Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-12-06
EXECUTION OF A POOR GERMAN
FOR MURDER.

Wv
MRs CHILD, 10 her Letters from New
York." gives an account Of poor German
emigrant who was executed in that city, and
afterwards learned to be innocent The case
Of the poor German is indeed very touching,
aud is thus related by Mrs c. -
A few years ago, poor German came to
New York, aud took lodgings here he was
allowed to do his cooking in the same room
with the family. The husband aud wife
lived in a perpetual quarrel. One day, the
German came into the kitchen with clasp
knife aud pan of potatoes, and began to
pare them for his dinner. The quarrelsome
couple were in a more violent alteration
than usual, but he sat with his back towards
them, and being ignorant of their language
felt in no danger of being involved IN their
disputes. But the woman with. sudden and
unexpected movement, snatched the knife
from his hand, aud plunged il into her hus-
bands heart. She had sufficient presence
of mind 10 rush into the street and scream
murder
The poor foreigner, in the meanwhile, see
ing the wounded man reel, sprang forward to
catch him in his arms, and drew out the
knife. People from the street crowded III,
and found him with The dying man in his
arms, the knife in his hand, and the blood
upon his clothes. The wicked women swore
in the most positive terms, that he had been
fighting with her husband, and had stabbed
him with knife he always carried. The
unfortunate German knew too little English
to understand her accusation, or to tell his
own story He was dragged off to prison,
and the true state of the case %as made
known through an interpreter; but il was
not believed. Circumstantial evidence was
exceedingly strong against the accused, and
the real criminal swore that she saw him
commit the murder.
He was executed notwithstanding the most
Ipersevering efforts of his lawyer, John An
thon, Esq, whose convictions of the mans
innocence were so painfully strong, that,
from that day to this, he has refused TO have
any connection with capital case. Some
years after this tragic event, the woman died,
and on her death bed, confessed her agency
in the diabolical transaction hut her poor
victim could receive no benefit from this re-
pentance. Society bad wanionly thrown
away its power 10 atone for the grieyous
wrong.
Mrs Child also gives the following affect
ing account of the execution of an innocent
man in Missouri -
TRAGIcAL FATE OF BURTON, IN MISSOURI.
A young lady belonging to genteel and
very proud family in Missouri, but beloved
by young man named Burton; but unfor-
tunately her affections were fixed on another,
less worthy He left her with tarnisbed
reputation. She was by nature energetic
and high-spirited her family were proud
and she lived in the midst of society which
considered revenge virtue, and named il
honor. Misled by this false popular senti-
) ment, and her own excited feelings, she re.
solved 20 repay her lovers treachery with
death. But she kept her secret so well that
: no one suspected her purpose, though she
J purchased pistols, and prac,iced with then
daily. MIR Burton gave evidence Of hi;
strong attachment by renewing his atten
tons when the world looked most coldI,
upon her. His generous kindness won hei
$ bleeding heart, but the softening influence
of love did not lead her to forego the dread
( ful purpose she had formed. She watched
for favorable opportunity and shot her be
trayer when no one was near 10 witness III,
j horrible deed.
5 Some little incident excited the suspicion
of Burton, and he induced her to confess L
f, him the whole transaction. II was obvious
I enough that suspicion would naturally faster
upon him, the well-known lover of her wht
J had been so deeply injured. He was arrest
, ed, but succeeded in persuading her that h,
was in no danger. Circumstantial evidenc,
was fearfuly against him, and he soon saw
I, that his chance was doubtful; but with at
e lectionate magnaninity he concealed THU
d from her. lie was convicted and condemn
: ed.
A short time before the execution, lie en-
j deavored TO cut his throat but his life wa
: saved for the cruel purpose of taking it ava,
according to the cold blooded barbarisrn o
the law, Pale and wounded, he was hoiste,
/, to the gallows, before the gaze of Christian
e community. The guilty cause of all thi
was almost frantic when she found that hI
: had thus sacrificed himself to save her. Sh,
Immediately published the whole history o
her wrongs and her revenge. Her keen sens,
4 of wounded honor was in accordance viii
I public sentiment; her wrongs excited indig
nation and compassion, and the knowledg,
that an innocent and magnanimous man hat
!, been SO brutally treated, excited a genera
I revulsion of popular feeling. No one wish
: ed for another victim, and she was left un
+, punished, yeby the dreadful records of he
memory.
7 Potatoes from England The packet ship Sid
dons brought over one hundred tons of potatoes
7, and other ships the way and loading will bring
large quantities. The market viii, doubtless b.