The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1868-10-30
Ljfo on tho Turning of a Gard.

| a FRIEND narrated to us day or
two since an anecdote of early times in
West Tennessee, which we will attempt
to repeat even at the risk of losing the
graphic simplicity Of his conversations
al narrative:
some eighteen or twenty years since
awell known resident of Tipton county
was put on his trial, charged with the
murder OF his wife. As usualsn such
cases, popular feeling was largely against
him, and the eloqucnce and ingenuity
OF course were requsted to make an inn
preston in his favor upon "A jury which,
however impartial 1t might desire to be
In the consciousness Of sworn duty,
could not but see the waves of popular
prejudice surging in upon 1t.
The case was ably argued. The coun-
sci for the defense made most vigorous
and impassionatc appeals. The case
was submitted to the jury, and they re.
tired to make up their verdict. Time
passed, and as the setting sun warned
all of the approaching night, the large
throng in attendance, the judge, coun-
sci, ETC., retired, all anxious, the accus-
ed not the least so, TO learn the verdict
OF the jury, and some wondering that
the Jury hesitated for one moment to
bring in verdict of guilty. In the
meantime the jury had come to point
beyond which they could progress no
further. The appeals of the counsel
for the defense had not been without
the ir influence, and the jury stood un-
changable, six for conviction and six
for acquittal. Something had to be
done. In those days twelve good fel-
lows could not be got together for a
night and sleep. Cards appeared mys-
teriously from the depths Of sundry
large pockets, and exercises in sevenup
and poker were zealousiy commenced.
About midnight, one of the number,
Colonel p, proposed they should play
Il game of seven up, and the result to
decide the verdict. The proposition
was heartily and unanimously agreed |
to, In all seriousness, and the whole |
crowd collected around Colonel p. and |
his opponent, who proceeded to play |
the game on which was staked hu- |
man life. |
Colonel p. played to save the accused. |
Tho hackers, Ave and five, stood behind !
them encouraging the champions, and |
watched the game, dimly seen by the |
light of two tallow candles, with the |
most intense interest.
The game proceeded with very equal |
fortune, till both parties stood at six and |
six. 1t was Colonel P.'s deal he dealt |
and turned Jack. The prisoner was ac-
quilted, and every member in the jury |
joined in the shout which startled the
village, even the jewellers in "thc gro
cery.' Next morning the jury went
into the court, and gave, to the aston
ishment of many, the verdict of mot
guilty" The juryman who played an
unsuccessful game for human life still
lives, and is much res pected citizen of
the district. One of the counsel is
very distinguished member Of the
Memphis bar, and the accused has, we
believe, gone to higher court but
neither of them, nor any of the assem-
blage, nor the court, who marvGled at
the verdict eighteen years ago, has ev-
er known that human life was saved
by turning Jack. There are some Gu
rious episodes in the history of our ear
ly settlement but who would think
of venturing life on turning Jack