The great legal luminary said his client acknowledged having written the letter.
Mr. Justice Manifest said this was one more instance of the manly and straightforward manner in which the case for the defendant was being carried on.
The plaintiff said he had given the defendant an opening to withdraw his statements in presence of the defendant’s fa….
Mr. Justice Manifest (interrupting): “I must beg you not to mention eminent people in no way connected with the case.”
The plaintiff apologised and continued: The defendant refused either to withdraw or substantiate his charges.
Mr. Justice Manifest: Quite right too. (Loud cheering.)
The plaintiff next called witnesses to speak to his character and disprove the charges contained in the letter which the defendant acknowledged having written, and refused to withdraw.
The Rev. Lord Bishop of —— was sworn, and in answer to questions said he had known the plaintiff from a boy, and that he had always borne the highest character.
Several other reverend gentlemen, of whose congregations the plaintiff had at various times been a prominent member, were called, and deposed to the same effect—namely, that he was a man against whom there had never been a breath of even ordinary scandal. Also that he was of a most edifying piety.
Plaintiff: Would it have been possible that such facts as my having murdered my wife, embezzled money, been a convicted felon, &c., could have remained unknown to you during the time I was a member of your congregations?