The trial of Dennis McGOVERN for the murder of James BRIGGS, jr. in Portland (St. John) on the night 6th Sept. commenced on Wednesday and occupied the attention of the Court until 3 o'clock the following day when the case went to Jury. Shortly after the trial commenced Edward McDERMOTT against whom a bench warrant was issued came into Court and surrendered himself to take his trial as an accomplice in the deed... The first witness was George W. McLEOD who was going home with the deceased from a meeting of the Sons of Temperance. While passing up Portland saw two men standing in the street. On crossing the head of Long Wharf, he heard a shot fired behind them and the deceased instantly fell. He lifted him up and assisted him into BOGAN's. The night was dark - could not distinguish anyone more than ten yards off. Dr. SMITH then gave his testimony to the nature and extent of the wound. James E. VINCENT was returning home ahead of the deceased. As he passed FISHER's office saw several persons standing there. One of them advanced and looked into his face, but after passing PAYNE'S ship yard heard the ( ) of a gun. William BRIGGS recognized McGovern on pursuing and saw a man in a reefing jacket whom he took to be McDermott. As he stepped upon the platform on the western side of the Long Wharf, he heard the shot. Thought at the time it was McGovern who had fired it and thinks so still. Knew the prisoner 18 months. Dennis MOORE was standing on the end of the platform at the head of Long Wharf. Did not know who fired the shot; would not swear to anyone 20 yards off. James CLARK knew the prisoners at the Bar; saw them sitting in front of Fisher's office about 10 o'clock on the night in question. McDermott asked him if he had been to the Lodge that night when he replied that he had not. Understood McDermott then said to say that the Orangemen think that the Papists can shoot none. McGovern replied that he had gun and pistols and knew how to use them. McDermott then said, Here they come. Witness looked down the street and saw several persons coming up; some of them were smoking cigars. As they passed McGovern got up, looked at them, and was following on behind, when McDermott called him back and whispered something to him. He then followed up, leaving McDermott sitting there alone. McDermott was drunk. One of the bye-standers told him to go home and to go to bed. He was well acquainted with the locality and thought that the shot came from the big gate at KIRK's yard. Thomas CLARK corroborated the testimony of the previous witness and said that he and his brothers proceeded up the street, they did not see any other persons. Patrick BURNS deposed that he was standing at Fisher's office on the night of the murder. As the party with Briggs came up, McGovern said there they go, and he got up and followed them. He then crossed the road to his home when he heard the shot. Mary BURNS said she saw McGovern run up the street as far as PAYNE's gate, Shortly after saw the flash and heard the report. Asked her husband if it was not the Pedlar who was running up, who said it was... The Jury then retired and after an absence of about three hours came into Court with a verdict of Not Guilty when the prisoners were discharged.