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Title: Page 0043 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: 43 towards their King, a decided love of justice, and a ve- hement wish for the country’s happiness and glory, form- ing their chief topic ; that |
Show more43 towards their King, a decided love of justice, and a ve- hement wish for the country’s happiness and glory, form- ing their chief topic ; that | never bh eard them speak of plots of any kind, but of consolidating the constitutional system, and of those reforms which were required in the several branches of public administration, spoiled and decayed by time, prejudice, and such disorders as were inevitably attendant, on the extraordinary and bloody conflict in which we were engaged ; therefore I thought that nothing but the basest envy, and blackest calumny, could dare to attempt to cast a stain on the reputation of virtuous men, who could be guilty of no crime, but of that most galling to mean souls, incapable of enduring even the pleasant weight of gratitude ; I mean, their su- perior merit. their exalted wisdom, and their eminent virtue. : He then proceeded to bring forward another charge against me which heinsisted on, I could not deny, viz., that I was a bribe agent, paid even to extravagance, by the Deputies of the Jacobin or Anarchical party, for the pur pose of leading a mob of desperate and venal men, to applaud their factious speeches, and to interrupt and put down, with noisy clamour and terrible threats, those Joyal Deputies who defended His Majesty’s rights, and the ancient and respectable laws of the kingdom against innovation; and that we had, by such damnable means, rendered null, that very freedom of opinion, which had been so ostentatiously proclaimed, so far, that an unbri- dled licentiousness, was already observed in the former party, and a violent restraint in the latter ; and that this was a fact so well proved, that my whole renown rested on no other grounds ; he moreover affirmed, that I was respected as a leader of the Galleriantes,* and as such I had been expressly permitted to enter the Galleries, with a stick in my hand, notwithstanding the strict prohibi- tidn which existed, that even compelled a Captain Gene- ral in the army, to leave his cane at the door; that it was notorious also, that I made speeches in public places, in the capital, where I was listened to by simple and heedless persons, thus artfully sowing amongst the * People who attended the Gallery of the Cortes, �
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Title: Page 0050 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: Ne fetta lcm ncaa cmt L ieat cetnemnaCeaidaeeeenmaa NS EE - ; ge 30 minations affecting ‘other .prisoners. had ‘taken place publicly, mine was to be.
Show moreNe fetta lcm ncaa cmt L ieat cetnemnaCeaidaeeeenmaa NS EE - ; ge 30 minations affecting ‘other .prisoners. had ‘taken place publicly, mine was to be. private ; either in considera- tion of the favour granted me, of permitting me to ap- pear personally ; or from some sinister intentions. My Judges were six in number, viz. ; Sobrado, Valdenebro, and Vasques, Varda, the new Alcaldes de Corte, pur- posely brought from Galicia (where they had distin- guished themselves in the persecution of the patriots), to form the Madrid Committee ; their colleagues Gar- cia de la Torre, and my examiner Soler, who was ad- ded to the former for a few days only, and General Arteaga, the President.of that extraordinarv Tribunal, During the report of the proceedings which lasted more than 3 hours, | was kept standing. The reporter read them in such a manner, that neither I nor (according to my belief), my Judges could understand them, for the reporters in Spain have such a particular volubility of tongue, and know so well how to swallow words and even periods, substituting that which suits their purpose better, and to modulate their voice, raising or depres- sing it as occasion may require, and using such appro- priate cadences that the issue of a trial depends more en them, than on the Judges themselves In short, they are organs that sound according to the quantity of gold that is given them ; and.as I wanted the means of fil- ling their pockets with that precious metal, I plainly perceived that the throat of my reporter was only clear, to relate things to my charge ; but whenever any fa- vourable circumstance occurred, either a sudden cough - or some other accident choaked his utterance, so. that the evidence given in my favour by several respectable individuals, Corporations and whole Towns, was, passed over with the rapidity of lightning ; but when he. got to the end of the indictment, or ex-officio-information, we could all distinctly hear in high, full, and sonorous tones, that the punishment of the gallows was demand- ed against me, as a mischievous promoter of sedition, an agent paid by the disorganizing party, and an eneny to his Majesty’s Sovereignty and Royal Rights. Some of my readers will perhaps inquire what had been proved against me, to call forth so grave an accu- �
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Title: Page 0051 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: S-e fo aS E ae — ae ae FPS EB ke & . =~ ae Sr ae eee ee ee eS es De RR a 2 —_= = ee 5} sation——none will make that inquiry who has any know- ledge
