Crime and Punishment, Part 1

Crime and Punishment in St. Andrews

Eastport Sentinel
August 19, 1826
A negro man and woman were sentenced to be hung at the late session of the Supreme Court in St. Andrews, on the 29th instant, for the murder of an infant child.  The circumstances relative to the murder are such that no good can result in the community by publishing the, and we question the propriety of spreading before the world, as is customary, detailed accounts of every horrid enormity that is committed.

Eastport Sentinel
Aug 27, 1826
In our last issue we stated that two persons of the last session of the Supreme Court in St. Andrews were convicted of the crime of murder.  In pronouncing the awful sentence of death the hon. Judge [Ward] Chipman [Jr.] in a distinct and emphatic manner, addressed the prisoners in the words to the following effect, which we taken from the St Andrews Herald:
            Richard Stuart, Maria Stuart:--You have been convicted by a jury of your country, after a fair and impartial trial of a horrid crime, and that jury would not have discharged themselves of he solemn oath they were under, nor have performed their duty to Society, if they had not found the verdict which they did.  Murder is the highest crime which one person can commit against another.  it is the taking away that life which he cannot restore, and for which he can make no compensation, and in your case, the crime is deeply aggravated, by the circumstance that the being which you have destroyed, was the fruit of your own incestuous connection.  I say this, for although the fact was not distinctly proved, yet the presumption from the facts which were proved, was irresistible.  Nature shudders at the contemplation of your offence—Even the beast of the field will cherish, protect and preserve its offspring with a force of instinct that renders it dangerous to disturb it.  And it is reserved for the perversion of human nature a perversion that can be brought about only by a course of guilt, to lay hands on its own offspring and strangle it in the hour of its birth—Your hearts were hardened by the foul mingling of that common blood which you derived from one parent; you commence by indulging you unhallowed passions, and you ended by murdering the infant to which they gave birth.  And this for the purpose of concealing your criminality, is in itself a full evidence that you had a deep consciousness of the guilt of your connection.  this horrid termination of your amours should be a warning to all against venturing on the path of vice and crime.  they cannot foresee whither it will lead them.  The particular circumstances of the case are also of a very aggravated character.  When the hour of delivery approached, you Maria Stuart, sent your daughter, the only inmate in the house besides yourselves, to be at an unusual hour of the day.—and preparation was made for the deadly scene.  But that all seeing eye which witnessed what you were doing, also provided a human witness in this very daughter, whose suspicions had been incited by your unusual conduct, to appear in your condemnation.  She did observe what passed through an opening in the partition, and she has testified it at the bar of this Court.  And here let me say that heart rending as it is, to see a child give evidence against its own parent, ye tit is a natural working of the human heart, especially in a young person, when made the depository of such horrid secrets, to unburthen itself by disclosing them, even against the impulses of natural affection.  The great ends of public justice have also been answered.  This girl has been the instrument in the hands of Providence to bring to light a foul crime, and upon every principle of justice and good policy, is entitled to the countenance and support of this respectable community.  the girl heard the scream of the infant as it was left to drop from the mother’s womb, in the hope perhaps that the very fall would deprive it of life.  the child was found concealed on the premises—the fatal string found around its neck has been identified—the girl discovered traces of blood in the morning and the chain of evidence is complete.  there is also no difference in he guilt of the two offenders.  You, Maria Stuart, were the person who ordered the girl to bed, and there is not a shadow of doubt from the circumstances of the transaction, tha tit was the effect of preconcert between you.  The birth was at all hazards to be concealed, and this could only be done by putting an end to the child if born alive.  It would indeed be a dangerous principle if, when more persons than one are present, assisting in the commission of a crime and participating in its execution, the hand that actually perpetrated the act should along be condemned, while perhaps the more guilty mind should escape.  In such circumstances, law and reason unite in making the act of one, the act of all.
            By the law of God, by the law of England, by the law of this province, I may add by the law of every civilized community, death is the punishment for this enormous crime.  the calls of justice imperiously require that your lives, should be forfeited for this foul offence, and to operate as an example to all others from entering upon such works to destruction.  I can therefore hold out to you no hope of mercy in this world.  But God has revealed his holy will to mankind, and has pointed out the way by which the foulest sinners even at the eleventh hours, may obtain pardon from him, by sincere repentance, through the merits and intercession of the blessed Redeemer whom he sent into the world.  You have but a short time to lie, I therefore exhort you, if you have every had religious instruction, earnestly to recall it, if not at once to seek it and to make your peace with your God without delay, that your souls may not be condemned by Hi, as your bodies much perish on the Gallows.  it remains for me only to pronounce the awful sentence of the law, and that is, That you Maria Stuart and Richard Stuart be taken from hence to the place from whence you came, and from thence to the place of execution, on Tuesday the 29th day of August instant, between the hours of ten in the forenoon and two in the afternoon, and that there you and each of you be hanged by the neck until you are dead.  And may God have mercy on your souls.

Vestry Book for the Church of St. Andrews, Charlotte County
In Vestry, Tuesday Morning, 7 o’clock
29 August 1826
The Rev. Mr. Alley, Rector
Thomas Wyer, Dr. Frye Churchwardens
P. Smith, G. Campbell, George McMaster, James Parkinson, S. Nelson, John Aymar, J. Barber, Peter Stubbs Vestrymen
Resolved that a lot in the burying ground in the south east corner thereof to contain 8 feet by 12 feet be set apart for the reception of the bodies of the aforesaid criminals Dick and Maria Stewart who are to be executed today, or for any others that may suffer the sentence of the law; and resolved that the church wardens and William Barber be a committee to measure the ground accordingly. 
            The ground measured, as aforementioned, by the committee

New Brunswick Royal Gazette
August 29, 1826
The Circuit Court for Charlotte County closed its session in St. Andrews on Wednesday the 16th inst.  On that day, at two o’clock, Richard and Maria Stewart were brought up to receive the sentence of the Court, for the crime of murder, of which they had been some days previously convicted by a Jury of the country after an impartial trial.  The Hon. Judge Chipman, after having addressed the prisoners in a feeling and impressive manner, pronounced the awful sentence of the law, which was: “That you Maria Stewart and Richard Stuart, be taken from hence to the place from whence you came, and from thence to the place of execution, on Tuesday the 29th day of August, instant, between the hours of ten in the forenoon and two in the afternoon, and that there you and each of you shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead.  And may God have mercy upon your souls.”
            The Herald says Maria Stuart appears to be exceedingly agitated, but Richard Stuart exhibited no appearance of emotion whatever.  there has been only one execution in this County since its erection.  We deeply lament that there should be any cause for present sacrifice of human life, but the case was so clear, that nothing was left for either Court or Jury, to induce them to lay any statement in favor of the miserable culprits before the Executive.  We hope most sincerely, that this awful example will act as a warning to others in this vicinity, who, there is too much reason to believe, although not guilty, as in the present case of incest, yet are strongly suspected of having taken away the lives of their own children, the fruits of their illicit amours.

Eastport Sentinel
Sept 2, 1826
Richard and Maria Stewart were executed on Thursday lat, agreeably to their sentence.

Aug 30, 1826. 
#236 All Saints Burial
Richard and Maria Stuart, convicts, executed for murder. 

Standard
March 5, 1835
Last week Col. Wyer introduced a bill to assess the inhabitants of Charlotte for erecting anew Court House in the County, and by a resolution of the Committee, the Saint Andrews Standard will be immortalized in the Journals of the House, an order having been made that a copy of this aid Bill be published in said newspaper for the information of the Inhabitants of the County of Charlotte. (letter from Clitus)

Standard
Dec 24, 1835
On Monday the 21st day of December inst. Two seamen of the Brig Agenora, Robert Gray, master, were brought up for examination before Thomas Wyer, Esq. and the Honorable James Allanshaw, upon a charge of Mutiny and Desertion.
            It appeared that on the tenth day of December, that the crew of the Agenora consisting of ten men, all shipped about 4 o’clock, that the Vessel then lay at the Eastern Ballast ground, and was to proceed to sea early next morning, but that abut seven o’clock in the evening, the Captain, Pilot, and Mate, who were all in the Cabin heard a loud noise near the Companion doors, and the Mate went at once to ascertain the cause of it, but as soon as he had opened the door it was forcibly closed that he made another attempt and succeeded in opening the door, where he discovered two seamen standing near it, one with a pistol in his hand, and the other with a pump brake, that they both swore they would knock out the first man’s brains who attempted to come up, that the Captain, Mate and Pilot, not having any fire arms or weapons, were not in a condition to make resistance, when seven of the semen (amongst which were the two prisoners) possessed themselves of the long boat,, cut the painter and made for Deer island, where they landed at the risk of their lives, the boat going to pieces in the surf, and the wind blowing a gale at the time. They subsequently reached Eastport, in the State of Maine, where owing to the exertions of Messrs. Babcock and Son and the prompt assistance of the civil authorities, there, the two prisoners, with another of the crew, who was admitted as a witness, were arrested and brought here, the other four having unfortunately for the public made their escape. The Justice committed the two prisoners for mutiny, to take their trial at the next Court of Oyer and Terminer for the County, the witness not having been able to find bail was also committed. The Justices also bound over Mr. George Watson, of this town, as accessory before the fact to appear and take his trial at the same time.
            J. W. Chandler and G. D. Street Esquires appear as Council, on behalf of the Prosecution.

