The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1877-05-18

The remaining six proceeded to the place
appointed, and laid in wait for the deceased
until he came and there 10 the orenday,
upon,a highway where persons were frequent
ly passing, robbed and murdered him.
"A jury of twelve honest men, against
whom you had no cause to object, after
full and impartial trial, conducted with due
regard to all the forms of law, and in which
all doubtful questions we're ruled in your
favor. have found upon their oaths, that the
Evidence established beyond a reasonable
doubt that you three were of that band of
conspirators, and are guilty OF the great
crime charged in the indictment.
Six of your companions in guilt are eth
er dead or are fugitives FROM justice-one,
upon whose testimony, with corroborating
facts and circumstances you were convicted
is in prison awaiting his trial. All who
are living may yet be brought to answer for
their crime. Justice has moved with leaden
feet in overtaking the perpetrators Of this
terrible tragedy but at last it has seized
upon you and brought to light an array of
facts, from the consequences of which the
earnest and able efforts of your counsel
could not save you.
You stand here to day convicted of a vio-
laton Of the laws of God and man. "Thou
shalt not kill" is the command of the Great
Law Giver. Every person convicted of the
crime of murder in the first degree, his aid
ors, abettors and counselors, shall be sem
fenced to suffer death" is the inexorable law
of this Commonwealth. As the ministers of
the law it is made our duty to pronounce
that sentence. Its execution may not be
long delayed Be warned therefore to pre-
pare for death, and for that juds sment where
no secrets are hid.
Repent and confess your sins before God
Go not into His presence with lie upon
your lips. Although you, without mercy
slew or caused to be slain the lamented Rea
yet it is possible you may be forgiven.
Mercy, as well as justice and judgment
belong to Him from whom we ask mercy in
your behalf at the close of the dread sentence
Of the law. Seek it from that source. Else
where you have no grounds for hope.
AZ this point the three Judges arose and
the sentence Of death was pronounced;
The sentence of the law now pronounced
by the Court is: "That you, Patrick Hes
ter, the prisoner at the bar, be taken hence
to the jail Of Columbia county from whence
you came, and from thence to the place O.
execution within the walls of said Jail or
| the yard thereof, and that you be hanged by
| the neck until you are dead. And may God
have mercy upon your soul"
Peter McHugh and Patrick Tully were
then severally sentenced in like manner.
| Judge Elwell was almost overcome with
emotion ,and Judges Shuman and Kr ckbaun
were greatly affected, while strong men wep
in all parts Of the Court House. Such Q
scene has never before been witnessed in
Columbia county. 1t was not so exciting
but far more solemn and affecting than tn
scene at the trial, when the jury came il
with verdict of guilty.
The prisoners did not seem to be greatl
agitated whether their GOODNESS arose iron
IA consciousness of innocence, from feeling
of resignation to the inevitable, through Di
vine help, or from hardened guilt, we can
not say. They were conducted back to tn
Jail to await the Governors action.