Show moreS-e fo aS E ae — ae ae FPS EB ke & . =~ ae Sr ae eee ee ee eS es De RR a 2 —_= = ee 5} sation——none will make that inquiry who has any know- ledge of the manner in which these causes were carried on in Spain, it being a well known fact that nothing was ever proved in them against the accused, but what the Judges in their absurd charges, and the Fiscal m his sanguinary accusations thought proper to suppose. But. I consider it my duty to satisfy those who have no idea of the singularity of those extraordinary proceedings. All | know respecting my process is what I heard from the report made on the day of my trial, and the infor- mation which was laid before the Cortes five years af~ terwards on the subject ; yet, it is certain that laying aside the gross ridiculous and vague calumnies, which some of the witnesses (selected for the purpose), heaped together in their declarations, some denouncing their assertions either on their presumption and belief, or in the malignity of their own minds ; and others referrimg: to mere hearsays ; the only two facts spoken of immy process were, my attending the~ musical party on the night of the 20th of January, and having been present in the Galleries of the Cortes on one of the days in. which some disturbance took place. Upon the first. point all the evidence was limited to the saying of a wit- ness, who stated, that he had seen and heard me on the nicht of the music shouting, * the Constitution and the liberal Deputies for ever,” With regard to the second point, the only proof adduced was, the deposition of a single witness, who said, that upon the cry of Off! Off! being raised in the Galleries of the Cortes, he saw me amongst others behind him on turning himself round, in consequence of having received a blow, and being desired to join in the cry ; but, he did not even men-~ tion that it was I who did it, or that he had heard me shouting. I refer my reader to the report (hereafter annexed), which was laid before the Cortes by the Committee of Rewards, in the sitting of the 12th of November, 1820, which authentic document will render further explanation unnecessary, like a light which shines with an increased vigour just at the moment it is about to be extinguished, and addressing myself to him in reply, said,“ What can I say to you Sir? What can yon St ea t t / e4 tin % : ba tau + at $a) be ita iat & ; as M4 He. i Ps i at ef 5 ‘ IDB ¢ we cH | ie | 4 = E | om ’ iy in % H a a | ee t i is fk SRL + ar ® by 4 i. y g & £ £ come baa El h |e + ea i 3a & bege 6 Seat eh a ie : i ‘ Jy & ne ze gee s iat kau fee § a tae i ee i ALT ERT sty �
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Title: Page 0052 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: 52 that unfortunate man ask, who is become the object of the most atrocious calumnies, and who has seen nothing from the commencement of these
Show more52 that unfortunate man ask, who is become the object of the most atrocious calumnies, and who has seen nothing from the commencement of these proceedings, but a decided intention to sacrifice hi? What can the man ask, who brought to a secret trial, in contradiction to the practices of the local Tribunals of the Country, and to the rules observed towards highwaymen and as- sassins, perceives amongst those who -have it in their power to decide his. fate, three individuals who seem to have been selected as the fittest persons to sacrifice him, who sent to.the scaffold. virtuous patriots, attached to their King, during the intrusive Government of Joseph Napoleon, under which they acted in their judicial ca- pacity ; who perhaps did the same with some of the partakers of their disloyalty, when from motives of | selfish calculation, they returned to the bosom of their | Country, who would likewise have shed the blood of __ the enemies of the Constitution, if that Constitution had not prevented them ; who afterwards on circumstances being changed, signalized themselves by their rigour against those who were attached to that Constitution, against those who, by dint of their exertions, have re- deemed their monarch from the captivity, in which, they did all they could that he might remain? What can the wretched man expect who has Jong been demanded as a victim, from such numerous and powerful enemies. The state I am reduced to Sir, closing the door against all hope, shuts it in like manner against fear, I can be- hold in such Judges not Magistrates, from whom I am to expect justice, but men predetermined to treat me as a delinquent although they may in their own hearts ac- knowledge my innocence. Perhaps this is my greatest offence, perhaps I have no other crime in the opinion of a certain class of persons than that of my being a silent witness, whose behaviour accuses their weakness and apostacy. In the honest and unshaken constancy of a poor mechanic, some of them behold the censure of their sordid versatility ; whilst others see in the well known facts which have been proved by the documents annexed to my process, that whilst I devoted my life, property, my comforts, nay, even my only son, inthe | �
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Title: Page 0049 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: AW, ee —_— er _— - 49 me, and advise me to arm myself with patience and fortitude, and prepare to suffer the capital punishment of the gallows, which
Show moreAW, ee —_— er _— - 49 me, and advise me to arm myself with patience and fortitude, and prepare to suffer the capital punishment of the gallows, which would, undoubtedly, be awarded me. About this time (which was inthe autumn of 1815), the insurrection of the unhappy Porlier took place at Corunna, which gave rise to the ridiculous precaution- ary measure of shutting all state prisoners in solitary confinement, into which I was of course transported ; and during my stay in this seclusion [ was given to un- derstand, that in two days my ultimate trial would take lace, and sentence would be passed upon me. In vain did I protest my want of defence ; ih vain did I call for my Attorney and Advocate, who refused to see me, until compelled by an order from the Judges. The latter then went so far as to tell me that 1 teased him to no purpose, for (as he had long ago told me), 1 was past all remedy, and should certainly be hanged. After this consolatory compliment, he turned his back upon me, and left me. The Attorney at my request presented to the Judges a memorial in my behalf, praying that I might be allowed (since I had made no defence), to be present at the report of the proceedings and during my trial, which was granted me, though it had been refused to severa) illustrious fellow-prisoners. | ee ‘The day appointed for the decision at length arrived, and I was conducted with the most awful preparations, to the house of the Commander, General Don Jose Art- eaga, where my fate was to be decided. A considerable escort of Grenadiers with drawn sabres surrounded me, some of them with the points of their weapons extend- ed, so as to touch my breast. Thus accompanied I was introduced into the aforesaid house; and conducted to the guard-room, where I was obliged to await the arri- val of all the members of the Court, without the least diminution in the solemnitices, er the smallest change in the threatening position of the sabres. At last the whole of the members being assembled, I was Jed ‘into the Provisory Hall of Justice, between two ranks of soldiers who, sword in hand, were ranged on either side the stair case. I there ebserved, that though the exa- E �
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Title: Page 0047 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: 47 worthy of it ; that he might display all the awful appa~ ratus of justice, prepare executioners, multiply tortures, and invent punishments, for
Show more47 worthy of it ; that he might display all the awful appa~ ratus of justice, prepare executioners, multiply tortures, and invent punishments, for none of them, could in the least terrify me, since a soul, strong in its innocence, Is appalled by nothing but by vice and, crime. oe Three days after, he again made his appearance, with a softened countenance ; but this affected mildness soon vanished, on entering upon our business. _ He repeated the charges made in our preceding interview, to which I gave similar replies, and, on coming to the last, I again expressed a desire that whatever I had said against the seducer, Garrido, should be inserted in the proceedings, and I, therefore, repeated the whole in more explicit terms. Neither entreaties nor threats could move me from this purpose; I wished, at all events, that the in- famy of my calumniators should remain on record, since they had carried their shameless effrontery so far, as to. accuse me of crimes, which the very clerk who was taking down my deposition had alone committed 5 the Judge was at last compelled to yield, and, under feelings of the utmost irritation, he directed Garrido to write all I had said against him. : | | : ~ From that moment, I was restored to the intercourse of my friends, and began to breathe somewhat freely. My extraordinary confinement and trial were the sub- jects of conversation, in all parties and circles, in the capital; many humane individuals sought to render my condition more tolerable, and, withont wounding my delicacy, ingeniously supplied my wants. All classes of persons called to order some trifling article of cloth- ing, and paid me five or six times the value of my work. I then discovered how inventive benevolence is 1n behalf of an unfortunate being, and how delightful it is to him. to be the object of such a feeling, when his own neces- sities and destitution of human assistance make him. view it as a blessing from Heaven. The.old presented me their purses, and offered me their consolations ; and even the fair sex, adorned with all the graces of bloom- ing youth, did not disdain to enter the abode of crime and sorrow, and to remain there with impatient curiosity inquiring about my situation, fears and hopes; I saw gE ———— on wirbaneiailsbeeahie sedece iar ctesie tensa aataceiaen ‘ Sa " . Lermintirec ache Nar Me si SS ES ie OSS Salt na gens clea Dea : Dae ee ae ee ene ete Pe st ohatRa TSR tity Ja sragersserbeep apocrine een = aici a i i mieneeee Hest Arana aici tie ag seh meateaieeehabninnnia dai ress near per eceeenioractedipirnineetcaiar sain dit ii PoE PRELAISE GE BAL TOES aS ; ashe i ~ Eee eae are Sh SO Seas stares a �
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Title: Page 0048 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: their beautiful eyes filled with tears, on contemplating my poverty and unmerited sufferings. Tender and ge- nerous souls! let me be permitted to pay
Show moretheir beautiful eyes filled with tears, on contemplating my poverty and unmerited sufferings. Tender and ge- nerous souls! let me be permitted to pay you, with the liveliest emotion, the pleasing homage of my grateful. heart. You were able to reconcile me to human kind, already become an object of abhorrence toa mind galled with so many vexations, persecutions and ingratitude. You inspired me with fortitude in my successive tor- ments, convincing me that though there were amongst my fellow creatures wicked tyrants & executioners, fully entitled to my implacable hatred, there were not wanting some deserving my love, for their honesty, humanity and benevolence. Notwithstanding, my present situation was, under circuinstances, comparatively happy; yet, it was not wholly free from anxieties and trouble. I was ordered to appoint an attorney and advocate, as counsel for my defence; no one would undertake it. I never considered that my poverty was the base motive which influenced the advocates of Madrid in their refusal; but, that they looked on my cause as hopeless, knowing that a power- ful party had destined me to be the victim of their triumph, and that they would never pardon me, nor allow any effort to be made to snatch me from their power. I was, therefore, left to my fate, as one on whom any assistance would be thrown away ; in consequence of which the Judges, who were commissioned to superin- tend the state trials, named for me an attorney and an advocate; the latter, who was called Don Juan Cabello, being quite inexperienced, was expressly appointed to conduct my defence, it being his first essay. Aware of their appointment, I earnestly sought an in- terview with them, in order to make them acquainted with all the circumstances of my trial, and to arrange with them my means of defence ; but they turned a deaf ear to my solicitations, and if they did sometimes con- descend to call on me, in consequence of my repeated solicitations, it was only to tell me, that I might give up all hopes of being saved, my crimes being but too well proved, and in a manner that would admit of no palliation ; they could, therefore, do nothing but pity �
