Essays on the punishment of death / [Charles Spear].

  • Charles Spear
Date:
1845
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Essays on the punishment of death / [Charles Spear]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    horrid practice, obtaining in ancient times, of torturing the criminal to make him recriminate himself, but when it has been entirely voluntary. A remarkable case happened in Vermont. It has been cited nearly all over the civilized world, and it has done much to modify our system of criminal juris¬ prudence. It comes from an authentic source, for the narrator has been long known to the author as a cler¬ gyman of high standing and of veracity, William S. Balch, of New York city. BOURNE CONVICTED OF THE MURDER OF HIS BROTHER-IN-LAW. A case occurred in Manchester, Vermont. Two men, brothers, by the name of Bourne, were convicted of the murder of a brother- in-law, named Colvin. While under the sentence of death, one of the brothers confessed a participation in the murder. By an act of the legislature, his punishment was commuted to imprisonment for life. The other stoutly persisted in asserting his innocence. Great excitement prevailed during and after the trial; I remember it well. It was near my native town. But when the confession was made under oath, and published, none longer doubted. Had he confessed he did not assist in the murder, would he have been believed ? The day of execution at length arrived. Hundreds of people from the hills and vales were gathered around the gallov7s, to witness the dying struggles of a poor unfortunate fellow-sinner. The hour had arrived, and the elder Bourne, still avowing his inno¬ cence, wan and weak, was led forth into the ring, and stood beneath the horrid engine of death. The sheriff was about to adjust the halter, and draw down the dismal cap, when a cry was heard from behind the ring,—£ Stop ! Stop ! For God’s sake stop.’ All eyes were directed that way; when, to the astonishment of all, the ing his confession, led many to doubt his guilt. He at length admitted that he had made up his mind to suffer the punishment in order to claim, upon conviction, a reward which had been offered, and hand it to his starving wife, and children.— Selections from the London Morning Herald, vol. ii., p. 89.
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