Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-05-14
FIRST AND LAST CRIME.
JAMES MORLEY.

iflend george Seymour, as he hurried me
into hackney-coach; and stepping in him.
self, babe the man drive with all the speed
he could, to the Old Bailey.
what makes you feel such an interest in
the fate of this assassin, this James Mor!ev?,'
| [ asked.
~ know something of the man." replied
Seymour, sand have heard circumstances
mentioned respecting the murder for which
he is to be tried, that lead me TO expect an
extraordinary scene"
We soon reached Newgate: and making
our own way through the crowd at the door
Of the Court, Seymour inquired of the jani-
tor, as he slipped crown into his hand,
whether the trial had begunl"
Nv hat trlal!" said the man putting the mo-
ney into his pocket.
''james Morley's," replied Seymour. "Oh
no" rejoined the fellow, shaking his head,
and opening the door at the same moment
But we had scarcely entered. when tapping
me on the shoulder he added, "You have not
heard what has happenedi''
IVY hat Is n.y. exclaimed. That there
man Morley shot himself last night; but
there's soery nice case Of bigamy just be-
gun; an elderly gentleman as has married
seven wives, and they are all in Court; that's
HIM IN black, with powder and a pig-tail."
Ellis pig-tail be--," Seymour was
going to say. lie was stopped by the door
keeper, who observed drly, she would be
fined five shillings more if he swore in
Court"
This is really notifying" said /, as we
descended the steps into what is called the
press-yard.
We were neither OF us disposed to remain.
and hear bn snft Oh, 49,. a.
elderly, pig-tailed, powdered gentleman in
black, who had provided himself with a set
of wives, like case Of patent razors-one
for each day in the week
"Murdcr and suicidel'' exclaimed Sew
mour, half aloud; and pausing for moment,
undetermined whether he would return
home, or make further inquiries at the
prison.
81 expected it would be so,'' said gen-
Misunderstanding man, somewhat advanced
in years. He had the appearance of n reti-
red officer, and was standing close by Sey-
mour.
"You knew him, them" replied Seymour,
turning quickly ronnd.
"Almost from his CRADLE" answered the
stranger-"for he hardly stood higher than
my knee, the first time patted his little cur
ly head; and can scarcely be said to have
lost sight of him SINCE
81 knew him little" observed Seymour.
ale was one of those men of whom you
could not know any thing, without strong
desire TO k ON more"
81 think have had the pleasure of meet
ing you, Mr. Seymour, once, if not twice. at
Morlcy's before he removed from Finchlcv.
My name is Captain Shackcrly," said the
stranger.
Shackerly-Shackerly, repeated Scy-
mour, 81 certainly remember that name
but declare upon my honour, cannot re-
collect the particular OCCASION
''Perhaps can recall one circumstance to
your memory; the day Morley's uncle died -
Enough" interrupted Seymour, shaking
his head, 81 do remember that day."
81 was there" added Shackerly, "whcn
Morley's servant brought him the intelli-
gencc.'
"Captain Shackerly," said Seymour, ia
king him by the hand, 81 am happy to re-
new my acquaintance with YOU"
Shackerly bowed. We walked out ofth
press-yard; and sauntcred along the Old Bal
Icy till we reached Ludgate Hill. OF all
places (Thames street alone exceptod) this
perhaps, is the very last which any one ever
would select for continuing quiet conversa-
ton. The day was too early Scarcely half
past ten) to permit Of the usual alternative
an adjournment TO the nearest tavern or cof-
fc-house; so we turned, retraced our steps,
and found ourselves once more opposite the
gloomy entrance to Newgatc.
"How did he destroy himself'" said Scy-
mour.
"a pistol" replied Shackcrly; "hc sent
the ball right through his heart"
Good Cod" exclaimed Seymour, "what
a close to the life Of such mani
"tlc was busily engaged in writing the
greater part of the day, preparing, as it was
supposed, for his defence; but it appeared,
after his death, that his object was, TO leave
behind him--what shall call itl-not a
confession--nor modern rcminisccncc-
but a rapid sketch of those circumstances of
his life from which he dcduccd its last mclan-
choly act"
eft should SEEM" said Seymour, shat YOU
have seen this writing"