Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-24
BRAINS DEFENCE. .
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the mainmast. Spencer told Bran he
believed he did not do it. but he must
know about it.
He described his treatment after be-
ing put in irons. He was prevented
from changing his wet clothes and was
locked up in a cell at Halifax in that
condition. Bran then related what
was said in regard to. salvage. Spen-
Ger said we ought to get $500 each; but
if you (Bram had taken it in we
would get nothing; the captains folks
ought to pay us something for bring
ing the bodies into port. Bran said
the crew said it would probably be a
law case. He related his experience at
Halifax. Mr.. Powers and the chief of
police examined him in a private Office
Some of his clothing was taken from
him. When he received his trunk he
took only those wearing apparels he
needed and threw his sOiled clothes
back into the trunk. He had nothing
to do with the trunk since. He was
shown trunk which he identified as his
A bundle of clothing was produced
containing his pants. suspenders,
and pair of drawers. Bran said the
pants were his and he had worn them
after leaving Boston until he left Hal
flax for Boston, when he changed. He
identified the underdrawers which he
wore when he laid on a wet bed. The
shirt was the one he had on from Sat-
urday to Saturday including the time
of the murder. There was a pair Of
suspenders and a pair of overalls, all of
which he identified. The shirt was the
one he put in a pail of water. He had
never had control of his trunk since
he was put in irons.
In reference to sliding into the vomit.
he said that whatever was said about II
was after he had slid into It. Bran re-
lated buying liquor before leaving Bos-
ton. and said it. by accident. was tipped
over and all but two quarts spilled. He
went ashore and was given a bottle Of
whiskey: which he took on board. He
took drink. as was customary, about
on the night of July ID.
Bran. with the aid Of the model, fully
described the ARRANGEMENT OF the sails
that night. He said she had rope steer
ing gear. and he described how the ship
would steer under different conditions.
He said if the sails were trimmed right:
the ship steered easy: she was ba!iasted
scribed the deckload of lumber. giving a
full description of the arrangement of the
cabin.
At the request of Mr.. Cotter. Bran
is meant by points. degrees, etc. He said
the Herbert Fuller would have reached
French Guiana in not more than eight
days, provided the winds continued as
they were blowing
He came in possession of his revolver
on speculation in Mexico. several years
ago: this revolver he could not sell be-
cause it would not shoot every time. He
kept the revolver. but never bought any
new cartridges: most of those he had
were nicked. Bran denied telling Was
son that each would get two years each
If they did not convict Brown.
He described the ARRANGEMENT whereby
the wheel could be left and she would run
for some time. He knew the wheel to
have been dashed three times; twice with
the wind on the quarter. and he knew
the boat to sail about eight minutes. go.
ing eight knots per hour. with the wheel
dashed. He said the condition. July 1S
was favorable to lashing the wheel and It
would said for quite a distance. for 10 to
Is minutes and would slightly change
her course. 49,
This is the most logical and convincing
testimony yet given and there seemed. to
be no evasion. Bran was explicit In all
his testimony. Court adjourned until $780,
tomorrow.