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WILLIAM WEMMS AND SEVEN OTHERS. 459

THE SPEECHES FOR THE PRISONERS

December 3.

Mr. Josiah Quincy, Jr. May it please your Honora, and
you, Gentlemen of the Jury: We have at length gone
through the evidence in behalf of the prigoners. The wit-
nesses have placed before you that state of facts from which
results our defense. The examination has been so lengthy,
that I am afraid some painful sensations arise, when you
find that you are now to sit and hear the remarks of counsel.
But you should reflect, that no more indulgenes is shown to
the prisoners now on trial, than hag ever been shown in all
eapital causes; the trial of one man hag often taken up sev-
eral daya. When you consider, therefore, that there are eight
lives in issue, the importance of the trial will show the neces-
sity of its length. To each of the prisoners different evidenca
applies, and they each of them draw their defense from dif-
ferent quarters.

In my former remarks upon opening this case to you, gen-
tlemen, I pointed out the dangers to which you were exposed.
How much need was there for my desire, that you should
suspend your judgment till the witnesses were all examined!
How different is the complexion of the cause! Will not all
this serve to show every honest man the little trath to be
attained in partial hearings? We have often seen communi-
ties complain of ex parte testimonies; individuals, as well as
societies of men, are equally susceptible of injuries of this

" Kind. This trial ought to have another effect; it should
serve to convince us all of the impropriety, nay, injustice of
giving a latitude in conversation upon topics likely to come
under a judicial decision; the criminality of this conduct is
certainly enhanced, when such loose sallies and discourses
are go prevalent as to be likely to touch the life of a citizen.
Moreover, there is so little certainty to be obtained by such
kind of methods, that I wonder we so often find them prac-
ticed. In the present case, how great was the prepossession
against us! And I appeal to you, gentlemen, what cause

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