Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1851-01-07
Life on the turning of "A Card.

A friend narrated to US day or two since
an aneodote of early times in Western Ten
nessee, which we shall attempt to repeat g.
ven at the risk OF his losing the graphic sim
plicty 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 8ch cases. popular
feeling was largely against him, and all the
eloquence and ingenuity of his council were
required to make any impression in his favor
upon a jury, which, however impartial it
might desire to be in the consciousness of
sworn duty, could not but see the ways Of
popular prejudice surging in upon it.
The case was ably argued. The council
for the defence made most vigorous and i'm
passioned appeals. The case was submitted
to the jury, and they retired, to make up their
verdict Time passed. and as the sitting
sun warned all of the approaching night, the
large throng in attesdance, the Judge, coun-
Gil, etc, retired, all anxious, the accused not
the least so, to learn the verdict of the jury
and some wondering that the jury hesitated
for one moment to bring in verdict of gull
ty. In the meantime the jury had come to a
point beyond which they could progress no
further. The appeals of the council for the
defense had not been without their influence,
and the jury stood unchangeably six for con-
viction and six for acquttal. Something had
to be done. In those days twelve good tel-
lows could not DO got together for a night,
and sleep. Cards appeared mysteriously
from the depth of sundry large pockets, and
exercises in seven up and poker were zeal
ously commenced
About midnight one of the number, Col. Il.
proposed that they should play game of
seven up, the result to decide the verdict
The proposition was heartily and unanimous
ly agreed to, in all seriousness, and the whole
crowd collected around Col. p and his op-
ponent who proceeded to play the game on
which was staked human life. Col. Z.
played To save the accused. His opponent
played, and quite zealously, to secure the
conviction. The hackers, five and five stood
behind them, encouraging the champions, and
watching the game, dimly seen by the light
of two tallow candles, with the most intense
interest.
The game proceeded with very equal for
tune, till both parties stood at six and six. 1t
was Col. P.'s deal; ho dealt, and TURNED
JACK. The prisoner was acquitted, and ev-
cry man of the jury joined in hearty shout
which startled the whole village, even the
revelers in "tho grocery" Next morning
the jury went into court, and gave, to the as
tonshment of many, the verdict of mot gull
ty." The juryman who played an unsuc-
cessful game for human life, still lives,
much respected citizen of this district. One
of the council is very distinguished MEM
Der of the Memphis bar and the accused has, |
as we believe, gone to higher court; but |
neither of them, nor any of the assemblage, |
nor the court who marveld at the verdict, |
eighteen years ago, have ever known that a |
human life was saved by turning jack
There are some curious episodes in the histo- |
ry of our carly settloments; but who would |
think of venturing life upon turning Jack!
Memphis Eagle,