In fact, the postmaster was the foreman.

Without leaving their seats the jury returned a verdict of guilty in each case and all were sentenced to be hanged.
The prisoners were taken to the New Orleans jail for safe keeping.
While incarcerated here awaiting the day of execution, a newspaper reporter of a liberal New Orleans paper called on the prisoners.

He was impressed with Belton's personality and promised to publish any statement that Belton would write.

Belton then gave a thorough detailed account of every happening.

The story was telegraphed broadcast and aroused sympathetic interest everywhere.
Bernard read an account of it and hastened to his friend's side in New Orleans.