“This man, William Johnson, who lives in New York, is a smart fellow. He went at the mast and scraped it while we were at Keyport, without telling, while I was ashore. He is a good hand; can turn his hand to almost anything. He is a ship-carpenter, he says, and has got quite a set of tools. He understands all about a boat, only is not a very good helmsman to steer the sloop nice when beating to windward; he understands steering well enough other ways. It requires a man that has been very much used to sailing a boat by the wind to steer fast. We often get in company with vessels that are smart, when it requires a nice helmsman; then it requires my skill more. Smith is a good helmsman close by the wind. I don’t think Oliver is quite so good. I will write the first chance after we get in Virginia. Should we have a chance, we are going to Pionkatonk to see if we can get a load there. That is about five miles short of the Rappahannock River. Selah knows where it is. I have nothing more at present. Would like to see you very much. “Your affectionate husband, ever, “GEO. H. BURR.” THE PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION. On his examination, the facts which have been related above were given in evidence, upon which he was committed, and the Grand Jury found a bill of indictment for robbery and piracy upon the high seas against him. THE TRIAL. The trial commenced on the 18th of May, and lasted five days, during which time the prisoner maintained a show of cold indifference to the proceedings. _May 14_—FIRST DAY. It being announced that this extraordinary and mysterious tragedy would be brought to trial this morning, the court-room was densely crowded. Judge Smalley said he was informed by the District Attorney, that there were a large number of witnesses for the prosecution, and as the District Court was larger than the Circuit room, the proceedings would be conducted in the District Court-room. There were several women in court who are to be examined as witnesses. The prisoner stands charged with having, on the 21st of March last, made a violent assault on George H. Burr, on the high seas, on board the sloop Edwin A. Johnson, and there feloniously and piratically carried away the goods, effects, and personal property of the said George H. Burr, who was master of that vessel. The property consisted of about $150 in gold and silver coin, a watch and chain of the value of $26, a canvas bag, a coat, a vest, one pair of pantaloons, and a felt hat. The second indictment is the same as the first, but charges the felony to have been committed in the lower bay.