San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1885-12-03
NO. 81.

0 evch others pinioned hands. aud died u
I perfect composure."
II here occurs 10 mo that perhaps have
| misquoted Mr.. Voorhees, as 10 the time
r when Cook wrote the above remarkable
letter. Think II was written after he and
Coppick had attempted TO escape and were
! brought out from their cells. Mr.. voorhes
said, 1 think, that he saw the shackles
struck from their feet, and that then Cook
sat down with tho gallows close behind him,
having, indeed, but q few hours 10 live, and
wrote the above cool lotter in clear and
unshaken hand.
As another instance of Cooks GOODNESS,
Mr. Voorhees, said that no was q superb
handler OF arms, and that Lewis Washington
had remarked to him (voorhees) that Cook
could take q revolver in each hand, and
alternately lifting his hands could drive
a bullet through spot as big as ones eye.
Said !: "Did he show any gratitude 10
you for your endeavors9'
"Cook really loved me-" said Mr.. voor-
hees. HE was more open and frank With
me than with his brother-in-law, because he
knew that had complete sympathy with
him. His brother-in.law Ind reflected on
his case. / mover did to him. I took thu
boy into my heart, and while In court used
my own way 10 save his life. never
upbraided him for what he had been enga-
ged in, privately. To me he was con-
slant being, notwithstanding my aversion at
that time to abolitionism." u
WAS he not little set up In his own
esteem2 "t
"He had confidence in himself but do not recall
we saw ni, As Ihvs already told you, he never
referred 10 my speech In his favor, though u was
made feature ofby almost everybody eise."
Said J: ~ would Ike 70 hsys nom you an Idea
81 spoke about two hours," said Mr. Voorhees,.
"and although can not say shat there were tears
or expressions Of sympathy with Cook the Interest
Lewis Washington, for instance. who was . very
nice man, and whom brown had kept In ths engine
house, standing on the top Of stove which had no
me with bis mouth wide open, and thought TO
myself: What is he standing on that stove fort
Then saw the people standing on their chsirs all
around the court. After had finished the whole
Jury, led by their foreman came over TO the hotel
10 say 10 me that In Difference 10 my argument they
had not convicted Cook Of treason In order that he
those prisoners had been Indicted for murder. for
melting slaves TO REBEL and for treason against the
State Of Virginia. 10 case Of treason the Executive
treason against virginia as any of iGs other prson
ers iftreason there was. All but he were brought
In guilty Of treason. He was found guilty on only
TWO counts. James Al. mason came down rom VIM
chester to tell that bc had not heard my Speech
but that II was noised about that must prepare
u and pu lish u. Said ! 10 Senator Mason
nm Just getting sheets ready now 'Then, said he
7 will go right out because that speech must be
published and put on record"
Mr.. Voorhees, spoke with dinndenco, and undoubt-
IDLY with held from me the full narrative Of the
Eject Of his address. He paid a compliment 70
Mr.. Mcdonald for his assistance In the case.
] was lead 70 Inquire abont Governor wise's
efusal TO pardon Cook. Mr. Voorhees, said; II
s.1Ea -. st-sx ~ l<ll~
liant toward wise on account Of my friend Governor
Willard; but shall not speak on that subject OK
ept to tell you that went to Richmond with
Willard whom he asked Wise TO pardon his brother
n-law. Wise could not brave the public opinion.
Willard went into another room with him, and
'hen he came out heard him say: Governor
bc body Of my wifos brolher.' Wise sat down and
'rote the order. As we walked down tho bill,
Willard being ahead Of me. stepped to hts side and
ovsruor S q, Vi,ripi"' II NJ wifss Srotber vsrs
ondemned 10 death In Indiana, and tho public
pinion Of that State were bowling at my doors, he
iould not havo one minute TO walt for pardon
y was bitter hour" said Mr., Voorhees,. "and as
9TH parties are dead will not say more about H."
Said T. Senator, did you see anything Of John
rown and the other menf"
"Yes, they were trying John Brown when roach
Harper's Ferry He looked to me like sub
antial old farmer. There was nothing vicious or
ary particular about his face except Its frmness.
0 had some intellectual ability, too, and would
nduct parts Of, the cross examination. or ooncsdc
atements by witnesses before ihay were made.
hen he got tired he would say to the court that
could not stand II any more that day, and the
urt was generally adjourned for him. He wass
markable instance Of how popular impression Of
wrong will lit man out Of his ordinary level
len he rises against the wrong. Any ideal cause
ch man espouses and gives his life and courage
will raise him intellectually and even morally.
own put into action what other people were talk
'.e young men. Young Coppiok. who was hanged
th Cook, was bright, plain, candid young fellow.
'vsns. another Of Browns men. seemed to %
mocrats who went there to be somewhat moro OF
rufiian than Cook or CoppIok."
said {: Did you nnd, when you returned to In
ma. that your defense OF Cook had injured youf"
No quite to tho contrary. Even Robinson.
ON have mentioned, the marshal. come to me
said; Voorhees,. you were right 10 going there.'
as elected to Congress In ihe district where had
m defeated not long before: Ones instinct Of
ndship hardly ever missads him."
IL. Voorhees, concluded his story with % account
ho funeral Of Captain Cock.
Governor willard and myself waited In the Jersey
? depot for the train 10 come which contained
body. assisted with my own hands 10 put the
In in hearsc we had brought there, IL wasa
and chilly night In winter. The hearse was
put on tho ferry boat and taken over TO New
k and TO an undertakeT's whore q magnificent
n prepared Some struggle arose about
Ing the fpgeral IN church. as most Of tho or
lox denominations were hostile TO the abolition
II was finally concluded TO have the funeral
private house, and some gentleman who
afraid Of what others might say gave bis house
hat purpose. There were probably a thousand
ons at the funeral, which was held in Williams.
|, N. Y, where Cook had studied law. Mr.. CALI
delivered an eloquent address. and Cooks letter
read. Tho body was then taken TO one OF The
,teries In the rear OF Williamsburg and inter-
saw the body as II was being made ready for
ofin He looked like gentle boy, as he was.
e he was In prison at Chsriostown. Governor
,rd provided him with excellent clothing and
lat money could bring, Cook was The uncle Of
resent leader Of the democracy In the Indiana
,lature and the chairman OF lts finance com.
TO-"
ia tho willard family feel that their broiher's
was . disgraeef"
10. Governor willard did not live long. Int
was a hardening 10 his mind on the slavery
iou. Cocks sisters became anti slavery In
lsir feelings. ! think they set their faces
st that condition Of things which brought thai
, his end. But there We were,"said Ar. Voor-
" like the hrrt little venei caught on the
Drs. With the great ocean q the var esrniug oo
q rs."