Sunbury American And Shamokin Journal

The McLeod Case

Still drags its slow length along. The impression gains ground, that he will be acquitted without the jury leaving the box. The following from the correspondence of the New York Tribune gives the amount of the examination of the last day.

Phil. Gazette

Editorial Correspondence.

Utica, Saturday morning, Oct 9.

The case of McLeod is virtually decided. He will be acquitted by the Jury, probably without leaving their seats. The proof of an alibi adduced yesterday is irresistible. It was shown that he was not in either of the boats which set out to destroy the Caroline, was not seen by either of the commanders either during that expedition or on the beach before it started or after its return. It was then shown by Mr. Press that he took McLeod the preceding evening about seven o'clock to Lieut. Morrison's at Stamford, six miles distant; by Lieut. Morrison, his wife, son and daughter, that he came there before 8 o'clock, sat up till after 12, slept in the parlor, that his boots were set out by the kitchen fire in the evening, and were there dry next morning, and that Col. Cameron called that morning and told them that the Caroline had been sent over the Falls during the preceding night, showing a piece of her, and that Lieut. M. ran up and told McLeod, who was still in the parlor, half dressed, and who exclaimed, "I wish to God I had been there!" It was then shown that he rode off toward Chippewa, and Judge McLean and Dr. Foster near the Falls and was recognised by them, fell in with Mr. Gulieson, rode up with him through Chippewa along past Navy Island, were fired at with a cannon, a soldier picked up the ball, gave it to McLeod, who carried it off, and showed it that afternoon in passing Lieut. Morrison's house, on his way down to Niagara. There were some discrepancies, but I think they cannot fracture the chain of evidence presented.

The examination of Lieut. Morrison caused some irrepressible merriment. He is a Scotch Highlander of great simplicity of heart, openness of manner, and marked peculiarities, including a military promptness, energy, and keen sense of honor. His cross-examination was long and searching, but it did not shake him in the least, and rather served to confirm the impression already made, that falsehood in him was a moral impossibility. When asked whether he did not inquire of Col. Cameron how the Caroline was destroyed, or rather how he had learned it, he readily replied—'Sir, I took his word for it without doubting—it is the custom between officers of the British Army.'