The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-12-02
DIETER from the Sheriff J
NOVEMBER 2sth, 1912

-'"'E''bHi' ~ON', iOf-'
Sir | wish you to deposite with the Common
Council Of the city of New York the enclosed sum
one thousand dollars, being ten bills Of one hun
dred dollars each, Of the Phenix Bank. These bills
were sent to me nclosed in the letter signed w
w. W., which received the 17th instant, the
object Of the writer of which sufficiently appears on
! the face Of the communication.
Although suppose thai, the legal title 10 this mo-
still rem ms with the person who transmitted it 10
me, yet 1t is scarcely TO be anticipated that any one
wlil make the dangerous attempt TO reclaim it.
1t is not proper, nor have any desire that this mo-
ney should remain in my hands; the only difficulty
with me has been 10 whom should pay it.
have concluded that it would be the best course
/ to pay ii into the public treasury
This disposition Of II will afford some compensa-
ton to the city for the heavy expenses to hlch it
has been subjected on account Of the proceedings
! against the individual now deceased whose escape
some misjudging friend endcayored to procure by
this attempted bribery.
In case, too, ofany attempt being made to reclaim
this money from me, expect and will no doubt find
IN The city, under the circumstances under hlch |
deposlte IT, sufficient and ready indemnity
1t VIII perhaps, not b, improper for me to add in
contemplation Of many attacks that have been made
on me IN r laon TO my official conduct in the case
of John Colt, in which am not conscious Of any
Illegal dishonest conduct on my part that the fact
oil my having received the money enclosed was i'm
medatey after ITS receipt communicated Ia the under
Sheriff, and very shortly afterwards TO gentle man
! holding judicial station, in whose judgment and
| disin,erestedness had confidence He concurs with
me IN the disposition of money which now be- leave
to make through your hands.
remain, very respectfully,
Your obedlent servant,
NJ. b. HART
TO the President of the Board of Aldermen of the
city of New York
THE ENCLOSED LETTER.
Should you do what is herein requested, another
sum- exactly equal TO that enclosed shall be sent
10 you on Friday, 18Th November, 1912 The under
signed has acquaintance with Colt nor with any of
his rel tons or friends Pure bcneyolcnce and hu.
mainly have induced the undersigned TO offer YOU the
enclosed sum on the conditions that YOU decline and
positirey refuse g. hang Coli Thi, you eau consclen
tiously do on the score Of humanity, and that we
have right TO take the life Of a fe!low-creature
the score that two of the jury who tried him were
first of opinion that il was only man, laughter; or
the that tie Chancellor ought have granted
a writ OF 10 the Court of Errors. Uhe Senate
on the OF an improper bias nay, violent pre-
judco having in the outset been created by the large
and small papers Of the city against him on the
that the true republican doctrine is not to hang
but 10 imprison for life, for capital cases on thr
score that all human probability the law enacting
hanging for any offence Will tins inter be repeaIed
on the score that Governor Bouck WILL as he has de.
cared, pardon Colt-Gov. Bouck's opinions being
we'll asceraned on this point.
There many reasons which, in the haste of the
moment the undersigned is unable 10 write but sit
come out like General Jackson take unon yoursrlf
the responsibility the laws and your du,
you understand them, and refuse 10 han, G. 1t
You Will thereby lay UP for yourself in future life
the pleasing reflection OF having saved from d, siruc-
ton a human being, unJusuy condemned and receive
the thanks and blessings Of Colts relatives and
lrIe ds and meet the full approha and entire APP
rova Of the whole Of the Bar, OF the Vice Chancc-
Tor, and of The Judges II you take the step recon-
mended, you will receive the applause OF the people,
aud Of the party, and Of the whole commonly -
Popular feeling now runs high IN favor Of the prison
or. w. w. W.
The papers were referred to the committee charg-
ed with the investigation of the origin oil the fire N
the cupsa OF tie city prison.