The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-05-06

wretch, Mrs Durham Still was determined 70 stick
to my resolve and started for the fasnot for the
We both undressed and went into the water There we
had some words about Mira Durham he accusing me OF
being too Intimate with her told him never mad
anything to do with her since he married her; but
he insisted had. ! asked him who said SO,
and he said Mr.. Ribby tMs- Durham's father:
asked him if Rlbby ever saw me have any crimi-
nal intimacy with her her marriage. He said no,
but intmated that had. then repeated that never
had anything criminal to do with Mira D. since her mar
riage, when he called me lying. !, exctedy,
picked up and threw it, striking Durham back
of the ear the left side Of the head. just at
further in He then threw stone hitting me in the
side and knocking me down. then made up my mind
mise and with this determnatcn started threatenngy
towards him, driving him back into the water, at the
SAM same time picking up another stone and striking
him in tho eye with it, He again rushed out
Of the water. caught up another stone, and
as clinchod l struck him several times on
the head. He struggled until wrenching himself
away from me he ran across to the north side of the
creek pursued him with the stone in my hand and
as soon as reached the north side he fell was deter
mined to finish him, but upon reaching him found him
dead or nearly then took him by the left foot and
arm, and lifting him clear of the ground threw him
into the creek. Immediately recrossed the creek,
dressed myself with all my clothes not disturbing
Durhams and, picking up his boots, climbed up the
going to bed that night began to think Of the terrible
crime that had committed and what fearful sin had
10 answer for But alas the act had been committed
ana my hands were stained with murder. There was
but one thing left to be DONE and that was to hide and
cover it up as best might Land out my plans for the
future resolving if should escape detection for week.
to pack up all had and taking Mrs d. with me, TO go
West With these thoughts revolving in my mind fell
asleep Arising early next morning l went down to
stones store and paid him small debt then went
ate breakfast and commenced saving wood for my
mother, when Mrs. Durham came along and said her
father wanted me TO help him through the harvest
told her would, and went along with her On the way
she asked me If had seen anything Of Durham | told
requested. told her bad, when she asked me where
he was ! told her that he lay below indian FAILS,
in the water She said she was h heartily glad avo of
more, and seemed ''t to feel rejoiced 70 know
that he out OF the way. We then arrived at her
fathers, she going into the house and TO the field to
work. Nothing more said between us ON tho mat
ter worked for Mr. Rbby all that day, and was ar
rested the same night In conclusion, Mayhem says no
has endeavored give true and corroct account OF tho
murder and the motive that prompted him to commit
the deed, soemDy declaring that he never would have
perpetratcd the crime had II not been for Mrs Durham,
and that it through her and for her that his hands
stained with blood. lie trusted that his fate would
be warning 10 all Others and that he might be forgiven
for his fearful crime and be prepared to meet his Maker
ANOTHER EFFORT TO EcAfE.
Since the trial and conviction Of tho prisoner his
duct until within the last week ten days has been
exceptionabe He generally employed his time IN reading
and writing letters to his mother and sisters the Sheriff
furnishing all the facilities that he required. On Sum
day. the 22d umo was observed hat the culprit was
engaged in writing more than usual but no attention
paid to the until some hours afterwards,
when Mayhem asked the Sheriff if he would post letter
for him The Sheriff. knowing that he had written
than one letter. asked him If he did not the others
posted also Mayhem appeared little confused
al the question: and denied that he had written
any other than the letter in the possession of the
Sheriff This at aroused the officials curiosity,
and he determined to make search OF the
prisoners cell, when TO his surprise two letters
found Mayhews sachel informing his sister and
Mrs Durham of his intention to escape either that very
night or the Sunday night following He chose Sunday
for the day of his escape because that day Sheriff
Upton always removed the manacles from his limbs and
gave him the freedom Of the prison. It was his nen
ton he said to knock the Sherns brains out when he
in to put the shackes at night and then make
bolt for IT, He had thought the matter carefully,
and determined to get loose die in the attempt
He could not bear the idea of being publicly
executed in a town where he well known,
and wrote those letters to inform them that he
bound to escape if possible In the letter to Mrs.
Durham he says in case Of his escape that he will
return for her in one year. and that they would then
Durhams child of which he is the reputcd father and
looked forward to tho time when he could clasp both
mother and child IN his arms These Letters showing an
the Sheriff thought prudent after that to place
constant watch upon the movements of tho condemned.
INTENTION TO COMMIT SUICIDE.
Within the past two three days. from some words
let fall by the prisoner the sheriff got idea that when
possible means Of escape Asy6sw would commit sui.
eide andt1rrs de.tds ~ -,nds of RstiC,Acf -sg,y-
Il was arranged THAI there should be second search Of
the cell on Tuesday night to II the prisoner had any
concealed weapons poison. The ssarch resulted in
finding fine avis In the prisoners pocie book and
satisfactory account the possession of the weapons
and little abashed when the Sheriff made the
discovery. WacDmon
the culprit night and day, rendering any attempt at
escape or suicide matter Of mpossibllity
THE DAY BEFORE THE ExHrUrIoS
spent by the prisoner in receiving his
sisters Tho interview between them was an al.
fectionatc one in every respect, and elected the
sympathy Of all who witnessed IT, A clergyman ALSO
called during the day and minstered TO the spiritual
wants of tho condemned, who professed extreme peni-
tence, and in the most deyout manner prayed that he
might forgiven After his interview with the clergy.
the prisoner asked the Sheriff. particular favor,
that he would destroy the letters referring to his intend
n s.I- all k,vn 49,. 10 h..
and asked forgiveness Of the Sheriff for all the trouble
he had caused him since he had been placed under his
promised to destroy the letters which were computed
to the flames in few minutes afterwards much " the
qualification Of their author.
INTERVIEW WITH OUR REPORTER.
Through the courtesy OF Sheriff Upton your reporter
was afforded lengthy interview with the condemned
the evening prior to the execution. Mayhem quito
calm ana seil-possessed and seemed rather glad than
o,herw at the interview When informed that II he
had anything to say TO the public the present was an
cellent opportunity, his face frightened and he
marked that he had good deal TO say. al have bad
headache TO night" he remarked and cannot collect
my thoughts ~ would wish; bnt will do the best
an" The prisoner then commenced TO think
what he would say and after uusiug in silence two
three minutes remarked
sssome people think that because an not crying all
the while don't feel bad, but i is not So, God
knows feel bad enough Sir this is my first offence,
RToRrER-I understand that you have been IN the
army
and Fourth New York Volunteers, and served twenty
two months
RsPoRrrR-Is there anything you would like to com
municate for the purpose Of publication
MAyHEw-Wel, have good deal To say n I could
only think Of il; always bore good character until
fell with this married woman and she led into this
scrapc Shortly after she married, year
before the murder she wanted 10 poison Durham ask
ing TO buy poison for her so as 10 kill him. but
would not do It. She at me for about month at
that but dcterm ned not TO crafty her WISH
REroRIER-This confession that you have made " II
correct in tho main or do you wish to add anything
TO its
MAYHEw-It is correct in almost every particular
Al this juncture counsel for the prisoner entered
the prison and asked him how hgfet
Mayhem replied that he felt prepared to die but that
he dreaded the form. He dreaded the way which he
was TO die that ALL
CouSsEi-well, l am glad to hear you say that you
prepared TO die You must not attach so much i'm.
portance TO tho form Of death; there arc many
painful ways Of dying.
MArHrw-wen,I don't know; the form Is the only
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