Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-03-27

self followed. Now came the accusation. He
swore that Just as he leaving the door, he
Eel, some person drawing his purse from his
pocket; that he Immediately pursued the man,
and at the corner of Jermyn street seized me;
that at frs, submitted, and he dragged me 10
one of the lamps, and there most distinctly saw
nv countenance, when at tina, moment by some
piece Of adroitness which he could not explain
slipped from his grasp and instantly disap
reared. His friend corroborated the story
The magistrate, after cautioning me, and ex-
pressing his regret at seeing person OF my
appearance before him. asked me whether
wished, to say any thing in my defence. | an,
swereL that was the victim of some secret
and devilish nspiracy, and that could prove
that was a. my chambers on the night in
question. 81 hope you may he able 10 do so,
said the magistrate, "but in the mean time it
is my duty to commit YOU" and was con-
ducled 10 Jail in a hackney coach. imme'
diately summoned one or two oil my friends, x
after laying open to them the circumstances in
which had been placed, we conserted the best
means Of defence. My laundress could swear
that was in my chambers the whole oil the
evening when The ROBBERY was committed; and
although this WAS the only direct evidence in
my favour, yet assemble at least dozen per-
sons, men Of repute and station, as witnesses TO
my character The trial excited prodIgious
interest; but what was that interest TO the ago
ny with which regarded the issue! Should
be convicted, my mysterious enemies would
enjoy in triumph, my disgrace and depreciation
* might probably proceed by the same diabo-
lieai eon,rivances to attempt even my life.
The day came, and was arraigned among a
herd Il common felons; but the conciousnr SIS
Of my innocence and the hope of establishing
it, supper ted my heart. No sooner had heard
the Witnesses for the prosecution, than that
hope died within me. A number Of persons
deposed that on he night in question, that they
had seen me in the gambling house: but they
were men Of Indifferent character, and not per-
sonay acquainted with mr. Al last, with as
constituent and horror, saw my venerable
friend, Mr.. B-put into the box, and heard
him swear III positive terms, that he was pres
sent in the room and saw me at play. My de-
fence avai!ed nothing. The wretched old wo-
man whom produced, as the court and jury
believed, 10 establish my defence by perjury,
was Immediately discredit.d, and the jury re-
turned verdict OF guilty was sentenced TO
six months imprisonment. My feelings will
not attempt 10 describe.
| During my confinement made the most en-
DIES inv; formed plan for nv future life, com.
pete in every particular My character Being
destroyed, and mos, Of my friends alienaed |
determined to convert my properly into mo-
mt y, and TO seek refuge in the United States.
At length the term Of my imprisonment APP
preached its close, and on the 3oth Of Seplem>
Der l79l was liberated; my flesh creeps as |
name the day.
WAITED in the prison till it was dusk. Find,
ing that | had the key Of my chamber upon my
nrrsnn. resalyed, n The first instance, to visit
once again the scene OF my former TRANQUIL s,u-
dies Before reached the Temps, o.
had been closed, and the gate-keeper, as en-
tered, eyed me With al unpleasant curiosity.
reached my chambers. There was still light
sufficient 10 enable me 10 select some papers
hich particularly wished 10 secure. l enters
ed be chambers and walked into the sitting
room, but suddenly stopped on seeing figure
reclining on sofa. My library able was be-
fore him, covered with law books. At first
imagined that my laundress had permitted
somr S, ranger to occupy my rooms during my
incarceration. AS entered the chamber the
figure rose, and with feelings OF indescribable
horror perceived the resemblance Of myself
-"and my Aesh's hair upstood,
Twas mine own smilitude.'
Il cannot relate what followed, FOR my senses
deserted me. On recovering, my mysterious
visitor had departed, without leaving the slight
EST clue by which might fathom the impene-
trable secret Of my persecution. | have some
times imagined that they arose from one OF
those wonderful natural resemblances which in
some instances appear to be well authenticated;
but natural or supernatural, they changed the
current of my life. Unable to endure the dis
grace of being pointed at as convicted felon,
| converted my property into money, and, un-
der another name, now live respected in
foreign land. X. u.
Triun,phs Of Arf-Great improvement in
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