The Trial of John Brown.
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best of his ability. To those who knew, the characters of Lawson Botts and Thos. C. Green, their consenting to act as his counsel was an assurance that Brown would have a fair trial, and one contested at every point. Charles Harding, Esq., was attorney for the commonwealth, assisted by Hon. An drew Hunter, a leader of the Jefferson bar and whose ability was recognized through out Virginia as of the On the day follow first order. Mr. Hun ing the grand jury ter practically man presented a true bill aged the prosecution. against each of the The indictment prisoners. The in being read, Brown dictment was " for pleaded "not guilty" conspiring with and addressed the slaves to produce in court, requesting de surrection; for trea lay of several days on son against the com account of his monwealth; and for wounds, and also in murder." order that counsel of In each of the three his own preference counts of the indict from the North might ment the specific acts arrive. Upon testi of the accused were mony of the county minutely recited. physician and the Brown being the jailer as to his physi leader of the insurrec cal condition, and he tion, was first put also being unable to upon his trial. give assurance that Mr. Faulkner, one other counsel would of the counsel for arrive, his request the prisoner before for delay was over JUDGE THOMAS C. GREEN the examining court, (Who with Col. Lawson Botts first conducted the defense of ruled. considering his duty John Brown in the Circuit Court. They withdrew from the to have been dis The jury of twelve case because Brown preferred counsel from the North). charged, had gone to try the case was se lected with the great home, and the court with the consent of Brown appointed Mr. est care, and as to intelligence and char Thomas C. Green to assist Mr. Botts in the acter was above the average of American defense. Mr. Green was a lawyer of well juries. Judge Parker directed the sheriff to established ability who later became a judge carefully guard the jury from all outside of the Supreme Court of West Virginia, communication. On the second day, a despatch from Acron which office he filled with distinction to the time of his lamented death. In con Ohio, addressed to Brown's attorneys, stated senting to defend the prisoners, he assured that there was hereditary insanity in Brown's the court that he would do so to the very family, and that witnesses who could prove
through the courts of justice, will be as ready to punish the offense of such interference as she is to punish these grave offenses with which she is now about to deal, in case the offenses be proved by legal testimony to have been perpetrated. Let us all, gentlemen, bear this in mind, and in patience await the result; confident that that re sult will be whatever strict and impartial justice shall determine to be necessary and proper."
