SC1896_FF1_126

16
(The Judge was in the habit of closing his eyes
while on the bench, without sleeping)
He was charged, without the slightest grounds
of partiality on the bench to Thos. P. Taul and
myself. He was charged with fraud & corruption
in taking the acknowledgement of the deed for
the Nashville Lot & divers other small matters
not now recollected.
The articles of Impeachment were reported to the
Senate & that body organized as a Court of Impeachment,
of which Colo. Newton Cannon Senator
from Williamson was chosen President,
fortunately for the accused & for the Country.

Judge Williams having been summoned to attend
the Court, & answer the charges, repaired
immediately to Nashville & commenced preparing
for his defence. Several distinguished Members
of the bar tendered their services to send him.
He employed the Honble Wm. L. Brown, & accepted
the services of Genl. George Gibbs, Babe Peyton, Alfred Balch
George S. Yerger & Sam. H. Laughlin Esqr.

Judge W. was particularly desirous that I
should officiate as one of his counsel, but from
motives of delivery I declined; tho' I prepared
the answer to most of the charges.

The trial was reported by W. G. Hunt Esqr &
a large number of copies printed - I regret
that have not one.

After a very tedious, exciting & every way
(to me) interesting trial, the Judge was acquitted,
the party against him, not being
able to "whip in "a Constitutional majority
to break him. At the first consultation amongst
the Senators, after the conclusion of the argument
there was a decided majority in his favor