Litchfield enquirer., 1843-01-19
From the ". Y. Tribune.
From Me ". Y. Tribune. WARNING TO YOUNG MEN. W,lliam D. Gray, the companion of R. P. Robinson, of Ellen JesOett memory
 TN THE HoTrpT Ar SESQT0N } H

CITY OF NEW \ ORk, To the Hon. Judges TA1L.MADeE and LYNCH:
 My humble thanks are due to the Court, for the privilege they have allowed me of preparing this commu nication, which con slider my duty to make them and the public at large, prior to sentence being pasSedupon ane on the charges on which stand convic- ted. If I were to enter into a full detail ot the various causes that have tended to bring me where now stand, should but recapit- ulate the history of many thoughtless youth who has entered upon the world with brilliant prospects, buoyan spirits, and con- fiding, generous hearts. I think circumstan- ces at present will justify mo in referring to incidents that have long since transpIred 1n this city, and under any other circumstances than the present, should be unwilling 10 ad- vert to them. stand before this court brNn- ded with that indelible mark, "not0rious." How this title happens to fix on me, shall briefly explain.
 In the year 1888, came to this city from the state of Ohio-the greater number of my relatives being citizens or residents of that state. Not a man with when had any ac- quaintance at home, refused me his intro. ductory letter to bis friends at New York; 2. and left my native state with every requi- site to con1g1ence and complete what might have ended in Il useful career, had not forgotten to heed that useful and wise admo. milton, "keep good company" My good character was maintained in this city with credit to myself until certain circumstances lam about to narrate, occurred, which swept from me my all - for clerk in this city without character, is one of the most pitia- ble objects that can be imagined. am sure an remembered (and perhaps with sorrow) by many that are now looking upon me.
 Gilbert F. Hays, at my request, 10 gratify my curiosity, in the month of July lS4l, led me into one of the store-r rooms belonging to the Police Department, and unfolded to mo the article, then almost consumed by moth, which, in connection with its owner, and cir cumstances connected with both, had the ef- feet of getting for me the bad name that now bear in the public prints. The article to which l refer is the cloak said to have been worn by the murderer of the wretched girl, Helen Jewett. l had peculiar sensa- tions as I looked upon the garment, that once enveloped so much guilt, and sadly thought too, of the unfair shufflng practised upon me- It is we'll known that my name, and the names of very many others in good standing in this city at that day, were compelled to appear to the public, before the trial of the person charged with that most shameful ot all crimes was terminated, and many still have cause to regret it - but none more so, or half so much, as the unfortunate convict that now addresses you. The pleasing man. ners of Richard P. Robinson won my atten- ton being boarder with him in the same house, his apparently harmless, gay and vo. latile character, and his simplicity and cor rect moral traits, so far as knew, gained for him my respect and admiration.
 These circumstances, connected with his standing in society, at that time, led to an acquaintance and intimacy on my part, pre- cisely in the same way that others became his friends. He, it is known, was apprehen- ded and charged with crime, that far ex' ceeds in enormity, any other that ever stain.
 S'ss'r.."''-~.."v--Ei--G. in -thia- -ctY. He and still continues in some measure, so to be, consequence ofthe result ofthe trial. In fact public indignation ran so high in this matter that vengeance was ready to satiato itself; 1; and can add with truth, did in some mea- sure Satiate itself upon one whose weak, help. less, and unsupported shoulders were little calculated to brave or withstand this nigh. ty torrent. That individual was the unfor- tunate creature who now addresses you.- During this excitement l was taken from the Washington Hotel in Q state of stupor, (which, by the by, do not plead as an ex- cuse,) and after an examination and commit. ment. Con charge which, under any other circumstances would have been overlooked,) l was ascertained to be an acquaintance of Robinson's. This, connected with the disco. very on my person of some notes that had passed between us, while was detained as witness against him., soon had the effect of gaining for me to name of "Robinson's friend" l was tried, could not raise funds enough to fec counsel, was convicted. Every body knows how Robinson was disposed of, and it requires but half glance to percieve the wide difference, in those days in this ci- ! ty, between the rich murderer and poor fool.
 The court at this time, in their wisdom, thought proper to visit upon me the extre- mest penalty they could inflict - and why Because my name became associated with that of rich, and {what shall ever believc) guilty murderer, whose gold and powerful friends bore him through and out, unwhpt of earthly justice, l was consigned to that bourne from whence no traveller returns,' who is possessed of sensitive feelings, with. out knowing in his heart that his misfortunes have drawn line of demarcation between friends are among the rich and respected, l that requires such moral courage to wipe out | or efface, as, frankly acknowledge, could | not practice, without such tender sympathy, | as, in cases like my own, is seldom felt by 1 the world, and l can add also, by mauy who 1 pretend to lift themselves above the trfieS of | time. Where is the man that hears me who l can enter right into the feelings of one whose 1 follies has so situated him that every face | that once met him with a smile, now frowns on him with contempt! Or where is the | man, to be plain, that from tho pure charity 1 of his heart. would extend to me his hand, one year ago. and say thou art my brother thou hast transgressed. but forgive you. and | with me the past is forgotten. am the man that will assist you in building up the wreck hnnaS int al..