Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1896-06-20

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with the notice OF Rutland Herald,
but with an account OF the trial of the
Boorns. Convinced that the Russell
Colvin alleged to have been murdered
was the very man then living with
Polhamus, he wrote to the paper Il
letter, which was published
L pom the arrival Of this paper at
Manchester it excited but little atten-
tion. The letter was believed to be Il
fraud. Had not the best people in
the town long believed the Boorns to
be guilty? Had not one-perhaps
both OF them-made full confession ?
The bones of the murdered man, Il
button of his coat, his iackknife had
they not all been found Had not
All upright judge made solemn charge
that the evidence was conclusive, and
an intelligent jury found them guilty,
and the Legislature sanctioned the
findings? ? There was no doubt of
their guilt, and therefore, no benefit
of doubt had been given by Jury,
chief justice or court of appeal
Mr.. Chadwick's letter was, never
taken to Stephens cell and
read aloud. The news was so over
whelming that nature could scarcely
survive the shock. The poor fellow
dropped in a fit to the floor and had
to be recovered by dashes OF cold
water.
Intelligence came next day from Il
Mr.. Whelpley, formerly a resident Of
Manchester, that he himself had been
to New Jersey and seen Russell Col
vim. The members of the jury which
had convicted the Boorns. however,
hesitated To accept anything short Of
the mans presence, and the Judge who
had sentenced them pointed to Stephen
Boorn's confession.
The third day came another letter.
Il have Russell Colvin with me, :
wrote Whelpley. II personally know
Russell Colvin," swore John Rempton.
''Iie now stands before me-" 1T is
the same Russell Colvin who married
Ann Buorn," Mrs. Jones of Brooklyn
made affidavit But ii would not
answer Doubt OF opinions dies hard.
Manchester intelligence. not to say
piety, was on trial, and il behooved all
good residents to hold out against con.
viction to the last.
However, Colvin, or Colvin's double,
was on his way. His story was print
ed in every newspaper and told at
every iireside.
Toward evening Of Friday, Dec. -,
a vehicle was driven furiously down
the main street OF Manchester to the
tavern door. 1t contained Whelpley,
kemptoI, Chadwick and the bewilder-
ed Colvin. Immediately crowd of
men, women and children gathered
around, and as the sleigh unloaded It's
occupants they took their places on
the piazza. exhibiting the lost man to
view. That's Russell Colvin, sure
enough There's no doubt about it,
came from the lips Of scores oi the gaz
ers. He embraced his two children,
asked after the Boorns and started for
the jail.
The prison doors were unbolted and
the news was told To Stephen Boorn.
"Colvin has come, Stephen" said
the keeper.
HAS he = asked the prisoner.
"Where is he =?
Here am said his brother-in-
law. What's them on your legs ~
''Shackles.'
What for -
Because they say | murdered you. y
"You never hurt me- replied Col
vim.
Stephen Boorn was released from
prison, as was Jesse also. Russell
Colvin returned to New Jersey. But
the Judge who suffered an innocent
man to he convicted OF murder by the
admission of extra judicial confessions,
the members of the jury who delibera-
ted but one hour before agreeing upon
a verdict of guilty upon evidence that
should not hang dog, the deacon and
church members who urged confession
and preached repentance, and the 81
members OF the Legislature, sitting as
Il court of appeals, who refused rehear-
ing of evidence what became OF
them ?-Ncr lork NerS.