Memoirs of the Late the Right Honourable John Philpot Curran (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1817 Excerpt: ...The cross-examination of this witness was conducted with the utmost ingenuity; and in Mr. Curran's bold and manly statement in behalf of his client, there will be found exquisite touches of the predominating genius of the advocate, and some of the most powerful appeals to the feelings. Of this man (Reynolds, ) Mr. Curran has afterwards been heard to declare, that his heart was so indurated and gnarled, that it was not in the arm of man to drive a wedoe into it; it required the edge of the sword, or the force of machinery, to rive it asunder. The following is the speech of John Philpot Curtail, Esq. in defence of Mr. Oliver Bond, i'or High Treason, on Tuesday, July 24th, 1798: '.: I.'" ." ' "Gentlemen of the Jury, let me state to you in the clearest point of view the defence of the prisoner at the bar, and see what has been the nature of the evidence adduced. The prisoner at the bar is accused of compassing or imagining the death of the king, and of adhering to the king's enemies; the evidence against him is parol and written evidence. Now, gentlemen of the jury, I will venture to observe to you, that as to the written evidence, if suffered to go before you by the court, it is only as evidence at large; but as to the credibility of it, that is for you to decide upon. Mr. Reynolds, in his parol testimony, has sworn that he was made an United Irishman by the prisoner at the bar. Mr. Reynolds says lie was sworn to what he considered to be the objects of that society; he stated them to you; but whether true or false is for you to determine by the credit you may give to his testimony. This is the third time Mr. Re'nolds has appeared in a court of justice to prosecute the prisoners. He says, the objects of the United Irishmen are to overturn the pres...