Wilmington daily gazette., 1874-07-14
A REMARKABLE PRISONER.
THE STORY OF A MAN WHO PASSED
HIS TIME IN THE PENITEN-
TIARY PLEASANTLY.

In ls3l-2 there lived iu Monroe county, Miss.
planter named Woolley. He was q 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 aternated formed his sole COM
panlon, the plantation being managed BY an over
seer. he had the soie virtue OF possessing soul
of Indian veneration for the sacredness of his
worj lie would not execute q note for any pu r.
pose whatever, and held all men in sovereign
contempt who violated their pledged word. He
had no compuuction in killing a man in what ne
deemed just quarrel; but his word was his
bond. This was we'll known character, and be
could have got credit for thousands on his word
easier than other men could get hundreds At
the time We speak OF he had Killed several per.
sons In gambling quarrels and he was looked
upon as q man not 10 be crossed except at the
risk Of lite.
One night while playing cards 10 Columbus
quarrel arose about the game. His opponent was
known desperado, aud he gave the lie 10 WOOL
ley's statement about the game Bowies flashed
out tsimultaneousy-bothw weie slightly wounded
when lucky blow Land Woolley's opponent dead
upon the hoor Next morning Wooiley was ar
| rested-arrested because he did not care that il
should be otherwise. Woolley had carried his
killing so far that the Judge felt bound 10 commit
him In order to avoid the imputation OF being
Affected either by fear of his desperadoism or
wealth. Accordingly to Jail went WoolIey The
Jailor was weak man-weak in courage and
weak TO resist the influence of a douceur. After
bearing his confinement for day or two Woolley
sent for the jailor.
"See here, Jim" said he, "you know Inc; you
know never break my word. Now, want TO
so out and have social game with the boys
You can leave me the keys and when II gets bed
time l will come, lock myself in, and it will be
all right"
This arrangement. was enforced by material
| m nj fafn fe,bf ,,Iia
to come out and enjoy his nocturnal liberty. The
Court sitting soon he got the case put of, ana
after giving hail in the sum of $4,000 be was
released. ~ - :
At the next term of the Court Woolley was
put upon trial the jury returned n verdict Of
guilty; the Judges sentenced him to one year in
the penitentiary at Jackson. Tlle papers we're
duly made ont and the Sheriff proposed to start
with lin for Jackson, but Woolley demured.
"lou know, Sheriff" said he, "that the coun.
try is poor-esnt afford the trip and SO IN last
let my boy Cesar drive Inc down to Jackson and
save all the expense. Got the papers,"
The Sheriff then produced thsln, and, before he
was aware Of it, WoolIey seized them and put
them in his pocket.
"Ali tight" said ne, al shall be Gil Tomorrow
morning" s#... GfH t#st.
The sheriff knew he had terrible man 10 deal
with, but when he reflected that Woolley never
broke his word, and had. besides, over sl0O, 600
worth OF property he could not move, he made
!.
True 10 his word, Wooley reft for Jackson and
in time arrived. Putting up at the Mansion
House, he sailed out, visited all the gambling
helis with which that town over abounded, and
the next morning drove up to the penitentiary.
Entering the ward room he inquired:
where shall find the Warden
81 am the man" said Coonel Dickson. Ell
''Well. have brought yon . prisoner" 81
"Where is he: =" inquired the Warden.
"Here; am the man." aud woolley handed
over the Sherif's mittimus.
The Warden was amazed. Had he n lupatic To
deal with, or bad the man killed the Sheriff and
then come TO the prison 10 him :? fle could not
tell; but he de.ermined quickly TO keep the man
since he oifeie ed himself -
SNOW" said woolley, 'ets so thros gh this
place and see how Il looks" and through 1t they
vent. As they returned to the guard room
Woolley talked so plsasanuy that the Warden
ielt reassured and said jocoseiy.
"Now, Mr.. woolley, what branch OF the busl-
ness do yon think you would like bsst?"
ITO tell yon, the truth, Colonel said Woolley,
81 never did days work in my life, and don't
think I'D like any OF your cussed trades. IN tell
you how we can TX It'll clerk ior you, Just tor