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Story
April 8, 1823
American Watchman And Delaware Advertiser
Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware
What is this article about?
In an Irish trial, Mr. Morton prosecutes John Farrell for assault with rape attempt on his daughter. When counsel questions her legitimacy, Morton exposes the lawyer's bribery, leading to Farrell's conviction and sentencing.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
INTERESTING ANECDOTE.
At a trial some few years ago in Ireland, a Mr. Morton prosecuted one John Farrell, for an assault with an attempt to commit a rape upon his daughter. When Mr. Morton had given his testimony for the crown (as the term is,) he was cross examined by the counsel for the prisoner. The first question, asked by one of the counsel was, "Pray sir, is this young lady your daughter?" The witness replied "Yes," "Pray Sir," continued the counsel, "How do you know she is your daughter;"
The witness thus expressed himself:-"Gentlemen of the jury I am called upon in this court to give my testimony. I have given it; and given it honestly to my mind, and true as to the fact. A counsel (at least I suppose him so by his impertinence) has asked me whether I can upon oath, swear this young lady is my daughter?-many of you are fathers, and will feel upon this occasion as I do. One observation I beg permission of the court to make; it is that in support of the laws of the country, I come forward to punish a transgressor at my own expense: and that man who has asked me the question as to my daughter's legitimacy, and who, no doubt, means to ask many more of the same sort, is a person bribed to prevent the course of justice.
"Gentlemen I will prove the assertion. Look to his brief-he there acknowledges to have received ten guineas to defend a villain.
"Will you believe the testimony, on oath of a man who is not purchased, in preference to the argument of a man who is purchased, in preference to the argument of a man who is publicly bribed, or will you not? That is the question"
This so completely humbled the self-sufficient counsel, that he was immediately dumb founded, and the prisoner was convicted, and sentenced to two years imprisonment, and to give security for his good behaviour during life. himself in two thousand pounds, and his securities in one thousand pounds each.
If every witness would act in like manner the scandalous liberties of counsel would be less frequent.
At a trial some few years ago in Ireland, a Mr. Morton prosecuted one John Farrell, for an assault with an attempt to commit a rape upon his daughter. When Mr. Morton had given his testimony for the crown (as the term is,) he was cross examined by the counsel for the prisoner. The first question, asked by one of the counsel was, "Pray sir, is this young lady your daughter?" The witness replied "Yes," "Pray Sir," continued the counsel, "How do you know she is your daughter;"
The witness thus expressed himself:-"Gentlemen of the jury I am called upon in this court to give my testimony. I have given it; and given it honestly to my mind, and true as to the fact. A counsel (at least I suppose him so by his impertinence) has asked me whether I can upon oath, swear this young lady is my daughter?-many of you are fathers, and will feel upon this occasion as I do. One observation I beg permission of the court to make; it is that in support of the laws of the country, I come forward to punish a transgressor at my own expense: and that man who has asked me the question as to my daughter's legitimacy, and who, no doubt, means to ask many more of the same sort, is a person bribed to prevent the course of justice.
"Gentlemen I will prove the assertion. Look to his brief-he there acknowledges to have received ten guineas to defend a villain.
"Will you believe the testimony, on oath of a man who is not purchased, in preference to the argument of a man who is purchased, in preference to the argument of a man who is publicly bribed, or will you not? That is the question"
This so completely humbled the self-sufficient counsel, that he was immediately dumb founded, and the prisoner was convicted, and sentenced to two years imprisonment, and to give security for his good behaviour during life. himself in two thousand pounds, and his securities in one thousand pounds each.
If every witness would act in like manner the scandalous liberties of counsel would be less frequent.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Heroic Act
Deception Fraud
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Deception
Bravery Heroism
What keywords are associated?
Courtroom Testimony
Paternity Challenge
Bribery Exposure
Trial Conviction
Assault Prosecution
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Morton
John Farrell
Where did it happen?
Ireland
Story Details
Key Persons
Mr. Morton
John Farrell
Location
Ireland
Event Date
Some Few Years Ago
Story Details
Mr. Morton testifies against John Farrell for assault and attempted rape on his daughter. Counsel questions paternity; Morton exposes counsel's 10-guinea bribe from the brief, humbling the lawyer and securing Farrell's conviction to two years imprisonment plus lifelong security.