Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1820-07-25
HIrTrnN AMI HILL

The cases of Hutton aud Hull have
drawn down much animadversion in pri-
vate circles and in public prints. They
were murderers, cold blooded murder
ers, while Heaps their hapless victim,
was bound, and helpless, and in their
power. They were tried for this murder
under the laws of Maryland, and not for
mail.robbery under those of the U. S.
Scarcely were they sentenced TO death,
when time was sought 10 make their peace
with God-no sooner was this granted
than means were taken, TO work upon
The public mind III favor of Hull, the
youngest Of the criminals. He was paint
ed as Young, the sou of respectable pa.
rents, and tempted TO the deed by his
more desperate associate. Petitions were
signed by hundreds, by numerous ladies
IN Maryland and DelghbOring state, TO
the Governor ofMary TO commute his
sentence into confinement III The Peniten
tary for life. But that magistrate, as he
ought TO have done, stood firm 10 his dI.
ty for, If mercy had been extended 10
such men, we had better at once burn
orr statute books and break up The cour,s
Of Justice. Meane lille Hutton. like ano-
Their Obadiah William, began TO play his
part He wooed the ministers of religion
he put oil the garb OF repentance, and be.
! Fought 10 be bap,ised, according TO The
rite, of the Baptist Church. The Sheriff
refuycd 10 have The ceremony performed
| I'D stream of water which washes the
| bounds Of The Jail ;" but finally it was ei.
| iecteel in vessel OF wafer in the Jail yard.
| Every thing about il was made public
in the papers.-Aiter The execution was
over, The body of Hutton was carried in
funeral procession. 10 the third Baptist
| A, 4 10 Il
| a Sermon was preached over him. That
of Hull was buried in Christ Church
| yard, where the bodies of Ferguson aud
| Denny, The pirates, had been previously
| inferred. Christ Church is " under the
pastoral charge Of tie Right Rev. Bishop
Kemp. And this is done, while q" The
bodies Of hundreds of honest men are
svery year boxed up roughly, and con-
cigued 10 the &" POtter's field" without
ceremony" miles Register, from which
most of these facts are extracied.)
| There is an almost universal sentiment
Of Indignation expressed against these
proceedings, here and every where else.-
The Baltimore papers assure us that ii
exists there the scene OF these outrages
Frail we all are
------ve do pray for mercy;
Aud that same prayer dsth teach us all to rendei
| The deeds OF mercy.
But Trailer should we be, if the sword o.
Justice were to be shiyered if ali dislinc
tons even 10 the last are 10 be lost ant
the body OF the murderer should be treat
ed like that Of martyr. Some men.
morality requires all The helps which thu
ceremonies of the grave can give 10 it,
Bear tie murderer's body TO Tie toni
With ihe same respect which accompanies
the virluous patriots, q The closing seen,
casts confusion upon all which wen
beiores ii. This levellBg Of all distinct
tons is calculated to produce confusion
} OF the mind and morals. AS TO the sou
we cannot judge of il. II is Tor the All
wise alone 70 decide upon IFS peniience.
, La vain has tie father Of llull besongll
: 10 let him lie in The Church groaud ; i
! vain has he promised 10 remove IL 10 III