Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-02-01
Gircumstantial Evidence.

Reader, write this confession while seat
ed in my cell, on the morning of my execu-
ton
Frederick Dietz and I were chums from
childhood up.
At the time of which 1 write, he was twen-
ty three years of age, and two months his
senior
lie was firm believer in all supernatural
things, and at times was subject to fits of mel.
ancholy, which would sometimes last for days
He also had fear of sudden and violent
death.
Now, I was just his opposite-of free and
joyous nature, scoffer at all supernatural
things, enjoying the present. aud letting the
future take care of itself
Both of US being of rowing disposition.
and having the necessary funds, we arranged
our affairs so as not to suffer by our absence,
and started for three years tour.
One evening, when nearly two years on our
travels, the event happened which coupled
my name with that of murder.
Fred had been unusually dull and absent
minded during the day. and the evening
being wet and chilly, We put up at a hotel,
and retired earlier than usual.
by Fred's regular breathing. I knew that
he was asleep; and l soon followed his ex-
ample.
How long slept know not, but it must
have been some time, when was suddenly
awakened by loud report, and jumping out
of bed, saw Fred lying with his face to the
wall shot through the heart, and the pistol,
with which he had done the deed, still grasped
tightly in his hand
The landlord aud some of his clerks came
rushing into the room, lights in hand
''What is the matter up here who fred
pistol just now ?" Intercepted the landlord
explained to him that he had shot him
self
"Your friend committed suicide-indeed
Well, that is story you will have to prove
in court. Officer, arrest that man."
Twas Immediately handcuffed, and led off
to Jail
The next day an inquest was held. and 1
was committed for trial, charged with will
ful murder.
When I fully realized my true position, it
nearly deprived me of reason.
Heaven alone knows what mentally and
physically suffered while waiting the day of
trial.
Well. at last it arrived
The court room was crowded, every one
was anxious to see the cold blooded MUIR
derer.
~ '''IA tOAithCiSGu luG liuulOIu WIS
first placed upon the stand, and then his
clerks, who corroborated his evidence in every
particular.
Not link was wanting in that terrible
chain of circumstantiaI evidence
All my iawyer's cndeavors we're useless.
The judge arose and delivered the charge
to the jury.
They retired, but in a few minutes re-
turned and took their places.
Amid breathless silence, the clerk of the
court asked the foreman their decision, guilty,
or not guilty.
Guilty, by unanimous vote ~ replied
the foreman.
l was stricken dumb, and mechanically
followed the officer back to my cell, out of
which in few short weeks / was to be led
and executed for crime which never COM
mitted, SO help me God
This is my last morning on Garth l can
hear the noise Of the hammer and saw of the
carpenters erecting the gallows in the yard
beneath my window.
Hark the sheriff and his assistants are ap-
proaching-they enter my cell, and make
preparations to lead me to my doom. Read
cr farewell! l go. but go innocent-a vic
tim of trcumstanttat eUidence!