Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1850-08-01
Select AlisreIlanp.
TEIE MURDERER.
A THRILLING TALE.

A LITTLE more than fifty years ago, man
by the name of Henry Thompson called at the
house of Mr. John Smith, resident in a le-
tired part of England, and requested nights
lodging. This request was readily granted, and
the stranger, having taken some refreshments,
retired early to bed, requesting that he might be
awakened at an early hour the following morn
ing.
When the Servant appointed to call him en-.
tered the room for that purpose, he was found in
his bed, perfectly dead.
On examining his body no marks of violence
appeated, but his countenance looked extremely
natural.
The story of his death soon spread among the
neighbors, and enquiries were made who he
was, and by what means he came to his death
Nothing certain, however, was known. He
had arrived on horseback and was seen passing
through neighboring vllag about an hour be-
fore he reached the house where he came to his
end. And then, as to the manner of his death,
80 little could be dicovered, that the jury which
was summoned to investigate the cause, return.
ed verdict that he died "by visitation of
God" When this was done, the stranger was
buried.
Days and weeks passed on, and little further
was known, The public mind, however, was
not at rest. Suspicious existed that foul means
had hastened the strangers death. Whispers
to that effect were expressed, and in the hearts
of many, Smith was considered as the guilty
man.
The former character of Smith had not been
good. He had lived loose and Irregular life
involved himself in debt by his extravaganza
and, at length, being suspected of having OBJ.
tanned money wrongfulIy he suddenly fled from
the town.
More than ten years, however, had now elaps-
ed since his return, during which he had lived
at his present residence, apparently in good
circumstances, and with an improved character
His former life, however, was now remembered
aud snspicion after all, fastened upon him.
At the expiration Of two months, gentleman
one day stopped in the place for the purpose Of
making few inquiries respecting the stranger
who had been found dead in his bed. He sup
posed himself to be brother of the man. The
horse and clothes of the unfortunate man still
remained, and were Immediately known as hav-
ing belonged to his brother. The body, also
was taken up, and though considerably changed
bore strong resemblance to him.
He now felt authorized to ascertain, if possible
the manner of his death. He proceeded, there
fore, to investigate the circumstances as well
as he WIS able. At length he mad known to
the magistrate of the district the information he
had collected, and upon the strength of this
Smith was taken to Jail to be tried for the vii.
ful murder of Henry Thompson.
:; The celebrated Lord Mansfield was then on
the bench. He charged the Grand Jury to be
cautious as to finding bill against the prisoner
The evidence of his guilt, if guilty, might be
small At future time it might be greater.
more information might be obtained Should
, the Jury now find bill against him, and should
, he be acquitted, he could not bo moested again
: whatever testimony should rise against him.