February 11. Very material evidence yesterday before the Coroner in the Burdell case; that of one Farrell, who identifies Eckel – for particulars vide newspapers. The man gives his testimony candidly and cautiously and seems to be a total stranger to all the parties implicated. First impressions as to its entire reliability are very decided. But looked at closely, it’s a little queer, not quite consistent with other facts and very vulnerable, at any rate, to comment and criticism. . . .
Have finished my very voluminous answer to the Columbia College committee’s interrogatories. Sorry for the committee if it undertakes to read and digest the document. It’s a judgment on them; retributive justice for their own tedium and feebleness.
The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas
“... retributive justice for their own tedium and feebleness.”
A very nice turn of phrase!
Help me here Homer. What is this case in the context of this thread? It’s a fascinating story so far, reads like a mystery novel that I can’t wait to get to the end. I want to say, “Don’t tell me how it ends” but I’m not sure where it fits with the events leading up to the Civil War..
February 12. Opinions vary much as to the reliability of Farrell’s evidence in the Burdell case. My confidence in it grows less. Its value depends wholly on the man’s grade of intelligence and general reputation. His identification of Eckel is not conclusive in its favor. All the twenty or thirty people from among whom he selected his man knew what he was brought there for and their glances at the one object of suspicion , even without any special sign of concern in Eckel himself may have guided the witness.
The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas