New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-02-08

was the first difficulty Of the hind 10 tbs shop 81 the
blame wac placed upon bennett's shoulders, and be
was promptly discharged He then resumed his old
trade Of picking pockets, which be has been plying
| industriousy ever since.
| Bennett wal q shrewd man, possessed with strong
mind, but his education neglected. beng only
able TO read and write. He says he male It q pnnci-
pie all his life TO only steal money, in order that he
might escape detection. lie violated this rule only
twice the last time TO satisfy McCarey, who urged
that poor Mullen's watch be taken.
He acknowledges having perpetrated numerous
thefs and burglares but says be never Designed to
take blood and 10 the last moment most solemnly
severated that be innocent of the murder of Mu
len--sud are inclined TO believe, from all the at
tending circumstances, that his statement is true. In
1851 be committed burglary near The Poydrasstreet
Market, New-0rleans, and near the same place be
picked the pockets of a man, whom be Knocked down
10 avoid detection. lie intended only to stun him, but
The man fell aud lay as il dead. lie took bis pocket
book and secreted himself for several days TO avoid
the police. He examined the daily papers closely, but
could see no notice of the robbery or Of the man he
injured lie feared he had killed him, and Il was 70
this be alluded when he expressed fear that be could
not reach heaven as the Bible said no murderer hath
eternal life in him."
In 1882 lust after his return from New-Oreans, be,
with two other men, robbed an irish sailor near the
very spot where he was Yesterday hung. One Of his
associates in the crime dead and the other X now
in this city. He would not tell his name a. no proof
could now be procured TO convict him. and 10 diyuge
il would do no good Shortly after this be was
rested for an attempted burglary and was sent the
work house for year. but made his escape in twenty
DAYS.
He protested that Gray, who is now in Jail, had
nothing to do with the robbery of Mullen, and knew
nothing of it until after it had occurred He acquts
both Gray and McCarty of having killed Mullen. He
bore himself yesterday up to the moment Of execu-
ton bravey-being entirely calm and collected He
had no hard thoughts for the Judge and Jury-Said
thew could not have done otherwise than convict him
from the evidence before hem and felt that, although
innocent OF the crime for which he had TO stone, ne
still deserved his fate.
Tie Rev. Mr. Adams took deep interest in his
case and visited him frequently, and had long CONVEX
sations with him. From the first he was anxious for
spiritual advice, and the Bible and bymn-book which
were given him. bear evident marks of having been
well studied day or two since he remarked that ne
had no evidence in his mind that he would receive
mercy from the Savior Of mankind but yesterday
morning he remarked that his mind at rest and he
felt that he would die happy. Whenever prayers were
offered up for him he always wept bitterly, and he
said Yesterday that whenever he thought of Christ
diving 10 save sinners like him. his heart swelled and
be could not restrain his tears.
He seems TO bave been peculiarly soicltous to have
his memory relieved from the charge Of murder, aud
almost his last words after the cap had been drawn
over his face, were: Does any one here believe me
innocent He was about twenty.t years old. lie
communicated facts in rotation to himself which
he did not wish made public, as II might lnure the Nv
ing, and do no good.
The interview with his wife and child before going
TO the place of execution was deeply affecting. His
wife is left entirely destitute, and, with child OF
twenty months in her arms, is again on the eve OF
confinement. We are glad to hear her case has en-
listed the sympahies of the benevolent AID. Burton
collected quite handsome for her in his neghbor
hood yesterday.
In the following lines left by Bennett, q tender and
eloquent reference is made TO mothers love:
81 am in hopes that the people of Louisville and The
world will find at some day that am innocent OF the
murder of Thomas Mullen. l thank God am limo
cent of his DEATH Ny real name is not Bennett but
George Huffner. was born in Germany and brought
to this country by my parents when very small, and
they settled in Missouri. My father died first and
cannot remember my mothers appearance, yet have
some recollection of her death. have sister aud
two brothers. My sister is the Oldest and am next to
her. forgive all my enemies and am sorry for all my
crimes think if had had the influence of moth-
er's love would not have been here. | hope that
any whom have harmed to forgive me.
Jan. ST. 1886. GEORGE HUFFNER'
The following lines, which he stated were his own
composition, were handed by him TO Mr.. Adams
They were written in poor but plain hand;
Man In bis foolish pride proposes
Ofthe future az the past,
But God in his wisdom still dsposes,
Confounding ell his aims at last.
GEORGE HUTFNFR-