colonel's at
tention again TO the interview in the office
of Major Moore. MY recollection" the
witness replied, rs that il was a much
shorter visit than Major Moore has said.
Ii was rapid and excited The young wom-
an did most OF the talking" This state
ment Mr.. Breckenridge desired TO make to
correct an impression Major Moore had
given that the conversation had lasted a
much longer time. He went over the con-
versation heretofore given in this inter
view, and which included the statement 10
plaintiff that Il will marry you the last
day of the month If God don't interpose."
Mr.. Butterworth asked the witness what
interviews he had with Miss Pollard prior
TO the interview of the nth with Major
slrr. .-l1D Fr1 4ra do oil
the interviews that occurred and the sub
stance Of the conversations as he remem-
bered them These included the interview
with Mrs Thomas, on the afternoon Of the
18th of May, when he left Miss Pollard in
a. real or simulated fainting condition. On
the next day Sunday, while at the Riggs
House in answer to a card sent 10 his
room, he saw her in the ladies' parlor, and
had an amiable and friendly conversation
with the plaintiff. At this time the latter
expressed regret at what had occurred
along the street and in Major MooreS Of
flee. Plaintiff gave him a schedule OF what
she would want in the way OF underwear
and other clothes prior TO the trip 10 New
York. They parted with every evidence OF
good feeling and sincerity on the part OF
the plaintiff 10 carry out the agreement be-
tween them whereby she was TO go 10 New
York. That evening boy came TO the
him. with a message that he take her 20
Mrs. Blackburn's, where she wanted to
stay all night He took her TO Mrs. Blcck-
burns house Monday she came again 10
the hotel and presented to him addition
al schedule for clothing. She wanted
little more money to make preparations 10
go away.
MRS. BLACKBURN WAS ANGRY.
The next day, the witness continued, she
sent him note and they took lunch at
the Shoreham. They talked again OF the
trip TO New York. and she told him the
name of the physician in whose care she
was to put herself. and witness told her
that this doctor a comrade in the war
The next day after this the plaintiff came
to see him again, and on the night OF that
day they saw Mrs. Blackburn. who, after
hearing their explanation. said she would
wash her hands of the whole matter. Mrs.
Blackburn approved the agreement for the
plaintiff TO go 10 New York. The following
day 10 this plaintiff again came 10 the
hotel and a conversation ensued between
them to further conference, which IL
was supposed should be held with Major
Moore prior 10 her going away.
AS he described how he had waved Miss
Pollard off, Colonel Breckinridge gesticu-
lated very impressively with both hands,
and explained the whole interview In
pantomime. There was a tragic infection TO
his tones as he closed the account OF the
visit 10 Mrs. Thomas with then l left
her" There constant reiteratlon OF
the defandants denials. lie would frame
them IL every possible form OF nesatlon et