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a murder in salem

[transcribed from Podcast Episode]

Hi there, and welcome to another episode of crime travel. I am Kelley Amstutz, and I'm so glad that you guys found this podcast. This is going to be episode 15 episodes are not in any way shape or form in any kind of order. So feel free to listen to however pleases you.

This one is actually going to be a really long one. So I am just kind of giving a warning out there. But it's a really it's a case that I just couldn't pass up.

We are going to travel to Salem, Massachusetts.

So there's a murder in Salem is what I'm calling this one. Many of us know in 1830, there was a brutal crime that happened in Massachusetts, it riveted the nation. And it actually inspired the writings of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. So I'm gonna kind of get into that a little bit. We're going to do a little background, a little history lesson, and then we'll get into some of the news articles. So what happened is on the evening of April 6, and 1830

We're at 128 Essex Street. And it's one of the grandest houses in Salem, Massachusetts. It has a Bayless red brick facade, there's a portico, there's a white Corinthian columns that you know, face the street, if you want to call it a street, there's a roof that's has

carved wood, just intricate, intricate parts. Okay, so it was built in 1804, I think is what they said. And it just was a symbol of prosperity in New England at that time. It was owned by Captain Joseph White, who made his fortune as a ship master and a traitor. So Mr. White, he was a widower, they didn't have any children. He's about 82 years old. His niece, very Blackford, she lived with him, she was about 4045 years old, and she served as his housekeeper. He also had a domestic servant, Lydia Kimball. And he had a distant relative I think his name was Ben Benjamin white, he worked as the house handyman.

So just so we kind of know the pieces that are playing here. So Mary Blackford, who is Mr. White's niece. She had a daughter whose name was also Mary. And she had once been a part of this household but three years before she married a Joseph Jenkins Knapp JR. He's known as Joe and they now live on a farm seven miles away in Wareham, Massachusetts, Mr. Knapp. He's gonna be our other player in the story. He was also previously the master of a sailing vessel, that Mr. White Oh, so there's a lot of connections here. So on this nights in 1830, Captain White he went to bed a little bit later than he usually did at about 9:40pm. Then at about six o'clock, the following morning, Benjamin whites who was doing the handiwork in the house, he got up to start his chores. And notice that the back window on the ground floor was open. And there was a plank leaning against it. That was odd. And knowing that Captain White kept gold, the blooms and an iron chest in that in that room of his and there were so many other valuables within the house, then fear that the burglars had got it. So he alerted Lydia Kimball, and they climbed the winding stairs to the second floor, where the door to the old man's bed chamber was open.

Captain White, he's lying on his right side, he's diagonal across the bed is left humble, had the mark of a crushing blow and his skin wasn't broken but blood had loose onto the bed close because he had other rooms that were near his heart that were evident. The body is lying there it's getting cold the iron chest and its contents were all still there. No other valuables had been disturbed within the house. So it's really really odd. So that's kind of like our, our basis here. We're gonna jump in though. So we're gonna go here to the headlines from the 12th of June and 1830. This is from the PICO courier and inquire it's on page two and the headline says the Salem murder mystery which has hereand to conceal the actors. In this atrocious seed from the prying eyes of justice appears to be gradually disappearing. We learn from the late Boston papers that a short time since a letter directed to one Joseph Knapp was received at the Salem post office and take it out by an individual of that name, who upon finding it came from one grants, a Belfast in the state of Maine and contain a demand for $350 immediately and for $1,000 and the first of June was a threat in case of refusal, of disclosing a secret that would horo up his soul, concluding to lay it before the committee in vigilance, the committee being under the impression that it might load lead to the detection of the persons concerned in the murder of Mr. White after white returned an immediate answer in closing the money to the writer of the letter above mentioned at the same time, dispatching a messenger to Belfast with instructions to take him into custody whatever he should call for it. This was accordingly done and granted on being taken before a magistrate confess that his real name was Palmer, and that the murder in question had been committed by Captain Joseph J. Knapp. And Captain John F snap, the sons of the Joseph Knapp would take in his letter out of the Salem post office, assisted by other persons. He likewise named the place where the bludgeoned with which the murder had been partly perpetrated was to be found in data that the Dirks also used for that purpose, the blade of one which was subsequently discovered had been thrown in to the furnace of a manufacturer in order to be destroyed. These disclosures have led to the arrest of the naps, one of whom is married to the daughter of Mr. White's housekeeper, is said to have made a full confession by which five or six individuals are also implicated. So this is where we're gonna get started. That was a lot of detail. Right? So now we're going to move to September 2. And this is from the Litchfield Enquirer. And it just says the trials of John Francis snap for the murder of Captain Joseph white of Salem, Massachusetts. The facts necessary to be stated to those who are unacquainted with them for the proper understanding of this case are simply these. On the evening of the sixth of April 1830. Mr. Joseph, white or rich, a respectable citizen of Salem, Massachusetts, retired to bed in his usual hour of about nine o'clock. He was an aged man of about 82 years. It so occurred as the trial will show that the domestics were all of them absent with shoot. In the morning, he was found in his bed with a severe blow on his head and stabbed in many places near and or about with his heart. No money or property seems to be taken away, and the motors of a murder were wrapped in mystery. The citizens of Salem convened and appointed a committee of vigilance to seek for the perpetrator. For some time there was no clue obtained, though every execution or exertion was used, sorry. At last a number of individuals were arrested, among whom were the two naps and the two Crowninshield. On to say, the second of August the court met for the trial of the persons accused President were judge Putnam, wild and Morton all judges, the attorney and Solicitor General together with the honor Daniel Webster attended in behalf of the government as conductors of the prosecution against the person in charge of the murder. There was a tremendous rush for entrance and counsel for the government entered a nolle pros physique I don't speak this I'm sorry, upon the in the indictment for formerly found and the grand jury returned to New indictments. John Francis Knapp, Joseph thinking snap and George crowning shields were set to the bar. And one of the new indictments was right to that. The testimony was here introduced the fruit of the manner of Mr. waitstaff, the situation when discovered, etc. Dr. Samuel Johnson, the physician who first saw the body of the deceased described his position and the wounds upon it, as they have a bed already stated in the published accounts. There was a wound on the temple and the skull was broken by some smooth instrument which did not break the skin.

