Like James Gardner, George Blanton killed the girl he loved. Like James Gardner, George Blanton had been a heavy drinker and this contributed to his violence and his end.
Unlike James Gardner, George Blantern confessed immediately, and was deeply remorseful from the instant he had committed the crime. The following is his statement at his sentencing.
George Blanton – the unevenness in his features was due to the head injury as a child.
Your Honour, I am keenly aware of the terrible position in which I stand, and deeply regret having committed such an awful crime, which has brought such unspeakable sorrow upon so many innocent people. I am sincerely sorry for and deeply sympathise with the relatives and friends of poor Flora MacDonald.
I committed that horrible deed when insanely enraged with jealousy, preying upon a mind unhinged by the direful effects of a long course of dissipated and vicious habits, together with the fact that I am of an over-sensitive and excitable temperament, and was at the time temporarily insane.
When I was about thirteen years of age, I received a very bad wound on my left temple – a kick from a horse; and about two years ago, while on a heavy spree in Maryborough, I was arrested by the police and charged with being of unsound mind. I received medical treatment from Dr. Garde, to whom I showed the cut on my forehead, and he told me that if I was not careful, I should probably end my days in a lunatic asylum. I had prior to this had delirium tremens on two different occasions, once in Melbourne and once in England.
Under any circumstances I should not be justified in committing such an awful crime, no matter what provocation I received; but I can truthfully assert, without wishing to say anything unkind of the deceased, that she often gave me encouragement to pursue my overtures of love to her. She promised me most faithfully to become my wife if I would refrain from drinking; and I promised that I would do so and would try to lead a better and nobler life. But after making me the most sincere promises she would afterwards say that she wished she had never made them. She often tried to make me jealous and I used to dwell on every word she said; and she knew how easily she could annoy me. The state of mind I used to get into when the deceased treated me in the way I have tried to describe baffles description.
Knowing this I gave notice to Mr. Barnett that I wished to leave; but the deceased persuaded me to remain, telling me not to take any notice of what she said, and we were the best of friends between the time of my giving notice and her sad end. During the afternoon of the last day we had a long talk together whilst out riding, and returned home on better terms than we had ever been. We spent a pleasant evening, and I am sure neither of us was the least apprehensive of approaching danger. About half-an-hour before she went to bed – about half-past 9 or 10 o’clock we quarrelled through my proposing to buy an engagement ring, to which she objected. Hot words were spoken, and she went to bed vexed. I said “Good night” to her, and said I hoped we would be good friends in the morning. She said, “Go to bed, George, and try to forget all about me.”
These were the last words spoken by poor Flora. I did not go to bed but wandered for a considerable time. I cannot say exactly how long; but, as near as I can remember, about two hours. I worked myself into a state of desperation, all inward resistance seemed to be gone from me, and I was urged on in some unexplainable way to take the life of one I dearly loved. Strange as this may see, yet I solemnly declare it to be true.
My career in the colonies has been a chequered one, and I have several times brought disgrace on my friends. But, instead of the warnings that I have received making me a better man, they have caused me to drink all the more. Before leaving England, I was a confirmed drunkard, and I have since gone from bad to worse. About two years ago I received news of the death of my dear mother – the best of mothers -whom I dearly loved. This preyed on my mind, and I have often drunk myself intoxicated on purpose to drown my sorrow. I do sincerely and earnestly pray that my awful position may act as a warning to others who are already on the same downward path that I have followed – a path which one can travel so quickly – to beware and see the error of their ways before it is too late.
During the time of my awaiting trial I have prayed to God for forgiveness of all my sins as one only can pray with a broken and contrite heart; and I am thankful to say that I have derived much comfort in my lonely cell by communion with God. Especially do I pray that these words may prove a warning to the drunkard, for I have proved by experience that nothing but the grace of God will save such from the cursed drink. Many know this, and still continue on their mad career as I have done. I have received much sympathy and kindly greeting from those who attend the gaol to administer spiritual aid to those located there. I do sincerely thank them and hope that they may be long spared to continue their good work. I have also received considerate treatment from the superintendent of the gaol, and also from his officers; and I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to them.
His Honour in passing sentence of death, said that the only redeeming feature in the case was the prisoner’s expression of regret at the deed he had committed.
SOURCES:
Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertiser (Qld.: 1875 – 1902), Thursday 5 October 1893, page 3
Moreton Bay and More 