Connecticut western news., 1878-06-13
Ten Eyck's s.Last words.''
From Pittsfield Eagle.l

.44as From Pittsfield Eagle aJ
 It has seemed to us lately that 1t would be . kindness to John Ten Eyck to refuse room for any further matter from his pen He is doomed man, and it is high tune he addressed himself to preparations for his awful fate He has but two months of life left. His doom is irrevocably fixed and the people have nothing more to do with him, except to see to it that the righteous sen- tence of the court is carried out through their officials.
 But letter comes to us again this week from the condemned mans cell. He says 1t contains his last words to the public, and begs US to give it place in the EAGLE. For the last tune we gratify his wish and print his letter, useless though 1t may be. It is despairing mans final outcry against fate, as follows .. 4. .s.- ... ...,- r..l
 Mr. Eluor,-I have, in the course of my life, read the old testament through twice and the new through three times. have also read the Bible and studied it more for the last six months, perhaps, than any other man bond or free. 1 have also been greater reader Of hls- tories, travels and adventures, of injustice, murders and other crimes, in the east, west, north and south, but cannot recall an in- stance, since the crucifxion of Christ, that compares with the conviction and sentence to be publicly murdered, as am to be, on the hRixteenth of August next, 1878. t@
 Now sir, allow me to say that the hanging of John Brown, was but 8 cipher by the side of my case, for it is said that he did violate one of the laws of that state, whereas, 1 protest be- fore God and man, have not, and you have yet got to some day know the truth, as well as many other people. hope and am certain that it must be so, though it may be years hence and still it may be soon. i-
 But hope and pray to God that every mem- Der of that court before whom was tried may live until it is truthfully and clearly shown to < the world that am an innocent man. Then what must be the feelings of those men, whom doubt not, intended nothing but justice should be done. And yet they have been de- their hands with innocent blood yes, repest, with innocent blood. But I, even-I feel for those twelve men that were bEndly led to par ticipste in the public murder of John Ten Eyck. -ad .ff these few lines, how I feel for those 12 men, and knowing these are the last lines that shall ever, by my own pen, present to the pub lie, hope every member of that court before whom was tried, that may chance to read these lines, will not fail to keep in his posses sion this poorly composed letter until the time must and will come when they shall know that l am innocent, and that my statement is true and that they have innocently murdered John Ten Eyck. lsE .sa
 And now 1 want to say word for his honor Judge Colt, 8 man that shall respect and esympsthize with as long as live. And why you may ask. will answer When that good man and stood face to face, and he almost broke down in passing sentence of death upon me, it seemed to me that could read in his face the truth, almost as plain as if spoken, you are not guilty, but can do no other way but pass sentence of death upon you.'' How feel for the good man when think that, if he Hives until that crime shall be brought to light, and it is clearly shown that I am innocent, that then he has got it to think that he sat in judgment and failed in justice. ,.f .,f
 Now, Mr. Editor, as to the false reports about me, in the papers, of eating shoe blacking and trying to commit suicide, and of other bad conduct. The reports are all false. intend to bide Gods time for death, and as for the confession you have been looking for me to make, you have got it in this letter. Keep it, both friends and foes, for it is the last you will < ever get from my pen, SO consider it as my last and dying words to you. For the rest of my time am going to devote to writing private letters to friends, and this is my last to you and solemnly say, before God and man, that \ am innocent of the Time of murder. Fare welfl g.
 Written this day of our Lord June Sd, 1878, by me, and am perfectly sane, innocent and calm. JOHN E. TEN EYcK.