Goodere—I could not have been in the cabin without Buchanan's seeing me go in, because he stood at the bulkhead of the gun-room.
The Recorder—Mahony, will you ask this witness any questions?
Mahony—Are you certain that I was in the cabin when you heard the groans?
Buchanan—I am positive you were there in the purser's cabin when I heard the murder cried out.
Daniel Weller, sworn.
Vernon—I think you are the carpenter belonging to the Ruby man-of-war?
Weller—Yes, Sir, I am.
Vernon—Give an account to Mr. Recorder and the jury of what you know relating to this business.
Weller—The 18th of January last, about seven o'clock in the evening, the captain came on board in the barge; as I attended him, I observed he seemed in a pleasant humour, he came upon the deck at once, and said he had brought a poor crazy man on board, who had been the ruin of himself and family, and that he had now brought him on board to take care of him: he took him down to the cock-pit, and having been there a little while, one of my people came and asked for some bolts; I asked, What for? He told me it was to put on the outside of the purser's cabin-door, to bolt the crazy gentleman in. I gave him a bolt; after he had nailed it on, he came and wanted another: I had another, gave it to him, and went down to see the bolts put on. Sir John cried out, What are you doing, nailing the door up? I answered, No. I ordered the door to be opened, to turn the points of the nails. The door being opened, sir John asked whether the carpenter was there? I told him I was the man. The centinel told me no-body must go in there; however, I went in, while they turned the points of the nails. Sir John bid me sit down, and asked me, What does my brother mean by bringing me on board in this manner, to murder me? No, Sir, says I, I hope not, but to take care of you. He asked me, if his brother told me that he was mad? I saw no more of him till next morning.
Vernon—And what did you see then?