“On August 5th, 1838, Linus Wilson Miller was again tried at Niagara, and here follows the scene in court when the jury brought in a verdict of ‘Guilty, with an earnest recommendation of the prisoner to the extreme mercy of the court.’
“Chief Justice (in a great rage)—Gentlemen of the jury, do you know that your verdict is virtually an acquittal? How dare you bring in such a verdict in this case?...
“The Foreman—My Lord, the jury regard him as having been partially deranged some months since, but of sane mind when he invaded this province.
“Chief Justice—Then retire, gentlemen, and reconsider your verdict. You cannot recommend him to mercy.
“In a few minutes they returned with a verdict of ‘guilty, with a recommendation of the prisoner to the mercy of the court.’
“Chief Justice—Gentlemen of the jury, I’ll teach you your duty, how dare you return such a verdict?...
“A Juryman—My Lord, we recommend him on account of his youth.
“Chief Justice—That is no excuse for his crimes, ...
“Another Juryman—My Lord, we believe him to be an enthusiast in the cause in which he was engaged; that his motives are good, and his conduct honorable and humane.
“Chief Justice—Your duty is to pronounce the prisoner guilty or not guilty.