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Title: Page 0044 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: 44 ddeile multitude, the seeds of anarchy, and teaching dis- respect to the law, insubordination to the magistrates, contempt of His Majesty’s
Show more44 ddeile multitude, the seeds of anarchy, and teaching dis- respect to the law, insubordination to the magistrates, contempt of His Majesty’s sovereignty, (which I had styled tvranny), and insult to the holy religion of our forefathers, and to its respectable ministers, all this pro- ducing the most pernicious effects on account of the na- tural power of my tones, and of the air of conviction which I gave fo my discourses ; and lastly, that it was known I had received three dollats a day, and (he iro- nically added) both himself and thé public did me the justice to think that I had well edtned them ; and on that head I need not be afraid, that the delicacy of my conscience would have to upbraid me. : To this tissue of calumnies I replied, that it was very true I constantly attended the Galleries during the sit- tings of the Cortes, and that I had myself, asked and obtained permission of the President to énter with my crutches, which served me as a leg, and without which I could not walk ; the prohibition, moreovet, did not extend to them, as it was only canes, or weapons, unne- cessarily used, that were objected to, and the usé of which is not allowed even in friendly parties of pleasuré among the better sort of people ; but, that permission however was not intended as a distinction in my favour, nor had it so dastardly a source as his Worship had de- signated it. I admitted also that I used to attend places of general resort, where the inhabitants of the Capital ised to meet to obtain intelligence of the signal victo- ries, which at that period were repeatedly and almost unremittingly gained by the allied British and Spanish forces, under the command of the fortunate and illustri- ous Duke of Wellington ; that I there spoke as did many other Spaniards, of the speeches and debates of the Cortes, in which I felt myself as deeply interested as my Countrymen, that I felt a pleasure in confessing, that I always formed humble vows for those patriotic Deputies, who, without wavering, sought their country’s welfare. That I held discoures contrary to the Consti- tution of the Spanish Monarchy, I denied, as the articles thereof, both separately and collectively, were the objects of my veneration ; and that my King and Religion were �
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Title: Page 0045 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: 45 held so sacred by me that I never mentioned them, but in such terms, as they were spoken of in the fundamen- tal law of the state, even though I
Show more45 held so sacred by me that I never mentioned them, but in such terms, as they were spoken of in the fundamen- tal law of the state, even though I had no other motive than to obey that which it prescribed. I also added that it was not in my power to modify the tones of my voice, so as to render them less full and powerful than nature had made them ; nor could I forbear to feel warmly, and to manifest the same in my gesture and delivery, which could never be a crime ; that my attendance in the galleries of the Cortes, had caused me to notice that the trifling uproar, and the few cries that had now and then been heard in them, came only from individuals, known for their open opposition to free principles ; and that I had more than once contributed to restore order, actuated by the deep respect with which that sanctuary of laws inspired me ; I denied also having ever received the smallest sum, from any person whatever, to diffuse opinions which were too well impressed on my heart, to make an infamous traffie of them, since | owed my sus- tenance to my own manual labour, in the exercise of my trade as every body knew; I affirmed that the patriots neither gave nor received any fee for their opinions, leaving it to their own intrinsic worth and merit, to _ create proselytes ; and that those who gave bribes to ex- cite noise in the gallery and to promote disorderly con- duct, were people of another class, as two artillery men had given voluntary information to his Excellency Don Pedro Villa Campa, then Commander General of Ma- drid, that a Clergyman, commissioned by an Escribano called Garrido, (the same who attended the Judge in this very act) used to give them a peseta,* a loaf, and a glass of brandy every day, to go to the Galleries of the Cortes, there to create a tumult, and that amongst other things they were directed to shout “ the Constitutioa for ever,” that they might be thought favourable to the same, and that excesses coming from a different source might be attributed to the liberales ; that an equal bribe and commission had been given to many others; that the Clergyman being taken into custody plainly avowed the fact, and unhesitatingly named the aforesaid Garrido as * A silver coin, worth about tenpence, English money. �
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Title: Page 0046 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: _ the distributor of the bribes. On hearing these words my Judge rose up ina furions manner, and his face dis- torted by passion, and his voice
