Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-08-05
Jnterestnrg storg.
THE REPRIEVE.
From "a Lawyers Note Book.

By 4 MEMBER OF THE EAR.
IA ND may God have mercy on m,
.lssas, soul p There is an appalling an,
@SSSS mournful feeling that comes owe
the bystander in a eoHrt of Justice, whel
after a period Of intense interest an,
breathless attention from the crowde,
audience, the judge concludes the sen
tence Of death upon a fellow being, who
has incurred the highest penalties of tn
law, with the quaint and simple supplica
ton above.
But at such q time, who without tn,
experience, can imagine the feelings of
young man the counsel for the condemn
ed, who sits beside his client after ever
energy has been spent in vain, and be
holds the final seal thus impressed upol
the destinies which had been confded tc
his care and protection.
All that ingenuity, all that research
all that the midnight toll could accom-
plish has been fruitlessly exerted-every
bope, every chance has been concluded
there ia 20 error, ne infermality, no ap
peal, and the hope and the anxiety which
has animated every particle for some pc
Rod back with its intensity, has fickerec
It's last CLEAN on the case.
The prisoner stands condemned to die
by the sentence of the law, which he has
violated Oh! it is a thrilling and pain
full moment, and one which, Though more
tban once axees;eaee9s I would p7ayeeyei
to avoid again.
John vas tried for murder, He
was one Of several brothers who had EN-
lgrated early in life to this country, and
who had left behind them everything tina
they had esteemed most dear in kindred
or friendship, to meet their fortunes Ii
the new country Of the free.
They had been here for many years
and by thrifty industry had amassed &
considerable little property for their Sc
curity In time of need, or in the decline
Of life. John was the twin brother o
another, who had been left at home te
gather for the old people the crops tina
were grown upon the homestead. HI
was in the midst Of his prosperity, every
thing around began to wear the assur
ance OF the success Of his honest and up
right career among his co-laborers, ant
those with whom he was associated-hii
house became the asylum Of the destitute
OF his countrynlen, and his counsel, thu
guide and support of the distressed. Il
tshort, he was among his W countrymel
no common man.
When tho news Of the arrest was mad,
public, there was as might be expected
great excitement among his friends. Eve
ry determination was set for his service
every heart beat with a qaick pulse in hi
regard, and a hundred hands were read,
to lend their aid in securing his defence
The services of a senior counsel an,
myself, were retained for the accused
The erparte hearing was had, and upon
positive accusation confirmed by sons
circumstantial evidence, the unfortunate
prisoner was remanded to await his tria
at the next session Of the Oyer and Ter
miner. The day fixed for the trial arriv
ed. The Court House was crowded il
every part, and amidst all the assembling,
there was rot perhaps one being uncoa
nected with the issue, that did not feel
lively and f%ervent desire for the acquitta
of the prisoner.
He had just arrived at the full develop
ment Of the mamie was about thirty
and his well-squared frame, his health,
glow which stood upon the cheek, I'm
changed by the prisons dew or the miEd'
distress, and his good humored smile tina
had been stamped by nature upon his fac,
ia the hour of his birth-all made him al
object of interest, and his fate a subjec
Of sslicitude to every one who locked up
on him. The trial occupied several day
during which every assiduity and atten
ton which professional experience AM
skill at the hands Of those retained fo
him could give, was bestowed upon hi
case.
All that friends could do, or mean
could command in his behalf was expen
ded in the establishment o fhis defence
Yet all could avail nothing against th
~effecting and effective power of the pros
ecution. The widow Of the deceased, an,
the orphans Of the murdered man, dresse
in the sad haeliments of mourning, cam
in the presence Of the prisoner, and whe
called upon to designate the murderer 9
the husband and father, pointed with W
erring certainty and equal promptitud
to the accused.
The evidence detailed a most foul an,
deliberate deed. The deceased had bee
watched on his way heme to his residenc
which was eme distance from the hab-
tatlon Of any human being. In a momen
OF fancled security and quiet, when hi
vie was busted in the preparation of til
! phin and homely fare OF the evenin
board, and the children were clamberin
around their fathers knee to hear his a,
lcount OF the doings of the day with th