Chapter 3

_The Commissioner._ An alleged fugitive is only excluded from being a witness in the case of a complaint against himself as a fugitive. This does not exclude his admissions in the case of a criminal trial of another party. His admission is the best possible evidence of identity under the act. See Law in Appendix, Sec. 6. ["In all proceedings under this act"]

_Mr. Clark._ Am a constable. Am employed specially. After the man was brought in, he asked who it was that claimed him. He first asked me, and I referred him to Mr. Sawin. Mr. Sawin named one person to him, and he said he did not know him. Mr. Sawin then named another person to him, and he said he did not know him. He then said he was named Shadrach, and commenced to tell me the circumstances of his coming away, but I advised him not to speak to me about it, as I might be made a witness against him. I told him not to tell any one but his counsel; and Mr. List, his counsel, told him the same, and he stopped talking to the officers and others. I was at the further side of the door when Mr. Davis went out. [Describes the scene.]

_Mr. Lunt._ Did you hear Mr. Davis testify the other day, if so, what did he say?

_Mr. Clark._ He said when he got down to the landing he first thought there was to be a rescue, and he saw a man pass two canes up.

_To Mr. Davis._ I had some conversation with you in the room near the prisoner, after Mr. Wright came in, while the minister was here. The prisoner said something about his trust in God.

_Mr. Davis._ Do you remember his saying anything further concerning his position, showing any religious feeling?

_Mr. Lunt._ Religious feelings have nothing to do with this case.

_Mr. Davis._ I am aware of that, I waive the inquiry.

_Mr. Clark._ I don't know that I saw anything peculiar in your conduct. Many persons spoke to Shadrach, besides the person who whispered to him. While my back was turned towards Shadrach, I heard some one say to him--"We will stand by you till death."

_George T. Curtis, Esq._, U. S. Commissioner, who held the examination in the case of Shadrach, testified that there was no actual disturbance during the hearing. About the time of the adjournment, it might have been a minute or so afterwards, a tall young colored man standing behind the rail, approached Shadrach, and, addressing him, said--"We will stand by you." Mr. Riley, the deputy marshal, observed the man, and heard the remark, and checked him, and sent an officer to remove him to another part of the room. Mr. Davis was present, but I did not know he was one of Shadrach's counsel. He neither said or did anything, so far as I saw, from which I could infer he was present in that capacity. Mr. E. G. Loring, and Mr. Sewall were the only recognized counsel; that is, they were the only persons who addressed the court, and I should not have allowed him more than two counsel.

_To Mr. Dana._ It is common to have more counsel than address the court. I do not know that Mr. Davis may not have been one of these. I should not have limited him, except as to such counsel as should address the court. [Witness identifies the papers produced before him, and the order he passed for the adjournment, &c.]

_Austin S. Cushing._ I was present on Saturday, while the proceedings were going on. After the order was given for clearing the court room, I saw a man standing behind the rail, who was disinclined to leave. He left rather slowly, and, as he was leaving, he reached his hand over to the prisoner, and, I believe, calling him "Fred," said--"We will stand by you till the death." It was a colored man.

_Jessee P. Prescott_, in the employ of the Fitchburg Railroad Company, testified that he was present in the passage way at the time of the rescue, and described the scene. A stout negro man came up the passage way from the supreme court room. He was peculiarly dressed, and two negroes said to him--"You are just the man we want." Another said--"That's the boy for them," pointing to him. There being some difficulty in getting the door open, some sung out--"Go it. Life or death, we are prepared for 'em." Another said--"Damned bloodhounds." Others said--"Knife 'em." One man, whom he took to be a minister, dissuaded the other party from acts of violence. Saw the rush into the court room, and saw the fugitive borne out in the arms of four or five persons. I am sure I saw Mr. Davis go into the court room by the east door, some five or ten minutes before the door was forced open. One man had a sword.

_Cross examined._ I had seen Mr. Davis before. I had seen him at the Thompson meeting at the Tremont Temple. I think I had seen him trying a case in court also. Saw you at the Chaplin meeting. The person I took to be you was in a hurry--had no hat on, and spoke to a man as he was coming in. Said, "How do you do," merely. It was not more than ten minutes before the adjournment.

Mr. Lunt here rested the case for the prosecution.

Mr. Dana moved the discharge of the defendant, on the ground of failure of proof, to raise the question of the construction of the statute, and asked the commissioner if he adhered to his ruling in Mr. Wright's case.

The commissioner denied the motion, and said that he considered it sufficient for the Government to prove that a person claimed as a slave had been rescued.

TESTIMONY FOR THE DEFENCE.

Mr. Davis now called a number of witnesses for the defence, and Mr. Dana gave notice that the first set to be examined were expected to testify to the character of the government witness, Frederick D. Byrnes, for truth and veracity.

* * * * *

William Ross was called to the stand as to the character of Byrnes, but Mr. Byrnes being absent, was withdrawn.

Mr. Riley recalled by defence. He was quite confident that Mr. Davis did not leave the court room, and come in again, just preceding the rescue. He seemed to be busy in talking with the associate counsel.

The prisoner put on his coat while within the bar, before Mr. Davis left the room.

_To Mr. Lunt._ On Saturday morning Mr. Davis asked me if I had any more Craft's cases. I told him not that I knew of. This was in the entry of the Court House. While in the Court Room after the adjournment, he asked me if he understood me to say in the morning that no warrant was out. I had no warrant when Mr. Davis spoke to me in the morning. The warrant was in the hands of another deputy marshal, and I had not then seen it. I told Mr. Davis that whether I had known, or not, of the warrant, I should have given him the same answer. The reply rather surprised Mr. Davis. I think no one could have entered the easterly door without my knowledge.

_Cross Examined._ _To Mr. Davis._ It was between 9 and 10 A.M., that I saw you. I was standing at the outer door, you passed, and I first asked you if you had seen Mr. George P. Curtis.

_Mr. Davis._ It was that which reminded me of fugitive slave warrants?

_Mr. Riley._ You answered the question, and then asked about warrants. I was waiting for Mr. Sawin, and Mr. Curtis at the time.

_Henry Homer,_ assistant clerk of the Municipal Court. At the time of the mob, I was standing on the steps, about three above the level of the U. S. court-room. I had a view of the whole scene. The wooden door was open, and Mr. Hutchins had hold of it. The crowd was not very large then, nor pressing very hard. Three good officers outside could have protected the door, and cleared the passage. Then there were cries of "go in, and take him out," and the pressure increased against the door, and all at once it gave way, and in the crowd went. All done in ten seconds, I should think. Never saw anything done so quick before. Saw two men take hold of Shadrach and fetch him out, about twenty other men following. The stairs were clear when they brought Shadrach out, and they kind of threw him down the stairs. The crowd was all behind him. There was no crowd obstructing the stairs all the way down. The collection was outside. In passing him out into the street, they tore his coat off, and took his hat off. His coat laid in the mud, and his hat laid there. A woman seized him by the hair and said--"God-bless you. Have they got you?" Shadrach was very much frightened,--did not seem to know whether he had got among his friends or enemies. I saw this from the window at the head of the stairs.

I did not see Mr. Wright. I think Mr. Davis was on the platform, or on the third stair going down. I did not hear his voice. I think I should have noticed it, if he had spoken. I heard no white voice. The voices were all of colored people. I am well acquainted with your voice (to Mr. Davis),--I have heard the music of it often enough, both in court and out of it. I will not swear that Mr. Davis did not speak; but I will swear that I don't remember to have heard any voices but those of colored people. I had been out to get a volume to see the statute, forbidding the officers of this state from aiding in any manner in making arrests under the old law for taking fugitives.

_To the Commissioner._--I remained on the stairs step above the landing until Shadrach was brought out. I then went up stairs to get out of the way. I saw no man with two canes; saw no man with a club; saw no man with a sword. I am a justice of the peace, but I did not know what duty it imposed on me at that time. The affair was sudden, and I was somewhat excited.

_Afternoon._--Gustavus Andrews, jailor. I have known Frederick D. Byrnes ever since he came to Boston. His general reputation for truth and veracity is bad.

