The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-06-16
FROM VICkSBURG.
Execution of Negro Soldiers for |
Murder.

Correspondence of the Memphis Bulletin
VIoSsBURs, May rs This day has been
set apart for the execution of the negro
soldiers convicted of the murder of the
Cook family.
The negroes, twelve in number, had
been tried and convicted of numbering
woman and child. The trial was fair, and
the punishment just, according to military
and civil law. They were soldiers, in the
service of the country; they had left camp,
on the night in question, without authority,
and for the purpose of robbery. They
went directly to the house of Col. Cook,
and demanded of him his money. He
begged them, for Gods sake, not to kill
him. A shot was fred, and he fell. He
lay few minutes, and then, on his hands
and knees, crawled out of the house to
barn near by. The murderers then rushed
at his wife, demanding her money and
jewels. She refused to give them up, and
told them to go about their business. They
told her she must die. A child, five or six
years of age, hung to her dress, and
begged in vain for the life of "ma" The
child's innocence and pleadings could not
move them. The fends then, in cold
blood, butchered mother and child. They
then sacked and fred the place to wipe
out the last trace of their crime. This is
the story of their crime. Now we will
give the scene of retribution-the last
these unfortunate men ever gazed upon on
earth The stores were all closed by mill
tsry order. The invincible militia was Or
dered out, and, led by feeling of morbid
curiosity, thousands focked to the scene.
The place chosen was near the machine
shop, and outside the inner Notifications.
A hollow square was formed, surrounding
the gallows-a rude wooden structure
about twenty-five feet high, platform about
thirteen feet from the ground. The fol-
lowing regiments formed the square sur
rounding the gallows: Seventh Tennessee
cavalry dismounted, Lieb's Heavy Artille-
ry, 1st and goth Militia regiments, and sd
q. S. @. l., tel. regiment the men belong
ed to. At II O'Clock the preparations
were all completed. The negroes were
asked if they had any thing to say. The
first came forward he was light colored,
likely looking negro, ubout twenty-eight
years of age, lie wore uniform and a cor
porals stripes. He spoke in a bold
clear voice, he said he had been fighting
for two years for his county, but ':never
did think my services would be rewarded
by the gallows; my friends, never did /
think to meet you here; have been a
good soldier, and many Of you know me,
but before you l declare myself mot
guilty"
He then stepped aside, and the next
said few words. He said he was absent
from camp at the time; he had heard
there were some rebels out there, and
went with the rest of the boys; he chad
been taught to hate rebels" and here be
was checked from making some remarks
about lieutenant "This is all l have
got to say, I went after rebels" The
third came forward, and LIE averred his
innocence, and said he had resigned him
self to Jesus; He was his friend. He
then told all bis friends Jesus was their
friend. The others followed in very near
the same strain, each declaring himself
mot guilty"
They then sang hymn, and the chap
lain made short prayer. The corporal
seemed quite nervous all the time, and
would frequently in loud voice say he
was "not guilty." and he never thought
be would have to die on the gallows for
serving his country. The negroes were
then requested to sit down while their
hands were tied behind them. After this.
each man rose to bis feet, and the execu-
toner passed around, placing rope around
each mans neck and adjusting the caps
over their heads. The word was given,