The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-11-23
Death of a Haf Century Convict.

An aged coIored man, known by the
name of "Old Bob" who has been an in
mate of the Maryland Penitentiary, since
1910, died at that institution on Wednes-
day. The history Of this man, and the cir
cumstances attending his conviction and
Incarceration have frequently been rehearscd
to the public, and were tile subject Of com
mcnt by Charles Dickens, in his"Notcs on
America" a work published after the gen
tleman had returned from making the tour
of f.this country. He belonged to planter
Of Charles county. who was rather severe
master, and in 1902 placed him on board
vessel, with instructions to allow no one
not even the son Of the master, to come on
the vessel, and if any attempt was made to
board the vessel he should strike them on
the head with handspike. In the evening
following the issuing of this mandate, the son
of his master, in company with two of his
associates, approached the vessel and ID ,,s at.
tempted to head her; he was warned not
to come on board, by aOld Bob" who re-
peated the instructions of his master. and
added that he would obey the orders he had
received. The young man, regarding the
language OF the negro as Jest, rushed
heedlessly forward, and gained position
on the vessel; but no sooner had he landed
than Bob picked up the handspiko and
knocked him in the eahead, killing him in
stantly. Bob was Immediately arrested and
lodged in JAIL. He was tried for murder
and convicted. The circumstances of tho
case under which the deed had been perpe.
trated, SO far secured the clemency Of the
Court as to commute his sentence to impris-
onment for life.-Ho was first placed 10 The
chain gang, where he continued until the
erection of The .Penitentiary, when he was
transferreds to that institution, where he re-
manned until his death on "Wednesday.
The period Of his confinement was about
tfty-three years. and he was upwards of one
hundred years old at the time of his death.
For a number Of years past, he has been
spared all laborious employment, and passed,
time in amusing himself in VARIOUS ways,
such as cultivatingJ flowers, raising pigs,
smoking herring, DC. SO strongly had the
habits Of a life in prison grown upon him
that on several occasions, when he was lib
Grated; to test. what might be his conduct.
he refused to leave the institution. and when
the gates were closed upon him, he would
weep. Ikea child until he was restored to
bis Sfmerposition: His department during
the whole period of bis confinement was
such that no fanIsconld be found with him;
Hs Atsfaeted sthas special attention Of ali
eand has gained per-
sdel by being a convict
sSe done, had not the ca.
lamisS fsm: s .. #
historY Of this venerable convict
9 lesson may be learned by those who com.
mandsA sAbat which should not be performed.
By is right and pSopes. that slaves should be
obedient unto theft masters. But in this
instance AT, order was given and performed.
which caused the deaths of cbiid, misery
Ito parent, and the worst forntof seryitude
EtoFone who was compelled TO obey the in. ia.
functions Of his naster4-Bal. .Annr. ( (
- "a Y, = 9 =. ~, s. b
CAgpAoE WoaAs. .T The Mereury tells
Ias That John Farrar, 6De of the most prslc. prl
ttacal fafnass id says sthese. des.
f4xnctye ihsects HaS9s be a ioVed & I'LL ati1a