Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/324

 300 HISTORY OP murder of Osman N. Steele. Have you anything to say why sentence of death should not be passed upon you V ^' The prisoner, with some emotion, replied : ^ all that I can say is I am not guilty.' " Judge Parker. — ^ The court entertain no doubt of your legal guilt. You were one of more than two hundred men present, disguised and armed, when Steele was murdered. There is suspicion that you fired your gun. It is a painful duty that devolves upon us, but we discharge it without hesitation or fear. You have had a fair trial. You have for- feited your life. You have but a short time more to live — to prepare yourself for eternity. During that time your friends will be permitted to see you ; they will see that you have religious instruction. Your fate is an awful one. The sentence of the law is, that on the twenty -ninth day of November next, you he taken from your confinement to the place of execution, and there hung hy the neck until you are dead.' " The prisoner said : ' will you allow me to say a few words V Judge Parker : ^ It will be as well for you to confer with your counsel.' " The prisoner was then remanded, and the sheriff brought up Edward O'Connor. "Judge Parker then addressed the prisoner as follows : — " ' Edward 0' Conner. You have been found guilty of the murder of Osman N. Steele— have you anything to say why sentence of death should not be passed upon you?' " Prisoner. — ^ I am innocent.' " Judge Parker. — ^ Upon that subject there is no doubt: you have had a fair and impartial trial. You were one of two hundred disguised and armed men present when Steele was murdered. You are clearly guilty of murder in law, if you did not fire. A most painful duty devolves upon the court. I have known you and your family for years. You are intelligent-™you have had advantages— you should have