The New York herald., 1879-07-31
TEARS IN THE CELL.
Miss AbbOtt'S Visit to Mrs.
Jennie Smith.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE MURDER
"Coye' Bennett Relates His Experiences to
u Herald Reporter.

by special request q representative OF the HERALD
~aited upon Covert d. Bennett yesterday morning.
Bennett. who was dressed in dark summer suit and
looked remarkably well. received the reporter in
what is known as the 'Cage." which is situated at
the entrance to the lower cells whore he is con-
fined. Shortly after. Miss Emma Abbott. chape-
roned by Sheriff Toney and accompanied by her hus-
band. Mr.. wetherall, and tho Rev. DR.. Rice entered.
Bennett, seeing Miss Abbott. precipitatey. a
deep flush suiTusing his countenance and when DR..
Rice. introducing him. said, "This is my
friend. Mr.. Bennett" took Miss Abbotts
offered hand difidenty and with bowed head MUIR
INJURED some indistinct words of thanks. The party
then being seated, Bennett recovering somewhat
and as the conversation continued becoming APP
parently more and more at ease. said that he had
sought for the interview he felt most desirous of
thanking the HERALD for its stanch advocacy of
their cause and because he was afraid that his
refusal to speak on Saturday or see any one might
be misconstrued. Since have been confined have
labored under a disadvantage in having much that
said misconstrued or misstated. This has latterly
made me not only retcent but determined to sec no
one connected with newspapers. TO the HERALD.
though. feel differently. and will be glad to answer
Any questions that asked.
sIIow have you felt during your confnement?"
'Of the first month more. during which was
confined in the City Prison. there is need Of
speaking. Every one knows the horrors of such a
place. But later. after I was removed here,
found myself in comparatively pleasant quarters.
with my health. which had been greatly en-
eeblel in a fair way to restoration, and
had time to think. at first felt certain
that my detention would not be for long. Later.
when found myself charged and held for the per-
petration of the crime at first chafed under it, and
rs the days passed by and light came. but every
thing grew darker and darker. my state OF mind be-
as I NIX Of Iread
I wrote. tried to throw myself off myself. as it
were. but to no purpose.
Ibid you then feel anxious about the future?'
''No, not of my being cleared of the awful charge
ultimately; but anxious for liberty, anxious that
the investigation should be made"
.And about the first trial. how did you feel when
you were told that you would havo to undergo o
second?"
.That is very di4icult for me to say without going
into details that would tire you. The strain. you
must know well. terrible. Sleepless
days and nights. constant state Of
unrest; wish for and still dread
of again having to stand before the bar. Of
being gazed upon and subjected to the scrutiny Of
thousands. Here those around seemed to have
some respect to look upon me as one who was some-
what different from themselves. Outside was
kind OF curiosity show.
STRONG IN CONSCIOUS INNOCENCE.
Ibid you think the jury would have brought in
the verdict they did?''
II said once before that, conscious in my inno-
cence, hoped for the best, nor dreaded the worst
hoped / should be vindicatcd still l was prepared
to die ii such the verdict. The bitterness
of death itself would have been nothing in COM
parison to the torments endured during the days,
the weeks and the months of my incarceration.
You say should make friends turning to Miss
Abbott, who ventured the suggestion II have told
You that at first tried to make them, but found my
confidence abused and what did say to certain par
ties so twisted that never could recognize my
statement This is the reason why have lately
fused to any one.
"How about the verdict!'
Doubtless judge and jury both did thoir duty.
have i'll feeling thought of such against them.
About the sentencing! That is different 1t was
trying, God knows how trying. to sit there. DIR.
Rice had hold of my hand and he told to
stand. stand up and hear the judge, in his
the terrible sentences; but it more than terrible.
and can remember now my feeling. when after
waiting for what thought All eternity knew that
the sentence had been pronounced in it's entirety.
and We were left face to face with the future and
without much as being commended to
the mercy of that God who were supposed to
have 30 deeply offended.
NIGHTS OF TERROR.
"How did You feel after you knew the worst?"
Again hnd 1t impossible to n slight de-
dread upon me. To sleep rest impossible.
Strange. weird and horrible phantoms fitted before
my eyes whenever they were closed in sleep.
ton makes mo shudder. And how. how
feel relieved, how could l feel otherwise? The
strain for the time being has been removed have
hope. though not too sangune; still think may
cherish little. The future? In the future I
what he was just going to say rnsaid; then. after
moments consideration, 81 hope for the best
And Mrs. Smith. what about her? asked Miss
Abbott.
II have perhaps. deserved all that was said against
me. but she has been disparaged, oh, so much, you
cannot know. She did not deserve it. may have
done much that wrong"
DR.. Rice here interrupted Bennett remarking tha.
Bennett had behaved all through in entirely hon
orable manner toward Mrs. Smith. Asked about the
future action of counsel. Bennett dec incd to say
anything and the interview then came to an end.
Ii.
The reporter followed the Sheriff and Miss Alb
bolts party Mrs. Smiths place of confinement
The room, which spotessly clean. had evidently
been arranged in anticipation for the visit, and
chairs stood ready tor the visitors. Entering, Miss
Abbott approached Mrs. smith, who dressed as
usual In black grcnadinc dress. with white collar.
with narrow black border and had her HAIR
frizzcd in front. and done up in q single
Idat behind. and taking both her hands
in hers shook them warmly Mrs Smith was very
nervous aud for a long time could scarcely speak a
word At length sho found utteranco sufficient
to artculate few words Of thanks All
Abbott then led Mrs. Smith to a seat and
placing herself alongside of her the two
tered into conversation but in such low tones
that 1t impossible for the reporter hear what
passed between them. Mrs. Smiths tears flowed
freely she was tniid and bashtul, and seemed to
scarcely speak above her breath. Her visitor, too.
Affected and allowed her tears to freely ininge
with those Of the prisoner. The interview. which
was of the most painful character, was
brought somewhat abruptly to end by
Dr. Rice. who. apparently fearing that the
excitement might prove too much for both of
them. quietly entered the room. In little time
having recovered their composure Miss Abbott
to take leave; Mrs. Smith also. Quickly put
ting her arms around Mrs. Smiths waist Miss Abbott
kissed her warmly. and. while the tears down
her checks. bade her be of good cheer. for there
many friends on their side who would that
right was done.
before leaving Miss Abbott who may have been
the bearer of some message from Mrs. Smith to
BENNETT again went to him and entered his cell
They talked earnestly for some few minutes together
but the subject OF their discourse not revealed
A curious coincidence Is that the interview given
above occurred exactly ono year to day after the
commission of the murder. This. although not
alluded to by either OF the prisoners, must have
doubtedly been in both their minds.
THE SYMPATHETIC AND THE UNcHARITABLE.
Dr. Rice said 1--WE did not desire the visit to be
made public because OF Miss Abbott. She would
have come over long ago, only that she desired to
avoid any publicity" The clergyman thought
her OF the most enthusiastic and purcst
hearted women he had met WITH Mrs.
Smith, after the departure OF Miss Abbott, said to
the person who next her that MISS Abbott
the sweclcst living Mrs. Smith viii retain