Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa Territory [Iowa]) 1840-1846, 1842-12-10

charge Of the body and locked the cell.
Most strange to say, just at this mo-
ment, the largo cupola Of the Tombs was
discovered to DO on fire; and burned furi-
ously; 60 that, il he had not killed him.
self, in consequence Of the execution be.
ing postponed TO the latest moment, it is
very probable, that in the confusion a.
rising from the fire, and tho mob breaking
into the Tombs, Colt would either have
made his escape, Of he would not have
been hung.
1t caught accidentally from stove
that was in the cupola, the whole outside
work Of which was consumed.
The conduct Of those concerned needs
no commentary. The public will pass
judgments on them! We have more to
usy about his visitors hereafter.
EIGHT O'CLOCK, P. VI.
The CoRoNER's lNQuEsr.-At the hour
Of seven o'clock Coroner Archer, with a
Jury selected by his deputy. Abner MILF
kin, Esq, assembled in the Court Room
Of the General Sessions in order to in
vestigate the cause Of the death Of John
C. Colt. The Court Room was crowded
10 excess as soon as the doors were
opened, and the galleries filled to over
flowing by the anxious spectators. The
Coroner was accompanied by His Honor
Mayor Morris, Alderman Crolius, Stew
art and Smith.
REv. Henry ANTHoN was called and
sworn. My visitations commenced on
Monday, and before ! proceed to be ex
amined, would wish to read the notes
have taken each day. The Reverend
gentleman here commenced reading his
notes, which occupied some length Of
time. They contained diary Of each
days Interview with Colt, in which it
appears that deceased expressed q belief
in future rewards aud punishments, and
that he united with DIR. Anthem IN pray.
or on Tuesday, at his second interview.
On tho third meeting he confessed be-
lief in Christ, anI the justice Of the Gre.
ator. He solcmniy declared that he com.
united the murder Of Adams in self de-
fence, and said that he should not die
with lie upon his lips, and that he was
prepared to meet his Col with such q
declaration.-IIe also complained against
the publications in some Of the penny pa
pers. The third interview the question
Of suicide was alluded 10, whe.l lie re-
/ piled that he had no such intention.
Ills child and mistress were spoken oil
and upon suggestion Of DR.. Anthem in
relation to his marrying Miss lIcnshaw,
he said he would consult his friends and
decide upon it. In the interview ON Fri
q day he handed me the sum Of $500
which he said had been given him by his
brother. counted The money ard lie
requested me to pay over to his intended
wife $50 per month us long as ii lasted
told him that | would stand sponsor tol
the child, and give reccip, for the mo.
ney, as soon us they were married.
married them about II o'clock and Col,
exhorted his wife to lead christian life
and endeayor to bring up the Chile! aud
educate it. | offered 10 take the child
and bring it up as far rs was in my pow
err; but nc SAID his relatives desired t.
have the care oft. In the las, interview
! with him, which was about two o'clock he
asked Tor watch which was given him
by one oil the deputies, and he compared
I; il with the limo ot tho Sheriff. Ga lcav
Ing MIN told him TO die with christian
fortitude-and Inc said Yes will die with
christian forti,ude." l went to the door
OF the cell III company with the Sheriff
aud found deceased lying dead Oh his cot
j know nothing os:.''e manner il which the
knife was gwen TO deceased.
Col. MM. JOKES, keeper OF the city
! prison, called and sworn:- John T.. CO..
was in my costody from July 2nd 10 Mon
day afternoon last-sincc then lie has
been in charge Of the sheriff. l took a
receipt from the sheriff when delivered
him over. have not seen deceased since
Monday last. He remained in the same
cell after the sheriff took him into custo
dy rs before. searched his Gel! OH Mon
day morning o! this week, but found no
dangerous instruments. We give it a
thorough search, aud was satisfied tina,
there was nothing in his cell a. that time
that we could find Of a nature to destroy
lie. have never seen the knife here
shown before, nor have any knowledge
as to how it came into hisccIl, had chains
placed OH his feet OH Monday.
DR. JOHN L. MAcoMB, physician Of the
city prison, sworn: | visited the prlsoner
frequently unit! Monday last, bu, have
not seen him since. have seen his
body, the knife here shown was III his
body-a hole was cut in his vest aud
shirt, about three inches in Diameter.
and the knife was inserted hal, ul inch
below tho nipple OF the left side, and be-
tween tho fourth and fifth ribs-on the
upper margin Of tho fifth rib. made !.
post morteln examination OF the body in
company with Dr.. llosack-lhe knife
was inserted an inch and half in the
left yentricle Of the hcart-he must have
understood the anatomy Of his body tc
have produced such result could
not have done better myself. On Mon
day last, deceased desired 10 borrow
work on anatomy from me, but refused
TO lie: him have the then desired to
know which Of the vessels in the arm
would produce the easiest death, but |
told him should not tell him.
The New York American Of Saturday
afternoon adds
Long after the verdict Of the Coroner's
jury was pronounced. however. th. :. rn,vd