American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-04-01
From the Ladies' National Magazine, ]
THE MURD Err.
BY CHARLES J. PETERSON.
TContinurd.

we were now at the magistrates office. AT
ser much pompous and well feigned concern for
E!y client, the justice proceeded to hear the evil
dence against the prisoner. 1t was terribly
strong. The interview, the alteration, the
place where Mr.. Wilson was last seen, rs well
as the finding Of the body, and the singular con-
curing departure of Duval, were all incontos-
tbly proved. The prisoner, however, admit
Ted at once everything up TO their parting at the
wood. There was frankness about him which
predisposed all in his favor, but few who were
strangers to his character could resist the chain
ofpresumptive testimony adduced against him.
saw that one by one the countenances of the
spectators grew more expressive of his guilt,
and my heart died within me as beheld it
/ cross-examined every witness, scarchingly
and sftingly-but in vain. All | could elicit
favorable to my client was want of certainty
in one or two witnesses as to the identity Of the
body, and the seemingly valuelcss information
that Mr.. Wilson had left home on horseback
to proceed some miles down the bay, and that
on that very day several hours later, the British
forces under Cochrane, had landed and burned
the village The magistrate commended my
zeal, but smiled when | dwelt upon the possibi-
bility of Mr.. Wilson being still alive and pri-
soner with the enemy. saw that all was over
Duval was fully committed.
When broke the news to his poor wife and
she fell senselcss to the floor, thought that her
eyes were never again to open upon the woes
Of life. But it was not thus to be. She recov-
cred, and many day Of suspense and agony
crcpt by, while her check Ealed and her eye
grew dim, for her heart was slowly breaking.
Time passed on | never for moment
doubted my friends innocence, but there was
mystery connected with the transaction | in
vain endeavored to unravel. The story of Du-
val believed implicitly, but how could it be
substaptated? called in the aid of the most
eminent criminal lawyer at that time at the bar,
and we labored, though in vain, till the day of
the trial to account for the disappearance of
Mr.. Wilson. My colleague was baffied for
once. | know not, but it seemed to me at
times, as if even he doubted the innocence Of
Duval. The horizon grew darker as days roll
ed by. Yet, never for a moment, from the first
hour met him, did my client lose the calm,
self-colectedness of his manner. He felt that
man had left him, that his name was every
where loaded with suspicion and shame, and
that uniustly and wantonly he was outlawed
from the human race; yet with the proud lofti-
ness of his character, wrapping himself up i'll
the consciousness of innocence, he sat down
prepared for either fortune. His fate was be-
fore him, dark and ignominious perhaps, but to
be borne without repinlng. At times, howev
er when gazing on the pale face of his wife,
ne would turn his head away to hide momen-
tary tear. He met obloquy and danger with
dofying scorn, but his stern soul melted before
woman's accomplishing tears Yet, though
he strove to hide it, anguish was eating out his
heart. Like Prometheus tied to the rock, the
undying vuture was preying on his vitals.
] remember one night in particular. His
lovely wife was absent after much solicitation,
Tor an hours ride with one of my female friends.
The chamber was OF stone, gloomy, damp, I'M
comfortable, and lighted by narrow grated
window, through which the rays of the setting
sun calmly stole, falling on the cold pavement,
and playing uneasily OH the wall as if they felt
dungeon was no spot for them. Duval had
been pacing up and down the room with rapid
strides, couversing upon the progress of our en-
quiries, and ever and anon pauslng moment
to cast glance over the prospect of hill, and
wood and stream, that flooded in summer
sunset, opened away through the narrow case
ment. AS the cool breeze wantoned over the
brow, playfully lifting the dark curls from his
forehead, it seemed as if by some mysterious
association the memory Of other and of brighter
days came stealing over his soul. For some
moments he paused by the window silent and
absorbed. The hour and the memories ofcaild-
hood softened him, and for the first time the
whole current of his feelings found vent.
''Well, it is mockery, this justice" he ex-
claimed bitterly, latter all. A chain OF fortul-
tous circumstances will happen, and where are
we; Little did | think when | first entered
life, buoyant with hope and burning for dstnc-
ton, that my sun should set in felon's death.
know what you would say" continued he,
with startling energy, as ventured to express a
hope scarcely felt, ''but cannot if | would,
deceive myself as to the issue of the trial.
have no evidence-I can get none-even your
efforts have faied-I am hunted down by a
powerful and vindictive iamily--the net of a
relentless fate is around me, and all | can
do will be to submit calmly to the destiny |
cannot avert. But could bear it all were it
not for Mary. 1t will break her heart. Poor,
poor thing!'' he continued, softened almost to
tears, "she little thought when she promised to
be mine, that should die a murdorers death
But let it come-what boots it how many hearts
are crushed2''
felt awed by the terrific energy of his man
ner, and fer some time, as though spell had
been upon me, could not speak. Hour after
hour, for many long day, his feelings, stung
by injustice had been goading one another in
MS bosom, and now found vent in this burst
Of mighty passion. AT last | ventured to
speak
You cannot, Duval, mistrust me,n | said,
land feel that you look at your cause too
lopelessy Your innocence will be maintain
eL God will never suffer the guilty to esca ne