The prisoners were then directed severally to rise as soon as called, and receive the verdict of the jury. The Captain, _Pedro Gilbert_, was the first named. He arose, raised his hand, and regarded the jury with a firm countenance and steady eye.
_Clerk_. Jurors look upon the prisoner; prisoner look upon the jurors. How say you, Gentlemen, is the prisoner at the bar, Pedro Gilbert, guilty or not guilty?
The same verdict was pronounced against _De Soto_ (the mate) _Ruiz_, (the carpenter,) _Boyga, Castillo, Garcia_ and _Montenegro_. But _Costa_, (the cabin-boy,) _Ferrer_ (the negro,) _Guzman, Portana_, and _Velasquez_, were declared NOT GUILTY.
After having declared the verdict of the Jury, the Foreman read to the Court the following recommendation to mercy:
"The sympathies of the Jury have been strongly moved in behalf of _Bernardo de Soto_, on account of his generous, noble and self-sacrificing conduct in saving the lives of more than 70 human beings, constituting the passengers and crew of the ship _Minerva_; and they desire that his case should be presented to the merciful consideration of the Government."
Judge Story replied that the wish of the jury would certainly be complied with both by the Court and the prosecuting officer.
"The appearance and demeanor of Captain Gilbert are the same as when we first saw him; his eye is undimmed, and decision and command yet sit upon his features. We did not discern the slightest alteration of color or countenance when the verdict of the jury was communicated to him; he merely slightly bowed and resumed his seat. With _De Soto_ the case was different. He is much altered; has become thinner, and his countenance this morning was expressive of the deepest despondency. When informed of the contents of the paper read by the foreman of the jury, he appeared much affected, and while being removed from the Court, covered his face with his handkerchief."
Immediately after the delivery of the verdict, the acquitted prisoners, on motion of Mr. Hillard, were directed to be discharged, upon which several of the others loudly and angrily expressed their dissatisfaction at the result of the trial. Castillo (_a half-caste_, with an extremely mild and pleasing countenance,) pointed towards heaven, and called upon the Almighty to bear witness that he was innocent; _Ruiz_ uttered some words with great vehemence; and _Garcia_ said "all were in the same ship; and it was strange that some should be permitted to escape while others were punished." Most of them on leaving the Court uttered some invective against "the _picaro_ who had sworn their lives away."