13

Oaklawn April 14th [?] 1837
Having just read the first vol. of Norman
Leslie, I take up my pen. I have just left a great
city Couty (used?-well) house crowded with an immense
multitude attracted there to witness the trial
in an extraordinary case- a murder alledged
to have been committed under most extrodinary
circumstances, by a younf gentleman of the finest
accomplishments, and of the first of families in
a great city on a most beautiful and queen-like
young lady of first standing and like wise of one of
the first families. Having read this volume, I say
it seems that I too have just witnessed this thrilling
trial. I heard some thought the verdict of "not-guil
ty" witnessed the effect the annunciation of
it had on the vast assemblage joy, confusion, and
surprise. In this state I left there - in the court-room.
And now sitting by my writing table I can note or comment
as choose. What was peculiarly interesting to me was the
the testimony ans counsel- whether it was alike any
thing I had been familiar with Whether the manage-
ment of extracting testimony was in strict accordance of
law and rules of court- as I had learned from study
of books and practice and attendance in the courts. All
I discovered was strictly to the letter. The latitude, reluc-
tance and credulity of witnesses, the acuteness, shrewd-
ness, keen and sarcastic sparring of counsel relative to
the [?] and relevancey of evidence and the
dutiful and stern interference of the court all were as
I had understood ought to be. This portion of the book
though a lightsome novel, was in the [line?] of my profess-
ion and dutiful dayley study. It was putting on paper what
I have so often seen illustrated in the courts.
One word respecting the reporter of this case :- his
partiality for one side was apparent throughout and
as he wished, and I must say as I wished, his side triump-
hed. His partiality though may it be the privilage
of the novelist who selects his own in [e?]
his own characters to please his readers.