The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-07-01

INTERESTING CASE OF A FALLEN PRIEsr-It will
be recollected, that few weeks ago German
Catholic priest, named Theodore Lawrensen, was
committed for the larceny of watch taken, while
intoxicated from the public house of Mr. Reinhard,
in Third street The venerable appearance Of the
prisoner, and the unusual circumstance of one
plying his position in o,iety being arraigned On
such charge, naturally excited considerable in
terest which was increased when the history of this
extraordinary man became known Eminent coun-
sell in the true spirit of charity, volunteered in his
behalf; but the unfortunate man was inconsolable ;
in the depths of his repentance and despair, he in
sisted upon putting in plea Of guilty, though
the circumstances under which the offence was
committed were such as to leave a doubt as to
whether the property was taken with felonious in
tent, and he had, therefore. reasonable hope Of
acquittal. On Saturday the case was again brought
up, on motion for q withdra wal of the plea. The
court seemed deeply to sympathise with the con-
dtion Of the poor fellow, and listened with great in
terest to the eloquent appeals of counsel in his be-
half. AS the case is one of peculiar interest, We
give below an extract from Mr.. Jennings speech,
which embraces short sketch of the unfortunate
lower Rhine, studied in the Royal Gymnasium Of
Westphalia, graduated in che University OF Bonne
was set apart to the priesthood in Cologne, and in
stalled Parish Priest and Rector of the Gym
nasium in the city Of Cleves. Twenty years
elapsed, in which this old man performed the du-
ties of his vacations with fidelity and with ,ess
when he made pilgrimage to Rome. He car
ried with him letters of recommendation to the
His reception was fattering, and threugh
the good wishes of the potary Of the RO-
man Court, he had the honor of interviews with
Plus the Ninth. From Rome, he came to
Lyons, where he oficiated priest and professor in
a college. Appointed by the Superior Of the House
of Missions in Paris to station at Dubuque, in this
country, he stopped on his journey at st. Louis
BY the advice and direction of the Archbishop of ST.
Louis he accepted the cure of parish in the vic-
nifty Of that city. difficulty occurring between him
and the archbishop, he refused to remain any longer
under his episcopal staff and removed to the diocess of
Chicago. The archbishop gave him the most salts
factory testimonials but, for best known to
himself, afterwards revoked them. Those testi-
monials are in my possession. But Laurensou's
best appeal is the appeal he has put in my hands,
and instructed me to translate.
Translated from the Latin.
Honorable and Venerable Judges-ln my present
most miserable condition condition which have
incurred by violation of the law, agitated by the
profoun lest grief, humbly impore your conside-
did the act charged against me. My mind vas
disturbed and perplexed. Had been myself,
would not have been q supplcant to-day. IL is the
first act of the sort which can be imputed to me;
never have been before judge or before court.
My testimonials, in every relation, are the best,
and my counsel is empowered to produce them.
Most humbly, therefore, and in spirit of the deep
est penitence, beseech the court that they viii
gard, propltiousy and cleme ntly, all the circum-
stances and look upon me, stranger in the midst
OF strangers, ignorant of their language, riendless
and penniless, more in pity than in severity Your
most humble and obedent servant,
L. LAwRENsEN.
the withdrawal Of the plea of guilty Of larceny, and
the substitution of that of guilty Of petty larceny
The prisoner was not sentenced Pittsburgh Conn
mtrciai, June %.