Page:Henry Adams' History of the United States Vol. 3.djvu/469

1807. John Randolph as foreman of the grand jury. Randolph's nature revolted from Wilkinson; and if the President and the General could be gibbeted together, Randolph was the man to do it.

Such was the situation when the General was sworn and sent before the grand jury June 15, where his appearance, if his enemy could be believed, was abject.


 * "Under examination all was confusion of language and of looks," wrote Randolph to Nicholson. "Such a countenance never did I behold; there was scarcely a variance of opinion among us as to his guilt. Yet this miscreant is hugged to the bosom of Government while Monroe is denounced."

Randolph ardently wished to indict the General at the same time with Burr; and while he strained every nerve to effect this purpose in the grand-jury room, Burr and his counsel in the court-room moved for an attachment against Wilkinson for attempting to obstruct the free course of justice by oppression of witnesses. The district-attorney resisted both attempts with all his authority; and June 24, to the disappointment of his enemies, Wilkinson escaped.


 * "Yesterday," wrote Randolph, June 25, "the grand jury found bills for treason and misdemeanor against Burr and Blennerhassett una voce, and this day presented