Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from George Hay, 24 June 1807

Richmond. June 24th. 1807. Wednesday.

Sir;

The Jury have returned with the indictments vs. Burr & Blannerhassetts & have found the two filed vs. each true bills. The motion to commit was followed by a motion to bail, which the Court rejected for the present; saying that they would bail, if they could be satisfied that a person against whom an indictment for treason had been found, could according to the usages of law be bailed. Burr is therefore now in the Custody of the Marshall

In the desperate State to which the accused is now reduced, I expect that every impediment will be thrown in the way of the trial, which motion upon motion can produce. We shall however with as much patience as possible, do our duty. The first effort was, to commence an examination of the evidence to Shew that the indictment was founded on perjury. This however proved abortive, & the Court in considering the question of bail, would not permit any such innovation.—   We have been engaged from 11. Oclock until this moment 7. Oclock in the question about the attachment vs Wilkinson, & that about bail—The first is not yet argued, & will I presume be suspended—

With the highest respect

Geo: Hay

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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