Q. An indictment of piracy against the privateersmen captured on the Savannah?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Have you formed or expressed any opinion upon the guilt or innocence of the prisoners?
A. I do not recollect that I have.
Q. Have you formed or expressed any opinion whether the facts, if proved, constitute piracy?
A. I do not think I have.
Q. Have you any opinion now upon either of these subjects?
A. I cannot say that I am entirely indifferent of opinion on the subject, but still I have not formed any definite opinion.
Q. Your mind, however, is not entirely unbiased upon the question?
A. Well, no, sir—not if I understand the question; that is, the question whether the facts, if proved, constitute the offence of piracy?