TRIAL, 00 N VICTION,
º - -Nº
*- CONFESSION,
MARLA BLACK THORN,
WHO WAS TRIED, …, AND
Statutº ſº it juſt ºf pººl, *} i.
- DECEMBER, 14, 1855,
Murder of THOMAS BRADEN and family.
Written by her request, and according to her dictation, and pre
pared by the publisher.
WILLIA. M. C. MU R D O C. K.
—sº-
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA.
1856.
“NOISSĢIJINOO GIGIS ‘IGIOI^IQIN (INÝ GIÐ GÍTIŁOWS

- -
- - - , ºf * º * * *
OH ! LET MY GUILTY HEART PERISH IN SOLITUDE.

* * *


LIFE AND CONFESSION
OF
MARIA BLACK THORN.
A short distance from the city of Kingston, Jamica, stands
a meat cottage, surrounded by straggling evergreens and
weeping willows, the once happy home of the lamented
father of the subject of the following pages. On the me-
morable evening of Sept. 16th, 1825, Mrs. Black sat pensive
and alone in her parlour, anxiously watching the expected
return of her absent husband. The dull and mournful
sound of the hissing winds, as it struggled through the
branches, and sent the window-shutters to and fro on their
heavy hinges with violence, was not unfelt by her anxious
and palpitating heart, as she continued to sink lower and
lower as the ominous forebodings hourly increased ; at
length removal to a safe part of the building was deemed
advisable, and the family physician was loudly called for
by the female domestics; but none dareventure on the per-
ilous journey. As the sickly light of day withdrew, the
clouds gathered and loamed, the hurricane burst forth with
terrific violence; houses were either unroofed or levelled to
the ground, negro huts sent dangling in the air, and the
wretched immates might be seen tumbling from the tremb-
ling ruins; the proud oak and stately pine quivered like a
leaf in autumn, either broke like a pipe-shank or were lifted
from their base and were flung around, dealing death to such
as sought shelter beneath their hospitable folds. Morning
came, the convulsions of the elements was over, the sun shot
forth unusual splendor; nought was visible but ruin, not a
dwelling for miles in any direction escaped injury more or
less, saveyonder cottage beneath the shady evergreens where
lay the smiling new-born babe, and the young mother calm
in the sleep of death. How many conjectures might be
heard from day to day, continued our aged informant, as
Visitors passed to and fro, some bathed in grief, and others
for curiosity; some might be heard to exclaim, with a sig-
-

6
nificant nod of the head, that the good-people made a rich
harvest last night. Many lost sight of their troubles on be.
holding the dead mother and living babe side by side; but
as trouble seldom comes alone, the next day the mangled
corpse of the missing husband was found nigh a brook near
a fallen pine; hence the same grave received the mortal re-
mains of husband and wife; the babe lived ; not to imitate
the lamented parents, but to make the cheek blush for even
humanity. -
In due course of time the books of the estate were settled
up for the future benefit of the child, then under the care
of a kind nurse, whose name was called Mary Black, and
whose after life will form the principal subject of these
ages. Guardians were duly appointed by the Court of
Probates, and Mary tenderly cared for, whose fortune
amounted to the handsome sum of twenty thousand pounds
or eighty thousand dollars. What a pity it was not a sim-
ilar number of pence. How fresh in the memory of our in-
formant, then in the vigor of youth, every little incident
connected with the morning of Miss Black's eventful life;
what great matches were laid out for her while yet a child ;
how much good luck the people thought her foster-mother
must have ; how jealous children seemed to feel, who were
not favored by her company as playmates at school, &c. Her
ample fortune was daily discussed, even in juvenile circles.
At the age of ten years she began to attract the smiles of
gallant young aspirants, who in like manner kept an eye to
the needful. She was not remarkable for beauty, nor yet
intellectual beyond mediocrity; however, her sudden exit
with a lucky suitor some morning began to be whispered
among gossiping people, who pretended to know the affairs
of every one in the neighborhood. Consultation was imme-
diately held by the guardians, as the safe course to pursue
under existing circumstances. Mr. Blake, our informant,
her guardian, then a respectable merchant of more honesty
than presumption or experience, suggested the propriety of
placing Miss Black under the protection and influence of a
neighboring nunnery to complete her education, he being of
the Catholic faith, adding that she would be rigidly protect-
ed from a selfish grasp of avarice and the tained atmosphere
of licentious knowledge; but, said ournarator with a shake
of the head, little I then thought I was addressing the “fox
for the safety of the goose,” for my contemporary, Mr.
Stone, who was a brother to her mother, flew into a rage of
anger to find I would persume to place her under the in:
fluence of a popish institution, where the wily nuns would

7.
use every artifice to induce her to give them the disposal of
her fortune. Well, he got his own way, and deeply the
thoughts still torment my mind for the foolish and confiding
duplicity on my part. Shortly after Mr. Stone went, to
London on business with his merchant, as every planter then
had a merchant in England to whom he consigned. So he
brought Miss Black with him to that country, and placed
her at a very stylish institution in the neighborhood of Lon.
don. Mr. Stone had a nephew in that country, whose name
was Thorn, who had run through two or three small for-
tunes, and was then a genteel beggar. However, Mr. Stone
determined to elevate him at the cost of others, for which
purpose he entered into arrangements with his merchant to
allow Mr. Thorn the use of the name of the firm as a part-
ner, in order to gain the hand of Miss Black in marriage.
She was then sixteen years old; the plan was well laid and
as well managed.
It would be useless to enter into detail of the means em-
ployed by Mr. Thorn in forming acquaintance with Miss
Black, he being a presumed member of her uncle's mercan-
tile house, and quite a flashy gentleman. Soon after, Miss
Black wrote to her guardians for counsel; the presumed
merchant was highly quoted by Mr. Stone, and nought was
wanting but my signature, which I gave by the persuasion
of Mr. Stone, and the marriage took place early in January,
1842, to the joy of Mr. Stone and his reckless and unprin-
cipled nephew, who lost no time in devising means to get
his young wife's fortune within his grasp, then became a
broker, bought stock in every quarter, speculated with as
little caution as though playing a hand of cards for amuse-
ment. A magnificent furnished house was rented in a fash-
ionable part of the city. A richly mounted carrage might
be seen whirling along the streets of the metropolis, a full
retinue of servants in costume; as balls were frequently
given, the opera well attended, the gambling table came in
for a full share; and after four short years of glorious city
slavery in fashionable life, the sun of magnificent folly began
to flicker and sink in the cloudy horizon, and soon disap-
peared. The richly mounted coach no longer whirled along,
but lay musty and neglected ; the beautiful horses were
sold and not replaced, the servants were one after another
discharged and the living hung lonesom and neglected in
the dusty, dark, and confused hall; the fawning prattle of
fashionabe society began to disappear, the opera box be-
came deserted solitude reigned supreme. The smiling look
and buoyant sweep of costly satins andjewelry were no longer

