Fayetteville (NC) Observer, “The Final Blow to Liberty,” October 31, 1861

THE FINAL BLOW TO LIBERTY. – Lincoln has arrested Judge Merrick, of the U. S. circuit Court in Washington, for issuing a writ of habeas corpus requiring the Provost Marshal of that city to produce the body of a boy under 18 held as an enlisted soldier. When the fact of the arrest was made known to his associate Judges, they ordered a writ to be served on the Provost Marshal for contempt in not obeying the writ of habeas corpus. The venerable Judge Morsell, in some remarks on the case, declared he would do his duty and vindicate the character of the court as long as he sat upon the bench. “I am an old man,” he said, “my life may be but a day – but while I have life I shall be true to the duty before me.”

Here there were indicators of applause by the large number of attorneys and people present, but the officers suppressed it. It was a noble sentiment, boldly avowed.