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Story
May 10, 1852
Alexandria Gazette
Alexandria, Alexandria County, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
Trial of Robert Swan for murdering William O. Sprigg began in Cumberland on Thursday, facing jury selection issues; special prosecutor appointed, original judge recused due to relation, replacement presides.
Clipping
OCR Quality
100%
Excellent
Full Text
The trial of Robert Swan, for the murder of William O. Sprigg, was commenced at Cumberland on Thursday. Some difficulty was found at the outset in getting a jury. Henry May, esq., has been commissioned by Gov. Lowe, according to a provision in the new constitution, to aid the State's attorney, J. H. Gordon, esq., in the prosecution. The bench has been vacated by Judge Perry, who is disqualified by his relationship to the prisoner, at whose side he appears as a personal friend in court. The Hon. Joseph I. Merrick, of Washington county, selected by the Cumberland bar, according to the requirements of the constitution, presides on the bench.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Murder Trial
Jury Selection
Prosecution
Judge Recusal
What entities or persons were involved?
Robert Swan
William O. Sprigg
Henry May
Gov. Lowe
J. H. Gordon
Judge Perry
Joseph I. Merrick
Where did it happen?
Cumberland
Story Details
Key Persons
Robert Swan
William O. Sprigg
Henry May
Gov. Lowe
J. H. Gordon
Judge Perry
Joseph I. Merrick
Location
Cumberland
Event Date
Thursday
Story Details
The trial of Robert Swan for the murder of William O. Sprigg commenced at Cumberland on Thursday, with difficulty in selecting a jury. Henry May was commissioned by Gov. Lowe to aid prosecutor J. H. Gordon. Judge Perry recused himself due to relationship to the prisoner and appeared as a friend. Joseph I. Merrick presided on the bench.