New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-08-19

published AN additional, reward for the ar
rest of John Hill; and thus between the
two it seemed as If it was ABOUT up with the
victim. ll &l-F fIL ftH
Hill packed up hastily and set out with
his wife and children for Upper Arkansas,
where he knew of the existence of band
of desperadoes that he had reason to believe
would protect him. He was pursued by
over hundred of the citizens, many of
them unarmed, and attending only for the
purpose of witnessing the sport, and secur-
ing part of the munlficentTewa that was
offered for his apprehension.
Hill was overtaken at Conway Courthou
by these men, and halting his wagon and
admonishing his wife and children to keep
their places, he marched forth with his
death-deeling gun.
The galantry Of the action, and Hills in
credible bravery, operated in his favor
Many were unwilling to hurt so intrepid
character; others were afraid a panic was
created and Hill pursued his way un-
molested.
Subsequent attempts were made to arrest
him, but all resulted tragically or ludicrous-
u to those attempting it. 1t was known
that Hill could never be taken alive, and
many began to believe that he could not
when dead also.
The constant pursuit and hunting him
changed his nature. He became morsse and
sour, and unable to follow any regular bust
ness. He resorted to the gambling table
for the support of his family. He became a
drinker, too and was speedily transformed
into most bitter and quarrelsome OPP
poDent.
If Hill had been,famous among the mount
aims of North Carolina, he now became
douhly so. Excepting, perhaps, that prince
OF duelists, James Bowie, there never was
man who inspired more terror. Men who
had acquired wide reputation for deeds of
daring turned pale when they encountered
John Hill. Bullles who sought quarrels on
the slightest pretext accepted ali manner of
insults from him without a single word OF
remonstrance.
One day in September, 1915, while he was
seated at the breakfast table, Hill burst into
tears.
"what is the matter, dear!" inquired his
wife.
Il have had a dreadful dream. 1t is a
warning. know shall die before sunset.
Together we have encountered perils and
hardshps; you abandoned wealth and posi-
tion for my sake, and you have never spoken
an unkind word to me. We have loved from
childhood, and that love has never known
abatement. 1t is this that troubles me-not
regard for self. 1t is indelibly impressed
upon my mind that shall die horrible
death before shutdown, and the thought that
it will distress him also distresses me-"
These were the exact words of Hill, as
testified by his wife and children. His wife
told him
Then, my dear husband, do not go to
court today
(The Circuit Court of Pope county, in
which Hill resided, it should be remarked,
was then in session)
ayes, my wife, must go he replied,
when a mans time has come he should
not seek to avoid death, but meet it
bravely." Then turning to his son William,
L. -. !, sal. l. al IL
and get the Bible, and upon it he made him
swear to kill the man that killed his father.
Here comes Moses Howard, father, he
will protect you" remarked Mary, the ED
est daughter, as she deserted the young
man approaching.
The youth, who was fine, poWerfullook-
ing man, chatted a few minutes with the
family, and then went out with Hill, who
shaved and dressed himself with particular
neatness, and embraced his wife with the
warmest affection, and with tears in his
eyes, before leaving.
As soon as the two reached town Hill
began drinking deeply and showed more
quarresome disposition than ever, He in
suited everybody that crossed his path, and
ali the entreaties of the young man failed to
paCiiy him. Finally he declared that he
would clear the courthouse, and d tshed
into the courtroom with fury depicted in
his countenance. Judges, lawyers, jury,
spectators, all made q rush for the door.
One man who Jagged behind was seized by
Hill and beaten numerically.
Young Howard" caught hold of the infuri-
ated man and attempted to restrain him,
when, glazing like tiger, he turned upon
the youth and struck him to the earth. Be-
fore he could rise Hill sprang on him and
commenced pounding him.
"For Gods sake, STOP Hill Don't you
know me, your friend-Hogard "
a1 10 rnu mn 80 r
moment, and lly clutched pistol, deter
mined to take his friends life. Howard,
seeing the crisis had come, seized the bowie
knife that protruded his vest, and buried it
in his bosom.
tThe dream is fulfilled :" exclaimed Hill
with smile Of singular sweetness, that lin
gered on his naturally handsome face after
he was corpse. He then died without u
groan.
Howard looked down into his face, as il
| unable to realize what he had done. Then
he burst into tears
"God knows would not have done it if
| could have helped it, but it was either your
| life or NINE"
He turned away with a gloomy air, and
upon the instant disappeared He was
never seen in Arkansas again, but several
| years after a trader brought the news that
he was living at San Antonio, Texas.
We're we writing fiction, we should here
| lay aside the pen; but as we are giving facts
simply, which can be substantiated, duty
! compels US to add another incident before
this tragic tale is ended
1t will be remembered that Hill enjoined
upon his son to avenge his death. Faith
! fully did that son obey the command.
When he had reached his sixteenth year he
left for Texas. He was gone several months.
| When he returned he said to his mother
| =" 1t is done, mother Poor Howard
1 rftfod hfu, hI,f 7 had IN do ~ ~