The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-04-09

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the body Of Clarke was waiting its final removal
| to the place selected for its seputure. An or
derby and regular procession was formed, and
preceded by the priest, with all the insignia of
the holy Catholic church, the body was carried
to the grave in the cemetery, in front of the
church, where, at the conclusion Of the Catholic
service, that of the Episcopal was read, and the
remains of the murdered man were left in their
last resting place. After these mournfu cere-
monies were concluded, it became necessary to
meet and consider the case of Alexander Nc
Nyen. The scenes of the day previous, and
the reflections of the past night, had caused
great change in this bold desperado and, with
a solemn promise that he would abstain from
liquor from that date, Gas it was to liquor alone
he charged his improper conductD he was dis
charged, rendering himself liable to certain pun
shment should he fail to respect his solemn OBJ
legation made in open court. AT SUI own Nc
Niven was far upon the road, alth his mouth
full of promises to do better in thc fl lure.
Socorro now became quiet, osaerly,, and a
pleasant place to dwell in, but the W. .Jne
other, and he the principal actor in ". these
scenes, who was yet to be apprehended and pay
the penalty Of all his great crimes, before this Sc
we're lesson for all evil-doers would be complete.
Four hundred dollars were subscribed and Of
Young and his delivery at Socorro. Volunteer
parties were out in ali directions and Others
were looking for him, tempted by the prospect
Of gaining the large reward. AT length, on the
morning of the 18th, news reached US of his ar
rest, and that in the evening he would be de-
ligered at Socorro. Another unpleasant, but
necessary duty presented itself, but it was in
possible to avoid it.
Young arrived in the evening, was placed in
jail, we'll chained and guarded; 10 o'clock the
following morning being appointed for his trial.
During the night he was visited in Jail, the care
less, logged look had left his eye, and the sup
plicating, inquiring glance told plainly of change
within the inner man. He was anxious to know
if either of the three previously hung had made
a confession or not, and said he had given up all
hopes Of escaping. Being asked if he wished
4 to write to any one, he answered that he would
like to have letter written to his mother, who
had not heard from him for six years past. The
letter was written, and the prisoner appeared
much affected. He confessed the truthfulness
of the charges against him, eliminating clearly,
and in still worse light, the three who were
hung first, besides many others. He did not
think there was any hope for him after death,
but would try and turn his thoughts heaven
ward. He then knelt down and prayed, after
which he was left alone.
| At 10 O'Clock, a. m, February 18th, the court
met, Jury impanneled, &c, notwithstanding the
incemency of the weather and the heavy falling
snow, which rendered the duties of the morning
doubly unpleasant At the opening of the court,
a letter of the prisoner, containing his confess
sion, was read publicly, then signed by himself,
and witnessed by certain members of the court
and other individuals there present.
! With the testimony already before the court,
in m INN,
ate verdict of guilty but it was deemed advis-
able to present other evidences to show still fur
Their the unmistakable guilt of every one who had
been punished, especially as it was to the interest
of one or two PERSONS who were passing for hon
est and honorable men, to uphold the characters
of their associates. The prisoner was found
guilty and sentenced to be hung. At 4 p. m, he
was taken to the church, where, with penitent
lips and on penitent knees, he made his final
confession, received the blessings of the priest,
and from thrnce was taken to the spot wherehe
was to be hanged. His last request for himself
was that he might be buried as well and as re-
spectacle as the circumstances of his case would
admit. While standing under the tree, with
the rope around his neck, he requested to be al
lowed to say few words to those standing
around. .,
He begged ofthose who were younger than he
persons might profit by the warning presented
in his case. They could see what gambling,
swearing, drinking and an ungovernable temper,
with the worst of evil associations, had brought
him TO- He had run away from home at the age
Of fourteen years, and would never see that
home again. With other remarks of like char
acter he concluded, begging them to beware of
liquor, the gaming table and an ungovernable
temper. At halfpast 4, p. m. the law was car
ried into effect, using the same tree and upon
the same spot where the first murdercrs were
hanged.
was talking with some of the Mexicans day
since, when an old man remarked, Alb, sir,
have now lived forty-nine years in these parts,
and never before witnessed such good example
as has been shown in the just and well-merited
punishment Of these murderers. This frontier
line has wanted something ofthe kind for long
time past Socorro is now more quiet than have
ever known it previously; we can now sit in
the evening at the doors of our houses, and not
be obliged, as before, to retire with the sunlight,
bar our doors, and seek the chimney corner with
fear and trembling"
The remarks Of the old man are just; many
that had fled the village are returning; the men
are busy in the fields, preparing and stocking
their lands for the spring crop; the children and
hnys are as noisy as ever, and the wild notes OF
the rancho song are heard in the quiet moonlit
eve, leaving an impression on the mind of listen
ing strangers, strange and peculiar TO itself.
But | have already made this hasty letter too
long, and until another opportunity offers, shall
say, adios. PH-LO JUSTICE.