However rashly the diggers had acted in
taking up arms, however higgledy-piggledy had been the management of the
stockade, yet they were justified in resisting unconstitutional force
by force.
His Honour tried the patience of the jury; well knowing by experience,
that twelve true-born Britons can always afford to put up with a good
long yarn.
The jury retired at nine o'clock. My first thought was directed to the
Lord my God and my Redeemer. Then naturally enough, to sustain my
courage, I was among my dear friends at Rome and London.
To remain in the felon's dock whilst your JURY consult on your fate,
is a sensation very peculiar in its kind. To be or not to be; that is the
actual matter-of-fact question. Three letters making up the most
important monosyllable in the language, which if pronounced is life, if
omitted is death: an awkward position for an innocent man especially.
The jury, after twenty minutes past nine, were again in the jury-box.
I was satisfied by their countenances that 'the People' were victorious.
The Clerk of the Court: "Gentlemen of the Jury, have you considered
your verdict?"
Foreman: "We have."
The Clerk: "Do you find the prisoner at the bar Guilty or Not Guilty?"
Foreman, with a firm voice: "NOT GUILTY!"
'Magna opera Domini'--(God save the People)--thus my chains sprang
asunder. The people inside telegraphed the good news to the crowd
outside, and "Hurrah!" rent the air in the old British style.
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