8
worn, each charged the other with imprudence, whereas it
would puzzle a diplomatist to distinguish the difference. At
length the sheriff's flag waved supreme before the door of
the once cheerful mansion. To the surprise of some, and the
expectation of others, immediate application was made to
some supposed friends, but all were intentionally absent. In
a word, friends, acquaintances, and fortune took the last
steamer, never to return. The day of adversity had evident-
ly arrived, and Mr. Thorn could no longer disguise the real
state of embarrassment from his equally extravagant wife.
The day of sale came August 14th, 1846 which left its date
imprinted on the memory of many; yet a balance of five
hundred pounds stood to the credit of the vanquished. After
consultation, they finally resolved to quit city life, and seek
a home in some rural retiracy during the balance of their
important lives. Mr. Thorn would prefer to go to Jamaica
at the solicitation of his uncle (Mr. Stone), but the wife
would rather perish in the alms-house, for she breathed ven-
geance agaidst him whom she found to have been the prime
mover in the disastrous marriage. At last some one pro-
posed a compromise, and America was chosen as the place
best adapted, and most in need of such precept and example;
and a few weeks after they embarked on board of one of
the Charleston packets, and landed at the port of destination
early in November following.
It would be natural to suppose that the memory of the
past might produce a glimmering view of caution at least :
but how different las, after a short time, Mr. Thorn engaged
in tavern-keeping in company with a Mr. Little, who was a
native of Massachusetts, and a thorough live Yankee. Mr.
Thorn knew nothing of the character of his partner, and
still less of the business in which he engaged ; soon became
the best customer himself, which, as might be supposed, did
not please his new partner, Mr. Little, who abruptly dis-
solved partnership and opened a place in oppisition. Mr.
Thornraged and swore that Little defrauded him of the pro-
fits of the establishment, and flagrantly violated the pledge
of honor by which each bound himself, &c. To all such ae:
cusations, Mrs. Thorn either gave the negative or found
apology for the condoct of Mr. Little, who still continued
his visits to the house of his former partner. Thus matters
rolled on for some time, through stormy atmosphere between
Mr. and Mrs. Thorn, when public opinion began to whisper
doubts. Thorn continued to indulge and of course neglect
his business, which began to pass off; the old bondsmen
would not enter into a renewal of the contract, and

9
Little was the only one found willing to become security for
the rent of his former partner ; an opponent in business,
as well as a deadly enemy, people began to smile at the
meek and forgiving disposition of Mr. Little, who was
thought to be selfish and indifferent in other respects. The
news soon reached the ears of Mrs. Little, a beautiful high-
minded lady, not previously accustomed to dabble with her
husband's affairs. Still something whispered foul play, and
with female instinct she flew into a rage to think her calum-
niated husband would become security for the rent of Mr.
Thorn. Mr. L. had evidently got into trouble. At first he
denied the charge, and then acknowledged the accusation,
by stating that he simply did so in order to prevent more
successful competition: but the intelligent mind of the wife
and mother of his children was not to be easily blindfolded;
she flew to the landlord, and soon succeeded in adjusting
matters to suit her own taste. Yet a quarter's rent in ad-
vance satisfied the landlord. Thorn still continued to drink
and quarrel with his wife, so that he was carried to jail,
and from there to the lunatic asylum. In the interim, a
report became current that Mr. Little and Mrs Thorn used
to enjoy moonlight walks together. Be the truth of that as
it may. After three month’s hard drill, the unfortunate
Thorn was released under positive injunctions that if ever
he returned he might expect to be kept for years, and treat-
ed with rigor. Just one short week after, and the wretched
man was again placed in his old quarters. Months rolled
on, poor Thorn began to request, he begged and prayed,
raved and promised, but the physician was immovable, for
no man hated a drunkard more than he, still he was not
proof against pity. One day he sat down and talked with
Mr. Thorn, and was moved with compassion. After listen-
ing with patience to the story of his recent woes, he told
him he was at liberty to leave the institution; the unfor-
tunate man received the news with apparent surprise, then,
after a little hesitation, said he would prefer to return under
cover of the night. Poor creatureſ little he thought he was
choosing the time of his moral dissolution He had not pro-
ceeded far on his journey when he fell in with an acquain-
tance, who communicated the report of his wife's inconstan-
gy and guilt with Mr. Little. With faltering step and
burning heart, he proceeded to the door of his fatal home,
and there sat Mr. Little in a large rocking chair. Without
Waiting to consult either prudence or safety, he flew at the
object of his wrath, they both fell together, the affrighted
servant ran into the street in order to give the alarm. Little

10
in the mean time grasped a metal weight, with which he
struck the unfortunate Thorn several blows on the head with
such violence that when the watchman came to the scene,
the struggle was ended, for Thorn was dead. So ended the
earthly career of him whose imprudence and folly paid the
penalty of life.
For worshipping beauty, wealth and fashion– smiling
attributes, but easily tarnished and seldom durable.
Mr. Little stood his trial, but the evidence of his servant
caused the jury to render a verdict of justifiable homicide.
And the guilty wife, whose wicked and trecherous conduct
caused the premature death of her husband, stood in cool
defiance of law and justice. The tavern remained closed:
the widow withdrew from public view, as threats of open
violence were made against any house that would afford
shelter to her for love or money. She was not seen in that
vicinity after. Some said she went to California, others
said to Mexico; and the excitement died away after the
body of Thorn was duly interred by the city authorities.
After the excitement had passed over, a venerable aged
man made application for the body of Thorn, stating that
he was the only living relative of the deceased, As he lean-
ed and wept over the lonly grave, his thin, straggling hoary
locks and trembling limbs bespoke his name, for it was the
guardian and uncle, Mr. Stone, who lived to repent the im:
prudent union of which he was a principal. The penitent
old man wept bitterly, and exclaimed, “He has gone before
me that I loved in life, and intended as the sucessor to my
large fortune. Well, since reparation is impossible, his body
shall rest with the ashes of his sires, and mine too, that must
shortly follow.”
On the morning of October 13th, the usually quiet neigh-
borhood of Portsmouth was thrown into alarm by the dread-
ful news of the death of a whole family. It would be use:
less to enter into a detail of the circumstances, as the news:
papers at the time gave the full particulars; however, it
may not be amiss to glance at some of the leading outlines
in connection with the other matter, not then known. The
news flew in every direction with the velocity of lightning,
People flocked from all quarters, each asking questions, and
all anxious to learn the probable cause of the sad and un-
natural occurence, but no one seemed able to afford the
slightest clew to the matter. Wailing and deep lamenta-
tions might be heard, as relatives and friends entered the
abode of the silent dead. At last the coroner and many
eminent physicians and other professional men arrived, and

11
there lay the deceased, Thomas Braden, wife, and four
lovely children, calm in death.
The inquest soon discovered the presence of a large
quantity of laudanum in the stomach that left but little doubt
that the deadly drug was deposited in the coffee prepared
for the purpose of covering a retreat with the extensive
robbery effected the night previous. Suspicion at once res:
ted on the hired girl, but she was aoon released, and then
all minds turned in another direction.
A comparative stranger, who called herself Mrs. Gray,
late of Dublin, whose husband perished on board a ship
bound for Quebec, was introduced to the family as an object
worthy of assistance, and had been at the house sewing, for
a few weeks previous. She however, left suddenly, and
could not be accounted for. Escape however was impossi-
ble, as she was seen at 8 o'clock. Telegraph reports were
sent to all points, and after two weeks the missing female
was found in the depth of the forest where she resolved to
erish by hunger, rather than approach the haunts of society.
hen apprehended, she was scarcely able to move or to
speak. She was taken to prison and then placed in the care
of a physician and slowly began to improve; at first she
would not taste victuals. Every day brought forth some
newly discovered link of proof of her guilt. At length the
anxiously sought day of trial came; people flocked from all
sections of the country to see the notorious murdress, and
one whose romantic life stood unprecedented in the pages
of cuime.
TRIAL OF MARIA BLACK THORN, MARCH 13th.
At 10 o'clock Tuesday, March 13, the prisoner was pla-
ced at the bar ; she looked calm and composed. The
prisoner was asked if she was ready for trial; she replied
by a bow of her head. The jury answered to their names.
The indictment was then read with breathless silence. When
asked whether guilty or not guilty she replied not guilty in
a low tone. Counsel was then appointed by the court to
conduct her defense. The district attorney opened the case
in behalf of the persecution, in a sharp, keen, and pointed
discourse reminding the jury of the deep aggravation of the
crime charged in the indictment, the nature of the testimony
which duty compelled him to procure, and hoped the prison-
er would be able to satisfy the court and jury of her inno-
cence; if not, he warned them to do their duty. He then
called the first witness.

12
Dr. Ball deposed—I am coroner of the county of Suffolk.
On the afternoon of October 13th, last, I was called and at:
tended in my official capacity as coroner at the residence of
the deceased Thomas Braden. Such, your honor will please
accept as a true copy of the verdict rendered then. The
clerk of the court then read the document aloud, and handed
it to the jury.
William Hatch deposed—I am by profession a physician
and chemist. I was called on by a note from Dr. Ball on
the 13th of October last, to attend a post-mortem examina-
tion at the house of the deceased, Thomas Braden and fam-
ily. On our arrival at 3 o'clock. P. M., Braden, his wife
and four children, were dead, apparently for some time.
Examined the body of Thomas B., and found a large quantity
of laudanum in his stomach, sufficient to kill two adult per-
sons; did not examine the others; felt satisfied that death
was caused by the same ; the legs began to decompose; was
then very much inflated.
Cross examined by counsel for defence,—Q How long
do you think the bodies might have been dead? A. Three
or four hours at least ; did not see any signs of confusion
in the room of deceased ; found component parts of coffee :
am satisfied that the deadly drug was taken in the coffee
at breakfast; found sufficient food to be satisfied that de-
ceased ate a hearty meal.
John Bam deposed—I am a house carpenter by trade; had
a contract from the deceased, Mr. B. at the time of his death.
About 8 o'clock in the morning of Oct. 13th, I went to his
house in order to obtain insructions for the interior arrange-
ments of this house, then in process of erection. When I
entered, the deceased, Mr. Braden and family were prepar-
ing to take breakfast. I was invited to partake, but would
not ; made some remark that my breakfast-hour was early.
Mrs. Braden looked quite cheerful and sociable; the little
children gathered around my seat, as I was accustomed to
give them pennies, &c. I saw a person standing at the op-
posite side of the room, apparently cooking. I looked ather
sharp, as she was to me a stranger. I then asked Mrs. B.
if her old hired girl had left her; she said not, but supposed
she would shortly get married, or something to that effect;
then added she did not come home lastnight, so we had to get
breakfast, ourselves; meaning, as I thought then, by the aid
of the person who stood opposite to me, and which I recog:
nized after as the prisoner; the person that stood opposite
left the room. The hired girl entered apparently after *
journey. Mrs. B. said something to her by way of repri-

13
mand for absenting herself without notifying her, to which
I paid little attention; think the girl said that she did not
intend to stay, but that she was induced to remain at the
house of her brother as sponsor for a child, and that the
mother of the baby was very delicate. Mr. B. said in a
jocular way, the babies must be attended to ; then inquired
whether a boy or a girl; the answer was that it was a
boy; he then said, He may be a great man yet. Breakfast
was then announced and I left. On my way from the house
I overtook a lady apparently in a hurry, and at once recog-
nized her to be the same person that I saw in the house a
short time before. Made no further remarks, but went on
my way to the work shop.
Cross-examined —Did obtain the desired instruction ;
did not go for money; was overpaid for what work was
then done; felt no doubt about my pay ; always found Mr.
Braden a fair, upright and honorable man; never heard that
Mrs. B. was jealous of her husband ; never said that I
heard such ; thought Mrs. B. looked unusually cheerful ;
saw no symptoms of discontent in the countenance of either ;
do not recollect what I might have said about the looks of
the female that stood in the room ; thought she was a beau-
tiful woman, but thought there appeared something very
solemn in her countenance; did not speak when I passed
her on the road; am not in the habit of poking my tongue
into every one's face, particularly when not previously ac-
quainted ; am satisfied that the prisoner is the person I
saw in the house of deceased, on the morning of the death
of the late Thomas Braden and family; did not say Mrs. B.
said that she made the breakfast. Mrs. B. said we had to
do it ourselves; meaning, as I thought, herself and prison-
er, who appeared quite warm, as if she had been standing
over the fire. Mrs. B. was sitting when I entered, nursing
one of the children. Mr. B. was reading a newspaper
about the burlesque report of the fall of Sebastopol.
Susan Maloney deposed—I have lived in the family of
the deceased, Mr. Braden, during the last three years; I
was well used by each; always got my pay when it was
due, and often before. Mrs. B. was a good woman ; sel.
dom heard any angry word between them; they lived very
peacably. I know the prisoner ; she came to the house a
few weeks before the death of the family. I understood
that Mr. B. brought her from Norfolk with him. Did not
like her appearance. The day before the occurrence, I
told her that, I wanted to go to the house of my brother,
some four miles distant; I mentioned my fears of not get.
-

14
ting home the same night. She told me she would get the
breakfast, and that I might not be uneasy; so I went and
returned in the morning. When I came through the gate)
I saw her up stairs, she beckoned to me to come up stairs
the back way; but I did not mind her, and staggered in the
front way; there was a terror in my mind that I could not
account for then. The mistress was sitting at the table
and said something, but I do not remember what she said,
neither do I remember my reply ; I thought she looked
very sad. Mr. Bam, the carpenter, was sitting on the set-
tee at the fire-place talking with Mr. Braden; the family
then took breakfast; I poured out the coffee; Mrs. B. re-
marked that the coffee tasted rather strange; Mr. B. said:
it was because Susan did not make it; nothing further pass.
ed that I remember. After breakfast I went up stairs to
undress, and expected to see prisoner, but she was gone.—
After remaining some time, I went down and found the ta-
ble just as I left it; thought it strange, as Mrs. B. usually
washed up after breakfast, and taking a small cup of the
coffee that remained, I cleaned up the table and went up
stairs again to secure some loose change that remained in
my pocket. After some time I found myself on the carpet,
evidently after sleeping some time; felt ashamed and went
down stairs to apologize; when I entered the dining-room,
everything was as I left it; I then went into the parlor,
and there I found the whole of the family asleep, as I
thought ; in a few minutes the terror of death struck me,
and I tried to awake the children, but could not, I then
tried to awake Mr. B., and the result was the same. I
then flew to the nighest house and told my fears; when we
returned, all the family were dead. I do not recollect what
passed after that.
Cross-examined:–Did not see anything strange in the
appearance of the prisoner previous to the fatal deed ; did
not like her appearance; thought she knew too much for a
poor sewing girl; found much contradiction in her expres-
sions about herself; did not hear Mrs. Braden say that the
prisoner made the coffee, but was satisfied that it was, from
the tone of Mrs. B. at the table; did not see the prisoner
after I entered the house; do not remember what I might
have said about my opinion of the guilt of the prisoner ;
never thought for a single moment that Mrs. B. was jealous
of her husband and the prisoner; there could not be a more
tender, loving and affectionate wife and mother ; could not
harbor the thought for a moment that Mrs. B. entertained
the slightest suspicion of the prisoner in any way dishonor-

