Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1854-06-09
A True Sketch.

Inc loHowing lalthlul picture, drawn by
James H. Smith, Esq, Associate Editor OF
the Wilmington Free Press. actually trans.
pired in our own city Of Raleigh. We we'll
remember the soulthrilling cries and harrow
ing shreks Of the heart broken mother. We
stood near the galows as the unfortunate
victim was prepared foi the fatal drop, and
warned the multitude around to beware Of
strong dli1k, foul demon that had brought
him to his awful end. Anxiously he looked
for and seemed TO expect the approach Of a
courier bearing the Govethor's Reprieve, he
would cry-~'lt Ii hard--t is hard for one so
young 10 die the felons death-Ohl whisky,
whisky--cursed whisky it has ruined me-.
The last five minutes of his time had come
the Sheriff adjusted the rope and death.cap
1.-The fatal cord was cut-and poor Madison
johnson hung between Heaven and earth
the disgraced and lifeess victim Of strong
drink Ed. Sphit Of the Age.
In the days Of my boyhood knew young
man who was in the eighteenth year Of his
age, or thereabouts. The healthy blood flow
ed in his veins, and he bid fair to live many
years But, although nurtured by tender
parents and taught TO avoid evil practices. he
he mingled in evil company, aud at last he
began TO drink liquor. His father. who kept
grog shop, ascertaining that he drank to
excess, forbid the clerk from letting his
son have any, on pain Of being discharged. A
few days after this order, the young man en-
tered his fathers shop, and demanded a
drink of brandy.
Your father, has positively forbade me let.
ting you have any, said the good nstured
clerk.
4 don't care what he or you says either.
shouted the young man, for bis passion was
becoming ungovernahle.
You can't have any liquor form this place,
sir,
| i cannot?'
Not Drop
Then I'll have something else,' said the
young man, fercely, drawing a pistol from
his pocket and presented it at the frightened
clerk
Give me liquorl
'l'lI die first
Then die, I'll have liquor
A report, and the clerk fell corpse on the
floor. The murderer was arrested. Mad
with the effects Of brandy. he ragged the more
as those around endravored to pacify him.
He became the sole occupant OF dismal dun,
geon-the felon's home. The unfortunate
youth was left alone-alone with his own con-
science and with no eye 10 watch the opera
lions of remorse when he became sobsr but
the eye of the Eternal.
The awful day Of his trial is at hand He
is put upon his trial and pleads not guilty.
Consel use every stratagem to clear him. but
after patient investigation, twelve homes:
and capable men pronounced him guilty Of
murder. The Judge with a sad heart, yet an
unyielding sense Of duty pronounces the dread
full sentence Of death upon the doomed man.
He is remanded back to his dungeon home.
where cut off from hope, iu this world, he
might prepare for eternity.
The revolving wheels Of time bring the ia.
tai Friday; the crowds Of men are gathering
here and there-every pulse beating wildly.
The law will be enforced. But what grief
stricken group is this who are vending their
way 70 the Governors Mansion? They are
the parents of the doomed youth. They are
making another soul appeal to the Governor
See they are kneeling at his feet, and are
pleading for the FIRST pledge of their early
love. The wild screams OF the heart broken
mother ring out clear upon the air and reach
even the cell of her beloved son. But there
is voice far louder than the terrific wall oi
that mother. Justice thunders to the officers
see thou pardon him not-blood for blood
Hope fed-all is lost!
With the crowd we hasten to the prison
The time has come to proceed to the place
where the horrible tragedy shall terminate
Behold him! o. God save me from scene
so overwhelmingly appalling. He comes ou,
of his slimy cell dressed in the habiliments o.
the grave. His mother, his once beloved
moai,er, is there waiting to give him one part
ing embrace. He kneels down and asks he
to forgive him for breaking her poor heart
becoming a drunkard and consequently
murderer. Weep ye angels over scene
like this. oh, youth of America-be warn
ed by his confession. 1t was Rum that did
it all. the Sheriff proceeds to the fatal spot
The agitated crowd follows. They reach the
place. After short prayer the crimna
ascends the scatfold. The rope and cap il
adjusted; short pause and then dull. heavy
sound falls upon the air, and the stiffness o
death comes over the assembled multitude.
Justice says, am satis6ed--the victim wa
slain. Rum had done its work.