_Cross Examined._ I heard his character discussed by officers, and other persons. I cannot call to mind at this moment any person, not an officer, whom I have heard say he was not a man to be believed.

_Hiram Wellington, Esq._ Attorney at Law. Had known Frederick D. Byrnes about seven years--his general reputation for truth and veracity is decidedly bad.

_Cross Examined._--I never had any difficulty with him, that I know of. He once brought a small suit against me for constable's fees, and recovered, I believe. It was in the justices court. I don't know that he ever brought any complaint against me. If he did it was a secret one. I never knew of his complaining against me to the grand jury.

_William Ross_, tailor.--I should like to know what I am summoned here for. I don't wish to testify. Have known Mr. Byrnes some three years. His general character for truth and veracity, I should say, is decidedly bad.

_Cross Examined._ Who have you heard speak of it? I don't wish to say. There have been twenty people in my place within a week to inquire how such a liar could get into office. I was once called to court in Cambridge to testify about his character, and he called upon me to ask what I had against him. He is a well-known man. He became known on account of having been brought up for adultery. I could name people whom I have heard speak of him. I have heard Martha Adams speak of him; she lived with him when he kept the Cape Ann Cottage, which was mysteriously burned down, and the insurance recovered. I might name others, but I don't think I am bound to mention them. Mr. Byrnes knows who they are.

_Derastus Clapp_, Constable.--Have known Mr. Byrnes five or six years; have not heard his character for truth called in question these two years; have not heard it discussed within that period. He has kept in this city during this time.

_The Commissioner._--I think you cannot ask about reputation two years ago.

_Mr. Lunt_ said it was clearly inadmissible.

_Mr. Dana_ read a case in Wendall's Reports in which it was decided that the previous reputation could be shown. It is often the best evidence.

_The Commissioner_ thought he should take time to decide the point.

_Mr. Lunt_ said there might be a difference of practice in different states.

_Ira Gibbs._--Have lived in Boston between 30 and 40 years--was city marshal. Have known Mr. Byrnes several years. I can't say but that I have heard his character spoken against in relation to truth and veracity. I don't think I have heard it frequently spoken about, but when spoken of, it has been against him.

_Charles Smith_--Constable and Coroner--Have known Mr. Byrnes about ten years; his character for truth, &c., bad.

_Cross Examined._--The most I have heard about him has been from officers. Mr. Dexter keeps in the office with me. He has had difficulty with Mr. Byrnes. So has Mr. Leighton, who keeps in our office. I think I have heard his truth discussed, in reference to cases in which he was a witness. One of the cases was at East Cambridge. It depended wholly on his testimony, I understood, and the other side prevailed. These discussions about his character were revived on account of his being appointed deputy U. S. marshal. I don't know that those who spoke of him wanted the office. Don't know any body who wants his office.

Officers _Rice_, _Dexter_, _Neale_, and _Luther Hutchins_, examined as to the character of Mr. Byrnes for truth, testified to the same effect as the preceding witness.

_Thomas S. Harlow, Esq._, Counseller at Law. I have known Frederick D. Byrnes seven or eight years. His reputation for truth and veracity is bad.

_Cross Examined._--Have heard him spoken of in the regular course of business, about the courts among officers. I had some business connection with Mr. Wellington, when he was sued by Mr. Byrnes.

At this stage, the court adjourned till Saturday, Feb. 22.

_Saturday, February 22d._--Commissioner Hallett took his seat at 10 o'clock. Defence resumed. On the question reserved yesterday, the Commissioner decided in relation to the knowledge of Constable Clapp of the reputation of Mr. Byrnes, he having stated that he had not heard his truth and veracity spoken of for two years, that he must first be inquired of generally as to Mr. Byrnes's reputation. Mr. Clapp answered as he did yesterday, and then Mr. Dana was allowed to ask him if he knew anything of his reputation for truth prior to that period. He replied that for about five years previous to the past two he had heard his reputation for truth and veracity spoken of. It was bad.

_Cross Examined._--When he was so spoken of, reference was had to some business matters; to a civil case at New Bedford, and a criminal case in Boston. It was his character for truth and veracity that was spoken of, and had no relation to his honesty in not paying what he owed.

_John G. King. Esq._, Counsellor at Law.--I was in this court room on Saturday forenoon. Mr. Davis was in when I came in. I ascertained that he was acting as counsel for the prisoner. After the adjournment I left Mr. Davis in consultation with the other counsel. Before leaving I drew up a power of attorney, which the man Shadrach signed. It was made to Robert Morris, and was intended to give him authority to act in reference to an application for a habeas corpus. When Mr. Riley was clearing the room, Shadrach pointed out Mr. Davis as one of his counsel, and as such Mr. Riley allowed him to stay.

_Marcus Morton, Jr., Esq._, Counsellor at Law.--I was sent for on Saturday morning by Shadrach. I had known him from six to nine months. There were but few persons in the court room when I came in. It was proposed to raise money for his value, if it should be decided to send him back. I went to the office of Colonel Thomas, the claimant's counsel, in relation to procuring the man's liberation in that way. Nothing resulted from the conversation with Colonel Thomas. I don't know that Mr. Davis knew of it. I know that Mr. Davis was twice recognized by Shadrach as his counsel. When I came in to the court room, Shadrach appeared excited, and was talking a good deal. I told him he had better keep his mouth shut, and not to speak to any person except his counsel. He asked who he should have, and I designated among others, Mr. Davis for counsel.

_Cross Examined._--I communicated my intention to E. G. Loring. I was to have an answer from Colonel Thomas on Monday morning. I don't recollect mentioning this to any of the counsel. I did mention it to several people. The case had been postponed till Tuesday, before I called upon Colonel Thomas.

_Charles List, Esq._, Counsellor at Law. I was in this room on Saturday. Mr. Davis was here in the capacity of counsel for Shadrach. I heard Shadrach ask him to serve as counsel. Mr. Davis joined Mr. Sewall and myself at the table in examining the papers sent on by the owner for establishing his claims to Shadrach. Mr. Davis examined them very thoroughly, and expressed a decided opinion that the papers were not sufficient under the statute. I asked Mr. Davis who the men guarding the prisoner were. He said one was Sawin, whom he knew well, and he would inquire of him the other's name. He did so, and told me his name was Clark. Did not state to Davis my object in asking. Was told here there were to be proceedings for habeas corpus. I asked Riley for copy of the warrant. He said he had one for Mr. Dana, which he was to have before 2 o'clock. I told him if he would let me have it, I would give it to Mr. Dana before 2. Sewall and Mr. Davis were then present. I went to Mr. Dana's office. I left eight or ten minutes before two, leaving Mr. Davis. I think Mr. Davis did not leave the court room any time while I was there. I was there from the commencement of the hearing, except for a short time that I stepped into the law library, to see if a particular gentleman was there. I think I went into the library before the Commissioner left. I spoke with Mr. Davis frequently in the court room, and I think I should have known it, if he had gone out. No attempt had been made to force the door when I left. I had no difficulty in getting through the people in descending the stairs, or going through the passage, getting out of the court house.

_Mr. Dana_ here proposed to prove that Mr. Davis at various places and times had advised the colored people against acts of violence. [The Commissioner was inclined to allow the inquiry].

_Mr. Lunt_ objected to the inquiry, the charge against Mr. Davis being that he committed a specific act.

_Mr. Dana_ waived the point for the present.

_Mr. List_ resumed. It was agreed in the court room that the counsel should hold a meeting at Mr. Sewall's office at three o'clock, and another meeting was to be holden at half past nine the next morning. The meeting was not held that afternoon on account of the rescue. The meeting was held Sunday morning, and Mr. Davis was present. Mr. Davis called attention again to the insufficiency of the papers. Question then arose whether proceedings would go on, and what Commissioner might do.