There are also 13 stabs and the side near the heart, with a sharp instrument six in front and seven lowered down near the spine.

Three ribs were broken. There was nothing to indicate any struggle, and it is probable that the death was occasioned by the first blow on the temple. The Attorney General said that having proved the murder you proceeded to prove that there was a combination form to commit. He called John Joseph Jenkins snap Jr, one of the prisoners under indictment and asked him if he was willing to be swore you replied in the next day. The Attorney General had previously stated that, in his opinion, after the arrest of the naps at the request of several respectable citizens of St. Louis, and he had authorized in writing the Reverend Mr. Coleman, to receive the voluntary confession of any one of the prisoners without naming anyone and requesting him to say that on such oncome coming forward and disclosing the truth relating to the transaction, he should be called as the witness of the government, and would thereby receive the implied pledge of the government, that he should not be prosecuted for the effects. This he said he was by statute authorized to do in consequence of this Mr. Coleman did receive a full confession from Joseph J. Knapp, Jr. But I'm being called to testify before the grand jury he confused he refused to answer. The Attorney General now informed him that the offer was now made to him to receive him as a witness of the government that if you refuse to testify, the pledge that he should be protected was really, you was asked you still refuse to testify? You're applied I do. A master's Dexter and Gardner stated that his refusal to testify was not in consequence of their advice. He acted on his own responsibility. He was then remanded to prison.

So this case has a whole lot of twists and turns in it, as you can already see. Now, there's John Layton, who was a laborer on the farm of John Davis, on one hand, where Joseph J. Net Jr. and his family lived in the 18th year of his age swore that within a week before the murder, he believed, the Friday before after dinner, he left the house of Mr. Davis to go to work and after passing.

He went through a gate and sat down behind the same to wait for Mr. Davis. While he was there, he heard two men coming in the same direction in conversation and looking through the gate without rising, so as to be seen, observe that it was Joseph and Francis, Francis Knapp. He knew them both. When they reached the gate, he heard Joseph say, When did you see that? I see him this morning was reply of Francis. When is he going to kill the old man? I don't know Joseph that said, if he don't kill him soon, I won't pay him. And they turned about and witness and witness heard no more of the conversation. He could not be under any mistake about the conversation. They were not not more than three or four feet from him. He had mentioned this conversation to Thomas Hart, but when called upon and carried to Mr. Waters office, he was a good feel fright, frightened and refuse to state it saying he could not recollect anything. The first in summation, which he gave of any knowledge of the murder was in the shop of Mr. Sennett. That was it. It was before he knew there was a reward offered.

Then it asked him about the murder and he replied, they think I don't know anything about it, but I guess I know more than they think. He then checked himself because he was afraid if he told of them, and they got clear they would kill him. The Reverend Mr. Coleman testified that he had never seen the prisoner until the afternoon of the 28th of May. Subsequent to his examination and commitment was This was then in the cell of Joseph J. Knapp, Jr. When Mr. Philippian nap desired. Wish she did not allow until he I concluded his business with Joseph Pippin said this must not be done. Witnessed then went to Pippin NAT to another cell where he saw Frank the personal Pippin said, Well, Frank, Joe has determined to make confession and we want your consent. He did not give the precise words of Frank's reply, but the substance was that he thought it was unfair Joe should have the advantage of making a confession since the thing was done for his benefit. When this would give the precise words of the continuation of the reply, I told y'all when he proposed it, that it was a silly business, and would only get us into difficult Pippin with a view of the wrecking styling Frank to Joe's intention of confession, as witnesses suppose told him. If Joe was convicted, there would be no chance for him, Joe, but if he Frank was convicted, he might have some chance of procuring a pardon. So Pippin appeal to witness to confer the statement to which he replied that he did not know, as he was unwilling to hold out any improper encouragement. Frank said to the witness, Mr. Dexter here objected to any confession of Frank not being given the question of it, visibly was argued at some length by Mr. Webster, Mr. Gardner and Mr. Dexter, the court decided judge Wilde more in and more in against putting on the evidence of the prisoners confession under the circumstance was not admissible.

Several questions were put to Mr. Coleman, part of which was objected to by the prisoner's Council and the objections in some cases were sustained by the court and then others not. He stated that he found a club in the place pointed out by the prisoner, the club was produced, it was neatly turned with a handle at one end and large and heavy at the other, with flooding it. John C. Palmer was then called as a witness. He had been in prison since June of last on suspicion of being connected with the murder. He was now discharged and was recognized for his appearance as a witness. He was objected to on the ground that he did not believe in a future state. But I'm being asked if he believed in a divine providence, and then a future state of rewards and punishment is he answered in the affirmative.

Mr. Webster said it was proposed to prove by this witness that the murder was result of a conspiracy between the two naps and the two crown shields. witness testify that he was inmate with George and Richard crown shield. On the afternoon of April 2, he was at the house of the crown shields in Danvers, and saw the prisoner in company with a young man named alien. Right up to the house. You saw a prisoner with George chrome shield. Webster, was there anything said there about the murder of Captain Joseph white by both George and Richard Crowninshield?

He answered, Yes.

Did you hear any such proposition from George in Richards presence? He answered, Yes. What objections were proposed by that murder.

Palmer, I cannot tell without telling what France said. He was asked What motive Have you answered? I have to have 1/3 of the money, our crown shield receipt. And he was asked What song would that be you, replied $1,000. Who made the offer? Now there was objection by the defendants counsel. Well, then who according to contract was to pay? And the answer was Joseph J. Nat, Jr. and he was asked was any method of murder propose? And he answered, Yes, George Crowninshield said that it would be easily to meet Captain Joseph white that night and upset his carriage where he had gone to the farm. He was asked what benefit was Joseph to get by his staff, he answered, to have a will destroy what reason? How do you meddle with it?

And he answered, he said I was poor and had no friends to supply my once and it was a good time to furnish myself. That's an objection was to have a will destroyed which gave the estate to a Mr. White who was in Trenton house in Boston. The Will was to be destroyed by Joseph himself at the time of the murder, he could get the keys from the housekeeper and have access to the trunk in which it was contained. George said the housekeeper wouldn't be absent at the time of the murder. Frank nap went to the house again in a chase the same evening between seven and eight o'clock and after about half an hour, Richard rode away with him every turn between 11 and 12 o'clock. With this left Danvers on the following afternoon, and he had not seen prisoners set. His neck saw the crown shields after the murder on the ninth when he knocked at the window between 10 and 12 o'clock and was admitted. George asked if he had heard the news from Salem, Mr. Dexter objected to his relating to this conversation. So the witness left dampers, the next evening, went to Linfield and afterwards to Providence on the 27th he saw the crown shields again and stayed with them for two days. Richard lent him for five Frank pieces. He went to Lowell and to Boston and thence to Belfast, once he wrote a letter to Joseph that this letter and to anonymous letters written by the NAPS to Mrs. or Mr. S. White and Mr. Barstow were offered in evidence and after some objection, which was overruled, they were read the following is Mr. Palmer's letter. So this is Belfast may 12 of 1830. It says, Dear sir, I have taken the pen at this time to address another stranger. And strange as it may seem to you, it is for the purpose of requesting the loan of $350 for which I can give you no security, but my work and in this case consider that to be sufficient. My call of money at this time is pressing or I would not trouble you. But with that song, I have the prospect of turning it to so much advantage as to be able to refund it with interest in the course of six months. At all events, I think it will be for your interest to comply with my request and that immediate, that is to put it off no longer than you receive this and then sit down and answer and enclose meet the money with as much dispatch as possible for your own interests. This, sir is my advice and if you do not comply with it, the short period of time between now and November will convince you that you have denied a request, the granting of which will never injury, the refusal of which will ruin are you surprised her at this assertion? Rest assured that I make it reserving to myself the reasons and series of facts which are grounded on such a bottom as will bid defiance on property or quality.

