The Placer herald., 1873-10-04
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.

In the Rerie,c of November, there was
an account of the trial Of Harry Blake for
murder, who was convicted upon circum-
stancial evidence, and hung. About three
months after his death, the Judge who
presided at the trial received note from a
prisoner under sentence OF death, requesting
to see him without delay as lis sentence
was to be carried into effect the day follow
ing On his way thither he overlook an
old man walking slowly, who accosted him,
and recognized him to be Caleb Grayson,
who had been witness at Blake's trial
and had a similar note to his own, but
equally at a loss to know the meaning Of
the summons.
They both entered the cell together. The
prisoner did not move, but raised his head
when Grayson recognized having seen him
at t.vern the night before Blake's execu-
tion; and at the gallows.
"Well, Judge" said he, 81 sent for you
to see if you cant get me out of this scrape.
Must surely hang tomorrow p
The Judge shook his head. ''lt's idle to
hope; nothing in the world can possibly stay
your execution"
can apI Ilication might be made to the
authorities" said the prisoner. "Pardons
have come sometimes on the scafiold."
"None will come in your case" replied
the Judge; "it's needles for me to dwell on
your offense now, for it was one that had
no paliai:an, and you may rest assured
that whatever may have occurred in other
cases, no pardon will come in yours. In
fact, understand that an application has
been made for one to the proper authorities,
by your counsel aud has been refused" "
The features Of the prisoner underwent
no change, nor did the expression Of his
face alter in the least. But, after mo-
ments pause he SAID, sis this true, Judge
-npon your honor p
''lt is" replied the Judge.
"Then I know the worst, replied the
prisoner, coldly, "and will now tell what |
have to communicate, which ! would not
have done while there was hope Of escape.
You," said he turning to the Judge, "pre-
sided at the trial of young Harry Blake,
who was accused of murder, and sentenced
to death.
81 did,"
"Apd you," said be, turning to Grayson,
"was one of the witnesses against him.
You swore that you saw him stab Wickliffe.
On your testimony principally he was
hung"
81 was" replied the old man, II saw
him with my own eyes.
The prisoner uttered low, sneering and
mocking laugh, as he said, vindictively,
turning to the Judge: .
"YOu sentenced an innocent man. And
you, said he, turning TO the other, "swore
a falshhood. Harry Blake did not kill
Wickliffe. He was as innocent of murder
as you were-more innocent than you are
now."
The old man staggered as if he had been
struck, and leaned against the table to sup
port himself, while the condemned stood
opposite to him, looking at him with an
Indifferent air.
"Yes, old man." said he, sternly. "you
have blood and perjury on your soul; for ]" "
stepping forward, so that the light Of the
lamp fell upon bis savage features, II MUIR
dered William Wickliffe! did it! Thank
God, did it! for l had long score to
settle with him. But Blake had no hand
in it. l met Wickliffe on that afternoon
alone, with none to interfere between us. ]
told him of the injuries he had done me, and
told him the time had come for redress.
He endeavored to escape, but l followed
him up, l grappled with him and stabbed
him. As did 80 l heard the clatter Of
horses hoofs, and leaped into cluster of
bushes that grew at the roadside. At that
moment young Blake came up and found
WickIfEe lying dead in the road. You know
the rest. The tale be told was as true as
gospel He was attempting to draw the
knife from the mans breast when you came
up and charged him with murder"
.'Good God! can this be possible :"
calculated the old man. "lt cannot. Vii
lain, you are liar!'
"Pshaw!' muttered the man, "what
could gain by lyings Tomorrow ]
die"
II don't believe it! Idon't believe itr'
exclaimed Graysou, pacing the cell, and
wringing bis hands. "God iu mercy grant
that it may be false; that this dreadful Elm
may not be upon me"
The prisoner sat down and looked At the
Judge and the witness with . eaimness