The Daily Dispatch: February 28, 1861., [Electronic resource]

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United States vs. John Lockhart.

--The defendant in this case having been indicted for misdemeanor in being aboard the Storm King when that vessel was found near the coast of Africa with a number of negroes on board, the case was called yesterday for trial in the Federal Court, Judge Halyburton presiding. A jury was empaneled and sundry witnesses sworn. Dr. Bledsoe, Assistant Surgeon in the Navy, testified that he was on board the San Jacinto when the Storm King was captured. Accidentally found a lot of papers in a trunk having no lock, placed near the gangway.--Saw the papers afterwards in the hands of Lieut. Broom, of the Marines, when leaving the cabin. He had been sent to search for documents. They were given to Capt. Dornin. Witness identified papers in Court as a portion of those he saw. One Cranston, a sailor on board the Storm King, testified that he joined her in New York. She left the 2d of May, 1860. Could not say what nation she belonged to. Signed articles. The vessel left for Porto Dolana San Nicolores. Her cargo was delivered to somebody on the coast of Africa. A week after the cargo was delivered the slaves came on board, and a deck was erected for their accommodation. There was no difference in compensation for labor after as far as he knew. On merchant vessels the captain is always in command, if on deck. --Henry White, seaman, testified that he once saw an American flag on board the Storm King.

The other evidence was similar to that given on the trial of the Spanish captain, who has been acquitted. The trial was going on late yesterday evening.