University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER VI.

AN UNHAPPY HOME.

The home life of the McCues was described by several witnesses,
especially by Ernest Crawford, a brother of Mrs. McCue. According to
his story there was little happiness under the roof of the ex-Mayor.

The lawyers regarded the testimony of Mr. Crawford of sufficient importance
to call forth their best efforts for its impeachment; and he
was assailed with a vigor not shown elsewhere unless in the attempt to
discredit the physicians who testified as experts.

Mr. Crawford is a practising attorney of Harrisonburg, Va., of winning
appearance and ingratiating manners. He was entirely self-possessed
throughout a rather rasping cross-examination by Mr. Lee.

"I went to board at the McCue home in 1899," said Mr. Crawford,
"and remained there until 1901. I stayed in the room known as the
boy's room, on same floor as that of Mrs. McCue. The house being
heated by a furnace, the doors were often open. Soon after I got there
I saw that the relations between Mr. and Mrs. McCue were very strained.

"It was the most unhappy couple I ever saw. I would have left if it
had not been that I thought I could be of some help to my sister. The
quarrels were always about other women. Once I heard a violent quarrel
between Mr. and Mrs. McCue. I never saw him kick or strike her,
but have heard him curse her in the most violent manner repeatedly.

"I did not interfere. I was younger then, very delicate, and did not
want any notoriety. I thought they did not. I tried to pacify them.

"This particular quarrel arose over Mr. McCue going into the lot back
of his house with another woman of this city. Mrs. McCue said to him,
`This is not the only time I have caught you in a compromising position,'
and continued that she had gone to his office and had found him
locked up in his office with women and that he looked `sheepish.'

"I saw Willie McCue at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon after the murder.
He said to me then that on one occasion his father ran his mother in
his (Willie's) room, and that when he sought to interfere his father

threatened to kill him; also said that his father and mother lived like
cats and dogs. My brother Edgar was present at the time. Willie repeated
this statement later, and said that they had had frequent quarrels;
that on Sunday night of the murder, while he was on the porch,
his father came out and said he had stood this thing as long as he intended,
and be damned if he would stand it any longer. He told me
that he believed his father had killed his mother."

Mr. Crawford testified to making arrangements with young McCue to
produce John Perry at the Monticello wine cellar for an interview with
Detective Baldwin, and to some other matters which need not be considered
in this place.

Mr. Lee, in the way of cross-examination, insinuated the fact that
Mr. Crawford stood by and saw his sister abused and cursed, and that
he was telling tales after accepting the hospitality of the accused.

"I did not accept the hospitality of the accused," replied Mr. Crawford.
"I paid my board regularly. I did not interfere. I was very frail
at the time; was suffering from appendicitis. No operation was performed.
My health was delicate until a year or two after I left Charlottesville.
I have only been at the McCue house once since I left. It
was no pleasure to visit them. I attended the University with Mr.
Webb Raines. He may have been at my room occasionally.

"Did you not tell Raines that if you could do as well as McCue—
marry and have as happy a home as he—you would be delighted?"

"I did not. I may have said that he was prosperous, and that I would
be satisfied if I could do as well as he.

"I did tell Mr. Burks that Mr. McCue was a man that I admired from
a business standpoint. I did not say that he was a model man."

"Did you not try to-day to induce Mr. Burks and Mr. Decker to change
their statements so as to make it conform to yours?"

"I have no recollection of doing anything of the kind."

"While here at the University I did ride the horse of the accused and
drove his horses. I also carried his watch while here. I never wore his
clothes, but did use his gun."

"Did not you and Baldwin have a conversation with Perry in Willie
McCue's presence, in which you said: `Now, Baldwin, here is where you
have got to use some money?' "

"I did not."

Miss Bertie Crawford, an older sister of the late Mrs. McCue, next
took the stand. She was in deep mourning. She said:

"I lived in Staunton; my home is at Mt. Sidney, Augusta county. I
had various opportunities of observing the treatment of the accused
towards his wife. It was very inconsiderate.

