The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-02-05
The Acqulttal Of AMclia' Norman for IN
Attcmpt ON the Person OF Henry y. Bal

The Acquittai OF Ameiia' Norman for an
Attcmpt ON the Person Of Henry y nal
Having lately seen number of articles In the
public papers commenting upon the trial and ac-
quittal of the above female, and also suggesting
to investigate the matter for my own information,
and now enclose to you the result OF my research.
In the first place, ! have ascertained that the
criminal records OF England contain within the
similar nature, in which the accused were sac
Quilted" In Scotland, s, in the same period. In
Ireland, J.; and in France and Germany, HEthe
majority Germany-a with the like results. Now,
these trials and acquittals excited no animadver-
sion there, for the simple reason that they were in
accordance with the spirit OF the law But because
out testimony, the public mind is reused phrenzy,
for it can be called nothing esc, and We are
told ''lhat the woman ought to be found guilty."
"that we are all encouraging crime" and fudge
of that description. "Ameia Norman" was justly
acquitted, and now subioin out OF the many cases
above alluded TO, one in point. 1t was the case OF
Miss Ann Broadric for the murder OF MIR. Errlng-
ton in 1895, tried before the Chief Baron, &c. &c.
s'NIiss Ann Broadric was young lady of con-
siderable abilities, fine figure, iand much admired
former accomplishments and personal attractions.
Three or four years after Mr.. Els divorce from his
former wife for her adultery, he addressed Miss
Broadric, and lived with her nearly three years,
with every appearance of comfort. MIR. Z. however,
saw another beautiful object, possessed OF large
after little time, gave her his hand. On his mar
rage he settled what he deemed suitable provision
on Miss Broadric; stated to herexpicitly the varla.
ton of his sentiments, and added that he could
never see her more.
After the first agonies other grief, Miss Broadric
repeatedly requested a meeting. The desired IN
tervew was refused, but she still persisted by let
tiers to move him to grant her this last request, but
finding him inexorabe, she wrote to him, " that
if nothing could induce him to do her this act OF
common justice, he must prepare himself tor the
fatal alternative, as she was determned that he
After laps" of month, receiving no answer
whatever, she dressed herself elegantly, early on
Friday morning, May 18th, went to. the Three
end coach, which passed very near MIR. Els house
at Gray's She got out at the avenue gate, and in
her way was recognized by Mr.. E., who told his
wife that that tormenting woman, Broadric, was
she, Mrs E., would retire few minutes. Mrs:
E., however, did not consent to this, but prevailed
upon her husband to go up stairs into the drawing
room, and leave the interview to her management.
Miss b. being shown into the house, asked for MIR.
E. but was told by Mrs. E. that he was not at
home. 81 am not TO be so satisfied, Madam" re-
piled Miss B., "Iknow the ways of this house, I'M
fortunately TOO WE'LL and therefore, with leave,
III searchfor him!' On this she rushed into the
drawing-room, and, finding him there, she drew a
pistol, with a new hagged flint, from her pocket,
and presenting 1t at ms lett SIDE daecfsd TO MS
% perform my dreadful promise - and instantly
pulled the trigger. Surprised at his not falling,
she said, Good God, ! fear ] have not de-
of justce!" Mrs E; burst into the room, and see
ing her husband bleeding tainted away. MIR. E. now
demonstrated with her, and asked her if he had
ever deserved this at her hands, after the care he
had taken to settle her so comfortably in the
world! She gave no other answer than mean-
choly shake OF the head.
Mr.. Button, a magistrate. came, who took the
examination of Mr.. E. after his wound was
dressed He asked Miss Brodric what could induce
her to commit such an act of extreme violence p
Her answer was, that she was determined that
neither Mr.. E. nor herself should long outlive her
lost peace of mind Mr.. E. entreated Of the magis-
trate not to detain her in custody, but to let her
depart as he was sure he would do we'll but his re-
quest Miss "retused to accept" or the magis-
trate to grant. Mr.. E. died next day, and the Cor
oners inquest sat on the body on Tuesday, the 10Th
of May, and brought in their verdict, Wilful muir
der by the hands of Ann Brodrlc."
On Friday, July 18th, Ann Brodrc was conveyed
10 the Shre-hal She was conducted into the bail
dock in the criminal court, attended by three char
liable ladies and her apothecary. She was dressed
in mourning, without powder; and after her first
perturbations were over, occasloned by the con-
chair prepared for her, and was itoerably com
posed, except at intervals, when she evlnced vlo-
lent agitation. When the indictment was reading,
she paid marked attention it; and on the words,
that on the right breast Of the said Ct. Errlngton,
she did wilfully and ieloniously infiict one mortal
wound" &c, she exclaimed, ''Oh, my great God"
and burst into torrent Of tears.
The prosecution for the crown was opened by
Mr.. Garrow, who demonstrated the painful execu-
lion of his office by the humane and affecting exor
dunn with which ne addressed the jury, preparatory
to the, statement of the evidence he instructed
to adduce and he proved the offence, &c. &C. on
behalf of the Crown.
The "Lord Chief Baron" before he summed up
the evidence, called the attention of the jury to the
particular plea of insanity produced by the seduc-
lion of the prisoner by deceased, on which the de-
fence of the prisoner had been rested, as denial
had been set up against the Preparation of the
Decd Of which, indeed, there had been given the
fullest nd clearest evidence, and of the seduction
also The law certainly required that the will should
accompany the act TO constitute felonious muir
der. The defence, in the present case, was that
the prisoner was incapable of lending her will 10
the Preparation of the crime with which she stood
charged. On the whole, if the jury thought the la
tent seeds of arrangement, after convulslve
struggle, lad been called forth on this horrible &C.
casion, SO as to overwhem the senses OF the unhap-
py prisoner, they were bound in conscience TO ac-
quit her If, on the other hand they believed that
il was the preparatory .pangs of mind intent on
gratifying its revenge by the death OF Its object,
they must find her guilty; but they scarcely need
be told, that, should doubt remain on their minds,
common charity required that the balance should
turn in the prisoners favor.
The jury consulted about tive minutes, and then
gave their verdict, "Not Guilty"