Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1851-01-23

A friend narrated to us day or
two since an 'anecdote Of 'eariy times
In West TenneSsee, which We win
attempt to repeat even at The fisk of
losing the graphic simplicity Of his
conversational narrative. W
Some eighteen or twenty Years
since well known resident of Tipr
ton county was put on his trial,
charged with the murder Of his wIFG
As usual in such cases, popular feel
ing was largely against him, and az
the eloquence and ingenuity Of
his counsel were required to make
any impression in his favor upon a
jury, which however impartial if
might desire to be in the conscious
ness of sworn duty, could not but
see the waves Of popular prejudice
surging in upon il. Las .H1iSG'xoi
y The case was ably argued The
counsel for the defence made most
vigorous and impassioned appeal.-a
The case was submitted to the .iury:
and they retired 10 make up, their
verdict. Time passed, and as t6e
setting sun warned all Of the ap. ap-
preaching night, the large throng in
attendance, the Judge, counsel, ecey
retired, all anxionS, the accused NOT
the least so, to learn tbs Ssfaiet OF
The jury, and some wondering that
the jury hesitated for one moment
to bring in a verdict Of guilty In.
the meantime the jury bad come
20 point beyond which they could
progress no further. The appeals
OF the counsel for the defence had
not been without their influence, and
the jury stood unchangeably six for.
acquittal. Something had to be done.
In those days twelve good fellows
could moi be got together for a night.
and sleep. Cards appeared myste-
riously from the de pth Of sundry
large pockets, and exercises in ssye6g
up and poker were zealously COM
menced. 80 Do --s-''e-r rs
About midnight one Of their num-
Der, Col. p, proposed that they.
should play game Of seven-up, the,
result TO decide the verdict. The
proposition was heartily and unani-3
mously agreed TO, in all seriousness,
and the whole crowd collected around
Col. P. and his opponent, who pro-s
ceeded to play the game on which
was staked human lie. Col. p.
played TO save the accused. Hisoppo.-
nent played. and quite as zeaIously,,
10 secure the conviction. The back
srs, FIVE and five, stood behind them,
encouraging the champions, and
watching the game, dimly sesn by.
he light Of two talIow candles, with
lhe most intense interest. 7-lsrus
The game proceeded with verv
squaI fortune, till both parties stood
It six and six. 1t was Col. P.'s dealt
he dealt and TURNED JACK. The
prisoner was acquitted, and every
nan Of the jury Joined in a shout
which startled The whole village,
sven the jewellers in "the grocery
Next morning the jury went into
court, and gave, TO the astonishment
y many, the verdict o. "not guilty.
The juryman who played an unsuc-
;essful game for human life, still
ives, a much respected citizen Of
his district. One of the counseIisa
'ery distinguished member 7of the
Memphis bar and the accused has,
IS we believe, gone TO a higher
court, but neither Of them, nor any
'f the assemblage, nor the court, who
narVelled at the verdict, eighteen
Ieazs ago. have ever known that hG4
nan life was saved by turning Jackl
There are some curious episodes in
he history Of our early settlements;
'ut who would think OF venturing
lie upon turning Jack. .' ao.ilI5T
ID Hera iaeJ ii Mem. Eaglssdi