The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-12-17
WHOLE No. e46

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what is to be the period or extent of that
confinement.
| did intend to advert at some length
to the nature of the testimony, as well
as the circumstances upon which the
verdict of the ury was founded, but "A
little reflection ConvInces me that it
would be an idle waste Of time, alike
useless and unnecessary. Yet | cannot
resist the impression, that it was found
ed less on the strength of testimony,
than upon other eXtraneous and irrele-
want matter that was nsidiou>ly made
q operate against me. Your Honor
knows that the felony was not traced to
me by any reliable facts preventive
property was not found in my possess
sion-nor was it shown that had ever
claimed it, SO far from it, the witness
from New York, upon whom the prose.
cution chiefly relied, stated distinctly
that he did not even know whether |
had horse in New York at all. And
your Honor knows also, that references,
unless legi,ima!ely drawn from clearly
established facts, are utter y inadmissa-
bic in such cases. The jury, however,
has rendered verdict ofguilty, and as it
was given under the solemn responsible
ties of an oath to give a true verdict ac-
cording to the evidence, it Is, at least, en-
titled to some respect; if they have suf.
fered ejudices to usurp the throne of
reason and judgement, they are account
able to higher power, and not to me.
But whether the verdict was Just or
un ust or whether the amount of evil
may have perpetrated in the world be
much or little the effect is the same
for the wreck and desolation of all ear h.
ly prospects is now so complete, that |
have nothing-not even solitary tear
to lose. Consequently, in fixing the
period OF my confnem ent, | would res.
pectlully ask the Court to keep in view
the great object of punishment, and ra-
Their to consider me mass Of inert mat.
ter, through which that object Is to be
attained.
Although am but too sensible, that a
lengthy period will be equivalent to a
sentence for life, yet, if it will effect any
good-it will tend in any degree, how
ever small to suppress the preparation
of evil-if ii will crafty the morbid
cravings, or add pleasure TO any portion
Of this community, then let it be SO, and
| will endeavor to meet and bear it as
best may, for have already drank the
cup of sorrow until its bitterness IS rx-
haus,ed, and will not shrink from the
dregs now to be poured out upon me.
think your Honor will perceive a
world of thought embodied in the remark
when say, that to look on the fair face
of creation is a pleasant sight. This is a
bright and beautiful world from which
am to be separated aud know there
are many kind, benevolent hearts in it.
Our literature is filled with thrilling in
cidrnt where the hardest hearts and
roughes, natures have become like wax,
under the magic touch of kindness-but
for me, can only look on such things
as the starving beggar would look at the
revels of the rich, and turn away with
sickness of heart, and say, these things
are not for me.
For more than twenty years, have
found 1.-THE Journey of life rough and
thorny indeed During all that time,
no friendly hand has been extended to
raise me from the pit INTO which had
fallen no sympathising, encouraging
voice has gladdened my heart, and |
have no hope, no expectations, that it
will be otherwise now. Indeed, ] can
scarcely say that desire it. For it
might touch chord that has ceased TO
vibrate-it might unlock fountain that
| has long been sealed, and it might
create visions never to be realised. And
vet, sir. after all this, still retain the
proud consciousness that am man
that have the feelings, sensible tiles and
affections Of man-and above all sir,
as low as | may have fallen, there is
something here, laying the hand upon
the breast, call it delusion, or what
you will, but which know to have
real, substantial existence, and from
which | would not part for the world.
1t cheers me under all difficulties, and
in this, the darkest and stormicSt hour
Of my life, its paintive voice is heard.
II pointto other times and other scenes
upon which | have to Ell ter, it tells me OF
another tribunal before which must
yet appear, and a glance at myself, as
well as knowledge Of the usual cour>"
Of nature, admonisiles me that the time
is rapidly approaching: and is even W
at the door. And am glad il is 50.
For then, misrepresentation and cal
jimmy will cease to pursue me; and am
taught TO believe, that the rod of the
oppres>or will then be broken, and the
wrongs that have been inllot, d on ,be
downtrodden of this world viii ae re.
vtrsed.
With such feelings, aspirations and
hopes as these, can sa truly, and with