The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-08-19
NO. As.

SuCn circumstances DIS proved MS lntentlOn
beyond every reasonable doubt. He was
besides too honest to deny it. Accordingly
he was transmitted to Great Darlington,
then the shire town of Berkshire, and placed
in the hands of General Fellows, High Sher-
iff of the county, who Immediately confined
him ii, the county Jail. This building was at
that time so infirm, that without a guard no
prisoner could be kept in it who wished to
make his escape. To escape, however, was
in no degree consonant with Richarts's dea. .
of right, and he thought no more seriously Of
making an attempt of this nature, than he
would have done had he been III his own
house. After he had lain quietly in goal q
few davs he told the Sheriff that he was
losing his time and earning nothing, and
wished that he would permit him to so out
and work i'll the day time, promising to return
regularly at evening to his quarters in the
prison. The Sheriff had become acquainted
with his character and readily acceded to
his proposal. Accordingly, Richard went
out regularly during the remaining part Of
the autumn, and the following winter and
spring, until the beginning of May, and eve
ry night returned at the proper hour to the
goal In this manner he performed days
work every day, with scarcely an exception
beside Sabbath, through the whole period.
| In the month of May he was to be tried for
high treason. The Sheriff accordingly made
preparations to conduct him to Springfield,
where his trial was to be held. But he told
/ the Sheriff that it WAS not worth his while to
take this trouble, for he could Just as well go
alone, and It would save both expense and
iinconvcniunce.-Thc he Sheriff, after little re-
fiection, assented TO his proposal and Rich
ard commenced his journey, the only one, it
is believed, which was ever undertaken in
the same manner for the same object. In
the woods of Tyringham, he was overtaken
by the Honorable Il. Edwards, from whom
| had this story. "Whther are you going?"
said Mr.. Edwards ITO Springfield sir,
answered Richard, to be tried for my life"
Accordingly hc proceeded directly to Spring.
field, surrendered himself to the sheriff Of
Hampshire, was tried, found guilty, and con-
dcmcd tode Ihe Council Of Massachusetts,
was at this time, the supreme executive of
the State. Application was made to this
board for pardon. The facts were stated,
the evidence by which thy were supported
and the sentence grounded on them. The
question was then put by the President,
shall pardon be granted to Richard Jack
sont' The gentleman who first spoke ob-
served that the case was pefcctly clear; the
, act alletlgcd against Jackson was unquestion-
ably high treason; and the proof was COM
, Dlcte. II pardon pc granted IN TINS case, nc
t saw no reason why it should not be granted
I in cy cry ether. lnthe same manner answered
S those who followed him. When it came to
, the turn Of Mr. Edwards, he told this story.
with those little circumstances of particular
! ~, which, though they are easily lost from
memory, and nave escaped mine, he gave
, highland shade, a living reality, and apictur
csque impressivcness, to every tale which is
fitted to enforce conviction, or to touch the
heart. At the same time he rccited it with
out oApatlting, without any attempt to be pa.
thctic. As is always the case, this simplicity
gave tho narration its full force. The Council
began to hesitate. One of the members at
; length observed, Certainly such a man as
thi, ought not to be sent to the galows." To
his opinion the members unanimously assent
, cd A pardon was Immediately made out and
transmitted to Springfield, and Richard re-
turned to his family, Never was stronger
proof exhibited that honesty is wisdom.