Mary Fenton on Trial for Perjury
February 16, 1805
New York Specator newspaper in New York City reported that Mary was on trial for "willful and corrupt perjury" likely related to her earlier testimony at the trial of Euphemia Chambers. The jury found the character of the witnesses wanting, and Mary was released on her own recognizance until the next session of the court when she was undergo a new trial.
The trial of Mary Fenton, for wilful and corrupt perjury, came on to be heard Monday. The charge was fully made out in the opinion of the court: but the jury, whose province is to determine as to the credibility of evidence, thought differently from the general bad character of the witnesses. They retired at 7 o'clock in the evening, and remained locked up until after 12 on Tuesday noon, but not agreeing, they were discharged by consent of the prisoner's counsel, on condition that she be recognized to appear at the next sessions to undergo a new trial.
Click to enlarge image.