It is useless for me to enter into a discussion of facts which must inevitably, evidently hurt, HARO, you up your soul, no, I will merely tell you that I am acquainted with your brother Franklin, and also the business that he was transacting for you on the second of April last, and they think you are very extravagant and giving $1,000 to the person that will execute the business for you. But you know best about that you see that such things will leak out. To conclude, sir, I will inform you that there is a gentleman of my acquaintance in Salem that will observe that you do not leave town before the first of June giving you sufficient time between now and then to comply with my request. And if I do not receive a line from us together with the above Psalm before the 22nd of this month, I shall wait upon you with an assistant. I've said enough to convince you of my knowledge and merely inform you that you can when you answer be as brief as possible directing yours to Charles grant Jr. Prospect me.

William Henry Ellen testified that at the request of Joseph J. Knapp, Jr. He put the two anonymous letters in the post office. He said also that he rode to the Crown shields counted shields on horseback on the second day of April with Frank Knapp. And he walked with Richard through this factory leaving Frank and George together. Frank's usual dress was a dark frock coat, glaze cap and candlelit. They were commonly worn by young men.

Palmer was cross examined to great lengths by the prisoners Council, he said in answer to the questions put to him that he had lived at Tom Thompson, two years that he was employed in cutting snow by the state that when he came to Salem, he was at the Lafayette hotel and passed by the name of car, part of his own name. On the night of the murder, he was at Babs on the halfway house between dabbers and Linfield. When asked by what name he passed at that place, he declined answering but when told by the court, he must answer the question. He said that Ajio Crowninshield he owed something there and when requested to give his name, he gave that of C. and last a silk handkerchief and pledge which was given to him by C. I don't know who C is, but then they called on Azure aluminous, who kept the public house at Wareham. She knew Richard Crowninshield, who was at he sorry, he knew Richard Crowninshield, who was at his house in the latter part of March, and about a fortnight after the murder and at the last time he paid his bill with a five front piece of Captain Joseph doing brought a quantity of five front pieces from Guadalupe in April of which he paid $500 to Joseph J. Knapp, Jr, and deposited the rest into the bank. Daniel martson, received two five front pieces from George crowning shields this evening before the arrest, Mr. Smith was also received.

The one five front piece, just kind of interesting. It's like they're paying people off. Stephen C. Phillips testified and objection to the testimony being overruled, that the two naps went before the committee of visualise at the request of the committee and stated that on the evening of the 27th of April, they were writing and a chase near went home.

LB and were attracted by three men, as has been published in several newspapers.

Name name of Brown, the jailer testified that on the 15th of June Richard Crowninshield, killed himself even Urich saw a person dressed in a dark frock coat, very full leaning upon a post opposite of his shop near the corner of Newbury Street at a quarter before nine on the evening of the murder, and it looked like they were apparently waiting for someone. When any person approached him Brown Street or Newbury Street, he walked a few paces in the opposite direction and turned again. So to meet the person at the corner, witness left to shop at half past nine leaving the man there. He did not know him at that time, but having sent seen Frank Knapp before the grand jury, he believes him to be the person he cannot say positively from his own observation though. Peter E. Webster was going home from his store on the evening of the murder about half past nine over took two persons at the foot of Howard Street, a little distance from the place described as lapse witness, walking slowly, one of whom he thought at the time from his walk and general parents was Frances stamp. Both head on dark wrappers, anglaise taps.

John a selfless he passed Brown Street at about half past 10 and observed a person sitting on the steps of the rope walk near the place described by the last witness. They were wrapped in a candlelit coke coke. Having on ugliest hat he thought at the time it was Frank Knapp, whom he has known from boyhood. As he passed, the man dropped his head to conceal his face. His curiosity was excited and he's turned about and walked a few paces and returned test the man three times when each time drops his head. You went into his house mentioned that you know what he had seen. After remaining a few minutes he went out again and met his neighbor Mr. Bray and told him about the circumstances. Mr. B had seen the same person and looking up the street they saw him again. They then went into Mr. B's house and watched him from a window this suspicious person was soon joined by another man after they had conversed short time they separated one running very fast on Howard Street and the other towards the common law before the grand jury witness was asked if the man who he had watched look like Selman. And he answered that he was about Salman sighs. Daniel Bray made a similar statement to that of the foregoing witnesses. He observed a man or person near the corner wearing ugliest Captain after entering the house of Mr. Southwick, saw another person dressed in like clothes. During the first having come from the the direction of Mr. White's house, they converse together about five minutes and then separated.

