Morning journal and courier., 1890-12-31
sAwrELL,s srArEmENT.

The Condemned Man Claims He fs
 Innocent-Aceuses Dr. Blood of the
 Murder of His Brother Hiram.
 CONCORD, N. H., Dec. 30.-In an inter view with reporter while en route to the state prison to-day Isaac B. Sawtell, the condemned murderer, renewed his state ment that he was victim of circum- stances and martyr to prejudice and pub hc opinion. Said he: Every of the jury stated before going into the . had formed an opinion, and that it would take evidence to change it. One juryman stated that his mind was made up and it would take good deal to change him, yet the judge let him go on because he stated that he was an honest man. I think that man had no right to decide as to my guilt. l wanted to testify and expected to say something before sentence was pronounc- eo, put was not allowed to do so. My dy- ing words will be that did not kill my brother Hiram, and did not know he was oeao until told of it. Dr. Blood is the man Wno IS responsible. Some time it will be KnoWn-a deathbed repentance perhaps ana when all IS known it will be found that | am innocent of anything to do with the murder. l have accused him: accuse hlm now. If he had come forward would have accused him to his face. He did not dare to appear; he did not dare to face me. Now that am practically dead he can do what he pleases. He has had a chance to establish and prove an alibi, while I have been n lall, tied hand and foot. I knew nothing or the murder. As I stand here before God did not know that Hiram was to be killed or injured. Blood was respon- sible in every way. I do not say that he killed Hiram-that he fired shots which caused his death-but I do mean that he knew of it and was responsible for it. Iet it go that I stand with this accusation against Dr. Blood, that he was responsible for my brother Hiram's death, and on the gallows, if I meet death there, shall still make that accusation against him, and shall still claim that I die an innocent man. loved my brother Hiram. I would have given my life for him. I always did what I could for him and his family. When was in prison I sent him s1 200 and when came out one day he asked me for $10 and I, in the goodness of my heart. gave him $50. Does that look as though i had determined to take his life.
 The public is and was against me: the press IS ana was aSdlliSU me, and with these two forces could not cope. Then there is the whole state treasury at the command of the prosecuting officers. I have not cent outside of the little change which secured for my autographs which I did not expect money for. lam pre- pared for the inevitable, whatever it may be. have some hope of escape. While there is life there is hope, you know. Then knowing, as do, I am innocent can but think that something will prevent the ex- ecution of this unjust sentence yet. If am hanged shall go to my death simply declaring my innocence. My counsel will ask for new trial, but I know that the chances of one being granted are against me and simply on the exceptions filed do not think new trial will be granted.
 But something may turn up. Perhaps a further investigation will be made which will show the truth of what I now say to you, and then it may be that I shall have justice. Even if it don't come until after death, if could know that the world was satisfied of my innocence should feel con, tent.