SINGULAR CRIMINAL CASE.
{"newspaper_name": "The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser.", "edition": "01", "page": "p1", "byline": ""}
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At the commencement of the 18th centu-


ry, when the torture was still in vogue in the


north of Germany, the arm of Justice had


reached a robbcr, who had long been COM


hitting depredations in the vicinityof a pro-


vncial town. Sentence of death was pro-


nounced upon him, and on the 18th of August


1704, he was conducted to the place of exc
cution, where the gibbet awaited him. The
procession moved from the prison through
the streets, which as we'll as the doors and
windows'of the houses were filled with spec
tators. The culprit, nothing daunted, made
his salutations on all sides; and in passing
throught narrow street, he perceived
journeyman locksmith, whom he had form


erly known by name and reputation, looking


out of lower window. Moved by the


sight, this man had drawn his attention by
ejaculation, II should like 10 know how


such hardened sinner must feel under the
gollows" No sooner had the criminal heard
these words, than, in absorbed thought, he
seemed to take not the least further notice of
the crowd, which accompanied him, and


with down cast looks pursued his way out
OF the town-gate, The clergyman who at
tended. against whose exhortations he had
hitherto obstinately closed his heart con-
ceived that a better spirit had at length a.
woke in him, that he repented his misdeeds,
and that it was now time to prepare him for
eternity. The worthy divine, however
perceived but too soon that not another word
was to be gained from him. All the pains he,
took proved in vain, SO that on his arrival at
the gallows he was compelled to deliver
him up to theexecutioner, with these words !:
81 have done my duty: forgive him, Q nv
Saviour, and be merciful unto him Amenin
The exetutioner Was about to put the fatal
cord round his neck, when he suddenly rous-
ed himself and cried stop what / have
hitherto thought myself bound to concea,
my accomplices, will new Sis-