Washington sentinel., 1854-04-30
Trm fhs sasxsrtiss Telegraph, AprIl -.
A nnxercnd srnundreI.

Reverend scoundrei.
IL will be seen Ia another column that the
oonncil Of the bishop church, held in this viii
lago on Wednesday last, has deposed Rev. J.
n. johnson from the gospel ministry and mem
bership IN the church. He was pastor Of tho
Baptist congregation hero for several years,
aud, during the former part OF that connexion,
cxerted q good influence, and was much es-
ioemed. On the ilh day Of last August, him
sch. wife, aud two small children took sail
up the creek, aud, before their return, she and
the youngest child were drowned. He stated
that, having landed on the shore to pick some
berries, they again embarked, his wife stepping
into the boat with the youngest child in her
arms, that he pushed the boat from the shoreand
stepped In HIMSELF when she stumbled and fell
overheard, and, in endeayoring 10 save her, lie
Too iell into the water, and that, ailcr some
struggling there they became separated; that
be finally reached bottom, where he could
stand aud then discovered his wife some eight
feet from him in deep water, and the infant
further of. lie ran for help to the nearest
house. over half mile distant aud returned
la about thirty inmates, when she was found
dead and tioating near the shore. Great SYM
paihy was manifested for him on account Of
this affiction.
Shortly afterwards various rumors were afloat
questioning the truth Of his statement in regard
20 the death Of his wife, which we're caused by
his own subsequent misconduct. Whether she
came TO her death as he alleged, is a matter
upon which people may form their own opin-
ions, taken In connexion with his conduct be.
fore and aiterward, but upon which no direct
testimony can be produced, as no one except
himself was witness.
After the death Of his wife, certain intima-
os.H
considerable talk and il was discovered that
last summer, before his wife's decease, they had
visited Saratoga springs together, which, how
ever, was not discovered until afterwards. He
had formerly been pastor Of n Baptist church in
Henderson, Jefferson county, and, during the
winter and spring, il was found that while there
he was ON terms too intimate with one or two
young women, which facts were communicated
TO the Baptist church here, and an invesgation
called for in Henderson, at which he was in
vited to be present This was accepted, and he
appeared in his defence but so stubborn we're
the facts presented, that he only entangled him
self by talking. and was advised 10 sit down by
one OF the council and call it oil bad, bad, bad
This evidence was communicated to the church
here, and council convened to act in the
matter. He was notified, but did not appear
and gave some excuse, whereupon the council
proceeded. The evidence from the church at
Henderson was read, but not being present, we
had TO learn from others what Il consisted OF,
the substance Of which is given above. II
tended, IL did notdrectly, to prove him guilty
Of adultery.
In the afternoon we were present, when the
Rev. Mr.. Hughes, of Lansingburgh, informed
the council that within few months the young
woman referred TO from this village attended
the seminary in that place, and that one day,
during the absence Of Mr.. Hatch, the princi
pal, she requested of his daughter, the precep-
tress, TO be absent, saying that Mr.. Johnson,
who was then at n seminary, wished TO accom-
pany her to Troy, where he had left two cousins
| who we're desrnus of seeing her. Miss Hatch
refused to let her 90, but she left without per-
mission, and did not return until the next day.
She was brought TO account by the principal,
who inquired where she had stayed during the
night, but she said she did not know. Inquiry
was made in Troy without avail, and the truth
was finally obtained by stratagem. The young
woman was induced to believe that she had
been detected, and acknowledged that they had
lodged together at the Mansion House in Troy,
where Illicit intercourse had transpired between
them. She was dismissed from the seminary,
and returned home.
The council was composed OF seven minis
ters and a large number OF laymcn; and when
the question was put, guilty" or not guilty
of the fornication charged, there was unani-
nous vote in the affirmative. We deeply regres
that the facts warrant this conclusion, and that
man so capable of usefulness should be found
so corrupt and hardened in iniquity. That he
should have the hardihood to occupy the pulpit
and preach the pure doctrines Of the Gospel,
and at the same time be engaged in concocting
licentious schemes, shows him to be villain Of
no ordinary stamp, and as such we feel justified
in publishing him to the world.