Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-08-18
From the Boston Herald.
TITCOMB. THE MURDERER.


individual, by n person who has been ac-
ouainted with him for several years, and who
visited him in the Hopkinton, N H., Jail, a
few DAYS ago. 1t will be remembered that
Titcomb killed his fellow workman, Russell,
in the cooper's shop where both were at
work. He endeavorcd to head him up in a
barrel but not being able TO effect that, be set
the shop on fire.
This man presents another melancholy
instance OF mental arrangement, caused by
the excessive excitement attendant on those
over wrought scenes Of religion, camp meet.
ings, REVEALS, sc. Some few years since he
was engaged to be married. but death inter-
yened and claimed the object of his attach
ment. He then sought for consolation in
camp meetings, &c. and finally became a
religious enthusiast, giving away for various
pious purposes moderate competency.
About ,hree years since, while living in
Boston, his friends first observed indications
of insanity. He saw at class meeting
Miss Tappan, daughter Of Mr. John Tappan,
of this city; he conceived violent attach
ment and wrote to her, requesting PERMISSION
TO pay his addresses He received an an
swer from her father, as he supposed-it be-
ing anonymous-telling him he deserved
horse-whipping for his presumption, and
some threats il he dared repeat his impru-
dence. This had whitening effect upon
hm--he suspected every one who looked at
him was seeking to cbastise him, and by de-
grees persuaded himself Mr. T. was seeking
TO take his life, Having this constant dread
on his mind, he determined TO leave the Town.
He accordingly went to Bangor, and steadi-
" pursued his business for several months,
the idea still haunting him, and gaining
strength By every trivial circumstance, that
Mr. T. had sent his emssaries to take his
life. He suspected his fellow workmen, and
although often told how foolish were his sus
picions. it was impossible to convince him;
and all those who were acquainted with him
in Bangor, were perfectly satisfied that he
was partial lunaiic.
During this time, he attended church, and
class and all other meetings appertaining to
religion, and appeared perfectly sane, except
in the matter Of religion and the other horr-
Bile Naturalization. One night, on retiring
10 bed, he heard some one talking in the
garden. He looked out and observed three
men conversing together, and he immediate
ly concluded they were about 10 take his
life. He barricadoed his door, and deter
mined to sell his life as dearly as possible
During the night his horror Of mind was
indescribable. The next morning he OBJ
served several persons with cowhides and
agan he conceived himself the object of
their wrath-so he left the town as fast as
he could hurry off. Since then he has con-
tinued but short time in one place, the
slightest circumstance arousng his suspicion.
The incident that principally induced him TO
commit the fatal act for which he now
awaits bis trial. was this Some two orthree
friends of his fellow workman called at the
shop, and he overheard, or thought he over
heard, these words spoken TO Russel-"You
have had one chance--you may have anoth.
err to.day-do not let it pass" This he i'm.
mediately applied to himself, conceving these
men were the emissaries of Mr. L. and
were persuading Russell TO kill him-so 10
save his own life he destroyed Russell.
The particulars Of this unfortunate indi
vidual will doubtless appear ridiculous in the
eyes Of many, but those who are acquainted |
with the strange Authorizations OF mono.
maniac, can imagine the horror and wretch
edness of this unfortunate being for the last
three years Of his life. The same feeling
haunts him now. He says they are going
to burn the Jail down to destroy him, and
frequently TtluStS MS VlcludlS LOT DAYS 10
geiher, thinking it is poisoned His broth
er was making arrangements to get him into
the Lunatic Asylum at Worcester at the
time he killed Russell, and it is to be re.
GREETED that it was not effected few months
ago. To medical men it may be observed
that Titcomb had suffered much from dys-
pepsa and possesses the nervous tempera-
ment.
From Washiagtoa-Letter from good
authority assure us that there is great per-
plexity in Washington among the powers
that be- The broad differences in opinion
between the Benton and the Rives faction
of the party puzzle Mr. Van Buren, as to the
course it is proper to pursue The Globe
is clearly drifting hitheIward and thither-
ward, without pilot. rudder or sail. Col
Benton, it is believed, will insist upon his
Humbug, and Rives, Tallmadge & Co will {
as resolutey oppose it. The propositions /
OF Mr. Van Buren, to Congress will depend I
something upon the result of the elections S
of Maryland, and much upon the result in f
North Carolina, Indiana. and Tennessee /
The most formidable document which has ,
in Washington for long while /
was the 700 document of Tammany Hall. G
1t has affrighted the Kitchen Cabinet &
Co. into momentary submission the con-
tinuance of which depends upon the coming
elections, the 700 to be denounced if the ,
Wings are beaten and to be adopted if they /
succeed. Both the Cabinets are vet preg- 4