Middletown transcript., 1870-09-03
Popular Stlistellanp.
A REMARKABLE PRISON. Err.

In 1912 there lived in Monroe coun-
ty, Mississippi, planter named Wooley.
He was half-brced, at least there was a
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 sole
occupation, the plantation being managed
by an overseer. He had the sole virtue
of possessing a sort of Indian veneration
for the sacredness of his word. He would
not execute note for any purchase what
ever, and held all men in sovereign con-
tempt who violated their pledged word
He had no compunction in killing man
in what he deemed just quarrel; but his
word was his bond. This was his we'll
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 sew
cral persons in gambling quarrels, and he
was looked upon as a man not to be cross
cd except at the risk of life
One night while playing cards in Co.
lumbus, a quarrel arose about the game.
His opponent was a known desperate, and
he gave the lie to Wooley's statement a
bout the game. Bowies flashed out stimuli
tancously-both were slightly wounded,
when lucky blow laid Wooley's opponent
dead upon the floor. Next morning Woo
ley was arrcstcd-arrested because he did
not care that it should be otherwise. Wool
ey had carried his killing SO far that the
Judge felt bound to commit him, in order
to avoid the imputation of being affected
either by fear of his dcsperadoism or
wealth. Accordingly to Jail went Woo
ley. The jailor was a weak man-weak
in courage and weak to resist the influence
of douceur. After bearing his confne-
ment for day or two Wooley sent for the
jailor.
Sec here, Jim," said he, "you know
me; you know never break my word.
Now, | want to go out and have social
game with the boys. You can just leave
me the key, and when it gets bedtime |
will come, lock myself in, and it will be
all right"
This argument was enforced by mater
ial considerations and night after night
Wooley used to come out and enjoy his
nocturnal liberty. The court sitting soon,
he got the case put off, and giving bail in
the sum of Sic, 200, was released
AT the next term of the court, Wooley
was put upon trial; the jury returned
verdict of guilty, and the judge sentenced
him to one year in the penitentiary 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 Caesar drive me
down to jackson and save all expense.
Got the papers? p
The sheriff produced them, and, ere he
was aware, Wooley seized them and put
them in his pocket.
"All right" said he, 81 shall be off
to morrow morning"
The sheriff knew he had desperate
customer to deal with, but when he refec-
ted that Wooley never broke his word and
had, besides, over 500, 900 worth of
property he could move, he made a virtue
Vi ueCesSlty, anu ieio 1uinSS w ldhc lnclr
turn.
True to his word Wooley left for Jack
son and in time arrived. Putting up at
the Mansion House he sailed out, visited
all the gambling hells with which that town
even then abounded, and the next morn
ing drove up to the penitentiary. Enter
ing the ward room, he inquired:
:" Where shall find the warden ?"
"I am the man." said Colonel Dick
son.
Well, I've brought you prisoner"
" Where is he p inquired the warden
Here, am the man." and Wooley
handed over the sheriff's mittimus.
The warden was amazed. Had he lu-
natic to deal with, or had the man killed
the sheriff and then come to the prison to
defy him. He could not tell: but he de-
termined quickly to keep the man since
he offered himself.
"Now," said Wooley, "lets go through
this place and see how it looks" and
through they went. AS they returned to
the guard room, Wooley had talked so
pleasantly that the warden felt reassured
and caid ;oaosplv.