Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-05-01

bSeiho, le serving MS uhJesly IN lhe royal
: navy, whilst his wife was breaking its
laws, by the commission of a crime which,
but for the stern repression of the law,
would sap the foundations of the securi-
ty of property, and"
| could endure no more. The atmos-
phere of the court seemed to stife me
aud rushed for relief into the open air.
f Before, however, had reached the street,
a long, piercing scream informed me that
the learned judge had done his duty.
No effort was spared during the inter
val which elapsed previous to the recor-
der presenting bis report to the privy
counsel---a peculiar privilege at that
time attached to the ofIice-to procure a
mitigation OF the sentence. A petition,
setting forth the peculiar circumstances
OF the case, was carefully prepared; and
by the indelatigable exertions Of an ex-
cellent Quaker gentleman-whom, as he
is still alive, and might not choose to
have his name blazoned TO the world, !
will call William Frend-was soon very
numerously signed. The prosecutor,
however, obstinately refused to attach
his name to the document and the alb
sence of his signature-so strangely did
men reason on such matters in those days
would, it was feared, weigh heavily
against the success of the petition. The
amiable and enlightened Sir Samuel
Romilly not only attached his name, but
aided us zealously by bis advice and in
nuence. In short, nothing was omitted
that appeared likely to attain the desired
object.
Two days before the petition was to
be forwarded 10 tn e proper quarter,
Henry Mason arrived in England, the
exertions of his employers having pro-
cured bis discharge. The Active"
was one Of Captain Hostess squadron,
which obtained the celebrated victory off
Lissa, over the Franco-V Venetian fleet
commanded by Admiral Dobourdieu.-
Henry Mason, it appeared by the testi-
monials Of the captain and officers Of his
ship, had greatly distinguished himself
in the action. We inclosed these paper
with the petition and then, having done
all in our power, awaited with anxious
impatience the result of the recorders
report 1t was announced to me, as |
was sitting somewhat later than usual at
chambers, by Mr.. William Friend. The
judgment to die was confirmed All our
presentations had not sufficed 70 coun- |
terbalance the supposed necessity of ex-
hibiting terrible examples of t h fate
awaiting the perpetrators of an offence
said to be greatly on the increase. Ex-
ctllent William Friend wept like a child
as he made the announcement.
There are many persons alive who re-
collect this horrible tragedy--this ma
tional disgrace-this act of gross barbar-
iiy on the part of the great parsonage,
who, first having carried off the poor
woman's husband, left her to die for an
act the very consequence of that robbery.
Who among the spectators can ever for I
get that heart rending scene--the hang [
nan taking the baby from the breast of :
be wretched creature just before be put
ler to death But let us not rake up
hese terrible "reminiscences. Let us :
nope that the traiy guilty are forgiven. 6
And let us take consolation from reflect I
ng that this event led the great Romil S
y TO enter on his celebrated career as S
. reformer of the criminal law. I
The remains of Esther Mason were
obtained from the Newgate officials, and
Iuietly inferred in ST. SeEulcbre's n
A plain slab, with her Il
lame only plainly chiselled upon it, was e
ONE time afterwards placed above tie d
rave. A few years ago l attended a fl
uneral in the same graveyard and |
fter a slight search, discovered the spot.
The inscription, though of course much
worm, was still quite legible. is
l had not seen Henry Mason since his
etnrn but was glad to hear from Mr.. b
William Friend that, after the first pas Il
onate burst of rage and grief had sub p
ded, he bad. apparently at least, thanks
, the tender and plous expostulations
f his wife-with whom, by the kind in q
,rvention of the sherifs, he was permit :
ID long and frequent interviews-set- =
ed down into calmness and resignation. ~
'ne thing only be would not bear to
ear even from her, and that was any
Omission that she had been guilty Of, :
ven the slightest offence. A hint of
he kind, however unintentional, would
hrow him into paroxysm of fury and Q
be subject was consequently in his pre-
ence studiously avoided. !,
A few days after the execution, Mr..