Closing Argument of Calvin A. Warren, 28 May 1845 [State of Illinois v. Williams et al.]
Source Note
, Closing Argument, [, Hancock Co., IL, 28 May 1845], State of IL v. Williams et al. (Hancock Co., IL, Circuit Court 1845). Copied [ca. 28 May 1845]; handwriting of ; docket by , [, Hancock Co., IL, ca. 28 May 1845]; six pages; Columbia University, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, New York.
What Did say, why “the Smiths are no more”— who has not said that— is to be convicted because he said it—
Tell me who suggested the murder of the Smiths — would have you infer it because these men lived in this — These men were with the whole country enraged at the audacity & conduct of these Smiths, They dared complain of their grievances, and because the Smiths were murdered on the same day you are asked to believe that they did it—
tells us & places his cause upon this ground— thethe restoration of peace that it is necessarry there should be a conviction in order to restore peace to the and quiet excitement,
What was the object of in stating his case to the jury in referring to that old Hebrew book, It was for the purpose of Showing that a curse would rest upon the until a victim should be offered up—
Then gets religious and talks about the bible, truth God &c &c—
Gives a sentiment of Tom Jeffersons about public exitemnts [excitements] caused by oppression,
I speak but the Sentiments of these 5 defts— What is the law— it is based upon public opinion— and is worth [p. [2]]