The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1842-08-12
From the N. 0. Crescent City, July 30.
A E:rotl,er,s EseXemge.

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The following narrative will be read
with absorbing interest. Freeman arrived
here on the Star, in the custody of the
brother of his murdered wife, and will
soon appear before the bar of justice to
answer for the Inhuman deed. The par
ticulars were derived from Mr.. Crawford,
and are doubtless correct.
The prisoner, Wiley Freeman, WAS
born in Edgeield district, S. c., where
he married Mary Crawford, about twenty
two years ago. They lived happily to-
gether, until he took to drink when he
would bea, and abuse her in shocking
manner. After remaining some months
in this disagreeable situation, she came to
the conclusion to separate from him; ac-
cordingly, she came TO the house OF her
brother, John Crawford, where she re-
NAMED with her eleven children, until he
removed to the District of Columbia.
Freeman afterwards cnticed the children
away, and then sent them TO the mothers
house in ragged and dirty condition.
No sooner where they clothed again by
the affectionate mother, than he would
persuade them back. The third eide
son, who lived with his mother, one day
was sent by her with message to the
father; when he arrived al the house, he
was told by Freeman's sister that his faith
err was absent, and that he had better take
the children home to his mother. The
boy FRANKLIN by name) had not long de-
parted when the father came home. He
asked his sister where the children were /;
and when she informed him that the son
had taken them away, he snatched rifle
from the mantle piece and loaded it, put
ting in two bals--swearing he would
shoot the boy, and Immediately went in
pursuit. When he came to the ferry
which they had to cross, he asked if the
children had crossed over, describing
them, and was answered IN the ailirma-
tive. Fortunately for them, they had ta-
ken by-way, but, unfortunately for their
mother, they had not got home. Free
man, with murderous intent, pursued his
way to the house; and, on discovering
that there was no one in but his wife and
black woman, he cooked his piece and
took deliberate aim. 1t was only then
that the poor woman discovered him, or
became aware of her dangerous situation.
She exclaimed, "Lord, Mr.. Freeman,
you are not going to kill met" He re-
piled, II am, by God;' whereupon he
fired, and she fell from her chair on the
floor. The old black cried, "You have
killed my MISTRESS" and began to alarm
the neighbors by screaming. He com
menced loading his gun again: hut .vhnn
he had rammed the ball about foot down
the barrel, the ramrod broke. He now
became alarmed and fled.
This atrocious murder was committed
on the 10th of June, 1891 The neigh
bors hearing the cries of the black woman
were soon on the spot, the body was lifted
and put on a bed, and the abused wife en-
pired next morning, with no word against
her murderer.
Shortly after this the Governor offered
a reward of 81 800 for the apprehension
of the murderer, and he was taken and
committed to Jail; but before his trial
came on he effected his escape.
John Crawford, brother to the murder
ed woman, at this time lived at distance
of 500 miles from the scene of blood.
Upon hearing the death Of his sister, he
came to Edgetield with the full determi-
nation of pursuing the murderer, promls-
ing himself no rest until he had discovered
him: and faithfully has he performed his
duty, through many difficulties. tie first
proceeded to Texas, where he heard
freeman was residing, and obtained from
President Houston an order to arres, him,
aud power to convey him to Georgia.
But Freeman went to Mexico, where he
remained until an order issued by that
government in relation to foreigners resi-
| dent there, compelled MIN TO leave the