"I was at their house a week before my sister's death. The first evening

I got there my sister was in a highly nervous state. Fannie was
lying down at supper time. I took the supper up to her. Later we both
went down-stairs together.

"The accused had not seen her for several days. He had been absent
in Washington. When we came down-stairs, although my sister was
sick, Mr. McCue did not speak to her, and when my sister complained
about his absence and inquired where he had been, he replied that it
was not necessary for her to know anything about his trips. He took
another trip from home later. Mrs. McCue got one letter from the accused
while he was absent, and was indignant at its contents. I don't
know what was in the letter.

"I was also at the McCue house last March. Mr. McCue was as indifferent
and inconsiderate as at other times. He did not treat her as a
husband should treat a wife."

W. W. Brand was next. "I have lived in Charlottesville all my life—
seventy-five years. I was at the McCue home last summer fixing up
some tiling. Mrs. McCue was showing me about it when the accused
passed through the room. He spoke very bitterly to her. He spoke very
roughly—as if he could have killed her in a second. He must have been
mad before he came into the room. I don't remember the words used,
but he was very angry."

George Thomas (colored) is sixty years old. He works at the City
Hall. He has seen Mr. and Mrs. McCue pass frequently in and out of
the City Hall. Last May Mr. McCue went away for about a week. His
wife came and asked the witness about her husband.

When the accused came up, satchel in hand, his wife was sitting in a
buggy, and said, "Mr. McCue."

"I didn't hear him reply. Mr. McCue didn't go where she was. Later
she said, `Are you going home?' He promptly said, `No.' Mr. McCue
didn't shake hands with his wife."

Answering Mr. Lee, the witness said he did not know how often the
accused had been with his wife that day, or what time he got in on the
train.

Answering Captain Woods, Thomas said: "Mr. McCue's manner was
not as pleasant as I thought it should be to a `nice, affectionate wife.' I
generally kisses my old lady sometimes at night when I have just been
away one day."

Several witnesses were put on the stand to contradict Ernest Crawford.
Preparing for this, the defence recalled that gentleman, who, in
answer to questions, said he was at University with S. G. Waller; visited
at Mrs. Moore's house; knew Miss Addie Moore; once went there with
Mr. Waller. Knew nothing of discussing honeymoons there and saying
"Mr. and Mrs. McCue have been married fifteen years and their honeymoon

is not yet over." Witness admitted that again and again he spoke
of McCue's prosperity and fine home. He absolutely denied he ever discussed
his domestic relation.

Answering Captain Woods: Hasn't been in Moore home since June,
1901.

S. G. Waller, called by the defence: Is 23 years old; lives at Front
Royal, Va.; at University with Ernest Crawford. Had paid a visit to
the Moores with Ernest Crawford. Had heard Crawford make a statement
about the McCue's long "honeymoon." Used language to that
effect. Overheard Crawford, in discussion about pleasant married life,
say Mr. and Mrs. McCue had an ideal home; although they had been
married many years their honeymoon was not yet over. Doesn't know
how lawyers discovered his information. Has no connection with the
case, but was several times a guest at the McCue's. Has no bias in
the case.

Answering Captain Woods: The incident occurred about 1899 or
1900, in Mr. Waller's first year at college; probably Crawford's first
year, too. Can't recall the language used, only the impression made on
witness' mind. Understood, however, that Crawford made the statement.
Doesn't remember whether it was addressed to him or to somebody
else. Several there; talk was free and easy. Can't recall other
subjects discussed.

Answering Mr. Lee: Had tried to be very careful in this matter; was
talking with friend of the case. In reading account of preliminary examination
his attention was called to Crawford's statement about McCue
family and the unhappiness which had prevailed there.

Answering Captain Ker: Hadn't thought of incident a single time
until the McCue case came up.

