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Thos P. displayed, uncommon skill & tact in the
management of the prosecution throughout, &
that his concluding argument was one of surpassing
power & eloquence. But the physical effort
was too great for him, in the then delicate state of
his health. He returned home, almost entirely prostrated
& never (in my opinion) recovered from the
effects of it. Shortly afterwards he removed
to Huntsville; in a few days there after he
[1828 written in the right margin]
accidently met with Mr. McClung in the
law office of Mr. White, where angry & reproachful
words passed between them. Arriving at
Huntsville shortly afterwards. I was fearful
of a street fight between them; but by the interposition
of mutual friends it was prevented. In this
effort to prevent the shedding of blood, James G.
Birney Esq. then a distinguished member of the
Presbyterian Church & of the Huntsville bar, &
a man of high standing in society was particularly
active, & but for his interposition, I have
no doubt one, if not both, would have been killed.
I regret to have it to record, that Thos Taul, was
treated very badly by those, who got him into the
prosecution. Of the large fee promised, he never
rec'd but $50 which was paid by______ They had
spoken & written to him, under the seal of confidence,
& after the trial was over, they did not
choose to "stand up" to their pledges. I don't
choose myself to break the seal; but I have
amongst T.P.T.'s papers on file, letters and
other documentary evidence to prove, how faithless
they were.
I remained at Huntsville only a few days and
returned to Winchester, Ten. My daughter (Louisiana)
accompanied her aunt to Kentucky & spent the summer