The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1883-09-19

upon the charge of rape, be brought in.
law.
THE NEGRO'S DEATH SENTENCE.
Jailcr Griffith o o had Davis seated
"a the prisoners bench. He is a heavy,
thlck set negro, With a a large. ugly
head. and a decidedly british counter.
ance. Judge Gilmer then addressed a
lew remarks to the negro relative to the
character OF the offense for which he
had been convicted. and there was a
VEN OF sympathetic kindness running
throughout it. One almost felt a touch
OF pity for the condemned brute as the
KIND voice of the Judge was heard al
dressing him. The negro himself did
not appear to notice what was being
SAID to him and stood apparently un-
needing as Judge Gi!mer announced his
sentence-that he be confined in the
county Jail and securely kept until Mon
day, 29th day of October. when he shall
be taken by the sheriff to rhe place of
common execution and there be hanged
oy the neck until he is dead. And
may the Lord have mercy on your
SOUL"
III SEN1ENCE Oh DEATH
All eyes in the court room were
strained to get a look at Tom Shields az
ne rose from his seat to receive his
death sentence. His father sat with
head, but in his expression silent
grief was portrayed. Thomas Shields
calmly eyed the Judge and famed him.
sell vigorously with a palm leaf fan.
tie appeared to be perfectly calm. and
when he rose to face Judge Gilmer he
stood thoroughly self-possessed. In
answer to the usual question if he had
ANYTHING TO say as to why the sentence
OF The law should not be pronounced.
MIR. Shields replied in a low tone of
voice that he had nothing more to saw
ut present. Judge Gilmer then address
ed himself to the prisoner. He (the
judSe) knew nothing of this case when
he came to Charlotte, had heard neither
one side nor theO other. and did not ever
know that he would have to try it. He
was therefore able to hear il from an
unpreJudiced standpoint, and to give
the prisoner the benefit Of a fair. I'M
biased and impartial hearing. AS the
trial had proceeded he had been more
and more impressed with the prisoners
guilt. and had probably for that cause
let all his actions and rulings lean in ia
vor OF the prisoner, for fear that he
might let his opinion lead him out Of the
the way. He cautioned the prisoner not
let his hopes rely on receiving a par
u for If the facts Of this case, as pro-
duced at the trial, are laid before the
Governor, they will forever seal the ex-
lips against granting the par
QOn- and there IVnra NO wound g.. a.
prisoner to build his hopes upon in this
Judge Gilmer then moralized
10 the prisoner in the most solemn mau-
ner. and said that II am able. and
God that | am, to tell Won that
there is a throne where grace and par
can be procured and directed the
prisoner to look for mercy to the great
Judge OF all. The evening had grown
apace, and the red September sun lust
to rest, cast it's departing RAYS
through the windows, lighting up the
nushed room with a softenedg glare which
to add to the solemnity of the
scene, as Judge Gilmer, leaning back in
MS chair, slowly articulated the words
hat sealed the prisoners doom Thos.
shields leaned slightly forward on the
able as Judge Gilmer spoke the sem
,ence, that the prisoner be .'remanded
the Jail from whence he came and
here be securely confined until Friday,
october 18th, on which day, between
he hours of ten O'Clock IN the ~forenoon
md four O'Clock in the afternoon. he
be taken by the sheriff to the place
If COMMON execution and there be
hanged by the neck until he is dead.
may God have mercy on his SOUL"
Judge Gilmer appeared deeply Impress
ID as he spoke the words and his voice
vas low, but distinct. Thos. Shields
,witched about the mouth as he resumed
lis seat, but this "a all. He appeared
o have screwed up his courage to resist
he ordeal, and those who expected TO
zee HIM break down or show any signs
If emotion, were disappointed.