Miss Willie R. Moore, lives in Rappahannock county; is a teacher;
once lived in Charlottesville for three years. Knew Ernest Crawford
then; also Mr. Waller; they visited her. Asked if she had ever heard
Crawford speak of the long "honeymoon" in the McCue household, she
said: "Yes, he did. He was speaking of matrimony, and said if he
ever married he would like to lead the life his brother and sister lived;
that their honeymoon was not then over." Witness remembered the remark
distinctly. Has no interest in the case; had just reached Charlottesville.

Answering Captain Woods: Several were present during the conversation,
"running on in a pleasant way." Miss Crawford and Waller
and witness' mother and sister were there. Waller said matrimony
was "an all right thing." (Laughter.)

Captain Woods smilingly asked witness whose views she liked best
on the subject.

Witness blushed deeply. Mr. Lee objected to question as embarrassing.
Captain Woods gladly withdrew the question.

Witness said Crawford frequently spoke of the McCues' happy life.
Usual topics of conversation were discussed during these visits.

Webb Raines, Chesapeake and Ohio yard master's stenographer in
Richmond. He was a student at the University of Virginia with Ernest
Crawford. Mr. Lee asked about Crawford's references to happiness in
McCue's family. Witness said he had heard Crawford make several
such statements. Seemed to have reference to domestic happiness of
the McCues. Witness never had any talk with relatives or lawyers of
the accused until he got here to-day.

Answering Captain Woods: Uncertain when he had these talks with
Crawford, probably during his second session. He took Sunday walks
with Crawford. He referred to McCue's success in business. Witness
had been to prisoner's house once or twice. Crawford said if he could
be as happy as accused and his wife he would be contented. Walked
with Crawford frequently. Nothing particularly to impress talks on
witness' mind. Crawford spoke of McCue's being a happy man.

Witness was positive Crawford had said the domestic relations of
prisoner and wife most happy. Nothing could shake him in this.

Thomas H. Burke, next witness, lives in Harrisonburg, Va. Has joint
office with Ernest Crawford; adjoining rooms. Knows Crawford well.
Witness said Crawford told him he "admired McCue greatly"; that
accused was a person whom young men "engaged in business" should
pattern after. Made no reference to the "happy home" of accused.

Answering Mr. Lee: "I have never heard of the domestic relations
of Mr. and Mrs. McCue."

Mr. Lee announced, upon hearing this, that his side also had been
taken by surprise; that he would treat Mr. Burke as an adverse witness.

Answering Mr. Lee: C. N. Conrad, Commonwealth's Attorney of Rockingham
county, Va., had copy of paper containing Crawford's statement
at inquest. Witness was not looking over Conrad's shoulder, but heard
Crawford's statement aloud. Witness did then remark: "It is little
contrary to what I have been given to understand. I have always
heard Crawford speak pleasantly of McCue." Witness said news "was
a kind of surprise," coming as it did, as Crawford hadn't confided in
him about the McCues.

Witness met Crawford in Charlottesville since trial. Crawford asked
witness what witness knew—if he (Crawford) had ever mentioned "domestic
relations." "Crawford asked what I was doing here; I approached
him."

Here counsel had a lively "spat" over the admissibility of witness'
testimony.

Mr. Burke was asked if he had heard Mr. Deckert say: "Look here,
Crawford, you can't mould my testimony in this case. You may mould
Burke's, but if you do he is not the man I take him to be."

Witness said he had heard no such colloquy; that if he had he would
have resented it.

The defense did not neglect evidence to prove that the abode of the
McCues was a happy home.

Mrs. Martha Hanger, who lives in Staunton, visited Mr. and Mrs.
McCue three years ago, and spent three days there. Relations of
couple very cordial. Was guest during the Daughters of the American
Revolution meeting. "I never visited a happier home," said the witness.

Answering Captain Ker: Their relations were—"Oh! very cordial."

Mrs. M. H. Crawford also lives at Staunton; knew Mrs. McCue since
latter's girlhood. Also knew Mr. McCue; connected with Mrs. McCue.
Had visited the couple; last visit four or five years ago. "I had every
reason to believe Mr. McCue was a kind and very loving husband. If
anybody had told me to point out a kinder and more loving husband I
couldn't have done it, and that is the truth," solemnly said the matronly
old lady.

