Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1848-04-08

In one of the retired streets of a popu-
lous country town, lived young linen
weaver, of an upright and pious character,
but exceedingly poor. Himself and his al
fectionate partner were distinguished in the
place for their extraordinary piety. Often,
for weeks together, in the midst Of their
arduous labor, they had nothing to eat but
potatoes and salt. They erdently loved
each other and were cheerful and happy.
Whoever visited this worthy couple, was
delighted with their agreeable society
many gladly partook of their humble fare,
on purpose to enjoy their sweet, religious
conversation.
Once on fine summer evening, a we'll
dressed man called at the door of their hum
BILE cottage, who, after an afectionate salu-
tation, informed the young weaver that he
was travelling TO distant village, but had
missed his way, and that if he would he
KIND enough TO accompany him mile or
two, he would compensate him for his trou-
Bile. The weaver sprang from his seat
and putting on his well-worn but decently
patched garment, undertook to guide the
stranger in his way. They discoursed on
various matters, entertaining each other,
and continued, until it began to grow dark.
when suddenly the stranger drew whistle
from his pocket, and sounded it so loud,
that it sent a cold shuddcr through the
frame Of the linen weaver. In an instant,
ten stout, terrible looking men leaped from
an adjoining hedge, and entered Into car
nest conversation with the stranger, who
appeared to be their chief, respecting the
robbery of ncighboring mill. The cap
tain of the band introduced the linen wca-
yer to them, as newly-favorcd comrade,
not yet Injured TO their business. The un-
happy man fell on his knees, and barred
with most earnest entr5aty TO be released ::
but the ro5ber held a pistol to his breast,
threatening him with instant death if he
refused to comp'y-whcreupon two OF the
stoutest took hold of his arms and walked
away with him. They arrived at the mill
about midnight, and broke it open, while
the captain, in company with several ro':-
bers, remained at distance to watch. But
they had been tracked: the measure of
their iniquity was now full. The captain
and some of the robbers, together with the
linen weaver, were apprchended and i'm
/ prisonaa, h'rt ihn ,aef escaped.
Meantime the wife Of the weaver began
TO be alarmed and distressed; her husband
remained out, and when she found that he
did not return in the morning, her distress
of mind became overwhelming. Her kind
neighbors went in search Of him, but could
hear no tidings. About evening the news
arrived that the mill had been robbed, and
the weaver apprehended with the robbers.
| Her distress now arose to its height. She
| left her children in the care of neighhor,
and proceeded with all possible haste to the
prison. She applied to a magistrate, and
/ gave him as circumstantial an account of
the matter as she knew how, while on her
bended knees she begged and implorcd his
aid for the liberation Of her unfortunate
husband. The magistrate, who felt deep
sympathy for the unfortunate woman, could
do nothing in behalf of her husband, though
he gave her permission to see him.
The meeting which took place was in
descrbable. They raised together their
imploring hands, to the JUDGE of the inno-
cent. The weaver encouraged his wife to
maintain mistaken confidence in God, who,
he assured her, would never abandon them
in the extremity of their trial. They par
ted, mutually strengthened, and humby
resolved to plead with God for happy is
sue.
The government, in consequence OF the
frequent robberies that had recently follow
ed in quick succession, was obliged to en-
force the law with rigor; the poor weaver,
therefore, had no reason TO hope for dis
pensation in his favor, especially as he had
been apprehended in company with the
robbers. But still worse feature in his
case, was the dreadful fact, that the CAP
tain of the band had concerted plan with
his fellows to bring the weaver to the scac
fold, let the consequence be what they
might. On trial, they all affirmed that the
weaver had been with them on other exps-
dltions, naming the times, places, and cir
culnstances. When the weaver pleaded
his innocence, they were 50 daring as to
look him in the face, and ask him if he
were not afraid, in the presence of God, to
utter such falsehoods. Thus matters went
from one court to another, the poor wea-
Y yer having no advocate but his unavailing
/, tears.
AT length the trial was concluded, and
all wera condemned to die. Ii was deci-
ded that the linen weaver should be HANGED
first; and the rest, after witnessing his exc.
cution, were to undergo the same sentence
only with this difference, that their bode,
were to be quartered The verdict hat
= been signed by the prince, and the execu
n ton was to take place within three DAYS
: A deep and universal sympathy was excl
" ted in behalf of the weaver-every one re
garded him as innocent. The clergyman
$ of the place, who well knew his innocence
administered all the consolation in his pow
er, to support him in the trying crisis. Tn
pious man summoned all his strength, an,
:. committed his wife and children to his hea
venly Father. His wife cried incessantl
and fervently to the ALL MeRcIFUI. for de
n, liverance. The day previous to his execu
e ton, she appeared the piteous object of di.
VI tress before the gate of the princes man
f SION, desiring an audience. 1t provideu
A. L