The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-15
Death Of rssvvss, tAs Convict.

IRON the hArtI0rn times, July
II. n. Howes, of New Milford, who was sent TO
State prison for ten years, on charge of attempt
ing TO kill sch ,olmistress In his neighborhood,
died in the prison ct Wethershed on Sunday after
noen last. He had been confined about two years.
Howes was Q mild, inonensve young man, about
II years OF year at the time Of his sentence. He
had always lived upon his fathers farm, upon the
side Of the mountain, and his knowledge Of the
world was some .hat limited. The schoolmstress
boarded in bis fathers family, and received the at
tentions Of Howes for time; but finally, on remov-
ing to an adjacent district, she wrote him letter
cutting OF further intimate relations This troubled
Howes, and he became gloomy and Responding,
schoolroom and demanded 500 In cash or promise
Of marriage. The schoolmistress ordered him to
leave, when he seized her by the hair, and with .
jack knife inflicted several wounds upon her neck
and face. The cuts were not deep, however. He
then rushed out aud jumped into stream OF water,
from which he was taken nearly dead. His trial
and sentence followed. To the day Of his death he
declared that he was never conscious Of his acts in
the schoolhouse nor did he recolect that he plung
ed into the river.
From the time of his imprisonment he declined in
health, until death relieved his suferings Sunday
last, leaving the mere skeleton Of what was once
robust young man. He had ever borne good cha
racter and was respected as youth Of amiable dis
position and steady habits. Hts parents are very
worthy people, and are highly respected.
1t was known several months since that Howes
could not survive long, and certificate to this ef-
feet was procured Of DR.. Ellsworth and the physi.
clan Of the prison. An application, signed by the
jurors who tried him, and many OTHERS was made to
the Legislature for his felSse, on the ground that
his dissase-the consunlptien-was past cure, and
that it would be gratifying to his parents If their
son, an unfortunate, though not malicious or dan
gerous young man, could be permitted to breathe
his last uoder mothers care, and surrounded by
the comforts of home. But there were those in
the Legislature who could see no mitigating circum-
stances in the case OF this YOUTH and demanded the
full extent of the laws aecree-ten years In the
prison. or death within the iron doors. The petition
was refused.
Pending the petition, Howes was much con-
cerDed as to its result. He was fully aware that
his remaining days upon earth were few. But
when 1t was announced that he could not be re-
leased, he became composed, and met his sad fate
manfuly. His mother came to see him in the
prison, and speut several days in the warden's
family. She was overwhelmed with grief on part
ing with him, as both of them well knew, for the
last time.. But Howes,, already in the grasp Of
death, aud unable to stand erect was more calm,
having given up all worldly hopes. He sent his
love TO his relatives and friends and remarked that
he was ready to die, and longei to rest his body
in the quiet grave" sorrowing heart had worn
out constitution naturally robust, and brought
upon him disease that rarely loosens its grasp
upon victim. His death, however, was as quiet
as the sleep Of child.
A short time before he died, he called the chap
lain Of the prison, who had been very kind to him,
and requested that he would accom- pany his body to
the home of his childhood, and leave his remains
safely in the of his parents. The chaplain pro-
missed that he would do so. On Monday morning
be started with the body for New Milford where he
delivered an address to large number Of sympa-
thizing friends Of the family and towns people,
who came focking in from all directions The
chaplain informs US that he never attended fune-
raj where there was such an outburst Of sympathy
and deep feeling as he witnessed on that occasion;
and he returns with the warmest thanks of the peo-
pie Of that region to the officers of the prison. and
to all others who have treated the poor broken
hearted youth in kindly manner.