Mrs. E. O. McCue, a sister-in-law of the murdered woman, "went to
Sam's very frequently, often went driving with Mrs. Sam McCue. The
relations of the couple were most kindly; never observed anything
else."

Answering Captain Woods: Had been at the McCue home week before
tragedy; visited in last year frequently, both day and evening.

Mrs. M. J. Taylor; lives in Charlottesville, and is a seamstress.
Has sewed at the McCue's frequently. Often saw husband and wife together;
took meals at the house. "Never seen anything between them
but what was right." Accused would kiss children goodbye; wife
would go to the door with him; everything was congenial.

Policeman Dan C. Grady deposed that he had often seen McCues at
public places together; often out driving; at races, shows, etc. Conduct
of accused exemplary, very attentive to wife; "waited on her as nice
as any man I ever seen," added witness. They were together frequently.
She was often at their office; he always went to trains for
her.

Answering Captain Ker's sarcastic question: Never saw them fuss
in public or in the theatre.

Frank Minor (colored) lives in West Virginia; left Charlottesville
two and a half months ago. Lived at Sam McCue's nine and a half

years; was butler. The husband and wife got along "as nicely as any married
people could get along far as he knew of"; no quarrels, didn't hear
of any. Was there all day. Was "dar at meal times," said ebon witness
with a grin and the crowd roared. Worked with accused up to
two and a half months ago.

In the testimony of Mr. John S. White, a Charlottesville lawyer, the
prosecution succeeded in getting before the jury McCue's remark that
his home was not a happy one; that, indeed, it was a hell on earth.
"I called to see the prisoner at the county jail on a matter of business,"
said Mr. White, "and told him I was sorry to bother him. He said it
was all right, that he was being persecuted, and that he would come
out of it all right. He said he was innocent. Later on he said,

`My life here on earth for the past four or five years has been a perfect
hell; that woman was the most jealous woman I have ever known.'
He said he had scuffled hard to build up a practice and to make his
home a happy one. In speaking of `that woman' he referred to his
wife."

On cross-examination by Mr. Lee the witness said he was in jail
about thirty minutes. The accused seemed greatly distressed, but Mr.
White did not recall that he spoke kindly of his wife. He did not tell
the counsel for the defense, so far as he could recall, that he spoke
kindly of his wife. He did speak of her in a very respectful manner.

Mr. Crawford was called to the witness chair, and identified a large
bundle of letters written by his sister to her husband. The prosecution
had on the previous day, when the letters were under discussion, urged
that their introduction would be misleading, as they would only cover
a few periods of the married life of the accused. Judge Morris inclined
to the belief that the letters could be read, but indulged the prosecution
to the extent of giving the lawyers till the following day to decide
whether to resist or consent to their going to the jury. The result was
that Captain Woods, speaking for the prosecution, said the letters of
Mr. and Mrs. McCue were admissible.

They were then read. The following summary gives all that is significant,
and will prove more interesting than the epistles entire. The
letters were dated in 1899, 1900, and 1901. The first one began "My
Darling Sweetheart," and described a visit to Raleigh Springs. Mrs.
McCue tells her husband that she loves him more than ever before.

The letter ends with the words, "With a heart full of love."

Postal July 31, 1900: "My Darling Sweetheart" it begins, describes
her illness while at springs. Laments death of friend, and says, "How
mysterious are the ways of Providence." She prays God that their
lives may be one and that domestic happiness may reign in their home;
never enjoyed his love letters more, even when she was Miss Crawford.
Refers to coming trip to Atlantic City.

Tenderest of references to the children. It closed with "Fondest love,
yours devoted," etc.

Prisoner began to shed many tears when the letters were read. He
used his handkerchief almost all the time.

July 14, 1900: "My Darling Sam"; refers to husband's "nice letter";
wishes he were with her; tells him he "toils, toils too much without
rest." Advises against coal speculations. Ends with love and a kiss.

July 5, 1900: Begins "My Dearest Sam," still at the springs. Much
chatty personal gossip; tells all about the children, especially little
Ruby. Thankful he is making money while he "tortures" himself in
his hot office. Wants another "sweet letter."

July 15, 1900: "My Dearest Sam"; very motherly letter; thanks him
for his letters; laments his "hot, stuffy office"; says she is spending
little; talks of children's health. So glad he went to a certain dinner.
Her dearest love and a kiss; tells him to put silver teaspoons away.
"With fondest love" she ends.

July 13, 1900: Delighted to get his two letters; refers to people at
springs; sorry he whipped children about the keys; thinks he's working
too hard.

July 20, 1900: "My Dearest Sam"; she has on her white dress; begs
him to come to the springs; still sorry he works so hard. All join in a
heart full of love and kisses.

July 2, 1900: "My Darling Sam," she begins. Says William is happy
and popular. Wants to hear from her babies; can't write long letters to
husband, so many things to distract. "Do write soon"; promises child
birthday cake; another "heart full of love."

July 12, 1900: "My Dear Sam"; describes people at the springs; so
glad he has made all that money.

October 30, 1900, from Mt. Sidney: "My Dear, Dear Sam," she begins.
Anxious about sick child. "Do write about Sam and Ruby. When are
you coming over; my dearest love to you and the children."

October 31, 1900, same address: "My Darling Sam," she begins. Domestic
injunctions for husband. "Best love and a kiss for yourself,"
little boys and Ruby.

Fisherville, January, 1899: "My Dear Sam," she begins. Anxious to
hear from him; with love and a kiss, etc.

The prisoner's tears were flowing freely long before this point was
reached. Here his grief seemed especially bitter.

Batesville, July, 1899: "Dear Sam," received letter and box of powder;
motherly references to children. Don't keep Willie closely confined
at the office; let him run about.

Charlottesville, May 17, 1900: "My Dear Sam," describes sickness

of children. Has missed him terribly. Wants him to enjoy every
minute of the trip. With heart full of love and wishing him a joyous
time.

Raleigh Springs, July 18, 1900: Thanks him for his dear letter;
wants him to join children and have picture taken; wishes he could
come and use spring's water. "You are giddy about going to the germans.
Do keep the children out of the sun. Yours lovingly."

July 6, 1899, Batesville: "My Dear Sam," tells husband and Willie to
come. Child anxious about the donkey. Children good as good can
be. Wants flowers attended to. Sends him a box of face powder. Too
white for her. Husband had sent it to her.

July 17, 1900: "My Dear Sam"; tells of coming home. Speaks of
nice friends. Gossipy comments; child ate watermelon; didn't agree
with him. "With much love, fondly, Fannie."

Atlantic City, August, 1901: "My Dear Sam," sends postal. She
and William struck a 10-cent store and bought many things for friends.
Wished for him the night before. Wanted to buy a fine mirror, a
grand bargain. Had been in bathing; Dan Harmon looked after her
in the morning. With much, love, etc.

July, 1899: "My Dearest Sam"; talks of home affairs. Tired of entertaining.
Can imagine his disgust when Mr. — arrived. It
was a great pleasure for Mr. —. As personal references here
appeared, reading a part of letter was passed by. Jury to read privately.

Mount Sidney, October, 1900: "My Darling Sweetheart"; has thought
of him and missed him. Speaks of partridges in the place. Wonders
if he has thought enough of her to write. "Yours devotedly." Monday
morning: Thanks him for nice letter; describes mother's condition.

This ended the letters of the wife. They are matched in tenderness
and solicitude by the husband's missives, written apparently with no
thought of any woman on earth but the mother of the little ones to
whom he refers more than once. Brief indications of their tone and
contents must suffice.