Standard
Jan 28, 1836
Riot
On Monday last, William McNamara and others, were brought up before the Magisrates for riotous and disorderly conduct in the street on Saturday night the 23rd inst. After a long and tedious examination, which lasted from 11 am to 7 pm, William McNamara, John Fortune, and Peter McCrawley were bound over to keep the peace for 12 months, and fined two sureties in 20 pounds each and one surety of 40 pounds for their appearance at the next Court of Oyer and Terminer.

Standard
April 14, 1836
Charlotte County Common Pleas
And General Sessions of the Peace, April 1836
The High Sheriff, Coroner, Magistrates and other gentlemen, preceded by a corps of Constables, escorted the senior Judge Thomas Wyer, Esq. from his residence to the Court House on Tuesday last, when the usual form of opening the court was gone through and the following Grand Jury was sworn in:
William Babcock, Foreman
Thomas Watt
 John McCurdy
John Mowatt
James Boyd,
Thomas Sime
George N. Smith [nb]
Hugh Cavin
William Libby
Nininan Lindsay
William Thomson
William C. Scott
Albert Robinson
Hugh McCullum
Zadok Hawkins
John boyd
John Mann, Jun.
Malcolm McFarlane
William Smart
Richard Sitson
Daniel Brown

His Worship the presiding Judge then addressed them nearly as follows:
Gentlemen of the Grand Jury,
In the absence of the senior Justice, Colonel McKay, it devolves on me to address you.
            The law which has just been read to you, respecting Retailers of Liquors and Tavern keepers, you will particularly have in charge.
            Any presentment that you may make to the Court, you will be particular to give the name of the witness, that the law may be put in force; you will likewise be particular in presenting those persons who allow liquors to be sold or drank in their house son the Lord’s day, commonly called Sunday, as well as those persons who keep a disorderly or improper house, by which, the peace of society is disturbed.
            By your office, gentlemen, you are appointed guardians of the liberty and property of the community in general, a trust of great consequence and importance, to discharge which, it is not only necessary that you take notice and present all public wrongs and offences, and that you also give enunciation and encouragement to every thing that is praiseworthy.
            The public accounts that will be handed in to Court, shall be laid before you as the law directs, and the Court has no doubt but that you will give them that attention that the law contemplates, and the County expect of you.
            There is but two persons confined in gaol for criminal offences, to be tried by the Supreme Court, and one person for debt.
            I am happy to congratulate you, gentlemen, on the spirit of enterprise and industry, that is now going on in this county and the Province at large; nothing can so much promise the interest of the community and the society in which we live, as the spirit of industry and sobriety; then, let us all, Gentlemen, profit by experience, and vie with each other in making the best use of our time, to improve the advantages which the blessings of the land and the sea hold out for our acceptance, and that thereby we may be a community justly famed for good order., and a regard to the law of our god, and our Country. The Clerk of the Court will give you the necessary papers; a constable will attend you, and you can go to your room when you please.
           
On his worship sitting down, the Grand Jury retired to their room and the business of the Court proceeded.
            Should any thing of special interest be brought forward, we will endeavour to announce it.

Standard
April 21, 1836
Report of the County Charlotte Grand Jury
April Sessions, 1836
. . .
The Grand Jury have made some remarks on the Gaoler’s account expressive of their surprise at the extraordinary nature of these charges to which  they would particularly call the attention of the Court, particularly a charge of carrying bread from the baker to the prison, which actually amounts to more than the cost of the bread.
            The Grand Jury on view of the Prison would remark that it appears sufficiently strong for any thing where strength alone is required, but on the principle that imprisonment should not be torture and death (which must ensue if Prisoners are  put into the cells during winter), the Jury would remark that it appears totally unfit for the purpose for which it was intended to serve. There is a certain want of cleanliness about the Prison which should be immediately looked into by the authorities; heaps of soot and ashes are to be seen about the lobbies and small stores of the debtor’s rooms; the cellar is also very unfit for the purpose intended, the gaoler having lost great part of his vegetable during last winter.
            It appears to the Grand Jury absolutely necessary that something be done in the way of a drain or sewer to carry off the filth accumulating bout such an establishment, and to save the monstrous expense of removing it in the manner in which it is now done, as well as to prevent the generating of dangerous diseases during the hot months of summer.
. . .
A. Jack, Foreman

Standard
1840
Improvement—
Our new court house is now in a state of great forwardness, the plastering and stucco work being completed. On a recent visit to this building e were much pleased with the faithful manner in which the work has been performed. The Judges Barristers, Grand and Petit Jury Rooms, together with a spacious apartment allotted for Session business, are all convenient and well adapted for the use of those engaged in the administration of the laws of the country. The Court Room in the centre of the building will be judiciously laid out for public convenience, and by no means overlooking the accommodation expected by the Bench and the Bar. The building committee, together with the architect, Mr. Thomas Berry, are entitled to great credit, for having faithfully performed their respective duties. The building is situated on arising round in the vicinity of the Jail, and from its commanding situation, it will have an imposing effect when completed.

Standard
Nov 5/1841
Disgraceful—On “Wednesday evening last, as Mr. Young, (a witness attending the Court) was passing along Water street, near the Post Office, a collection of boys assailed him with a volley of stones and sticks, cutting his face and otherwise abusing him in a shocking manner, without any kind of provocation. Mr. Young, who is a peaceable, sober man, was inclined at first to treat the outrage as a joke, until he was followed up and struck with a bludgeon which knocked him down. As we were passing near the place at the time, we saw Mr. Young bleeding profusely from his face, surrounded by a gang of young scamps, who are nightly collected in our streets, disturbing the inhabitants. It is a matter of deep regret that the Magistrates do not put a stop to such infamous proceedings by appointing special Constable to patrol the streets at night. Such conduct is a disgrace to any community, and we trust that the offenders in this case will be brought up and severally punished by making a public example of them. While mentioning this outrage we cannot avoid calling attention to the disgraceful conduct of these youths at the evening Book auctions; instead of embracing the opportunity of purchasing cheap information, they have invariably molested the auctioneers in various ways and stopped the sales at an early hour, and in one instance several books were stolen. We again call the special attention of their Worships to these proceeding, and hope they will follow the method adopted in other towns in the Province, by making examples of the culprits and publishing the police reports giving the names.

Standard
June 17, 1842
Improvements—We notice that the lower part of the old Jail is undergoing repairs, for the purpose of converting it into a Market House; the room used formerly for holding the Courts in, is also to be repaired and fitted up for a Public Hall. The partitions and floors of the old jail were lined with iron bars about six inches apart and double planked over timber, notwithstanding which several places can be seen where we are informed persons have cut through and made the escape out of holes barely a foot square. The iron and spikes appear to be good and may be disposed of to advantage.

Standard
July 1, 1842
Mr. Editor—
I wish to draw the attention of the guardians of the public peace to the conduct of person sin the habit of assembling near the Practice rooms of the Amateur Band, whose object appears to be to offer insult to the performers, and to prevent any of the very large assemblage of respectable persons who nightly attend to listen, from deriving any pleasure; and when I look round and see that the mob is composed almost entirely of boys, and see no means taken to prevent the annoyance, I cannot help applying censure to those who should and could so easily take measures to put down such a disgraceful nuisance; and it is certainly very far from being complimentary to those who have devoted so much time and expense, for an object so calculated for public gratification, that they should be so completely thwarted in their endeavors to please, and subjected to insult. If the parties are thus quietly allowed to annoy, the public may rest assured that it will operate as a direct license to all the unruly boys of which our community is already unfortunately too full, to insult with impunity. And I feel confident that it will be admitted, that they are sufficiently versed in all that is bad, without thus granting such a bounty of blackguardism, as to allow them to accomplish their design, of obliging spectators to retire with disappointment and disgust. It is abut a short time since their worships were under the necessity of appointing a nightly watch to preserve order in our streets and it is now a mater of surprise that with so much more cause they tacitly permit the continuance of misconduct, which could at once be put down by the presence of a single constable.
Yours,
Good Order.

