Proceedings in the Courts.
Tom, slave of Alex. Hill & Co., found in possession of a lot of sole leather, canvas, and a pair of shoes, for whose possession he could not satisfactorily account, was ordered to be whipped.
Madison Griffin, charged with forging the name of John Griffin and obtaining $15 from Richard Reins, was committed for a future hearing, the witnesses living in Fluvanna county, and not being present.
William Pitts, who was found by one of the watchmen in the street, about half-past 2 o'clock Sunday morning, in a suspicious attitude, and who had on his person a chisel, was committed in default of security for his good behavior.
Thomas Alexander, a young white man, an operative in one of the numerous machine shops about Richmond, was arraigned for stealing from Charles Dekab a shawl, worth $30, at the Franklin House, kept by Mrs. Crouch, near the Old Market. The testimony against the prisoner was wholly circumstantial, but very strong. He was seen by two witnesses to go out of the house down the street with a shawl that did not belong to the man he said he borrowed it from, and he returned in ten minutes without it. A hue and cry had been raised by Dekab in the meantime. His Honor said he had better produce the shawl he wore down the street, and thus clear his skirts of the imputation of theft. To give him time to get the shawl, the further examination was continued until to-day.
Mary Page, a white female, charged with getting drunk and behaving disorderly in an alley, was required to give security for her good behavior, and failing, was committed to jail.
Jesse Cooper, a free man of color, was arraigned for shooting at Sally Tyree, a mulatto, on 17th street, with a pistol, thereby causing an alarm in the neighborhood in which Tyree lived. He was ordered 39 lashes Sally Tyree, as the proprietress of a disorderly house, was adjudged to receive 25 stripes.
William R. Warden, charged with stealing a hat, valued at $2, from Philip Key, was bailed for indictment by the Hustings Court Grand Jury.
James, slave of Emily Jenkins, was ordered 20 lashes for getting drunk and going without a pass.
A free negro, named John Graves, arrested for not having his register with him, was examined and discharged on producing the same.
Robert, slave of W. T. Truman, was whipped for being caught out after hours, and Tom, slave of Miss Mary Ball, were committed for going at large contrary to law.
Supreme Court of Appeals--The following decisions were rendered by the Judges of this Court, on Friday last, on which day they adjourned to meet on the 5th day of January next:
Goodwyn et als. vs, Myers — a glued by R. R. Howison for plaintiffs, and August & Randolph and Howard & Sands for defendants — judgment of the Circuit Court of the city of Richmond reversed.
Sinton, trustee, vs. The Insurance Company of the Valley of Virginia — argued by B. R. Wellford and A. A. Morson for plaintiff, and Macfarland and Roberts for the defendants — judgment of the Circuit Court of the city of Richmond reversed.
Lackey vs. Lackey — argued by F. L. Smith for appellant, no counsel for appellee — decree of the Circuit Court of Alexandria county affirmed.
Sallee's adm'or vs. Hendrick's ex'x — argued by Wm. T. Joynes for plaintiff, and James Alfred Jones for defendant — judgment of Circuit Court of Chesterfield reversed.
The insurance Company of the Valley of Virginia vs. Smith — argued by Macfarland and Roberts and James Alfred Jones for plaintiff, and B. R. Wellford, jr, and Wm. W. Crump for defendant — judgment of the Circuit Court of the city of Richmond reversed.
Howard vs. Holt — argued by James Garland for plaintiff, and C. R. Slaughter for defendant — judgment of the Circuit Court of Campbell county reversed.
Bennett, auditor, &c, vs. Hancock — argued by J. Randolph Tucker for plaintiff, and C. C. McRae for defendant — judgment of the Circuit Court of the city of Richmond affirmed.
C. S. District Court.--This Court will be in session to-day, when Judge Halyburton will deliver a decision in the famous case in which the French Government is interested, in regard to a large quantity of tobacco hitherto a subject of controversy as liable to confiscation. We understand that the decision has been made up on evidence from Europe, that the tobacco, which was purchased here by an agent of August Belmont, really belongs to the Rothschilds, and will be delivered up without further controversy.
Not Heard.--A writ of habeas corpus, asked for by Robert Patterson, sent on for the murder of Richard McMullen, which was to have been argued yesterday before Judge Lyons, was not heard owing to the absence of the Judge from Court.
Husting Court--Judge Lyons's Court was not in session yesterday owing to his indisposition.
