Argument of William H. Seward, in defence of Abel F. Fitch and others, under an indictment for arson, delivered at Detroit, on the 12th, 13th and 15th days of September, 1851.: Phonographically reported by T. C. Leland.

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victim of domestic or social strife-when we see the iron enter his soul, and see it, day by
day, sinking deeper and deeper, until nature gives way and he lies lifeless at our feetthen there is nothing to check the flow of forgiveness, compassion and sympathy. If, in
the moment he is when closing is eyes on earth, he declares: "I have committed no crime
against my country; I die a martyr for the liberty of speech, and perish of a broken heart"
-then, indeed, do we feel that the tongues of dying men enforce attention, like deep harmony. Who would willingly consent to decide on the guilt or innocence of one who has
thus been withdrawn from our erring judgment, to the tribunal of eternal justice? Yet it
cannot be avoided. If Abel F. Fitch was guilty of the crime charged in this indictment,
every man here may nevertheless be innocent; but if he wasinnocent, then there is not one
of these his associates inlife, who can be guilty. Try him, then, since you must-condemn him, if you must —and with him condemn them. But remember that you are mortal and he is now immortal; and that before that tribunal where he stands, you mnst stand
ant confront him, and vindicate your judgment. Remember, too, that he is now free. He
has not only left behind him the dungeon, the cell and the chain; but he exults in a freedom, compared with which, the liberty we enjoy is slavery and bondage. You stand, then,
between the dead and the living. There is no need to bespeak the exercise of your cautionof your candor-and of your impartiality. You will, I am sure,be just to the living, and
true to your country; because, under circumstances so solemn-so full of awe-you cannot
be unjust to the dead, nor lalse to your country, nor to your God.
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