_Cross Examined._--I am not sure that Mr. Davis was one of those who agreed to hold the meeting in the afternoon. There were six who were considered as counsel. These were named E. G. Loring, Mr. Sewall, Mr. Davis, Mr. Morris, Mr. King, and myself. I cannot say that Mr. Davis was not out of my sight five minutes. When I went out, the officer opened the door sufficient to let me out, using no particular care with the door. There were in the entry about half as many people as it would contain; chiefly negroes; did not recognise any one, black or white, that I knew. I first went to Mr. Dana's office. I was in Court street going towards Washington street, when the rescue took place. I could not believe it when I first heard of the rescue, and went back to inquire. I had thought it possible a rescue would be attempted, for the colored people were very much against the law. I have spoken against the law, and probably shall again. [Manifestations of applause on the part of the spectators. Order commanded by the Commissioner].

_Mr. Lunt_ here put the question,--Do you approve of the rescue? Mr. Dana objected, and the Commissioner sustained the objection. Mr. List preferred to answer, and said that he was opposed to any violation of law, and had advised against violations of the law.

_George W. Adams, Esq._, Counsellor at Law.--I was coming into the East door of the court house near 2 o'clock, on Saturday, met Davis going through the passage, near the marshal's office,--saw him pass between the pillars in front of the office. I talked with him two or three minutes. I heard noises and shouts above, while I was talking with Mr. Davis. Men were running in and out, when I left him, I ran out to Court street, and saw the crowd moving off.

_Alonzo F. Neale_, Constable Neale--I was in the court room on Saturday--was called in by Mr. Noyes, the messenger of the U. S. Courts--I saw Mr. Davis in the court room. I saw him go out of the court room. Somebody asked me to let Mr. Davis out. I said I was not the door keeper. The person then spoke to Mr. Hutchins, who opened the door, and Mr. Davis passed out. I suppose now it was Mr. Wright who asked me to open the door for Mr. Davis. I think Mr. Davis, Mr. Wright, and a third person, a stranger, went out about together; and my attention was called off for a moment, by noticing the colored man get up, put his coat on, and walk about. Then came the yell, and the forcing of the door. Doubting whether as a constable, I had any right to interfere, I concluded not to do anything until some emergency occurred. I saw Mr. Hutchins driven away from the door. It is my opinion that Mr. Byrnes was behind the door. If so, he could not see outside the doorway. At the time of the first rush, there was one or two near Mr. Hutchins, and Mr. Byrnes might have been one of them. I should think the prisoner got up and put on his coat just about the time Mr. Wright and Mr. Davis passed out. When the yell came the prisoner ran towards the door on the East side, and then back on the other side of the rail to the front door. I was somewhat excited, but I helped in holding on to the door. John H. Riley was on the other side, and Patrick Riley was walking back and forth. I felt rather vexed that they did not come to the door attacked, to assist in closing it, and I withdrew from the door. John Riley was calling for assistance. There had been pounding at the doors before the prisoner put his coat on, and shew signs of excitement; and there had been a good deal of loud talking outside. I was in the court room about an hour. I should not think Mr. Davis went out after I came in, until he went out at the time I have spoken of.

_George W. Minns, Esq._, Counsellor at Law.--I was in this court room between one and two on Saturday,--saw Mr. Davis was here. Including the officers and counsel, there appeared to be about a dozen persons in the court room, when I was admitted. Heard Mr. Riley say the prisoner would be allowed to see his friends from time to time, and every thing reasonable done to make his situation comfortable. Saw Mr. Davis--his manner was calm. He remained so till an incident occurred. Some person behind where I was sitting said something, concluding with the remark, "Kill the negroes!" I thought the remark came from Mr. Byrnes, but I don't know. Mr. Davis, at the time, was walking from the table to me, and heard it. He was irritated by the remark, and said--"Then, on that principle, you ought to have your throats cut." Mr. Byrnes and another officer were behind me. I was sitting within the bar, next to the railing, which was between me and Byrnes and the other officer. I know Mr. Byrnes' voice, and am able to recognize it, and I thought at the time that it was he who made the remark, but I cannot swear. It was not very loud, and I did not turn round to look at Mr. Byrnes. I didn't think from the tone, that the remark was made by one who intended to kill the negro, but I thought it was made for the purpose of irritating or insulting Mr. Davis. My attention was chiefly occupied in looking at the prisoner.