Evening star., 1869-04-12
THE TwI1CHELL CASE.

Mrs. Twitchell n Native of w a. shinston-
why she ceased her Visits to her Con.
-demned Husband-Interesting Particu.
The Philadelphia Sunday Transcript pub
Iished yesterday some interesting de ails of the
history of the I witcnell family not heretofore
printed:
Mrs. Twitchell was born in w ashin gton, her
mother being then known as Mrs. Werntz Her
father was Revolver Spencer, a Methodist
Clergyman OF some reputation In lSi4 the
mother and daughter removed to Cincinnati,
ana remained there four years, during which
time Camilla was known as Mss Sawyer, her
mother having married sister by that name.
This is probably the origin the story that
Mrs. Twitchell was the Legitimate daughter
Of member of Congress from Ohio. In 1c4S
Mrs. WerntZ and daughter came to Pniladel.
phla, and the former married Mr.. Hill. Snort.
~ afterwards Camilla married Richard Mar
tin, clerk in dry goods store. After living
together five years, Martin left his wife, alleg-
ing acts Of Improperly on her part; but
she took the initiative in subsequent pro.
ceedings for divorce, which eliminated in
legal separation in 1858. Camilla then res umed
the name Of Sawyer, returned to her mothers
house, and lived there with her and Mr.. Hill.
She then became acquainted with Twitcnell,
senior, then widower with several children,
including George s. Twitchell. an illegitmate
dying soon after his birth. Camilla was en-.
gagged as housekeeper, and removed with
Twitchell, senior, to New Jersey. 1t Is denied
most positively by all parties that there was
any improper intimacy between Mr.. Twitcheil
and his housekeeper. On the contrary, Ca.
millas conduct is represented to have been
blameless. She was member OF DIR. Lords
cnurch, In Broad street, near Chestnut, and in
her character as housekeeper was paid regular
wages, and for extra services received extra
pay. When George >. Twitchell reached man. :.
hood he was accepted as the suitor ofshis faith.
er's housekeeper, and in 1864 was married.
We nave already said that Mrs. TwitcheIl
was not yet ready to give to the public for
nal statement, but while in prison a waiting
trlal, In conversation with prison officials, she
made partial explanation, which has never
been published. When in formed of her hus.
bands con viction, and the probabilities of her
own fate. she remarked II know nothing OF
this murder. That afternoon George and
were out riding, and when we got back to the
nonse mother was getting tea, as Sarah Camp
bell had gone out noticed that George was
much depressed in spirits. He never was
much OF talker. but this night be was q uieter
than usual. He scarcely spoke al all. AT the
table ant after supper said to mother, sthere
ls something the matter with George. Suppose
you 60 and talk with him while clear away
the things;' and when got through went 70
my room. George was then in the sitting room
went 10 bed, and don I know now long slept,
W hen 1 was aroused by the cry Of Sarah
Campbell IN the kitchen" Ibis is the on ly
statement she has ever made outside of wnat.
ever she may nave communicated TO her coun.
.el.
The Transcript continues as follows: "Why
Mrs IWltcneu ceased ner visits TO the prison "
"At the outset il may be well to in form our
readers that on the day OF the inquest she ap-
pealed to her husband to tell what he knew Of
the murder. and that If he was guilty to act
like man and relieve her. This he refused to
do. After her acquittal she did call at the
prison, but instead OF the greeting ON her part
being warm and affectionate. 1t was as cool as
would naturally be the case OF one who looked
upon her husband as the murderer of her
mother. Immediately after her acuuittal
Tvitchell and his friends commenced paving
the way 10 statement from Mrs. Twitchell
which would take from him the chrrge and
tran sfer il to his wife. So shrewd were the
Dougherty, Esq to ascertain from him whether
a person once acquitted the charge Of
murder could be tried a second time, although
there be confession OF guilt. The response
being that there could not be q second trial, the
efforts were renew ed with redoubled yigor
until Mrs. TwitchelTs friends heard of them,
and advised her TO absent herself from PRISON
She always denied any completely IN the
murder, and her fears of confession by him
Were based on the fact that she knew that he
did not believe in the immortality OF the soul,
and that his professions Of piety were designed
merely 10 return his services IN the game for
life be was playing. Others be sides herself mad
every reason 10 feel ass ured thar he won Id NO,
hesitate 10 save his life"
e. In the face of all his confessions Mrs
TwItchell has remained quiet; she has realized
that II she denied the first story W lille her nus
band was alive she would be accut ed Of an
attempt 10 insure his death. She was willing
not 10 tell what she knew If that would be OF
any service 70 him. She was also willing to
assist him to the extent of her means: but when
he wished her TO go a step further, and assert
herself guilty of crime she did not commit,
she left him. II is anticipated that in few
days Mrs. Twitchell will make q full state
ment IN her own behalf''