Show more_ the distributor of the bribes. On hearing these words my Judge rose up ina furions manner, and his face dis- torted by passion, and his voice trembling with rage, told me I was a vile calumniator, and ought either to prove what I had asserted, or abide by the punishment which the laws awarded for similar offences. I replied, that I was so confident of what I had asserted, and could so easily prove it, that I was determined from that moment not to answer any of the counts, unless my replies were taken down in the written proceedings, ver- batim as I uttered them, and I had also ocular demon- stration of such being the case. This he firmly refused, and endeavoured either to inspire me with fear, of the consequences, or with mild remonstrances to persuade me, that my desire was useless as well as dangerous, till after a lapse of four hours, during which this singular scene lasted, finding I was not to be moved from my purpose, my Judge angry beyond measure, put an end to the business by saying, that my stubborn temerity put too many obstructions in the way of those who wished to save me, and, convinced that those who were any Ways interested in my fate, that I really deserved the worst; that they who thought I was possessed of doci- lity were grossly mistaken, since my words, actions and countenance, plainly showed my pride and rashness ; therefore, I ought to be prepared to experience the se- verity of justice, in the punishment of my enormous crimes ; and, to prove the effects of His Majesty’s in- dignation, since I had despised his proffered goodness and mercy. He then turned his back upon me in the most insulting manner ; when I, with aloud voice, firmly told him that he was too hasty in qualifying other peo- ple’s actions, particularly those which regarded my own character ; that my supposed pride was but the confi- dence which innocence inspires, and my obstinacy that well grounded and just resistance of not wishing to cast a Stain upon my reputation, by confessing crimes I was never guilty of; that I was exceedingly sorry I had in- curred His Majesty’s indignation, but that I thought it unworthy his noble heart to extend his favour to a man, who, by his baseness, would have rénderéd himself un- �
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Title: Page 0053 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: a Me a a a 53 defence of my Country, and of that very King of whom I am called an enemy; they were infamously serving against his Majesty in the
Show morea Me a a a 53 defence of my Country, and of that very King of whom I am called an enemy; they were infamously serving against his Majesty in the employment of the Usurper, and calmly sending to the scaffold those loyal men, who under less obligations than themselves were fighting for a country which they had deserted. I will ask nothing Sir, not even to challenge those Judges, though I might well do so, nor has he any thing to ask, who from ihe commencement of his process has seen all legal forms trampled on in it, and all those laws devised for the protection of oppressed innocence, either passed over or forgotten. Where is the legal information that has been - given against me, or what are the legal grounds on which I have been proceeded against ? Where are the witnesses 2 Where the documents bearing evidence of the supposed crimes ef which the Fiscal accuses me ? Where is the law which condemns as crimes the acts I have been charged with? What are those strong testi- monies that justify my conduct, done with ? When have my pleas been listened to, or what means have I been allowed to propose them? Have I had sufficient time allotted me to produce evidence in my favour. Have I been allowed a view of the proceedings, as I had no one to defend my cause? Can the name of counsel be given to my advocate, who attends to my defence in the manner which the Court now sees, who never would listen to, except as it were by force, and then only to in- timate to me the necessity I was under of preparing for death on the gallows? Well Sir, if such isto be my fate I shall meet it with that courage which innocence alone supplies ; I shall end my life free from dishonour since I end it free from guilt, It is not my own crimi- nality, but the passions of wicked men, which have brought me to this pass; and may my blood so unjustly shed fall upon their heads, I will die a stedfast friend to my Country’s glory and independence, the peace of my grave shall not be disturbed, and I leave to my worth- less murderers the ignominy of their conduct, the de- testation of good men and the anguish of their own re- morse, if there should be yet remaining in their pitiless bosoms a small particle of honesty and humanity.” The ee Eee �
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Title: Page 0042 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: Neen nnn cemmeasannniaatiammmmmmn al hatte eat eee aes 42 He then insisted that I should confess, what were the confidential secrets I had been
Show moreNeen nnn cemmeasannniaatiammmmmmn al hatte eat eee aes 42 He then insisted that I should confess, what were the confidential secrets I had been honored with, by several Hi members of the Cortes, (whom he named, and who were i; actually in confinement) since (he said) my frequent i visits to them, and the familiarity that existed between i us, had been already proved ; and without doubt, I was an instrument in those vile and abominable plots, they had forged against the King and Country ; which plots had been fortunately detected, as well as my share in them ; it would be therefore quite useless, (he continued) | that I should persist in my. denials and flimsy subter- en fuges, as by so doing, I should let slip an opportunity of tk saving my own life and character, by a timely informa- | tion, which would atone for my former errors, and pro- wif cure me the advantage of entitling myself to the Royal i favour ; nay, even to the rewards, which I should have a right to expect, for so signal a service, since the King, as well as his loyal servants, well knew, that false zeal, ignorance, and the deceitful brilliancy ofliberal opinions, rather than the depravity of my own heart, had influen- ced my conduct. I was displeased beyond measure at this insinuating offer, and with some warmth replied, that though a poor tradesman, and consequently desti- tute of those qualifications, which an accomplished edu- | cation afforded, yet I possessed sufficient elevation of wee mind, to resolve, not to purchase life, at the vile price of mee infamy, betraying the confidence of my friends, far more Ba valuable to me than the treasures of all monarchs : that ee now, happily, my inward feelings were in perfect unison nia with truth ; that the anxious love I had manifested for Bie the independence and liberty of my country, being pure, i disinterested, and free from every mean motive, had ae procured me the good will of some illustrious patriots, a who admired those qualities, and their unpretending and x frank manifestation ; and that, according to the know- ledge I possessed of the character, learning, and virtue of those individuals, I looked on them as men, who were truly a boast, and an ornament te their country ; that in their conversation I ever found something to learn, | since it breathed nothing contrary to the principles of 3 strict virtue and purified patriotism ; a fond affection �
