Peter was found guilty on this testimony, and sentenced for execution on the 2d of July.[[7]]
AMHERST, belonging to Mrs. Lining, was next examined, found not guilty, and discharged.
The Court then proceeded to the trial of NED, the property of Governor Bennett.
Ned’s guilt was proved fully by the same witnesses that appeared against Peter Poyas, with whom it was established he was in the habit of frequent consultation on the efforts that were to be made. Subsequent disclosures have justified very strongly the finding of the Court against him, and placed it beyond a doubt, that he was a ringleader, and was to have headed a force in the vicinity of the Lines.
He was found guilty, and sentenced for execution on the 2d of July.
On the 24th of June, the Court discharged as not guilty, Samuel Guifford and Robert Hadden, two free persons of colour, as also Matthias, the slave of Governor Bennett; Mungo, the slave of Mr. Poyas; Robert, the slave of Mr. Harth, and Richard and John, the slaves of Mr. Lucas.
On the 25th of June, the Court examined the cases of Jim, belonging to Mr. Ancrum; Sandy, belonging to Mr. Holmes, and Friday, the property of Mr. Rout, all of whom were found not guilty, and discharged.
On Wednesday, the 26th of June, the Court proceeded to the trial of ABRAHAM, the slave of Dr. Poyas.
The only proof adduced against Abraham, was the following letter, found in the trunk of Peter Poyas, and acknowledged by Abraham to have been written by himself,—
“Dear Sir,—With pleasure I give you an answer. I will endeavour to do it. Hoping that God will be in the midst to help his own. Be particular and make a sure remark. Fear not, the Lord God that delivered Daniel is able to deliver us. All that I inform agreed. I am gone up to Beach-Hill.”
(Signed)
Abraham Poyas.”