Standard
May 10/1848
Communication re slavery and prejudice in St. Andrews. See photocopy.

Communication, for the Standard
Mr. Editor,
A copy of the Eastport Sentinel of the 3d inst. having been sent to me, I noticed the following editorial remarks, which if founded on fact, were deservedly severe, but if not, require to be confuted. Now sir, I, as a resident of St. Andrews, am not willing that any incorrect statement or wholesale slander, respecting our town, should be sent abroad, without being refuted, and have taken some pains to ascertain the true version of the affair. The following paragraph is from the Sentinel of Wednesday last:--
            St. Andrews Magnanimity.
            We learn that a respectable citizen of this town was refused a dinner at a public house at St. Andrews recently, because our common Father and Creator was pleased to create him with a dark skin. He had been busily engaged with his customers about the house, (Railroad Hotel?) and being much fatigued and hungry, requested to be provided with a luncheon--his own delicacy preventing him from wishing a seat at the general eating table; and he was answered only by a gaping stare of some dirty servants. What we once heard of a runaway slave is strictly true: that people at the north need not fear to be overrun by the black in case they should be emancipated by the South, for the cold weather would half kill them, and prejudice would half kill them, and so halves make a whole. Refuse brother man a dinner merely because he is black? O, free and equal bluenosedom! Tell it not in Gath! Mr. Crawford is a man we should be happy at any time to have seated with us at our table.
            The above is the statement given to the Sentinel, and a more willfully false and malicious report has seldom been circulated. But what are the facts? A decently dressed coloured man (the Eastport barber I am informed) called at one of our hotels, during the sitting of the court in this town, between one and two o'clock in the afternoon, he was met in the hall by one of the attendants, a clean neatly attired girl, and asked for a luncheon, he was shown into the public sitting room, where he was shortly after met by some of the gentlemen who returned from dinner, and asked them if he could get a lunch, the reply he received was that they would see, and immediately informed the landlord, who at once ordered a dinner; he then went to see "the respectable citizen of Eastport," but learned he had gone out, leaving word that he would return in a few minutes. The dinner was kept waiting upwards of an hour, but he "hungry man" did not return. This is the true version of the affair. A word more and I have done. Your brother editor of the Sentinel, in his notice, has cast a reflection upon the whole inhabitants, based upon Crawford's false report; perhaps he may yet find out--that the Bluenoses are truly free, and that they hail every honest man be he ever so dark skinned, as a brother. We have neither slaves nor slaveholders amongst us, nor are we living in slavish fear.
            Yours,
            Fair Play.

Standard
Sept 29/1852
First escape from County Jail in 21 years, over which Capt. Law has been jailer.

Escape from Prison:
On Wednesday night last,
Charles Hickey, charged with stealing from a shop in St. Stephen, and confined in the County Jail here, made his escape from it in the following manner:
            The Jail is undergoing repairs, several apartments are in consequence rendered unfit for use, and the jailor is compelled to occupy one near the prisoner's room, and off the same passage. This passage is usually secured by fastening the doors at the end of it, on the outside; but owing to the Jailor being obliged to sleep where he did, this could not be done. Hickey was the only prisoner on this floor. His room was, according to custom, examined the 1st thing at night; when this was done, Hickey was in bed, and his light was extinguished. Every thing appeared to be secure, and the Jailor retired to rest. Having ascertained this circumstance, the prisoner converted a tin pannikin filled with butter into a lamp, and manufactured the iron bale of a water bucket into a small crow bar--then, taking down a long shelf and raising it against the wall, and one end raised on a tub, and the other resting near the aperture in the brick wall, intended for the admission of a stove pipe, he contrived a seat by winding a blanket round the plank. Once astride of this with his crowbar, he soon made the opening large enough to admit his body. Before removing the brick, however, he forced through the stove pipe hole onto the passage floor, some bedding, and disposed his mattress in such a way in his own room as to receive and deaden the sound of the falling bricks and rubbish. He then let himself down into the passage, bolted the iron door on the outside, leaving the Jailor within, and without molestation helped himself to sundry articles of apparel, and a few knickknacks belonging to the Jailor, and obtained his freedom.
            The Justices being at the time in Session, investigated the affair, and unanimously resolved that no blame was attributable for Capt. Law, the Jailor.
            Capt. Law has had charge of this Jail for 21 years, and this is the first instance of a prisoner escaping from it.

Standard
Sept 9/1874
Shows
During the past few weeks a number of shows and Entertainments were held here by Americans, and two thirds of them were as great humbugs as ever exhibited anywhere. Their flaming placards worded in the most bombastic style, attracted people to their exhibitions, who were disappointed and disgusted—particularly at the deception openly practiced by those who advertised “Gift Entertainments—no humbug—everyone received a gift”, according to the number of their ticket. In one instance a few paltry gifts were given away when numbers were called out which had not bee issued. In a hall that will not contain more than 300, the folly of calling no. 450, 520 or 630 is apparent, that people saw at once that the Yankee claptrap had deceived them. We hope they will profit by the lessons at the expense of 20 cents.

Standard
Nov 18, 1874
Attempt at Robbery
About 3 o’clock on Friday morning last, the premises of Wm. Whitlock were entered by thieves. They failed in boring holes at the office window, to wrench the bolt off, and afterwards effected an entrance to the store by removing the window over the door; after rummaging the store they passed into the house, and regaling themselves on sweet meats, opened the doors, and went up stair to where the inmates were sleeping. Mr. Polleys’, the book keeper, whose room door was partly open, heard the robbers moving noiselessly to each door, and heard them say, “he’s fast asleep,” when opposite Mr. Whitlock’s bedroom. He rose cautiously, opened a drawer where his revolver was, and moved towards the door, when he saw the light of a match for a second below, and ran down the stairs, but the villains had heard him, and made their exit by the back door. He ran to the street but cold not hear or see anyone. A more daring and barefaced attempt at robbery was never made in St. Andrews. The premises are situated on Water Street, in one of the most public parts of the town; the robbers must have been daring fellows to run such a risk. Had they not made their exit so rapidly, it is probably hat one of them had “bitten the dust.” The store of J. R. Bradford was entered a few nights before by cutting the sash of the back window, and the till rifled of small change. In both cases the robbers left burnt matches from the windows to the doors. The same parties we learn have been operating in the town of St. George.

Pilot
May 30/1878
Rowdyism. Our attention has been called to the increasing rowdy element of young men and boys congregating at the corners of streets at night, making all kinds of noises, using profane language, firing guns in alleys near windows, flinging stones at houses, and such like offences against public peace and order. One gentleman near the post office has the names of several parties who have thus committed themselves, and only keeps them back for the present on account of the parents. This caution, we hope, will have its effect to warn those nocturnal disturbers of the peace to take heed to their way.

