The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-07-28
ONE OF CusTER,s MEN.

ONE OF CUSTER'S MEN.
On the Eve OF the Massa ere He Confesses
to Murder Committed Fourteen Years
Before.
lFrom the Nashville Bannerl 300
On one OF the principal streets of this
city stands a councillors brick resi-
dence, OF no mean pretentions. Its ex-
ternal appearance is apt to create ia
vorable impression upon the mind of
even casual observer. The brush of
the painter being brought into requisi-
ton at times, no one can complain of
any neglect in that respect. The grav-
elei walks are lined with beautiful
flowers and choice plants, which prove
very attractive to the passer-by. There
is an east wing to the house, and but
Few persons are cognizant of a terrible
tragedy which was enacted in one of the
rooms contained in it, during the war.
No allusion to it has ever been made by
the public prints, nor would be now,
had not the circumstances justified it.
Fourteen years ago there resided in
the house alluded to a young man of %,
relative of the occupant. He was of a
lovial, reckless nature, and upon return
ing from college was induced to asso-
ciate with several young men, whose
characters were not above the breath of
reproach. The sad knowledge of the
dissipation and bad conduct of their
son was gradually revealed to his father
and mother. "Reminiscences proved
unavailing earnest entreaties were dis
regarded; and, refusing to turn aside
from the path of wickedness, the son
slowly but surely descended in the scale
of life. Friends deserted him, and, ex
cept the sympathy felt for him by his
immediate relatives, he received none
whatever.
Being arrested one night for having
acted in a disorderly manner upon the
streets, he was released from custody
upon his personal recognizance.
Returning to the home which he had
rendered so unhappy by his conduct, he
entered his room, and, after consider
ing the matter, determined to leave Nash
vile forever. But as he had spent his
last dollar that evening he could see no
other way by which to obtain the requi-
site financial assistance than to rob his
father. This he was at first loath to do,
but, being determined to avoid the dis
grace incident to his arrest, he walked
into the room adjoining his, where his
father slept. Wrapped in the arms of
Deaths twln-brother, sleep, mis- parent
was unaware of The crime his son was
committing by opening small safe
which stood in the apartment.
But sin is found out sooner or later,
and when female slave heard footsteps
softly stealing in the corridor upstairs,
she resolved to discover the robber and
Illustrate his plans if possible. She was
courageous and determined to save her
masters property. Creeping silently
up stairs, she glanced in at the door, and
upon observing her young master ell
deavoring to force open the safe, was SO
astonished that she uttered an exclama-
ton. The would-be robber turned
swiftly, and springing towards her,
grasped her throat. He realized that he
would be forever ruined if his actions
that night were revealed. Thrice knife
rose and fell, and the servant dropped
lifeless, weltering in her gore. Rush
ing out of the house the murderer left
it, never to return. The discovery of
the body, and the mysterious disappear
ance OF their son left no doubt in the
miLds of the parents that the blood of
the murdered domestic was upon his
hands. The remains were quietly in
tered, and but few knew how she met
an untimely fate.
Five years passed away. No tidings
of the missing man were received, and
death claimed the father and mother. A
distant relative assumed possession of
the house and resides there at the pres
ent day. But the SEQUEL is soon told.
A letter was received from the missing
man, giving al account of his life since
the commission of his crime, ana sta ing
that ut the time of writing he was under
the command of Gen. Custer. A battle
was hourly expected, and with such fear
ful odds against them he considered it
certain death TO go into the fight. A
confession of the crime was embodied
in the letter, which he desired should be
kept inviolate from all eyes except those
of the receiver until he had gotten intel
ligence of his death. Ha stated that in
order to conceal his identity he had as
sumed another name. After reading the
letter the friend of the writer glanced
over the list of those killed in the battle
with the Sioux, and perceived that the
unfortunate outcast from society had
been slain by the treacherous red men.
Judying Inv Annparances tO their Cost