Smith, where I was to transact my
business with him, two constables, Messrs. Murray and Scott, entered,
accompanied by two other men, and summoned me to appear immediately before
the police. I accordingly accompanied them to the City Hall, but as it was
locked and the officers could not at once find the key, we were told that
the court would be held in Mr. Smith's store, a large and commodious room.
This was what is termed in common phrase in Raleigh a "call court." The
Mayor, Mr. Loring, presided, assisted by William Boylan and Jonathan
Busbye, Esqs. Justices of the Peace. There was a large number of people
together--more than could obtain admission to the room, and a large
company of mobocratic spirits crowded around the door. Mr. Loring read the
writ, setting forth that I had been guilty of _delivering abolition
lectures in the State of Massachusetts_. He asked me whether I was guilty
or not guilty. I told him I did not know whether I had given abolition
lectures or not, but if it pleased the court, I would relate the course I
had pursued during my absence from Raleigh.
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