Iowa news. [volume] (Dubuque, Upper Mississippi Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1837-1841, 1838-04-21

GEORGE WILSON, THE FEMALE HORSE
y THIEF.
The female in mems clothing, who
was taken up for Horse stealing few
weeks ago, was sentenced to two years
imprisonment in our Penitentriary,
where she is now enduring the penalty
of her crime. The only name that she
will give is George Wilson.
This female, is certainly very ex-
traordinary individual, and her person.
al adventures, if she could be induced
to relate them, would doubtless form
volume of uncommon interest. But
she is silent in almost every particular
in relation to herself. A few things
mentioned to her fellow prisoners have
been repeated, and they only create
desire 10 know more Of her character
and history. At a very early age, say
thirteen or fourteen, she assumed male
attire, which she has worn with but
one or two brief intermissions for nine
or ten years, undiscovered! She en-
tered very young as sailor before the
mast. and has crossed the ocean in that
capacity eight or nine times. For steal
ing, she was some time since confined
in the New York state prison for two
years-fifteen months of which time
was passed in solitary confinement.
While there, she steadily refused to
work, and every effort of punishment
or persuasion, failed to have the least
effect upon her. The solitary confnc-
ment was resorted to for me purpose of
breaking her determined spirit, but it
was vain. I.ashings on tie bare back,
regimen ofbread and wafer for weeks
alta time, and various otherpunishments
were resorteG TO, but she remained UNI
movable in her determination not to
work, and was only relieved, at times
from this severe treatment b! direction
of the physician, who frequently found
nature yielding to severity, until the
term Of her Imprisonment expired.
In our state prison, she is equally
incorrigible. No punishment which
has yet been inflicted, or kind PERSIA
sion that has been offered can move
her from her fixed resolution not to
work while imprisoned. Under the
sevcrest punishment, she Slows not the
slightest sign Of anger or emotion; and
will strip to receive the ash with as
much apparent unconcem as though
she were going to bcd-nor does she
cringe under the stroke. Her deter
mined perseverance is source Of much
pain to the keeper, who cannot allow
of any INSTRUMENTATION, and has there
fore to inflict, such punishmcnts as the
regulations of the institution demand
in cases where prisoners refuse to
work.
In stature sho is somewhere about
five feet eight inches, and as muscular
as pugilist. Her face looks like the
face Of a man II docs not show any
thing like wicked spirit; but is settled,
stern, and thoughtful-nevcr relaxing
into smile. She of course knows
nothing of woman's work. She can
handle a needle with no further dcx-
terity than will enable her to sow a
button on her pantaloons. She openly
avows her determination to steal when
ever she cannot find suitable employ
mcnt in which 10 obtain living
A year or two since she was in Balti-
more, and being closely pursued by the
minions of the law, changed her cloth
ing for female attire, and remained for
a few days on the Point, until she could
safely venture out again.
Take her all in all, she is a singular
and hardened creature, utterly setting
at nought all the regulations Of law,
and following the bent Of her warped
disposition, regardless Of the smiles or
frowns of the whole world She is an
English woman by birth, and has inti-
mated her intention Of having her life
written out and published when she re-
turns to her native country.
The Custom OF THE CouNTsY.'-
AT recent merry making in an emf
grant family, two unprincipled fellows
intrudcd themselves, and upon being
demonstrated with for their unruly be-
haviour, exclaimed. ooh. it's the custom
of our country Then replied the
others, This is the custom Of our coun-
try, with such fellows as you;' and
taking them by the shoulders they