The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-11-10
Her boy, her dear boy, for whom alone
she lived, was branded with felon's
name.
CHAPTER III.


rumor of Everard's guilt. 1 have often
remarked-nnd who noti--that rumor
bears intelligence where no tangible ines
senger has gone. Let great crime be
committed, and in twenty-fcur hours, at a
distance of fifty miles, there will be q vague
and exaggerated report thereof; but how
1t was transmitted thither, none can tell.
Public opinion, as usual thing, where
the question Of guilt or innocence is in
volved, flows atfirst in broad, deep chan
nal. There is universal conviction of
guilt or of innocence. Anon, however,
you will see, without any perceptible cause,
little branches spreading out in many di-
verse directions from the parent stream
The case of Everard was no exception to
the general rule: everybody at first be-
heved him guilty. All, how vain were all
words OF commisseration to that mother,
while the innocence Of her son was doubt
ed! .
Time sped; the term of court at length
arrived at which the prisoner was to be
tried. He was led from his cell, and as
he passed through the assembled crowd.
arm in arm with the sheriff, pale and hag-
gard with grief, many sigh was heaved
by generous hearts, and many doubt of
his guilt expressed. But there were those
whom he had treated kindly, who came
and looked sconfully upon his wo, and
sneered at him as he passed.
Never had the courtroom held so large
an audience before. The crime was com
mitted in one of those quiet, law-abiding
communities where such offences are rare
ly known, and at period of time when
crime was far less frequent in this country
than it is to-day. Hence the universal
interest manifested by the people.
The indictment was read, and the pr-
soner asked for his plea.
"Nor GUILTY." rang through the court
roorc, in clear, full voice.
The witnesses for the Safe were called.
They were but few; David jackson being
the first.
David testified that on the 5th of Sep
tember, the defendant, at the request of
witness. met witness at Mr.. Jacl1son,s barn.
There had been i'll feeling between them;
witness had sent for Everard to make
friends. Everard came; they talked over
their differences, but Evefard manifested
bad blood. He said he hated David and
nj, his family; that David kad Injured him,
end talked about him, and that he would
have revenge. Thereupon, finding him
irreconcieable, he turned upon his heel,
and left defendant standing by the barn.
Within half an hour the barn was seen
to be on fire.
The witness was rigidly cross-examin-
ell, but without any benefit TO the accus-
ed.
Two or three persons were then called
to establish the good character of the de-
fendant. This was effected satisfactorily.
The examination of witnesses was con-
cluded; the case was argued, and the jury
retired to their room.
And where was the mother of Everard
Blakesleyl Overwhelmed by her deep
sorrow, she was Frustrated by illness.-
Many day, and many dreamless night
she had tossed on her pillow, racked with
fever and delirium. Blu. Everard was
ever uppermost in her thoughts. At times
she fancied him at home, as was his wont,
engaged in the labors of the farm. Anon
would burst upon her mind the reality of
his situation, and she would shrek with
very agony of soul. Then, again, she
would fancy it all horrid dream, and
would call his anne, and bid him come TO
her bedside.
Hour after hour passed by, and the jury
came not down. There was terrible sus-
pense in the audience. Public sentiment
was undergoing revul ion, and you might
hear among the people sentiments ike
these:
"Poor Everard," said one, "he was
clever, good-hearted fellow; always ready
to do acts Of kindness to his neighbors."
Another said, ''This is the first charge
that was ever made against him."
A third said, "I didn't like the way
David Jackson testified. He told me q
story very different, and wish had SO
informed Everard's attorney"
The broad channel had diverged in q
multitude Of little streams. But still the
mass believed him guilty.
The jury came in. Multitudes in eager
and breathless haste rusned in TO hear the
verdict The jury had not agreed, and
the prisoner was remanded to Jail.
L have said there was change in pub
lie sentiment, and it was visible Oh every
hand. A few believed him innocent: ma
ny reflected that the evidence was but cir
sumstantial, and they doubted. Others,
again, who believed him guilty, felt COM
passion for his mother, and thus IL was
evident that the majority Of persons de-
sired the prosecution to cease. n
Old farmer jackson was good-heart-
ed man. After the first transport Of ex-
element caused by his loss was passed, he
almost regretted that proceedings had
been instituted. He had known Eyerard
from his infancy; he had known and re-
spected the father and mother of the ac-
cused. What could be donei
He saw the counsel of the State; q con-
oYIIf0fsnss L. =