Pilot
Oct 3/1878
The New River Tragedy!
Thomas Dowd and Mrs. Eliza Ward arrested for the murder of Thomas E. Ward. And committed to the Jail in St. Andrews.
Charlotte County, it is to be regretted, has now its murder-tragedy to record. The “Shediac Tragedy” which created such excitement throughout the Province, and which is destined to create yet more, does not now stand out as the only murder-tragedy in NB.
             The New River Tragedy exceeds in atrocity the Shediac tragedy, inasmuch, as a wife is implicated in the murder of her husband!
            The wife of the murdered man, and her paramour, Thomas Dowd, have received the verdict of “wilful murder” by a Coroner’s Jury, after a lengthened, patient, and careful investigation of circumstances and the testimony of witnesses. Thomas Dowd as principal, and Eliza Ward as accomplice.
            The contradictory statement of the accused parties themselves, are deemed sufficient to fix the suspicion, if not the certainty of the crime of murder, upon them. That the awful deed—a cold-blooded, premeditated murder has been perpetrated in New River, in this County, within the past few weeks, there is not the shadow of a doubt.
            The residence where the murdered man lived, is the well-known “McGowan House,” located a few rods west of the New River Bridge. It overlooks the rapid New River stream, and was at one time a favourite “Inn by the Wayside”. It is on the main road leading from St. George to Saint John, and distant from the Lepreaux Mills and Village, about 3 ½ miles.
            It appears from testimony adduced before the Coroner’s Jury that, an improper and illicit intimacy sprang up between Dowd and Ward’s wife; which bad beginning has, it is feared, culminated in the murder of the unfortunate husband.
            The evidence of several witnesses went to prove that Ward left the house early in the morning to cut grass on the meadow a short distance up the river; and that Dowd went in a short time also, in the same direction. Also, that Ward never returned; while Dowd came back to the house about 10 o’clock the same morning, went to the Pantry and took a “lunch.” And, that Dowd and Mrs. Ward were both seen returning during the same day towards the house from the direction of the Meadow.
            A young man of Lepreaux, a few days ago, being in search of his cows in the vicinity of the meadow, noticed by the unusual movements of his little dog, that, something more than common was nigh; instituted a search, discovering the toe of a man’s boot projecting out from bush and moss. Further examination discovered the body of a man, giving forth offensive effluvia of decomposition. The body was subsequently identified as that of Thomas E. Ward.
            Suspicion soon pointed to Thomas Dowd as the murderer, and he was promptly arrested at Musquash—several miles distant from the scene of the murder. The wife of Ward in giving her testimony, made such and so many conflicting statements as led also to her arrest as an accomplice.
            An inquest under Coroner Reynolds of Lepreaux after a protracted investigation concluded their services by rendering a verdict of wilful murder against Thomas Dowd, as principal, and against Eliza Ward an accomplice. On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 29th ultimo, two teams from Lepreaux drove into St. Andrews, and in the first was seated Thomas Dowd—in the second team sat Mrs. Ward and her daughter, with a young child about 7 months old. Dowd and Mrs. Ward entered the prison doors of the County Jail as prisoners, and Annie Ward, the daughter, a young unmarried girl of 17 years of age (with her illegitimate child) as witness in the case.
            The Editor of the Bay Pilot on Tuesday morning visited the prisoners in their respective rooms. Thomas Dowd was first interviewed. In personal appearance he is small of stature—with but very little muscular development—just assassinate but not kill a fellow man in a face to face, stand up fight. His complexion is quite dark—black hair, and wearing it thickly around his mouth and on his chin. His eyes are dark, rather small, and seemingly restless. His features, take them in all, are not comely. His voice is clear and his utterance low, but distinct and rather pleasing. The whole physique of the man is against either strength or courage.
            In answer to a few questions, he gave his age as over 40 years; was born in the City St. John, where his father was killed when he was quite a child. Has been living at, and about Lepreaux for the last 30 years. Worked for Mr. Christopher Robinson, when Alexander Gibson, Esq., owned the Lepreaux Mills. Was never married.
            Had lived with the murdered man Ward, since the 5th of April last. Had a contract from Mr. Joshua Knight last winter to get out railway sleepers for Mr. Ross of St. Andrews. Declared his innocence of the crime of which he is accused, and seemed anxious to know when his trial would come on, and wanted to know if he could get a lawyer to defend him. For one in his situation, he appeared cheerful, and expressed a desire to get some newspapers to read—“to wear away the time,” as he expressed it.
            Mrs. Eliza Ward’s room was next visited; and we found her sitting by a window busily employed in sewing; while Annie, the daughter, sat also near the window nursing her babe—the poor little creature all unconscious of the wretched condition of its mother and grandmother, trying to be playful as all babies do.
            Mrs. Ward gave her maiden name as Eliza Summerton. Born at Digdeguash, Parish of St. Patrick, 43 years of age. Moved to Lepreaux in November 1877.
            In person, Mrs. Ward is small—thin-featured, light complexion, but rather sallow. Her forehead is the best looking part of her face or head—indicative of intellectuality; but lost, for want of culture. She is very free to talk, and only for a moment or so, hesitated, and seemed reluctant to answer, when questioned as to her husband’s age—she soon rallied however, and talked as fast and freely as if presiding at the “McGowan House.” She said she had always worked hard for a living; had sold liquor last winter, as—“she had a good ‘slew’ of Boarders,” Such were her own words, and we would not attempt to mar them by change of phraseology, or of diction. She said her husband had always been kind to her, and she “called god to witness her innocence of doing anything to hurt him.” At this stage of her conversation, her lips trembled, a tear welled up to the eye, and her whole frame seemed to shake with agitation.
            Turning from the mother to the daughter, we found her much more reticent. She “believed her father had been murdered”—“had no doubt of it”—then, spoke of her child, of its “being unwell”—when the interview ended by both Mother and daughter expressing desire to get some papers to read—the mother particularly desiring to get a Saint John paper, “to see what it said,” which request, received a promise of compliance.
            The Bay Pilot will give full particulars of the trial when it takes place, and our readers may look forward to its columns for a plain, unvarnished report of the trial of—The New River Tragedy, as it progresses, from beginning to end.

Pilot
Nov 14, 1878
The Opening of the Court
The opening of the present sitting of the Circuit Court in St. Andrews, on Tuesday 12th inst., Judge Weldon presiding, brings with it unusual interest.
            After the disposal of certain civil causes, they themselves of no trifling import, particulars of which we purpose publishing; the, the criminal cases now on the docket will be taken up.
            From the variety of legal talent in court, both plaintiffs and defendants—accused and accusers, may expect all the aid, comfort, and assistance that long practice at the bar and legal acumen can afford. The trial of greatest interest will be The New River Tragedy.
            that Thomas E. Ward was willfully murdered near his residence at New River in the month of September last, admits of no doubt. Suspicion founded on certain circumstances pointed strongly to Thomas Dowd, a boarder in Ward’s family, as the person who committed the deed and which led to his arrest. Subsequently, additional circumstances pointed to the murdered man’s wife, as an accomplice in the perpetration of the bloody crime, and she too, as accordingly arrested.
            the daughter of the murdered man, was now looked to as an important witness, and repugnant as it might seem to put a daughter on the witness stand, where the mother was an implicated party, yet, stern justice demanded it, and Annie Ward has also been held in custody to give testimony as to what she knows concerning the terrible deed of blood. Now, while the trial of the accused is progressing, it is our intention to give to the public a faithful report of the proceeding in Court. To put before the public the evidence as correctly as possible; without a single word calculated to prejudice the public mind either one way or the other. To remember that, fellow human being are on trial in a mater to them of life or death; and that, that all-important matter is in the hands of Counsel, Judge and Jury. There let it be, until Thomas Dowd and Eliza Ward—both, or either of them, is condemned or acquitted.

