Alexandria Gazette & Advertiser

Reading (Pa.) Aug. 30—In the case of Dr. James Hamilton, alias Bedford, an application was made to Judge Witman to issue a writ of habeas corpus, which was complied with, and a hearing took place in the court house, on Wednesday afternoon. The prisoner was ably defended by his counsel, who endeavored to procure his discharge upon the ground that the commitment issued by the justice of the peace did not charge him with any specified crime, and that no person had made oath that he (the prisoner) had perpetrated a crime. It was stated that there was no authority other than a newspaper account to warrant the belief that he was a criminal.

Previous to any argument upon the merits of the case, Mr. Darling, acting as a public prosecutor, moved for a suspension of the judge's decision, until the return of Mr. Thos. O'Brien, who, with a zeal and disinterestedness that reflects the highest honor upon him, immediately after the commitment of the prisoner, departed from this place for Belleville, New Jersey, to apprise the much injured Mr. Tompkins that the villain who cast a gloom upon his once happy family, was safe in custody.

The judge granted the motion, and the prisoner was remanded to jail. He had scarcely been re-confined, when Mr. O'Brien returned, accompanied with Mr. Tompkins and the Sheriff of New Jersey, with an executive requisition for his removal, which was immediately acquiesced in by Governor Hiester, and he was accordingly removed the next morning, for the purpose of receiving his trial in that state.

We believe that a more consummate villain never was arraigned before the bar of public justice, and trust, that he will receive that punishment which his numerous crimes so richly entitle him to.

We would beg leave to observe, in conclusion, that so interested were the citizens of New Jersey in the apprehension of this villain, that they agreed to raise any sum of money to effect it—and we add, with pleasure, that Mr. O'Brien, although importuned upon the subject, declined receiving any compensation for his trouble and loss of time, further than barely the expenses incurred in travelling to and from New Jersey.
Berks Journal.