15
able; think she would have mentioned it to me, as she used
to talk of many delicate matters connected with her private
affairs; did not know that Mr. B. had money in the house:
was often asked by the prisoner about the supposed wealth
of the deceased; she still seemed very inquisitive. -
John Craig deposed—Have been in the employ of Gil:
christ & Co., forwarding agents. I recollect the prisoner
to be the same person that deposited a package marked
Mary Thorn, New York, on the evening of Oct. the 12th.
It was a money package; I did not ask her how much, as
she remarked that it was only a trifle she was sending to
assist a needy relative. I inquired to what part of the city
it should be brought; she said never mind, the party will
call for it on its arrival. I then looked at the marking,
very light; I said something of that, too, but she said it
would suffice; thinking she was quite indifferent, I replied
Madam, should the package be lost by imperſect marking,
you would not be likely to submit to the loss, and if we are
to be responsible we will mark it to suit ourselves. I then
marked it myself, and placed one of our printed cards on
the parcel and entered it on the book, (book here shown)
the package was duly delivered to some one, and a receipt
taken for the delivery. I know the prisoner to be the same
person.
Adam Meadow deposed—I have been constable during
the last ten years; on the 25th of October last I arrested
the prisoner on the warrant furnished by the Sheriff; I
found her in the depth of the wood, four miles south of the
James River. She was sitting on a log of wood, her back
leaning against a tree; she was apparently very weak at
the time. When I approached she gazed at me and said,
You have found me a little too soon ; had you been detain-
ed a little longer, Maria Black would be no more. And
then continued an incoherant discourse, mixed with deep
wailings and pitiful expostulations with me to suffer her to
remain there; but I told her that duty forbid such, she then
sank back and exclaimed ! Oh! let my guilty heart perish
in the midst of solitude, rather than approach the gaze of
my inhuman deeds. Then concluded by tendering thanks
to the boy that brought grapes and other food.
Several other witnesses were sworn in corroboration of
the foregoing.
The District Attorney notified the court that his witness-
es were all heard. The court informed the counsel for the
defence that they were ready to hear witnesses for the de-
fence. The counsel for the prisoner rose, and stating it

16
would be impossible for the prisoner to procure witnesses,
confined within the narrow limits of a prison cell, without
friends or money, in the midst of excitement and prejudice. }
He then continued to dwell on the nature of the evidence,
which he contended was not sufficiently clear to convict the
prisoner. He then made a burning appeal to the sympa-
thies of the human heart in behalf of his unfortunate client,
in a lengthy speech of nearly two hours. During the en-
tire delivery the most profound silence was observed by
the deeply afflicted audience; many of whom will long re-
member the master-stroke of pure eloquence, seldom ex-
ceeded by the most illustrious bar advocates of any land ;
and we are sorry that space will not permit its insertion in
full–to abridge would only spoil its beauty. Counsel for
the prosecution followed in a brief and unmistakable re-
view of the case under consideration, adverted to the ag-
gravated nature of the guilt, the cool treachery exercised,
the finding of the poison, the cunning artifice to induce the
hired girl to remain absent, her pricipitate flight, the mon-
ey package, &c. He continued to warn the jury to weigh
well the testimony, and if a well founded doubt lingered
on their minds, to give the benefit of that doubt to the side
of mercy; but if on the contrary, the guilt of the prisoner
appears plain, I demand a verdict accordingly. “Gentle-
men of the Jury, I have not entered into a full detail of the
evidence ; I do not wish to distress your feelings. The task
is one of pain, and necessity alone sustains me in the dis-
charge. It is my duty, however, to be candid; you and I
are servants of the people, called on to vindicate the in-
sulted majesty of the laws of the land, for the protection of
every fireside, from the humblest cabin to the lordly man-
sion. I did not address your passions, it would ill become
your candor and understanding ; you are bound by the
most sacred of human obligations to find a verdict in strict
accordance with the evidence, and you do not deserve the
station of jurors if you do not with becoming firmness dis-
charge your duty according to your convictions, regardless
of personal feeling.”
His honor then continued to sum up, explained the na-
ture of the evidence, the character of the prisoner, the ab-
sence of the hired girl, the flight of the prisoner, the money
package, &c. He then concluded: “Gentlemen, in the
case before you there is no middle way; the prisºner is
either guilty or she is innocent. I trust that you will agree
that the deadly drug was deposited by the same person that
made the money deposit. Now the clerk swears positewely

17
that the prisoner is the person; if you are satisfied on that
point, then her flight deserves attention. There is war-
ing in guilt that disarms the votary, no matter how firmly
resolved on the perpetration of the nefareous course. Geº-
tlemen, you will carefully weigh the evidence which is
purely circumstantial, and if a doubt of the guilt of the
prisoner remains, you will give her the full benefit of it.
but if the guilt of the prisoner appears clear, you are bound
by your oaths, by the protection of your own firesides, and
the duty you owe to God and society, to find a verdict of
guilty. You will now retire for deliberation.” The jury
retired, and shortly after returned into court with a verdict
of guilty. The prisoner was then remanded to prison tº
await sentence. On Friday, June 26th, the prisoner was
again brought into court to hear the solemn sentence of
the law. She looked calm, cool and composed. She sº:
with her head resting upon her left hand, as if in deep med-
itation; at one time she looked pale and sickly, and theº
suddenly a rush of blood to the face would cause the be-
holder to think only of pity. At intervals her large blue
eyes would roam as if anxious to catch some object of con-
solation; her dark brown hair hung down in ringlets, and
shaded her face; grief was visible in every countenance;
men hung down their heads or left the court. Ladies wash-
ed their faces with tears; the current of feeling was evi-
dently changed ; pity occupied the place of revenge. At
. o'clock the Judge took his seat in order to pass sen-
ence. -
The District Attorney then rose and recapitulated the
chief features of the indictment, the plea of not guilty, and
other aggravating circumstances; he then moved for the
sentence of the law. The clerk by order of the court, in-
quired of the prisoner if she had anything to say why sºn-
tence of death should not be passed upon her The prisoner
looked up for a moment, then leaned back in the same
position, and did not move throughout the entire delivery of
the sentence, of which we can only insert an extract.
Maria Black, the Court is called on to meet you for the
last time, to perform the solem and painful duty which now.
devolves on them, and sentence you to the severe and ter-
rible punishment which the law affixes to the atrocious crime
of which you stand convicted, the wilful and malicious des-
truction of the life of others is at once a plain violation of
the laws of God, indelibly written on the human heart and
acknowledged by all men, savage and civilized, and punish-
ed by the laws of the land with the severest penalties; of

