The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-09-22
Court OF General Sessions.
Before Recorder Smitl

Before Recorder Smith.
ENTBNcE OF WILLIAM sCHARFENBERG FOR THE
AUhDkk OF HELENA MEYERS-FIRST DEATH SEN
TENCE IN THIS COURT.
Yesterday morning. at II O'clock the unfortunate Ger
nan, William Scharfenberg, who found guilty on
tuesday last the murder ofieena Meyers in the montl
y September, 1854, by stabbing her with knife was
before his Honor Recorder Smith for sentence
ongbefcre the opening Of the Court the court
rowded and many gathered the stairway and around
he outer DOORS discussing the matter among them
he company were mostly Germans, friends acquain-
ances OF the prisoner among them many females
me prisoner was brought into Court at IL O'Clock pre-
isey dressed as he had been during the trial In suit
black. His appearance generally was but little
changed indicating that ne did not fully appreciate the
wful situation in which he is placed. Beside slight
lush in the cheeks there other evidence that he
vas at al concerned about his condition.
ihe Recorder took his seat AZ ten minutes past II
pon the prisoner William scharienbcrg, the convicted
ordered to stand up to receive the sentence of
Court.
The Recorder asking the prisoner what he had to say
hy the sentence Of the Court should not passed
Upon him. his counsel,
Mr.. II. L. Clinton, spoke follows:-On behalf OF VIM
charfenberg lam requested by him say that no one can
regret with more piercing anguish heartfelt sorrow
han himself the terrible tragedy Of which he stand,
convicted. He has nothing to add in addition to VIA
mas been already urged his behalf except TO asseye
ate most solemnly he has recollection c any OF tn
vents OF mat memorable day, which terminated in til ,
ieath Of the unfortunate Helena Meyers. On my own
behalf would ask the Court TO designate the latest day
PeiIHt enforcement oil the sentence
oroer TO enable me to take the requisite steps to
he life of my client.
The Recorder asked If the prisoner understood the
English language.
Mr. Clinton answered that he understood the drift of
discourse, but not able to carry a converse
ion in English But this he thought would be no obiec
lion against the delivery Of the sentence in English
The Recorder then delivered the following
SENTENCE
William Scharfenberg, you have been convicted of the
Crime OF murder, which In all civilized nations is punished
With death The evidence in your clear as
ustice to establish this crime The only defence set up
by your counsel was that you were In liquor and not
competent to judge of acts The jury who upon
the case found that this not true and the court
Eoncde with the jury in that finding The law says that
For that death which you have inflicted you shall de-
law must be carried out however painful that may be
0 the court and jury 1t is only by enforcing the laws
society protects Itself against such assassns as
nave proved yourself TO be- On your part there Is
excuse for this act. You had right to from
|the hearts Of vrtuous beings Viz her was only
|nnme. You must have had enough to know this
nd therefore II could only have been for the qualification
of momentary passion that you allowed Jealousy To
rule you, and nerve you for this fatal blow 1t is now
my duty to you that the hopes very slight that
you will escape the penalty which the court inHcts
Ihe jury are apt to recommend to mercy they have
n this case. You must remember that this Is only
Recommendation, and you warned not to place upon
az too much reliance. Reflect that you have but
short time to i've You must prepare for DEATH In the
few days remaining to you prepare for the awful doom
which awaits you. The sentence of the court is that
you be taken back to the place from whence you came
there to remain until the 10th day Of November next
and on that day to be hanged by the neck till you
dead.
The Clerk then read the death warrant to Sheriff Orser
and gave the prisoner into his custody according TO the
requirements Of the law.