The Portland daily press., 1870-02-16
MAIN e.
Trial Of John Lawrence at Bangor
for the Murder Of Mrs. Atwood.
Tuesdays Proceedings,
Especial by Western Union Line. ]

Especial by Western Union Linel
BANGOR, Feb. 15.-At the opening of court
this morning a large crowd was in attendance
to watch the procee Iings. The prisoner was
brought in promptly. The witnesses for the
prosecution were called and sworn. Mrs. Marsh
testified that the deceased had been living with
her about four weeks and that Lawrence had
called frequently during that time He was
always gentlemanly with one exception, before
the night of the murder. He called about six
that evening and followed Mrs. Marsh into the
pantry, took drink of water and then shut
her in there. In few moments she heard
Mrs. Atwood cry ooh! John, will; I will. %
She came out of the pantry and saw Lawrence
fire twice at Mrs. Atwood. Mrs. Marsh went
out to call neighbor. Upon her return the
deceased said, sob! that miserable John has
murdered me-" Lawrence then went Off At
the cross-examination it appeared that the
prisoner had complained to the witness that
Mrs. Atwood didn't treat him as we'll as she
did others; which others turned out by further
testimony to be deacon, numerous lawyers
and business men.
DR.. Henry Seavy was then called. His tes-
timony was to the effect that her death was oc.
casioned by the wounds received, one in the
hand, one in the arm and third in the ribs
Upon post mortem examination be found a
bullet, which he produced, and stated that he
knew of no other death than the natural re.
suits of wounds.
City Marshal Bottoms testimony was mostly
concerning the prisoner. He found him at his
on Main with n WON nd Inv
his knife. His revolver contained two charges
then, but the caps were lost and the weapon
useless or he would have shot himself He
asked the Marshal if his cut was sufficient to
produce death; he then asked if Mrs Atwood
was dead, and said if she was he should die
happy. The Marshal called Dr. Jones after his
confinement in jail. He asked the Marshal
about his things; wanted them taken to the
auction room and sold. The remarks which
Lawrence made were voluntary, no questions
having bpen asked. He expressed TO desire to
recover.
The next witness, Stillman c. Archer, re-
manned with the prisoner all night; found him
restless, although he slept at intervals. The
main testimony OF the witness was converse
ton which had transpired between himself and
the prisoner during the night of the murder.
Here it appeared that several citizens had
aroused the jealousy OF the prisoner. The wit
ness generally stated that there was nothing
unusual in the appearance of the prisoner ex-
cent a state of moderate intoxication. The
cross-examination was conducted by Mr..
Knowles.
In the afternoon Mr.. Godfrey, counsel for the
%1o .,rrxy 60 hons
stating that the insanity of the prisoner at the
time of the act would constitute his defence.
He should show that the prisoner received a
sun-stroke while in the army; that he had been
disappointed in his love and that continuous
inlemperance had weakened his brain.
William H. Lawrence, brother of the pris-
oner, was called as the first witness for the de-
fence. He represented that prior to his join
ing the army John was mild, harmless in his
disposition, but that since his return great
change is observable.
Mr.. Twtchell, the next witness, testified that
he was in the army with the prisoner, and that
the latter complained frequently of pains in
the head; that his character was mild and obe-
dent.
DR.. Norris repeated portion of the last tes-
timony, asserting that he attended him for
scurvey and dropsy in the army.
John Mcdonald said he had worked with
him since August and heard him assert that he
had given Mrs. Atwood his summer earnings
and as she had "gone back on him. he would
kill her and himself; that he appeared crazy
so will that he left him.
Mr., Ranlett testified that Lawrence worked
under his supervision about eighteen months
he worked regular and bore good character
excitable when the machine with which he
worked got out of order.
Cross.examination explained this to mean
that he got mad and swore.
The next witness, Mr. Washburn, stated
that while at work under him Lawrence al
times appeared wild, so that he called him era
w; that at times he had talked so wildly about
killing people that the witness threatened to
have him arrested if he didn't cease. Prisoner
promised to make no more talk of that nature
Dr. Jones-Was called to.see prisoner; he
was lying on the floor with his throat cut. very
| weak but conscious; could speak only in a
whisper. The prisoner asked if he had done
| the job well. For two days after there was al
| unnatural state of mind. He never mention
ed the deceased. The effect of his intoxicatioI
was marvelously long, Nothing further of con
sequence was ELECTED. Adjourned. W.