Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-04-15
AN EXTRAORDINARY STORY.

am unaware of the literary value of O test
monia to the moral character of writer, but
being reques,ed by the author of the following
statement to testify to my knowledge of himself
] see no reason for declining to do so. MIR.
Joseph Helsham was recommended to me when
| undertook the secretarial duties of the South
Street Visiting Mission, and he has been actively
employed as q Visiting Missionary for nearly
four years. I have never had the slightest
reason to regret having engaged him, and have
many testimonials, both from clerical and lay
friends, to the zeal with which he has discharged
his duties. Though not an educated man, he
is possessed Of that shTewd sense which il more
valuable than mere accomplishment, at least for
such labOurs ns those he undertakes have
declined to read the statement itself, and have
done 80 solely from business reasons which MIR.
Heslham appreciates, aud which would be with
out interest 10 others, bnt desire no control
over any use that may be made of this testimony
to the character of MIR. llelsham.
JoHN V. EARLDING, NJ A.
South Street Mission Chamber, Feb. IL, 1862.
The reason why have thought it my duty
to draw out the following statement for publica-
tion will appear upon perusal. In the ordinary
course ofmy duty as visiting missionary should
merely have written ont, from my short-hand
notes the head of what am about to set down,
and have handed in such summary to the secre-
tary of the mission. This is my course in all
cases, and have seldom found it necessary to
refer again to my notes But the peculiar
character of the case l am about to describe
seems to me TO take it out OF the routine, and
having obtained the sanction of my employers to
make the matter public, with the suppression
only of Names tfanscribe as closely as can
the extraordinary details lam no writer for the
public press, aud the interest OF this statement
arises out Of itself and with no and from me. 1t
seems to me, however, to have an Importance
which should render secondary any consideration
] of literary kind
After rather u fatiguing day of visits, on the
eighth of the last mouth, had gone home to
la. and was partnking Of this with my family,
when lreceived written request from person
whom kWew, that | would manage to call aa
soon as pqssbe at q house the address of which
was given. have said that shall not mention
names and to mention the address would be the
same thing, and will, therefore, for convenience
merely give thu street my own name, ana call !
Joseph Street. II IL near Goswell Street Road
The street mean is very well known, aud IT'S ln
hahitants are somewhat superior in outward re-
spectability to the population around. II was
however, about nine or ten years ago, the scent
of n murder of Il very dreadful kind, the rea
nature Of which has not, according to rumor
transpired, although Que person, who was NJ
doubt concerned in it, persisted upon the scahold
This fact has nothing to do with my statement
but will serve to identify the street for those wh
are most closely interested in what nave u
recount.
finished my meal and went to the house L
which had been directed had never pnrti'
cuarly noticed it though. had frequently paeste
through the street, which is not above half
mile from my own residence. The house stanu
little back. and has two wooden columns sup
porting a small porch, and was therefore SUI
prised that / had never observed this before
ANY person, however, who is accustomed TO wal
, London must be aware how easily 1t is TO ovel
look what ia constantly under your eyes. Th
|, columns had been newly painted, which CAV
! them fresh prominence at the time of my Visi
! The person by whom was asked (but not b
himself Directly 10 visit was named-l Will ga
-AIarcham. lie was schoolmaster; | ha
, known him very slightly, having met him ln son
, of my rounds, but had frequently heard OF hi
as d superior person in the ordinary run oil ama
schoolmasters who are usually coaree men, loul
ing on the school as a mere means Of maxim
money, aud are often harsh and cruel when the
can be 30 with impunity. Il has come to N
knowledge that great suiferings are Inhicte
I upon Young aud helpless children in these met
Q schools aud having heard an unusual good A.
count Of Mr.. Marcham, and his kindness 10
young pupils, naturally remembered his nan
with pleasute OF himself had heard littl
!, except that he had been taught ut one
|. | tho colleges, anu thhl ne Mhs not thVHBut ~
! in the needy condition in which many sehot
10 masters arc, and which makes them no greco
:, for the school-money. Mr.. Marcham had, "
y told, often allowed boy to come to his sche
a when there was no chance Of his parents p syif
10 and once in the case Of a child that had died
t. wrote short note, giving up bill that was d
10 to him, and consolng the parents by line
rs poetry ont Of some heather writer, saying tn
10 tho gods showed their love for little children
y taking them away when they were young.
am not approving the sentiment, but the 9
proved the good feeling of the writer of
letter.
The door was opened by young female wh'
manners were very ladylike, and who supp'
was Mr.. Marchams daughter. mentioned !
=. name and that of the party who had request
se me to call, and she looked rather surprised, a
IS asked me whether was a medical man l,
lel, course, replied in the negative, and shortly :
planned my mission. She listened respectful
sr. and begged me to wait, while she inquired,
ny came back hastily, made an apology, ana 7 !
to that orders had been Civ en- to adpitme dlrectl
came, but by some mist Ike she had not been
oithem l followed her along the dark passa
and into a room level wi tn it. This was a scht
Ter room, and some forms md books were about
there was no one in 1T. She opened ha
aANA