The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1830-06-26
From the Massachusetts Journal.
~ MURDER WILL OUT. -

The excitement ofall classes Of people
concerning the atrocious Salem murder,
has naturally led to great number of stor-
les connected with similar subjects. The
following, which heard in conversation
few evenings since, is striking illus
tration how the Providence ofGod can dc
feat the cunning ard caution of man
How often have the most trivial circum-
stances led to the discovery Of great
crimes! In the Salem murder, the omiss
ion the little word jr. on the outside Of a
letter, led 70 the discovery Of transact
ion which the vigilance Of an excited COM
munity had been unable to detect; in the
case / am about to relate, toad discover
ed Il murder!
Agentleman travelling in England stop
ped at a village tavern to dine. The inn
happened TO be opposite church yard;
and while he was waiting for his dinner, he
took fancy to. stroll into it, to read the
epitaphs, and talk with the sexton, whom
he saw at work there. 2sev sre u
K After some conversation, he remarked
to the sexton, But you are disturbing
the dead, my good friend; here are bones
you have thrown oht. ~ "The ground is
SO crowded, that It is impossible 70 avoid il
sometimes, replied the sexton; "and in
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.
I" Where did he die'" asked the traveller.
:" He died at that place yondcr, where a
tavern used to be kept Five or six years
ago, he arrived at the Tim toward night,
ate hearty supper, went to bed uppar-
emily in good health, and was found dead
next morning. Hispapcrs- gave no clue
TO his name, or place of residence; and no
one ever came to Claim his clothes, watch
es sc. which were found in his chamber.
The physicians thought he died in fit in
the night time" ot,aa
I" Poor fellow he had melancholy
fate," exclaimed the traveller, looking at
the bcncs. As he spoke, he observed the
skull rock to and fro, with sudden mo-,
ton; he took it uptc examine the causes
and perceived that toad had lodged in
it. IN attempting to thrust the creature
out, Ire struck his finger against hail!----
This excited his curiosity; and on close
examination, he perceived that a nail had
been driven tlroughthc back part Of the
skull, lie did net make this discovery
knownto the sexton; but in the course Of \
inquired what sort of char
acter the landlord had borne, and whether
ne still resided at the house he had pointed
put. he is n thrifty money-getting
man, replied the sexton; Z" never heard
any harm Of himo = lie bought. a great
arm three or four years ago, and he re-
'ides.on It nov. His old neighbors won
Ter how he managed TO grow so rich."l-
The traveller made no remarks; bat OBJ
serving that he had some knowledge and
aste for anatomy, begged leave to kecpt ,
he skull. His wish was readily, granted. II
On his return to the inn, the landlord COR I
rotated the story he had heard from thc |
sexton, without being aware that his :
guest had anyfpeculiar motives for inquir- Z
ng. Having ascortnined where JUS :
rec resided, the traveller waited upon
,im and made known the circumstances
hat had come under his observaticn.--l
The Squire was personally acquainted
With the former landlord; and agreed to
accompany the traveller to his farm.-
They were very Hospitality received, and d
lro ed 10 rernai in fhrouob fb> n;cb, s.Vo,, .