Martinsburg Gazette

In another column will be found an interesting account of the trial and acquittal of Mr. John Buchanan, son of the Chief Justice of Maryland, for shooting a man named Ellis. The evidence at the trial confirmed, almost contrary to our expectation several statements published before the trial. We say this confirmation is contrary to our expectation, because, under the circumstances, we cannot perceive how a Coroner's jury could find a verdict of manslaughter—how a justice could commit, or a grand jury find an indictment.

It should be borne in mind that the assault upon Buchanan, was committed upon the same ground upon which the ruthless and barbarous murder of Watson and others was perpetrated last fall, whereby a warning was given to all engaged on the road to carry arms for their defence. Buchanan accordingly was armed, he was by a concerted plan enticed out of a house by several ruffians and as they approached to attack him, he mildly warned them that he was armed and should defend himself. Ellis, more daring than the rest, advanced and met the fate which he deserved-and the man who under such circumstances, would not administer it, we should pronounce foolishly negligent of his life and his personal rights.

Too much praise cannot be awarded to the stern energy of character and strength of mind, which induced the venerable father of the accused, to arrest the intended application to the Governor for a writ of nolle prosequi, and to declare that his son should await the decision of a jury of his countrymen. The decision wipes off all stain from the character of an amiable and estimable youth, who is just entering into the busy scenes of the world.