Pilot
Nov 21, 1878
The Verdict
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1878, will be remembered for many long years in Charlotte County as an eventful day. the day was a stormy one; fitful gusts of angry wind howling around the corners in mournful cadences, as accompaniments, the streets presenting the one same view of snow-slush to aid, if possible, he disagreeableness of the day. It seemed a day in fit keeping with the gloomy and sad events here recorded. The forenoon at the court house had been devoted to Judge Weldon summing up all the evidence before he court to go to the jury for their final decision, thereby to enable them the more righteously to adjudicate on the innocence or guilt of the Thomas Dowd and Eliza Ann Ward for the awful crime of murder.
            The jury having received the Judge’s charge, retired, and scarce twenty minutes elapsed ere they returned into court. It was a solemn moment when the jurors entered the court room and jury box, took their seats and answered to their names. It was yet more solemn when their lips opened to pronounce the verdict, and that was –“guilty.”
            The Death Sentence
            At two o’clock in the afternoon, the court room was literally jammed with anxious people from town and country. The Judge took his seat, the Attorney General and G. S. Grimmer, Esq., in their legal gowns, entered, Mr. Grimmer, as Clerk of the Court, standing at his desk. This gentleman then addressed himself to the prisoners that if they had anything to say why the sentence of death should not be pronounced upon them they had now the opportunity. Both prisoners standing up, Dowd first, Mrs. Ward afterwards, declared their innocence of the crime, the female prisoner appealing to God as witness of her innocence.
            The Attorney General then stood up, and called on his Honor he Judge to pronounce the Sentence. The prisoners, Thomas Ward and Eliza Ann Ward having then been directed to stand up to receive sentence. His Honor, the Judge, evidently deeply impressed by the solemn duty devolving upon him, in tremulous voice addressed the prisoners.
            His Honor addressing himself to Dowd, referred to the evidence on which he was convicted by a jury of his country. From all the circumstances, no person of human reason could come to any other conclusion. His Honor briefly, but feelingly alluded to the days of the prisoner’s youthful innocence, when he would have shuddered at the thought of being capable of committing such a crime as murder. But, neglect of religious duties and associating with evil, led him on step by step to the commission of the awful crime of which he now stood convicted. Turning from Dowd His Honor then addressed Eliza Ann Ward, the female prisoner. Referred to her marriage vows, and that she had assisted in the murder of the man whom she had solemnly pledged and vowed to love and cherish. That no doubt existed of her complicity in that murder by assisting Thomas Dowd to drag the murdered body of her husband to the spot in the gully where it was found. Nothing, therefore, remains for him to do but to perform the remaining part of his duty according to law—hoping and trusting that both the prisoners would make use of the time given them to repent of their great crime, wand under the ministration of religion seek the mercy and forgiveness of God.
            The Sentence was then pronounced, that he Thomas Dowd, and Eliza An Wad, be taken to the jail whence they came, and from thence on Tuesday, the 14th day of January next to the jail precincts in the town of Saint Andrews, there to be hung by the neck until dead and may god have mercy on your souls,” uttered the venerable judge who was much affected, even to tears. The moist eyes of the Hon. Attorney General and the sad, serious look of G. S. Grimmer, Esq., both prosecuting officers for the town on this important trial, plainly evidenced that the sympathetic feelings wee deeply stirred in both of those learned and legal gentlemen.
            The condemned man and woman were then remanded to prison to await the period of the execution. Dowd appeared nervous, but did not evidence that trepidation, or feeling, at the terrible sentence that might have been expected. Mrs. Ward, seemed for once, to have some feeling; and as she left the dock for the prison, held her handkerchief to her face, and wept.
            Thus for the present ends the New River Tragedy,; and it should be the prayer of all that, another such tragic and horrifying Murder may never be recorded in the future history of Charlotte County or elsewhere.
           
Confession of Thomas Dowd
On Wednesday morning, 20th November, about 10 o’clock, the condemned prisoner Thomas Dowd, made the following confession, in the jail to the jailer:
“I killed Ward in the valley were his remains were found. I killed him with McCarthy’s narrow axe. Ward was on his way home with axe and pitchfork. When we met we had some words, he made at me with the fork. I clinched the axe, and killed him; I then took him by the legs, and dragged him to where his remains were found. Mrs. Ward never saw him after he left the house, ‘till she saw him dead in the woods; nor any one else but myself.”

Pilot
Dec 12, 1878
The Death Sentence
The public are already aware that, Thomas Dowd, and Mrs. E. Ward, are now in St. Andrews jail under sentence of death for the murder of Thomas Ward; and that, the execution is fixed for the 14th of January, 1879. Petitions are in circulation for signatures praying that, the sentence may be commuted. No more opportune time could well be for the prayer of such petitions to be granted. Our new Governor General, having just passed the threshold of his advent into the Dominion, will very probably be an additional inducement for the exercise of Executive clemency. It would be sad to chronicle so early in the New Year a hanging scene. No doubt, His Excellency will do as “seemeth him good,” in the matter.

Pilot
Jan 16/1879
Execution of Thomas Dowd
The Charlotte County New River Tragedy has at last been finally disposed of, by the execution of Thomas Dowd; and the sentence for the incarceration of Mrs. Ward in the Provincial Penitentiary for several years.
            The Tragic Drama
            Tuesday morning, the 14th day of January opened up the tragic drama of the Execution of the unfortunate Thomas Dowd. The High Sheriff, with his usual desire to carry out the duties of his official position with strict fidelity to the injunctions, the letter and the spirit of the law, took every necessary and available precaution to fulfill the stern demands of the death-sentence in accordance with the law.
            The grounds adjacent to the Jail were guarded by a posse of men, in order to keep hundred of would-be spectators from witnessing the dread spectacle of the hanging of a fellow creature. The High Sheriff, in keeping with his duty, admitted the members of the press, and a certain number of others, to whom it is his prerogative to give admission—all others, were excluded.
            The Hour.
            Fixed for the execution, was 8 o’clock in the morning; and long before that hour, the streets of St. Andrews presented an unusually life-like scene. People hurrying to and fro, as tho’ stirred into action by some powerful agency—it was “Dowd is to be hung!”
            His Appearance
            At about 17 minutes past 8 o’clock, Thomas Dowd came down stairs preceded by the Rev. Father Doyle, Parish Priest, of St. George, The condemned man, wore dark pants and vest, with white shirt and no coat. He walked through the hall and out of the back door to the stand where he was to die, bearing a lighted candle in candlestick, in his hand. The Reverend Clergyman walking by his side, and bearing a crucifix.
            Scene at the Gallows
            On coming to the plank-stand both Father Doyle and Dowd kneeled on its outer edge with their backs to the spectators, facing the jail windows. The priest, with open book, reading the solemn prayers and services—Dowd, the meanwhile, “crossing” himself, according to the religious usage of the Roman Catholic Church, and, when the Rev. Father held the crucifix to his (Dowd’s) lips, he kissed reverently, five times, in accordance with the number of the “five bleeding wounds” which Jesus received for sinner! This was a most affecting scene! And, as if to heighten it, Mrs. Wards, his fellow-prisoner, was seen standing at a basement window, near the back-door, gazing at Dowd, and weeping bitterly!
            Final Preparations
            On the priest, and Dowd, rising from their knees—the priest whispered a few words to him, and then retired a few paces; when the jailer, Mr. Mark Hall, placed him under the end of the long plank in which was fixed an iron ring; and into which the rope was secured with the fatal “knot” prepared. The jailer now secured his arms and feet, with leather straps when the unfortunate man, with almost a deathly gaze, looked upon the few, but solemn faces of his fellow-creatures there before him for the last time.
            He Speaks
            The last words of Thomas Dowd. “I am much obliged to the Sheriff; and Mr. Hall, and his family. They have showed me every kindness; and gratified my every wish. I feel every kindly feeling to the people of St. Andrews. I wish you all well. God bless you all.”
            The Fatal Knot
            Immediately, following Dowd’s dying expressions, the jailer passed the rope over his head, fixed the “knot” in its place; and, adjusted the black cap on his head, covering face and eyes!
            In a Moment
            The rope secured inside an upper window of the jail, was cut; and, Dowd, was jerked upwards some three feet from the platform—when, to all appearance—
            Death was instantaneous. A slight twitching of the body, principally between the shoulders, was nearly all that was perceptible; and, the impression generally was, that, the unfortunate Dowd, suffered the extreme penalty of the law, with but little more than momentary suffering.           
            The arrangements made by the Sheriff were admirable; and, all the persons acting under his directions, performed their respective duties, properly and well.
            Taking down the Corpse
            After the lapse of about 15 minutes, the body was lowered—and Dr. Gove felt the wrist; and opening the shirt bosoms (outside and inside shirts) laid his ear against the left breast for a few seconds; also, lifted the cap from the face, and looking upon the features pronounced him “dead.”
            Thus expiated, Thomas Dowd, his crime of murder; and, as far as human expiation goes, justice is satisfied. And, it is only merciful to hope, that the manifest sincere repentance of Dowd, was accepted by the God of infinite mercy, and that, although’ the body has been consigned to a deep, dark grave, the “spirit has returned to the God who gave it.”
            May the sad, awful death-drama, enacted in St. Andrews, on this the 14th day of January, A. D. 1879, be a serious and salutary warning to all young men and boys, to shun the ways of evil; and to live soberly and righteously—the only safety from Sin, and its awful consequence.
            Removal of the Body
            Shortly after the execution, the body being deposited in the Coffin, it was conveyed to the C. C. Church where a requiem high mass was performed—and the remains subsequently interred n the Catholic Cemetery.
            Additional Remarks
            By direction of the Sheriff, a guard of twelve men, under Capt. E. S. Polleys, in uniform; armed with muskets and fixed bayonets, were detailed around the jail grounds, to keep them from intrusion by spectators. The people, however, were remarkably orderly and the utmost decorum prevailed.
            Some 40 persons had gained access to the roof of the Hospital which stands in close proximity to the jail, overlooking the “Yard” where Dowd was hung; and, they had every facility to witness the operations.
            The coffin, was on the ground, but concealed from the sight of him who was so soon to be its occupant. Previous to the execution, Mrs. Hall, the Jailer’s wife, on visiting Dowd, said—“Tommy, I hope you are prepared—you, are about to pay a debt we'll have to pay sooner or later.” (Mrs. Hall was weeping.) He replied—“Yes, but do not fret, it is nothing—god bye, God bless you! I hope we will meet in Heaven.”
            Just before 8 o’clock, Dowd signed a petition, witnessed by Father Doyle, to the Governor General, praying for the further commutation of Mrs. Ward’s sentence of seven years in the Provincial penitentiary; as she was entirely innocent of any participation in the murder, or the knowledge of it. If this be so, and who would dare question the authenticity of a dying man’s confession—then, this Mrs. Ward, with all her manifest faults, should be permitted to go out again in the world—Free—but, bearing with her, the intolerable stigma of having her name so closely associated with the murder of her husband, must ever cause her to feel, like Cain, that her punishment is greater than she can bear.
            We are glad that this, New River Tragedy is over. May the Press of Charlotte County, never gain have such a record to publish to the World. Again, we express hope that the awful doom of Dowd will prove a salutary warning to old and young to shun the road that leads to vice and run.

