Walker: Trial and Branding

Walker's attorney proved able to set aside differences and provide steadfast defense. He objected to four charges being brought to his client for one act. The judge knew he was walking a tightrope-the Boston Abolition establishment had threatened to take Walker's case all the way to the Supreme Court. The judge decided one case should be tried. That case was in "aiding and abetting Silas Scott." The hearing lasted an hour. The prosecution called two witnesses; the defense none.

The first witness called by the prosecution was Robert C. Caldwell, who claimed ownership of Silas Scott. He testified that he, as a navy officer, went to meet the boats with Marshall Ebenezer Dorr. It was here that he met the captive Walker and spoke to him, claiming that Walker said he would aid slaves in escaping "if opportunity offered it." Oickle opines that Walker may have stated this again to protect the slaves from further punishment. Walker does report that Caldwell kept his word and did not punish the slaves returned to his care.

Richard Roberts, the captain who captured Walker, was the other witness for the prosecution. He recalled his suspicion at seeing a white man with several black men on a ship and suspected a runaway situation.

The jury took a half hour to return with a guilty verdict and the punishment to being branded on the right hand with a Double "S."

The judge then proceeded to have the three remaining charges brought against Walker. In three hours Walker was again fount guilty and ordered to stand in the pillory, stay in jail for 15 days, and be fined $150. Justice was swift. On 16 November 1844 Walker was ordered to stand in the pillory for an hour, then brought into court for the branding, serve his fifteen days in jail, then be free once he paid the $150 and court costs.

Only one person, the slave owner George Willis, cast a rotten egg at Walker. Marshall Dorr sought to impede this activity, explaining the prisoner would have to be brought into court and the smell would be offensive. But Willis would exact his "pound of flesh."

Walker was then taken into the courtroom. Here he would be branded. Finding a blacksmith to fashion a brand was a challenge to the court. No blacksmith wanted to be party to an inhumane punishment. A blacksmith was finally willing to fashion a brand, but he refused to

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4 5

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic