The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1877-08-31

crime of murder. Few of them doubted
ais guilt; indeed, nothing seemed more
certain But they were not wiling that
he name should be disgraced BY one OF
shem dying at the hands Of the hangman,
50 they employed able counsel, and made
the best defence possible.
Mr.. McMasters was engaged to defend
MIN. He examined the case, and though
He had no doubt Of his clients guilt. be
did his best for him. Not daring to take
his trial on the merits Of the case, he sue
ceeded in establishing the on-jurlsdictlon
IF the court, and locating the crime in
Canada.
The criminal-for such everybody now
believed him to be-was therefore set at
liberty. when he was threatened with VI
olence If he did not leave the country.
He refused. saying he was innocent. An
officer arrived from Canada, with requi-
sition, and be was taken across the line
for trial.
The ablest counsel both of Canada and
New York were engaged for the priso er,
and by postponing the trial for nearly a
ear, spiriting away some Of the most
important witnesses ofthe prosecution, aaa
uther ingenious but questionable devices,
thev succeeded in prJducine di agree
mint in one jury, and finally brought
about an acquittal, after eighteen months
of IMPRISONMENT His own counsel advised
him to fee the country, and, under another
name. strive by better lie to repay
society for its tolerance in suffering him
TO live. All such advice the wretched man
lnbeeded aud returned to his own home,
declaring his purpose to remain there until
.be cloud was lifted from his former good
oanle.
But though saved from the gallows he
did not escape punishment. He was point
ed out as murderer, and his supposed
crime was even hooted in his ears rs he
passed through the public streets. Thus
We PASSED eleven years Of his life, awaiting
natieptlv for vindication. His loss OF
character had brought with itloss Of prop
nrtv and he became almost reduced to
beggary.
Thus matters stood until the early part
oe October, 1851, when man, clothed IN
the earb of a sailor, made his appearance
in the village of Plattsburg, and inquired
.or Captain John Weatherwax. The lat.
ter was just then entering the post-ofiee,
where considerable crowd had collected,
and was pointed ont to the inquiries
stranger. He made his way toward him;
laid his hand f.miliarly upon bis shoulder:
and exclaimed:
] "How are you, Johnr
John looked at him for moment il
oewildermeut, gave suppressed scream
and replied
!: Great Heaven! has it come at last? 2
Qrnlng 10 tue crown, LlS odlG
"GentIemen, my vinuicatiou has at las
come. For eleven years | have borns
your reproaches in silence, hoping aHe
praying for this hour. This ismy cousir
Andrew, for whose supposed murder
have suffered punishment many time
worse than death.
For d short time there was disposition
: to regald the newcomer as an imposto
who hid been brought forward TO reheT
: Captain Weatherwax OF the disgrace tha
y had attached to him. But his identity Wa
soon established beyond question.
The account which Andrew gave Of hin
:, self was that he lett the boat Oh the event
lul evening after the quarrel, wandere
into rum shop short distance from til
= landing, became engaged in fight an
was arrested.