The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-11-20

Sentence Of the SQUIRT on Louis De Corn.
While the jury in the case of Hoare were in de.
liberation, the District Attorney moved the sentence
Of the court Louis De Corn convicted of the man
slaughter Of Eugene Melville
The Clerk asked the prisoner what he had to say
why the sentence Of the law should not be passed
Louis De Corn then read the following statement,
in French: -
MIR. DE coRNs STATEMENT
never had any improper relations with Mrs. Mel
vile. was the friend both of the husband and of
tine wife. After the separation Of Mrs. Melville from
her husband, learned that Melville was continually
threatening my life, and knew that he considered
me the cause Of that separation. His arrangement
from nae proved it, and consequence of that and of
bis character and his threats, thought it necessary
to arm myself, fearing that should be attacked by
him in one Of his fits of insane passion. On entering
my store on the morning in question, met Melville
advancing towards me. / spoke to him. Then |
had with him large cane 1t was the first
time had ever seen him carrying one 10 New York.
Upon seeing shis / became terrified, and went
quickly 70 the other side Of the passage. Mel
open letter, saying to me read Thinking that it
letter from his we's lawyer informing him OF her
intended proceedings for a divorce, which knew
that she was going TO take, and fearing to take my
eyes of from him lest he should strike me blow un
awres, did not take the letter, Upon this Mel
ville's fury broke out. lie charged me with having
advised his wife TO leave him, and with having as
sisted her to execute that purpose At these words
answered ce ~ est pas cra,r ct is not trae).
But he continued without listening to me-" You are
Q scouDdrel / will have your blood ~ Saying
which he raised his cane over ny head, grasped by
the middle, and ran from bin to avoid the blow.
to take refuge in the only part Of the store where
could have any assistance that Is to say, in the
packing room, the door Of which is about twelve feet
from the spot where we were previously standing.
Upon reaching the deor-sill OF the packing room |
stopped and took out my pistol from my pocket, and
upon turning round perceived Melville close by the
door still in the position Of attack, his eyes
flashing, bis cane still raised. | saw before me an
nfurated man on the pc OF precipitatiny himself
upon me, who with blow could kill me, and
supposed that his cane confined q spring blade.
Upon this lost all presence Of mind and fired upon
him at random then terrified at the act I rushed
into the street, utterly cut of my mind Unfortu.
natey for me, the conversation with Melville was in
French, and Steamer could not understand it. The
Jury have convicted me Of mansaughter. and to
their verdict honestly gwen bow with resignation
and submissions but before God and to the people Of
this country, where as q stranger | have found
home, sole nnly declare that thought Of injury to
the. man never entered my breast. That had been
his friend and benefactor when all others deserted
him. and that nothing but the extreme necessity Of
the case and the fesr produced by his assault, tha
my life was in danger, 0ccasoned the lamentable re-
spls, which whatever may be my future fate, shall
nsver cease TO deplore 70 the latest hour Of my life.
LOUIS De CogS.
Judge EDWARDS. then addressing De Corn, said
Louis De Corn, you were indicted aad put upoo