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Dr.

Dr. Thomas Wilbur's testimony at the coroner's inquest.

A young lady calling herself Sarah M. Cornell called on me between the 5th and 10th of October

last, and wished me to examine her and decide if possible what her disease, if any, might be.

On proceeding as usual in such an investigation, I informed her that I was unable to discover any derangement in the functions of life, and added that people were generally satisfied if they could get relief after giving their physician all of the information they possessed.

She then says, I have been a wicked girl. I have reason to suppose that I am like to have a child and wish you to tell me whether such is the case or not.

I then informed her that it was impossible for me to decide unless she was advanced in pregnancy.

Then she says,

If I am in such a condition, it is but of a short standing not to exceed about six weeks, for I never had intercourse

with any man until the time of the Methodist camp meeting in Thompson. I was then invited by a man

of high standing to take a walk from the campground and talk over a difference which existed between

us. After staying some ways from the congregation, he said the only condition on which

he would settle the difference was that he should enjoy sexual intercourse with me,

promising me the same time that if I would consent to it, that he would do me no mischief.

It was dark or dusk, I was in his power, and finally consented.

I would not quite call it forcing me, but it was very near to it.

He assured me positively that I should experience no ill from what he had done and charged

me to never disclose the fact.

Our settlement was now finished, and we returned to the campground.

She charged me to keep her secrets, for she was poor and

could not get work if she was exposed. After being assured I would divulge nothing and that she might rely on my confidence.

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