Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-12-28

1he mystery IhiCkenS.- ne IOlloWlhg art-
Gle is from the Salem Gazette of Tuesday. 1t
corroborates a rumor recently published in this
city. But so far from clearing up the mystery,
it only serves to make darkness visible"
Salem Nmder.-The rumors, which have
spread abroad, that all who were concern
ed in the murder have not yet been arrested, pre-
| vail here and obtain extensive and general belief.
We have reason To believe that application was
made to the Governor and Council few days
since, for the pardon of ]. ]. Knapp, Jr. Or for
communication of the sentence of death to i'm
prisonment for life in the States Prison, on the
ground that he was not in fact, as the public have
heretofore supposed, the prime mover ofthe muir
der. but that there is another person, not yet
rested. who plotted and Originally instisated the
commission Of the crime. Both knapps have in.
timated as much; and all who are acquainted
with them. know il was not in character for them
to have planned it; they were too passive ana
inert to have conceived, or to have executed
such an enterprise OF their own heads. And it
is said Joseph has very recently written letter
TO the Governor. and declared solemnly that he
was not at the bottom Of the affair.
Great pains have ben seduously taken by some
who have had influence over the Knapps, to pre-
vent them from disclosing fully all their know
ledge of the business. Frank, short time be.
fore his execution enjoined upon Joseph to give
no further information.
1t is now generally understood that the muir
der had been in agitation many months at least
before it actually took place; and that the assas
sin, II. Crownnshield, Jr. entered the house Of
Mr.. White OIL Sunday two nights before The
murder was cOmmitted.) for the purpose, but
that his heart failed him, and he retired it is
said, at S minutes before IL O'Clock, that he
might be out of the streets before the town watch
was set, which was at eleven O'Clock.
1t is also said that the murder had been at
tempted by the means of poison, before Il. c.
was employed, and that prussic acid and arse
nc we're the deadly drugs; it is certain that
Capt. White. 9 or months before the murder,
had fiji Of indisposition which many suppose to
have been caused by some poison.
Some editors, we observe, have suggested that
the disclosure by the Knapps that there is still
another person implicated in the murder, was
made to obtain favor. That, however. is not the
fact. Frank at least never wished for mercy;
few days after he was convicted gentleman
of influence. in whom Frank had the utmost con-
fidence. offered his services TO obtain commu.
tation of the sentence; and on subsequent days
renewed the proposal; Frank replied, ''No. |
do not wish to HUe-frOm the first T. ornih. |
awaked and found the murder was committed.
have been wretched, and have no desire to pro-
long nv life. endeavored to dissuade Joseph
from it and told him that though the side he was
looking on was bright, there was also another
side, black, black, as hell" From the time Of
his conviction to his execution. he manifested
no desire for pardon or favor, and never denied
his participation in the guilt of the murder; and
Joseph now makes no pretence of innocence.
Further prosecutions will undoubtedly take
place. whatever may be the condition in life of
the offender, whether high or low rich or poor,
if the prosecuting officers obtain sufficient evil
dence; if they do not, they will, in the words of
the Ghost to Hamlet, :.
- Leave h'' to Heaven.