The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1823-09-02
CIRCUMsTANTIAL EyIDENCE.

John Z. Hamilton was executed III Kentucky.
few years since, (lSl7) for the murder of Doctor
Sanderson, of Natchez Mississippi "A man has
recently been executed in Mobile, who confessed
himself the murderer of Sanderson, and declared
that Hamilton was innocent Southern paper.
The annals of judicial proceedings rarely
afford report OF a trial and execution of
more extraordinary and distressing character
than this and il should be universally circu-
lated, that Judges and jurors may be guarded
against condemning supposed lprits on cir
cumstantial evidence. Young Hamilton thro'
life had supported anunblemished character.
and obtained the love, esteem and admiration
Of all who had the pleasure of his acquain-
lance. Asis common with the young gentle
men OF Kentucky, he was in the practice of
spending the winter season in the more gen
ial climate of Mississippi. On his return
from a winters residence in that quarter, he
accidentally fell in company with DR.. San
derson, who being in i'll health, was journey
ing TO the celebrated watering place at Har-
rodsburgh Spa, with a hope Of recovering his
lost health; aud as he was anxious TO make
something out Of his pilgrimage, he took
with him large sum Of money, with which
he contemplated purchasing negroes on spec
ulation. On his way up the country, his in
hrmltles increased, and as he was apprehen-
sive he might expire on the road. he commit
ted to the charge Of Hamilton his treasure.
having in short acquaintance discovered
that he was worthy of unlimited confidence.
In few days, however, his ndisposition aba
ted, when ne pursued his journey, and final
y arrived in safety at the residence OF Ham
ilton, in Barren County, Ky. where he re-
NAMED during the summer, aud received
from his young friend every mark of courtesy
attention and hospitality. In the month OF
October, Doctor Sanderson made arrange
ments to depart, and on taking leave of his
hospitable host, young Hamilton accoinpani-
ed him several miles on the road, and then
took an afectionate farewell. Ten or twelve
days after, as some hunters were rambling
through tile forest, they discovered the body
OF DR.. Sanderson 10 state of putrefaction
shot in several places, and mangled Id the
most shocking manner. As Hamilton was
last seen with him, add as 1t was known that
he had from time to time made use oi sums
Of money, originally the property Of Sander
son, suspicion fell on his head, and be was
arrested, tried and executed.
| Previous to his arrest, he was advised 10
leave the country to avoid danger; but as he
was conscious of his innocence he disdained
to take a step which would cast cloud or
obloquy and disgrace upon his character, and
resolutely remained at home. AS the inhab-
iitants Of the county were divided in their O.
pinions as to his guilt, the affair gradually
died away but Hamilton being anxious that
a trial should take place, firmly believing that
IN such an event, his reputation would re-
main unspotted, be solicited at Tie hands Or
Justice trial, which, 10 his astouishment
and sorrow, closed with his condemnation
The only evidence against him was circum-
stantial, viz. that near the body of Sanderson
were found bloody pair Of pantaloons, and
a pistol, both bearing the name OF Hamilton.
Through the whole trial, he manifested that
| fortitude and determined GOODNESS, charac-
teristic of innocence, and expired with full
conviction that the real murderer would uIti
mstely be discovered. When ON the scahold
he took manly leave Of the world, express
sed not The least regret for his fate, but la
mented that his misfortunes would cloud the
prospects Of his family, and shed an indelible
disgrace on bis memory. Thus through the
weakness of the law, was an interesting young
man and worthy citizen hurried from the
world, and doomed to expiate on the galows.
that crime, committed BY the hands Of a vii
lain and assassin. II may be proper for thc
welfare of the world, TO pass sentence on the
laccused, on the authority Of circumstantial
levidence, but il would be far better, by stat
ute, to sRnul the practice and it was the