The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1865-12-16

On Tuesday last, W Fl. Irving was tried for
Iavceny in the Circuit Court at Towsontown and
plead guilty Before sentence was passed on
him by Judge Stockbridgc, he read the follow
ing touching appeal for mercy which he had
written, while confined in the Towsontown JAIL
Towsontown Jail, Dec. 4th, 1865.
To the Honorable Judge Emory
Lion'd Sir "A truly miserable, almost dis
pairing and wretched man, ventures trembhngly
10 address you this, his humble, but heartfelt
petition, in the fond hope that it may awaken
your sympathy in his behalf and that mercy
may interpose to save him from a long and cruel
sentence. The heart-crushed bearer, my wife,
stands alone in this cold and hnfeeng world
friendless unprotected, in very delicate health,
| and in a measure, destitute; having in thefutnre,
her daily labor alone to depend upon for her
support. My present deplorable situation is
alone attributable to an excessive indulgence OF
| that hydraheaded demon, Rum-the Brighter OF
many a noble intellect, and the fell destroyer OF
many precious soul. From intemperance to crime
is but little step--and that awfnl and fatal step
| has been mine. At the time Of the commission
of the crime for which have already SO bitterly
suffered. and of which have so sincerely repent
ed. nv reason had fed its throne-l was then
laboring under the influence of mania produced
| by continued spree of more than week S du-
| ration. NV prosecutor or rather kind friend,
for such he has been to me, Mr.. Davis II. Hopes,
| has desired me to state to you that he has lost
nothing, and has no desire to prosecute me, and
hopes your honor will pass light sentence upon
me. have snned against the laws OF my GOD
and country, and know ! must suffer punish
| ment as the natural consequence of sin. But,
| Hon'd. Sir, since my already long confinement
| OF five months, have seriously reflected upon
the bitter past, and as a little child have wept
tears of true and unfeigned penitence. To Al
MIGHTY God and nv sorrow stricken wife have
| solepnly vowed my future life shall be dedicated
| to His service, and the promotion OF her happl-
| ness-and by His strength and grace 1t is my
| firm determination to keep that vow sacredly.-
| Oh, Sir! if you could read my aching, dspalr.
| inc heart in its nakedness, you would be moved
to gentle pity, and stern Justice would yield tc
| tender mercy The heavy hand Of affllctior
since my Incarceration has been telt by me with
| crushing weight-the little pledge Of our mutual
love-our sweet little chid--is numbered with
The dead 1t was born while was in Jail
never saw it-but, Oh Sir the bitter pangs o.
! indescribable agony and reinorse endured wher
the solemn intelligence was received by me, beg
gars description. entreat your Honor, to pass
sentence upon me as soon as poSsibe-ior tll'
awful suspense is 10 me living death. The
doom which you must pronounce upon me con
lure YOU for my poor broken hearted wife's sake
TO temper with mercy and my future life vii
abundantly prove that your leniency is truly
appreciated land our united prayers will be of
fered up to mercy's throne for your future wei
fare and prosperity here, and eternal veal IL
that bright land of bliss where the God of mercy
sits enthroned
Your humble and penitent petitioner,
WIN. H. IRVING.