Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1857-06-04

Hawkins then jumped or fell from their hor-
ses simultaneously; Land running some
distance on his hands and feet. Hawkins
ran up to his second victim with his pistol
presented, when Land raised his hand i'm
ploringly, invoking Hawkins not to shoot
Hawkins fired, however, the shot taking ef-
feet in Mr.. Lands eye, killing him instant
ly. Irwin was still struggling in death
when found few minutes after the shoot
ing. The murderer wandered about for
several days after he had committed the
double crime, and confesses that he ram
bled back to the scene of the encounter the
following Tuesday, his path crossing the
blood which had flowed from the wounds of
his innocent young victims.
He was finally traced to a cavern in the
neighborhood, and was so closely pursued
in his hiding place that he heard the con-
versatiou of his pursuers, and repeated q
proposition made at the time to smoke him
from his concealnent. Discovering an
opening into the cavern he escaped to
Ohio, whittier he was followed by some
worthy citizens of Estill county They
were close upon him at one time, when he e.
luded their vigilance by affecting to be la
borer, and proceeded to place some rails on
a neighboring fence. His identity was so
nearly recognized by one of the party that
the remark was ma lie by one of the pur-
suers to a compaion that when they did
finl Hawkins, they would find a man that
almost rcsembled the individual before
them. They passed on, however, uncon-
scious of the presence of the very individual
whom they were so eagerly pursuing.
He was subsequently identified and ar
rested near his fathers residence, in Ohio,
and conveyed to the Estill co. Jail. by way
of Covington. a popular meeting was
then held, which appealed to Judge Pearl
for an immediate trial of the prisoner. In
accordance with the general sentiment, the
Judge convened his special session on the
9th ult. In tn. meantime many citizens
who were impatient at tho tardy admins
tration of justice, informed Hawkins that
if he should not be ready for trial at the
appointed time, or should obtain change
of venue, they would themselves admins
ter that summary justice that the nature of
his crime demanded. But jury was OBJ
tanned without delay, and the young out
law had a fair and impartial hearing. He
had the benefit of the legal ability Of four
attorneys of distinction. On the 30th of
March he was found guilty of murder in
the first degrees. \ fact is related Of him,
which illustrates his GOODNESS even in ex-
trcmity, and exhibits his indifference in
the contemplation of felon's DEATH The
sentence of the Judge was expressed in the
usual torn, concluding with the expression
that the prisoner must be hanged by the
neck until he is dead. When Hawkins
was recommitted, after the sentence had
been pronounced,in in tone and manner be-
tokening the most careless lcvity, he said,
1.-The Judge says l shall be hung by the
neck, where in hell would man be hung,
if not by the neck?"
Hawkins has made many confessions,
which are entitled to more or less conf
dence He says he has served one year in
the State penitentiary, and entered the regu
lar army, which he deserted, after killing a
commanding officer He numbers his muir
dcred victims by the half dozen, and has
rejoiced in the loves of so many wives, all
of whom are living. He seems to possess
taste for the rcfnements of life, even in
his brutality. n correct drawing of the
cave which he inhabited, has enabled gen.
tleman to find the pistol he forced from
Land, with which he committed the foul
deeds which he is to expiate on the scat
fold. His taste for art evinced itself in a
skillful drawing he made in his cell the
Sabbath day preceding his trial. The
picture delineated beautiful female expir-
ing beneath the blow of a hatchet, in the
hands of seducer-doubtless scence in
which he has himself played an active part.
AS if to lend horrible contrast to the view,
he added the design of two graceful doves
those images of innocence and peace
upon the same canvass.
The history of this misguided man is al
most overpowering to the moral senses,
and is terribly suggestive to the mind that
there is hereafter, where justice is swift,
sure, and uncrring-that "earth is not mans
only abiding place. Demo
crQf.