by Deborah Teazis

Created on: June 02, 2009

Martha...........

DIARY

The 22nd Day of October 1894 - Melbourne Australia

My dearest Otto, this will be the last entry to my diary, the last piece of me that I can give to you. Inside its pages, I have been documenting my life, there are twenty five years of memories and thoughts, enough I hope to keep you thinking of me for a long time to come. I know this has been hard on you, I hope now you can find some peace.

Since arriving here at this rat infested prison, I have endured more than I ever thought possible, but there is little pity for a woman deemed a murderess. So; here I sit in a cold filthy cell, where souls wither and die in dark corners, my only wish left on this earth is to see your face one more time.

I awoke this morning feeling calm. The fear of my hanging has not yet taken its evil hold on me, and I will try not to let it. The prison governor, Captain Burrowes came to see me yesterday; he brought the hangman with him, a man by the name of Thomas Pauling. He could not look me in the eye, as though he too believed in my innocence.

They wanted to weigh and measure me so as to get my execution right, Captain Burrowes had a sinister look on his face when he said that they wanted to hang me, not be-head me. I think if he had his way a be-heading would be his choice. I wonder at human nature, at the cruelty of those who take pleasure at the downfall of others.

One good thing to come from all of this suffering is that I will be re-united with my babies, I know that all three of my girls will be at God's gate, waiting for me, the good lord knows the truth and I trust in him to make things right. So my dear Otto, do not fret for me, as I will be in a far better place than the one I am leaving.

My final words to you my dearest heart, thank you for standing by me, a wretch in the eyes of the world. I love you with all my soul and one day I hope our hearts cross paths once again. Until that time be strong, be happy and find the good life that you deserve and remember the hangman will take my life, but the Lord our God will take my soul.

Ever yours my love

Martha Needle.

__________________________

Melbourne Australia 2004

The dream was very strange; it felt like it was in another time. Women in Victorian style dresses, men in top hats and tails. Charlotte found herself walking down a lane way crowded with people all pushing past her as though they could not see her. Suddenly she was in a store, several women were at the counter, they were looking

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