The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-03-16
M'EVOY KEPRIEVED.
[DY TELEGRAPH 10 THE HERALD. |

COLUMBIA, S. c., March Is, 1873
The encrossng subject Of attention to-day in amost
The entire State SO far as tho general public were
concerned at least, has been the expected execution
at Aiken OF Robert McEvoy, the murderer oil Colonel
Gregg, OF Augusta Ga, which. It confidently anti
clpaled would have taken place tclore noon
About two O'Clock, however, tho fact became known
that Governor Hampton had granted the respite
which no had s,cadfastly refused until to-day.
The circumstances of tho reprieve add but another
incident TO the history OF this remarkable man. hch
is almost without parallel IN the criminal records OF
this State. The principal facts have been laid
before the readers OF tho HERALD and only yesterday
1t was announced on tho highest authority that the
Governor had positively and finally refused 10 grant
tho respite for which last effort was made In his
behalf Yesterday evening, however. u dstlng uished
criminal lawyer OF Columbia broachcd for the nrst
time the view that IN consequence OF some rregulaity
IN tho organization OF the Court which had resen.
fenced bm to snicr death McEvoy had been legally
condemned 10 die. These views were last night pre-
scnted IN the proper quarter, aud the WAS hat
tho Attorney General OF tho Stale once interested
himself the strict legality anu this morning
the case was again submitted to the Governor who
found sufficient grounds TO warrant him Ia ordering
the execution TO be delayed until past ono O'CLOCK
today III order to afford limo Tor hurried invcsigu-
tIop.. In the meantime Information received
from Aiken that the prisoner had made full con
tession OF knowledge OF other mysterious murders
1t was hnaliy determined TO grant him respite Tor
fourteen days. In order to consider his case, which
kapt secret Tor obvious reasons but possess
considerable interest," and will be made public in a
few days.
RETRACTING HIS CONFESSION.
McEvoy, who was Kept IN ignorance OF tho efforts
which were being made IN his behalf made up his
mind 10 die this morning, aud became visibly
sottened He even consented 10 sec the priest, and
received the las: rites ut his hands. and in NC.
cordapce with his advice, strangely enough rctrced
the confession which he had already made, tho rea-
son assigned being that Lc did desire ~ involve
his accomplices IN his own ruin and death Tho trap
then beng liked he expressed wish to have ali over
rs soon possible. The Governors respite was re-
ceved at THIS critical time, however, and the
TACT announced to tho condemned man. VINO receive cd
II with seeming Indifference ana tho remark, "Why
did he grant itP Inever asked him for it," A short
timc previous TO this the prisoner narrated what he
has frequently stated before, that II no had been
allowed 10 testify in his own behalf on his trial, he
would not nave been found guilty OF murder
Gregg hu d attempted accomplished his SISTERS
ruin and he would therefore have been justified Tor
Killing him. Pablo sentiment Is strongly against
HIM, however, aud tho news OF tho respite being re-
coived was mot with strong disapprooation ana
Indignation. No attempt at rescue made, was
feared would be the case, but strong military
surrounded the jail throughout the day matter OF
precauti0n.