The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1869-05-04


A CAsE or CmouMsrASrIAL EypESeE
In the year 1913, a young man who
was serving his apprenticeship in Lon
don to a master sail maker, got leave
to visit his mother, TO spend the Christ
mas holidays, She lived a few miles
from Deal, in Kent He walked the
Journey, aud on his arrival at Kent, IN
the evening, being much fatgued, and
also troubled with bowel complaint,
he applied to the landlady OF public
house, who was acquainted with his
mother, for a nights lodging. Her
house was full, and every bed occupied;
but she told him if be would sleep with
uncle, who had lately come ashore, and
was boatswain of au Indiaman, he was
welcome. He was glad to accept the
Offer, and after spending the evening
with his new comrade, they retired to
rest. In the middle of the night be
was attacked with his complaint, and
Weakening has bedfellow, he asked him
the way to the garden. The boatswain
told him to 20 through the kitchen, but
as be would fud it difficult to open the
door into the yard, the latch being out
of order, be desired hlm to take knife
out OF his pocket, with which he could
raise the latch. The young man did as
be was directed, and after remaining
nearly half an hour in the yard, he re-
turned to his bed, but was much sur
prised to find his companion had risen
and gone Being impatient to visit his
mother and friends, he also arose be-
fore day and pursued his journey, and
arrived home AZ noon.
The landlady who had been told of
his intention to depart early was not
surprised; but not seeing her uncle
early in the morning, she went 10 call
him. She was dreadlully shocked to
dnd the bed stained with blood, aud ey-
cry inquiry after her uncle in vain
The alarm now became general, and on
further examination, marks Of blood
we're traced from the bedroom into the
street, and at intervals down to the
pier head. Kumor was Immediately
busy, and suspicion fell, OF course, on
The Young man, who had slept with
him, that he had committed the MUIR
der, aud thrown the body over the pier
into the sea. 4 warrant was issued
against him, aud he was taken that eve
mug at his mothers house. On his be-
irg examined and searched, marks Of
blood were found on bis SHIRT and
trowsers, and in bis pocket were found
knife and a remarkable silver com,
both Of which the landlady swore posi-
lively were her uncle's property, and
that She saw them IN bis posse ssion on
the eqenlng be retired TO rest With the
young man. On these strong. circum-
stances the unfortunate Young man was
found guilty. He related all the above
circumstances in his defence; bat as be
could not account for the marks Of
blood on bis person, unless he got them
when he returned to the bed. Tor for
the silver com being in his possession,
bis story was not credited The Ger
taiuty Of the boatswain s disappearance.
aud lhe blood At the pier traced from
his bedroom, we're two evident signs Of
bis having been murdered, and even
the Judge was 80 convinced Of his guilt,
that he ordered the execution to take
place IN three days At the fatal tree
the youth declared bis innocenee. and
persisted IN il Ylh such affecting as
severauons, that many pitied him, tho
none doubted the justness oi bis sent
ence.
The executioners were not 50 expert
At their trade a. modern ones, nor were
drops aud platforms invented. The
young man was veFy tall; for his feet
sometimes touched the ground. and
some of his tri-nds pho surrounded the
gallowS cobiriYes to give the body some
support as il was suspended. Altar be-
ing cut down those irieada speedily
bore i assay ia coffin. and az a faw
hours animation Wa restored. and the