New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1856-06-13
A Rich Scene.

We are indebted to the facile pen of distinguished
legal FRIEND one who has keen appreciation of the
ludicrous, for the following racy account of rich
scene that occurred at the recent term of the Issa
quena Circuit Court 1t is only necessary to add that
+" Tennessee passed through this city some days
since on his way to the Capitol of the State where
he has already entered upon the discharge of his
duties in one Of the public institutions:
AT the last May term OF the Circuit Court of 1ssa-
quena county, the trial Of the noted raftsman and
swamper, heretofore fourshng under the statesman
like soubrquet of Tennessee, y for shooting, with
intent to kill, certain Englishman, was had Its
found guilty, and his Honor Judge Yerger asked
Tennessee" what he had to say why the sentence
of the law should not be passed on him, were rich
and racy to an unusual degree This coloquy en-
sued:
Judge Yerger-Prisonera at the bar, stand up You
have been tried by jury of your own selection and
found guilty of high crime that must send you to
the penitentiary. What have you to say why the
sentence of the law should not be passed?
Prisoaer-I admit, Judge, that shot the man, but
he lies when he says was laying behind log when
done it. Twas squatted down behind some high
grass, and shot at the bulge of him with my rifle.
You see, Judge he had no coat or spenders on, and
his shirt stuck out 'bove his britches | made the
worst shot ever made in my life. am one of the
best rifle shots in the swamp; never miss bar hog
turkey, Or deer. was very much skeered when
shot and trimbed a good deal, or would have kill
him; and shot at the bulk Of him. did it in self
names, shot pet pig we had that my wife loved
very much, and threatened to kill me. I'm natu-
raliZed native-born native American, and he's an
Englishman, and had right to shoot him; he can't
vote; and shot him in selfdetence. If you'll just
let me off this time, Judge Til take Bible oath right
here never to shoot any body in this State never
did shoot any body in this State before, and never
will again. Just let me off this time, and will go
home and see my dear wife.
| Judge Ferge1-You made o most fortunate shot
| in not killing the man.
| Tennessee Judge, was badly skeered | could
have killed squirrel every shot. I'm the best rifle
shot in the swamp, but you see | shot at the bulge
Of him. Just let me off this time, and I'll take Bible
oath never to do so again.
JAdge-You were fortunate in not killing yonr in.
tended victim. Had You done so, you would have
been guilty of murder. Such depravity as the ev
dence shows on your part, is rarely witnessed in a
court of Justice and imperitvely demands that you
shall have the heavy hand of the law placed on you
as punishment for the high crime you have been
guilty of, and admontion and warning to others
In this manner the laws vindicated, and public
justice established and venerated. The sentence o.
the court is, that you be imprisoned in the peniten
tary of this State for the full end and term of ten
years from this day. M,.--
Prisoner-Lord a mighty Judge! can't you let il
down little. have suffered nightly in Jail jus
let it down little, and I'll never shoot any body
again; I'll take'a Bible oath won't.
| Judge-Sherf remand the prisoner to Jail, to avail
the demand of the keeper of the penitentary. 4
Exit Tennessee in tears.-[ Vicksburg Wing,