The North-Carolinian., 1857-03-07


The Quebec papers contain a report OF the
proceedings at the Court of Queens Bench in
that city on the occasion of the sentence of
Anais Bison; a young woman of about twenty
two years, convicted of poisoning her husband
to whom she had been married but few
mouths.
We make the following extract from the re-
marks Of the presiding judge in passing sen-
tsgee: .......
eminently distinguished for the mildness of its
manners and its deep religious sentiments, in
cou,ttry where the presence OF the good VIII
lage Cure has, hithetto, almost alone suficed to
have the law respected aud order maintained,
you native of this country, hardly passed
childhood; Hsve been guilty of a crime of the
greatest atrocity.
man Of learning and experience has said
that amcngst crimes; there is which con-
ceals itself i,t the shade which hover around
the domestic hearth, terrifes socity defes by
the cunning of its and the subtility Of its
effect, the appliances and the analyses of
science, which intimidates with doubts tho
consciences of juries, and which increases year
| by year at frightfully progressive rate This
crime is poisoning, and the poison arsenic.
1t is of this crime that ybu have been found
guilty. The victim your husband, the
man to wkom, but Few days before, at the
foot of the altar of your God you had sworn
love and Fidelity 1t is painful to say that at
the solemn moment when the priest, in the
holy temple raised his hands to impl6fe the
| benediction Of heaven upon you aud upon your
husband The death of your husband was medl-
tated. We are that it was so, for
on the very day subsequent to the publication
| for the first time, of your bans of marriage,
you dtclated to friend that if your husband
did not please you, you would poison him.
| You have but few days to live. conjure
you to reflect upon the account of your short
career you will be called upon to render
4-What ateHer the ennrmity of yonr crime may
be, the mercg uf G cd is infinite. Forthwith
send for priest, and put all your confidence in
him. The time is short, but it is sufficient by
a sincere repentance, to reconcile you to God.
will now pass upon you the sentence of the
law, which is that you, Anais Thossant, widow
of Joseph BisSon; be taken back from hence to
the common Jail of this district, whence you
came; and that on the third day of April next
you be taken then to the ordinary place of
execution and there hang by the neck until
you be dead; aud may the Lord have mercy on
your soul!"
The prisoner seemed much affected while the
awful sentence was being pronounced, and sob
bed the whole time. Judge Duval spoke with
mitch emotion; and many of those present in
court shed tears.
when the Judge had concluded speaking,
the Clerk of the Crown asked the prisoner if
She had anything to say why execution should
not be awarded according to Judgment
The prisoner (who was still crying) answer
ell, Il am not guilty." (Je ne paseonpa6lc.
THE Staten IsLAND MuRpER.-The Grand
Jury impanne.ed at the Richmond County
Seasons, after fill Investigation and examina-
tion of a large number of witnesses on Wednes-
day, Thursday and Friday Of the past week.
Tie day last naIted presented Indictment
against Mrs Matilda Decker for nanslaughter,
in causing the death of Anna Hilton, 10y cruel
and inhuman Treatment.
Mrs Decker arragned and pleaded not
! guilty She has been ia Richmond j~;l for srv-
etal days; ard is getting tired Of her ncarcera-
ton. George White, Esq, of New York, will
! defend her Oh the trial. The matter was sent
= to the next Court Of Oyer and Terminer, which
q sits oil the third Tuesday Of May next. Mrs
h Decker appeared in Court leaning on the arm
4 OF her husband, and attended by the Sheriff
4 She was in full dress and her face covered
4 with double veil She is said to be eneisnte
d and an application will be made as soon as
J. possible to release her Oh bail She has lost
:. none Of her boldness by her confinement One
of the Grand Jurors went in to her, and
= asked her how long she had been there? She
e answered, "as long again as half" lie remark
: ed that lie only asked her a civil question, but
S she reioned, "It none OF his business"
She has, while the Court has been in session,
f. frequently amused Herself with shaking her fist
at the cnrions psssers by, who looked up at the
II grated windows of the Jail to catch glimpse
e Of her. Her husband is a very inoffensive look
y ing parsonage, Of diminutive size, and evident
Q y stands in great dread of her
A western editor, on hearing it observed
e that person in drowning condition suddenly
II recoilected all the transactions Of their lives
N wished that few of his delinquent Subscribers