The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-08-18
pom the Ohio Statesman.
"a TIFE,S AFFECTION.

:
"a TIFEsS AFrECrIoN.o
Unde, {his head the Southern papers
pub,isx the following affecting letter iiom
Mrs. lCRlsT, to her unfortunate husband.
Such a wife, surely, deserved a better fate.
The heart must be made Of stone that
could read this letter without melting with
the deepest agony. We had just read
private letter from Mobile. speaking Of this
and other letters from Mrs. c., that pro-
duced the deepest sympathy in her behalf,
both for their devoted affection and the
beauty and simplicity of style. 1t has
been truly said that this letter affords
touching illustration of woman's love:
From the Mobile Tribune.
CLEVELAND, April 7. 1852.
Nh Dearest Husband-I have been
very miserable since they took you away.
When you were here, and could have
the happiness Of seeing my own darling
sometimes, | was better satisfied; but now
my heart is almost crushed. They have
torn you from me so suddenly and unex.
pectedly, that can hardly realize my sill
uation. Can it be possible that we are
never to meet again on earth! Oh, my
darling! it has been but two short years
since we stood at the altar, surrounded by
our friends. and we the happiest Of the
happy-and since that dearest. we have
enjoyed each others society so much! and
now that this dreadful sorrow should de-
scend upon our heads, 10 crush our future
hopes-Oh, my Godl no wonder cannot
realize my miserable situation But
must not give way in this manner. |
promised you that would not give up un-
ill they proved you guilty. | hope they
will never do that. | cannot believe that
YOU would commit so horrible crime as
you are charged with. One who has AL
ways been so kind to his family and friends.
and always so tender-hearted, could new
or raise his hand against his fellow man,
unless in self-defence. But the one who
murdered "Nye" did not do that; so it
cannot be my darling husband. No,
never, never!
But, dearest, if you DID commit that
crime. | beg Of you, as husband and
father, TO tellme, before you die so that
can be better satisfed for, Oh, God
knows, that if they hang an innocent man,
and | should be convinced of the fact, my
reason would depar, forever, and they
would have the blood OF two innocent per-
sons to answer for. But if you are hung.
and confess that you are guilty. then |
would be better satisfied, because could
not blame them for doing their duty-al-
though shall never feel any different TO-.
ward you than do at present; for you
have always been 10 me kind, beloved
husband. cannot feel uught for you but
love and respect. whether you live or die
but, as said before. can't believe you
guilty, until they prove you such and
hope you will convince them OF your in
nocence, so that we may meet again and
continue to live happily together in this
world-and when we die, that we may
be joined together in Heaven. is the pray
er of your once happy but now really
afflicted wife.
| presume Andrews did not 60 with you,
but presume he will 60 down immediate
ly and do his best towards having the mat
ter thoroughly investigated. | had nc
idea that McGibbony would leave so sud-
denly. lie promised 10 let father kno"
when he was going, but instead of doing
as he should have done, he went off with
out one article of clothing for you. pre-
sumo he was afraid they would mob hin
for shooting Fuller. | intended sending
your clothes down that morning, when the
word came that you were gone. You lei
word 10 send them to Cincinnati, but Nc
Gibbony said he intended to stop nt Gin
cinnati over Sunday. so there was no us'
in sending them there.
After Clarence had gone 10 sleep las
night he opened his eyes and called papa
as though he had been dreaming of you
/ told the dear little angel that papa hat
gone away. lie went to sleep again, AM
presently he opened his eyes again, ant
called, papa! papa! 1t made me feel s
sorrowfully could not sleep. 1t a!mos
kills me to think that perhaps we may rev
or see you again. Dearest, pray ever
night that God would forgive your sins
and receive you in Heaven, if it is to b
your fate to die-which | also pray it ma
not be. hope the jailor will be kind
you, and let you write to me often. hav
not heard one word from you yet, but
presume il is not your fault. know yo
will write to me if you can.
We are all well, and | hope you ar
the same. Mother and Maria do not be
lieve you guilty. They send their love t
you. Accept my whole love, dearest.
am so overcome with sorrow, that ca
write no more to-day. Good night Ma
we meet again soon. God bless you, an
keep you safe.
From your dearest, faithful wife,
LUCRETIA CRIST.