Daily American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1852, 1852-04-23
RATES OF SUBSCRIPTIONS
Communication OF Punis Inn emit.


Cur readers have been informed by the morn
ing papers that " in the case of Wells, convicted
of murder, and sentenced to be hung to-day, in
this city, the Executive clemency has been so far
extended as to commute the punishment to i'm
prisonment in the penitentiary for life."
This subject has for few days been one Of
absorbing interest in Washington, and last night
became painfully intense. The gallows had been
erected within the enclosure of the Jail; multi
tudes had already gone to see it-many of them
even greedily anticipating the hour of the cul-
prit's death the Marshal of the District, keenly
sensible of the awful task devolving upon him,
had nerved himself for the duty before him; and
all was prepared.
We had, however, encouraged the hope that
there would be q Communication of the penalty;
and when it was understood through the city that
him last evening, new hope arose within the
breasts Of all.
At about nine o'clock the suspense was termi-
mated. The Marshal was appraised by Mr.. Web
ster of the agreeable result, and promptly bore
the Secretary's welcome message of congratula-
ton to the several gentlemen whose earnest and
persevering efforts had been devoted to the cause
of enlightened humanity.
The demeanor of the President and of the Sec
rotary of State during the interviews held with
them by the gentlemen to whom we have alluded,
was truly worthy of them and Of the stations
they occupy. They were profoundly impressed
with the importance of the decision the President
was called upon to pronounce; and although what
was due to the public welfare appeared not for a
moment to be lost sight of, their feelings were
visiby agtated in reference to the fate of the
condemned man.
This morning, at 81 o'clock, the Rev. J. G.
Smith and Mr.. P. G. Pratt waited on the Presi-
dent, according to appointment at their last
interview, not to hear his final determination as
then agreed upon, but to thank the President for
his merciful interpostion. Gentlemen" he
said with emphasis and emotion, "you have aided
me to behold this matter in its true light, and
heartily thank you" In their interview yester-
day afternoon, the Rev. ]. G. Smith presented to
the President letter, which We have obtained for
publication. 1t is as follows:
His Ezcsilency, WILLARD FnIMoEE,
President of the United States:
SIN: We whose names are hereto appended
ministers of the gospel, spend lives in asking
God through our Lord Jesus Christ, TO PARDON
MEN, lost in sin and condemned TO DEATH by his
holy and righteous law. We have often rejoiced
to have these requests granted, and have had
much occasion to bless God in the evidences fur
nished of that pardon in a life devoted to truth
and religion.
We come now to O fellow-man. We are all
sinners. We united in fervent prayer before we
came TO your Excellency, and being here, we ask
for q COMPUTATION of the sentence Of death
under which William Wells will be executed to-
morrow, unless our honored Chief Magistrate in
terpose the Executive clemency
The acquaintance the last two signers have
with Wells has been made by his condemnation.
The first two Of us have never seen him. Indeed,
being q marine he was an isolated man. But
having examined the testimony, and conscien-
tously believing that this is not a of murder
with malice aforethought we respectfully ask the
communication, and are persuaded that theAest in
terest OF our community will be most effectuay
subserved by the confinement Of Wells in the
penitentiary.
There may have been ut the time Of the tria
some desire to have Wells hanged; but We beg
to assure the President that that desire is nov
in comparatively few breasts, and that q commu
tation would DO hailed with gratitude by th'
virtuous and the good.
We have admired The Jfrnnes with which oul
honored Chief Magistrate has administered the
laws in very difficult and trying cases. Fla
justitia ruat colum" In such case as this the
President will honor both his mind and heart in
extending favor. Truth is never so beautiful as
when blended with mercy, nor frmness as when
gilded with compassion.
In addition to the petition presented by Gen.
Henderson and the officers Of the Marine Corps
and that handed in by ourselves yesterday, VIC
now respectfully present the accompanying
The Redeemer Of men authorizes sdrnestness anC
imporfunity when we come before Him for pardon
and the favors Of grace; and we are very certain
that the President will appreciate our motive,
and efforts in behalf Of poor, miserable
wretched fellow-sinner, condemned to death.
We have prayed that God may lead you to de
eide Alright; and We can say, not as On empt,
form, but with oil our hearts, "and we will eve
pray for the blessing of our Covenant God, "a
In duty bound"
JOHN C. SMITH,
Pastor Of Fourth Presbyterian Church.
VIM. HAMILTON,
Pastor of McKendree IN. e. Chapel.
LEO. R0SSER,
pastor ~ NJ T. Cburcb South