The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-01-01
CONTINUED IN OUR NEXT
Capital Punishment.

a us aOdpitdl IuulSlllllenL aA
In the Democratic Review of No
vember, 1842, there was an account o
the trial of Harry Blake for murder
who was convicted upon circumstan
tial evidence, and hung. About three
months after his death, the Judge whe
presided at his trial, received a nott
from aprisoner under sentence of death
requesting to see HIM without delay, a!
his sentence was to be carried into eff
feet the day following. On his way
thither he overlook an old man walk
ing slowly, who accosted him, and re-
cognized him to be Caleb Grayson, who
had been a witness at Blake's trial, and
had a similar note to his own, but equal.
y at aJloss to know the meaning of the
summons. They both entered the eel
together. The prisoner did not move.
bu, raised his head, when Grayson re.
cognized him, having seen him at a tay.
ern the night before Blakes execution.
and at the gallows. .o..o \, .,sig5 81.
i swell, Judge" said he, III sent to
see ifyou can get me out Of this scrape.
Must l hang tomorrow
The Judge shook his head; .It's idle
to hope-nothing can'preyent yourex-
ecution,"' baa a'a' DO y12 a4 'sdi 'H'F
San application might be made 10
the highest authorities" said the priso-
ner. "Pardons have come sometimes
on the scaffold." -.lo. a7+i gnaa97 .i'i
"None will! come to your ~case,"' re.
piled the Judge; sit is needless for me
to dwell on your offence now, for it was
one that had no palliation, and you may
rest assured, that whatever may have
occurred in other cases, no pardon will
come in yours. In fact, | understand
that an application has been made for
one, by your counsel, and has been re-
fused"
The features of the prisoner under
went no change; nor did the express
sion Of his face alter in the least. But
a moments pause, he said: sis
this true, Judge-upon your honor?"
at is" replied the Judge.
"Then know the worst" replied
the criminal, coldly, sand will now tell
what | have to communicate, which |
would not have done while there was a
hope.of escape. You," said he, turning
10 the Judge, "presided at the trial of
Blake, who was accused of muir
Ter, and sentenced him to DEATH"
81 did," ra,ssrg Il .ss. 5s,-qstt, |
"And you," said he, turning to Gray
son, "were one Of the witnesses against
lin. You swore that you saw him
tab WickliAe. On your testimony
principally he was hung"
81 was" replied the old man. 6"
'aw him with my own eyes, sA l.5as
The prisoner uttered a low sneering
augh, as he said, turning to the Judge:
! "You, sir, sentenced an innocent
man," sd, "A ,e.,ls !, ,.g., az,
i sand YOU" said he, turning to the
ther,, sswore' to a ~falsehood. Harry
Blake did not kill Wickliffe. He was
s Il innocent Of the sin Of murderas you
vere-more innocent than YOU are
!, tworoD DIT ss ,siirpos isies19t am s5jfj2
The old man staggered as if he had
cen struck, and leaned against the ia,
lie to support himself, while the con-.
eemned felon stood opposite him, look
,g al him with, an, Indifferent ali.
old man. said he sternly, /,
you have blood and perjury onnyour /
ool, fof !. ~ said be, stepping forward,
} that the light ot the lamp iell strong
1,dnta sis6 d 1880 tiai d3iar asis. ,