Mr. Hallett insisted on his right to enter a _nolle prosequi_ in the other cases; and the Judges decided that, though all the cases had been heard upon the motion, yet as it could make no difference whether an entry were made that this indictment be quashed, or an entry of _nolle prosequi_, the Attorney might enter a _nolle prosequi_ if he chose to do so _then_, before the Court passed any order on the motions. Mr. Hallett accordingly entered a _nolle prosequi_ in all the other cases, and the whole affair was quashed.[3] [Footnote 3: See Law Reporter for June, 1855.] DEFENCE. MAY IT PLEASE THE COURT: GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY.--It is no trifling matter which comes before you this day. You may hereafter decide on millions of money, and on the lives of your fellow men; but it is not likely that a question of this magnitude will ever twice be brought before the same jurymen. Opportunities to extend a far-reaching and ghastly wickedness, or to do great service for mankind, come but seldom in any man's life. Your verdict concerns all the people of the United States; its influence will reach to ages far remote, blessing or cursing whole generations not yet born. The affair is national in its width of reach,--its consequences of immense duration. In addressing you, Gentlemen, my language will be more didactic than rhetorical, more like a lecture, less like a speech; for I am not a lawyer but a minister, and do not aim to carry a Measure, which with you will go of its own accord, so much as to set forth a Principle that will make such prosecutions as impossible hereafter, as a conviction now is to-day.