Connecticut western news., 1873-01-17
The Sentence of Stokes.

Edward s. Stokes, the murderer of Col James Fisk, IT,, has been sentenced to death. The scene in Court was a sad one. When Stokes stood up the Clerk of the Court said :-"Edward s. Stokes, what have you now to say why the sen tenceof death should not be pronounced against you ?''
 Stokes reply was as follows :-"I can only say that I am innocent of the crime of which I now stand convicted. I did not Intentionally violate any laws of the land. I would also like to say that noticed in one of to-day's papers an in terviewwith one of the jury, MT. Bolles, I think it is, in which he stated that probably it would have been better that I should not have got on the stand, for the reason that testified that the pistol with which Fisk met his death I had never fired off, when the jury all knew that I. had fired it off repeatedly at Saratoga with Col. Fellows I have only to say that if that interview is true, that I neverfred it off at Saratoga, and that it never has been discharged by me except twice. I knew that all | the testimony that was given for the de fence was viewed lightly by the jury. | feel convinced of that, and I know l that public clamor has been aroused against me from the frequent murders in New York City. I know that the evidence of Thomas Hart, upon which 1 I have been convicted, is false, from be- ginning to end. I believe that the prosecution knew it, for Judge Garvin never alluded to it when he summed up the case on the former trial. That is all I have to say. I hope you will make the sentence as brief as possible
 In sentencing Stokes the Court said "To me remains the painful duty ot pronouncing the judgment of the law. not alone as 8 punishment of youl crime, but also that, by your example others may take warning. I am sac over your unhappy fate-so young, SC attractive in person, with so many foun: tains of joy yet untasted; still greate, is my sorrow to realize the unmeriteC anguish you have brought upon you family and friends. Your disgrace is effected upon them, who are pure Your dishonor casts an uni ust but un workable stain upon their character anC virtue. It is frightful legacy to leave to family-a spectre that death alone gan banish It were idle, if it were possible, for me to trace the path iron innocence to crime. To tell the tale o appetites unrestrained, of passions fierce, vindictive, and unbridled. ] cal not do it. Let the time which the lav gives you be devoted to reflections upo1 your past, repentance for your sins, ant preparation for that great change SC fearfllly near you. Don't delude your self with uncertain hopes of pardon md communication. Edward s. Stokes in obedience to the requirements of thu law, this Court orders and directs tha YOU be taken hence in the custody O the Sheriff of the City and County O New York to the prison from whence you came that you be there confined in close custody by said Sheriff unti the 18th day of February, 1873, ant that on that day, between the hours o II o'clock in the morning and eclocl in the afternoon, you be hanged by tn neck until you are dead; and may Goc have mercy upon your soul"
 As the last dread words were uttered the prisoner almost sank back in hi chair. His face became ghastly in it expression, his lips were compressed and he seemed to be struggling to re press utterance. Stokes was take, back to the Tombs and placed in con demned cell No. 4, to await the sentenc of the law.