I came here under the direction of the , on the part of the Government to assist the ’s Attorney but I have to stand alone, I do not come here as the Champion of any party, or interest, neither do I wish to meddle, with you as parties, either in politics, or religion, or to entangle myself in any of the prejudices, troubles, and animosities, which effect this community, and render you a discontented and unhappy people,

I am not here, to court the favour, or smiles, of any men or party of men, but I intend to act, with becoming decision and firmness, in spite of the consequences, and vindicate the supremacy, and majesty, of the law, I have an array of learned counsellors against me, I was commanded to seek assistance, but it cannot be had, I therefore stand alone, in this trial, and in this community, unaided by council, to vindicate the Law of Man, but I will do my duty, and do it fearlessly, with becoming respect for the Laws of our country, and not for the Local prejudices and applause of this community, but for the applause of my own conscience, and for the applause of heaven. A citizen of your , was confined in Jail under the protection of the Law, and plighted faith of the , of the , as to how far his offences, are true, or far they are false, he may have been guilty of the basest crimes, or he may have been innocent of the charges alledged against him, about these things I know nothing, but he has suffered an awful atonement, for any offence he might have committed, and is gone to answer for it before his God.

He being confined in Jail, a wreckless mob, came here, on these peacable prairies, and took that man from Jail and murdered him, by the Laws of Mobocracy, not having the laws of God, and man, in their favour, [p. [6]]