18
this crime you stand convicted ; the Grand Jury have, by
their indictment in solem form acknowledged, that on the
13th day of October last, you maliciously deposited poison
in the food you prepared for Thomas Braden, Mary Braden,
and children, and thereby caused their deaths. Such was the
return you made for the hospitality of your benefactors, who
gave you a home in the land of strangers. It was not
enough to rob them of their property, but worse you depos-
ited the deadly drug in order to screen your guilty flight,
and at the same time that you were caressing the little help-
less innocents, you were preparing to launch them into a pre-
mature grave. How then, can you think of meeting your God
in judgment with hands imbrued in innocent blood 2 The
spirit of the victims of your cruel wrath should stare you in
the face. It is not with a view of adding a single pang to
your heart that we advert to the aggravation involved in
the crime of which you stand convicted; but, on the con-
trary, in order that you may reflect, and profit by the
solitude to which you are to return, where you may calmly
reflect and ask forgiveness of Him, with whom mercy is
abundant, for such as repent even at the eleventh hour ;
therefore as minister of the law, it only remains for me to
pronounce that you, Mary Black, be henceforth placed in the
common prison, and there kept in confinement until the exe-
ecutive, with the advice of counsel, shall appoint the time
of your execution, when you shall be hanged by the neck
until you are dead; and may God in his infinite mercy par-
don your sins,” -
For several months after the excitement, the prisoner re-
mained dangerously ill, and the prison physician would not
allow visitors to enter. On her recovery, however, she ex-
pressed a wish to write her life; but afterwards considered
the task too heavy; consequently the publisher of this nar-
rative was introduced to the prisoner, in order to write her
confession, which follows:–
FULL CONFESSION OF MARIA B, THORN.
In a few brief days the name of Maria Black will occupy
a place in the pages of the past; I trust the reader will rest
saticfied that the object of the following is not intended to
palliate guilt hitherto committed, nor yet to calumniate the
name or memory of any one either living or dead
The narrative of my birth, my youth, my calamitous after-
life, narrated by Mr. Blake, is true to every extent, therefore

19
it would be useless to roam over that which is already known;
hence, I will commence with my arrival with my first hus-
band at Charlestown S. C., in the fall of 1846, as there are
misrepresentations in print, touching the death of my hus:
band, Mr. Thorn, which I would like to correct. From
the day of my fatal marriage I loved my husband with a
confiding heart, to him alone I looked for counsel and
happiness. When embarrassment began to throw shadows
in view, my trembling heart sought information, but only to
be answered by scorn and neglect; still I forgave him.
When sold out at auction, and only left a few pounds of my
ample fortuue, I forgave him. When I found out the nefa-
rious means employed by him to obtain my fortune, still I
forgave him. But there are limits to all things; and there
are limits to woman's endurance and womans love. I could
not forgive him when he basely charged me with inconstancy,
in a land of strangers, when I volunteered to accompany
him, in order to lift his drooping heart, after our sad mis-
fortune. The very day we landed he flagrantly violated the
solem pledges made to me relative to intemperance. Then
he embarked in tavern keeping against my will, and imme-
diately resumed his old practice of mingling in strong drink.
Then Mr. Little, his partner broke off, stating that he would
not continue in company with a man who would be the best
customer himself. No sooner had Mr. Little lef him than
he increased his attention to the bottle, at the same time
charging me with inconstancy, because I would not sanction
the base, unjust, ungrateful and uncharitable charges pre-
ferred against our friend and benefactor. Then my indig-
nation was aroused; I caused his arrest and imprisonment,
in hopes of adjusting his distracted mind. Then the cry of
dishonor was re-echoed by a regardless public, because I
would not stoop to explain my motives to every bar-room
loafer that thought fit to weigh my affections to my husband,
my sense of dignity and honor, by the corruption of his own
heart, or the heat of his own inflated brain. Still aggrava-
ting as was his conduct towards me, the charge of conniving
at his murder, I repudiate as untrue, unjust, and uncharita.
ble. It is a base falsehood that criminal conduct was carried
on with the murderer of my hasband, before or after the fa-
tal deed. It is true that when my husband was in prison,
the counsel of Mr. Little, was sought, on matters of business
importance. It is also true that I acted imprudently in con-
tinuing a correspondence with one suspected with dishonor
by my husband. However regardless of what the world then
said or thought on that subject, the avowal of innocence
20
will seal my dying lips. I must now beseech the indul-
gent reader to bear with me patiently on this last restingspot
of virtue, the last glimmering spark of rectitude on which
my bleeding heart loves to linger. Would that the stormy
atmosphere in which the untimely death of my husband
occured, had prepared a winding sheet for me also. But
I had to live to stem the torrent of indignation and exe-
cration from every quarter. No human voice could be
heard amid the fearful tempest of public vengeance which was
levelled against me, who stood trembling at the thoughts of
the dreadful deed perpetrated in the moment of ungovern-
able passion, over which I had no control. Immediately
after the burial of my husband, my resolve became fixed on
going to California, for which purpose my passage was taken
for Chagres, at which place I landed in April, 1850. As
no one knew me there, my thoughts became occupied by the
course necessary to pursue. After a little study, I finally
resolved to fling the past from my view, and open a newaset
of books, which I did, by accepting the hand of a Mr. De-
graw, late of Baltimore, in marriage, having represented
myself as the wife of the ill fated Capt. Gray, master of the
Wm. Brown which perished a short time previous. The
recent death of my presumed husband was made a pretext
for non-axceptance at the time, but after reconsidering the
condition of my funds, the high price of board, &c., the pro-
posal was accepted, with affected delicacy, and we were for-
mally married on the 20th of June. Degraw was then
keeping a hotel, which was very profitable, and I assisted
with money and industry, as help was out of the question.
Our joint earnings amounted to over five thousand dollars
during the balance of that year, when suddenly a change be-
came evident in his general conduct. His mind seemed
struggling under some mysterious trouble; fears began to
creep over my thoughts, lest he had found the clew of ori-
gin, &c. As might be expected, his movements were closely
watched. At one time he would talk of going further south;
then something else. At last he proposed to send me to New
York, where he had friends, which at once convinced me
the coming storm might be expected from another quarter.
At length private counsel intimated that his wife from
Washington would be likely to pay us a visit some morning.
At first the intelligence was doubted, yet every day brought
orth convincing proof of the sad news, which was concealed
from him. In the interim, my resolve became fixed to pre-
pare for the emergency, and when he was out, I took one
thousand dollars from his trunk. He then demanded an ex-




















