Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1863-03-18
Singular Encounter between . Clergyman and
g Criminal.

THE world Of fiction hardly contains more
thrilling chapter than an incident which mark
ed the life of the Rev. Mr.. Lee, who was re-
Gently cut down in his prime, while Pastor Of
the Presbyterian Church in the neighboring
village OF Waterford. The adventure occur
red on the night before Thanksgiving, a few
weeks previous to the commencement of the
sudden illness which resulted sadly and fatal
ly. Mr.. Lee was sitting in his study about
one o'clock in the morning, preparing a dis
course to be delivered to his congregation
when assembled for Thanksgiving worship,
when he heard a noise behind him and be-
came conscious that somebody was in, the
room, Supposing that a neighbor had drop
ped in upon some unforeseen euand, Mr.. Lee
said, "What is the matter?" and turned
around in his chair. He beheld the grim face
Of burglar who was pointing pistol at his
breast The rufian had entered the house
by a side window, supposing that all its occu-
pants were wrapped in slumber, and burst
upon the presence Of Mr.. Lee before he was
aware that the study contained an occupant.
!" Give me your watch and money" said he
and make no noise or I will fire." Mr.. Lee
said, You may as well put down your weap-
on, for shall make no resistance, and you
are at liberty to take all the valuables I pos
.sess." The burglar withdrew bis menacing
pistol, and Mr. Lee said, " will conduct you
to the place where my most precious treasures
are placed" He opened door and pointed
to the cot where his two children lay slum-
bering in the sweet sleep of innocence and
peace. These, said he, are my choicest
jewels. VIII you take them ?" He proceed
ed to say that as minister of the gospel be
had few earthly possessions, and that all his
means were devoted to but one objeet-the
education of the two children that were re-
posing in the adjoining room. The burgular
was deeply and visibly affected by these re-
marks, Tears filed his eyes, and he express
ed the utmost sorrow at the act which he was
about to commit. After a few remarks from
Mr. Lee, the wou!d-be criminal consented to
llneel and join with him il. prayer; and there,
in that lonely house, amid the silence Of mid
night, the offender poured fourth his penitence
and remorse, while the representative of a re
ligiOn of peace and good viii told him to "go
and sin no more" Such scenes have few
parallels. ,-.-..-.
On the conclusion Of the prayer the burglar
attempted to take his departure by the bro
ken window through which he had entered.
q Why not 60 by the front door ?" said Mr.
Lee. The man replied: There are confed-
crates there who would shoot you or me"
He desired Mr.. Lee to take an oath on the
Holy Scriptures never to reveal the partieu-
lars of their singular interview. Mr.. Lee said
it was unnecessary as he had the kinkest feel
ings towards him, and should never divulge
aught that he he'd seen or heard. The next
day Mr.. Lee, while walking with his wife,
met the man in the streets Of Waterford and
on subsequent occasions saw him from time
to time.
One Of the actors in this singular episode
fills an early grave, but by means that we are
not at liberty to disclose the event did not
die with him. What must be the feelings of
the other party to this mysterious meeting,
whenever he reflects upon the lonely parson-
age and the memorable scene that it Witness
ed on the night before Thanksgiving, 1862 q
Troy Times.