The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-05-21
DEACON SUMPTER'S DREAM.

Inc lOllOWluU True uuccuOIc is COUl-
municated TO Iid-Bits by a gentleman
of Galesburg, Mich:
Deacon Sumpter, kind-hearted and
righteous man, dwelt, during the reign
of George I'LL, upon the outskirts of
Plymouth, England. One night in the
early springtime, having retired to rest
at his usual hour. his sleep was disturb
ed by remarkable dream. 1t appear
ed to him that he could hear most dis
tinctly voice from heaven saying to
him, ''Arise, and go without delay to
Bodmin." Bodmin was a market town
in the adjoining county Qhe county OF
CornwalD about twenty-five miles from
Plymouth. The deacon was not super
stitious man, though living in super
stitious age. He was q man of strong
mind and will, not easily moved by
strange fancies. Yet the dream troubled
him. After thinking about it for some
time, he aroused his wife and told her
what had disturbed him, and how deep
the impression it had made upon him.
AS she had not herself been dreaming,
she could not realize it rs he did, and
urged him to seek forgetfulness in sleep.
After while he fell asleep and the
dream again came to him with all its
previous vividness; most clearly and
distinctly he heard the voice saying to
him. ''Arise, without delay, and 90 to
Bodmin." He could no longer rest, and
resolved to find for himself whether
there was anything more than fancy in
it, by Immediately setting out for Bod
min. He hurriedly dressed and then
went to the paddock adjoining his
house that he might catch and saddle
his pony. He had some misgiving that
it would be n long and difficult task in
the night, but to his surprise when he
reached the field he found the pony at
the gate as though waiting for him. He
was soon in the saddle and at brisk
trot started for Bodmin. just then an
other thought troubled him. He remem-
bered that between three and four miles
from Plymouth he would have to cross
a wide, deep, tidal river. In the day
time q ferryboat was constantly plying
there, but during the night the ferryboat
was kept on the opposite shore, and he
feared that he might not be able to
make himself heard. When, however,
he arrived ut the river he found the
boat waiting for him. Surprised ut this
he asked the men why they had remain
ed on that side of the river. They said
it appeared to them us if some person
called ''boat' several times; they cross
ed the river, and not finding any person
there, were about to return. when they
heard the noise of horses hoofs on the
hard road Git was q clear frosty night
and determined to wait and see if any
tended to confirm his first impression,
that there mist be purpose in his
dream.
In due time he arrived in the town of
Bodntin, and after SO long ride was
glad to seek some refreshment. Then
the question came to him, "why am |
herep He was perfect stranger; he
had never seen that town before, he had
not friend in the place. On that occa-
sion Bodmin wore an unusually busy
appearance for small market town.
The reason soon became apparent; what
are termed the "spring assizcs," were
being held. In such towns the holding
of ''assize' is the notable event of the
year. Having nothing else to do he
strolled into the court. He there found
himself surrounded by those medieval
arrangements which are still supposed
in Europe to lend dignity and solemnity
to the administration of justice There
was the judge on the bench, with his
wig of powdered horse-hair hanging
over his shoulders, and gorgeously at
tired in robe of scarlet and ermine.
There were the barristers in wigs and
silk gowns, and the various officers of
the court arrayed in their different uni
forms. There were also the usual crowd
of interested spectators, the whole form
ing an impressive scene.
At the bar there stood the prisoner,
man of pale, anxious face, having moth
ing of the appearance of the ordinary
felon. The charge preferred against
him was that of highway robbery;
crime in that day always punished with
death.
Prior to the deacon's arrival, witnesses
had been examined and cross-examined
without the testimony being shaken.
The prisoners case appeared most diff
cult of defense. and it was generally
felt that the jury would very speedily
arrive at decision when once it was
placed in their hands. The jury were
charged by the Judge, dismissed to con-
slider the case, and after short alb
sence returned with the verdict of
guilty According to the custom, before
pronouncing sentence on the prisoner,
the Judge asked what he had to say,
why the verdict should not be carried
out.
In reply to that question the prisoner
strongly asserted his innocence, de-
clared that he was not in that part of
the country when the crime was COM
mitted, but many miles away. He said
there was one man who, if he could
meet with him, would be able to attest
his innocence. He had never seen him
before that day. and had not met with