The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-04-27
Communication OF the Sentence of Wells, at
WashingtOn-Slxetch Of His Life.

Washington correspondent Of the baltimore Sun gives
the following sketch Of the life of Wells whose
ofdcah committed to imprisonment for life on the
ed -
At early hour this morning the instrument of death
in the Jail yard which bud attracted such crowds
taken down. Neither its disappearance, the notices
in the newspapers seemed however, to satisfy all the
people, for during tho whole morning. large groups of
persons corgregateda at various points the jail
The unfortunate William II. Wells has been the victim
Of his instability and intemperance lie born
the 18th January, 1922 lost his mother when he
child and was taken in charge by his grand mother,
pious Baptist lady who sent him to Sabbath and day
schools He first learned the trade of tanner In 1888
he embarked on board the y s. ship Delaware, at Nor
folk and returned home in 1885 He then went to farm
ing but getting tired proceeded to Fannettsburg Penn
syvania, and bound himself to tailor In about two
years he returned to Baltimore and learned the cordwai
ners business and at the end of two years set for him
self. Times grew dull he broke up and proceeded to
Washington city. where, though his means Ii
mited he felt himself to be respectable and respected
himself
He here engaged journeyman with Andrew Hoover.
who paid him regularly at the rate of 81 per daymade
a good deal Of money, and became proud. In view of
getting married il prosperous. he resolved to keep
tavern and accordingly opened Water street in
Georgetown, where he learned to drink and fight
quit the GROCERY and went the Chesapeake and Ohio
cana-found work at the Point of Rocks Thence he
moved over to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad On the
following spring went to Harrisburg Pa and returned
to the shoe busines-soon moved TO Reading, Pain
week sold his clothes. and continued Philalc-
phia where he enlisted in the marine corps in lSt3.
Went to sea in the U. s. ship Lexington. and made n
to Port MahOn. Returned in her to his native
land and then sailed in the U. s. frgate Constitution,
her voyage around the word-dstance, $50 milea
Noticed that he spent two Sundays the day,
Cha, ing touched the equator Sunday) Oh this
age. lie became q good man-inclined to everything
that was right toward God and man. The subject OF
lgion occupied many Of his thoughts and to his
expression he gave his heart to Godrendered
elf useful among his sick shipmates.
In 1876 he returned to Baltimore, and joined the Me
thodst Episcopal Church Of which the Rev Mr. Lnsdcn
was pastor but neglected his religious duties and
fell away Was discharged from the United States
vice. lie then married . worthy and amiable girl, by
whom he had daughter This union lasted three years
when he remarked with deep emotion canary bird
Died then my child died and In about twenty days my wife
died" During these three years he worked ut the shoe
making. After the decease Of his wife he commenced
drinking In which practice he subsequently continued
of to Philadelphia sickness In hospal returned
to baltimore; then to Washington In June 1851 tried
shoemakiDg but his hand out and he could not get
along we'll then proceeded to the garrison in this city,
and enlisted marine.
He solemnly disclaimed any malice or previous
kindness towards the unfortunate young MuRdel his
father So far from it, with the gallows in view and his
fate undecided he attested his regard for both Of them
Besides the above have mass Of highly interesting
matter relative to the unhappy man, which now
Withhold from the public eye. My object Is merely to
show, that Wells had committed any other urcr
(as rmor has stately to caution youth against In
udicous instability in e and to avoid the habitua
Of Intoxicating drinks.
The Marshal of the District accompanied by the Rev.
Mr. Rosser last night proceeded to the cell. and n
nounced TO Wells the Presidents favorable decision in
his case.
Before these gentlemen arrived Webs had clothed him.
self in the garments in which he desired to be executed
Upon learning their Grand he did not 10 be much
elattd but was quite calm. This morning he was con
veyed down to the penitentary.