Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1826-07-13

William Simpson, was hung ON Friday
the S0th ult at Fairfax court house;
previous to bis execution, hs made the
following confession:
!, WILLIAM T. H00E, in the qSd
year Of my age, now condemned to
death for the murder Of WILLIAM SiMP-
SON, do, in the fear of Almighty Goo,
and in full view of my approaching dis
solution, without force or constraint,
acknowledge my great siniulness before
my maker and redeemer. and all my fell
low beings, and do most heartily pray to
Almighty God, through Jesus Christ,
for the forgiveness Of my sins, and hope,
that after my unworthy body shall have
been sacrificed to meet the demands OF
the violated law, that my fellow beings,
and especially the relations of the I'M
fortunate SIMPSON. viii forgive in their
hearts, what have done. And trust
that my respectable relations viii not De
condemned in the public mind, for tue
great offence have committed.
Although from the time of my arrest
until my trial and condemnation, l de-
MED TIE act, did this solely with hope
of being cleared, and was determined,
ii cleared, to live life of correct de-
pertinent throughout the residue of my
days; but condemned as | am, ackowl-
edge the Justice of the decision against
me, and die without malice agains. my
ntors, judge. and jury
The crime for which die, was the
first OF any important magnitu de, ]
ever committed, except that OF playing
cards. s..s
There have been two accusations laid
to my charge, of which | most solemn
ly declare my innocence. The first was,
the opening of mans trunk, whose
name do not remember, in Mr.. DRIsH's
tavern. This I never did. Nor did |
ever know, in any way, by whom, or
how he lost bis money.--Tbe second ac-
cusation is that of an intention to take
the life of JOHN GIBSON, Esq. after, las
the accusation says, having seen bimre-
ceive sum of money in Warrenton.--
| do most soleinniy declare that never
did see Mr.. GIBSON receive any money in
Warrenton, or any where else. Nor
did ever see Mr.. GIBSON, to knew him,
until few minutes before he left the
tavern, the day after bought the pistoi
fromHIr. WALDEN. When he was about
t. leave the tavern, some conversation
passed between him, and me about the
state OF the roads; andrf asked him
whichway he purposed to travel When
! found he was not going my way we
ceased conversation; but never intend
ed to otter any violence to that man in
any way whatever.
My dear relatives, and the friends
fsufiering humanity, will probably wish
to know with what state of mind am
about to rush from time iato vast eter.
nifty. In speaking Of my mental condi-
ton, am impressed that prudence and
great caution must mark the course that
| take, because my crime has been so
aggravated in its circumstances, as al
most, in public estimation, to preclude
the possibility of the mercy OF God to
be extended to me. But in honor OF
that mercy have abused, and OF that
God whose laws have violated, I will be
irse TO say little, as in a short time
shall cease to speak, or to have any CON-
munication with my fellow beings upon
eaEth.
After received my sentence, and
was remanded to prison, was greatly
agitated, and suferedzkseat agony OF
mind. Several Christian ministers visit
ea me, according to my desire, and
they all spoke to me on the sinfullness
of sin, and pointed me to the Saviour.
Jesus Christ. All fines have felt great
hardness of heart, and from that state
have been often relieved by tenderness.
and softness of contridon, by which.
on my knees, lhaVe bad power to weep,
and to make unfeigned confession of
my sias to Almighty God. And although
1 am deeply sensible that neither tears
nor confessions can atone for any, the
least of my offences, yet aun assured
ly impressed that the emotions | have
had, and the degfee Of relief have ex-
rerienced, are gracious indications that
God has not abandoned me, and that he
will for the sake OF Jesus Christ. have
mercy on my poor soul
| have, with as much attention as pos
sible, read the Holy Scriptures since
my condemnation, especially the New
Testament. My mind is deeply impress
ed that it's of Divine origin, and reveal
openly and clearly, the plan of mans
with God throuob Jesne