Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-04-13
STiOCKO JONES,
IN NEW CHARACTERS AN ADvocA rs


1NANEw cHARAcTER-As AN ADVOCATE.
A correspondent Of the Nashville Wing tells
the following good one of the notorious-or ce.
LIBERATED, if the reader will-Shocko Jones,
which The types have now for the first time
made public:
Our hero, after so magnif6cently doing S. s.
Prentiss and the Mississippi banks in 1887,
retired to the shades of "a comparatively private
life, settling in Columbus, the field of his
former glory. where his society was the de-
light of all true lovers of fun and frolic, those
only excepted who had been the victims of his
first grand plot. Here he engaged in no
ostensible occupation. save now and then
attending to small matters of business for his
most particular friends. He often relieved
the monotony of his quiet way of existence,
by rehearsing the past adventures of himself
and Prent,' or by playing off some new ruse,
which the irresistible old dog in whom he
would be at, with seriousness that deceived
even those who best knew him.
One day-it was the first of April, when
Mississippi blood begins to course more rapidly
after the damp fogs of winter-two Of the chiv-
alric spirits of Columbus engaged in mortal
combat in one of the principal streets, but
fortunately did no great damage to themselves,
though pistols and bowie-knives were freely
used. The affair was two public, however,
to escape the notice of the authorities, and
Mr.. D., the aggressor. was Immediately
brought before the committing magistrates on
the charge Of assault and battery with intent
to kill; and Mr.. B., the party attacked, was
summoned to attend as a witness. A good
deal of excitement was manifested, since both
parties were gentlemen of responsibility, and
the Court room was soon filled with persons
cage: to see the issue of the trial.
The prosecution exhibited a quiet irmness
and self-satsfed air that clearly indicated
their confidence of success. Poor D. felt
the case was bad one, and the probable pros
pect of two or three years. incarceration in the
State prison renderd his thoughts anything
but envable. Seized also ere he had time to
consult lawyer, he appeard without the aid
of counsel. But casting his eye over the
crowd, and seeing Shocko Jones, whose tact
was known to him, whose face assnredly, in
its grave phase, might pass for a Soloman's,
and who had just commenced the study oflaw,
but procured licence, D. concluded that, in
the emergency, he could not intrust his cause
in better hands.
The witnesses were unanimous. They tes-
titled that, on account Of difficulty which
occurred between the belligerents, D. had
armed himself and deliberately discharged a
pistol at him, evidently with intent to kill
The prosecution finished the examination oil
their witnesses without interruption or contra
diction from the prisoners side, and the ma
gistrates now only waited what could be shown
in his defence.
Shocko beheld every ground Of hope washed
from under his client like sand but most a
genius when most pinched, he determined to
make bold stroke 20 save him.
The principal witness, who was an old man
of much simplicity as honesty of character,
was called to the stand. Every eye was fixed
on Jones as he soberly addressed him.
Are you acquainted with Mr.. D, the
defendent!'
Yes, know him WE'LL
He is brave man, is he not!'
Yes, remarkably cool and brave
is he not good sbot!'
Il believe he is rather noted as marksman.
How far did you say Mr.. D. was from
Mr.. B when the pistol was fired!'
'Qute near; not more than six or eight
paces.'
a good shot. Do you see any reason why he
did not hit B at that distance!'
NO. was surprised that B. was moi
killed.
Perhaps can tell you,' insinuated Shocko
who up to this time had asked his questions
with the greatest sobriety, bnt whose express
i've countenance now assumed smiling, know
ing look, as he proceeded. DO you know
old gentlemen, that this is the first Of .April!-
Doesn't THAT explain the whole matter =? he
added half closing his eyes after the manner
ofthe scamp who winked himself into the
authorship ola book of epigrams-strokine
his chin and pulling out and twisting hi:
goat into comical peak, all with the mos
, inimitable colness.
The hint took. The witness, Cycling dit
remember that it aOas All-fools day-the pros
, ecntion began TO feel foolish-the magistrates
looked like they were on thorns and taking
medicine-a spontaneous burst of applause
D and laughter arose from the audience, and tn
S sheriff, one hand to his side and the other cram
t ming his handkerchiefinto his mouth, found
impossible to stop the 'noise and confusion
that ensued. The truth las they all thought
i had suddenly flashed upon them, that the Who'll
i affair, pistols and so forth, was TRICK, plan
d ned by Shocko, and the court, highly indig
!: nant that their worsips should be thus hum
d bugged, Immediately left in disgust!
Thus may some good be produ
ced by the reputation of being sad fellow
Shocko had often manufactured joke out o
p nothing, but never before converted a seriou
e fight into mere April fool trick. And as
It fee for his skill, he demanded of his delihte
a client punch and coblers for the company.
Yours truly, HA-HA-HA!