The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-07-02

his feet and hands bound with strong cords,
looking dirty and ragged, with the blood
slowly dripping from his arm, where
ball had lodged from the revolver OF Dory,
| could not help plying the poor wretch.
He must have read compassion in my face,
for, making an effort to sit upright, in
which he was not successful, he asked me
for drink of water. | instantly handed
him some, and after drinking heartily, he
appeared to be relieved. | asked him if
there was anything else that | could do
for him. He remained silent for moment,
and then said:
"The Judge has appointed you TO see
that the sentence is carried into effect, has
he not!"
81 am sorry to say that he has, Morgan"
| answered. ......
swell, never mind. would rather it
were you than some others here. But
have particular favor to ask of you.-
Perhaps you viii! laugh, and think it
weakness; but can't help it. Have you
a Bible at your tent!"
told him that never travelled without
one, and that should be happy to read it
to him.
"Thank you," he said 81 have not
looked into one for years, more shame 10
me; if had followed its precepts, | should
not have been here" ..... ....
| | left him and walked back to my tent.
How | hated myself for the part that had
got to play in the murder, for | could call
It no better. 1t was in vain that ponder
ed plans to escape from my task. could
see no remedy, and the idea that must
assist in the execution almost drove me
frantic. l
Ii was now about nine. Morgan had
one hour more TO live. | went to the head
of my bed, and taking my Bible, LETT for
the store, where the prisoner was confined
A large collection Of people had assem-
bled from the different bars, and were
passing the time away in taking one or
two drinks, 10 give them an appetite for
the tragedy that was soon to be enacted.
"Make way for the sheriff. shouted one
or two noisy fellows, as | endeavored to
force my way into the presence OF Nor
gan. =.
"Looks a id sight more like min
ister Don't you see his Bible," said an
other.
passed into the store, where found
Morgan seated on box. He looked pale
and thoughtful, but smile illuminated his
countenance when he saw that | had
brought the book with me.
81 had almost given you up" he OBJ
served. as seated myself by him.
made no reply, but commenced read.
ing chapter in low voice. In an in
slant every head was uncovered within
hearing. and all was still within the store.
Morgan listened with great attention, but
by the time that had finished reading the
third chapter, the loud voice of Jones call
ed out .
"Time's up, bring out the prisoner"
| slowly closed my book, and arose,
Morgan also arose, and | cut the cords
that bound his feet and stepped towards
the entrance of the store. He was now
very pale, whether from loss of blood or
anxiety, did not know.
While had been reading to him. they
had drawn lots on the outside, and six oil
the best marksmen on the river had the
chance Of shooting at the poor fellow
Their rifles were taken and loaded by a
third party, two of them with nothing but
powder, so that it should not be known
who shot him.
We walked along with the prisoner to
the spot that had been chosen. 1t was a
high plain just back Of the store. | asked
Morgan if he was ready.
"Cut these confounded cords, and take
my jacket off, so that can stand up like a
man." he answered.
unbound his hands, and commenced
removing his jacket, when something fell
to the ground. ! stopped to pick it up, and
found that it was miniature. 1t repre-.
sented young and beautiful female, hold.
, ing in her arms babe, apparently only a
few months oid. The mother was looking
at the child with such look as only a
mother can give, while the child appeared
to be making a playful effort TO reach q
ringlet Of her hair, which fell in long curl;
| about her neck. | looked up and asked
t "Morgan, whose portrait is thisl"
| He then for the first time observed tina
| had it. .eA- ts..o
| "That is the portrait of my wife ant
I child, whom lett in New York." he sale
and burst into tears. "Bury it with me
/, for it is all that have now"
/ Ifelt as though a good crying spell would
do me good, about thattime, and if droI
fell upon the beautiful face. that was gaz
!, ing so sweety upon her child, let me hops
, that it did not tarnish the bright colors o
i the picture. lsa lai-#
1 Inthe meantime large crowd had as
sembled, and were gazing over my shoul
!. der atathe picture with evident delight.
|, passedit round to them, and every one Q
/. these rough men appeared to hove spar
of human feeling in their breasts that ohl
q needed to be touched to produce good re
!. '.Tsults. had never made speech in m
!. life, but a new feeling seemed to flo,
. Through my veins. Sprining upon a larg