account of all that was
material. Immediately after the rescue I ordered officers to go to see
where the man was; I remained. I confess I was under great excitement; I
had no conversation with Byrnes, Sawin or Clark, before the affidavit
was prepared and sworn to. I was enquired of where the prisoner would be
kept--I did not tell, but said if consultation was wanted we could have
it in lobby. You told me, and Mr. List told me you were waiting for Mr.
Dana. I told List that Mr. Dana asked me for a copy of the warrant
before two o'clock--this was some few minutes before the rescue. Mr.
List had just left with my copy of warrant, and had not returned at the
time of the rescue,--did not know the use to be made of it. My
impression is, that Mr. Sewall, yourself and Mr. Wright, were moving out
together, but that Mr. Sewall got out before you did. There were three
persons to leave, and I think you were all gradually moving to the
door--I had no doubt you could get out safely and without
disturbance--can't say you conversed with Mr. Wright or the
preacher--there was some general conversation--saw you and Mr. Wright
have no private conversation. I told Mr. Wright he might remain if
prisoner assented. Perhaps the prisoner would like his counsel--Shadrach
assented. I let Mr. Wright go up and speak to prisoner; I kept my eye on
Mr. Wright when he spoke to the prisoner--he went up and took hold of
his hand--Mr. Loring left the room sometime before. When Mr. Wright came
in, I was surprised. You said Grimes better not come in--counsel asked
me if a friend might remain with prisoner during his arrest--Messrs.
List, Sewall and Davis were present--can't swear who asked me.

_To the Commissioner._ Some colored friend I supposed--can't swear it
was Davis asked it.

_Mr. Dana._ Do you know the person you arrested, was the person named in
the warrant?

_Answer._ The person rescued was the person arrested under the warrant,
but cannot say he was the person named in the warrant.

_The Commissioner._ Do you contradict your return? The return is
conclusive.

_Mr. Lunt._ Mr. Riley, do you mean to contradict your return! I warn
you, Sir!

_Mr. Dana._ He has contradicted it. Mr. Riley, you didn't know that the
person you arrested was the man named in the original warrant and
complaint, as the slave of Debree?

_Mr. Lunt._ I warn you, Mr. Riley, not to give that testimony! I warn
you, Sir!

_The Commissioner._ The return of the officer i