New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-07-16
OUTLAWS AND LYNCH Law IN ILLINOIS.

Tile Du Quoin IN Journal Of the eth inst. gives
a circumstsDtal account Of some rather desperate
doings at Sparta in Randolph County H., on the 9Th
inst. II seems that cesperado named Graham, who,
with three four associates, had set all law and Cos
pei at defiance fer long tine was ordered by Fs-
lance Committee of Sparta to leave the town within
certain number Of hours, or enain at bis peril
He swore he would not 60, saying that he would die
fret. TIE Committee ana citizens finding that Ora
ham did not leave at the time appointed, marched in
body, numbering at least one hundred persons. for
the purpose of enforcing their decision He remarked
when they approached, There's pretty good crowd
of YOU" lie was then informed of their business and
Immediately repeated with the addition of fearfnl
oaths the same words he said when first notified to
leave, and at the same time he drew revolver, and
fired two shots at those persons dearest him. but with
out effect This the signal for the citizens TO fire.
and instantly twelve or fifteen guns and pistols were
discharged at him. lie fell to the ground, and died
upon the spot. lie received four wounds, three of
which were of a fnghtful character.
At the time Graham was shot, Of his associates
named eve from the neghbOrhood of NJ. AlaryS NO.,
was standing rear with Ratchet in his hand. When
Graham fell however, Bevel turned and fled, and sew
cre shots were fred at him by the excited citizens,
none of which took effect; -Four or five persons mot
him. However, and while one held revolver to his
breast another knocked him down, and he was Sc
cured. luchings, the man who accompanied Graham
and Chester was standing short distance from the
scene Of shooting and when he saw his late conrade
fall he tried to escape but oveItakeD by some oi
the citizens. We believe one or two more OF the con-
fedcrates of Graham secured but did not learn
their Names Beve aud Hutchings were then taken to
the room of the Vigilance Committee, where they
were guarded until near II o'clock at night, when
those who were watching the prisoners were re-
leved by fresh guard. In short time after,
Bevel and lluchings ware taken to the woods al,
Joining town, where rope was fastened around
the formers neck, and he was swung to the
limb of tree until nearly sufiocated when he
was lowered and thinking that his time on earth was
about ended he made sDch revelations as induced the
Committee to place him in the hands of justice.
Uutchngs was next strung up until life was nearly eX
tipct and in moment after being let down, he com
menced cursing those who had him in charge at a
round rate and said that revelations could be gol
from him. lie was hauled up by the neck second
time until black in the face but with like result.
Finding that nothing could be gained by swinging hun
~ The tree il was resolved that he shOuli be severe
whipped He was coriDgly bound II tree, aud
whipped numerically the back; but he was also
proof to this mode of persuasion, all the while cursiue
his capors in no very becoming manner. Finding that
Hutchiugs was plucky individual, the Committee de-
tenined TO hold him until morning, when one or two
of the citizens should escort him out of town severa
miles. This was accordingly done, and the late prls
oner made good use of his legs for he took supper II
| Du Quoin the same evening, Wednesday, and wakel
| north on the railroad tracs.