Living in Quaker Hill, I travel Gallows Lane often − biking, walking, driving. John Steward's recent article correctly captures the eerie aura about the place, “Tossing Lines: The spirit of Gallows Lane,” (Feb. 11). The story of Sarah Bramble, though, eclipses the story of New London's favorite execution spot. Sarah represents the millions of women who have found themselves in a similar situation − pregnant, married, or unmarried, not seeing a way forward in bringing the child into the world and providing for it. Killing her baby was horrific, but you might ask what choice did she have? There is no mention of the father. Let’s face it, everyone knows who the mother is, but it is only recently that the identification of the father could be reliably ascertained.

Was the act consensual? Was she seduced by a more savvy partner? Was she raped? We will never know, nor will we ever know the same truths about other women who have been forced to take matters into their own hands when faced with a similar situation, facing choices tht may be limited and unspeakable.

I will be thinking of Sarah as I traverse Gallows Lane, and mindful of many others whose stories are equally sad.

Mary White

Waterford