Standard
Jan 15, 1879
Fifty years ago last April, two persons, black Dick and Maria, were executed in St. Andrews for murder of their children, and but few of the residents who witnessed it, are now living.

Pilot
Aug 18/1881
Mischievous Prank.
Some person or persons entered the window of the attic of Mr. D. Keezer’s fish house on the market Square, one night last week, and stole his flag. They also shoved his boat over the wharf, but as it was high water at the time it was not injured. Such tricks on a peaceable citizen of the town are most unjustifiable. Mr. Keezer recovered his flag again.

Pilot
Nov 3, 1881
A gang of boys marched through the street of the town on Monday evening shouting in the most disgraceful manner, calling at house and stores demanding apples, hey attacked Mr. D. Keezer’s store on the Market Wharf and smashed in the windows. It is time that attacks on Mr. Keezer should be put down by the strong arm of the law, he is a very hardworking and industrious man and ought to be protected. A portion of that gang of boys took charge of the schooner Minnie Ha Ha of Shelburne, N.S. laying at the wharf and took a barrel of apples off her deck, such conduct is indefensible and calculated to bring discredit on the town. [it seems Mr. Keezer is a favorite target of ruffians]

Pilot
Nov 10, 1881
Saturday night last, a man presumably on plunder bent, placed a ladder against the side of Mr. Thomas Armstrong’s house, evidently intending to enter a bedroom window. Mr. A. happened to be in the room at the time, without a light, hearing the noise he looked through the slat of the blind, and saw the face of a man peering through the glass, he ran down to the barn, let loose his dog, and then went into the house to get his revolver. The would be robber was apparently no stranger, as the dog did not attack him. When Mr. A. got out the man had decamped, but he came back again during the night and removed the ladder, which he had brought with him. Mr. A. feels pretty certain of the identity of his midnight visitor.

Pilot
Oct 12/1882
One day last week Mr. G. Johnston of the parish of St. George drove into town and sold to H. O’Neill and sons an ox. The O’Neill’s suspicions being excited they afterwards interviewed Mr. Johnston, and his statement being unsatisfactory, they insisted upon getting their money back. Johnston left the animal in their charge and meanwhile skipped across the river. Monday Mr. Hugh McKinney of Rollingdam came in search of an ox that had been stolen from his son on Whitcher Ridge, and upon identification thereof the animal in charge of the O’Neill’s was surrendered to him. Johnston’s story was that he had bought the ox from a man whom he did not know, with money entrusted to him by his Mother-in-Law Mrs. Adanarim A. Gilmor, to purchase a sewing machine. Johnston wrote the O’Neills from Calais to turn the d--- ox on the road and he would go home.

Pilot
Aug 2, 1883
Escape from the County Jail of Waddell, the American House incendiary and Three Others.
A great general jail delivery, without the interposition of Court or Jury, took place here on Saturday evening under the following circumstances. It will be remembered that Hugh Waddell, bar keeper of the late American House, in this town was arrested here on the morning of Saturday the 16th of June, charged on the information of William H. Whitlock, livery stable keeper of the St. Stephen, with having set fire to the American House, which with its contents was burned down on the morning of Friday 1the 15th of June, and that Waddell, on the 18th of June, after an investigation held before Justice C. E. O. Hatheway, was committed to take his trial at the County Court to be holden here in October next. Besides Waddell, there were four other persons confined in the jai;: Charles McCarty, James Stevens and Gilbert Lauchlan, hailing here from Saint John , NB, who were committed on the 10th inst.. from St. Stephen on a charge of drunkenness and vagrancy, the two former for sixty days and Lauchlan for thirty days, and James McCardy of St. Andrews, committed for safe keeping.
            Mrs. Murchie, Proprietress of the American House, has at intervals, since Waddell’s commitment, visited him at the jail. On Saturday evening hast about a quarter past eight o’clock, she applied at the jail for admission to see Waddell, saying she had heard he was sick. Mrs. Paul, daughter of Mr. Mark Hall, the jailor, who had gone down street on business, answered the call, and admitted her. While Mrs. Murchie was standing talking to Waddell, through the grating, Mrs. Paul ran upstairs to see why her child was crying. She almost immediately came down again, and while coming down the stairs, heard a noise, like what would be made by tapping the stick of an umbrella or cane on the flags. She quickened her pace, and just as she turned the foot of the stairs, into the hall, she met Mrs. Murchie going in the direction of the outer door. She was looking very pale, and said as she passed: They have opened the door, or the door is open. Mrs. Paul ran and laid hold of the solid iron door, which is used to cover the grated door, and is hung outside of it, and tried to close it and nearly succeeded in doing so but the prisoners inside pushed against it; forced it open again, stepped out into the hall, and passed through the outer door to liberty. They ran into the street and round the corner of the Court house. Mrs. Paul immediately went down town, and meeting Mr. Charles O’Neil, told him what had occurred, and requested him to find Mr. Hall.
            Upon examination it was discovered that by some means, probably the lever in the hand of Mrs. Murchie, the large padlock attached to the grated door had been wrench off, the link of the lock was broken, the hinge pin was forced out and the keeper end of the link broken off. The dropping of the lock on the floor was doubtless the noise heard by Mrs. Paul. If Mrs. Murchie was not a party to the escape, it seems a strange coincidence that she should be on hand at the moment that it took place, and why she should display so much sympathy for Waddell, who beyond the shadow of a doubt, set fire to her house, requires explanation. The plan of escape was well matured and effectively carried out, both as regard the method and time. The night was dark, the Telegraph office was closed, and no doubt Mr. Hall’s movements were carefully watched, and his temporary absence taken advantage of to carry out the scheme.
            On being informed of the escape Sheriff Stuart immediately placed officers in motion, and had a watch kept during the night, and at daybreak on Sunday morning started in pursuit of the fugitives. Their footprints were discovered in the mud on the road leading from Edward’s corner on the St. John road across to the above road, and up to Johnson’s cove about three and a half miles from town. Enquiry at Mr. Thomas Johnson’s elicited the fact, that his boat, when was at anchor in the cove Saturday evening had disappeared during the night. The boat has since been found at Red Beach, on the United States side of the river, and it has been ascertained that Waddell and his comrades landed from her, having paddled the boat over with a pair of paddles, which they found in a punt which laid near the boat in the cove.
            The escape of Waddell created a sensation in town; on Monday it was the general topic of conversation on the street. Public opinion demands that a strict investigation into the circumstances connected with the escape be made.
           
Pilot
Aug 30, 1883
Our attention has been called to the disgraceful practice of late indulged in by some young men and boys, who, in one of the most public places in this town, the Market wharf, in full view of the passers by, strip stark naked, run about the wharves, climb in to the rigging of the vessels laying thereat and jump therefrom into the tide. Now we beg to inform the parties indulging in such reprehensible practices, and who appear to be lost to all sense of decency, that they subject themselves to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two months, with or without hard labor, or to fine, not exceeding fifty dollars, or to both, in the discretion of the Magistrate. We notify them that should occasion arise the law will be enforced. There are plenty of opportunities to indulge in the healthful practice of bathing, in and around St. Andrews, without doing it in such public places, and in the indecent manner referred to above.

