Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

New-York, July 23.

The circuit court met this morning, at 10 o'clock, pursuant to adjournment.

Present, judge Talmage.

Henry Mack, Godfrey Crawford, Thomas Lee, David Gelston and Richard Platt, esqrs. being examined, the attorney-general informed the court, that he had closed the examination on the part of the prosecution.

Mr. Colden then rose, in behalf of the defendant, and addressed the jury, for nearly two hours, with great perspicuity and energy. After a pertinent introduction, he stated, and discussed the position, that the jury have, in this case, the right to judge of law, as well as of fact. He then examined the letter and spirit of the law, on which the indictment was grounded; took a minute and critical view of the counts of the indictment, investigated the testimony exhibited in support of the charges against the defendant, and by this comparative view and application of the law, of the facts alledged, and of the facts proved, endeavoured to shew that the defendant ought not to be convicted.

At half past twelve o'clock, Mr. Hoffman rose on the same side of the question. After a very judicious and eloquent introductory, he discussed, with great ability, the position, that the jury was to judge of the law as well as the fact and enforced his arguments on this point with manly strong and pertinent authorities. He then proceeded to the merits of the case before the jury, and was speaking when this paper was prepared for the press. As far as Mr. Hoffman had proceeded, his argument was one of the most perspicuous, learned and eloquent we have ever heard.