Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1872-09-17
An Interview with Dr.. soheppe.


pondent of the Baltimore Gazette held an in
terview with DR.. soboppe, and the following
conversation occurred:
DR.. Scheppe, now that you have been at
last acquitted you must feel deeply the change
in your position?
Yes, and can hardly realize how great has
been the change, and in SO brief time too
cannot convey an idea of what have suf>
fered mentally, and my mind to-day, even
though feel exultant at my complete vindi-
cation and prompt acqnittal, fails to serve me
as before the fearful charge of murder was
brought against me.
How long since your arrest?
For nearly four years have been pris>
oner. and my experiences have been enough
to sadden lifetime. Foe more than three
years the terrible sentence of an. ignominous
death hung over me, and my mind goes back
to-day to those days of anguish which seem
now like some frightful nightmare of the
brain. But I was sustained and comtorted
during all my long imprisonment and nv
trials, even when was within few steps Of
the grave, by the happy and proud conscious
ness OF my entire innocence without that
must have failed in mind and body.
How did you spend your prison life?
l studied much, and during the last year I
had melodeon kindly lent me by a lady of
Carlisle. also had considerable correspon.
dence, and received regularly several news
papers sent me by friends.
Your counsel have defended YOU earnestly.
| must acknowledge their invaluable SER
vices, and am also greatly indebted to Mr..
Weakley, editor of the Carlisle Herald, and
to w. +. Sadler, Esq, the present States
Attorney, for zealously befriending me when
most needed aid and comfort Iappreciate
sincerely, too, all that has been done for me
by my professional brethren their outcry first
directed public attention to the great wrong
which had been done me.
Did the Germans of this country espouse
your cause?
In large measure they earnestly seconded
the circumstances of the medical profession,
and showed deep sympathy for me.
You have certainly been near your grave.
Yes, within two days of death on the gall
lows the 23d of December. 1869. had been
appointed as the time for my execution, but
on the 2lst respite came from Governor
Geary Baron Gerolt, the then Prussian Min.
,sfer at Washington, had seen him three days
before in my behalf, and finally prevailed upon
MN to save NE. On the 18th of December,
i've days before the appointed time, the mea-
sure for my coffin was taken, and one of the
carpenters in leaving me jocularly re,parked,
wei, we'll allow two inches for the stretch.
ing OF your neck l made no reply, but felt
keeniy the poignancy of the words. I knew
nothing of Baron Gerolt's visit to Governor
Geary until received the respite, and 7 had
made up my mind to submit to my fate l had
burned all my private papers, and had fully
prepared my mind for death.
What have you to say of your prison life
l have been treated we'll. OF course prison
life Is at best trying and breaking. At one
time my confinement was so close that felt
my health failing almost daily, but after the
granting OF my second trial was treated very
well and kindly. feel grateful to the present
and former officers of the Jail for their kind
ness and consideration.
How is your health now?
am in excellent health, but twice after nv
Imprisonment was very sick. and one time T
suffered from hemorrhage of the lungs. I
have, however, recovered, and am strong
again.
What are your views of your first trial7
AT my first trial the presiding Judge, Jas.
Ii. Graham, was violently prcjudiced against
me, and was in law partnership with the pros.
ecutng officer. Before him I had no fair
chance. Public sentiment had been strongly.
manufactured and greatly embittered against
me, and my life was demanded. The iury
was made to feel the force of the prejudice
which had been raised, and while sat before
my accusers heard repeatedly cries from the
street, OF "Hang the id Dutcbman.'
What have you to say of your second trial !?
truly believe that presiding Judge Jun
kin is an impartial and able judge 1. have
seen, however. in the private prosecutors,
proof of the old prejudices remaining in the
minds of some, but happily it has availed
nothing this time.
How do you regard the medical and chemi-
cal testimony offered in your behalf?
[ feel that have been completely Winds
Gated before every unprejudiced mind nv the
testimony offered at my second trial; It has
not only proved that committed no offence.
but that was correct in my treatment. of
Miss Stinnecke.
What do you think of Professor Aiken's
testimony aud conduct?
He has shown himself to be mere pre>
tender, and is Cow before the world az unwor-
thy of confidence. But for his report of the
discovery of prussic acid, now prove to have
been utterly untrue, would not have been
arrested, and | leave you to imagine my feel
itgs towards him. His conduct at first was
very viudictive, but hear he has chanoed
his opinion.
What has been your professional success in
Carlisle?
l came to Carlisle nine months before INV
arrest; was perfect stranger and unable
to speak English, but by close attention to INV
professional duties l met with good success.
When | was arrested my practice was at the
rate of $1,000 or So, 900 a year, and I had in
bank about Sl,700, which had carefully
saved; l had no debts, and my prospects
were bright.
The request of the jury that you should
shake hands with them was unusual?
l believe SO, and had not anticipated such
mark of their hearty feeling; the tears I