for the defence then arose and addressed the Jury as follows.

You have heard the read in which is contained the charge, alledged against these defendants, the case is one of vast importance inasmuch as it jeopardizes the lives of these five individuals, you are set to judge this case and upon your decision hangs their destiny.

The for the people has endeavoured to work upon your feelings and as much as possible prejudice you against these men, but between the for the people and these defendants we have to say that a verdict has not yet either for or against them, and that it can only be done after the case is tried, and the evidences heard on both sides, but would have you believe that they are guilty of the charge contained in the inditement before they are tried, the people have that to prove yet, upon evidence, but they will fail, and fail most signally, to produce before you, such evidence, as to render a verdict of guilty, but if we may judge of the guilt or innocence of these defendants, by clamorous reports, or by their conduct, and deportment in general we have the most decided evidence of their innocence, we have seen no manifestations on their part to evade a trial, and escape from Justice but as soon as the inditement was found against them, they presented themselves to the bar of the Court for trial, that they might be acquitted from the charge according to law, they have also insisted [p. [9]]