Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1853-10-29
Patrick NscEGeeVer.


Patrick was poor Irshman in Phitadclp1
He and another man were arrested on a charge
Of burglary, convicted, and sentenced TO lc
hung. am ignorant of the details of his crime,
or why the sentence was not carried into exc
cutlon. There were probably some pailiatirT
circumstances in his case; for, although he was
carried to The galIows, seated on his coffin, he
was spared for some reason. and his companion
was hung He was afterwards sentenced 10
ten years imprisonment and this was cyent,~
ally shortened one year. During the last thrc"
years Of his term, Friend Hopper was one of
the inspectors, and frequently talked with him
in gentle, fltherIy manner, The convict Wa.
a man of few words, and hope seemed almost
dead within him. but though he made no large
! promises, his heart was evidently touched by
the voice Of Kindness As soon as he was re-
leased, lie went Immediately to work at his
trade Of tanning leather, and conducted himself
in the most exemplary manner. Being remar-
kable for capabity, and the amount Of worl;
| he could accomplish, be soon had plenty of en-
poyment. He passed Friend Hoppers house
| every day, as he went to his work, and often
received from him words of friendly cncour-
| agement.
| Things were going on thus satisfactorily,
when his friend heard that constabes were in
| pursuit Of him, on account Of q robbery COM
mittcd the night before He went straight to
the Mayor, and inquired why orders had been
given to arrest Patrick McKeever
"Because there has been robbery commit
ted in this neghborhood," replied the magis-
trate
He inquired what proof there was that Pa
trick had been concerned in it.
"None at ALL re- Joined the Mayor. "But lie
is an old convict, and that is enough TO con-
dcmn him.
1T is not enough, by any means" answered
Friend Hopper. "Thou hast no right to arrest
any citizen without shadow of proof against
him. In this case, advise thee by all means
to proceed with humane caution. This man
has severely atoned for the crime he did com
nit; and since he wishes so reform, his past
history ought never to be mentioned against
him. He has been perfectly honest, sober and
industrious, since he came out of prison. !
think know his state of mind; and am will
lug to take the responsibility of saying that he
IS guiltless in this matter
The Mayor commended Fread Hopper's be-
nevoence, but remained unconvinced To ali
arguments he replied, "He is an old convict, and
that enough"
Patrick's kind friend watched for him as he
passed to his daily labor, and told him that he
would probably be arrested for the robbery
that had been committed in his neighborhood.
The poor fellow bowed his head, the ght van
ished from his countenance, and hope seemed
to have forsaken him utterly.
SWELL" said he, with deep sigh, u suppose
must make up my mind to spend the remain
der of my days in prison"
"Thou vert not concerned in this robbery,
vert thou!' inquired Friend Hopper, looking
earnestly in his face.
"No, indeed was not" he replied. "God be
my witness, want to lead an honest life, and
be at peace with all men. But what good will
that do me! Everybody will say he has been
in the State Prison, and that is enough"
His friend did not ask him twice. for he felt
assured that he had spoken truly. He advised
him to 60 directly to the Mayor, deliver himself
up, and declare his innocence. This whole
some advice was received with deep dejection.--
He. had lost faith in his fellow-men; for they
had been to him as enemies.
Il know what will come of it," said he
"They will put me in prison whether there is
any proof against me, or not. They won't let
me out without somebody will be security for
me; and who will be security for an old con-
vict?'
"Keep up good heart" replied friend Hop
per. "Go to the Mayor, and speak as have
advised thee. If they talk of putting thee in
prison, send for me-"
Patrick acted in obedience to this advice, and
was treated just as he had expected. Though
there was not a shadow of proof against him,
his being an old convict was deemed sufficient
reason for sending him to Jail.
Friend Hopper appeared in his behalf
Il ready to affirm that believe this man
to be innocent" said he. "It will be very Sc
rious injury for him to be taken from his busi,
ness, and detained in prison until this can be
proved. Moreover, the effect upon his mind
may be completely discouraging. will DO
security for his appearance when called for; and
know very well that he will not think of Civ
ing me the slip"
The gratitude of the poor fellow was OVER
whelming. He sobbed till his strong frame
shook like a leaf in the wind. The real culprts
were soon after discovered. For thirty years
after, and to the day Of his death, Patrick con-
tinued to lead virtuous and useful life; for
which he always thanked Friend Hopper, as
the instrument of Divine Providence.--Lite Of
HOpper.