The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-04-09

as developed at the trial. l believe the jurors
acted conscientiously, and would have been glad to
have acquitted me if the evidence had iustited.-
As to the evidence ITSELF it is perfectly plain that
was convicted solely upon the testimony of wit
ness, Mr.. Riedon; and now that he has gone to his
grave | will utter no harsh words against him: |
have no disposition whatever to do So but will ONLY
declare that the day of eternity at least will sat
isfy the minds of all that Mr.. Rgdon ,1os mistaken.
And in regard to the lamen table murder of Mr. Rig
don, it was entirely without nv knowledge or APP
probation. No one regretted that unfortunate af-
fair NOR than did. My impressions have always
been, and my friends say, that Rigdon was killed
because upon his evidence the life of an innocent
man was to be taken away, as my associates knew
me to be such.
In regard to the NEW Evidence discovered since
my convictions coming though it does at the elev.
enth hour, is nevertheless of such character and
SO truthful, that it ought to have relieved me-and
Just here wish to return my grateful acknowledge
ments to those jurors, who believing in this testi-
mony, have Joined in an appeal for executive Glenn
ency; and only regret that the Governor could
not be prevailed upon to act upon their recommen-
dation-because, as believe, and as my friends be-
lieve, of the influence of few gentlemen brought
to bear upon him. Why these few have been so de-
termined that should die will leave them to re-
fleet upon, as they journey through the uneven
walks OF this life. Twill not, in my last hours har-
Dor any evil thoughts against them.
feel it my duty to give a word of advice and
cousel to my former associates and companions
which is to aroid ecd company, as to this, than
any other circumstance is to be attributed my la
mentable end. Avoid ntemperance-follow some
lawful and legitimate pursuit in lfe-better ioin
the church, than join the clubs-and seek for hap
piness, where it alone can be found, in serving God
Perhaps ought to say. the great error of my life
was in opening the restaurant coatrary to the wish
es and entreaties of my dear father.
And now, as to my spiritual condition-though
sinner when came into this prison-yet being ysi-
ted by the servants of God, who have deeply sym
pathlZed with me, and faithfully instructed me in
the things that belong to my peace | have been in
duced to make sincere and hearty repentance of
all my sins-havng first felt deep coarictiom and
SorroW that had so long violated the command
ments OF God-and now, by faith in nv adorable
Redeemer, have the most abiding confidence that
God, for Christ sake, has forgiven me for all nv
sins, and inspired me with a strong and unwaver-
ing hope of eternal life beyond the grave. And
even as stand in full view of the cold waters of
Jordan, and the coming in upon me of this mighty
tide bearing on its death-waers the awful and un-
hallowed instrument which is to extinguish nv
life. feel a calm and settled peace-peace with my
God-peace with my fellow-men-I realize that all
is well. freely forgive all and any who may have
done me any injury, and trust all will extend to me
a like forgiveness.
To my beloved parents, sisters, brothers and rela-
tves, say, meet me in Heaven. Our separation,
at most, will be only for brief period. Seek for
consolation, in this day of sorrow, in Christ alone.
To my spiritual adviser, the Rev. Mr.. Hodges,
also to Mr.. Higgins and Mr. Minner, and to DR..
Wyatt well as to some dear and valuable friends
l return my sincere thanks for their kind and un-
RENTED attentions to me, and for the deep inter
est they have manifested in my present and future
welfare 1t trust that we shall meet again in
brighter and better world than this
10 Captain James, and all the officers of the
prison, am extremely grateful for their kind and
courteous attention, and the pains they have taken
to make me comfortable.
Also to the regular'Board fVisitors" | am under
many obligations for having often entered nv cell,
and desired me to make known my wants, that they
might have them supplied
And now, calling God to witness the entire truth
of this my "dyng statement" l bid this world and
all its affairs long and final farewell.
HENRY c. GAMBRILL.
Baltimore City Jail, !
1th April, 1859.
Witness: WM. s. BRooKs.
CROPP's LETTER.
The following letter was written yesterday morn
ing by Cropp, and handed to the prison Physician
for publication
To my FelloV Hortdls-
DEAR FRIENDS: Within few hours of the mo-
ment when life and shall part, and feeling the
awful position in which now stand, and knowing
that shall soon appear in the presence of the AL
mghty, desire to say few words in taking final
leave of you by way of expressing my sincere sor-
row for past acts as we'll as to admonsh those with
whom have been associated. With regard to the
causes which impeled to yield to the
grosser passions of my nature, | wish to
say nothing. Let the veil of Charity cover
them as it should cover my sins, now that |
am about to expiate them. 1t is scarcely necessa-
ry that should remind you of the necessity to
avoid the influences which led me into nv present
positions but to my former companions | wish
to give some advice, and oh! that it NAV be consid
cred as voice from the grave, exhorting and i'm
peling them to avoid what has brought me to this.
