Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1839-06-19
VERMONT TELEGRAPH.
BRANDON, SATURDAY, JUNE Is, 1889.
Letter from Archibald L. Bates to his
Mother.

the unhappy man whose name Is attached |
10 it, to his afflicted and bereaved mother,
bs the date will indicate, short time before
his execution. II was forwarded for inser- [
lion in the Telegraph, some weeks since,
but was not then published for the want of
name properly put in my possession. On
nay late visit TO SALISBURY, was pu; in
possession of satisfactory vouchers for the
genuineness Of the letter, accompanied with
he request of friends for its publication,
which request is now cheerfully granted.
To this statement of facts add no ex-
PRESTON of sentiments, il connection with
he affair, any way, at present. My senti-
nents, in regard to capital punishment, are
known TO the readers Of the Telegraph
! may be permitted, however-inasmuch
IS the Telegraph has never, think, con-
aimed any detailed account of the murder
allude in few words TO visit made TO
he place.
While in the town, visited the scene of
he awful transaction-the place where the
murder was committed. On approaching
he spot, l said, involuntarily, TO friend
Fho was riding with me, this is too pleas
ut spot for the commission OF so horrid
Need. II is situated on the east side of
Gentle swell, the road running east and west
cross it. The house is on the south side
the road. The perpetrator of the awful
Iced lived about 200 rods north, or north
vest, across the lots. He approached the
ouse in ffont-it was in the evening, and
here was moon-lght-placed himself with
few yards Of his victim-who was
itting, with her face to the west, at table
Fith candle on it, near window-and
ook deadly aim at her head, standing, prob
bly,, behind a small lilac in the door-yard.
he ball entered her temple and took fatal
nd immediate effect. The wretch decamped,
plain sight of his brother, with the gun
his hand.
A friend OF mine, who was on the Spot
before the victim expired, accompanied me
o the place and introduced me TO the broth
r of the murderer and husband of the
murdered, who kindly related TO me the
circumstances of the horrible deed, showing
Me, among other things, the light of glass
perforated by the fatal lead, which he pre-
erves in a frame. While conversing will
he husband of the deceased victim, m,
Intention was turned to his motherles
babes, playing on the floor. Poor innocents
4 they live, what story they are TO lear
hnd 10 relate! And how much is dependin,
pn the manner, views and feelings wit
which it is learned and related-not onl
by them bu! all others. God grant to sane
ify the event TO all who contemplate it,
My eye had from time TO time rested on q
gea female who was sitting in the room.-
Al the commencement Of our conversatio
pm the awful subject, her hands ceased I
work, her eyes were fixed upon the foo
bad she listened to my brief inquiries-ft
had not heart to protract them-and tn
answers, maniGestly with an agonized hear
She was motionless-only her emaciate
frame was occasionally convulsed with
deep sigh, which told with emphasis til
she was no careless or uninterested listen,
turned and asked if this was the moth
of Archibald l.. Bates,-and was inform
that it was. And what could say to b
whose gray heirs were maniiestly bel
brought down with sorrow, and prematu
ly, 10 the grave, by the conduct Of her U
happy son? could only assure her that
was not 10 my heart to add iot or title
her overwhelming affection, commend |
TO Him who was able to sanctify it
her, and turn away The father at /
moment came into the room, and we W
introduced 10 him. My friend who '
riding with me addressed him few k
and soothing words, commenting him
God, and we left.
BENNINGTON, Feb'y 4th, 1885
, TO my much respected Mother,
and dearest earthly friend:
With feelings that cannot be descri
b BY me, sit down to write you few Ii
. And as these will be the last words
will ever receive from your most unha,
ungenerous, and disobedient son. 1 /
you will receive them in spirit of fore
ness. My whole life, as you well kl
has been one continued scene Of "