Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1851-01-23

LIFE ON THE TURNING OF CARD.
A friend narrated to us day or two
since an anecdole of early times IN
West Tennessee, which we will attc,Apt
to repeat even at the risk OF losing The
graphic simplicity Of his conversational
narrative.
Some eighteen or twenty years since
well known resident of Upton county
was put on his trial, charged with the
murder of his wife. As usual in such
cases, popular feeling was largely a
gainst him, and all the eloqucnce and
ingenuity of his counsel were required
10 make any impression in his favor up
on Jury, which, however impartial it
might desire to be in the consciousness
of sworn duty, could not but see the
waves Of the popular prejudice surging
in upon il.
The case was ably argued. The
counsel for the defense made most Wig
orous and imprisoned appeals. The
case was submitted to the Jury; and
they retired 10 make up their verdict.
Tune passed, and as the setting sun
warned ali of the approaching night,
the large ihrong in attendance, the
Judge, counsel, &c, retired, all anxious
the accused not the least so, TO learn the
verdict of the Jury, and some wonder
ing that the jury hesitated for one mo-
ment to bring in a verdict of guilty. In
the meantime the jury had come to "A
point beyond which they could progress
no further. The appeals of the coun-
sci of the defense had not been without
their influence, and the Jury stood IN
changoably six for conviction and SIX
for acquilial. Something had to be
done. In those days twelve good fell
lows could not be got together for
night, and sleep. Cards appeared mis-
ieriously from the depth of sundry large
pockets and exercises III seven up and
poker were zealously commenced.
About midnight, one of their mum
Der, Col. p, proposed that they should
play game of seven up, the result To
decide the verdict. The proposal was
heartily and unanimously agreed TO, in
all seriousness, and the whole crowd
collected around Col. P. and his oppo-
nen,, who proceeded To play the game
on which was staked human iic Col.
p. played TO save the accused. HIS OPP
| ponent played, and quite as zealously
to secure the conviction The hackers,
five and five, stood behind them, encour-
aging the champions, and watching the
game, dimly seen by the light of two
taIlow candles, with the most intense
interest.
The game proceeded with very equal
fortune, ill both parties stood at siN
and six. 1t was Col P.'s deal he dealt
and turned Jack. The prisoner was
acquitted, aud every man of the Jury
Joined in a shout which startled the
whole village, even the jewellers in "thC
grocery. Next morning the Jury wen
into court, and gave, 10 the aslonish
ment of many, the verdict OF not gull
ty."
The juryman who played an unsuc
cessful game for human life, still lives
IA much respected citizen of this district
One of the counsel is very distinguish
ed member of the Memphis bar, anc
the accused has, as we believe, gone t,
a higher court but neither of them
nor any of the assemblage, nor III,
court, who marvelod at the verdict
eighteen years ago, have ever known
that human life was saved by turnins
Jack. There are some curious episode
IN the history of our early settlements
but who would think of venturing hf
5 upon turning jack Memphis Eagle