Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1846-09-18
Case of the Negro, Freeman.

We published, week before last, extracts from
the very able and eloquent argument of Ex-Gov-
ernor SEWARD in behalf of this miserable con-
Wet twill be recollcctcd that Gov. SEwARD's
plea in his behalf. was "nsanity." Our own
opinion is that murder is very rarely committed
ercept under the influence of insanity-the de-
gree ofinsanity which is sufficient to absolve a
murderer from legal responsibility for his acts,
is another question. We confess that both the
wanton and indiscriminate ierocity and extent of
the Van Nest murders, and the argument of Gov
SEWARD, have inclined us to the opinion that
Freeman should not he held to have been legally
sane. We are aware that this opinion is OPP
posed by the verdict of two or three jurics. and
by the strong fact. that the murderer by mme-
date flight and other attempts at conccalment,
evinccd a consciousness of guilt. We arc. new
ertheless, sorry that an appeal to the clemency
of Gov WRIGHT, of New York. has proved inct-
lectual. We find the following correspondence
in the n. Y. Express of Saturday. Freeman
will be executed on Thursday next, the oath
inst.
AuBrRN, August II, 1916
Dear Sr-Wilam Freeman, negro, lies in the
Jail of this county under sentence of death tor the crime
| OF murder
acted as his counsel on the solicitation of humane
| persons who believed him to be insane. | believe him
absolutely and hopccss.y Insane, sinking from mono
mania into demcntia. believe he was II luna,c, and
committed his crimes under the influence of an insane
delusion. Thus believing it seems to be duty APP
peal to you for pardon TO the convict,
The grounds oimy opinion are the same which were
leave therefore. to transmit herewith copy Of my
gumcnt on the trial.
You will of course know what allowance should be
made for my preudices and my zeal as counsel, and
will know how much confidence ought to be reposcd
IN the verdict of the Jury My own duty is finished
when express to YOU my sincere conviction OF the
truth of the plea which rnsuccessluly maintained
Fully believing that the subject will engage your
most dispasslonate consideration.
nave the honor to BE-
Your Excelencys obedicnt servant,
WILLIAM II. SEWARD.
His Excclcncy, Silas Wright,
Governor OF the State of New ork.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, !
Albany, 9TH Sept. 1916.
Dear SirOn my return to the City on the 22d ult
found letter of the Eth, relating to the OF
William Freeman, and the copy of your printed argu
mcnt which accompanied the letter A large share OF
INV time since my return has been devoted to the ex-
animation OF the reports from the Judge, and the other
papers connected with this case, and have come to
the conclusion that there is nothing i'll the testimony to
warrant me in everything the vcrdicts OF the two
iurics finding the fact OF sanity The is painful
in every aspect of it, and yet it would have been
pleasant my feelings to find i'll my power, consist
emily with my sense Of duty To save this man from the
awful fate impending over him read your argument
with attention and deep interest, but did not find in
i, matter obvatc the force OF the testimony upon the
other side and the verccts the two jures
am very respectfully,
Your obcdicn, servant,
SII.AS WRIGHT.
/ His Excplency William RI Seward &c