The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1851-07-03
SCOTT CO., IOWA. THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1851

81 am sorry to say that he has, Morgan
answered.
swell never mind. would rather you
than some Of the rest here. But | have o
particular favor 10 ask of YOU. Perhaps
you will laugh and think it a weakness; bu,
| can't help it. Have you Bible at your
,ent?"
| told him that never travelled without
one, and that should be happy to read il
to him.
"Thank you," said he. 81 have not look
ed into one for years, more shame for me !;
i ! had followed its precepts should not
have been here"
| left him and walked back to my tent
How hated myself for the par, had got
to play in that murder, for could call it no
better. 1t was in vain that | pondered
plans to escape from he task. could see
no remedy, and the idea that must assist
in the execution almost drove me frantic.
It was now about nine. Morgan had
one hour more to live. went to the head
Of my bed, and taking my Bible left for the
store, where the prisoner was still confined.
A large collection Of people had assembled
from the different bars, and were passing
the time away in taking one or two drinks,
to give them an appetite for the tragedy thai,
was soon TO be enacted.
SNAKE way for the sheriff." shouted one
or two noisy fellows, as | cndeavored to
force my way into the presence of Nor
gan.
w4ooks d--d sight more like a
minister. Don't you see his Bible,' said
another.
| Ipassed into the store, where | found
Morgan seated on box He looked pale
and thoughtful, but smile Illuminated his
coun!enance when he saw that had
brought the book with me.
al had almost given you up" he observ
ed as seated myself by him.
Imade no reply, but commenced reading
a chapter in a low voice. In an instau,
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 the third chapter,
the loud voice Of Jones called out:
"Time's up bring out the prisoner
| slowly closed my book, and arose. Nor
gan also arose, and cut tho cords thai,
bound bis feet and stepped towards the en-
trance OF the store. He was now very
pale whether from tho loss Of blood or anx-
iety. ! did no. know.
While had been reading to him, they
had drawn lots on the outside, and six Of
the best marksmen on the river had the
chance Of shooting at the poor fellow
Their rifles were taken and loaded by y
third party, two Of them with nothing but
powder, SO that il should not be known who
shot him.
We walked along with the prisoner TO
The spot that had been chosen. It was a
high plain just back Of the store. ! asked
Morgan if he was ready.
"Cu,these confounIed cords, and take my
jacket of, so that | can stand up like q
man." he answered.
Iunhound bis hands and commenced re-
moving his jacket, when something fell 70
the ground, stopped to pick it up and
found il was miniature. 1t represented a
young md beautiful female, holding in her
arms babe, apparently only few months
Old. The mother was looking at the child
with such look rs only mother can give
while the child appeared to be making a
playful effort TO reach a ringlet Of her hair,
which fell in long cur!s about her neck. !
looked up and asked, "Morgan whose Por-
trait is this?'
He then for the first time observed that
had it.
'sThat is the portrait Of my wife and child,
whom left in New York; he said and
burst into tears. "Bury it with me for it is
all that have now
felt as though good crying spell
would do me good, about that time, and ifa
drop fell upon the beautiful face, that was
gazing so sweetly at her child, let me hope
that il did not ,arnish the bright colors OF
the picture.
Ia the meantime large crowd had ns-
sembed, and were gazing over my shoulder
al the picture, with evident delight.
passed il round to them, and every one Of
those rough men appeared to have spark
Of human feeling in their breasts that only
needed TO be touched TO produce good re-
suits. Ihad never made Il speech in my
life, but new feeling seemed to flow thro'
my veins. Springing upon large leg, ]
commenced rambling address. ! knew
that human being was in danger, and thai
might possibly save him. ] alluded to his
poor wife and infant child, their depend
cnco on him for support; and the onSIet,
and sorrow they must feel should they nev.
er hear from him again. But before ! had
finished, heard the loud voice OF old Jones,
exclaiming--
"Dsrn it all, boys, let the fellow go. J
have got an old woman myself, aud half a
dozen children, and can kinder guess
how they would feel il should pop off,
"Yes. le, him 60" said haIfa dozen OF The
most influential men on the river.
"Pu, il TO vote, boys;put it to vote, SAID
another.
"To vote it is them" said overjoyed at
nv success. "All those in favor Of letting
Morgan 60, will please signify it by saying
yes"
"Yes! yes!' roared nearly every voice IN
The crowd.
now turned tn look nj MORGAN, He