The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-04-19
A Remarkable Prisoner.

Il ty, Mississippi a planter named Wool |
ey He was half-breed---at least there
was good deal of Cherokee Indian in
him. He owned about two hundred,
slaves, and had all the worst habits Of the
old-time planter; drinking, gambling and
horse-racing. These pursuits, alternated,
formed his occupation, the plantation be-
ing managed by an oversecr. He had
the sole virtue of possessing an Indian
veneration for the sacredness of his word.
He would not execute note for any pur-
pose whatever, and held all men in SUI
preme contempt who violated their pledg-
ed word. He had no compunction in
killing a man in what he deemed Just
quarrel; but his word was his bond.-
This was his well-known character, and
he could have got credit for thousands on
his word, easier than other men could
have got hundreds At the time we speak
of, he had killed several persons in gam
bling quarrels, and was looked upon as
a man not to be crossed except at the risk
of life.
One night while playing cards at Co.
lumbus, quarrel arose about the game.
His opponent was well-known despera-
do, and he gave the lie to Wooley's state
ment. Bowies flashed out simultaneously
both were slightly wounded, when a
lucky blow laid Wooley's opponent dead
upon the floor Next morning, Wooley
was arrested-arrestod because he did not
care that it should be otherwise. Wooley
| I,,l o,r,;o1 he 1r;llinC. CO f,r thnt l,n
Judge felt bound to commit him in order
to avoid the imputation of being affected
either by the fear of his desperation or
wealth. Accordingly to Jail went Wool
ey. The jailor was weak man-weak
in courage and weak to resist the inAu-
ence of douceur. After bearing his
confinement for day Or two, Wooley
sent for the jailor.
See here, jim" said he, "you know
me you know | never break my word.
Now [ want to have a social game with
the boys. You can Just leave me the key,
and when it gets time, will come and
lock myself in and it will be all right"
The argument was enforced by materi-
al considerations and night after night,
Wooley used to come out and enjoy his
noctural liberty. The court sitting soon,
he got the case put off, and giving bail in
the sum of $40, 900 was released
At the next term Of the court, Wooley
was put upon trial the jury returned a
verdict of guilty and the judge sentenced
him to one year in the peuitentiary at
Jackson. The papers were duly made
out, and the sheriff proposed to start
with him for Jackson but Wooley de-
INJURED.
You know, Sheriff." said he, "that
the county is poor-can't afford the trip
and so I'll just let my boy Caeser drive
me down to jackson, and save all the ex,
pense. Got the papers ?"
The Sheriff produced them, and, ere he
was aware, Wooley seized them and put
them in his pocket.
"All right" said he; shall be off to-
morrow morning"
9 The Sheriff knew that he had desper
ate man to deal with, but when he reflect
ed that Wooley never broke his word anC
had besides over 100000 worth of prop
erty he could not move, he made virtue
of necessity, and left things to take theil
turn.
True to his word, Wooley, left fol
Jackson, and in due time arrived. Put
ting up at the Mansion House, he sallieC
out, visited the gambling hells,with which
that town then abounded, and the mex
morning drove up to the penitentiary
Entering the ward room he inquired
,, "Where shall | find the warden 2"
i " l am the man" said Col. Dickinson
"Well, I've brought you prisoner.
Where is he 2" inquired the warden
Here-I am the man." and Wooley
handed over the Sheriff mittimus.
The warden was amazed. Had he ;
lunatic to deal with, or had the man kill
= ed the Sheriff and then come to the pris
t on to defy him? He could not tell; bu
: he determined quickly to keep thC
man, since he had offered himself
t "Now," said Wooley,'" let's go through
, this place and see how it looks" and 81
through they went. AS they returned tt
| the guard room. Wooley had talked 81