Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1866-03-28
Miseell Il mu.
MANTON THE MURDERER.

'ie".en' ia'eiy came 10 our quiet city. A
convict, named Manton, had that day ex
plated his crimes upon the gallows. A
strong effort had been made to save him,
but had failed, and our people had been
inexpressibly shocked by the stern deed
that had been performed in their midst
that day. The execution had cast deep
and painful gloom over the city. No one
dou' ted the justice of the deed, but all
shuddered as they thought of it. Such
an occurrence was so rare amongst us, that
we could not resist the feeling it produced.
1t Was terrible to think of human crea.
ture in the full possession of all his pow
ers, being deprived Of life in our very
midst, without single hand being held
out to save him. hope we will always
feel as we did that day, for | believe it
will do much towards preventing the in
crease Of crime amongst u.s.
The evening after the execution, ! took
tea with friend, and there l met the
Reverend Doctor C, who had taken
vuite prominent part in the effort made
to secure Mauton's pardon. Indeed,
cannot remember one single instance in
which De failed to take the initiative in
every euterfis;;ssee which could benefit his
f,llow.men. His whole life was u mission
of mercy and love.
When we had left the table. and were
seated around the cheerful fire in the par
lors the conversation turned upon the ex-
ecution | remarked that there was Que
thing in the conduct of Manton, previous
to the commission of the deed, which |
could not understand.
What is that?' asked Doctor C.
"Why he should have tracked his vic,
tim for so many years with such an I'M
wavering determination to take his Lille 2
"lf he had allowed that mystery to be
cleared up during his trial, said our host,
Il think, from what have heard you
say since, it might have induced the jury
to Recommend him to the cemency of the
governor
IL do not believe he desired it" said
Doctor C., gravely. Until short
time before his execution, | think he Was
inclined to be glad that he was to die"
"How hardened p said our host.
ole was hardened then, it is true .
said Doctor c.. but do not think we
ought to Judge him harshly. God forbid
that | shonid attempt to lessen the fearful
euormity Of bis crime; but think if you
knew the story of his life, your pity would
exceed YOUR condemnation. Shall | tell
; you about him ?"
Our host said he would not do any man
, injustice, and would Willingly listen to
anything he might say.
"You know visit the prison quite reg.
: ularly," the clergyman began. 81 re-
IL regard it as a solemn duty to do all III
my power to better the spiritual condition
:. of those unhappy beings whose crimes
(Which am persuaded arc too often the
result of the ignorance and wretchednes:
E in which we suffer them to grow up) have
: brought them to such sad condition. A
little more than three months ago the
|, warden of the Jail told me of fearful
tragedy that had been committed shor
distance from the city, and that the mur
e derer was then lodged in cell number foul
awaiting his trial. He told me the mur
t dered man was gentleman of wealth
. and position, and that he had been founc
5 about mile from the city, welterlng IL
:, his blood with the prisoner sitting by
him, watching him. The only answers
that could be gained from the prisone
e were that his name was Joseph Manton
o that the dead man was named Mark Hale
that he had followed him for six years
= aud that he had killed him because h
n hated him. Nothing more could be gain
It ed from him asked the warden if
n could see the prisoner, He went with M
to cell number four, aud opened the door
/, The only occupant of the cell was mai
r of about twcn.y -four years OF age II
e :, was small, delicatcly framed, and ba'
n light hair. His features were natural
good, but there rested upon them tha
r fearful shade which crime always throw
Z; over its victims There was a sulen am
: fierce CLEAN in his dull eyes. and stern
i. cold look upon his face. He was sittin
on the low bed, with his face bent on hi
n hands. As we entered, he looked up.
i. "'Well, he said, coldly.
OF "'l have brought gentleman to sc
= you.' said the warden. HE is preache
is and has done sight of good to the pri'
oners confined here. hope he may Del
o oe eft you. >,
o. "What do you want with me- 2 aske
Mepton, looking at me sternly. DO yo
he he want to know if | killed Mark Hale
ne Yes. | did. would have killed hi
wears ago, if ! could have found hin
lie, Now if you're satisfied, go away
rk ".My poor fellow said, shudderin
"a "a lv. do YOU reiilze what fearful fate
in store for youY -
tx III expect to be hung. he said coldl
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