The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1857-04-15
gelett mistellanp.
a LEGAL INCIDENT.

Under this title Mr.. John Brady, CT
Wa-rickterrace, Belgravia, furnishes
the following affecting narrative to the
Times =" Mr.. t., young man Of
high character, with respectable family
connexions, was employed for twelve
years in one of the largest firms in the
Manchester line in the city, the last
three of which as buy er for the establish
ment; in that capacity he laid out on an
average from G4O,000 to G50,000 a
year. In the early part of the year
1853 he left town for Manchester by the
night mail on arriving at station
he changed his mind, and determined
not to proceed to Manchester that night.
On leaving the station for the hotel he
was stopped by a police officer, who ac-
cused him of stealing the carpet bag
which he had in his hand; on examiua-
tion it was found to be the property of
another gentleman. He endeavored to
explain that he took it by mistake; but
to no purpose. He was searched; his
ticket for Manchester was found on him.
This fact was considered conclusive evi
dence that his leaving the train at tlis
intermediate station Was done for felon
ious purposes. Another p / ceman com
ing up at the moment at once recogni-
zed in the person of Mr.. T notori-
GUS swell mo bsmsn, from London, and,
jocosely taking the gold watch and chain
from my friends neck, said, " I suppose
this is the part of the proceeds of your
osliing.' ExPostuiation on the part Of
the accused was vain. He declared his
innocence, and asked for Lis ogn bag,
but the idea of his possessing slch an
aticle was utterly ridiculous and his re
quest was looked upon as part of the
sharper's dodge After little further
ceremony he was consigned to cell fer
the night, 10 wait his examluation- He
implored permission to,write to his wife,
but so great favor could not be grauted
The accusation, even at this carly
stage, had done its work. Excitement
set in, an In the agony of his distress he
conceived the futile design of attempt
ing to escape from the horror of the
place he was in and the foulEess OF the
charge. Unfortunately, the attempt
was made, and from that moment his
fate was sealed, Without beipg permit
ted to Communicate with his friends he
was examined before the magistrates and
committed to the county gaol. Eight
days from this time his wife, who was
in perfect ignorance Of what had hap
pened to her husband, went in great dis
tress of mind to the city to make in
quiries as 20 his absence, when TO her
CONSERVATION she was told that there
was ard account in a country newspaper
Of his having been committed 10 prison
on charge of robbery. At once she set
off to his prison, and, after an interview
proceeded to the magistrate who com
mitted him with yiey OF having him
bailed out, but in vain
Now, without going into minute detail
of what took place from the time of his
wife seeing him in prison to the day of
his trial, 1 shall state that the day for
his trial was appointed; the solicitor for
the defence had Instructions to telegraph
to his brother, gentleman of high
character in the city, who. with my un-
happy friends employer, intended to be
present at the trial to speak to character.
But the fatality which IN the first in.
stance befell him pursued him sitb un.
relentipg perseverance,. The business
of the court, which was calculated tc
occupy certain time, was got over much
sooner than was at first expected
Poor T was called upon to plead tc
the charge, His counsel, in defence
pointed out to the judge and jury ths
improbability of man committing suct
an act who held position of great trust
in society, and whose character fol
honesty was beyond all question, as ht
should prove By evidence of tho highest
responsibility. After his address the
names of the witnesses fer character
were called, but, as the trial unfortu
nassly took place "a hours earlier thar