From the Richmond Dispatch, 8/19/1864, p.1, c. 6

Confederate States District Court. – The business of this court yesterday was opened by the rendition of Judge Halyburton’s decision in the habeas corpus case of Robert F. Hobbs, who sues out for exemption from military service on the ground that he is a Marylander and has been exiled from his home in consequence of sentiments entertained by him adverse to the prosecution of the war by the United States Government. Judge Halyburton sustained the grounds which were argued by the petitioner’s counsel, General Humphrey Marshall, and discharged him from custody. He took the position that in all cases in history where persons were exiled from home on account of their political sentiments, they could not be legally required to take up arms in defense of a country which was at war with the nation from which they had fled; and the application of Mr. Hobbs being based upon this ground, he had no other recourse than to set him at liberty. Judge Halyburton’s decision was made orally and occupied only a few minutes in its delivery. It is a very important one, from the fact that it will effect the status of all Marylanders, or other refugees from the enemy’s territory, who may claim exemption from the confederate service on the same ground.

The case of Frederick W. Boyd, demanding, under a writ of habeas corpus, release from Castle Thunder, or to be brought to trial on charges preferred against him, was argued by General Marshall on behalf of the petitioner and then postponed for further consideration till this morning.

The habeas corpus cases of Claiborne Howard and Joel W. Walthriff, claiming exemption from military service, were postponed till Wednesday.

David Ham, indicted for a misdemeanor, entered into a recognizance in the sum of $3,000 for his appearance to answer the offence on the 10th day of September.

Martha A. Allen entered into bonds in the sum of $3,000 for the appearance of her infant son, Lewis H. Allen, on the 10th day of September, to answer the offence of feloniously obtaining certain letters from the post-office directed to the Richmond Dispatch.

• Prev
• Next