Witness on examination has had ascertained that on the steps of the roadblocks and at the post for the man was seen last he could not see the windows of Mr. White House, but if you paces West he could see the strict kinsmen and Mr. Chase testified that from the steps of the rope walk the windows of Captain White sleeping room could not but from a point of view paces whilst they could be seen, several other witnesses were called with who attested to a number of circumstances. On motion of counsel for the government of further argument was heard on the admissibility of the evidence of Mr. Coleman to the confession of the prisoner. The court finally ordered that the witness should be further examined. So Mr. Coleman was called to the stand. He said I have been informed that the murder took place early in the evening, I was incredulous and asked the prisoner at what time it took place. His answer was between 10 and 11 o'clock. I have been incredulous on the ground of there being about one person in the house and asked the prisoner about that he told me that Richard Concha was alone in the house. Mr. Dexter was called and asked, Are you proceeding in the order of the conversation? Mr. Coleman stated No, sir. I had previously received information from another quarter which induce me to make these inquiries and I now state only what I am positive that I received from him. I asked him if he was at home that night and he said that he went home after the court asked after what Mr. Coleman answer the court must draw that inference. I asked him in regard to the weapon and the place of its being concealed which I have before testified he told me that it was under the steps of the branch meeting house and under the light years the bearing ground. I asked him what had become of the dagger or daggers and he replied that it or they had been worked up at the factory by the Council for the prisoner. Was there any other conversation? answer was that a great deal? It was mostly conducted by Mr. Philbin. Now, how long had How long was the interview he was asked. He said I think about a half an hour, and he was asked what was the day of the week and he answered Friday afternoon the 28th of May. Mr. Coleman's testimony completed the evidence on the part of the government evidence of the witness for the defendant was commenced on Monday, August night. There's a great number of witnesses that were called and among others, William H. Phelan, who testified that he had known the prisoner from childhood knew that he carried a jerk after the murder, that many were sold and a few young men wore them. He identified the dirk was a prisoner had one of Warren and Dudley is newer testify that he made it and sold it to the person or the day before the Wynnum robbery. Several witnesses testified that the dress worn by the prisoner at the time for the murder as described by witnesses for the government was common among the young men in Salem at that season, William Pierce testified that his usual address about the time of the murder was a plaid coat, glaze, glaze, black glaze, cap, etc. And he was in round Sreet on the night of the murder, kind of interesting.

Thomas Peebles was a clerk in the Maine State Prison and identify Palmer as having been there and other witnesses belonging to Belfast, testified as to the notoriously bad character of that individual in town, Alfred wells of Boston testify that there had been so much demand for small arms at Salem within two months, a number of witnesses their work examined. This testimony was to prove that George Crowninshield was at the Celts fields at the time when he was supposed to be engaged in the murder. He was in the company with Chase and Selman on the evening of the sixth, and called at several places, among others at fairfields public house in Danvers, about seven o'clock and afterwards went to word Salem, one of the witnesses with whom he had been some time left him at 11 o'clock but then went away to his girl named Daniel Pippin nap all was next examine. He was upon the stand a long time and underwent a rigid and painful cross examination by Mr. Webster. This testimony related to the confessions of his brother to conversations held with Mr. Coleman and etc. The testimony of the witness and contradiction was apparent for some parts of that of Mr. Coleman's story.

The Council for the government having attempted to prove that the prisoner was in Brown Street at a certain hour on the night of the murder. Several witnesses were called whose evidence wants to contradict that fact. These witnesses were cross examined with much in genuinely and affected by Mr. Webster. Joseph Knapp, who was the father of the prisoner testified that Francis came home the night of the murder just after 10 o'clock and went to bed. Witness all was up that at two o'clock and heard no noise. He had assigned the property that night for the benefit of his creditors and was preparing a schedule of it. He saw Frank again at the breakfast table the next morning at eight o'clock. He came from his chamber. Francis will be 20 years old and September's he stated.

