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
sworn duty, that no step be taken against this prisoner
without full warrant of law and evidence. The duty of
defence I discharge with pleasure. I could have desired
that this prisoner might have been defended entirely by
counsel resident in this District. It would have been my
pride to have shown to the world that of our own mere
motion we would do justice in any case, no matter how
delicate, no matter how sore the point the prisoner had
touched.

"My learned friend, the District Attorney, has alluded
to the courtesy which he and the court have extended to
my associate in this cause. I hope he does not plume
himself upon that. A gentleman of my associate's
learning, ability, unexceptionable deportment, and high
character among his own people, must and will be treated
with courtesy wherever he goes. But, at the same time
that he boasts of his courtesy, the District Attorney
takes occasion to charge my associate with gross
ignorance of the law. He says the forty-one charges
could not have been included in one indictment, and
offers to give up the case if we will produce a single
authority to that effect. It were easy to produce the
authority [see 1 _Chitty_, C.L. Indictment], but,
unfortunately, the District Attorney has made a promise
which he can't fulfil. The District Attorney is mistaken
in this matter; at the same time, let me