The New York herald., 1872-09-23
ANOTHER CLERICAL SCANDAL.
A Maryland Clergyman Charged
with Seduction.

His Alleged Victim colored Servant Gvi-Her
Story Of the Circumstances Of the ciime-she
Makes Two Attempts at Infslticide and
Makes Confession Under Oath.
ELKT0N. Nd, Sept. p, 1872.
Elkton s the county seat OF Cecil county, OF the
most populous and wealthy counties Of the Eastern
Shore Of this State 1t contains about two thousand
inhabitants, and ia quiet arist0cratic town, num-
bering among its people many Of the ablest men in
the State. 1t is the home OF Postmaster General
Creswen and his brilliant rival, Alexander Evans
for many years member OF Congress, and several
other gentlemen Of considerable prominence in
State and national politics. Priding itself upon its
quiet aristocratc and moral citizenship, great
has always been taken by the different religious de-
nominations In the selection of their ministers,
and with the Presbyterian congregation especial
care was taken to bring to their aid the very best
talent that could be secured. They were always
successful, and the consequence was q rich, -four
ishing congregation, equal to any in the place In
point Of numbers and influence Several years ago
REV. HENRY MATHEWS
came here from Virginia to take charge Of this
congregation. He made favorable impression
upon our people from the, first, which eventually
ripened into strong feeling Of regard and arec-
outside of 1t. He was especially admired for his
great purity Of character. With the lady members
Of his congregation and in fact, Of the whole place.
he was regarded as incapable Of doing wrong, and
the gentlemen were equally euogistic OF his ster-
ling purity Of thought and action. He had wife
who was regarded as fitting companion for one
so eminently good and able; but no offspring had
been the result Of their union.
Every year that Dr. Mathews ministered here
the attachment for him grew stronger, until
doubt If there ever was pastor SO universally re-
garded with esteem by all classes For nearly seven
years he had been here, and life with him and his
seemed one continued day OF quiet c0ntentment
and happiness
HE RECEIVED GOOD SALARY
and was outside Of that, Independent in worldly
goods, SO he was generally regarded as one
OF the happiest as well as best OF men.
During his stay not a thing transpired to
mar his relations with his congregation,
and when in the early Spring Of this year he
suddenly announced that he would sever his con-
nection with them at an early day blank astonish-
ment filed their countenances, and they looked
from one to another for an explanation Of his rea-
sons for this
UNEXPECTED AND IMMEDIATE DEPARTURE.
He was entreated to reconsider his determin-
alton and remain, but he refused, and without any
then apparent cause he began at once preparations
for departure, and soon after, amid the protesta-
tions and heartfelt desires Of his congregation he
left for Randallstown, Baltimore county, where he
became the pastor Of q small congregation. With
his new charge, as at Elkton, he was great favor
te, and he was fast becoming endeared to them on
well as his general tone and ability Everything,
in fact, was going as well with him in his new In
startling announcement fell like q t2underbot
among his parishioners that he was charged bv his
| cOlOred servant girl with being
THE FATHER OF HER NEWBORN BABE
an ana with having had criminal min intimacy S;y WITH her
to the story with the the Belief that It it, was true
and many nocked to see the girl and child that
they might Judge of the truth Of what she said.
dence, and In tears related the strange story Of
THE CLERGYMAN's INTRIGUE
with her. There also was the babe to bear evil
dence OF the fact that its father was q white man,
and many left the sorrowfll scene with con-
fdence severely shaken in the clerical gentieman's
'purity OF character
THE SIMPLE STORY OF THE GIRL
S # De 0e
before been presented to the public In this country
and that 1T might be given as It came from the lips
see her just after Mr.. Mathews himself had been
with his counsel to visit her. She is now staying
| at relatives near the town and 1t was there
saw her. She ia
VERY BRIGHT MULATTO GIRL,
sp% weg f
the best families In the place. She was always
noted for her quiet, genteel manners and retiring
disposition, and was well spoken Of by all who
knew her. When l first entered the neat little
room Of the colored mans house she was up stairs
with her babe. The old colored woman in attend
ance called her and she soon responded, but
seemed to speak Of her misfortune reluctantly and
erent scenes through Which she s' passed Ss sdU with
her clergyman friend her eyes filed with tears
and it was with difficulty she spoke.
GROWING INTIMACY.
She said that three years and three months ago
she went to live with Mr. Mathews, and was then a
Ut a n Upnt
clergyman began to take an interest In her, and
would come into the kitchen and talk with her and
him faithfully and soon became warmly attached to
him and his family. For q long time they dwet TO-
teachings, both spiritual and mental One day.
some year or more ago, while they were both in
the kitchen, after short term Of instruction, she
ardent caresses and finally
THE THE VICTIM OF HIS PASSION
and that from that time she his partner in las
civious cohabitati0n until some months ago. when
the legitimate wages OF such sin came to her. In
full force and effect and aroused him from his
dream OF licentious happiness to the fact that un
less something was done to hide from the world
Se Ssa ~ hs 1 s snapn ne me woud @
and bameless In life among whom he had been
such an honored teacher.
THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY"
In the agony Of his heart he began to search about
for some place to which to "nee from the wrath to
come" He naturally turned to his partner she who
was to bear the child that was the fruits Of his crime
10 know now 10 avert the consequences She AYERS
that he c0unseled with her as to what was best to
be DONE Several plans were hit upon, but none Of
them seemed to promise success, and neither Of
them seemed willing to add 10 the crime already
committed
THE GREATER CRIME OF MURDER.
so the project OF leaving Elkton was agreed upon
between them, and thus is had solution OF
the enigma OF his sudden departure. She alleges
that IL was decided that II they left she should 60
with them, and when near the time OF her confne-
mcnt she could leave his house ostensbly to 60 to
her home in Elkton, and that he would then take
her to Baltimore, where money would hush the
voice OF indignant inquiry and she could give birth