The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-10-09
WOODSFIELD, OHIO SATURDAY, OCTOBER O. 184z

fast becoming a drunkard, and scarce
three years had passed since the duel,
ere he was stricken down in early
manhood, and laid near his antagonist
In the earth.
But his death! We were present
at ii, and never may we witness such
another! That subject-so long kept
sealed up by himsel1--so long untouch.
ed by family or friend--,he murder Of
his school companion and neighbor,
was at last broken by himself. ST could
not help it," said he, as his eyes glared
upon US, and his breathing became
painful from its quick and audible ac-
ton. We knew to what he referred,
and endeavored to direct his thoughts
into other channels. In vain. ~ could
not help it! ] was forced into it: could
not help itw And all this was, in ii
duelling sense, true. He had every
excuse man could have to fight; bu,
when so assured he exclaimed wildly,
ut will not dol murdered him--l see
him now have seen him as he lay
dead ON the field, ever since | slew
him. My God! My God!" And mu;.
tering these, and like sentenccs, with
IA shrek such as never again heard
uttered, he died!
Another instance. A young Scotch.
man came to Charleston, S. G., and
settled there. He gave offence to a
noted duelIist, and was challenged !;
fought and killed him. He removed to
New Orleans: was engaged in success
full business, and was regarded as the
merriest fellow about. His intimate
friends thought the murder had made
no impression upon him; not one Of
his relatives believed he cared anything
about it. .
In 1884 or '35, he was engaged in a
large cotton speculation. News Of a
rise in price reached New York. II
he could sell. or make some particular
arrangement, he could realize fortune.
But it was necessary to 60 to New
York. He jumped on board a steam
er, went to Montgomery, Alabama, and
pushed on rapidly by land to Washing.
ton city. Over excitement brought on
fever, and he was obliged to stop in the
inte rior of South Carolina.
Full fifteen years had elapsed since
he had killed his man. For the first
time he lay on bed Of sickness. He
had fever, and deIirium with it. And
in that delirium, with terrible anguish
and maniac fury, he spoke Of this deed
of death! 1t made those of US who
heard him shudder as we listened!-
Was his laughter all along forced?
Had his merriment been lip deep, Of
the intellect, and not Of the heart? He
grew better, and his physician thought
him convalcscent. Now and then he
would start in his sleep and exclaim,
"Take him off me; don't tie his dead
body to me;" but the fever had abated,
and we all thought he would soon be
well. He did grow better, but watch
ing his opportunity, he went to chest
of drawers as it for something, STEALTH
Iy took from it razor and drew it ra-
pidly across his throat! 1t was dread
ful cash that he made, and would have
been fatal had not one who was near
struck his elbow, as he was making the
attempt upon his life.
Poor man! He knew and had
known no peace, since the day he had
killed his opponent. When he thought
his end near, he made the confession.
''He felt," he said, "as if he was a mur.
derer, though no one charged him with
the crime"
And our belief is, that no man who
kills another ever feels other wlse.--
The mark Of Cain is upon him, and he
sees it if no nther eye does.