American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1823-08-26

John c. Hamilton was executed ia Kentucky
few years since (8i7,) for the murder OF Docio
Sanderson, of Natchez, Mississippi. A man hal
|rccentIy been executed in Mobile, who confessed
himself the murderer Of Sanderson, and declared
that Hamilton was NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. paper.
The annals of judicial proceedings, rarely affort
report of trial and execution, of more extraor
binary and distressing character than this, and il
should be universally circulated that judges ant
Jurors may be guarded against condemniDg suppo-
sed culprits circumstantial evidence. Young
Hamilton through life had supported an unbemi
shed character, and obtained the love, esteem and
admiration of all who had the pleasure Of his acquain
lance. AS is common with the young gentlemen
LOT Kentucky, he was in the practice Of spending the
winter season in the more genial climate of Mlsss-
sippi On his return from winter residence in that
quarter, he accidentally fell in company with Doctor
Sanderson, who being in i'll health, was journeying
10 the celebrated watering place at Harrodsburg
spa, with hope OF recovering his lost health and as
he was anxious to make something out OF his pill
grimage, he took with him large sum OF money,
with which he contemplated purchasing negroes on
speculation. On his way up the country, his mfr
mites increased, and as he was apprehensive he
might expire on The road, he committed to the
charge OF Hamilton his treasure having in his sho I
acquaintance discovered that he worthy OF unl.
mited confidence. In few days however, his in
disposition abated, when he pursued his journey,
and hnally arrived in safety at the residence OF
Hsmli'on, IN Barren county KY where he remain
ed during the summer, and received from his young
friend every mark Of courtesy, attention and hospi
'ality In the month of October Doctor Sander
son made arrangements to depar:, and on taking
leave OF his hospable host, young Hamilton &C.
companied h'm several miles on the Dad, and then
nnL .AG.. ftpua
after, some hunters we're rambling through the
forest, they discovered The body of Doctor Sander
son IN state OF corruption. shot in several places
and mangIrd in The most shocking manner. As
Hamilton was last seen with him, and as it was
known that he had from time to time made use Of
sums OF money, originally the property vt Sander
son, suspicion fell On his head, and he was arrested
tried and executed
Previous to his arrest re was advised 10 leave the
country 70 avoid danger, but as he was conscious
OF his innocence, he dj.dain,d to take step which
would cast a cloud Of obioquy and disgrace upon
MS character, ard resou,eIy remained al home.
AS the inhabitants o. the couny were divided mi
Ihelr opinions as TO his guilt, he affair gradually
lied away but Hamilton being anxious that trial
'houd take place, firmly believing that in such al
event, his repu' alton would remain unspoted, ht
solicited at the hands Of justice trial, which to his
establishment and sorrow closed with his condem
nation. The only evidence against him was cir
viz. that near the body of Sanderson
we're found bloody pair of pantaloons, and pistol
10Th bearing the name of Hamilton through III,
whole OF the trial h. manifested that fortitudr anc
determined GOODNESS, characteristic of innocence
md expired with full conviction that the real
murderer would ultimately be discovered. When
III the scaHold he took manly leave of the world
Expressed not The least regret for his fate, but
amened that his misfortunes would cloud the
prospects OF his family, and shed an ndelible di,
race on his memory. Thus through the weakness
u the laws was an interesting young man and
worthy citizen hurried from the world, and doomed |
expla!e on the gaows. that crime, committed by |
ne hands OF villain and assassin.-It may be pro-
'er Tor the welfare Of the world to pass sentence
m the accused, on the authority Of circumstantal
but 1t would be far better, by statute, to
nnul the practice; and it was the opinion of lord
1ae, that it were better TO suffer ninety guilty per
ons to escape, than to punish, unjustly, one that
Providence Journal. |