Daily American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1852, 1852-04-23
Communication OF Punishment.

Com alton or Punis hment.
Our readers have been informed by the morn
ing papers that Gin 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
prsonment in the penitentiary for life"
This subject has for few days been ono of
absorbing interest in Washington, and last night
became painfully intense. The galows 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-
prits 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 communication of the penalty;
and when it was understood through the city that
the President had called his counsellors around
him last evening, a new hope arose within the
breasts of oil.
At about nine o'clock the suspense was termi-
mated. The Marshal was apprised by Mr.. Web
ster of the agreeable result, and promptly bore
the Secretarys welcome message of congratula-
ton to the several gentlemen whose earnest and
perseverng efforts had been devoted to the cause
of enlightened humanity.
The demeanor of the President and ofthe 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
,roJ ! o1f hot
was due to the public welfare appeared not for
moment to be lost sight of, their feelings were
visibly agitated in reference to the fate Of the
condemned man.
This morning, at 81 o'clock, the Rev. ]. c.
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 interposition. 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. J. C. Smith presented to
the President letter, which We have obtained for
publication. 1t is as follows:
His Ercslency, WILLARD FILLMORE,
President Of the United States:
SIR: We whose names are hereto appended,
ministers of the gospel, spen6our 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 q life devoted to truth
and religion
We come now to fellow-man. We are all
tod in We
came to your Excellency, and being here, we ask
for 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-
tiously believing that this is not case Of murder
with malice aforethought, we respectfully ask the
communication, and are persuaded that theabest in
terest OF our community will be most effectually
subserved by the confinement Of Wells in the
penitentiary.
There may have been at the time of the trial
some desire to have Wells hanged but we beg
to assure the President that that desire is now
in comparatively few breasts, and that q commu-
tation would be hailed with gratitude by the
virtuous and the good
We have admired The Jfrmness with which our
honored Chief Magistrate has administered the
laws in very difficult and trying cases. "Fiat
justitid ruat celum" 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, we
now respectfully present the accompanying
The Redeemer of men authorizes edrnestness and
opportunity when we come before Him for pardon
and the fayors Of grace; and we are very certain
that the President will appreciate our motives
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 an empty
form, but with all our hearts "and we will ever
pray for the blessing of our Covenant God, "a,
in duty bound"
JOHN C. SMITH,
Pastor Of Fourth Presbyterian Church.
WIN. HAMILTON,
Pastor of McKendree On. E.) Chapel.
LEO. ROSSER,