The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1848-08-08
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.

evidence, and hung. About three
months after his death, the Judge who presid-
ed at the rial received note from prisoner
under sentence of death, requesting TO see him
without delay, as his sentence was 10 be carried
into effect the day following. On his way
thither, he overlook an old man walking slow
ly, whom he accosted and recognized to be Ca
leb Grayson, who had been a witness on Baks's
trial, and had similar note of his own, but
equally at loss TO know the meaning of his
summons. They both entered the cell togeth
er. The prisoner did not move. but only rails
ed his head. Grayson recollected having seen
him at a tavern the night before Blake's execu-
lion. and al the gallows.
"Well, Judge" said he, 81 sent for you to
see if you can get me out of this scrape. Must
hang Tomorrow
The Judge shook his head "It's idle to hope;
nothing can prevent your execution"
can application might be made TO the high
est authorities, said the prisoner. "Pardons
have come sometimes even on the scafiold."
''None will come in your case" replied the
Judge; sit is needless for me 10 dwell on your
offence, now; but it was one that had no pal
liation, and you may rest assured, that what
ever may have occurred In other cases, no par
don will come in yours. In fact, understand
that an application has been made for one by
your counsel, and has been refused"
The features of the prisoner underwent no
charge; nor did he expression of his face alter
in the least. But after moments pause, he
said: sis this true, Judge-upon your honor?"
sit Isl" replied the Judge.
''Then know the worst" replied the Grim
inal coldly, land will now tell what have to
communicate, which would not have done
while there was a hope of escape. ''You,
said he, turning to the judge, presided at the
trial of young Harry Blake, who was accused
of murder, and sentenced him to DEATH"
81 did,"
"And you,'' said he, turning to Grayson,
''were one of the witnesses against him. You
swore that you saw him stab Wickiffe. On
your testimony, principally, he was hung
al was replied the old man, 81 saw him
with my own eyes"
The prisoner uttered low sneering laugh,
as he said, turning to the judge.
"You, sir, sentenced an innocent man."
"And you," said he, turning to the other,
swore to a falsehood. Harry Blake did not kill
Wickliffe. He was as innocent of the sin OF
murder as you were-more innocent than you
are now.
The old man staggered as if he had been
struck, and leaned against the table to support
himself, whilst the condemned felon stood op.
/
terent air.
eyes, old man." said he sternly, ''you have
blood and perjury upon your soul, for II,
said he, stepping forwards so that the light o.
the lamp fell strongly upon his savage feature S
81 murdered William Wickliffel | did i'll
Thank God, did it, for l had long score &c
settle with him. But Blake had no hand in it
| met Wickliffe on that afternoon alone-witt
none to interfere between us. | told him the
Injuries he had done me, and told him The
time had come for redress. He endeavored II
escape, but followed him up; / grappled will
him and stabbed him. As did so, | hear
the catter of horses hoofs, and leaped into
clump Of bushes which grew on the road side
At that moment Blake came up, and foun'
Wickliffe lying dead in the road. You know
the rest. The tale he told was true as the gospel
He was only attempting to draw the knit
from the mans breast, when you came up an
charged him with the murder
''Good Col! Can this be possible?" ejacu
lated the old man. at cannot Villain, yo
4 are liar!"
"Pshaw~ muttered the man, "what could
gain by lie. Tomorrow die"
81 don't believe it; don't believe it!' ex
!, claimed Grayson, pacing the cell land wringin
his hands. "God in mercy grant that it ma
I be false! that this dreadful sin may not be upo
mel"
| The prisoner sat down. and looked at TN
[ Judge and the witnesses with calmness whlc
0 had something almost fiendish in it, when con
Q trasted with the extreme agitation OF the one
y and the mental agony of the other.
O At last the old man stopped in front of him
. and with calmness so suddenly assumed i
n the midst of his paroxism of remorse,. that
e even overawed the criminal, said: "You ar
one whose life has been tissue OF falsehoo
Y and crime. You must prove what you hav
!, said, or Ill not believe it,"
IS "Believe it," replied the prisoner, | saw I'll
n whole transaction, and heard your testimon
nj at the trial; for | was there too. I'll now te
you what occurred at the spot of the murde
4 which you did not mention, but which saw
When you rode up. the man with you jumpe
off his horse, and seized Blake by the cola
your hat fell off on the pomnel of the saddle
but you caught II before 1t reached the grount
You then sprang off your horse, and while Wi
son held Blake, you examined the body. YO
attempted TO pull the knife from his breast, bl
NJ it was covered with blood, and slipped fro
" your fingers You rubbed your hand on ii
. ground and, going TO a bush on the road sid
broke off some leaves and wiped your hant
= upon them, and afterwards the handle of Il
=. knife. You then drew it out, and was
- ed it in small puddle of water at the foot
% a sumach bush. As you did so, you look'
. round at Blake, who was standing with b
!, arms folded, and who said, Don't be unea'
., about me, Caleb; / didn't kill Wickliffe, an
I" ldon't mean to escape At one time you we
:, within six feet of where was. It's lucky yC
: did not find me, for was ready at that IN
., ment to sendyou TO keep company with Vic
9 life; but j saw all even when yo1 stumble
,;r and dropped your gloves, as you mounted 20
!. horse"
~ "God have mercy on me!p CALCULATED Ora
son. ''This is all tTue!-but one word MOI
90 heard Wickliffe, as we rode up, shrek o