The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1858-07-07

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belonged to the coat that Calvin wore up.
on the day he was murdered. A jack
knife which he carried in the pocket of
that coat was also found, and near the
same spot were discovered several bones
which had once belonged to a human be-
ing. OF the buttons and jack-knife there
was no doubt, not even in the minds Of
the Bownes, because they knew he did
not wear his coat away OF the bones
being those of the murdered man there
was d oubt, because men Of good judg-
msnt testified they were too old. and that
if Colvin's they would not only be sound
or but more Of them. Where was the
remainder Of the skeleton ? This ques-
tion was often put and always unanswer-
ed And so the two Bownes were indict-
ed and put upon their trial for murder
Then all these contradictory statements
made in seven years were introduced and
contrasted with their reservations of that
moment when they were environsd with
danger, and anxious to escape a charge
of which they were not guilty, SO far as
of intentional murder, although fully be-
lieving that Colvin had died from the ef-
fects Of that affrsy. As usual in all cases
admitting of doubt there was party in
their favor which was not entirely sien-
ced by verdict Of guilty of murder in
the first degree against the elder brother,
who struck the blow with the hoe, as was
proved that he acknowledged, together
with threats made against Colvin's life;
and a verdict of manslaughter on access.
ory to murder, against the other brother,
under which one was sentenced to be
hung and the other to states prison for
life But these doubts were all removed
when it come out after the conviction, and
while the one sentenced to be hung was
awaiting the time fixed for bis execution,
that he had confessed to the murder
This confession, duly prepared by some
one who had access to the prisoner, was
published, and that settled the case a.
gainst the doubters. In the meantime
the other brother, who had gone to his
life Imprisonment, was looked upon as a
hardened villain, because he persisted in
still asserting their innocence. 1t was an
assertion that ayailed just as much. and
no more, than it did when they were
borne down by tornado of prejudice.
and convicted without evidence of guilt.
But why did you make the confession2"
was asked the convicted man.
Because life was still dear, and was
assured that that was the only way to
save it, l was told that if would con-
fess, my punishment would be commuted
and might join my brother. Anything
thought, rather than the gallows. I
knew 7 had been wicked man, and 7
thought lie to save my life was not a
very great sin, as it would give me more
time for repentance. l could not read or
write, and scarcely knew what the paper
contained that 1 was told to put my name
to. sson found what purpose it was
wanted for. 1t was not to same my life,
but to prove to my friends that my con-
demnation had been just soon found
that had nothing to hope--that must
die on the gallows."
While one is toiling in prison and the
other within three weeks of death, let us
visit farm house in New Jersey, and
look in upon a quiet, pleasant evening
scene, where the head of the family is
reading to those gathered around to hear
the news" which a weekly New York
paper affords them. He has just finished
detailed account Of the trial and convic-
tion of the Bownes for the murder of Col.
vim. During the reading, the wife of the
farmer had her attention very much di.
vided between the interest which she felt
in the account and the effect it seemed
to produce upon, an individual present.
man who usually gave no indication of
interest in anything not Immediately con-
nected with the farm.
Husband" said the wife, did you
observe Richard while you were reading
He acted singular"
He is very singular individual, {"
was the reply.
So he was, and Mr.. Smith had reason
for his opinion. About seven years pre-
vious to the time, during MIR. Smiths abb
sence with farm produce at market in this
city, this man came to his house, walking
in with all the familiarity of one at home,
making inquiries about family affairs and
how they had all been during his absence
in fact, assuming in all business mat