Charles M. Hall (1821-1897)
OFFICE LOCATION: New York, NY
TENURE: –
HEARINGS: 1
RENDITIONS: 1
CASES:
Henry Long (1850) – 1 returned
- When a counsel for the claimant asked a witness if he had “any communications with Henry respecting his position,” abolitionist lawyers objected, pointing out that testimony from the accused was barred under Section 6 of the law. After “further argument,” Commissioner Hall concurred: “What the alleged slave said cannot be given in evidence. I will permit any act of his to be put in evidence to prove his servitude, to show the relation between him and the claimant: but no conversation must be admitted.” [1850-12-28 New York Weekly Herald]
- Throughout the hearing, Commissioner Hall appeared uncertain about the extent of his authority. At one point, when Hall expressed “doubt as to his power to adjourn the examination,” abolitionist Lewis Tappan intervened and “alluded to the fact of Judge [Robert C.] Grier, in Philadelphia, having done so” in a recent case. [1850-12-24 New York Tribune]
NOTES: