Six Miles to Charleston by Bruce Orr

receive one. He advised her that her moments were few and that she was indeed going to die. The words were like electricity through Lavinia, and the reality of the moment came crashing in. Her ravings stopped, and she began to call upon heaven to have mercy upon her and allow her to live. In tremendous panic and conflict, she continued to plea and cry out to God. In her final moments, she made her peace.
    G.-S. states that a clergyman addressing God on behalf of the Fishers was so overcome with emotion that he could hardly speak. He observed tears on the cheeks of the pastor and described him as having been overcome by the heart-rending scene. From research, this is believed to have been Dr. Furman.
    John Fisher addressed the crowd. According to the witness, G.-S., Fisher begged forgiveness of those he had ever offended and he forgave his accusers. He also proclaimed his and Lavinia’s innocence.
    In a letter addressed to the attending reverend and dated the day of his execution, John wrote:
    Charleston Gaol. Feb. 18
    Rev. and Dear sir,
    The appointed day has arrived—the moment soon to come, which will finish my earthly career; and it behooves me, for the last time, to address you and the Rev. Gentlemen associated in your pious care.
    For your exertions in explaining the mystery of our Holy Religion, and the merits of our dear Redeemer; for pious sympathy, and benevolent regards as concerns our immortal souls, accept Sir, for yourself, and them, the last benediction of the unfortunate—God, in His infinite mercy, reward you all.
    In a few moments, and the world to me shall have passed away—before the Throne of the Eternal Majesty of Heaven I must stand—shall then, at this dreadful hour, my convulsed, agitated lips, still proclaim a falsehood? No! then by that Awful Majesty I swear, I am innocent. May the Redeemer of the World plead for those who have sworn away my life.
    To the unfortunate, the voice of condolence is sweet, the language of commiseration is delightful; the feelings I have experienced in the society of Mr.___________; a stranger; he rejected not our prayer, unknown, he shut not his ear to our supplication, he has alleviated our sorrows: may God bless him. He has wept with us: May Angels rejoice with him at a Throne of Glory.
    Enclosed, Sir is a key that secretes my little all; Give it him, and say for me, as he deserted me not while living, I hope he will discharge my last request. Now my property is to be disposed of, he will find explained in a paper within my trunk, to which is attached a Schedule of the whole. I only wish him to see it removed to a place of safety, until to whom it is given shall call for it. The hour is come.
    Farewell, Sir, Farewell!
    John Fisher
    This letter was read aloud to the crowd. The recipient’s name was left blank at its reading and all subsequent referrals to it also have the name redacted. Most speculate it was Reverend Furman, but exactly who it was and exactly what John Fisher left behind remains unknown. It is believed the name was left out to protect the recipient of the letter until after John Fisher’s belongings were dispersed as Fisher wanted.
    Both the Charleston Courier and the Charleston Gazette would also carry the story of John Fisher’s proclamation of innocence. The Gazette even published his letter.
    A letter published below, was there read, by a Rev. Clergyman to whom he had addressed it yesterday, protesting his innocence—to which he added a short address to the same purport, but accusing some persons of having been instrumental in causing him to suffer for a crime of which he was not guilty. He asked pardon of the spectators for any wrong or injury he might have done them.
    The Fisher letter’s proclamation of innocence also had an effect on G.-S. He writes:
    It is indeed a pathetic letter, and if he has there told the truth, which I can scarcely doubt, I pray that God may have mercy on his accusers. The opinions of