Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-06-12
SATURDAY, JUNE l2, 1850.

us Vi ptOpiC, OiiSC IituS IWS atioSiOuS D"ASh
murder. has materially led to Il great number of
stories connected wish similar subjects. The
following, which l heard in conversation a few
evenings since, is a striking illustration how the
Proyidence-of God can defeat the cunning and
caution of man. How often have the most tri-
vial circumstances led to the discovery of great
crimes! In the Salem murder, the omission Of
the little word I. lr.' on the outside OF a letter,
led to the discovery of a transaction which the
vigilance of an excited community had been un-
able to detect-in the case L am about to relate,
atOad discovered a marder!
4 gentleman travelling in England stopped at
a village tavern to dine. The inn happened to be
opposite a church yard; and while he was wait
ing for his dinner, he took a fancy to stroll into
it, to read the epitaphs and talk with the sexton,
whom he saw at work there.
After some conversation, he remarked to the
sexton, :. But you are disturbing the dead, my
good friend; here are bones you have thrown
out" The ground is so crowded, that 1t Is im-
possible TO avoid it sometimes" replied the SEX
ton; :. andin this case, nobody's feelings will be
hurt. That is the skull of a stranger, who died
here suddenly; and none of his. relations ever
came to inquire about him." - Where did he
die?" asked the traveller. :" He died at that
place wonder, where a tavern used to be kept
Fiveor six years ago, he arrived at the mn toward
nisht, ate a hearty supper, went to bed apparent
IL In good health, and was found dead next morn
ing. His papers gave no clue to his name or
pi,ce Of residence; and 40 one ever came to
claim rs clothes, watch, &c. which were found
in his chamber, The physicians thought he died
ofa fl. in the night time"
Poor fellow he had a melancholy fate" ex-
claimed the traveller, looking at the bones. As
he spoke, he observed the skull rock to and fro,
with a sudden motion; he took it up to examine
the cause, and perceived that a toad had lodged
in it. In attempting to thrust the creature out,
he struck MS finger against n nail! This excited
his curiosity; and on close examination, he per-
ceived that a nail had been driven through the
back part of the skull. He did not make his dis
cOvery known TO the sexton; but III the course of
conversation, inquired what sort of character the
landlord had borne, and whether he still resided
at the house he had pointed out. He is a thrifty
money getting man." replied the sexton; 81
never heard any harm of him. He bought a great
farm three or four years ago, and he resides on it
now. His old ncighbOrs wonder how he managed
70 grow so rich" The traveller made no re-
marks; but observing that he had some know
ledge and taste for anatomy, begged leave to
keep the skull. His wish was readily granted.
On his return to the inn, the landlord corrobor-
ated the story. he had heard from the sexton,
without being aware that his guest had any pc
culiar motives fr inquiring. Having ascertain
ed where a Justice resided, the traveller waited
upon him. and made known the circumstances
that had come under his observation. The Squire
was personal,J acquainted with the former land
lcrd; anu agreed 20 accompany the traveller to
his farm. They were very hos itably received,
and urged to remain through the night. "You
seem to De a very prosperous mat" every thing
looks in thriving ORDER said the .1uire. - Yes"
replied the farmer; .. Providence has blessed me
in all my undertakings" providence bless
Won! -" exclaimed the Squire, suddenly holding
IN he skull before him. "Has'nt the spirit of
Darkness helped YOU. LOOK at this nall" The
guilty man tCfned as pale as a corpse; and cover
ing his face with his hands. trembled violently.
He confessed his crime and was executed. He
bad been tempted by the sight of a large sum of
money, which the imprudeut traveller had opened
before him; he had mixed laudanum with his eve.
ming draught, and had then murdered him in his
sleep. A few articles of value were left, undis-
turbed in the chamber; & as the wound had been
carefully washed and covered with hair, the ply
slams were of opinion that he must have died in a
fit.
For six wears the crime remained undiscover-
ed; the murderer thrived upon his ill gotten
wealth; and had not the toad nOved the skull, he
might have gone to his grave unsupported. So
mysterious are the workings of Providence!
Boston Journal.
-sseeGcHs~
A Rail Rode in GeOrgia-Not long since, a
man in the suburbs Of our town, was arrested and
rode on a rail, by some of the nocturnal conser-
vators of the peace, for the crime of being in ia
vor of domestic improvement-in other words,
for having whipped his wife! A wag. seeing the
rail in the - full tide of successful experiment, -
as Mr.. Webster would say, cried out, ironically,
{. Hurrah for the first Georgia Rail Road! Home
manufactures and domestic improvementforever!
What do you, think If the American System
now:, added he, addressing himself to the cul-