Woolcott testified that he saw a man walking in Derby street between three and four o'clock on the morning of the seventh of April, who on seeing witness turned around. James savory testified that on the same morning about 20 minutes before four o'clock he saw a man coming out of Captain White state. He came towards the witness a short distance, then turned around down a sixth street and ran as far as Walnut Street. He had on a dark dress was dark and misty at that time of the morning. Mr. Wheatland testified in relation to a conversation held with PIP and nap. Touching Mr. Coleman's conduct and the confessions of his brother. Mr. Coleman was called again by Mr. Webster related the particulars of the interview between Pippin Knapp and himself at the prisoner or at the prison sorry, and at other places with reference to the disclosures of his brother Michael Shepard was called and he had held a conversation with JJ Knapp, who was the senior um, soon after the murder of Captain ye and asked him whether his son associated with certain persons than name, he replied he did not but kept remarkably good hours of Lee on the night of the murder. He was in bed at half past 10 o'clock, so his son Pippin told him he did not mention the time as within his own knowledge. Mr. Treadwell had held a conversation with Mr. Knapp senior on the 28th or 23rd of May sorry told him he was satisfied his son's age that he could not be too soon and getting a confession from one of them. He a scented witness asked Mr. Kay if you knew where his son Frank was on the night of the murder, and he answered that he did not. And at what time he got home that night, and his answer was the same as before he believed about usual time, wasn't sure some other witnesses were examined, and testimony was then closed on both sides. Mr. Dexter for the prisoner delivered a speech of between five and six hours in length. He was followed by Mr. Webster for the state and a speech of eight or 10 hours, just put them then charged with the jury. The court he said were of opinion that the common law had not been altered and that no necessary, or no accessory could be taught tried until after the conviction of a principal. The prisoner was indicted as a principle but as a principle in the second degree. The difference was that the person who gave the blow was the principal, he who had who was present citing and abetting was principal in the second law did not require the principal and the second degree to actually, it was sufficient that he was so near as up with a view to cooperate in or help the work.

If he were to stand at a spa agreed upon to give a signal if it were necessary, if we were performing his part according to the original plan, and he was present. These principles were clearly laid down in the books, if it was agreed that a man should go to a particular spot. If his heart failed, and he did not perform his part, he would not be a principal in the second degree, but he would not be aiding and abetting, the prisoner was charged as being the principal in the second degree, that he was aiding in the murder. If the jury was satisfied that if he was the one hired, who hired the murderer, and he was an accessory before the facts, such as what convict him on such an indictment, that could not convict him upon this, for it was charged that he aided by his presence, they must believe from the evidence that he was president present, aiding and assisting judge p. Then, briefly, Cat Cat fellated. Yeah, evidence relating to the conspiracy, and will the jury, they were the soldiers of the credibility of the witnesses. So there's a summary of the view of the evidence by the judge with his views. It's pretty brief, but we're just gonna go ahead and go through that they were dismissed. And then another jury panel was actually brought on.

So the jury, they were out for a really long time, they returned to the court for instructions and then went out again, and after an absence the several hours they thought that there was just no possibility of ever agreeing, we hear this all the time today, right. So another jury panel was brought in, which made this this case, just draw how I mean, this is September. And we do this all again in November. So this case is really really, really long.

So I'm gonna take a quick pause. I think right now, because we are almost 40 minutes into it. You're not going to read the testimony of November case with the new jury.

Because that's overkill. But I gotta take a quick pause, bring us some stuff from from our sponsors.

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Okay, and we are back. So I just kind of wanted to go through I found a description of our three criminals that I thought was really, really interesting. So we're just gonna go ahead and kind of flip through that real quick. So our first criminal is John Francis snap. He is a well made full face youth 19 years of age, five feet tall and five feet seven inches tall. He was well dressed neatly in a grave frock coat and a colored and fashionable neck cloth, fastened with a handsome breastbone in his face was deadly pale, showing more plainly than color would have done a very coarse skin. his cranium appears to have nothing remarkable in its form. It's a regular upright parallelogram with the upper corners rounded off his forehead, a strip of light, inch and a half wide, surmounted by thick dark and straight hair growing low pardoning combs smoothly, the nose strong and blunt the mouth rather large and cheeks full but very pale, an entering the dark he folded, his arms firmly, assumed affixed, downward and swollen.

Joseph Jenkins is in the center of this group, he may be about 30 years old, certainly not above 35 His countenance is not displeasing. It's a very thin and pale his hair long and brown, his nose sharp and as well small. He looks intellectual, but I understand his mind does not comprehend or correspond. He is a little shorter and more slender than his younger brother. He appeared to be more listless than the ladder and was constantly biting something which he held in his mouth, probably at both the NAPS have dark eyes. Both have been masters of vessels, the youngest having made a voyage in this capacity in his father's service on George crown Crowninshield is the tallest and best looking of the three. His features are quite singular, but maybe class his cheekbones are very high and broad, his forehead narrower, those still ample and somewhat slowly, his hair bright slacks and and curly, sizes large has limb strong and moving gracefully. His eyes are gray, his mouth is small, and delicately, delicately colored and complexion florid and fine. There was an era of like us around him and freedom that the others did not have, he did fold his arms under the prisoners, until the prisoners were directed. So hold up their hands, each presented a white and full hand, the palm being turned completely outward. And this posture they reminded, remained, while they they indict note was read except JJ Knapp, who unconsciously I presume, gradually contracted, he must have cracked his knuckles until the fists clenched remains so. So there's just a little bit of a description about these gentleman. I'm gonna kind of move just a bit here because I told you I don't really want to get into all the testimony again, there's there's a huge trial that's gonna go on. And at the center of it is going to be Joseph Jenkins snap. He's kind of like our, our main, our main guy here.

So I'm going to move into November 30 of 1830. This is a Tuesday that this is posted on in the here on reflector in Ohio, Norwalk, Ohio. And it says it's from the Salem Gazette, the trial of Joseph Jenkins, snap at the opening of the Court yesterday morning. A learned and able opinion of the judges and writing was delivered by Judge Putnam on this question, which as seems to be agreed by the council was the first time it had arisen in any of the United States, whether the Confessions of an accomplice made in consequence of a promise from the Attorney General to admit the accomplice as a witness for the government on this application of the accomplished and by law be admitted as evidence against the accomplice himself, after he shall have refused to testify on the trial of those whom he had accused. That is a mouthful.

So the court and their opinion on this question discussed the general principles of evidence and numerous cases in English law bearings. So the question, they considered it fully approved and the present case of the prisoner had no other indictment operating on his mind.

Do Smith operating on his mind to make the written confessions offered and evidence and the promise of the attorney general, that if he chose to disclose fully all that he knew as the murderer and would ingeniously testify all his knowledge at the trial of his accomplice, such confession should not be evidence against himself and the court decided that the prisoner having Gustin made sure of his own safety did not make the confession under the influence of hope or fear, and that his mind was left free and unbiased, and that he had no temptation to swerve from the truth and that the government could give in evidence that confessions of JJ Knapp Jr. on this trial in the same manner as voluntary confessions of other accused persons are usually given in evidence, their weight and credibility to be judged off by the jury. The opinion was listened to with profound attention by the members of the bar and a crowded auto story. The written confessions were then read to the jury by the Attorney General. Subsequently as follows. First confession, and Sunday, April 4, Frank met Richard at the bottom of the Komen and informed him that Captain White was going to take tea at the house of Mrs. Stone, a family connection and Chestnut Street that afternoon.

Richard said he would jerk him that night and Chestnut Street on his return if he did not return before dark. It's so happened, however, that he did return home before dark and so the design was frustrated. JJ Knapp Jr. had returned a window before garden. Frank went up to one home on Tuesday. This brekford Captain White's nice housekeeper was there attending a daughter who was sick. Defendant told Frank he had better inform Richard on this JJ nap, had himself previously unscrewed and unbarred the window shutter so that the assassin might obtain easy access great accordingly left the farm for the purpose of finding that and oncoming away said he got the old gentleman would go that night.

Next morning, Benjamin white Captain W's Captain whites manservant came up and schooled us Captain White had been hurt. In the afternoon Frank came and asked if we had heard the news, he answered, Yes, he afterwards in private related the particulars of the murder. You met cat. He met Richard in brown street behind Captain White's garden. About 10 o'clock. After the lights were extinguished. Richard went around through the street, and entered the yard on Captain White's in front, went round the house to the back window, which Joe had left unfasten. Enter the house alone, passed up the staircase opened the door to the chambers, Mr. White, where he slept, approached his bedside and with his club gave him a blow upon the head. Then turning down the clothes, and lifting up his arm, gave him the stabs in his thigh. He then made his escape from the house and in Brown Street again, that frame before Richard went in, he told Frank if there was any money in the chamber, he would get it. When he came out, Frank asked him if he had found it would only have to go to the next feature.

He had said no, but he had fixed him. They then separated and Frank went home.

So here's the whole story going on, like this is given by Joe Joe's trying to trying to save his butt, right. So it just goes on here as early as sometime last February, the defendant Joseph Jenkins, snap, Joe told his brother John Francis snap that he wished the old gentleman meaning Captain White was dead. Frank asked him why, and he answered, because the old gentleman had been had made a will the stowing the bulk of this property upon Mr. Steven White, who had been the means of injuring defendant and the other members of the family in estimation of Captain White told Frank and joke that the old gentleman had often said he wished to go off like a flash. various modes of taking his life were considered whether it should be done while he was upon them.

Ode to his farm or in his house, Frank said he had not looked enough to kill the old man himself, but he knew he would. Said he met Richard Jr. and George Crowninshield. He understood accordingly to negotiate with them upon the subject. When he saw them George said he would not go to the house to commit the murder but would meet him anywhere out of the door. Richard said he would go anywhere, George would come back. I'm sorry, Richard and Frank afterwards had three meetings in Salem, once by the unit versity meeting house once in Southfield and once at the theater abuse meetings, Frank told Richard.

