Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-05-21
THE LANESTABLE LETTER.
Rase That Brought Lillian to
Richmond In March.
THAT TORN NOTE.
Prosecution Trying 10 Lay the Foundation
for lis Introduction.

Judge Atkins yesterday morning
rendered decision adverse to the pro
position of the representatives Of th,
Commonwealth that Mrs. Dickinson
and Willie should be allowed to say il
the Tappahsnnock postal-card, admit
tedly the writing Of accused, is the
same as the handwriting on the enve-
Iope addressed to Lillian which con.
tanned the Miss Curtis {" Old
Point y letter, He thought that they
were not competent witnesses as tc
handwriting but he said Mrs. Dickin.
son might testify as to the contents o.
this letter.
THE RICHMOND PosTAJs.
The question then arose as to whether
the Court would allow Mrs. Dickinson
to say what were the contents Of the
two postal-cards received by her from
Lillian; written las the Commonwealth
can prove) by Lillian while at the Ame-
rican Hotel on the day preceding the
night Of her death.
Defence protested against the idea,
and n long argument followed, both
Mr. Meredith and Colonel Aylett speak
ing for the prosecution and ex-Judge
Crump for the prisoner.
Judge Crump insisted that the prose-
cution should first establish the per-
sonal presence together here Of Miss
Madison and the accused.
Judge Atkins said that really he
could not think il proper at this time
to allow the contents Of Lillian's Rich
mond postals to be proved, but should
the evidence hereafter render their ad-
missibility right he should permit it.
The jury, who had been absent
during this discussion, were now
brought back TO their seats.
This lady being again put on the
stand, and examined by Mr.. Meredith,
said that on March 10th Miss Madison
received a letter which induced her to
come to Richmond. What statement
was made in regard to her coming to
Richmond? She brought the letter in
and offered ii to me to read. A part
Of il read, and then ! told her to read
the rest to me, and she did so. She
seemed inclined to leave ii to me TO de-
eide whether she should come. Do |
think that that letter brought her to
Richmond? | certainly do. Ruled
out.l She felt bothered over the recep-
tion Of the letter. And what did she
finally conclude TO do? She finally con-
cluded to come to Richmond. She dis
cuSsed with me the contents Of the let
ter, and know Of no other inducemsnt
she had for coming here.
Judge Crmup: We object.
The Court Note the exception.
THE LETTER.
Mr.. Meredith read the letter as fol-
lows:
RICHMOND. Va May 9. 1888
M Dear Liihe IL IN on business OF sad
importance ] must write To you to-day. As
you know, mama-both mama and Aunt
Nary-have both been in wretched health
for q long time, and both have been getting
worse for some time, and the doctors say II
Aunt Mary don't leave here, and that soon,
she cannot stand It long, 80 they advise
papa 10 take her TO Old Point In order that
she can take those sun-baths. which are
proving NO beneficial to consumptiyes; but
she viii not agree 10 go unless i could go
with her. which OF course is out OF the ques-
ton, as mama IN too III for Inc to leave her.
So We have been trying 10 persuade
her TO let some one else accompany
her 80 at last she agrees that II we
can get you TO come down and 20
with her she win consent to go. OF course
we told her you were teaching. but she
begged we would try 10 get You TO come and
go with her Just as company for her, as her
nurse viii go with her who has been walt
ing on her all the time. she says the rea.
son she wants you 10 he with her is on ac-
count OF your being 80 quiet and gentle in
your manners when ysu were visiting us.
and she is so nerveus she could not bear 10
have some one with her whs was not gem
tie and kind. She told me To beg you please
Ia grant her this request, as it was her last
resort for moments of relief from her suf-
lerings, rs OF course we know she can never
be well.
My dear Lille imagine how iti is with me.
MY dear mama and aunt both so sick. Ma.
ma Is rapidly declining. / think. and aunt
worse, think, but ifthe can get to Old Point
we hope she will get better. She will only
stay there one week, rs In that time she will
be better, " it will benefit her at all. IAllie,
please come. Ask Mrs. Dickinson | say
please excuse you, under these sad circum-
stances. Just for week. and she viii do 1t. ]
know, as you wrote me She was 80 good and
kind. fapa wishes me to say 10 you
" you will come and go with aunt he will
never forget your kindness and besides he
VIII pay all your expenses and So per day
for every day you are with her. lie is such
n devoted brother 30 her he will do any
thing in his power. Lille, don't get any
dresses FOR the purpose, as you and myself
wear the same clothes. and as we wanted, III
possible. 10 attend the Exposition. ! have
had made up lot OF new clothes for the
purpose. but OF course now we can't 20. but
we were In hopes mama and aunt would
get better so we could GO but We have
given II out now.
Now. dear Lille. we are I'm hopes to see
you soon. lfyou will accompany aunt come
Thursday p2thl: eitheron the mail or ex-
press. We shall send TO meet yon and
please. dear Lille, don't disappoint us, for
you know there Is nothing i would not do
FOR you. II aunt should get too IN 10 20 we
will telegraph TO you, 30 you will get IL be.
fore time FOR YOU 10 start the 18th. IL you
Will ask the lady yon teach for 10 excuse
you for Just this short time she will do IT, l
know. All send much love. Aunt is very
Ever your towing schoolmate,
LAURA NJ. CURTIS.
LETTER AND NOTE.
Mr.. Meredith Mrs. Dickinson, is
or not that the letter.
Ii is. She also received a note in