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Story
August 25, 1807
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Reports from Richmond on Aaron Burr's trial proceedings, including jury panel challenges and excusals on August 10, 11, and 13, with mentions of Blennerhassett's appearance and Dayton's evasion.
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BURR'S TRIAL.
FROM RICHMOND
MONDAY, AUGUST 10.
The trial will probably begin this day by striking of the panel. Various opinions are formed. Some suppose that Burr will peremptorily challenge 36, and strike off as many of the remainder as he does not like by personal objection, and that then there must be a tales jury made up among the by-standers; that the court is calculated to be very much crowded on that account, and it is even said, that large sums of money are afloat, but these are opinions perhaps.
--The court at this day at 12 o'clock --Mr. Blennerhassett appeared in court, in charge of the marshal, and retired about 1 o'clock.
The panel of the jury was opened. and the first man called was objected to. The discussions on the challenge were very desultory and at large--the ground of objection was special--that the person called had expressed an opinion on the case--he was sworn, as were several others--and the court was sitting at five o'clock when I left it. The declarations of the jurors objected to, were very impressive, and too various to be detailed in a letter.
Dayton has not surrendered as was reported he intended to do this day-- he has passed in this neighborhood under various names, at one place he was called Col. Spottswood.
TUESDAY, AUG. 11.
The panel of the Jury continued.
Mr. G. W. Smith excused himself as being a practising lawyer. As Mr. Burr made no objection he was excused.
Mr. James Henderson, of Wood county, was challenged as not being a freeholder, and set aside. Mr. Hamilton Morrison, was asked by Mr. Burr. Have not the rumours circulated against me, excited a prejudice against me in your mind? Ans. I have no prejudices for or against you.--Afterwards he said, I am not astonished at your wishing to have me set aside. Perhaps my Christian name (Hamilton) is a sufficient terror.--Mr. Burr. "I think this remark is a sufficient cause for objecting to him.--I therefore challenge you."
Mr. Morrison was set aside.
A great number of the jurors were set aside, in consequence of having made up their minds previous to hearing the testimony.
THURSDAY, AUG. 13.
Mr. Burr having informed the Court, that he had not time to examine the new panel; the Court adjourned until Saturday. , Mr. Hay mentioned that he had found Gen. Eaton's letter.
We understand that the trial was to commence on the 20th August.
FROM RICHMOND
MONDAY, AUGUST 10.
The trial will probably begin this day by striking of the panel. Various opinions are formed. Some suppose that Burr will peremptorily challenge 36, and strike off as many of the remainder as he does not like by personal objection, and that then there must be a tales jury made up among the by-standers; that the court is calculated to be very much crowded on that account, and it is even said, that large sums of money are afloat, but these are opinions perhaps.
--The court at this day at 12 o'clock --Mr. Blennerhassett appeared in court, in charge of the marshal, and retired about 1 o'clock.
The panel of the jury was opened. and the first man called was objected to. The discussions on the challenge were very desultory and at large--the ground of objection was special--that the person called had expressed an opinion on the case--he was sworn, as were several others--and the court was sitting at five o'clock when I left it. The declarations of the jurors objected to, were very impressive, and too various to be detailed in a letter.
Dayton has not surrendered as was reported he intended to do this day-- he has passed in this neighborhood under various names, at one place he was called Col. Spottswood.
TUESDAY, AUG. 11.
The panel of the Jury continued.
Mr. G. W. Smith excused himself as being a practising lawyer. As Mr. Burr made no objection he was excused.
Mr. James Henderson, of Wood county, was challenged as not being a freeholder, and set aside. Mr. Hamilton Morrison, was asked by Mr. Burr. Have not the rumours circulated against me, excited a prejudice against me in your mind? Ans. I have no prejudices for or against you.--Afterwards he said, I am not astonished at your wishing to have me set aside. Perhaps my Christian name (Hamilton) is a sufficient terror.--Mr. Burr. "I think this remark is a sufficient cause for objecting to him.--I therefore challenge you."
Mr. Morrison was set aside.
A great number of the jurors were set aside, in consequence of having made up their minds previous to hearing the testimony.
THURSDAY, AUG. 13.
Mr. Burr having informed the Court, that he had not time to examine the new panel; the Court adjourned until Saturday. , Mr. Hay mentioned that he had found Gen. Eaton's letter.
We understand that the trial was to commence on the 20th August.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Crime Story
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Burr Trial
Jury Selection
Richmond Court
Challenges
Prejudice
Adjournment
What entities or persons were involved?
Burr
Blennerhassett
Dayton
G. W. Smith
James Henderson
Hamilton Morrison
Hay
Gen. Eaton
Where did it happen?
Richmond
Story Details
Key Persons
Burr
Blennerhassett
Dayton
G. W. Smith
James Henderson
Hamilton Morrison
Hay
Gen. Eaton
Location
Richmond
Event Date
Monday, August 10; Tuesday, Aug. 11; Thursday, Aug. 13
Story Details
Proceedings of Burr's trial involve jury selection challenges based on prejudices, prior opinions, and qualifications; Blennerhassett appears briefly; Dayton evades surrender; court adjourns to August 20.