The New York herald., 1879-08-23
EXECUTION.

BUNK AXE HANGED FOR AN OUTRAGE ON LIT
DIES DECLARING HIS INNOCENCE, BUT AD-
YuTTINo IHE PERPETRATIoN OF oTHER
CRIMES.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD
AUSTIN. Texas August ~. 1870.
Bunk Axe. negro about twenty years old. was
hanged here to-day for outrage committed q
little more than year ago upon a white girl
between twelve and thirteen years of age. The evil
dence ON the trial was overwhelming against AXE.
showing that his victim riding ON horseback
some six miles from this city. return
ing to her mothers house when she was
assaulted by him the road. Notwithstand-
ing her piteous cries for help. and begging
for mercy, he overpowered and outraged the poor
child in the most brutal manner. and then left her
for dead. Making her way home as best she could.
after regaining CONSEQUENCES the little girl related
the facts to her mother Suspicion rested upon
AXE, who had been lurking in that vicinity. and
who had once before been incarcerated q similar
crime.
He arrested. and when confronted by his
victim she fully identified him. His trial followed
and after the most careful and searching examina-
tion he found guilty. and the penalty Of death
was the verdict OF the jury.
sENrENcED TO DEATH.
Axes counsel carried his case to the Court
Of Appeals. applying for trial. After
. full review the action of the lower court
and the jury's verdict affirmed. On the
10th Of July last AXE was brought before Judge c.
b. Turner. Of the District Court. who pronounced
sentence Of death upon him. fixing the date of its
execution for to-day AXE heard the solemn address
of the Judge with the utmost indifference. and
he has maintained the same reckless man.
ner during his m snSse9nsns, It, n close . sSnans
refusing all attempts to lead him to consider his
rapidly approaching fate and prepare for 1t. The
HRRAL1 correspondent had long conversation with
Axe few days ago. when he with the coarsest pro-
family asserted has Innocence Of the crime for which
he had been convicted; but being closely questioned
he gave detailed account of the occurrence alleging
that another man who was with him was the culprit
In telling the IN ne ,,x and inr OK
piteous appeal of the poor girl as having been ad
dressed 70 himself. He also stated to the HERALD
reporter that no had killed three men-one In Aus
tin in 1877. railroad engineer named Bates in
Hampstead. later, and one George Bouldin with
Brazos These murders were actually committed,
but whether by Bunk AXE can never be known.
AXES Last DAY.
Bunk AXE wrote letter this morning. addressed to
his cousin. Jo Axe Tho following Is the closing
.'Miy frst offence was committed in Georgetown.
After that my crimes were many-robbing, killing.
stealing. You know what hang for Tell my
friends Goodby.' and tell them hope to meet them
in better land. You tried to make Q good man of
me. but wouldn't take your advice. To-day am
to pay the penalty.
At q quarter to AXE ascended the scaffold,
supported by two officers to steady his STEP Reach
ing the floor. trembling and visibly much agitated
He attended by three colored preachers whom he
to-day consented to have with him. The clergymen
lined out the hymn.
And let this feoble body die.
While the crowd singing the culprit lit
cigar and while he smoked surveyed the immense
crowd. Then he knelt in prayer. Another hymn
was sung, almost Persuaded" Bunk still smoking
and appearing indifferent to the proceedings. lie
said he had nothing to say but would ques-
ttons from the crowd. When nsked by ''OAd Milly"
and Others Are you prepared to go. Bunk. and meet
your God? he answered. II am"
"Are you guiltyY'
NO."
..Who is3'
ed Williams did it."
The death warrant then read. tho rope ad-
justed and his limbs pinioned and the black cap
WINS being put on. he spoke briefly. He said IL
brought to dis by running wild bad
guilty. Let dis be warning to young uns.
white and black. had no Justice in
court; will get it whar I'm gwyne." He askod tho
Sheriff how far he would fall. which seven
feet. He Mated to have the black cap on and 1t
pulled down commenced singing something TO
tho tune of "John Browns Body"
At forty minutes past one p. M. the trap
sprung. His neck was broken. and he died wIthout
u motion OF his head or limbs. After hanging twenty
minutes the body was cut down and buried by the
county. Maurice Moore, who wounded in the
Sam Bass fight. pulled the trap.