On Feb. 7, 1935, 24 individuals and one corporation were indicted for conspiriracy to deprive the United States of its revenues on the production of distilled spirits---moonshine. Among those indicted was Charles Carter Lee, Commonwealth's attorney of Franklin County, Virginia, and grandson of General Robert E. Lee's brother. The trial began on April 22, 1935 and did not end until July 1, 1935. Its 50 day length is thought to be the longest criminal trial in the history of Virginia. It took place in United States District Court in Roanoke, Virginia, and was presided over by Judge John Paul. A furthur six-day trial followed in 1936, for tampering with one of the jurors. Two further trials followed in 1937, when Paul and Hubbard Duling were tried for the murder of Jeff Richards, described as the "treasurer" of the conspiracy. The case has led to two books, Sherwood Anderson's Kit Brandon, and Jess Carr's The Moonshiners. If you have any information to share please contact: T. Keister Greer The Grove 50 Floyd Avenue Rocky Mount, Va. 24151 540-483-3692 or Donna Brown Wilkes 2935 Iron Ridge Road Rocky Mount, Virginia ktrygal1@aol.com Mr. Greer is working on a book about the long conspiracy trial, 1936 jury tampering trial, and the two Duling trials for the murder of Jeff Richards. Any photographs and/or information will be treated carefully, copied and returned. Those used will be credited to the persons submitting them. T.Keister Greer