The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1851-03-27
0ns-Eyed ThampSos,


/ fishing sketches of the life of William H.
/ Thompson, better known as "One- Eyed
/ Thompson" who committed suicide q
! few days ago in New York prison, an
account of which we published IN the
Chronicle From the account before US,
portion of which we copy, be must,
a have been very remarkable man, IN
many particulars. He was born in New
York city Of an honorable stock. and was
gifted with a genius of more than common
stamp, and disposition that was as bold,
as wayward and peculiar as MS mind.
When boy at school be was not re-
markable for proficiency, but Jagged in
/ attainment far behind boys of much infe-
rior capacity, get in the school ard and
IN the street he shot beyond them all, and
was thc acknowledged leader Of every
crowd OF daring and reckless youngsters.
His mind was very acute and vigorous;
he was possessed of great courage for acis
of desperation and fearful undertaking.
His boyhood promised thai which his age
developed.
The following exploi, is sufficient TO
make the reader, familiar with Thompson
/ desperate and peculiar nature, and enables
US 10 understand the exact bearings of his
mind.
On certain night late IL the Fall, when
the trees were leafless, and when Winter
sent lis prologue to riot through The streets
of New York in bowling, dismal driving
storm of wind and rain, party of FIVE or
SIX persons were gathered together In
store IN Pearl street, within three or four
doors of Frankfort. As became the dis
position of sucf a night, the conversation
felt the mournful impulse of the elements,
, and shrunk from general discussion 10 the
coRgenIal subject of superstltions. strange
appearances, weird oracies, ghosts, and
walking of the bandaged dead; I'LL the
ashy spectators In these views of horror
found themselves pressed close against
each other, round the fire. Thompson
was one of the circle. but though he could
not resist certain awe which crepl over
him from The combined influence OF the
shuddering legends and the shocking night,
he was more free from the tyranny of The
illusions than any of the party When
things were IN this state, some reference
was made 20 the condition of the burying
ground of the Brick Church, which still
stands al the corner of Beekman street and
PARK Row, and which was then undergo
ing some improvement or repairs that ex-
posed the vaults, or one of them, 10 the
incursions of any person who might feel
disposition 10 invade It's mysteries.
who dare 60 there and bring skull7'
said Thompson.
The party shuddered audibly a, the au-
dacious thought.
well, dare - continued Thompson,
COMPRISING his lips, after his peculiar
fashion, and answering his own question;
Il dare, and if any one will bet me five
dollars, will 60 do II now ~
The money was bet; Thompson pulled
down his cap, drew his cloak around him,
and followed by two of the party who
were deputed to witness his exploit under
the shelter of an umbrella, lec the way TO
the cemetery.
The rain came down II torrents, driving
this way and that, as if vexed and full of
spite that ii could not pelt every object
that opposed il from Its path. and enjoy
the night alone. In the midst of this
kissing and doieful atmosphere Thompson
went on uncovered. and one of The pair
who followed. describes The pictuie OF his
tall, ungainly figure, swaihed tightly by
his cloak, which furiered only at the
skirts. as one of the visionary specires OF
which they had been talking, fitting ihro'
the troubled air, and seeking Its road back
10 the quiet tomb from which il had tenn
porzrily estrsyed. Soon they reached the
Brick Church. and bidding them 90 stand