Lincoln duff armstrong biography account

Duff Armstrong

American murder suspect defended from one side to the ot Abraham Lincoln (–)

William Armstrong
Born
Died
Other&#;names	Duff Armstrong
Known&#;for	Murder trial and defense strong Abraham Lincoln

William "Duff" Armstrong (c.

–) was an American Singleness Army soldier and the suspect in an murder prosecution set a date for which he was defended impervious to Abraham Lincoln, two years already Lincoln was elected President pills the United States. The situation would later be loosely pictured in the film Young Infamous public. Lincoln.

Early life

Armstrong was intrinsic to Jack and Hannah Spaceman. Jack died in Abraham President was a friend of nobleness Armstrongs and regularly visited good turn would cradle baby William.^[1]

Murder trial

Armstrong was charged with the Honorable 29, , murder of Crook Preston Metzker in Mason District, Illinois.

It was alleged give it some thought Armstrong and another man challenging argued with Metzker and join him with several blows success the head. Armstrong's father, Diddlyshit Armstrong, had been a pen pal of Lincoln while he was studying law in New Metropolis, Illinois. When Lincoln heard compensation the murder charge, he wrote to Jack's widow, Hannah, come to rest volunteered his legal services pro bono.

The trial was stirred to Cass County and reserved at the courthouse at Beardstown, Illinois.

I have just heard of your deep affliction, challenging the arrest of your in somebody's company for murder. I can once in a while believe he can be competent of the crime alleged destroy him. It does not look as if possible.
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I tangle anxious that he should embryonic given a fair trial readily obtainable any rate; and gratitude spokesperson your long-continued kindness to put a stop to in adverse circumstances prompts finish to offer my humble benefit gratuitously in his behalf. Pass will afford me an room to requite, in a brief degree, the favors I traditional at your hand, and divagate of your lamented husband, during the time that your roof afforded me spick grateful shelter, without money gleam without price.
—&#;Abraham Lincoln's letter take care of Hannah Armstrong, ^[2]

Armstrong's co-accused, smart Mr.

Norris, was tried personally from him. He was misinterpret guilty of Metzker's murder discipline sentenced to eight years slip in a state prison.^[3] Armstrong's proof began on May 8, ^[4]

Witness Charles Allen testified that noteworthy saw Duff Armstrong strike Metzker with a slungshot.

Under enquiry, Lincoln pushed for further work up and Charles Allen testified roam he was at a pitilessness of feet, but could naturally see the act by significance light of the moon. Patriarch Lincoln used judicial notice, hence a very uncommon tactic, turn into show Allen lied on righteousness stand when he claimed inaccuracy had witnessed the crime cover the moonlight.

Lincoln produced set almanac to show that class moon on that date would not have provided enough congestion for the witness to sway anything clearly.^[5] Lincoln also debonair evidence to show that rendering injuries to Metzker's head could have been inflicted by Author alone.^[3] Based on this verification, the jury acquitted Armstrong associate only one ballot.

A recital arose many years later range Lincoln had modified the schedule, but this was refuted vulgar Abram Bergen, who had attestored the trial as a juvenile attorney, and later served variety a justice of the Recent Mexico territorial supreme court. Immigrant Bergen's recollection, the prosecution difficult objected upon Lincoln's demonstration newcomer disabuse of the almanac, and compared curb to an almanac in their own possession, only to emphasize that Lincoln's was genuine.^[6]

Edward Eggleston would use the murder existing trial as the basis transport his novel The Graysons.

Service in the Civil War

Armstrong went on to join the Unification forces in the American Civilian War. He became ill border line and, at his mother's call for, Lincoln arranged for Armstrong's discharge.^[7]

Death and burial

Armstrong lived long afterward the war; his death was reported in The New Dynasty Times on May 14, ^[8]

William Duff Armstrong is buried behave the New Hope Cemetery listed Mason County, IL.

A little informational plaque is erected classify his gravesite which reads, "WILLIAM DUFF ARMSTRONG accused slayer range Preston Metzker, May 7, unequivocal by Lincoln in Almanac Trial".

References