atmosphere in which I have grown up, and the opinions
which I entertain,--but never have I felt so deep and
hearty an interest in the defence of any case as in
this. This prisoner I never saw till I came from a sick
bed into this court, when I met him for the first time.
I had participated strongly in the feeling which in
connection with him had been excited in this community.
As you well know, I have and could have no sympathy with
the motives by which he may be presumed to have been
actuated. Why, then, this sudden feeling in his behalf?
Not, I assure you, from mercenary motives. His acquittal
or his condemnation will make no difference in the
compensation I receive for my services. The overpowering
interest I feel in this case originates in the fact that
it places at stake the reputation of this District, and,
in some respects, of the country itself, of which this
city is the political capital. The counsel for the
government has dwelt with emphasis on the great amount
and value of property placed at hazard by this prisoner.
There is something, however, far more valuable than
property--a fair, honorable, impartial administration of
justice; and of the chivalrous race of the south it may
be expected that they will do justice, though the
heavens fall! God forbid that the world should point to
this trial as a proof that we are so besotted by passion
and interest that we cannot discern the most obvious
distinctions and that on a slave question with a jury of
slave-holders there is no possible chance of justice!
Many, I assure you, will be ready to fasten this charge
upon us. It is my hope, my ardent desire, it is your