July 19, 1900: "My Little Sweetheart"; retired early the night before.
This baby's birthday. Promised the child a watermelon for
dinner. Refers to fine setter pup. Tell children to train him. (Here
prisoner wept as if his heart would break.) Children having fun with old
mule. He misses her mightily. (Prisoner still weeping.) Hopes she
and Ruby are pleasantly situated. Reference to business matters; to
making $300. Most affectionate reference to children.

"With a heart full of love, devotedly yours, Sam."

July 18, 1900: "My Dear Little Darling"; her letter and William's

are a pleasure each morning. Moving along smoothly; no trouble with
servants. Brought watermelons and canteloupes to the "dear little
boys," who are extremely happy. When he visits her is going to
mingle with "moneyed people"; how it pays. More references to making
money. Didn't feel like going to Jefferson Park hotel german;
would go later, as proprietor had retained him as counsel. Reading
David Harum. "Good-bye, dear little darling." (Seems she had been
gone a month.)

Jan. 26, 1900: "My Dear Fannie"; had received her welcome letter.
We have all missed you. "Dear little tots," hoping for her return on
every train. "With a heart full of love. J. Sam'l."

July 25, 1900: "My Darling Wife"; terribly lonely without her. Mrs.
Massie a good neighbor and fine woman.

Another letter ends, "Good-bye, darling. I hope God will bless you."
and is signed, your old sweetheart, J. Samuel."

July 13, 1900: "My deal little sweetheart," it begins; children are
mischievous; gave them "little thrashing" at the stable for losing his
keys. Proposes trip to Atlantic City. Refers to the Elks, of which he
is a member; refers to business matters and business schemes; sons
are "dear little boys." Has bought twelve bottles of beer, but won't
be able to finish them. They don't agree with him. "With a heart full
of love and a great, big kiss, your old husband."

July 24, 1900: "My Darling Little Wife"; affectionate reference to
the "little boys," who seem happy; "don't worry about anything; take
it easy; I want you to be happy. Good-bye, my precious little darling.
With a heart full of love and a dozen sweet kisses, devotedly, J.
Sam'l."

July 13, 1900: "My Dear Little Darling"; solicitious about her
health; children well and happy; misses her and Ruby; disappointed
she had not improved in health. "Harry is a little peach; he slept
with me that night. Good-bye; God bless you."

Prisoner weeps again during recital of this letter.

July 19, 1900: My Dear Little Darling"; refers to children; people
have been nice; asking him to supper; refers to germans and dancing.
Is going to one to "look on." Dear little boys so fond of canteloupes,
and of Jack, the mule. Here writer refers to money matters; says,
"God has been so good to us." God bless you and return you in good
health."

July 30, 1900: "My Dear Little Darling"; heard most excellent sermon
by Dr. Petrie; children have been riding in the lot; Jack, the
mule, source of pleasure to Harry. "Do hope we can get off to Atlantic
City, for I must have a little rest. Good-bye, darling; wish I could see
you this morning. Devotedly, Your Old Sweetheart."

July 26, 1900: "My Darling Little Wife: Your sweet little letter
repeatedly read. Why so depressed? I was depressed, too, last night."
Letter full of confidence in the Lord and affectionate in terms; describes
the children's doings. "Darling, I send you last week's Sentinel.
Little Harry said love to all up there. He is the sweetest thing on
earth. Cheer up, darling; don't worry over William's trip; he can have
a nice time here. I don't expect to confine him as I once did. He has
had a far nicer trip than I ever had. I am at heavy expense. Will
arrange to see my old sweetheart if possible. Remember me kindly to
Ernest. Do you want to see your old sweetheart as badly as he wants
to see you?"

One who heard the letters read and observed the demeanor of the
prisoner during their perusal, wrote:

"That his sorrow was genuine none who saw him to-day can dispute.
He was almost pitiful. One thing in particular struck this listener
about the letters in evidence—their absolute purity and freedom
from double entendre. Not a questionable word did any of them contain,
not an expression, not a sentence, not a paragraph which could
not have been read before a Sunday-school class and held up as a criterion
in the way of epistolary art."