Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1830-08-05
RICHARD CR0WNINSHIELn

Tho following lct,cr to the Editor of the New
York Courier ana Enqnirer, viii be found 10 possess
an interesting notion Of this wreched being.
-...-. SALEM, July &c, 1880.
Richard Crowninshield, who committed suicide
IN prison, undoubtedly one Of the most singular
beings ol ms crtmpai profession, which history or,fG-
ton can show. Ever since he attained boyhood has
deeds have been Characterised withdrawing hypoer-
sy, GOODNESS, defiance Of all law nd calculation
and ingenuity that would have raised him to em
pence IN society, had he received proper direction
IN his infancy Ills recent letters, written during
his confinement, but tie part of plan to rescue
not only hlmself, but all his associates in crime
tsn incident IS iold in this place, which makes the
GOODNESS and precauijon with which he moved in his
criminal pursuits On tic night on which the murder
was committed, he complained Of slight indisposl-
ton, and went TO bed, by the fimily about
O'Clock. At eleven o'clock, two hours after, he "a
gain walked up some members of the family and re-
quested preparation of medicine for the purpose of
alternating his indispositiUn During The interval
that elapsed between these events, lie had left his
privately, rode to Salem perpetrated the foul
deed, returned aud placed himself IN the same stua-
ton. it was about ten minutes alter ten o'clock,
that the murder of Capt. White was accomplished
according to the evidence OF PERSONS who sa W him
and Knapp skulklng around The buildings. One fe-
male heard Knapp 1t is supposed, say TO the other,
have you done it." 81 have fixed him." was the
short aud rapid reply -aa ...
The precaution taken by Richard, in complaining
Of lndispostou, and taking medicine, although appa
rcniy trivial circumstances, oud have formed very
y.
showing that he innocent To any Jury il would
have amounted to an abb; and had tho principle
been rescued from the clutches of the law by con-
cuuence of such testimony, 1t would have been easy
TO defeat tho ends Of justice as it respects the other
associates.
The voluntary confession Of Knapp during his con-
fncmcn; put out Of Jont all the plans of Crownin.
shield and urged him to the desperate alternative Of
suicide. Bhis confession 10 the Rev. Mr.. Coleman
Of Salem clergyman Of considerable piety and
learning Joe Knapp, as he is called, wos not ex-
ccy counted on as one Of The con;edoracy headed
/ by Crowninshleld He was jealous Of the personal
\ popularity OF Dick among such men as Palmer,
| Hatch Salem, Chase, &c ST. lie managed kis
I criminal concerns his own hook. and it was mere
" the necessity Of the that made hn apply TO
the leader Tor the execution of plan from which,
through his Connexions he expected to reap the OK
elusive benefit His wife is considered one of The
handsOIuest females in Essex county lie had been
at sea, but latterly &as particularly engaged in
business a tier Knapp made his confession nplica-
ting Richard the principal the latter lost all hopes
Of safety Over oil the rest of his associates Rich.
ard exercised unboundod sway, and it is currently
reported that Of these would have dared to face
him even ~ court q Justice as witness against
him Knapp was beyond That influence, and hence
bis revelations a short lime before his suicide
Richard Crownnsheld dropt several hints in rea-
ton to Knapp, which marked his feelings towards
that individual 81 only wish, said he, 81 was with
IN reach Of him for one minute--only one minute.
I"Wbat would you dor" he was asked lie smiled
with a singular expression Of couhtenpnce--' not
much"--"nOt much"
Durng the confinement of Richard, his cell was Ia
the second story, under which, m separate cells were
! confined one or more Of his associates In the cell
immediately under was Palmer. Whenever individ-
uas belonging either 10 the grand jury 10 the com
mtee Ofugilafee visited the latter for the purpose
of finding ont THAT facts he knew. they had taken
the preeaution to have every hole and crevce nIbe
ceiling between The upper and lower cell well eSam-
med and filed up.
Crowninsbield himself, was famousin forming COM
municatons with the cells adjoining HE 10 had got
suspicion that Palmerwas confined in the cellnndcr
him. and forhwiti he s4t himself 70 work in ii0dna
out the fact The yisil6rs Of Palmer had not been
long there before q noise was heard in tie ceiling
like soma person boring hole. immediately some