The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1871-07-13
Laura l.. Fair, the California
Wurder$~s.


The civilization Of the age is to have a
dark blot cast upon it in the hanging of
the woman who, in fit of passion conse-
quent upon her unfortunate relations
with Crittenden, slew him. The follow
ing life-drawn picture of this woman
whose name is destined to occupy a
conspicuous place in the criminal history
of the times, will not be looked upon
without interest. Nor will it fail to
awaken sorrow that her remarkable gifts
of mind and person were so sadly perver-
ted:
Mrs. Fair was very beautiful in person,
nor was her mind deficient in those qualities
that add to personal charms. Without be-
ing educated, save as TO music, in which she
was most accomplished, she had a Vivacity
of manner ansf sprightliness Of intellect
that invested her with more than passing
interest. She possessed the faculty OF enter
tanning man at once. and on seeing her
amidst several gentlemen, and observing the
facility with which she could leap as il
were from subject 10 subject, could not help
but realize that, while she did not possess
the most comprehensive knowledge of the
various topics, she at least was a very ''clev-
er" woman. She was one of those persons
who desired TO interest gentlemen only.
She cared nothing for the opinion of her
own sex, possessed many good traits OF
character, and indeed aFas, because of such
good qualities, enabTeU to captivare such a
man as Judge Crittenden-
Mrs Fair eight years ago was In person
remarkable. A blonde OF most exquisite
complexion, the fairness of her skin never
gave room for a doubt that art had aided in
any way; she had fine dark eyes, with long
dropping lashes, andsa form of perfect pro-
portions. Added TO this she possessed great
taste in dress; inciining to the subdued coll
ors for the promenades in the evening, the
rich and elegant style characteristic of the
wealthier and better class-not that it must
be supposed to be meant that she belonged
to either, for she did not. While she was
still living with Mr. Fair, in the ineipiency
of her liaison with Crittenden, she visited
San Francisco several times. not openly in
his company, but ostensibly putting up
alone at the most stylish hotel, and creating
that furore which only a woman of her
these visits she occasionally appeared at
some of the most fashionable balls and con-
certs; if at ball, her superb apparel, mag
nificent form, and beautiful face, were the
event of the evening; if at a concert, she
was more observed than the performers.
Her fame was SO well known that when size
appeared. the effect upon her own sex could
only be COMPARED to that produced by the
sudden appearance OF Jne udTlDS cOTsdlT
amidst the convoy; such a closing up of
ranks and unmasking of batteries, in order
that husbands might be more effectually
protected. But alas it was often too evil
dent that the aforesaid husbands rather in
cined to strike their colors upon the first
appearance of the enemy.
Mrs. Fair never appeared to the writer
like woman who could be capable OF the
killing of any man, yet she evidently was
woman of great determination of character,
but of a very capricious mind. 1t seemed
impossible that she could ever cling so
closely to any one as to cause her to commit
an act that would endanger her life and
property, for she was avaricious. Her liai-
son with Crittenden was doubtless the event
of her life-one that proved I'm many ways
the NEST flatteriDg to her vanity as well as
the most advantageous, pecuniarily, and one
that she would most reluctantly give up.
The infatuation of Judge Crittenden in
itself shows that Mrs. Fair was more than
an ordinary woman--that she did possess
some elements of character and promptings
of heart that were good, else she could
never have had such an ascendency of him,
for he was a man of gwat natural goodness
of heart, purity of character, and refinement
of manner. Like Thousand other men just
as good, he made his blunder and paid his
penalty.