The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1847-12-30
ClRcuMsTANTIAL EVIDENCE.

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ClRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE.
IN the Democratic Review for No, en-
ber, 1912, there was IN account Of the tri
81 Of Harry Dlake, for murder, who wa
convicted upon circumsfantial cridencc an,
hung. About three months after his death
the Judge who presided at the trial, receiv
Cd note from q prisoner under sentence
Of death. requesting tn sec him without de-
lay, rs bis sentence was TO be carried into
effect the day following. On his way
thither he overlook an old man walking
slowly, who accos.cd him and recognized
him 10 DO Caleb Grayson, who Ind been a
witness ut BIake's trial, aud had similar
note Of his own, but equally ut loss TO
know the meaning Of the summons. They
both entered tho cell together. The pris-
oner did not move, but only raised his head,
when Grnyson recognized having seen him
at tavern tho night before Blake's cxecu-
ton and at the gallows.
We'll, Judge said he, Il sent for you to
see e you can't get me out OF this scrape.
Must hang tomorrow
The Judge shook his head; dts idle to
hope, nothing can prevent your execution
An application might be made to the
highest authorities said tho prisoner
sPard0ns have come sometimes even on the
scsffold.'
None will come in your case,' replied
the Judge; it is needless for me to dwell
On your offence now, but it was one that
had no palliation, and YOU may rest nssu.
rcd, that whatever may have occurred in
other cases, no pardon will come in yours
IN fact, ] understand that nn application
Ass been made for one, by your counsel,
and has been refused
The features Of the prisoner underwear,
no change; nor did the expression Of his
face alter in the least. But utter n mo-
ment's pause, he said: is this true, Judge
upon you honor2'
1T 10, replied the Judge.
then ! know the worst replied the
criminal, coldly, 'and will now tell what
have to communicate, which ! would not
have done, while there WINS hope Of cs
cape. You,' said he, turning TO the Judge,
presided at the trial Of young Harry Blake,
Who was accused Of murder, and sentenced
him 70 DEATH
u did,
And you,' said he turning 10 Grayson,
swere one Of tho witnesses against him.
You sworc that you saw him stab Wick.
life. On your testimony principally, he
wss hung
Il was replied tho old man; 4 saw him
with my own eyes,
The prisoner uttered low sneerins
laugh, rs he said, turning TO the Judge
you, sir, sentenced an innocent man.
And you,' said he turning to the other,
sswore 70 falschood. Harry Bake did
not kill Wcklific. lie was Us innocen, oi
the sin Of murder as YOU wcre-more inno-
cent than you are now
The old man staggered az if he hid been
strucs, and leaned against the table 10 sup
port himself, willis, the condemned ielnn
stood opposite him, looking 1t him with n
cold indifferent mir.
Yes, old man. said he sterny, .yon have
blood and perjury on your soul, for l, l.
said 10 stepping forward, SO that the ligh,
Of the lamp felt strongly upon his savage
features, Il murdered William Wickllfic! |
did il! Thank God | did il, inr hid long
score 10 settle with him. BIT Blake had
no hand il. met Wickliflc on tina. after.
neos, alone-wilh none TO Interfere be.
tween rs. told him ol the injuries he had
done me, end told him that the time was
come for redress. lie cndcavorcd to es
cape; but followed him up; grapplct
With him, and stabbed him. As did SO,
heard the clutter Of horses boot, md leap
"a into clump Of bushes, which grew nI
the roadside. At that moment Blake
cams up. and found Wcklifie lying dead
Il tho road. You know the rest. Tho
tale he told was true rs tho gospel. II,
wss only attempting 10 draw the knife from
the man's breast, when you cam, up an,
char1cd him with the murderr
sGood God! Can this be possibler enc
uaased the old man. 1T cannot! Villain
you arc liar.'
Il don't believe it; don't believe it" on
claiussd Grayson, pacing the cell, m
vringing his hands sGod in mercy gran
shal Il may be false! that this dreadful 81
10y not bo upon men
9he prisoner sat down, mud looked ut ID
Jed and the witness with . calmssa