Report of the Proceedings at the Examination of Charles G. Davis, Esq., on the Charge of Aiding and Abetting in the Rescue of a Fugitive Slave: Held in Boston, in February, 1851.Davis, Charles G. (Charles Gideon)
History
Report of the Proceedings at the Examination of Charles G. Davis, Esq., on the Charge of Aiding and Abetting in the Rescue of a Fugitive Slave: Held in Boston, in February, 1851.
Davis, Charles G. (Charles Gideon)
Davis, Charles G. (Charles Gideon), 1820-1903 -- Trials, litigation, etc.; Fugitive slaves -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- Massachusetts -- Boston; United States -- Fugitive slave law (1850)
_Mr. Sawin._ I did not think enough of the remark to report it to the
Commissioner. I was friendly to Mr. Davis, and had known him a long
time.
_Cross-ex._ It was a private remark.
James H. Blake, late city marshal, Geo. Woodman, Nathan Hyde, John S.
Phillips, and F. L. Cushman, Custom House officers, were then called to
testify concerning the character of Mr. Byrnes. They had known him
casually, and had never heard any thing said about his character.
Robert McGill, Brigham N. Bacon, Levi Whitney, Geo. W. Barker, and M. C.
Woodman, of the Merchant's Hotel and Exchange Coffee House, testified
that they had known him as frequenting their houses several years, and
never heard his character called in question.
R. M. Kibbe, keeper of a billiard-room and eating-house, Joseph Cochran,
keeper of a restaurant, G. L. Gilbert, late of California, previously a
dealer in spirituous liquors, J. G. Smith, wholesale wine and liquor
dealer, Henry Gilbert, dealer in ale and liquors, and Daniel Leland,
Jr., vinegar manufacturer, had known Mr. Byrnes as a customer several
years, and have not heard his character for truth questioned.
Sylvanus Mitchell, Richard Nutter, ---- Gilbert, and James H. Mitchell
had known him in Bridgewater 15 or 20 years ago, but had never been
intimate with them. Not known much of him of late years, and had not
heard his character for truth questioned.
George W. Phillips, attorney at law, had known Byrnes several years as
an officer, and had never heard his character called in question until
within a week.
John L. Roberts, a mason, had known Byrnes by name for a year, but had
never heard him spoken of.
Richard Hosea, constable, testified that his character was good as far
as he knew.
John Roberts, book-binder, had known him several years, not as an
acquaintance or neighbor, and had never heard his character doubted
until last week.
Samuel G. Andrews, a printer, living in Somerville the last year, had
met him 4 or 5 years, occasionally, and had never heard his character
questioned.
Robert T. Alden, sail-maker, had known him 10 years, never heard his
character for truth doubted.
Cross examined. Had met him at balls and assemblies, had known him as a
constable, plumber, and keeper of Cape Cottage.
It appeared from cross examination of the other witnesses, that Mr.
Byrnes had also been known as a farmer, iron founder, tack maker,
sailor, keeper of a restaurant, keeper of a bowling alley, real estate
broker, grocer, and deputy marshal. None of the witnesses had been his
neighbors since he left Bridgewater.
Elisha P. Glover, officer in the employ of the marshal. Had never heard
Byrnes' character called in question until a year ago, don't recollect
hearing it spoken of since then. Did hear one of the witnesses speak of
it a few days after. Was a witness for Byrnes at that trial.
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