21
planation and used threatning language. I told him in
reply, that when the expected visitor would come, the money
he sought would conduct my defense. He stood mute and
confused, then enquired the source of my informaton, and
began to tell me that the person referred to was long since
divorced from him ; he became very kind, and besought me
to resume confidence and return the money. But I could
not afford to do either. Thus matters stood a short time,
when in March a steamer landed her passengers, and in
stepped the long dreaded visitor. She cordially greeted her
husband, who unblushingly returned the compliment. Rea-
der, portray to your mind the state of my feelings, who stood
a calm spectator of my own degradation, as Degraw pointed
me out as his servant, then calmy told me my services were
no longer needed. My rage knew now bounds. Immediate
application was made for legal reddress, but I was disap-
pointed by the information that my marriage was not re-
corded as required by law ; and the presumed clergyman
was never known to me,
A few days after I received a note from his wife in sub-
stance as follows: “Silly fool, to confide in a man's honor
without due percaution, or a sense of your own virtue. My
husband told me that he never told you he would marry you,
| and of course I believe him, who never told me an untruth.
Therefore, since you have deceived yourself, and tried to
seduce my husband from a virtuous wife and little family,
you have got, I trust, in exchange for your guilt, a lesson
that may serve to teach you in future. I have no sympathy
for you, neither do I wish to have an interview ; so youmay
choose time and place to reflect over your imprudence.” The
last sentence wrung in my ears with violence. Could the
indignant and ironical scorn be borne? No! no Degraw
and his cruel wife, that could exult over a fallen and abused
female, was not worthy of life. The thought no sooner
flashed on my mind than the accomplishment became feasi-
ble. There is a sulphur spring three quarters of a mile dis-
tant; from the passage to the spring is a winding path through
a deep ravine, a deep brook on one side and an unoccupied
farmhouse on the other side, having procured a cloak, belt
and knife, native costume and warfare, which was carefully
concealed, I then hired the services of a native, for a small
sum of mony, who met me at the time and place appointed
and took the place in ambush assigned to him, in which he
remained throughout the whole protracted struggle, for he
leaned against a tree as petrified marble to move when called
on to help to drag the bodies to the brook, he only answered


22
by signs that a man was approaching from the farm-house
and then he fled leaving me alone. I will now go back and
resume my narrative of myself as I had all to do. I had
not placed much confidence in any assistance from him,
therefore was but little disappointed. I had not lain long in
my ambush when my victims might be heard talking quite
audible in their slow and unconscious approach, a little
after and I could descry Degraw, wife and child; Oh, what
agonising pangs rushed through my mind as I lay panting
for my prey, mallice prompting me to blood and the dic-
tates of my heart recoiling at the thought, sometimes the
fear of defeat would startle me. Then my personal know-
ledge of the weakness and cowardice of Degraw, would in-
spire me with fresh courage. At last dim figures appeared
in the distance, for it was then twilight, the moon obscured
by passing clouds. By little and little they approached, and
then passed close to the spot where I lay in concealment.
I then rose to my feet and walked after them. Degraw
stepped to one side to let me pass, when I raised a terrific
scream, caught him by the cravat, turned him towards me
with my left hand, and, with my right, plunged the knife
into his heart. He staggered a few paces and then fell on
hisback, I then turned towards his wife, who leaſed against
a tree, caught hold of some light garment that came with
me. Again I seized hold of her; she grappled me firmly,
and we fell together. Then springing to my feet, she was
up at the same time. Again I laid hold of her, and she put
me down again. She recognised me and exclaimed, “You
villain, I have you!” Just then I carefully lifted my right
arm and plunged the knife into her heart. She dropped
her hold and exclaimed, “I am done. O' my children ||
my orphan children ladieu adieu ! I am dying, do not give
me any more ſº I then rushed towards the spot where De-
graw lay bleeding. The chain of his watch glistened by
the light of the moon. Having snatched the watch from his
breast, I placed it in my bosom ; I dropped the knife and
cloak a little distance from the spot, and bent my body to-
wards the ground in order to reconnoitre the probable
approach of pedestrians; not a human being appeared save
the boy, five years old, who sat crying a short distange from
the dread spot; the next moment I seized the child and
flung it into a brook, a few paces distant, when it struggled
a few minutes and sunk to rise no more.* Ah, fatal deed,
the seal of my future woes the screams and pitiable moans
of that innocent ever since haunted my thoughts by day and
* See page 31 for engraving.

23
my dreams by night. Cruel wretch that I was. With the
fearless strength of a lioness, I went to my lodgings and
got to my room at ten o'clock the fearful night, May 13th,
to pace the floor from side to side, awaiting the moment of
apprehension. At length rage and excitement gave way to
fear and trembling. How dreary time rolled on during
that dreadful might. Every dog that barked, every bird
that fluttered in the bush, sent a thrill of horor through my
frame. Then sleep began to close my eyes in spite of my
best efforts to remain awake.
How strange, that sleep will conquer all efforts when the
mind becomes exhausted by affliction. At last I yielded,
and soon frightful moans of anguish rung in myears. Then
I started in agony unspeakable, then would drop over again
only to be awakened by the tramp of horses. The dull
sound of men under arms would call me to the window. All
was still and silent ; not a leaf seemed to move on the
branches. It was then day-break, and the feathered tribe
began to send forth their joyous sounds of vocal music. Of
how I envied their happiness! Again sleep and exhaus-
tion closed my eyes, and again was I startled by a fearful
dream. The sun was then an hour high. I thought when
crossing the plains that the noise of a furious pack of wolves
was audible in hot pursuit of me. Retreat was impossible.
As I stood in painful anguish, a good Indian approached
and said, “Fear not the wolves. Stand as you are, throw
down that vension; which was done, when immediately the
enraged wolves flew past. Then after thanking the good
Indian for his kind counsel, I took my departure, and awoke.
After a moment's reflection over the singular dream, the
sight of blood appeared on my hands and dress, which was
not before seen. At once the blood was carefully washed,
and the dress burned. The watch was placed in the chim-
ney, and my room adjusted with all possible care. Then
I entered the dining-room in apparent mirth, prepared to
receive the news with surprise; for Iheard them talk about
the discovery some time previous. Just as my head appeared
inside the door, the landlady, rather an eccentric person,
said, Mrs. Gray, did you hear the news? Degraw and his
wife, lately arrived, were found murdered in the woods, no
doubt by the natives, who quarrelled about the money, as
the dress of one was found a short distance from the bodies.
They are supposed to be robbed of a large sum of money.
The excitement is very great, and active search is making
for the perpetrators. I listened earnestly to all, and thes
struck my head and said that my dreams told me that some-
24
thing dreadful would happen to them ; and added that I
forgave the deep injustice they had done towards me.
During the entire forenoon nothing was talked of but the
murder and at 3 o'clock, P. M., a body of police entered
and inquired for the person known as Mrs. Gray, to which
I said, what do you want with her The answer was, No
matter. Then I said you are speaking to the person sought,
and was becoming excited and alarmed, sufficient to divulge
the guilt, when one of them smilingly said, Madam, do not
the alarmed, our duty compels us to obey orders. You are
wanted at an inquest as a supposed accomplice or conspi-
rator, on account, probably, of the late trouble with the de-
ºceased. I thanked him kindly for his consideration. In
the interim, others of the party searched my room, and re-
turned apparently satisfied with the ineffectual search. Then
all proceeded to the Court House, where the inquest was
going on. Sundry witnesses were sworn, but none tended
to throw the slightest suspicion on me, nor was any one
committed at that time, and it is to be hoped this avowal
will seal the matter in future.
Afflicted and disgusted with everything around, ill health
began to appear. My physician recommended a change of
air, but I knew that a change of scenery and peace of mind
would be more effectual, for which purpose the dreary pas-
sage to Panama was undertaken, not without being severely
felt, for, on my arrival, the dreadful fever, known as the
Panama fever, seized me, and placed me on a bed of sick-
ºness. In that tumultuous state of excitement that reigned
ºthere at that time, thousands passed to and from the proli-
fic gold fields, some loaded with the fruits of industry and
good luck,and not a few with the earnings of others; hundreds
pennyless and sick, robberies daily reported, and soon re-
placed by other tragic deeds equally exciting. Such was
the state of things at Panama on my arrival, when sickness
Hay me on a bed unconscious of where I was, My boarding
hostess took care to strip me of the little money and
other effects in my trunk, then placed me in a hospital kept
by a neighboring nunnery. The very mention of their names
makes the blood chillin my veins. During three long months
by day and by night, my pillow was watched and cared
with the tenderness and solicitude of a kind mother
over her infant babe, without pay, profit, or even the hopes
of earthly reward. What wonder then that my soul shud-
ders at the thoughts of ingratitude for the heaven-born
kindness so flagrantly abused. On my recovery, they talked
to me in language of love and kindness, to which I had been






