Pilot
Nov 29, 1883
Use of the Knife in St. Andrews
On the night of Wednesday the 21st inst. A lad named James Gallagher, for some misconduct, was by the proprietor of Kennedy’s Hotel, ordered off the premises, refusing to go he was ejected; shortly afterwards Gallagher returned and attempted to force his way into the hotel. Mr. Kennedy barred his entry, when a tussle took place. Gallagher drew a jack knife and stabbed Mr. Kennedy in the left breast where the passage of the knife was stopped by the rib, and in the abdomen immediately below the ribs where the knife, fortunately, only made a slight puncture. Both wounds were in a dangerous locality. Had the knife been thrust with a little more force, either of them, would probably have cost Mr. Kennedy his life. Mr. Kennedy also had one of his fingers gashed. Mr. Mark Hall, the County jailer, came to Mr. Kennedy’s assistance, and succeeded in disarming Gallagher who we are informed, was severely punished by Mr. Kennedy striking him across the head and face with a whip.

Pilot
July 17, 1884
Hugh Waddell who escaped from the Charlotte County Jail, in this town about nine o’clock pm Saturday July 28th, 1883, where he was coffined on a charge of having on the morning of the 25th of June, set fire to the American House, was at the instance of the Attorney General of New Brunswick arrested by a United States Deputy Marshall, at Saco, Maine, on the 9th inst., on board the schooner Anne Frye, of which he was mate, and taken to Boston. Sheriff Stuart proceeded to Boston on the 9th inst. To identify Waddell. A hearing on the petition of Sheriff Stuart for the extradition of Waddell was held before Judge Nelson, in the U. S. district Court on the 11th inst, which resulted in the granting of an order remanding Waddell to await proceedings in the usual form before the state department at Washington. Sheriff Stuart arrived her Monday evening, he will return for Waddell, as soon as he received notification from the U. S. Authorities.

Pilot
Sept 11, 1884
A Jail Breaker’s Designs Foiled
Thursday last, Rebels a prisoner [Rebels and one or two others escaped from jail earlier this year and made it as far as Calais; see earlier issues] serving a sentence in the Charlotte Co. jail, advised Mr. Mark Hall, the jailer, to be on his guard, for that Hugh Waddell and Duel Marshall, prisoners, had torn an iron strap off the wood grating, which forms a division in the corridor or jail hall, that he Rebels had told Waddell, not to do it, as he had got enough of escaping, and was now being punished for breaking out of fail, Waddell told him with a profane expression to mind his own business, they would not interfere with him. The jailer demanded the iron to be given up, but compliance was refused, the cells of the conspirators were searched, and the iron strap found in that occupied by Waddell. The presumption is that they intended when an opportunity should offer, to attack the jailer when he came into the corridor, and fell him with the iron, and either having stunned or killed him, to make their escape. The two men are now by order of the sheriff, kept in close confinement. We think that representation of Rebel’s conduct should be made to the proper authorities, with a view of securing a commutation of his sentence. Since the incident took place, Rebels has had to listen almost incessantly to abusive epithets hurled at him by Waddell, who feels enraged at the exposure of his villainous design.

Pilot
Nov 13, 20, 27--1884. Trial of Hugh Waddell. Sentenced 14 years Dorchester.

Pilot
Dec 18, 1884
Grand Jury Glenn recounts visit to St. Andrews jail for inspection. Not very friendly reception by Sheriff Stuart, who is taken up by Glenn for referring the “hallowed precincts” of the jail. In Dec. 24 issue Stuart defends the remark.

Pilot
March 18, 1886
The Knife in St. Andrews
Saturday night lat an Indian lad, a resident at the point, was trying to take home to their camp, his brother, who was under the influence of fire water. The drunken aborigine plunged a knife into his brother’s leg, inflicting an ugly gash. A number of young men belonging to town, procured wire switches and gave the culprit a severe lashing, which caused him to howl with

Pilot
June 3, 1886
An old man from the Provinces went about from house to house in Eastport last week with a subscription paper to raise money to rebuild his house which he claimed had been recently burned. Several persons gave him sums of money. He became troublesome at last, refusing to leave two of the houses in which he had been helped. It was at length discovered that he was a fraud and a tramp, and he was arrested and sent to Machias Jail.
            A poor old Italian tramp went to St. Andrews the other day and collected a few cents from some of the kind hearted inhabitants. The authorities heard of it, had the tramp arrested, ordered him to pay over the money to them and to leave town. St. Andrews people are quite indignant over the cruel and shabby treatment of a poor man and think the authorities should be ashamed of themselves.
            The above items are from the Eastport Standard. The old man from the provinces referred to in the first item, visited St. Andrews where he succeeded in victimizing a number of the unwary. In reference to the Italian tramp in St. Andrews, he was arrested for violation of law, but instead of inflicting a penalty, the magistrate let him off on his promising to leave the town, and the payment of costs of his arrest. And the opinion of all sensible people is that it served him right, and that the magistrate is entitled to commendation for his action, and the sooner Italians or tramps of all nationalities learn that St. Andrews is a poor field for them to come to, the better it will be for the interest of the town.

Pilot
Jan 6, 1887
Some morons have broken a number of the street lamps so laboriously procured by Lady Tilley and with such considerable expense maintained by the local ladies of the town. [my note]