Liquor and bad associations are the bane
which has ruined them as well as me,
and oh /! let entreat you to remember
the fate which has followed my transgressions and
profit by it. Let it stand out in after years the
NnSf 18th f.n, ~,
to the right one, and reminding them when
disposed to be engaged in similar acts, of what may
await them. BY the ignomnous death which I
am to die, and by the bleeding hearts of agony
which and my companions have caused, | con
jure you all to fly from deeds which are illegal and
sinful | wish, in conclusion. to express my thanks
to the Warden Capt. T. c. James, and his Depu-
ties, for the kindness, well to Mr.. James
cell for weeks with me. Finally-good-bye, good,
bye to all. God bless you
(Signedl MARION CRopp
coRRTE's FAREWELL TO HIS COUNSEL.
The Baltimore San gives the following report of
an interview between Corrie and his counsel:
VIM. P. Preston, Esq, counsel of Peter Corrie,
visited his cell. On entering, Peter, who was en-
gagged IN his deVotions and surrounded by his rela-
lions, brothers, sisters and friends sprang forward
md atfectionatey embraced his counsel. His first
,jaculatiOns was, "Oh, Mr.. Preston, am very clad
% see you. | am prepared, sir, but before die, |
wish to express to you my thanks for your exer-
lions in my behalf. Oh. sir, do you not think | de-
serve to be forgiven! Have | ever been in heart
murderer"
Mr.. Preston paused, and in the midst of breath
ess silence said: "Peter, have known you from
small boy; knew your father, and | know your
mother; know all your family, and | feel deeply
or their affiictiOn and your fate. | have defended
you, and have defended you upon principle. In
ny judgment you are not murderer. TO-mor-
'ow you must die; die ignominious death: NAV
God have mercy you. have come to bid you
farewell" Corrie replied "Sir, | never CON
'Pired or consented to take the life of Rigdon.-
de was stranger to me. | had no malice against
him whatever; nv mistake, it was the result of
drunken excitement. | was drawn into it; others
pushed us on; hope God will forgive us; will for
give all. Sir, have asked for pardon and through
The blessed influence of religion | hope | may be
Dardoned In the death of the unfortunate man. |
had nothing to gain never consented to his death;
never! but sir, perhaps it is better | should die.
My agony is that my kind mother and sisters should
suffer on my account. May God comfort taem p'
The prisoner wept bitterly, and all within the cell
oined in his grief.
Mr.. Preston responded: "Peter, [ must bid YOU
this time tomorrow, your spirit shall
nave fed to the world of which we know so little
May God, in His infinite mercy, pardon your often
res in this world. l again say do not think You
are a murderer. Carry with you to the place of
execution my expressed opinion, that you are the
victim of that bewdering excitement too often
produced by intoxicatiOn. The kindness and ten
lerness vi your hedrC, nave never doubted. May
God pardon you, and give consolation to your un-
happy mother and family. In this world we shall |
never meet again-farewellp'
The counsel again embraced his client and
amidst the audible sobs of all present. took his final
adieu.
HENRY GAMBRILL AND HIS AYTECEDENTs.
Henry Gambrill was born in this CITY, and at his
death was about p years of age. His parents are
respectable, and of good standing in the communi
ty. Previous to bis connection with the murder of
officer Benton, he was known as Young man of
courage, but was not considered to be
of violent disposition. He received his education
at of public Schools and subsequently, sery-
ed an apprenticeship to the trunk making business.
Soon after reaching manhood, he fo-sook his legt-
innate business and opened restaurant and drink
ng-house on Franklin street This was a ia
tai step in his career. 1t was done, he now con-
esses contrary to the advise of his father and it
ed him into associations which proved his ruin
In personal appearance he fine looking, with an
excellent address and pleasing manners. He suf-
fered severely from mental anguish during his con-
finement, which told plainly on his body. He had
lost greatly in fesh and when executed was much
in appearance. In height he was feet
ll15 inches, lightly built and straight AS an arrow,
with fair complexion, blue eyes and dark auburn
hair.
MARION CRoPP AND HIS ANTECEDEYTs.
Marion Cropp was born in Carlisle, Cumberland
county, Pennsylvania but in the year 1S4S his
resided ever since, enjoying, with the exception
of Marion, an excellent reputation. Marion
was about % years of age, FIVE feet nine inches
high, squarely and compactly built, and weighed
about l70 lbs. had fair complexion, hair and eyes
light, no whskers, full face, and open, frank coun
tenance. Cropp was an ornamental plasterer by
trade, and is said to have been an excellent work
man. He received better education than either of
the other condemned, and was a leader wherever
danger was to be faced About three years ago he