25
long a stranger, then endeavored to reconcile my grief about
the loss of my money. Soon the keen perspicuity of their
practised minds could discover, in the struggling emotions of
my distracted looks, that more than ordinary trouble lay
concealed within my bosom. Resolution on secrecy was stea-
dily observed for sundry days, but at length yielded to the
mild and persuasive entreaties of those who exemplified
such love and affection for my peace of mind, and my troub-
led soul found relief by the exhortations and sweet consol-
ing language, never to be forgotten. O, how reviving these
words sounded to my afflicted heart, and yet how fruitless
—no, not fruitless, for such shall remain treasured in my
bleeding soul until my spirit wings its way from this mortal
vale of war and affliction, only known to myself; such I
trust no mortal being shall ever feel. My heart shudders,
my spirit trembles, my hopes vanish at the thoughts of the
dreadful future, for the worst is yet to tell, and I fear the
task will overcoue my resolution; so I must resume. When
my health was restored, my pocket was empty for the first
time in my life, yet I did not feel embarrassment. My kind
benefactors furnished the necessary supply of money to meet
pecuniary necessities, and I soon obtained a situation as
teacher of music, painting and drawing, in a new academy,
where my salary was moderate, but equal to my expendi-
ture. For some time my whole thoughts were directed to
the hospital, when counsel and consolation was imparted to
me; then, such books as were deemed applicable to my state
of mind were freely furnished, with which I was much
pleased. Soon the discharge of my duty curtailed my lei-
sure for visiting the institution, and the influence of the pre-
vious admonition died away amid the bustle of society, as I
had formed an acquaintance with a polished young man,
then a teacher of language in the village. He was a native
of Mexico, and shortly expected to return to his native
country, where a large fortune awaited him. He soon be-
came passionately attached to me, and sought my hand in
marriage; for some time hesitation and doubt kept me on
the verge of precarious destiny. At length. I laid my case
before my benefactors, who listened patiently, then said,
with a solemn emphasis, you are not tired of gambling?
what security can you have that he is better than the pre-
vious husbands; and if he is, which is very doubtful, you are
unworthy of him. So saying she made a low bow, and ad-
ded, My fears for your future surmount my hopes, then dis-
appeared. The interview only increased my future embar-
rassment, and left me dangling on the pennicle of my des-

26
tiny, anxious to find a resting spot from the winds of ad-
versity by which I had been tossed around. The terror and
affliction that still haunted my thoughts, together with fears
of detection, inability to earn a livelihood alone, as well as
the natural weakness of my own passions, all conspired to
dictate acceptance of the fatal proposal. We were married
on the 19th of January, 1850, then proceeded to the city of
Mexico, where we arrived early in March. Matters passed
along smoothly for a little time. My ignorance of the
Spanish language was a great trouble to me, as my husband
found me a very dull pupil. But little he knew how to ac-
count for my distracted mind. We boarded at a fashionable
hotel, but the manners and customs of the people were dis-
tasteful to me, particularly their mode of cooking ; and on
the 1st of May we went to housekeeping on the most eco-
nomical principle, lest the pattern of London should reappear.
In the interim, an eye was kept on the progress of the ex-
pected settlement of the property of my husband, which was
very large, though doomed to loose it all, and his life. From
day today, the dull, dark loaming clouds of mysterious
trouble began to throw their shadows before them. My
cheerful husband would return from his lawyer mute and
downcast, as if ill tidings had been given; then my inquiry
seemed to trouble him. At last he returned from his lawyer
one stormy night, and sat speechless for some time; then
broke silence in the following strain: Madam, you have
made much inquiry of late, and seem anxious for the settle-
ment of our business; you talk of compromise, but the win-
dictive party with whom I have to deal will recognize no
such thing as a compromise. My lawyer told me to-day
that government is in full possession of sufficient proof to
ensure unqualified confiscation of my claims. Startled at
the intelligence, I enquired, Of what facts are the govern;
ment in possession of He then said, Madam, fearful of
the issue, my anxiety for your peace prevented a full ex:
plaination ; now that it must come, listen attentively, and
you shall hear all. The name of Sandoval stood foremost
among the troops of Cortez, in the conquest of Mexico three
hundred years ago. My father, Pedro Sandoval, unfurled
the flag of liberty in the war of independence. Nobly he
fought bled, and conquered on many a hotly-contested bat
tle-field. On yonder field of his glory, October 20th, 1820,
his lifeless body mingled with the slain. Government tº
warded his services by granting a large tract of land to his .
widow and only child. The widow soon died, but the child
lived long enough to behold the property of that gallant

27
father wrested from his grasp: then, think you, should not
my days be nearly numbered Yes, and as surely as pure
Castilian blood runs in my veins.
When sixteen years of age, on my way from the palace,
one summer morning, when turning a short angle of wood,
my eyes rested on a troop of armed horsemen drawn up in
line. A sign was made to approach, which I did with a
firm step, and was questioned by the iron-countenanced ve-
teran. Oh! how my palpitating heart beat, as my eyes
roamed over the haughty and impatient brows of those steel-
clad veterans of the mountain home. At length. I was told
to mount which I did, and away we went. It would be
painful and uninteresting to enter into detail of the events
of that ten years. Many a hot contest this arm maintained :
many a gallant heart now mouldering in the dust, fell atmy.
side. In 1845 Congress repealed the act by which we were
outlaws. Then our host entered the service of the govern-
ment, and terrible was the slaughrer we made through the
enemy's best troops. Our name sounded terror and our
swords flashed with rage. When the war was ended how
did they reward our services º Such as escaped the bayonet
of the invading foe, were either shot like felons on the pub-
lic streets, or were flung into loathsome dungeons, to perish
by disease and be eaten by rats. And here stands the only
survivor of that once gallant host of five hundred brave
warriors. To add agravation to insult, the property won
by the sword of my father is now confiscated, in flagrant
violation of the solemn act of Congress, signed by the Ex-
ecutive. And the curates of St. Stephen's, I am told, have
assisted to furnish evidence, as in their hands the deeds of
the property was deposited for my benefit. My heart be-
gins to burn with rage. Why then hesitate Cowardice
is a crime ! The tomb of my sires opens to recive me.
Should I fail, death is preferable to life, after being robbed
and flung a wandering beggar, to roam the wide world in
quest of bread. For ten long years this arm maintained
supremacy, and am I less brave now . So saying he rose
to his feet, took down his pistols, daggar and belt, then
slung them by his side, resting his right hand on the hilt of
his daggar and continued. There is deposited in the taber-
nacle of the vestibule a crucifix of solid gold, studded with
diamonds, and I will have it this night, or perish in the
conflict. What think you, madam, am I not justified in try-
ing to wrest at least a part from those who have violated
the pledge made over the lifeless body of my dead father?
I hope you are equal to the emergency. At once I volun

