Constitutional Whig

Salem, Thursday, August 5.
Yesterday several witnesses were examined, amongst them were John R. C. Palmer. of Belfast, Me. Rev. Henry Colman, William Osborne, of Salem, Thomas Hart, of Wenham, Ezra Lummus, of do; Mrs. Lummus, of do; Capt Joseph Downing, of Salem; Daniel Marston, of do; George Smith, of do: George Felton, of do; Joseph Shatswell, of do The only testimony generally interesting was that given by Palmer. It appears he was formerly a convict in the State Prison at Thomaston, and was arrested as an accomplice in this murder with the Crownshields. His connections are very respectable, his education good, his talents are said to be brilliant and sometime since, he was a contributor of Poetry to several newspapers, &c. His exterior appearance is rather genteel, and his features might be pronounced, intellectual. When put on the witness stand his demeanor was modest; he gave his evidence with a slight stammer, but in correct language. In his cross examination, which was severe, there was apparently a degree of shrewdness or caution. He testified that previous to the occurrence of the murder he was solicited to take a part in it, that the whole plan was detailed to him and the original design was to meet Mr. White's carriage, as he returned from his farm, and by driving against it, overturn it, and then perpetrate the murder, in such a manner as should make his death appear to be caused by a mere accident. Two anonymous letters received by the Committee of Vigilance, were read to the jury: the writer charged a very respectable gentleman with having been concerned in the murder. The reading of these letters produced an apparent thrill of horror amongst the auditors, at an attempt so diabolical as this endeavor to affix the charge upon an innocent individual The slowness with which the investigation progresses increases the anxiety of the inhabitants of Salem for its result. The number of strangers in the town is very great, and- the Court House is very much crowded every day. The Crowninshield's it appears visited our city very frequently. The last witness examined yesterday was S. C. Phillips: but his testimony being objected to by the prisoner's counsel, the Court adjourned about 7 P. M. before deciding upon the admissibility of his testimony. The adjournment was to 9 o'clock this morning.

Salem Trials.-At the adjournment of the Court on Thursday evening, the examination of the witnesses had not been concluded, but appeared to be drawing to a close. Mr. Webster gave notice in the morning, that when the examination of other witnesses was finished, he should move the court to hear an argument more at large, upon the admission of Mr. Colman's testimony, relative to certain confession of Francis Knapp, so that the trial will probably be delayed by a law argument, upon the result of which much will depend." The court did not signify their willingness to hear the argument, but we are not aware that they made any objection. Twenty-seven witnesses were examined in the course of the day. On Friday morning Palmer was again upon the stand, and made additional statements Most of the forenoon was consumed in the discussion of the motion for a reconsideration of the opinion of the court, as the admissibility of Mr. Colman's testimony detailing the prisoner's confession. After argument from Messrs. Webster and Dexter, Judge Putnam said the court were clearly of opinion that it would be proper to hear argument upon the question. The general argument of Mr. Webster was, that the opinion was hastily given, and that its consequences were very important to the community as well as to the prisoners. The argument upon the other side was that the court took their own time, and decided according to their books [Boston Cour.
From the Correspondent of the New York Courier & Enquirer. SALEM, MONDAY, AUG. 9. The proof adduced by Mr. Webster on Saturday, that Francis Knapp had not given his assent to Joseph's confession, was of a negative character First he stated that there was no legal evidence produced to show that the assent was given, and next. Mr. Colman, in reply to a question; said that Francis expressed neither assent nor dissent to it. This morning, witnesses on behalf of the defendant were examined to prove that there was no conspiracy and next, that there was no legal testimony to show that the prisoner was the identical person whom some of the witnesses for the prosecution swore they had seen near the house of Mr White when the murder was committed. To invalidate the charge of conspiracy, evidence was introduced to prove that George Crowninshield one of the conspirators, was in a different place from the scene of murder when it was perpetrated; that, therefore, he could not be aiding and abetting. With regard to the identity of person, the witnesses for the prosecution swore that the man they had seen, had on a frock-coat and a glazed cap, such as other witnesses swore the prisoner had been seen to wear frequently. In reply to this. tailors, hatters and other tradesmen were examined to prove that the dress was one very generally worn-one which they themselves had frequently sold to young men in Salem and its neighborhood. None of the witnesses for the prosecution swore that they heard the voice of the person they had seen. The legal arguments on the doctrine of principal and accessory, as laid down during the investigation, are highly interesting. Their honors, the judges were a little wroth to-day in consequence of the disobedience shewn by the Press, to their order, relative to the non-publication of any part of the proceedings before the cause is finally closed But with a moderation and magnanimity worthy of your gratitude, they have by a formal decree. waived all jurisdiction over the N York Press. You are I think, in duty bound to recommend to your contemporaries, the propriety of holding a solemn jubilee in commemoration of this important condescension. Another reason I have for mentioning the fact is, that you may refer to it hereafter if ever you have occasion to allude to attempts to curtail the liberties of the press.