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The defence mainly turned on the character of deceased as a man of violence and blood. The rules of evidence excluded much of this testimony, but in arguing for its admission before the Court, Fessrs. Glenn and S°ai very adroitly contrived to get it before the jury, more impressively, perhaps, than if detailed by a witness. It was evident to me, from my scrutiny of the jury during these arguments, what the verdict would be. Their retirement was pro forma.
The Court instructed the jury in consonance with the points made by the District Attorney (who displayed remarkable ability and energy throughout), and had the verdict been in accordance with the instructions, a conviction must have been had. The jury, however, returned a verdict of "not guilty."
Public Well Behaved
I was struck with the good order and decorum that prevailed during this exciting trial and the entire term of Court.
There are 2 or 3 Coffee Houses in operation, and there was a mixed crowd of people, many of whom had been at daggers points during the war; yet not a drunken man was seen; no quarreling, no loud talking — allowing to the presiding Judge, Wm. M. Hancock, who, by his stern, yet impartial administration of the laws, his well known personal courage and inflexibility, has become a terror to the terbulent and evil disposed, and secured the confidence and esteem of every good citizen.
Gainesville has no hotel; there is one boarding house, and a restaurant kept by a freedman and his wife, and very well kept it is.
For beds we had to Ely mainly on the hospitality of the citizens, who throw open their homes very generally. One of these, Caut. Jo. Jojanson, turned himself out of doors and gave up every bed in his house to visiting friends.
Newspaper
I find in Gainesville a small but spicy and well edited paper, lately established by Caot. W. G. Stovallf a man of talenfand enterprise, very popular here and very deserving of success. It is developing the culture and literary taste of our community, and will be an instrument of great good.
I met here, likewise, smiling and handsome as ever, in spite of the smoke of battle, Capt. P. K. Mayers^of the well known "Handsboro Democrat:" If he and Stovall copld unite their energies they would make a paper such as Sim. Adams of the old, world-renowned "Clarion" would have gloried in.
Gainesville
rely
HANCOCK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY P. O. BOX 1340 BAY ST. LOUIS, M3 33520