Rockingham, Oct. 1—Miss Elizabeth Cole, 24-year-old daughter of William B. Cole, who is on trial here for his life accused of slaying William W. Ormond, former suitor for his daughter’s hand, bared her tragic courtship with the former soldier.
It was a day crowded with stirring dramatic events. For 2 ½ hours the girl, calm under the glare of hundreds of eyes, replied to a volley of questions relating to affairs that no woman seldom is ever called upon to divulge.
The contents of the “Lost letter” were admitted by Judge T.B. Finley after counsel wrangled heatedly as to their competency. Just before A.L. Brooks commenced bringing out the contents, and while 1,500 of spectators watched intently, W.C. Douglas, veteran criminal lawyer, leaped to his feet and shouted at the opposing attorneys.
“I warn you now, gentlemen, when you begin delving into this young woman’s life, the responsibility is yours. It doesn’t rest upon the prosecution.”
Mr. Brooks wheeled and in a trembling voice said: “We accept the responsibility, sir, and we present to this court a virgin. You accept the responsibility for your side of it.”
From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, Oct. 2, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1925-10-02/ed-1/seq-1/
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