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Title: Inside front cover; includes "Beales Collection bookplate"
Text: oor aapinnretaitne enema pinnae lei 0 te Venue Sue — . LIBRARY oe to. BEALES COLLECTION E SCA a WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY C1.6% �

Title: Page 0068 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: a eee . reaper ereerers area nn Se aaa aD athe hheeeteneneeeaiiena te dietane 4a eee tee ee 68 was sorry to discover an obstacle to my salvation in
Show morea eee . reaper ereerers area nn Se aaa aD athe hheeeteneneeeaiiena te dietane 4a eee tee ee 68 was sorry to discover an obstacle to my salvation in the false persuasion I entertained of my innocence, im which was implied an evil judgment against my fellow crea- tures and a suspicion of the reetitude of my Judges, who had undoubtedly sentenced me according to law, their conscience, and the evidences given during the pro- ceedings. He begged I would dismiss such erroneous ideas, which shut the door of my repentance ; and ad- ded, that I ought to feel resigned and convinced of my guilt ; and to confine my desires, words and actions, to ask that pardon from God, the King, and mankind, whieh on account of my crimes I stood in need a 4 ought (he said) to be aware, that the Lord whomI had addressed and who had suffered so severely for my sake, had his arms open ready to receive me ‘to his bosom, provided I should humbly implore his mercy ; but that he was on the contrary prepared to reject me, should my pride, obstinacy, and ingratitude, provoke his jus- tice. “ Father” replied I, “I am not certain that in my present agitated state, I may not have given utterance to some rash expressions against divine Providence, which from this moment my lips disavow and my heart abhors ; I venerate its decrees and submit to its dis- pensations, though they may wear the appearance of in- justice ; persuaded as I am that my weak reason is in- competent to investigate them; but do not, Father, de- prive me of the consoling idea of my innocenee. How cana man have offended the supreme goodness, who has such a profound veneration for it? Would it not be a hypocritical falsehood and against the divine law, to say I think myself guilty, when my conscience free from every passion that might influence it, says other- wise? And the crime which is imputed to me, being merely one of opinion, how can you expect me to think those Judges to be just who have trampled upon law, and the usual forms of justice? Have my exceptions and pleas been listened to? Have my services been weighed in the balance of fair, and impartial Justice against my offences, even supposing them real? Can I look serenely on the condemnation of so many illus- �
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Title: Page 0064 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: aa on nance. ar ilheeehaceieeninnnaicienmmitenaane damnatene tamentnahta teem ames emanate ete e 64. | Mine Sir, are by far more sound and just ; the
Show moreaa on nance. ar ilheeehaceieeninnnaicienmmitenaane damnatene tamentnahta teem ames emanate ete e 64. | Mine Sir, are by far more sound and just ; the voice of. conscience which at this moment speaks without dis- guise, tells me I'am innocent. I shall‘appear before the supreme Judge with that confidence inspired by a. soul unspotted by crime, and'a knowledge of his mercy, from | whiely I hope the forgiveness of such of my involuntary weaknesses, aS are inherent to human nature. Retire Father, and leave me to myself, your offices are useless, * and even hurtful. Go, I repeat, for T look upon youas, | an ignorant man, or rather as an emissary of Satan ex- pressly vomited out of Hell, for the purpose as I said before, of disturbing my peace of mind, exasperating my temper, and endangering my salvation. I then begged the sentinel, to call in the officer on duty, whom I entreated, in consideration of my la- mentable situation, to permit the entrance of every in- dividual who should call, whether Clergymen, Military men, or others ; but that he should prevent all Friars, of whatsoever order, rank, or dress, from having ac- cess to me, since the one before me, far from bestow- ing that assistance and ‘consolation, which my circum- stances called for, had increased my torments, and agitated my soul, by the gross. and impudent terms, in which he addressed me. ‘The Officer acceded to my request, and I could plainly perceive in his coun- tenance, his determination to enforce it. The Friar, | who might have made the same observation, and fear- ing probably that the exclusion would begin, by send- ing him out, in a manner not the most agreeable, thought proper to retire, and, drawing hishood over his face, went out muttering some farewell phrases, between his teeth ; whilst I thanked God, for being so easily freed, from his importunities, and his strange and abominably ugly form. . | Shortly after, the Curates of St. Martin and Santa Cruz appeared. I immediately discovered in the former, that mildness, and ’suavity of manner, that in-. formation and that amiable and attentive charity, which so well became the sanctity of his profession, and which are the never failing characteristics of a good heart; whilst in the latter, I perceived a strong bias, in fa- �
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Title: Page 0055 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: 55 ing His Majesty’s benignant feelings, by inciting him to shed blood to satisfy justice. The six remaining Judges represented to the King, that
