The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1823-08-27
from the Providence Journal
ClRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE.

from the Providence Journal
ClRCUMsTANTIAL EVIDENCE. RI
John G.. Hamilton was executed in Ken
lucky ew years since, OSLO for the muir
der oil DbctOr Sanderson OF Natchez, Ms1is-
sippi. Aman has recently been executed in
Mobile, who confessed himself the murderer of
SandersoD aud declared that Hamilton was
innocent. l. Southern paper.
The annals of judicial proceedings,
rarely afford report of trial and ex-
ecution,' Df more extraordinary and
distressing character than this; and it
should BE- universally circulated, that
judges and jurors may be guarded
against cordemniag supposed culprits on
clrcumstantial evidence. Young Ham
ilton through life, had supported an IN
blemislied Character, and obtained the
love-, esteem and admiration OF all who
had the Pleasure OF his acquaintance.
AS is common with the young gentle
men of kentucky, he was in the prac-
tlce OF spending the winter season in
the more genial climate of Mississippi.
| On his return from winter residence in
that quarter, he accidentally fell in com
pany with Doctor Sanderson, who being
10 i'll hsaIrh, was .lourneying 10 the Gel
ebrated watering place at Harrodsburg
Spa, With hope Of recovering his los,
health; and as. he was anxious TO make
something out Of his pilgrimage, he
took with him large sum of money,
7 ,rith whisii-- -e-.-4e.,>r -I---Du purchasing
negroes OF speculation. On his way
up the country, his inlirmities increased,
and as he was: apprehensiye he might
expire OH the road, he committed 10
the charge Of Hamilton his treasure,
having IN his short acquaintance, discov-
cred that he was worthy of unlimited
confidence. Ia few days, however,
his indisposition abated, when lie pursu-
ed his journey, and finally arrived in
safety at the residence of Hamilton, in
Barren County, Ky: where he remained
during the summer, and received from
his young friend every mark Of courte-
sy, attention and hospitality. In the
month of October, Doctor Sanderson
made arrangements TO depart, and on
taking leave of his hospitable host,
young Hamilton accompanied him sew
eral miles on the road, and then took AN
aiiectionate farewell. Ten or twelve
days after, as some hunters were ram
bling through the forest, they discover
ed the body of Doctor Sanderson, in
state of corruption, shot in several
places, and mangled IN the most shock-
ing 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
of Sanderson, suspicion fell on his head,
and he was arrested. tried and executed.
Previous TO bis arrest, he was advised
to leave the country, to avoid danger,
but.a he was conscious of his innocence,
he dsdained TO take step which would
cast cloud Of obloquy and disgrace up
on, bis character, and resolutely remain
ed at home. As the inhabitants Of the
county we're divided in their opinions as
to his guilt, the affair gradually died
away; but Hamilton being anxious that
trial should take place, firmly believing
that in such an event, his reputation
would remain inspected, he solicited at
the hands of justice trial, which to his
establishment and sorrow, closed with
his condemnation. The only evidence
against him was circuinstantial, viz. that
near the body Of Sanderson were found
bloody pair of pantaloons, and a pis-
tol, both bearing the name ofHamilton
Through the whole trial he manifested
that fortitude and determined GOODNESS,
characteristics of innocence, and expir-
ed with full conviction that the real
murderer would ultimately be discover
ed. When on the scaffold he took a
manly leave Of the world, expressed not
the least regret for his fate, but lament
ed that his misfortunes would cloud the
prospect of his family, and shed an in
delible disgrace on his memory. Thus
through the weakness Of the law, was