Report of the Proceedings at the Examination of Charles G. Davis, Esq., on the Charge of Aiding and Abetting in the Rescue of a Fugitive Slave: Held in Boston, in February, 1851.

by Charles G. Davis; United States. Circuit Court

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.