Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-01-19

next evening. ABOUT SIX the next even
ing ! drove to the Old Bailey, drew up
opposite the Governors house, and was
received by him very politely. He des-
patched turnkey to lead me to the cell
where my late patient, the sol disant Mr..
Gloucester, was immurcd in chilling ex-
pectancy OF his fate.
Surely horror has appropriated these
gloomy regions for her peculiar dwelling
! place! Who that has passed through
them once, can ever forget the long, mar
row, lamp-lit passag s,---thc scpulchral
silence, save where the ear is startled
with the claDgor of iron doors closing
harshly before and behind, the dimly-
seen spectral figure Of the prison-patrol
gliding along with loaded blundcrbuss,- -
and the chilling consciousness Of being
surrounded by SO many fcnds in human
shape, e,--inhaling the foul atmosphere of
all the concentrated crime and guilt of
the metropolis! nj y heart lcaped within
me to listen even to my own cchoing
footballs; and | felt several times inclined
to return without fulfilling the purpose of
my visit. My vacillation, however was
abruptly put an end to by my guide ex-
claiming, Here we are sir While he
was unbarring the ccll-door, ] begged
him to continue at the outside Of the door
during the few moments Of my interview.
with the convict.
'llolloa young man there--hcre's DR.
come to see youn SAID the turnkey,
hoarscly, as he ushered me in. The
cell was small and gloomy; and Il little
lamp lying on the table, barely suilced to
show me the persons ithc culprt, and an
elderly respectable looking man muillcd
in drab coat, and sitting gazing iii stupi-
fled silence on the prisoner God ),
it was his father! lie did not seem con-
scious of my entrance; but his son rose J,
and iccbly asked ne how was, muttcr-
ed a few words of thanks, sunk again.
apparently ovcrpowcrcd with his feelings
Into his seat, and fixed his eyes on Il
page of the Bible, which was lying open
before him. A long silence ensucd; for
none of us seemed able or inclined to talk.
] contemplated the two with feelings of
lively interest. How altered was the
young culprlt before me, from the gay
|. MIR. Gloucester whom had visited in
ghastIy, cadavcrous hue; his hair was
matted, with perspiraton, over his sallow
forehead: his eyes were sunk and blood
shot, and seemed incapable Of distn-
gushing the print to which they were di-
rcctcd. lie was dressed in plain suit
Of mourning, and wore simple black
stock around his neck. How shudder-
ed when | thought of the rude hands
which were soon to unloosc it, Beside
him, on the table, lay white pocket
handkerchief, completely saturated, Ell
ther with tears, or wlplng the pcrsplratlon
from his forehead; and a glass of water,
with which he occasionally moislcned his
parchcd lips. knew not whether he
was more to be piticd than his wrctChcd,
heart broken father! The latter seemed
a worthy, respectable person, Che was an
industrious tradcsman in the country,
with few thin grey hairs scattered over
his otherwise bald head, and sat with his
hands closed together, resting on his
knees, gazing on his doomed son with a
lack-lustrc eye, which, together with
his anguish-worn features, told eloquent
ly of his suilcrings!
well, Doctorn exclaimed the young
man, at length, closing the Bible, Il
have now read that blessed chapter 70 the
end; and, thank God, | think | feel it. =
But, now, let me thank you, Doctor, for
your good and kind attention to my re-
quest | have something particular to
say to You, but 1t must be IN private he
continued, looking significantly at his ia
thcr, as though he wished him to take the
hint, and withdraw for IA few momcnts,-I
Alas! the hcan-brokcn parent understood
him not, but continued with his eyes rly
ctcd d,---vacantly---as before,
/ we must be left alone for a moment,
said the young man, rising and stepping
TO the door. lie knocked and when it
was opened, whispered to the turnkey to
remove his father gently, and let him
wait outside for an instant or two. The
man entered for that purpose, and the
prisoner took hold tcndcrly of his fathers
hand, and said. Dcar--dcar father
you must leave me for moment, while
speak in private To this gcntlcman;' ut.
the same time endcavorlng TO raise hun.
from the chair.
'Oh! ycs-ycs--What?-Of course,
stammcrcd the old man, with bcwlldcr-I
cd air, rising; and then, as IT were with
sudden gush of full returning con-
seriousness, flung his arms round his son,
folded him convulslvcly 10 his breast and
groancd-'Oh, my son! my poor sonp
Even the iron visage of the turnkey seem
ed darkcncd with transient emotion, at
this heart breaking scene. The next
----..I 49,. .....ru La nlnnn. hui IL urna