The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1866-09-21
NUMBER So

stances We believe nothing but experience
could realize, though incredible as the fact
may seem, he was neither intimidated nor
| confessed, and with as much eomposure as
under other circumstances, answered eva
sively the questions asked preiudicial to
himself OF his cause, until suspicion became
so strong that the dofing of his clothes was
ordered, and they were torn into shreds.
that further insight into the mystery might
be obtained, and more decisive evidence of
the prisoners intents and purposes be ac-
cOmplished.
My heart shudders while 1 relate the SEE
quel of the tragedy; for, like Damon and
Pythias, we were so closely allied that the
contemplation of or recurrence to the event
can cause nothing bu. bitter heart -pangs,
and wound feelings of teRderness and afFec-
ton.
He vas consigned within the iron doors
of dismal cell. whose walls perhaps raver-
berated with the villainous cries of mur-
derers, rogues and friends, its former in
mates and there destitute of clothing, Of
friends or fortune-cold, chill and bare-he
endeavors to commit himself to the care of
his God, and forget the terrible night pre-
sages an awful future. His rest is broken,
dry sorrow drinks his enfeebled frame, un-
til the rolling of drums, the tramp of squad
rous, the tumult of innumerable baggage
wagons, fail to divert his mind from the
bitter thoughts of the morrow.
The 25th of November, 1868, brought
with it an assembled Military Court, by
| order of Gen. Dodge, whose vindietive
spirit and bitter hate took possession Of
reason accompanied with little judgment
branding him with the infamous epithet of
| ''rebel spy" His demeanor before this as
sembly of infuriated reprobates was so calm,
| so undisturbed, SO praiseworthy as to ex-
/ cite general remark even from his foes.
His conduct was noble and intrepid. cool
and commendable. The charges and speci-
fcations were substantially as have been
indicated in the foregoing remarks. alleging
his guiltin consequence Of having had upon
his person diagram of Federal works
around Nashville, and the findings and pro-
! ceedings of the Court sentenced him to be
hanged to death, at such time and place as
the commanding General might direct, un-
less the said Davis should make known who
gave him the diagram.
''Do you suppose, SIR" said he, "that I
would betray a friend. No, sir, I s0iH die
a thousand times JfrSt"'
We have heard, though we do not know
how truthfully, that the person who gave
Davis the papers was staff officer in the
Federal service, acting in the capacity of
| spy for the Confederate States Government,
and our subject, knowing him to be true
aud faithful servant to his cause, chose the
fate that he met to the bad precedent of be-
trayal. --.. Ell. .... -..-.- -.
November eth, 1868, the prisoner was
apprised of his sentence by the Provost
| Marshal, and though somew what surprised at
a sentence of death for so trivial an offense,
he did not manifest any outward signs Of
agitation.
The scaffold for his execution being built
upon the ridge east Of town, the position
could be seen from any part of it, and when
the news Of the execution, soon to take place,
spread throughout Pulaski, the people all
being friendly to his cause, closed every
door of their dwellings, and hung Grape on
the door-knobs, mourning the sad fate of
the gallant spirit.
At 10 o'clock A. M, the prisoner was
taken from his cell, his hands tied behind
him, placed in a wagon with the Chaplain
Of the 8Ist Ohio regiment, seated upon his
coffin and conveyed to the seafFold. No
tolling of bells, no funeral procession, no
novel insignia, bestowed only hitherto upon
the great and the good, were bestowed on
the memory Of this hero and martyr.
At precisely fve minutes past 10 o'clock
the wagon containing the prisoner aud
guards entered the hollow square, formed
in the center Of which was the scaffoId.-
AlghtiDg, the prisoner seated himself upon
bench near the scafold. and with great
frmness turned to the officer who conduct
ed the execution and inquired how long he
had to live? Fifteen minutes" was the
reply. He devoted these last precious mo-
ments to penning the following lines to his
parents:
/ 'DenT HdAteT anu HOHeF- MY iilS -
offered me to betray friend. Rather than
do SO I cheerfully die. Have recently pro-
fessed religion, and hope to meet you in
Heaven. Gen. Dodge says you can have
my body if you wantit.
''Afectionately,
''SAM. DAVIS"
The prisoner then mounted the scafold,
accompanied by the Chaplain, Jas. Young,
whom he requested to pray with him at his
execution. The rope was adjusted about
his neck, the cap drawn over his head, the
trap was sprung, and the prisoner fell, sus-