Salt River herald., 1878-09-21
Jack swiIIing's Statement


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 Mir. Svilling, who died at Yuma, August l2, 1878, it seems had d presentimentthat his days on earth were to end within the walls of Yu- ma prison; and was therefore incit- ed 10 write the following statement for publication, which we give Ue,'- 5dtlm ct Gterdtim
 YUMA PRISON, 1878.
 To the Public: 4
 Jack Swilliag, whose doors have slways been open u the poor alike with those of wealth and plenty, looks forth from the prison cell to the blue heavens where reigns the Supreme Being who will judge of my innocence of the crime which has been brought against me by adventurers anl unprincipled re ward hunters. have no remorse ot conscience for anything l have ever donc while in my sane mind. In 1851 I was struck on the head with heavy revolver and my skull broken, and was also shot in the left side, and to the prsent time carry the bullet in my body. No one knows what 1 have suffered from these wounds. At times they render me almost crazy. Doctors prescribed. years ago. morphine, which seemed ts give relief. but the use of which, together with strong drink, has at times-asI have been informed by my noble wife and good friends-madc me mad, and during those spells I have been cruel to her; at all other times 1 have been a kind husband. Dur ing these periods of debauch, caus ed by the mixture of morphine and liquor I have insultcd my best friends, but never when 1 was Jack Swilling free from these poisonous influences. 1 have tried hard to cure myself of the growing appe- titc for morphine, but the craving for it was greater than my will could resist. I have gone to the rescue of my fellow men when they were surrounded by Indians-I have given to those who needed 1 have furnished shelter to; the sick. From the Governors down to tine lowest Mexican in the land have l extended my hospitality, and oh, my God, how am I paid for it all ? Thrown into prison accused of Q crime that 1 would suffer crucifx- ion rather than commit. Taken from my wife and little children who are left out in this cold, cold world all alone. Is this my reward for the kindness I have done to my fel- low man and the pay 1 must re- ceivc for having done Christian act with Monroe and Kirby, that of going after the bones of my poor old friend Snively and taking them to Giilett and burying them by the side of my dear little child? George Monroe, Andy Kirby and myself are as innocent of the charge brought against us of rObbing the stage as an infant babe. We went out to dc q Christian act-oh God is it pos sible that poor old Jack Swilling should be accusod of such crime But the trouble has been brought on by drunken, crazy talk. I an willing to give up life to save Mon. roe and Kirby, as God knows they arc innocent Oh, think of my poor babies and you would know that would not leave them for million: of money. 1 am pcrsecuted and prosecuted until I cannot bear il longer. Look at me and look al them. This cruel charge has bro't me for the first time in my life, un der jailor's key. Poor l.. C.. Fay Tor, whom liked and tried to help has been one of those who wrough my ruin, and for what I canno conceive unless it was the reward mohey Or to rob my family out O the old ranch. The reason 1 writ this is because may be found dea, any morning in my cell. ma. drop off the same as poor Tom NJ Williams did at Fort Goodwin My prosecutors will remember me And may God help my poor fami ly through this cold world, is m, prayer. JOHN W. SWELLING.