National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1872-11-15
Execution Of a Wife Murderer.

May last There had been trouble be
tween them resulting from jealousy
which was followed by separation. Blu
Mt the time OF the deed they were livine
together with their two children. Jen
kins's wife was sound asleep at fou,
o'clock in the morning when her hus
band assaulted her with butcher,
cleaver, almost instantly killing her.
The little children sleeping with hei
alone gave the alarm, and Jenkins es-
capped. Jenkins's brother went up stairs
and found the dead body of tie woman
lying on the bed, her head and face
mangled almost beyond recognition
the bed, clothing, and floor were soaked
with blood and spattered with brains,
and at the foot of the bed lay the cleaver,
bearing crimson evidence that with il
the awful deed had been done. The
police were summoned, and mob col.
lected about the house Of such humor
that the murderer would perhaps have
been lynched had he fallen into their
hands. After the inquest jenkins was
arrested and charged with the crime.
On the 9th of June the Grand Jury pre-
sented true bill against him, and on
thc 81 OF October his trial was begun.
1t lasted but day and the prisoner was
brought in guilty and sentenced by
Judge Humphreys to be hanged. .Jen-
kins was light mulatto, and not par
tlcularly Unlocking. During his i'm
prlsonment his conduct was so exemplary
MS to warrant the remark from his jailers
that he was the best-conducted prisoner
they had ever had. He conversed fire.
qnently and long with spiritual advisers,
and was, as he said, ready and willing to
die. In the manner of such men. he
kindly "forgave" Judge, jury, and wit
nesses who had been instrumental in
bringing him to justice. When Judge
Humphreys sentenced him, he also adj
monished him to hope for no pardon,
Communication of sentence, or rcprieve
he expected no leniency, and smiled Mt
death as those are said to do who perish
IN the consciousness of having passed
life of good deeds. lie has frequently
been visited by his mother, his niece,
and two children, of whom he was very
fond. Before going to bed on the last
night he conversed pleasantly, and then
slept as calmly as child, and undisturbed
ny thoughts of his coming execution.
jenkins resolutely met his fate. At the
conclusion of the reading of the death
warrant by the warden, jenkins said
Well, MIR. Crocker, it is your duty.
Gods will be done, and soon shall be
with Christ"
General Crocker-Wel, jenkins, it
affords ns all consolation that you are
prepared to meet your Lord
Jenkins (pmpbo fico1l,,l A,o,,,o ~, Al. -
Iced Is done my soul will watt to glory.
m prepared to meet my God, thanks
De TO his holy name, know that he
has crown prepared for me, and l shall
soon wear it. My respects to your officers. I
You have treated me kindly. All l can
'ay to you is, continue in the path of {
'irtue and I'll meet you.
His bro ther had entered the room l
while the death-warrant was being read, :
md stood with his head bowed, in one '
'orner OF the room, and as Jenkins fin l.
shed the above remarks he took him bv a
ne hand, and throwing one arm about t
lis neck said, while the tears were stream. b
ng down his cheeks, "
70 God. here is my brother. I have b
lone all l could for him now I leave 4
lin to thee" - AZ 4
ri dli s, S: sR;asi' -; Y , 4
i'd A1 tybonfE 66d. f. cali
Rs OF 4o6 saying to them There's
Qwn awai Jus ir1glory. Press
~ VII. soon meet .xfhere there is
S6Ie Glory 20 God. I'm going
Aying bid adieu to each one
IRA advanced and commenced to
pinion his arms, and while doing SO 6
Jenkins jumped up, exclaiming. "Oh,
IL soon put on my crown. All things
TO hope, nothing to fear"
There were few dry eyes among the !
'pectators. The procession walked out |
d the jail, the warden and deputy in $
ldvance, then two guards, then the pris- t
'ner, with guard on either side, Jen- s
Tins walking with firm step, aud the r
'olored ministers following him. He d
walked with firm tread up to the steps, q
nd immediately took his position be- y
leath the fatal moose. The officers and h
took their positions near the o.
ailing, and Rev. Mr.. Draper lined out Il
he hymn +" Father, stretch my hands IL
o thee" which was sung by the minis IA
ers and Others, Jenkins leading off and al
ipging with clear voice. Rev. Mr. az
obnson offered prayer, which, owing at
D the noise and confusion Of the crowds
the outside of the walls, could not be in
card by the spectators. He PRAYED ;s.
iod to receive Jenkins's soul as it crossed tb
ne shadow. On rising from their knees. 70
De ministers babe the unfortunate man o,
ood-bye, and turned their heads. Jen- 10
ms then with loud voice exclaimed N
Farewell, world farewell, friends ! / W.,
N gong to live with Jesus, and all / co
IN say is, follow me. Hallelujah." 81,
His legs had been tied while this wa. %,
'ing said, and the black cap HAVING hi
zen produced, the guards taking him tb
the hand, he said to them " Good. n;
1e +; l want to see you in paradise 81,
10 General Croker he said: ." thank an
n for your kindness. I'm going TO W
sus in glory. Will you meet me there ?'' n,
James Nelson, the colored cook. he an
i'd "Jin, l wish you well, and hone AZ
meet You in heaven. God bless Won 20,
, and hope to meet you ali in sin
aVen oh,
The black cap was then drawn over his
e, and the signal was given, the trap
with o plunge, and jenkins was be
lnched into eternity. The shoulders "P
We two % three shrugs and the legs It
;,ured few moments. tuy
There are eight persons in the Jail of ,
nave been indicted for murder in the
nrsf degree. and one under sentence Or;
b. hung. = ~ ~,
the
'RIED SoUAsH. -Sllce thin d;rs;r nm. ha