Show more55 ing His Majesty’s benignant feelings, by inciting him to shed blood to satisfy justice. The six remaining Judges represented to the King, that having taken a mature and deliberate review of the proceedings, and considering the feebleness of the evidence and my former services, they were of opinion Justice required that I should be acquitted, that my character should be vindicated, and that reparation should be made me for the injuries I had suffered in these proceedings; but, at the same time, keeping in view the existing political circumstances, which did require some measures beyond the common course of Justice, although within the sphere of it they thought they should act conscientiously by deciding on. that punishment which they had sentenced me to, that they were very sorry if they had incurred His Majesty’s displeasure, but that he might, in the exercise of his so- vereign power, award me the punishment he thought proper. This firmness, evinced by the Judges, did them great honour, and with the same did they repeatedly behave on other trials of the same nature, which the liberticide faction frequently submitted to their decision. I owe to truth and to this trait of integrity these just praises, as wellas some repentance for the asperity 1 made use of in upbraiding them at the scene of my trial, but the exasperation of my mind at that time may be pleaded in excuse of my warmth. . Those who had infiuenced the Royal mind dared not openly to blame the Commissioners’ firmness ; but being determined to make use of their ascendancy, wantonly to ruin all those, who had either inspired them with jea- lousy, or provoked their angry passions ; they persuaded His Majesty to approve the only vote that condemned me to death, and such an approbation took place by a small paper written by the King’s own hand, and simply | saying : “I agree to the separate vote of Judge Vas- quez Varela.” Thus these execrable beings, who exclusively assuming the title of loyal supporters of thrones, are the most pernicious enemies both of nations and kings. did not hesitate to cast upon the monarch the unexampled_ stain of passing judgment of death by �
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Title: Page 0056 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: a aaVO———— ee ee ' eel eet 56 less himself, against a man whose innocence had been twice G ih | virtually acknowledged by those very Judges who
Show morea aaVO———— ee ee ' eel eet 56 less himself, against a man whose innocence had been twice G ih | virtually acknowledged by those very Judges who had we been selected to sacrifice him. ie Whilst these things were going forward, of which I | had not at that time the least intimation, I continued, i (with the exception of the fortnight above-mentioned) in open intercourse, enjoying the advantages which the | kind inhabitants of Madrid strove to procure me. Alas! | van Bs I. could not divine that I was very soon to meet with one Lee | of the most trying events I had ever passed through in ae my life; an event, the terrible remembrance of which a still depresses my mind and freezes my bloed, even more than when I was under its terrors. ie On the night of the 27th December, 1815, the Secre« a tary of the Court of Commissioners appeared at the Hee Carcel de Corte or prison, where I was confined, and as+ sembling all the prisoners who were considered state < | criminals into the porter’s hall, then occupied by a strong 4 military detachment, he intimated to each of them re- ? id spectively the sentence which His Majesty had been | ma pleased to award against them ; to some the galleys in | Africa, and to others confinement in Castles and Fort- resses ; a portion was more mildly treated, being merely sent to Convents or Houses of Correction, but all were deprived of the places, honours, dignities and salaries, they severally enjoyed. ‘These sentences were imme- diately put into execution, by transporting those unhap- py men, in travelling carriages, to their respective places OT Sao oe Be sete tensoreteeeg ae -am eere are tae 2 Ra ae: bane a . of destination. I took leave of those iliustrious victims, | the partakers of my sufferimgs and associates in my tae principles, exhorting them to bear with patience the ~ te IS fresh vexations they were going to experience, and to J, keep in mind the noble cause for which they were per- secuted. I received their last embrace, and mingled my tears with theirs. My eyes followed them till they were ati 44 th iat out of sight, and my heart was torn with anguish on see- | ing virtue and patriotism in chains, while crime, perfidy, vice and treachery, infamously occupied’ the place to Hy which they had no title. et No mention having been made of me, (nor of two | fae | others, who were the next day merely sentenced to ba- | �
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Title: Page 0057 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: | 57 | nishment from Madrid and all royal residences,) the charitable governor thought proper to favor me, by put- ting the secretary in mind of my
Show more| 57 | nishment from Madrid and all royal residences,) the charitable governor thought proper to favor me, by put- ting the secretary in mind of my existence, asking him if there was no sentence for me; to which he replied ta | there wasnone. I, therefore, (that cruel, despotic and Me inhuman act being over,) retired to my room, drawing i the most fatal conclusions from that affected forgetful- ness, A day or two afterwards, several individuals informed me, that as I was a man of no rank or consequence, I i was left to be sent as a common criminal to the galleys a in Africa, amongst felons and convicts of every descrip- a tion. Yet, this information could not divert my mind from the evil, which I had unhappily ;but too well fore- seen, On the 20th of the same month, at 7 o'clock in the morning, I was roused from my sleep by a voice that’ called me by name, and which I knew to be that of an inferior officer of justice, who told me to rise and prepare for my departure. I quickly did so, thinking I was to be led forth en la Cuerda,* as I had been informed I should ; I therefore under this impression on leaving