Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-06-01


fortnight after. and had not been in III,
city three days ere he committed tn
crime for which he yesterday Eorfeiie,
his life.
Three days since, he was visited il
prison by the Mayor, Denis Pneur
who asked him how be felt.
AS well as y man in my. situation
can feel, was his answer. "but shoulC
like to have something to drink"
Some brandy was brought him. which
he drank eagerly; after which Mr. Pal
eur told him be did not come for the
purpose Of giving him any hopes of {
pardon.
"And il you should do so, I'd mo-
believe YOU" said Tibbeits.
Would you not prefer imprisonment
TO death, and that on a scah'old ?"
"Ah, mol" said he, with bitter smile
''if my sentence could be RENTED for
only years imprisonment, land
know that they would not let me of
for so short period would prefer to
die instantly"
Life is said to be sweet" observed
the Mayor.
"Ay. Il may be so 20 you, and such
as you, surrounded as you are by the
comforts and lnxuries Of life. But lock
at me, (holding up his chains.) Ele-
ven long years Of my life have passed
in miserable cell, chained thus like q
galley slave. disgraced and deserted by
all and every thing that could render
life dear TO me. What sweetness then,
think you, has such q life for such a
person as ann No, sir, (seeIng Mr..
Pneur was about TO speak as boy. i,
is true, l was headslrong and wayward,
but not naturally vicious IL is true
that hated those who hated me; but I
also loved those who were kind to me.
But this take no credit for.I but obeyed
therein the instinct OF Nature. But up
on one occasion, for Indulging in dam
nable propensity that corporal (liis step
father) beat me so brutality, that seiz-
ed musket and shot him. | was i.n-
prisoned, and led to believe that IL
behaved well should be released in q
year or two; but year after year rolled
on. and still was q wreiched prison.
er; the bright morning of my life was
wasting away, unsolaced, uncheered;
no release came. my heart sunk within
me. my hopes were blighted, and with
my hopes died my youth. Ithen gave
loose 10 the worst passions Of my nature,
and joined my miserable companions
in their worst pursuits. Finally. my
prison doors were unbarred-I was par
donsd, ] entered that prison not de-
PRAYED boy-I left il desperate man
came TO this city aud joined the vo.
luntceTs for Florida: before sailing |
was arrested as suspicious character,
but being released, went with Colonel
Smith-returned 10 this city, and--the
rest you know"
Mr.. Prieur then hinted that the vice
which led him astray vas drinking.
mo, sir, said he furiousIy, "gamb.
ling damnable gambling for that
was beaten by the man whom, in re-
venge, | killed. deserve TO die,
but not for the offence for which now
stand committed. ! deserve TO die,
however, for deeds that have lately
done"
He was questioned on this head
but obstinately refused 10 reveal a syl-
liable. Mr.. Prieur, who is, by the bye,
a practical Phrenologist, thea proceed
ed 10 examine his head, 10 ascertain il
the organs Of firmness and destructive.
ness were not strongly developed, and
finding such 10 be the case, he spoke
OF IL. The prisoner said nothing in
reply TO him on that head then, but
the day before yesterday he asked for
pen. ink and paper, anG wrote the fol-
lowing:
"MfLAtT WIT AND Testament.
Give Dennis Prieur nov head
TOM TIBBETTs 4"