Goodere—I shall now call some witnesses to my character, and likewise to shew how improbable it is that I should be guilty of the murder of my brother.
Call Mr. Pritchard.
Mr. Pritchard had known Goodere many years; he always bore the character of a good husband, a good neighbour, and a kind friend.
The Rev. Mr. Watkins, three months or half a year before Sir John's death, had told Goodere that Sir John had told him that he had made his will and cut his brother off from everything, and had given his estate to the Footes. The witness had found Sir John a good neighbour, and a kind friend; he was a man of strong passions, and if any one affronted him, he would let the party know that he did resent it. His tenants, and those the witness had conversed with, said that he was one of the best of landlords.
Vernon—I don't ask you, Sir, concerning his moral character; but whether he was in his senses or not?
Watkins—In his senses! I saw him last Christmas, he was making up his accounts with several of his tenants; he was then in very good understanding. I take him to have been a man that always had his senses in a regular exercise.
Vernon—What have you heard the prisoner Mr. Goodere say in relation to Sir John's making his will?
Watkins—I believe he told me that sir John had not the power to make a will; I told him it was my opinion, if they would be reconciled together, sir John's will would not stand.
Mr. Thomas and Mr. Ashfield and the Rev. Mr. Rogers spoke in general terms to Goodere's good character.
George Forcevil had known him for fourteen or fifteen years; he had a very good character in the neighbourhood; he constantly attended his church twice a day Sundays, and would be there at prayers almost every day. He thought him to be a good man.