Norfolk Virginian, May 23, 1889

Compliments to the Lawyers.

Professionals -- LawyersMoral -- Murder

The Cape Charles Pioneer in speaking of the Adair trial in Northampton says: Commonwealth's Attorney E. J. Spady was assisted by Wm. H. White, ex Commonwealth's attorney of Norfolk, for the prosecution, and Hons. John Neely, of Norfolk, T. H. Bailey Browne, J. W. G. Blackstone, Judge Wm. T. Fitchett and Otho F. Mears for the defense. The testimony of all the witnesses for prosecution was most damaging to the prisoner, and but for the eloquent appeals of Messrs. Neely and Blackstone the verdict must have been "murder in the first degree."

Mr. White is an able, fluent speaker and made a fine impression, while Mr. Spady made the best effort of his life, and won a name for himself as prosecuting attorney, of which Northampton is justly proud. He made it plain to the jury that no crime should go unpunished while he was the vindicator of Virginia's laws. The trial throughout was very interesting and ably conducted by Judge Peek, of Hampton, who presided in place of Judge Neale.