28
teered to participate in the danger. Then after receiving
instructions as to the approach, he disappeared, and I took
another road. Soon I was out of the city, and approaching
the dread spot, about three miles distant. The dark
clouds began to break to the eastward, and the massive
front of a church surmounted by a plain cross, hove in sight,
then the palm trees; while beneath, headstones and monu-
ments to the departed were thickly studded. Having ap-
proached within a short distanee of the centre gate, I care-
fully lay down behind a clump of bushes, when Io, a dread-
ful noise issued from the interior of the building. My senses
became paralyzed for a moment. The noise increased, yet
not a human form appeared. Dreadful suspence At length
the mansion door flew open, and out sprang two comba-
tants, covered with blood. My husband came first hold-
ing the treasure in his left hand, and directly against his
breast. I moved forward at a slow pace, and when I ap-
proached his antagonist fell to his knees; then recovered
himself to receive the dagger of my husband in the heart.
then a thick man, in a long black gown, rushed forward,
and took a spear from his garment, and pierced my husband
through the neck. I lifted a pistol from my husband's side,
and fired it in the face of him who stood in black. He
reeled, and fell very heavy. I turned around to my hus:
band, liſted his head as he leaned against a tombstone. He
then said in a low tone, I kept my word: all is settled now.
Prepare for your safety—I am dying Farewell In a few
minutes life was extinct. Having kissed his cheek and laid
him down, I flew to the others. Each was bleeding freely.
I liſted the shattered treasure, flung it from me and fled to
the high road leading to the city. Immediately devising
the only means of escape that seemed probable, I told the
sad affair to all that I met, and then repaired to the first
police station, and narrated the tragic scene. At nine
o'clock, in company with the authorities, I was brought to
the spot, when the inquest was held, and made the follºw-
ing deposition, as nigh as I can now remember: My hus:
band besought me to accompany him to see the tomb of
his father at the cemetry in question; morning was chosen
by me, on account of the extreme heat of August Wea-
ther. As we approached, we beheld two men struggling
between several armed men. My husband said, it is the
sexton and curate in the hands of robbers and he sprang
to the rescue. I held him as long as I could, but at last
he flung me one side and mingled in the conflict. In a few
minutes afterwards I had the mortification to, stand over the
29
dead bodies of the three persons now cold in death. The
sympathy of the community was loud in my behalf. A son-
tribution of five thousand dollars was at once raised for me.
At the same time I was placed under heavy bonds to remain
in the country as a witness. Dreadful excitement was mani-
fested, as large placards were posted up from day to day,
headed by a large reward. The press teemed with ven-
gence against the sacriligious murderers. Column after col-
umn was filled with praise to the memory of him who per-
ished in the meritorious attempt to save the life of the meek
shepherd. After recapitulating the merits of his noblesires,
they added, with regret, that the long disputed property of
his father received the sanction of the government the very
day previous to his death August 23d, which must now be
returned to the treasury, as he died without issue. Then
might I exclaim, Calamity on calamity! Yet not a word
escaped my lips, save mourning for the loss of him Iloved.
Nor did I seem to take any notice of what was passing, for
my mind was fixed on escape by some means; and in
April 1852, a counsel of physicians agreed that removal
was necessary to save my life. In consequence thereof I
obtained the desired permission, by depositing three thou-
sand dollars until my return. I took steamer for New Or-
leans, then for New York, but the steamer put into Norfolk
for repairs. The state of my health compelled me to re-
main in that place until my money was exhausted. Firmly
resolved never to return to Mexico, under any circumstances
whatever, moneyless, friendless, and homeless, my mind
tired of the world—tired of life and fearful of death—the
last fatal enterprise was begun and ended as stated by the
witnesses; save that my object was not at first intended to
cause death, but to place my victims asleep in order to effect
my escape with the $500 which was sent to New York.
That is all I have to say on that part of the subject. As
soon as I saw the hired girl approach I knew that it was
all over, and I fled to the woods, not knowing whither I
was going, and there remained day and night, I know not
how long. At last, a boy approached with fruit, then
brought other food, but I could not taste it, having resolved
to perish by hunger; but divine vengeance did not will that
my guilty heart should dictate the mode of my death.
Having now told all that I have to tell, that might tend
to protect others from unjust persecution in future, my SOr-
rowful narrative will close by tendering my thanks to all
such as have contributed to my comfort, in this dreary tomb
of the living. Earnestly do I trust that none who may read





















30
or listen to the recital herein contained, may ever need the
sympathy extended to me. Fervently do I hope that the
name and memory of Maira Thorn may pass from genera.
tion to generation, as a solem warning againts youthful fol.
ly, reckless revenge, and ultimate ruin. They talk to me of
religious consolation. Ah my guilty soul is unworthy of
such a favor. Neither can clemency be expected from the
executive, whose duty it will be to appoint the day when
Maria Black will take her place amongst the millions who
have gone before her; yes when the dread moment shallar.
rive that will waft my trembling spirit from this mortal shell
of corruption, to appear in the presence of its victims, and
the insulted majesty of Him who made and endowed me with
knowledge of good and evil. O that the tempestuous hur-
ricane that laid my parents in the tomb, had provided my
shroudless coffin also. O that the many wheels of destiny
had waſted my infant cradle to the wilds of Hindostan,
where the mantle of blissful ignorance might plead mercy
for my guilty soul, soon to pass from here to a dreadful ac-
countability. I am able to say no more.
MARIA BLACK.
County PRIson, DECMEBER 8th, 1855.
DEATH OF MARIA BLACK.
Having at lenght reached the last scene of the painful dra-
ma, which we hasten to present to the reader, before
the curtain of charitable silence can be allowed to drop over
the name and memory of Maria Black, the child of storm, on
receipt of the intelligence of her sudden death, we despach-
ed a messenger to the scene, who obtained the following note
from Mr Miller, Acting Sheriff, which we publish in full:
MR.MURDOCH, DEAR SIR:
* The ill fated Maria Black is no more, since her confession
her mind seemed to wander, she talked but little, and that
incoherently, particularly since it was my painful duty to
inform her that his excellency had signed her death war-
rant, and appointed Friday 14th inst, as the day of her exe-
cution. Since then vigilant care has been taken to remove
anything that might aid her to accomplish the work of pre-
mature destruction of life, but how fruitless our efforts.
Yesterday morning she was found dead in her cell, and on
examination a quantity of Savanna flowers were found sew-
ed up in her appearl, which had not been removed as is

















31
usual, the flowers were evidently gathered before her ap-
prlension, and it was further manifist she drew them in
the hot drinks and preserved the juice which she drank at
once thereby affecting the intended result. The above you
will please insert in your valuable journal, as it may satis-
fy many who may marvel how she obtained the poison.
Respectfully
ABRAHAM MILLER.
County PRIson, DEC. 12th, 1855.
-
Entered according to an act of Congress in the year 1856
BY WILLIAM MURDOCH,
In the Clerks office of the destrict court of Virginia.





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