Smyrna times., 1873-05-07

'0dredn says West has lost flesh and color but
seems selt-possessed, as usual During the
reading OF the Indictment he stood firm. and
there was nothing in his appearance or action
that would designate him as one charged with
so great crime. When asked the question
as to his guilt, he responded in clear tone.
mot guilty" and when asked how he wished
to be tried, replied: BY God and nv
Country, In manner that seemed as if he
telt the Importance of the words He was also
arraigned under an indictment for arson, for
setting hre to the premises after the murder.
| upon this occasion the prisoner seemed some
what agitated and confused. But after sneak
ing with his counsel he again resumed his
quiet and calm manner.
| THE CASE OF CARPENTER
Wednesday was set apart for the trial of
John Carpenter (negrO) for burglary with intent
to commit rape upon the person of Eliza 7
johnson, a white girl the daughter Of DarInc
johnson, who at the time of the commission Of
the offence, one year ago, was but l3 years of
age. She Is small for her age, and very good
looking The Facts in the case are John
Carpenter lived at Mr.. Cleaver's. near
Camden; half mile from where Eliza John
son lived took from Mr. Cleavers a ladder
carrying 1t to Mr. JOhnsOn's, placed it against
the house, holsted the window of the second
story at the dead hour of night, and entered
! the
intention OF Outraglng her person She was
awakened by the feeling of a hand upon her
breast; when she ran down stairs with her little
sister, and called her father, telling him some
one was in the room. She returned with her
father to her room and there saw John Car
penter under her bed He was at once secured
aud sent to Jail The testimony before the
court showed that Carpenter had told negro
BOY named Geo Wharton, that he intended to
commit the act; Wharton 5 testimony was cor
roborated by others as to the doiDgs of Gar
penter. The exactlanguage of the testimony is
not Mt Tor publication. The case was given to the
jury at about 6 o'clock, P NJ, and in twenty
minutes they returned with verdict of guilty.
lhe verdict apparently had no effect upOn the
prisoner. The DeLtCdredn says CARPENTER is
very black negro, with htrSh, hard and
ugly cOuntenance his looks would almost con-
wet him OF any henOus crime; he gave No,
lntlmaton that he realized the position in
which the verdict Of the jury placed him !:
though 1t would be charitable to believe that
his caImness was not produced from indifFrr-
ence so much as from ignorance. On Thursday
at y O'Clock, Carpenter was brought into
court TO be sentenced. The prisoner still
maintained his stOlidity; stood up, and when
asked II he had anything to say why sentence
should not be pronounced upon him, answered
IN manner bordering on reckessness, that he
believed he had nothing to say. The Court
then proceeded to sentence him, substantially
as follows
John Carpenter, stand up: You have been
arralgned and tried for an offense of very grave
character. You had the selection of your own
jury, twelve impartial and respectable citizens of
this county, and after fair trial, conducted by
able counsel who did all that ingenuity and
talent could command, after due consideration
you have been convicted for burglary with
intent to commit a rape. We wish YOU to
understand distinctly you are to die You can
expect no mercy at the hands of an earthly
power; you are to suffer justly for your crime.
Your only chance is to address yourself to your
Maker to forgive you of your sins which arc
many. We advise you to think of this-repept
OF your sins. The sentence OF the Court is that
you, John Carpenter, be now taken from the bar
OF the court to the common jail of the county
from whence you came, and there be kent in
safety until Friday the 9th day of June, 1873,
and between 10 clock in the forenoon, and
clock IN the afternoon of that day, you be
taken from thence to some place within the
precincts OF the prison and be hanged by the
neck until you are dead And may God have
mercy on your immortal soul.
Carpenter remarked to the Sheriff, while on
his way back to the Jail that he wished he was
to be hung Tomorrow" that he was nothing
but flower likely to be pucked any day.