Stevens trial, May 12 - July 10, 1856, from Official Court records, 2nd District Court, Wash. Terr.

Abstract

In late March, 1856, Charles WREN, John M'LEOD, L.A. SMITH, Henry SMITH and John M'FIELD, Pierce County residents, were arrested by order of Gov. Isaac STEVENS for alleged ''giving aid and comfort to the enemy" (Indians). Within two days of their arrest, Lawyers Frank CLARK and W.H. WALLACE on behalf of the defendants prepared a Petition for a Writ of Habeus Corpus for their release. Learning that the application was to be made, Gov. STEVENS proclaimed Marshal Law on April 3, 1856, partially in an attempt to circumvent the legal process.