Trial of the Officers and Crew of the Privateer Savannah on the Charge of Piracy Part 5

_Q._ You know that this case is an indictment for piracy against the prisoners. Have you formed or expressed any opinion upon their guilt or innocence?

_A._ No, sir.

_Q._ Have you formed or expressed any opinion whether the facts charged against them, if proved, const.i.tute the offence of piracy?

_A._ I have not, sir.

Challenge withdrawn. _Juror sworn._

_Tuganhold Kron_ called. Challenged for princ.i.p.al cause.

_By Mr. Smith_:

_Q._ In a capital case, where the evidence was sufficient to convince you of the guilt of the prisoner, have you any conscientious scruples that would prevent your finding a verdict of guilty?

_A._ Yes, sir. (Question repeated.)

_A._ No, sir.

_Q._ Do you readily understand English?

_A._ Pretty well.

_Q._ You did not understand me when I asked the question the first time?

_A._ No, sir.

_Q._ Do you understand English well?

_A._ Yes, pretty well. There may be some words I do not understand.

_Q._ Did you ever sit as a juror on a trial?

_A._ Yes, sir.

_Q._ Did you understand all the witnesses said?

_A._ No, because I did not hear, sometimes.

_Q._ Do you think you understand English well enough, so that you can hear a trial intelligently?

_A._ I cannot say, sir.

_Q._ You are not sure?

_A._ No, sir.

_By Mr. Larocque_:

_Q._ What is your occupation?

_A._ A bookbinder.

_Q._ Have you an establishment of your own?

_A._ Yes, sir.

_Q._ The men you employ--do they speak English or German?

_A._ Some English--the most of them German.

_Q._ And you transact your business with gentlemen who speak English?

_A._ Yes, sir.

_Q._ How long have you done so?

_A._ Eight years.

_By the Court_:

_Q._ How long have you been in this country?

_A._ Seventeen years.

_Q._ Have you been in business all that time?

_A._ I worked as journeyman ten years, and have been seven years in business of my own.

_By Mr. Smith_:

_Q._ Do you think you can understand English well enough so that you can, from the evidence, form an opinion of your own?

_A._ I think I will.

_By Mr. Larocque_:

_Q._ You read the account of the capture of the privateer Savannah in the newspapers?

_A._ Yes, sir; in some German paper.

_Q._ Did you form or express any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of these prisoners?

_A._ No, sir.

_Q._ Did you form or express an opinion whether the facts charged against them, if proved, const.i.tute the offence of piracy?