Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-07-18

got 10 play in that murder, for | could
call it no better. II was in vain that /
pondered plans to escape from my task.
| could see no remedy, and the idea
that mus: assist in the execution almost
drove me frantic.
1t 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 peo-
pie had assembled from the different bars;
and were passing the time away in one
or two drinks, to give them an appetite
for the tragedy that was soon to be en-
acted.
snake way for the sheriff. shouted
one or two noisy fellows, as endeayor-
ed to force my way into the presence Of
Morgan.
"Looks d-d sight more like min
ister. Don't you see his Bible," said
another.
passed into the store, where / found
Morgan seated on box. He looked
pale and thoughtful, but smile illumin-
ated his countenance when he saw that |
had brought the book with me.
81 had almos, 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 at
ten!ion, but by the time that had finish
sd the third chapter, the loud voice of
Jones called out:
"Time's mp, bring out the prisoner.
/ slowly closed my book, and arose.
Morgan also arose. ant cut the cords
that bound his feet and stepped towards
the entrance of the store. He was now
very pale, whether from the loss Of
blood, or anxiety, did not 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
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. II
was high plain just back of the store.
"Cut these confounded cords, and
take my jacket off, so that can stand
up like man." said he.
unbound his hands, and commenced
removing his jacket, when something
fell to the ground. stopped TO pick j,
up, and found that il was miniature
ltrepresentcd a young and beautiful fe-
male, holding in her arms babe. appa-
rently only few months old. The
mother was looking at the child with
such a look as only mother can give,
while the child appeared to be making
a playful effort to reach ringlet of her
hair. which fell in long curls about her
neck. Hooked up and asked, ..Mor-
gan, whose portrait is this?"
He then Cor the first time observed,
that had it.
"Fhat is the portrait of my wife and
child, whom lett in New York." he
said, and burst into tears. "Bury it with
me, for it is all that have now!"
| fel, as though good crying spell
would do me good, about. that time, and
il drop fell upon the beautiful face,
that was gazing SO sweetly at her child,
let me hope that j. did not tarnish the
bright colors of the picture.
In the mean time large crowd had
assembled, and were gazing over my
shoulder at the picture, with evident de-
light. passed i. 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 results. l had
never made a speech in my life, but a
new feeling seemed to flow through my
veins. Springing upon large log, l
commenced a rambling address. knew
that human being was in danger, and
that might possibly save him. allu-
ded to his poor wife and infant child.
their dependence on him for support;
and the anxiety and sorrow they must
feel should they never hear from him
again. Before | had finished, heard
the loud voice of old Jones, exclaim-
ing:-
"Darn it all, boys, let the fellow go.
| have got an old woman myself, and
half dozen children. and can kinder
guess how they would feel, if should
pop off,"
"Yes, let him co. said half dog
en- of the most influential men on the
river.
"Put il to vote, boys, put it to vote"
said another.
ITO vote il is them" said | overjoyed
at my success. "All those in favor of
letting Morgan 90, will please signify i,
by saying yes."
"Yes! yes!' Ioared nearly every voice
in the crowd.
lnow turned to look at Morgan. He
had sank on his knees when the result,
Of the vote had been declared, and l
sincerely believe that he made short
acknowledgment to Heaven for his
wonderful preservation. He arose from
his knees, and taking my hand he thank
ed me with tears in his eyes for the in
terest had taken in his trial. / walk