The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-06-30
WRIGHT MUSTD|E
ON AUGUST 9 IN
ELECTRIC CHAIR
Verdict of Guilty Returned
Against Mrs. Fergusson's
81, Assailant.
Especial to The Times Dispatch. ]

Appomattox. Va. June 29.-What
| probably IS the speediest trial and
conviction that ever took place in
the state was that here to-day. when
Alfred pv-ight, siXteen-year- old
'colored boy, was sentenced to die in
the electric chair on August Q for
criminally attacking Mrs. Bertha
FERGUSON on Thursday morning.
The jury returned within fifteen
minutes after 1t retired with the YER
diet Of death There was a hush of
Icrowded courtroom and rendered its
decision.
This is the arst case of the kind in
the history OF AppomattoX county, and
tthe inha bitants were stirred TO the
highest pitch of excitement a prom
I3se OF quick trial, however. dis
ipensed any idea OF mob Violence, and
within forty eight hours from the at
rack jury had been sworn to sit
ION the case. The negro was defended
by Duncan Drysdale, of Lynchburg
'who put UP i magnificent defense for
ihis client.
But SO overwhelming was the cir
,'cumstantial evidence produced by
iCommonwealths Attorney Ferguson
negro by his victim that there was
/ no hope from the first of his escap-
ling the electric chair. So hot. in fact
twas public opinion that when the ver-
,dNt was announced II was Whispered
about that had the verdict been 9TH
erwise there was e premeditated plot
; TO lynch the negro tonight.
A demonstration in the town last
night caused Sheriff Mckinney TO
move his prisoner, heavily chained and
guarded, TO the public scH6olhouse In
the outskirts of the town. and he
was kept there throughout the night
under guard. The guards We're left
about the Jail to disarm suspicion that
Wright had been moved.
AT the beginning of the trial this
morning Attorney Drysdale asked for
change OF venue, a continuance and
q change of jurymen from another
county.
All three motions were overruled
and exceptions noted.
Mrs. Ferguson was then brought
into the courtroom. which was cleared
of all spectators BY Judge George j.
Hundley. She told the story of the
attack. She positively identified
Wright as having been her asailant
About ten or fifteen witnesses were
examined. and at las this afternoon
"a recess was taken, at which time the
Commonwealth rested.
At the resumption of the afternoon
session Attorney Drysdale put Wright's
father OF the stand to show, the negro's
age He then put Wright on the stand.
who told a disjointed story of his act
lions of the four hours between the
crime and his capture.
In rebuttal practically his entire
story was impeGhed.
Attorney Ferguson opened for the
prosecution and made an eloquent
plea. Attorney Drysdale replied and
made an excellent argument for the
HE OF his client. His lone hope of ac-
quittai lay in the hope OF convincing
the jury of q possible mistake on tho
part OF Mrs. Ferguson in identifyinr
heT assailant Ferguson closed for tho
commonwealth and demanded the life
iof Wright The jury retired at Xix
O'Clock and returned at 5:2s with the
verdict of guilty
The community was entirely sat,s-
leo and While the prisoner win he
taken TO Richmond at once. all fear Of
fynching now is over.
Just as court adjourned panora,
Hsht among the negroes was bareIy
.,Vo!oed. George billiard, witness for
1 license was accosted and rcbuked bv
ChaF4es Wright for his TESTIMONY
against his son. whereupon blows ~
suee' when brother to the nrIsonar
Win hr!ckbet knocked piIard n,,
oS the prompt action of officers a
1esfo 'lot WIS prevented