Village History
The charge having been read
over to the prisoner with the usual caution, she stated that she had nothing to say. She was then committed for trial at tbe next Assizes’ on the charge Wilful Murder. The documents put in by the superintendent of police were, very singularly, not openly read in Court, and it was only after two appeals had been made to the Bench that the magistrates’ clerk, Mr. Small, allowed the reporters to copy them. Annexed are copies:— Letter marked ” A.” “My dear Sister, —It with heavy heart I write you. I am persecuted by the Miss Macdonalds, they will not let me remain with the children love so very dear their lies has led me commit this rash act, but I cannot live without my children, and I shall die with them. Miss Maedonald’s decision has been severe that I cannot undergo their punishment. dear mistress, had they only left alone until could hear from her who has always been kind and also trusted me. Let my last words on earth the truth — have not been unkind to the children. The Miss Macdonalds has done all this on purpose to get me away from the children. Don’t you vex yourself about me. I could not separated from my children.” Letter marked ” B.” ” Steeple Claydon, May the 10. “ear Sister, —Will you enquire for my box and basket at the Station to-morrow. I will write you Thursday first if all well, don’t grieve for my lot in life, help father to hear all poor old man. Your affectionate sister, Catherine.” the flyleaf was written “there is money inside to pay expenses. ”torget me dear Sister on earth I persecuted.” Ihe a.bove letter was enclosed envelope, which was directed— ” Mrs. Lockbart, Aitkens Land, Uddingston, Nr Glasgow.” to be contnued…..
Northampton Mercury – Saturday 20 May 1871
