The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-02-12

farewell tO hls wife, children, and even
tn Lafarge, whom he. with n cordial
shake Of the hand, requested to call Of
ten during his absence and bear his Ma
tilda company.
When the adulterers were left alone,
without the danger of discovery, their
behaviour became quite outrageous
Matilda neglected her household and
her children, and passed most of her
time in Lafarge's premises. The natu-
raj consequence of such unlimited indul- I
gence was disgust on :he part of the se-
ducer, which was increased by the fond
impOrtunities of Matilda, aud still more
SO by project on foot by Lafarge's re-
lations 10 reclaim him by an advantage
Gus marriage. He was introduced to
his intended, just at the time when he
began to feel safety for his paramour--
so that the young and beautiful Amelia
at once made deep impression on his
sensual heart. As nothing seemed to
interfere with the completion Of their
happiness, a day was appointed for the
nuptials-and the bridal preparations
were soor in state Of forwardness.
In the mean time, Matilda found out
how matters s,ood-and her mind be-
came y prey to disappointed love and
remorse. She sent and called frequent
ly at Lafarge's dwelling, and was re-
fused admittance and when on the
morning Of the intended wedding, she
met him on the public road. in the pres
ence of a concourse of people, he open
ly shook her from him, and reviled her
with the biuGest execrations.
At length, the moment arrived when
the invited guests assembled at The ele-
CANT mansion Of Mrs. Ruudol, the moth
er of Amelia. Just before the ccremo-
ny vas to be performed, the attention
of Lafarge was accidentally attracted
TO grove near the Park, in which it
was intended to exhibit fireworks. Soon
afterwards he returned to the house,
where Amelia and her cortage of maids
impatiently awaited him. The bene-
dIction was pronounced by Bishop Du-
bourg, in his usual beautiful and in,-
pressive manner-and the couple were
about resuming their seais, when the
company were startled by the repeated
cries of MURDER +! All rushed to the
porch, whence the multitude was seen
collecting with torches in the grove.
What could exceed the horror Of. all
prescnt, when it was ascertained that
Matilda's corpse bad been discovered ia
Il thicket covered with wounds, and
near her were found the dagger, hat g.
cloak Of Lafarge!
Early next morning a .coroner's in
quest was held over the body and, pain
ful as it was to the feelings Of the Ju
rors. their verdict was of such nature
WHIT MS trial at The ensuing session.
Although the best counsel was employed
that the State could afford, the circum
stan,ial evidence was SO conclusive, nnt
the character Of the prisoner was s,
generally dlslked. that little doubt wa
entertained of his guilt. Unfortunatel
his quarrel with Matilda on the publ
road, before crowd of people, and hi
nomentary absence from the mansio
shortly before the marriage ceremony
had fatal influence on the minds of IN
Jury--accordingly, after few momen,
= deliberation, they unanimously sent i
the verdict Of f"Guihy of Murder in "A
first dtgree"-and sentence of dea,
was pronounced by the Judge in ,h
most solemn and affecting manner.
n. When the day of execution arrived
the only difficulty which remained wa
to provide person who would perfor,
"tbe terrible behests Of the law" a d,
ty which, in default of regular hau.
ii. man. falls TO the sheriff. Whilst a co,
ut sultation was being held on the suhiec
IN a stranger appeared in the council room
- dressed in fantastic manner, with y
e, enormous wig Of bushy curls. and h
i'd face stained in such a way rs to giyo
y. still more llideous expression to his coul
lie tenance. This parsonage made vo
,st untary offer of his services as an exec,
c. toner, saying that such had been h
lis occupation in his own country, and i
ay Just at that moment was in want of en-
ny ployment. His services were readiI
ch accepted. The scaffold had been erecte
III the jaii-yard--and by the hour of 1:
nd the crowd which covered the immedla,
to vicinity, and the hills adjacent to III
to prison, was immense beyond calculatio,
to- The prisoner soon made his appesranc
re- accompanied by two priests, who ende,
sss yoredto sooth his dying agonics wi,
on the consultations Of religion. He DE
M sisted to the last moment in denying h
in guIIt--and his parting words to the d
he vine who accompanied him upon II
u.s. scaifold, were solemn protestation
ort his innocence. When all was read
he the hangman made the prisoner stan
te- on the drop. Before he drew the en-
Ter over his face, he said. "Sir, you ne