The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-01-01
a cLHw TO A LIFTS MYSTERY.
The Weycross Hermit's Secret Told
in Letter.


WAYcRoss, Ga. Dec. 31.-W. N. Carter,
who died recently in this city, was res
ident here for fifteen years, and during that
time his LIES history was mystery TO the
citizens OF this place. At his death some OF
the curious tried TO find some information
among his papers that would explain the
mystery. but they failed. A few days ago
a little boy was playing in the room which
Mr.. Carter occupied for many years till his
death, and he discovered, hidden in o small
opening in the wall, a remarkable letter,
which found its way into the hands Of the
MORNING News correspondent. The fol-
lowing is the letter:
CHICAGO. ILL. April 8, 1890.
Mr.. w. II. Bldkely, Wdycross. Ga:
= DEAR SIR-After our meeting together &C.
cidentaly at Jacksonville, Fla, in February,
inquired about you and found that you
known by the name Of w. NJ Carter.
Now, Mr.. Blakely, am sorry that you would
not permit me TO speak TO you that day, as
had some important information for you. 1
know you were in company with some friends.
and, or course, would have embarrassed you
great deal II you bad recognized me. But you
will now permit me TO write what would have
told you. was sorry for you when I saw you
last
will now proceed to give you some news that
will no doubt be agreeable to you. James Ar
mold is dead. At his death he confessed having
committed the crime of which you had been
accused and for which you ran away. Arnold
said that when he killed John Michael you were
passing by and saw the deed. He said
as you were only about &c years old and
inexperienced in life he decided TO festen
the crime on you, and so he told you that if
you would leave some sign for them to sus
pect you Of the murder and you would leave
the country and forever keep silent he would
pay you 800 every four months during life.
He said that the knowledge of your innocence
and his own guilt tortured him every day
OF his life and that he could not
die and let you suffer any longer. That he had
oftentimes thought of writing to you, and beg
you TO return home and have him arrested.
But he did not have the courage to do so. He
would not allow any one except myself to hear
this confession. l have in my possession the
whole confession signed by him and wit
messed by justice OF the peace (the J. p not
being allowed to read the contents). Now, I'M
der the circumstances, you have no defense to
make. but have only to return here and be re-
spected as you deserve, according to your
rights and the position due you. Your parents
are dead, and you have only one sister living
LBessie). who married gentleman named W.
H. Evans OF Montreal. Your sister was
left all the properly at the death
of your mother. You are heir TO half of the
estate. You must write TO me at once and let
me know whether you want me to publish these
facts, l will expect you soon. Have good
practice. attended Arnold during his last ill-
ness. Write. Yours JULIAN.
THE JACKSONVILLE MEETING.
Two young men OF Waycross were with
Mr.. Carter at jacksonville when this
stranger, Julian, approached Mr.. Carter and
called him Mr.. Blakely. IL was said after
ward that his reaf name was Blakely, but
no one ever mentioned the matter to him.
He died of consumption and was for two
years unable to work. II he ever took any
action in reference TO the contents of
the above. letter the fact will probably
remain unknown to the people here. His
health was very feeble and he must have
expected to live only few years, this may
account for his keeping silent on the sub
ject. Whatever may have been his
early record, during his residence hero he
was honest and never owed cent. He was
always known during his residence here to
have suftlciency Of money for his comfort