Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1869-06-18
An Innocent Convict Predicts that Grass
will not Grow Over His Grave.

In the year 1919 there was, in the
neighborhood of Montgomery, an an
cient manor-house called OalSflcld:
which like many Of those old struct-
ures, losing its original Importance
from tho increased size and convent
ence of mondern buildings, had been
converted into q farm house. The
late occupant, one James Morris, had
been an indolent and somewhat dissi-
pated man; the farm consequently
fell into neglect and became unprofita-
b :, and he died in debt, leaving his
wife and only daughter in possession
Of the place. Shortly after his death
the widow took into her employment
a young man from Statfcrdshire, Of
the name Of John Newton, the hero
of this little story, who had been
strongly recommended TO her by her
brother; and well and faithfully did
he discharge his duties as bailiff, fully
justifying the praise and recommends
tions she received with him. lie was
an utter stranger in that part Of the
country, seemed studiously to shun all
acquaintance with his ncighbors, and
to devote himself exclusively to his
employer. lie never left horne but to
visit the ncighboring fairs and mar
kcts, and to attend the parish church.
where his presence was regular and
his conduct dcvout.. In short, though
highly circumspect in his behavior on
all occasions, he was melancholy, rc-
served man, and even The clergyman
of the parish, to whom he was always
most respectful in his demeanor, en-
tirely failed i'll making acquaintance
with him. The farm undor his man.
agment had improved, and became
profitable; and the circumstances of
Mrs. Morris were by his assiduity and
skill, both prosperous and flourishing.
In this manner more than two
years had passed, and the widow be-
gan to regard him moro as q friend
and bcncfactor than a servant, and
was not sorry to observe her daught-
cr's growing affection for him, which
appeared to be rcciprocated. One
evening in November, 1921, being de-
tanned longer than usual by business
at Welshpool, Newton set out about
six o'clock to walk home to Oukfcld.
1t was all exceedingly dark night, and
he never reached home again. His
family became very anxious, and upon
inquiring early the following morning
at Welshpool, they asccrtaincd that
he had been brought back TO that
town not long after his departure from
it, by two men named Pearkcr and
Pearce, who charged with highway
robbery accom-. anicd by violence, all
offence then punishable with death.
At the trial at the next assize he was
pronounced guilty on the testimony
of these two men, which was clear,
positive ahd consistent throughout.
was sentenced to be hanged, and left
for execution. He employed no coun-
sci, and called no witnesses in his de-
fence but upon being asked by the
judge: in the usual form. :" If he had
anything to say why the sentence Of
death should not be passed upon him."
he made, in substance, the following
extraordinary speech: i" My lord, ii is
evident all L could say in opposition
to such testimony would be in vain
and hopeless. The witnesses are men
of respcctability, and their evidence
has appeared plain and conclusive.
and my mot solemn protcstations of
innocence would avail me nothing. I
have called no witnesses to character,
and upon such evidence the jury could
pronounce no other verdict. blame
them not. From my soul I forgive
those men upon whose false testimony
have been convicted. But, my lord,
protest most solemnly before this
court, before your lordship, and above
oil, before that God in whose pres.
ence must shortly appear, am en-
tirely gultlcss Of the crime for which
/ about to suffer. I have produced no
.oneto speakin my behalf Two wears
have scarcely passed since I came to
this country an utter stranger. 1 have
have made no acquaintance here be-.
yoSd tie Kon I'M which Fhaye been
employed, and where I have endear.
ed to discharge my duties faithfully,
honestly aud well. Although 1 dare
not hope, apd dopots wish, that my
life should be spared, yet it is my de.
vout,Ahd earnestsd desire that the stain
OF this crime may not rest upon nv
name. 7 devoutly hope that my good
mistress iapd her kind and excellent
daughter may yet be convinced thai
they have not nourished and befriend
ed hghwsy robbsr. +; have, there
fore, ip humble devotion, offered &
p