New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-02-06
RESPITE or GORDON.

Cart. Gordon. who was sentenced few week.
since to be hanged on Friday next, 10 respted for
two weeks from that time. Since his conviction and
sentence bic counsel. ex-Jadge Dean, has been in
constant attendance upon the President, upon whom
he has brought to bear all the arguments, legal and
otherwise, which he could suggest for tie accom-
plishment Of that end.
The case Of Gordon is peculiar cue. The ofense
for which he was tried wac the fourth violation OF
TIE law agsnst the slivetrade and seemed TO have
been characterized by than ordinary orutaiity.
Unusual interest hss been excited in legal and com
nerea circles by this case from the fact ttst here
totore conviction for such crime has been a seeming
mpo-sibiily, the law being apparently dead letter
upon the statue book. Naturally ell persons in any
way affected, rscuniarily or otherwise, in the slave
traffic, are greatly interested in Gordons fate, and
consequently no neans have been spared that inge-
unity, asion orinerest could suggest 70 ameliorats
his conoition Atout two weeks since the District
Attorney II. Deleield Smith, esl.l went to Wash
ington that he might thoroughly inform the Presi-
dent Of the facts ia sse cese, and protect him from
imposition by Interested parties. After protracted
interview, Mr.. Smith returned. sstisied that the
ends Of Justice would doubtless be secured. Since
that time. SO determined have been The efforts of the
prisoners counsel that Err Smith fe. il bic duty 70
reinfcrm the President, which he did ny writing to
prominent member of the Adminis:ratic, full
resume OF the Gaze, with ait i,s horror. He also
referred to the decided impression OF the presding
Judge, Of majority OF the Jury and Of the public
at urge, that Gordon should suiFer the full penalty OF
the law. Beyond this be did not feel at sherry to
g, and left ths whole affair in the ha-ds of the
Executive.
Yesterday the preparations fer his execution wers
completed, and although no word had been received
from Washington, the belief was entertained al tbs
public offices that the sentence would be carried
into effect al the appointed time.
Gordon seemed to have some ground for the hops
Of Presidential int ference. He argued that as Mr..
Lincoln had made no decision as yet, he could not
be expected 20 do 70 adversely, ss that would give
bin Gordon) but "a hours in which to prepare for
death, woicb, in his opinion, would be unnecessarily
harsh, we'll as unusual. He thought that the only
proper and sell sbe settlement Of the question would
be- for the President 10 grant pardon in this caro-
while he announced his unslterable determination
to punish with extreme penalty the next and all
other offenders.
Late IN the afternoon, while Gordon was reading
an evening paper, his wife, who is a very pretty
little woman Of about twenty-five years Of age.
brought to him telegraphic announcement Of two
weeks respite.
The poor woman completely overcome with
Joy at 50 great boon, and nearly tainted as she
handed the glad word of relief to her imprisoned
husband. lie bore it, as he bears everything, with
II al.f.- 4 4
as Sut one step toward the gate of liberty for which
he has persistenrly struggled.
Gordon looks pale, and has seemed during the Las
few days quite anxious for news from Washington.
which having come oppor;uney enabled him to
spend last night in andsiurbed rest and longneedsd
hesithful sleep.