Beacon
Oct 24, 1889
An Old Prison
A Peep Within the Walls of St. Andrews Jail
How Some Prisoners Have Escaped. The Story of Hugh Waddell’s Escape and Recapture Told once More.
The recent escapes from the County Jail, followed by the removal of Mr. Mark Hall, for nineteen years jailer thereto, have directed public attention to this venerable institution.
            St. Andrews’ Jail was not the creation of yesterday, as a glance at its antiquated walls will readily show. It was constructed as far back as 1832, and, doubtless at that time it was considered to be a model prison in every respect. In these advanced days, however, it is very far from being what it ought to be, and there is little doubt that to this cause, as much as to the alleged carelessness of he Jailer, is due the numerous escapes that have taken place from time to time. The immense blocks of granite out of which the venerable pile is built were brought all the way from Deer Island, Maine, in sailing vessels, there being no quarries in this neighborhood in operation at the time. The building itself is quadrangular in shape, two stories in height, with a low pitched roof, running down from the four sides. A little over one-third of the building was designed for the use of the jailer; the rest was for prison purposes. On the ground floor are the criminal cells, and from the glimpse we got of them in company with Sheriff Stuart, on Friday last, we would blame no prisoner for tying to escape from them. They are both small and dark and ill ventilated, and before they were provided with a water closet, must have been noisome dungeons indeed. There are five cells on each side of the corridor. The cell doors are of iron, and the entrance is so small that a man, with a corporation on him of any size, would have some difficulty in getting through. Each cell is 6 x 8 feet in size, and is surrounded by solid stone walls, two feet thick. There is an aperture in the outside wall of each cell to admit air and light. These apertures are about four inches wide, by twelve inches high. In olden times, a large wooden plug was used to close them up, but of late years the wooden plug has been discarded, and a sliding window cover the space. An old fashioned draw-bar fastens each cell door.
            The corridor is, perhaps, five feet wide. It is entered by two doors. The first door is of solid wood very securely fastened. The second is composed of broad iron bars held in transverse sections. It is fastened on the outside by means of a modern prison padlock of ponderous size. There is no fastening whatever on the inside, so that when the jailer has occasion to go in, he just have some person to stand guard at the door until he comes out. Usually his wife or his daughter has performed this service but it is a dangerous job to ask any woman to perform, where there are desperate characters imprisoned. There is a low window at one end of the corridor, which admits light. This window was protected by thick iron bars, which were considered escape proof, but not many years ago, the prisoners sawed them through and made their escape. Since then, an additional grating of the strongest iron has been placed outside of this first grating (the latter having been repaired () and he would be a bold ingenious fellow who could saw his way through this window now without detection.
            Cutting for Freedom
            Even with the old-fashioned grating it was no easy task to cut through to liberty. The prisoners who did this job must have been at their work for some time. They unravelled the yarn from their socks before beginning their task each day, and fastened it tightly around the bar above and below where the cut was being made. This helped to deaden the sound. For fear any noise from the sawing should reach the jailer’s ears, the rest of the prisoners tramped up and down the corridor, whistling and singing, and making as much noise as they could, keeping a close watch upon the door at the same time. When they had sawed as long as they dare, the cut was closed up with soap and dust sprinkled on it to hide it from view. Then, having removed the yarn, the prisoners slipped off to their couches, no doubt to dream of sweet liberty. In this way they carried on their work until two of the bars had been cut through. Then, the cross-bar was easily swung out, and one by one the prisoners crawled out through this narrow hole, and gained their liberty.
            The Debtors’ Quarters
            The second floor of the building is utilized as a debtor’s prison. It is well lighted, and in composition with the lower apartment, is quite comfortable, indeed. There are four cells on this floor. One of them is now being used by a female prisoner, who is serving out a sentence of twelve months for larceny. There are three males down stairs, Henry McIntee, awaiting trial on a charge of arson Wm. Walker, serving out a term for vagrancy, and a debtor. Walker had the honor of letting himself out on one occasion, but he did not enjoy his freedom long, being brought back in about a week afterwards. He received an addition ten days from Judge Stevens for breaking Jail, his honor remarking at the time that he would blame no prisoner for walking out when he found the door open.
            The Escape of Hugh Waddell with three other prisoners, on the 23rd of July 1883, caused one of the biggest sensations that St. Andrews has ever experienced. Waddell was awaiting trial on a charge of setting fire to the American House, in St. Andrews. On the day of his escape he had been entertaining an old sweetheart of his. While she was conversing with him through the grated door, the jailer’s family were alarmed by hearing a noise as if caused by something falling. Instantly, the woman screamed out, “They’ve gone, every one of them.” And she had spoken truly! When the affrighted jailer reached the prison quarters every one of his four birds who had been caged so securely (as he thought) had flown. It was a general jail delivery in earnest, without any court ceremonies to lend éclat to it. The lock had been broken by the prisoners, though exactly how they had done it has not been discovered to this day. Of the four prisoners who gained their liberty that time, but one, Waddell, ever saw the inside of a St. Andrews jail again. They got across into Uncle Sam’s territory, as speedily as possible, and from that day to this the whereabouts of those three missing jailbirds have been unknown to the authorities. Waddell was out a year and a month before Sheriff Stuart got his fingers closed on him again. It was some months after he had flown that the Sheriff heard that he was in Boston. By the consent of the Attorney General proceedings were at once begun looking to his extradition. The papers were made out, and the Sheriff, with Mr. James G. Stevens started off to Boston to collar the prisoner and bring him back. But the task proved a more difficult one that they had anticipated. They enlisted the services of the United States and Boston detective forces, but not a clue could they get concerning him. After a long and weary search, the Boston detectives had to declare themselves beaten for once, and the Sheriff and his companion were obliged to return home empty-handed. Time went on. The extradition papers were mildewing in the Sheriff’s desk, and the Sheriff himself had about made up his mind that he and the St. Andrews Fire bug had parted company forever. But one day, the townspeople noticed a sudden change come over the usually stoic features of the Sheriff. All at once he seemed to be full of business. His step became buoyant; there was a flash in his eye that had not been seen there for some time before, and the number of constables that were observed hastening in and out of his presence betokened something unusual in the wind. But the officers of the law were as dumb as clams, and the curious citizen were obliged to satisfy their curiosity by indulging in surmise and speculation. The presence of constables about the wharves night after night, evidently lying in wait for some one they expected to arrive by water, roused the curiosity of the people almost to fever heat. By degrees it leaked out that the Sheriff had received information that Waddell was on his way to St. Andrews, and that to see his sweetheart he was willing to risk liberty and even his life. But he did not land. One night, while watching along the river-bank, the constables observed a boat being rowed cautiously towards the shore. It was not more than a hundred years from the beach, when a shrill whistle from the land was heard. In a twinkling the bow of the approaching boat was turned seaward, and the craft was rowed silently and quickly away into the darkness. It was afterwards learned that Waddell was in this boat, and that his watchful friends on shore had given the signal which had caused the boatmen to turn about so quickly. After watching in vain for his return he constables abandoned their vigil. A day or two afterward, Sheriff Stuart went to Saint John and, with the assistance of two Saint John detectives, made a search of two vessels in which it was though the fugitive might be concealed. But, beyond hearing that the man he was after had come as far as Eastport in one of the vessels, the officer of the law left Saint John littler wiser than when he went here. Coming home in the steamer he accidentally met a party who was acquainted with Waddell's haunts in Boston. Again, the Boston Detective machine was set to work, and this time with better results. Ascertaining that Waddell’s mother was living in Boston, the detective visited her, and on the pretence of securing her son’s services as a bar-tender for a Nantasket Beach hotel, he learned that his man was on the way from New York in the schooner “Annie Frye.” The detective kept track of the schooner until she arrived at Biddeford, Maine, and then hastening thither he had little difficulty in picking Waddell out from the crew. He was arrested, taken to Boston, the extradition proceedings were renewed, resulting in his return to St. Andrews Jail, on the 20th of August, 1884. After he had got back to his old quarters, and while waiting for trial, he and another prisoner conspired to attack the jailer and gain their freedom. Another prisoner let the secret out. The Sheriff, on making an investigation, found that an iron bar had been wrenched off the drunkard’s cage in the jail, and with this the jailer was to receive his quietus. All the prisoners denied any knowledge of the bar, and it was only found when the rotten flooring in one of the cells was lifted up. The prisoners were kept closely confined until their trial took place when Waddell was sent to Dorchester penitentiary for fourteen years. He went to prison as meek as a mouse, and is still an inmate of it.
            The Jailer’s Goose Froze
            Dark, ill ventilated and uncomfortable as St. Andrews Jail may be now, its present condition is ten times better than it was a few years ago. It is not many years since it was so cold that a goose belonging to the jailer froze to death in it. It is almost a miracle that the prisoners did not share a like fate. The walls had not been demented for years, and the wind and weather had opened the interstices in the stone to such an extent that the building was like a sieve. Within quite a recent period the walls have been pointed with cement, and thus and thus the wind was prevented from whistling through the cracks and blowing the hair off the prisoners’ heads as it had been doing. There is also a stove in the corridor and a closet for the prisoners comforts that a few years ago they were stranger to.
            The Late Jailer
            To talk of the Jail without having something to say about the Jailer would be like describing a church without mentioning the minister. Mr. Mark Halls, as has been stated before, has held the position of Jailer for almost twenty years. Whatever his faults may have been, none can say that he was ever cruel or unkind to those unfortunates who were placed in his charge, and if he erred at all it was on the side of leniency. Had he been a man of less kindness of heart and a stricter disciplinarian, it is probably that escapes would not have been so frequent as they have been. It is the knowledge of this fact that has created a great deal of sympathy for him throughout the County, and the wish has been freely expressed that he should be reinstated and given one more chance.
            Mrs. Hall has been alike a mother to the prisoner, and has accorded them kinder treatment than they were entitled to. In other prisons the inmates have a stated hour for getting up from their beds to their meals, and if they do not rise at that time they either have to do without or take cold victuals. In St. Andrews Jail, humanitarian principles have to a large extent government the conduct of the jailer and his wife in this regard. It has ever been the practise to keep the fires alive until the last prisoner has arisen, so that his mug of tea might be warm and comfortable for him. No doubt in some people’s eyes this would be considered an unnecessary kindness, and some might even be disposed to find fault with the jailer or his wife for it, but, under the circumstances, we cannot blame them. Situated as the jailer is, comparatively alone, there should be some better arrangement of the cells than exists now. As things are at present the jailer is comparatively at the mercy of the prisoners. There should be some arrangement by which each cell could be scoured without making it necessary for the jailer to go in and close each one. In addition to this, the means should be at hand to lock the corridor door from the inside, when the jailer has occasion to go in. If some such arrangements s these were carried out and a little more light provided, so that every object in the corridor could be distinctly seen by the jailer before entering, and the position of every cell door and prisoner noted, the number of escapees would be reduced to minimum, and a great deal of danger to the jailer’s person removed.
            A Youthful Jailer Appointed
            Since Mr. Hall’s removal, the jail has been in charge of Mr. Leonard Chase. Mr. Chase slept in the jail office, and took his meals at his home, which is only a few rods distant from the prison. His appointment was only a temporary one, however, as on Monday the announcement was made that the Sheriff had appointed his son, Louis Stuart, to be responsible position of jailer, and that it was the Sheriff’s intention to move into the jail himself as soon as possible. Sheriff Stuart says that he jail is to be run on jail principles after this, so that intending “boarders” should bear this in mind. The man who tries to escape after this, need not be astonished if he is “winged” before going many yards.