The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1823-09-05

| Engld d, till the adoption of counsels ad-
verse to liberty, is their history. We may
still preserve or revive kindred feelings
They may claim noble ancestors and We
may hook forward to renowned descen-
dants-nnless adverse prejudiceS should
| dispose them to reject those honors which
they have lawfully Inherited, aud leadus 10
envy that greatness which has arisen from
cur institItions, aud will perpetuate our
fame.
From the Proridence Iow1tel, ing. IS.
John T.. Hamilton was executed in Ken
lucky a few years since t1G17,) for the
murder of Doctor Sanderson, of Natch,z,
Mississippi. A man has recently been OK
ecuted in Mobile, who confessed himself
the murderer Of Hamilton, aud declared
that Sanderson was innocent.
[Souther1s paper.
The annals of judicial proceedings, rare
y afford a report ola trial and executions,
of a more extraordinary and distressing
character than this, aud it should be uni
yersally circulated, that Judges and jurors
may be guarded against condemning sup
pcscd culprits on ciroumstantial evidence.
ioOllH iItilIlllOb lllOGStI llG Hdu SupDOIt-
ed an unblenished character, aud obtained
the love, esteem aud admiration of all who
had the pleasure OF his acquaintance. As
Is common with the young gentlemen Of
Kentucky, he was in the practice ofspend-
Ing the winter season in the more genial
climate Of Mi, issippi. On his return from
Il winter resideucein that quarter, he ac-
cidentaly fell IN company with Doctor
Sanderson, who being in i'll health, was
journe.ing TO the celebrated watering
place az Harrodsburg Spa, with hope Of
recovering his lost health, and as he was
anxious To make something out of his pill
erimage, he took with him large sum of
money, with which he contemplated pur-
chasing negroes on speculation. On his
way up the country, his infirmites in
| creased, and ashe was apprehensive he
might expire on the road, he committed
to the charge Of Hamilton his treasure,
having IN his short acquaintance discover.
ed that he was worthy of unlimited conf.
dencc. In few days, however, his indis-
position ahated, when be pursued his Jour
ney, aud finally arrived in safety at the re-
sldence of Hamilton, in Barren comfy,
Ky. where he remained during the sum
mer, and received from his young friend
every mark oil courtesy, attention aud hos
! pltallty. In the month of October, Doc
| ter Sanderson made arrangements TO dc
! part, and on taking leave of his hospitable
host, young Hamilton accompanied him
several miles on the road, and then took
an aiiectionate farewell. Ten or twelve
days after, as some hunters were rambling
through the forest, they discovered the
body of Doctor Sanderson in a state of
corruption, shot in several places, and
mangled III the most shocking manner
As Hamilton was last seen with him, and
it was known that he had from time to
time, made use of sums of money, origin
ally the property of Sanderson, suspicion
fell on his head, and he was arrested, tried
and executed.
Previous 10 his arrest, he was advised to
leave the country, to avoid danger, but as
he was conscious of his innocence, he dis
dalned to take step which would cast a
cloud of obioquy and disgrace upon his
character, and resolutely remained at
home. As the inhabitants of the county
were 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 I'M
spotted, he solicited at the hands of Justice
a trial, which to bis astonishment and sor-
row closed with his condemnation. The
only evidence against him was circumstan-
tial, viz. that near the body of Sanderson
were found bloody pair of pantaloons,
and a pistol both bearing the names of
Hamilton. Through the whole of the tri.
al he manifested that fortitude and deter
mined GOODNESS, characteristics Of inno;