my | room took the way which led to the staircase, but my a guide directed me to go further into the building, and at stopping at the door of a dark cell, I there observed a | two prison officers and a servant with large heavy fet- ters ; they took me into that gloomy place and after an accurate and scrupulous examination of my body, they put the fetters on my sound leg only, causing me such pain as I scarcely was able to bear. The courtenances of the men exhibited great agitation, and one of them a called Antonio, more merciful than those of his kind mi generally are, and who had previously shewn me some ei good-will, told me in a broken tone of voice, that what HE was then going forward had no particular meaning and i that I need be under no anxiety. ‘That I am not (re- | plied I), though I well know that in a few hours I shall pine Soteira wees i phere aap eaeee a STE nen eye 8 nme apie nane pag: 2 Amidst a set of Convicts, who are conducted to their pu- nishment tied together by a rope. �
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Title: Page 0058 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: ——_ aaaanninaiaiennniiintenen anaemia aaaanmnnieds . an 58 | ne be led into the Chapel ;* I possess all that courage which 7 innocence gives, to
Show more——_ aaaanninaiaiennniiintenen anaemia aaaanmnnieds . an 58 | ne be led into the Chapel ;* I possess all that courage which 7 innocence gives, to endure my unjust doom ; had I been 7 more careful of my life, than of speaking the truth, a | single word would have saved me}; but I will never | purchase life at the price of infamy. Let my enemies do with me what they choose, I will mock their cowardly triumph by my firmness, and will rather die than ap- pear humiliated before them. They then brought me my breakfast which I scarcely tasted, and I was afterwards left alone to the indulgence of my own thoughts and the horrors of my situation, Sa) altho’ my mind was beforehand prepared for the event, ba 3 still its proximity could not but make that impression ae which was so very natural. The terrors of death pre- sented themselves to my affrighted imagination, and the sad conviction that I could count the moments of my re- maining existence. The last beams.of light were shining upon me, Very soon the darkness of eternal night would overshadow me for ever. All I held dear was to vanish from my eyes, my wife, my family, and my ‘ friends. I shall no longer see (said I to. myself), that | sun whose light enlivens and delights all mortals. Na- Vee ture will array herself in all the luxuries of vernal beauty, Wied but the delightful impression will not penetrate that , humble grave where my cold remains shall for ever lay. An infamous scaffold awaits me and previously an an- guish still harder to be borne. And what are the crimes that have brought me to such an unfortune end? My love towards my country and my scrupulous observance of its laws? No, that cannot be. Virtue can never be entitled to the reward of crime. It is to the injustice of men, to their ambition, to their bad passions, and to their thirst for dominion over their fellow-creatures, that I owe my being led to the scaffold, These thoughts and ideas completely overpowered me and giving way to the impulse of my feelings, I fell into a state of lethargic insensibility, retaining so indistinct | a feeling of existence that I am at a loss for words to Z * Chapel—Capilla, (Estar en la capilla—to prepare for | a death), spoken of Criminals who are in the chapel of the prison previous to their being taken to the place of execution, es eb ORR PRE NE i ges SiS ke neste reer Soars = SS Sea =: �
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Title: Page 0065 (Criminal proceedings against Pablo Lopez)
Text: Se oe 65 vour of anti-constitutional principles, and, a certain hardness of heart, which proved very distressing to my feelings, and caused me to
Show moreSe oe 65 vour of anti-constitutional principles, and, a certain hardness of heart, which proved very distressing to my feelings, and caused me to repent my unwise choice. He, of St. Martin, lamented with me, the injustice of mankind ; he thought me innocent, and spoke to me of the life tocome, in the eternal duration of which Almighty God dispensed his justice, on all mortal ac- tions ; andin whose presence, all eur little passions completely vanished, and from whose vengeance neither political motives, nor those pretences under which hu- man malice endeavours to conceal itself, could devise anescape. There it was that eternal truth would over- come calumny ; and I should reap the just reward of my long sufferings ; that it little mattered, whether or not I appeared guilty, in the eyes ofa misjudging world, (the period of our earthly existence being so limited,) provided I was acquitted by my conscience, and by my supreme Judge, and considered by him worthy of a ne- ver-ending reward. The Curate of Santa Cruz spoke in a different style: his whole care was to explain to me at length the dogmas of religion, requiring me to assent to them, and suppos- ing me in doubt, though my answers shewed that I had none, he set about dispelling it with no less dullness than ignorance, 3 This difference in their opinions, being calculated to perplex me, I inwardly determined to listen rather to the curate of St. Martin, whose mildness and learning so much more eontributed to my consolation, being every way far superior to his fellow clergyman. My agitation on this head being calmed, I had some scruples respecting my asperity, towards the Trinita- rian Friar; unwilling to leave unrepaired, the injus- ticeimplied in my observations to him, which I then thought contrary to Christian morals, and to my own character, I candidly imparted the whole occurrence, to both my directors, and manifested to them, a desire to call him back, and ask his pardon, as a proof of my repentance. The Curate of St. Martin stated it to be his opinion, that nothing more was re- quired, than my inward feeling and plain avowal of my ee a ee ne ln i A el a oe tit ma �
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