The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-02-11
GFrom the Autobiography Of Jack Ketch."l
CONFESSION OF A MURDER.

The story of James Wilson, the Clergymens Son,
although perhaps in some parts too highly worked
up, is well told, and of affecting interest. In fit
of boyish jealousy, Wilson, moody and high-spiri-
ted youth, is insulted by friend, whom in his re-
venge he murders -
'It was beautiful moonlight, midsummer night.
raised the window cautiously, and looked out. All
was silent. The roof of wash-house rose within
a foot of my window, grown over with stone-crop
and aged moss it a safe venture for the feet.
got out, and thence deccnded into the garden by
ladder, which had placed against the tiles during
the afternoon. But l had forgotten to close my
window, and cimed up again for that purpose.
Within my chamber all was stiffness and peace ; it
was full of the moonlight, and every object around
was distinctly visible. There was my bible lying
upon the drawers by my bedside-oh! should ! re-
turn should delay my purpose should cast it
from me for ever, and step more into the pale
of heavenly forgivenessl My head swan round,
and my eyes dizzy and full of watery humor !;
they were not tears. Eternity hung upon that
moment. | closed the window and descended into
the garden. few minutes, hasty walk and had
crossed the orchard, and getting ditch, and
proceeding along field path, found myself in the
high road
II started, for a well-known whistle reached my
ear Beaumont returning, evidently in high
spirits, whistling tune which knew to be favor
itc. lic Hdu HOt YET tuTHcu ulC COIHcT vi
and stopped and picked up large chalky flint,
and hid myself behind the hedge which had shelter
ed me from the sight Of the mail-coach passen-
gers. As he approached nearer--and now his pro-
jected shadow level with my eye--my soul was
was filed with malignant revenge. l gnashed my
teeth, and clenched firmly the stone in my right
hand. He was before me-within FIVE yards--nOw
-now-or it will be too late. l raised my hand,
and discharged with all my strength the broken and
Jagged flint. 1t struck him violently the temple,
and he fell on the path. sprang the hedge
by the force of wild instinct and ran towards him.
A thick black blood was gushing from deep wound,
and grown, tha, vibrated through every vein in my
body, burst from his mouth.
Frank, my dear fellow, it is /; speak to me
James Wilson, know not what have done ! and
hung the poor boy conscience smitten but
conscience had come too late.
with a violent effort he raised himself upon his
hands, and looked reproachfully but sorrowfuy at
me. 'James-a murderer! !" and he gasped for
breath but no, you shall not escape me; your
father shall know this. Oh James! this was a
towards action : and he wound his hand in my
neckcloth, and struggled to rise.
"What was to be done my father to know of
this it would bring his grey hairs to the grave
But thought not of this at that moment vague
knowledge of my danger impelled me. There was
no time to make terms. drew out knife, which
l had found IN the lumber room during the after
noon, and made a thrust towards him. He parred
it with his arm, and eapt to his feet, as though some
supernatural strength had been suddenly infused in
to him. He ran from me n few PAGES james
Wson-not for my sake, but for your own-spare
me- he exclaimed. 'Oh, have no strength left
to defend myself Again we closed, and again l
made stab at his bosom, but in vain for ne fought
with his open hands with the desperate strength of
one who struggles for life And now he had almost
wrenched the knife from my grasp, when he fell
forward my shoulder his face close to mine, and
his eyes fixed upon me with an intolerable express
sion of mingled pity and contempt. l could not
bear that look bn, collecting all my force, thrust
my antagonist from me, and dashed the knife into
his throat-once-twicc and sgain third time.
"Whh loud cry ! flung the knife from me, and
my victim fell heavily to the earth, the blood gush-
ing aud rolling around him in frothy and bubbng
profusion looked mp, and the very heavens seemed
to be, nay were, rent asundcr, and mingled blood
and FIRE s,rcamcd with Kissing sound in the trma-
ment. was distracted, and ran round and round
the heless body, casting up my eyes to heaven, not
knowing whittier should turn or Ay-amazed and
confoundcd at what had done. -,-
" But the devil whispered to me-'ihis Iuust be
hidden. No mortal in this world must ever know