The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1868-06-05
rain, Up a Child, and Away He'll Go.
A Remarkable Criminal.

About twenty-three years ago there Was
born in the county of Giles, pretty blue
eyed boy, the child of respectable and
wealthy parents. As he grew in years
and his mind began to develop. he was re-
garded as ''llttle one" of great promise.
Vivaoious, spirited but good temper& and
docile, he became favorite with all who
visited the family, and with his sChoolmatss
particularly. Born to fortune. aud with
probable life of ease and luxury before him,
no one thought the gentle boy would ripen
into anything but refined, cultivated and
honorable man. But we know not what
the future may bring forth. "Riches take
wings and fly away" Hearts naturally
good become corrupt and vicious. The
boys parents died and left him, at an early
age, without those parental restraints and
affections which have done so much to prop
and strengthen the good aud to check the
evil propehsities OF human nature. He con
tracted bad habits, mixed with vicious as
sOciates, and became. ere the sun of six
teen summers had kissed bis cheeks, a wild,
daredevil Of boys who brooksd no re-
straint, bat sought to have his own way
and by this time it was sscertsined that in
stead of inheriting fortune, he was an
heir of poverty. The war broke out in
1861, and without reflection, he deter
mined to take part in it, joined the 9th
Tennessee, and was in number of battles.
Shortly after the battle Of Chickamauga,
| be was captured and taken TO Rock Island
and confined. The prisoner was inclOsed
| with tall plank fence. parapet all around
| it on the outside on which sentinels walked.
| On one side q small outlet was excavsted un-
der the fence for q water drain. At night
lamps, such as are used at the hsad of To-
comotves, were lit and threw a food of
brilliant light upon every part Of the fence
inside. It was, therefore, as difficult to eff
feet an escape by night as by day J yet, the
soldier. now known as Ike Morris, had not
been there a day before he declared his
| purpose TO make an attempt. Some Of his
! fellow prisoners demonstrated, telling him
that the chances were ninety mine to one
against him. Yet, before two months ex-
pired, he Was gone. Taking advantage of
a propitieus moment, at night, he craWled
into the sewer, and slowly worked his way,
fat on his belly, until he was safe on the
outside. And now, out of prison, what
would be do for livelihood His habits
disinclined him to labor so he became a
rogue and robber. After visiting pyofes-
siOnaAy every important city in the North
and West, he turned his face toward his
native State. Having arrived here he stole
a valuable horse from Mr.. John g. Farris.
and disappeared. A short time since he
returned again, and was, fortunately arrest
ed. His trial came off in the Criminal
Court last week. He went to the court
room from the prison, neatly attired, and
during the progress OF the trial, exhibited
the most perfect aoaebalGnce-indeed q de-
gree of lsvity IS disgusting as it Was heart
less. He was convicted and sentenced to
the psnitentiary for fifteen years. When
the sentence Was announced, he remarked
blandly that ks would be = confirmed old
bachelor when il expired and informed
Attorney General Tuthill that, if permitted
to choose trade, be would prefer that Of 3
locksnith, that he might learn the intEica-
oiss of locks, and become aud adept in
picking them. His prosecutor, togstheF
with the Attorney General and a young
gentleman Of this city who was taken pris-
oner at Chicamsuga. and knew Norris al
Rock Island, visited the jal Saturday to
have an interview with him before be was
sent to the penitsntiary. In this intsrvisw
be manifested his usual indifference, and
VAS quite garrulous, giving much Of his