Lynchburg Virginian

Correspondence of the N. Y. Evening Post.

Baltimore, June 25th, 1835.

I omitted writing yesterday, because I hoped to be able to add to what had taken place since the date of my last letter. But the court was only a short time in session to-day, owing to the sudden appearance of one or more witnesses lately summoned.

The proceedings yesterday were interesting. Lieutenant Jenkins, in reply to a question by the accused, said that "when I first joined the Constellation, Captain Read's conduct was correct. The latter part of the cruise he was overbearing, unjust and mother-like." Lieutenant Hooe gave a similar answer to the question.

After the examination of Lt. Jenkins, the accused omitted to inquire as to his general conduct, although he had interrogated every preceding witness on this point. Midshipman Wilson, noticing the omission, made the inquiry himself. Commodore Downes objected, saying that the charges alleged nothing against Captain Read's general conduct. The Court was cleared, and it was decided that the question might be put. A number of interrogatories, tending to place an impression unfavorable to Lieutenant Hooe, were submitted to the Judge Advocate, and by him to the Court, before touching the witness. The usual form was gone through with, and when the doors were opened, we found that they should be propounded, the witness, of course, understanding the oath he need answer only such as he pleased. Some he did reply to, but to the majority he refused to answer.

This little episode in the evidence is very strong for the prosecution. There is no denial of the charge, by the accused; all he aims at seems to be to show justification or extenuation of tricing up hammock way to the topsail rigging one of the Midshipmen under his command. Several of them were criminal, and the Court Room was crowded to suffocation, notwithstanding the session was held in a high latitude—though the proceedings were interesting.

The Constellation Midshipmen have made their debut. They have yet to get more credit than ever before a single court. I more yet prepare cavern. Some who were miserably coaled rod het qa. fied of the date have failed to pass.