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.