Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-09-07

the negro large portion of the money, with
his freedom, he consented to do the deed
On an autumn night, the family had
gone to corn-husking in the neighbor-
hood, leaving the old man Peyton at home
intoxicated. At this place was Fisk, Wal
lace, and Charlie; and after the hands had
gathered in, Wallace insisted that Charles
should go to the house, as he might take
cold in the wound his master made upunf
him, using the insult offered by the old
man to excite the negro and all taking al
full supply of the stimulus, Charles sat out
to execute their plan. Going to his mas
ter's, he found him sitting before the fire,
which had burned down, leaving nothing
but small chunk, giving out but blue
Pickering light The old man was bent
forward, his head resting on his cane, which
was clenched with his hands. All was
silent as the tomb, save the cricket and the
dark ominous hooting of the owl. Pre-
pared by liquor and the evil counsel Of
Fisk and Wallace, their poor, misguided
dupe, taking the axe from the wood-pile,
walked into his masters room, and with
one powerful blow the old man fell from
his chair, and one more stroke severed his
head from his body.
Charles then sought the money which
the miser had stored away; having found
the most of it, he hastened away to meet
his companions, and having concealed their
ill-gotten gains, they returned to their
homes. Next morning was found the body
of Mr.. Peyton, the appearance of which
told hoaO the murder had been committed !;
but evidence as to eOho had caused his
death, and the facts in the case, were want
ing for a time. But like murder generally,
it "will out" It may be likened to the
burning mountain of Vesuvius, where all
in semblance is calm and quiet; for time,
the fierce flame which is smouldering within
may be smothered, but it is always ready
to burst forth Proud of their spoils, they
boasted of their riches and money--their
never-failing bank, and the like, until sus-
picion rested upon them, and especially
upon Wallace, who had exposed his secret
when drunk. Soon the proper authority
sought him, but he was able to make his
escape. Fisk and Charles were taken and
tried Charles was condemned, but Fisk
being granted another trial, gave bail, and
fled the country. Fisk and Wallace
turned their backs on their children and
wives forever!
x X
On a cold winter day in 1852, a large
crowd assembled in the town of W
N. c., to see the last of one over whom
liquor had had it's sway. AS the hour fo
execution drew nigh, the sky became cloud
ed, and seemed to drop tears of sorrow upo1
the scene. Soon, in the midst of thousands
surrounded by strong guard, man upol
whom the curse of murder rested, marche
to the fatal spot, where, upon his own col
fin, on the very portals of eternity, h
warned men, and especially those of hi
color, to beware of spirits, for he was a
example of it's effects 81 was drunk, c
I never should have killed my master. D
How cold how dark the hour of passage
where the mind has but one idea to Wor
upon, and that idea is death Then ris
= up all those dark doubts which besiege th
: small garrison of faith. Then comes th
loves, the hopes, the wishes, the lingerin
: affections of the world. Oh! it is terribl
L an awful thing even for the stoutest hea
= and best prepared spirit, to wait in silen'
, for the approach of the grim King of Te
y rors ! The cord was located, the knot tie
} and as the fatal instrument was drawn, I
> voice said stay thy hand The silver COZ
= that connected him with earth was severe
u u and his soul hastened into eternity. FIJI
- and Wallace were outcasts upon the ia
: Of the earth, hated Of God and feared al
0 despised of men-while the haggard corp
of their deluded victim lay a spectacle al
a q warning of the runious effects of strol
q drink
Il Il HYPERION, N. c., August, 1853.
y ASAD SIGHT.-The following account ot
p scene in the Boston Police Court, on Frid
e. is from the Post: