, 1858-09-24
JUDGE LYNCH ourw1TrEp.

Some years ago, Judge Lynch claimed broad
jurisdiction, in and about the vicinity of T,
Florida. He took cognizance of all matters,
and punished all offences which were not other
wise provided for by law. No informality, or
lack of proof positive, screened the culprit from
the infiction of his summary mode Of punish
ment. If an individual, by any indiscretiOn or
impropriety Of conduct rendered himself obnox-
iOus, Judge Lynch was sure to apply the cOrrcc-
tive. The public constituted the judges grand
jury, and just so sure as an individual excited
the public voice against him, just so sure he was
compelled to undergo the sentence Of the Judge,
without the benefit of clergy.
/ forget who was the first rail-rOde man in
Florida, but well rccollect that not few pas
sengers were conveyed out of the corporate limits
Of r on a single rail, that being the punish
ment in ordinary cases. But have not forgot
the first time that the Judges sentence could not
be executed, and when his executive officers
met with resistance which they could not over
COME.
John Rodgers was given to drink, and when
under the influence Of the brain-stealer was, in
his own estimation, the most unfortunate man
living. Naturally aquiet well-disposed fellow
when intoxicated he became noisy, quaTelsOme,
and disagrecable. On that day, he had INDUCED
to excess, and had got into numerous quarrels,
in one of which he fired horse pistol on a small
boy, who returned the compliment by peppering
him with full charge of shot, from fowling-
piece. The distance between the parties, how.
ever, prevented any serious damage being done,
and but for the great disproportion in the size
and age Of the antagonists, the duel between
John Rodgers and the racerider would have
passed off without notice. It soon became a
tOwn-talk, however, and as John went staggering
through the streets, swearing vengeance, and
exhibiting his wounds-his right arm and hand
having received several of the shot--his conduct
tended much to increase the excitement against
him. Judge Lynch was not slow to make de-
eision in the case, and before dark it was cur
rently given out that John Rodgers was to be
ridden upon rail that night
Now, of all other men, perhaps John Rodgers
had the greatest aversion to "sittn' on rail "
He would rather have died than suffer such an
indignity; and Immediately on. receiving this in.
telligence. he resolved that he would not be
caught "sleepin' berry sound" He then took
another large drink, and after clearing his throat
exclaimed in a whining tone of voice:
"Ride me on rail Why, III be shot IL I'd
be rid on rail for fye thousand dollars"
"well you'd better put out, them" said the
gentleman Of tho bar, as he set back the bottle
and popped the "pic" into the drawer. "JudgC
Lynch has said it,"
"Well, now I'm not gwain to be sarved nc
such trick" said John. "Judge Lynch be
hanged"
John sauntered out crying and muttering ia
himself am blow 'em all to - Il they come
projectin' about this child"
He then stepped into store and purchased
three pounds Of powder, which he tied up in a
silk pOekethandkerchieE As it grew towards
dark, John, with his handkerchief under his