The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-28
TIE ASHLAND MURDERERS.
Lieutenant Governor Hindman Respites Neal
for the Period Of Thirty Days.

GRAYsoN, KY. Feb. 27-About o'clock this
morning VIM. Neal received telegram from
acting Governor Hindman granting him res
pite for thirty days. Sheriff Armstrong doubted
the authenticity of the telegram at first and inn
me5iately telegraphed for confirmation. Hind
man responded, "Saye Meals life" The guards
were aroused, and in few minutes before the
reception of the telegram Neal, accompanied by
heavy guard, started for the Eastern Kentucky
Junction, to catch the train for Mt Sterling
Matters were kept quiet until 8 o'clock this
morning. When it became known that Neal
had been respited, much indignation was ex-
pressed by a majority of the people, while few
were fair, who expressed satisfaction. There is
a large crowd here to witness the hanging Neal
was overjoyed at the reception of the good news.
In anticipation of being executed to-day, Neal
had prepared the following letter.
'.Affectionate Wife and Children: This morn
ing, with a sad heart, seat myself to pen you
few lines, and try and console you the best
know how First is, my dear, do not weep and
lament after me, but cheer up and have courage.
Always look to that mercifu God who will COM
fort you in these hours of trouble. If / am hung
on Friday, it will be for something l did not do
| will bear it the best can. You know the holy
book teaches US that without grace we can do
nothing but, by the grace of God, | can bear up
to the end will say to you-and that you al
ready know have always tried to live
like man, and will die like man. My
God knows that [ am innocent of the
charge, and am confident that my Creator will
save my soul. The pain of death is all dread.
But in few moments after my SOIL will be at
rest | want you to teach my children to be
truthful and honest with all men, and especially
teach them the truths of Gods laws. Always
read and tell them the Lord Jesus Christ is will
H. 6 A.
Him. The Lord will take care of you and our
little ones. He will provide for you in this life
if you will but trust in Him. When the hour
comes that you must die the Lord will take you
and ours in His arms and bearyou across the dark
river of death to His bright home above There
| want to meet you and my little babies. My
life is being taken from you by false swearing,
but, thank God, there cannot be any false swear
ing introduced against me in heaven Now,
DEAR prepare yourself and children to meet me
in heaven, for the Lord will forgive mo all of
my sins. and he knows that | am innocent Of
that Ashland murder Therefore, / know ne
will save my soul. l have always told the truth
concerning this matter, and my Lord and Master
knows it. Tell your mother and father to meet
me in heaven Dear, l can forgive all those who
swore falsely against me, SO forgive as l hope
to be forgiven. 1 will leave it all with God He
will render to them their just deserts. I hope
God will forgive all who swore falsely against
me, and save their souls
Dear wife, you see that my body is buried on
the hill back of the house. / mean where Mahala
Herald is buried. bid you and my little children
adeu here on earth, until we meet in heaven;
also, all my relatives and friends. Tell Martha
| say GOO bless her is my prayer. May the
Lords goodness and mercy abide with you ALL
take care of you and keep you from sin, and at
last save you in heaven along with me. This is
my prayer for you all, not only my relatives and
friends, but my enemies. God bless and save
you and my children. Meet me in heaven. Good
bye, dear wife and children. Your husband until
death, VIM. FL. NEAL"