Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-08-25

From the Boston Patriot
SENTENCE or JOHN T.. KNAPP.

SENTENCE or JOHN T.. KNAPP.
This wrctched young man received
his sentence at Salem on Saturday. At
Q "A. M. he was placed at the Bar. The
crowd was as great as ut any former time
of the trial. lie remained throughout
the solemn ceremony as unconccrned
and immovablc as ever. When asked
by Judge Putnam, if he had aught to
say, why sentence of death should net
now be pronounced upon him, he replied
with great energy and Iirmncss.
I have only to say, that am inno-
cent OF the chargc-and ! now declare
to the world, that | shall die innocent OF
the crime, for which | am to suffer"
Judge Putnam then proceeded to pro-
nolnce the dreadful sentence ofthc law,
in the following manner and terms:
Jouv FRAvcIs KNAPP,
You have been indicted for the crime
of Murdcr-and upon your arraignment
have pleaded that you were not guilty
and put yourself upon God and your
Country for trial. Able and learned
Counsel have been at your request as
signed by the Court to assist you in your
defence. Your case has been commit
ted to very intelligent and impartial
jury, selected by yourself, who have pa
ticntly and attentivoly listened to the ev-
idcnce and the arguments. All that
learning industry fidelity and talents could
suggest, has been urged in vain in your
defence. The truth has prevaicd-and
the jury ofyour country have established
your guilt--thc Court is satisfied with
their verdict, and you come now to re-
ceive the sentence of the Law.
Before we proceed to that last and pain
full duty, we arc desirous of doing you all
the good III our power, by awakening
your mind to n consideration of the aw-
iul doom which awaits you. Would to
God that any thing We could say would
have effect of soiicning your heart, and
of leading you TO sincere contrltion and
repentance.
The horrible murder which you have
been convicted, stands in bold relief and
dclormity in the history of crime.
The victim of your lcrocity, in a few
years, according to the course of nature,
would have sunk into his grave in peace,
but for the thirst for gain which corrod-
cd the hearts of those who conspired
against his life. He was living in the
midst of as peaceiula community as exists
upon the earth, surrounded by his rcla-
tons and friends upon whom he had law
ishcd his bounty. In the stiffness of the
night-whilc he rested his aged limbs
upon the bcd-whic he was in the arms
of sleep; in his own housc-in the centre
of this populous town-thc Assassin of
your procurement committed the Deed
of Death, while you in the judgement of.
the Law, were present and aiding him i'll
the fact.
The circumstances attending the CON
splrncy, exhibit cool, deliberate design
70 take the life of the victim, merely for
the sake of gain. There was no other
passion TO be gratiiicd.
The consprators were all young.
They were connected with respectable
families. They were born, and reared
and educated among us. They had the
means of living within their own control,
if they had pursued the course of hon
csty and industry.
But they forsukc this course, and re-
solve TO cut their road through blood and
murder.
Our peaceful city stood aghast Mt this
dreadful decd. The very foundation of,