Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-02-19

other brother, under which one was SEN
fenced to be hung and the other to states
prison for life. But these doubts were
all removed when it came out after the
conviction, and while the one sentenced
to be hung was awaiting the time fixed
for his 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 set
tied the case against the doubters. In
the meantime the other brother, who had
gone to his life Imprisonment, was looked
upon as hardened villain, because he
persisted in still asserting their innocence.
1t was an assertion that availed just as
much, and no more, than it did when they
were borne down by tornado of preju-
dice, and convicted without evidence of
guilt.
But why did you make the confess
ion ?" we asked the convicted man.
Because life was still dear, and l was
told that that was the only way to save it.
l was told that if l would confess, my
punishment would be commuted and l
might join my brother. Anything, l
thought, rather than the gallows. knew
| had been a wicked man, and thought
a lie to save my life was not a very great
sin, as it would give me more time for
repentance. | could not read or write,
and scarcely knew what the paper con-
tanned that was told to put my name to-
| soon found what purpose it was wanted
for. 1t was not to save my life, but tc
prove to my friends that my condemna-
ton had been just. | soon found that
had nothing to hope-that I must die OIL
the galIows.
While one is toiling in prison and the
other within three weeks of death, let Us
visit a farm house in New Jersey, ant
look in upon a quiet pleasant evening
i scene, where the head of the family
isreading to those gathered around to hea
''the news which weekly New Yorl
paper affords them. He has just finish
ed a detailed account of the trial ant
conviction of the Brownies for the mur
der Of Colvin. During the reading, th'
, wife of the farmer had her attention yer,
5 much divided between the interest she fel
! in the account and the effect it seemed t
produce upon an individual present
2 man who usually gave no indication of in
2 terest in anything not Immediately COZ
D nected with the farm.
e Husband" said the wife, " did 20
i observe Richard while you were reading
He acted singular"
o He is very singular person" Wa
/ the reply.
So he was, and Mr.. Smith had reaso
for his opinion. About seven years pre-
= vious to this time, during Mr. Smiths al
sence with farm produce at market in th
= city, this man came to his house, walkir
: in with all the familiarity of one at hom
making inquiries about family affairs al
y how they had all been during bis absen'
: in fact, assuming in all business ma
q ters about the place the position of n
70 Smith, as though he was that individui
" and had just returned home from a loI
journey. At first, Mrs. Smith was
II larmed, but soon found that her new 10
q was an inofensive, harmless maniac.
N When Mr.. Smith returned, the ne
= conner met him at the gate, invited hi
ID in, and welcomed him to his house as
he ed him if he would have his horses +
fe up and stay all night, and finally seem
at to come to the conclusion that he had
ne right to stay, from the fact that he W
ch some one that had been attending to
Of affairs during his long absence-for su
no the deranged man considered it. A
he in this position the new conner not oil
lot installed himself, but continued for sev
,e- al long years valuable laborer, ask
as as his only recompense, his food a
lg- clothes, privilege of calling everyth
lat his, although willing to allow the r
ID owner to transact all the business g
he handle all the money. The only ma
es- he was known by was Richard, and
er- utterly refused to give any clue to v
in or what he was or where he came frC
1r- and he soon ceased to be a wonder.
TO- was remarked that he had a scar ol
ro- severe cut on his head, and whene
"a any alIusion was made to it, he shev
ere some excitement, and sometimes ang
to Otherwise, he was docile, contented
not quiet, never desiring to 60 anywhere
er. the farm. This evening, during the re
,ad ing of the murder trial of the Bow
= he had shown more interest than e
lbt observed before upon any subject unc
ich nected with every day occupation,
Il - l. nj