What defendant had said defendant and Frank had one meeting with Vic near the center of Salem common, the defendant told richer that he had that day taking Captain White will from the iron chest and the Chamber also told him what he would give him for committing the murder, which was the same as Frank had told him $1,000 Richard showed the tools with which he met to perform the deed. They were examined by the defendant. One was a club about two feet long turned and having heads for the handles to prevent slipping in the hand was very heavy and he suppose it to be loaded. The dirt was about five inches long with an ivory handle, the blade was flat and sharp at both edges. Richard turn the club himself at the workshop. I don't know who owned the dagger. This was on Friday, the second of April and the defendant asked maturity if she was going to kill the old man that night. And he answered No, said he would not do it that night because he was alone and George would not be back him. You would meet Frank anytime. The find it went home to went home on that evening, after the interview, hearing Captain Whitesville in his chase box, where he kept it covered up in hay until the day after the murder or when he took it out in Burton. The next Sunday, he came to town and went to the meeting all day.

So we're just kind of going through know that we necessarily need all of this.

I said, I don't really want to get into the whole thing again. Um, so what happened here? This is all done. Okay. So we go through all this. There's a whole nother jury that there's a trial, there's a jury that's presented.

George Crowninshield is actually acquitted.

Kind of interesting.

He has his own trial.

There's a second confession.

That is more more of the same. It's just details a lot more and I'll have all of it on the blog. I just don't know that it's necessary for us to continue kind of rehashing and rehashing. So the sentence from JJ Knapp Jr.

So what happened here is JJ Knapp Jr.

It basically says that you have been regularly indicted, tried and convicted as an accessory before the fact to John Francis stab in the murder Joseph white. You've had counsel assigned at your request to assist in your defense who have with great fidelity and ability urge all matters whether a fact or of law, which could be suggested but after great consideration, the jury of your own selection has found us guilty. The Attorney General in the name of the Commonwealth has demanded of the court as a sentence of law should now be passed against you upon an inquiry and that we have no show no cause of reason why the court should not comply with that demand.

Before we perform that duty, we are desirous of hearing your mind so far as it is in our powers to meet the tremendous Doom which awaits you.

So they're, they don't mince words. I love it.

That's the age sufferer was a near relative to your wife. She was nurtured at his house and love and cherish I have a child because this is I mean, this is his his wife's uncle.

He is found guilty. Sentence for the crimes of which you have been convicted with sentences and this court rules accord, accordingly a judge that you are taken from hence to the prison from whence you came from that to the place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until you shall be dead. And many god of his infinite grace, have mercy upon your soul to prisoner was that remanded to jails? So?

Yeah, that's what happened. That's the fate of JJ.

There is a full trial for George as I as I already kind of gave you guys a peek, and he was actually acquitted. It says the jury to whom the case of George Crowninshield was committed at one o'clock on Monday, after an hour's deliberation, pronounced a verdict of not guilty. The sound goes that states that when the verdict was pronounced, some disturbance was made in court by this hearing of a portion of the spectators. Order was soon restored, however, and the presiding judge stated that a repetition of the offense would be followed by the severest punishment the court would inflict upon as many of the offenders as could be delegated. Another indictment was then tried charging the prisoner with this prison of felony. His counsel was desirous of proceeding at once to the trial, but the court demanded it improper to commit the case to the same jurors, which had just acquitted him upon another charge and postponed the trial until the 23rd.

The prisoner was an order to recognize with one surely in the sum of $500, each the bond was immediately executed, and he went home with his father. It's probably the last that will be heard of George Crown. On this site, it correspondent favored us with an account of the proceedings of the court on Monday, which did not reach us till the preceding statement was entitled, Judge Putnam very clearly and indicated the opinion of the court not as to the prisoners guild, for at for all that in a moral, though not in a technical point of view, you can have any doubts, but as to the deficiency of legal proof, and the jury after two hours, constantly being returned a verdict of little Oh, this actually, we did. And there's no no word on the on the third man on the brother, Mr. Knabb, which is kind of interesting.

I don't know. I don't know what happened to him. So I'm gonna have to do a little bit more digging on him, I guess. But that is our story. I'm almost an hour into it. This one is a long one. You guys, thank you so much for listening. It was a great case. I know we're a little bit out of Toledo, Ohio, but I mean, who doesn't love a good Salem story? Right.

Once again, thank you so much for listening, for tuning in for your comments for your support. And as always, if you want to connect, please feel free to reach out check out my website, www.thegenealogyinvestigator.com. And until next time, I'll see you guys soon!

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

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