Proceedings of the Courts.
Madison Holloway otherwise called Martin Harvey, was put on trial for receiving a gold watch stolen from Sarah Johnson, knowing the same to have been stolen; and the jury finding him guilty, the Court, in consideration of the fact that he was a soldier, only put him in jail for thirty days.
Richard D Mitchell was tried for misdemeanor, in assaulting Wm. H. Beveridge, and was fined $21 and the costs of Court.
George W. Nelson was put on trial for misdemeanor, in having, on the 14th day of August last with thirteen others, broken out of the city jail. It was in proof that Nelson had been in jail for ten months for an alleged felony for which the grand jury had never found an indictment. Two of his fellow-prisoners, Melvin Davenport and Charles Toothacre, testified that when the scheme for breaking out was maturing Nelson refused to aid the parties engaged, and after they had gone had to be persuaded to get out. His repugnance was based on the idea that of the grand jury did not indict him he would be discharged anyhow — After his escape he was picked up on Cary street drunk. He was acquitted by the jury.
Joseph Mitchel and Pat Murphy, fined for an assault by the Court, on Thursday, paid to the Clerk the amount and costs of prosecution.
John Deane emancipated by Wm. Chamberlayne, and John Marx, emancipated by Wm O George, were permitted to remain in the State on proving good characters for sobriety and honesty.
John R. Aitem was fined $10 and costs for permitting his slave, Wm., Jackson, to go at large, contrary to law.
Samuel Chipley, bound in a recognizance of $100 with Daniel Ratcliffe his surety, to appear and answer a change of misdemeanor, belong called, and not answering, his bond was declared forfeited; whereupon Mr. Ratcliffe paid the amount in Court.
A scire facias was issued against George Rich and Joseph Raskam on a recognizance entered into by said parties for $200 on the 15th November, for their appearance, which they forfeited by falling to comply with its conditions.
A nolle prosequi was entered in the respective cases against George W. Clackner and Jas Polk, indicted at the last term of the Court for extortion and bribery. This course was taken by the Attorney for the Commonwealth, by and with the advice of the Court, Recorder Caskie dissenting. It was stated to the Court that Robert Ould, Esq., Judge Advocate of the Court-Martial now in session here, had certified in reference to the proceedings sought to be maintained against Mr. Clackner, that he had been ‘"deeply wronged."’ Mr. Ould's statement was endorsed as correct by Gen. Winder and by Mr. Danney, on whose oath the indictment was found against Clackner. Under these circumstances, Mr. Daniel, Commonwealth's Attorney said that he could do no less than ask that the prosecution against Clackner be dismissed. The charge against Polk was likewise dismissed. The two men. Bernard Shaw and Theo. Woodhail, (late Detectives) who really did extort and receive the bribes spoken of, it was stated in Court had escaped to the North, and were now in the service of the Lincoln Government as Detectives.
The indictment against James Coggins, for misdemeanor, was quashed by a nolle prosequi, entered by the attorney for the Commonwealth.
John T. Smith and William Reed were set to the bar for examination on the charge of entering the Linwood House, on the night of the 20th of November, and stealing from Wm. M. Murray, a boarder, a gold watch, worth $150, and from Oliver F. Webster, another boarder, one pair of boots and two cloth coats valued at $200. The witnesses for the Commonwealth being called and falling to respond, the case was continued until the next term. Rules were awarded against Wm. A Wright and others, who had failed to appear and testify.
Mayor's Court, Friday, Dec.12.--An examination of the change against J. D. Stewart and D R Goldsworth, for fighting in the 1st Market-House, was continued until Monday. James Mitchell arrested for participating in the fight, was discharged, the evidence not tending to criminate him.
Wm. Jones, a soldier arrested by officer Crone on a warrant charging him with the larceny of a pair of socks belonging to Susan Fades and of the value of one dollar, was sent to the Provost Marshal for trial.
Pat Holland for an assault on Jane Holland, his wife, was required to give $200 surety to keep the peace.
Michael Ryan was required to give $100 to do likewise on the complaint of Mary Riley.
