The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1891-10-08
ESTOPPED BY DEATH.
CORRESPONDENCE MADE PUBLIC BY
THE GOVERNOR.

Courts for the Escape Ola Prisoner In
His Charge.
COLUMBIA, $. &. Sept. 20.-The death
of w. w. McTeer, sheriff of Hampton,
which was announced yesterday, re-
lieyes Governor Tillman of an unpleas-
ant duty-the ordering of his prOSecu-
ton In the court for wilful negligence
IN allowing the escape of q prisoner
VINO was under arrest in this State for
assault and battery, and for whom
requisition from Governor Fleming Of
Florida, had been hOnored, but his sur.
render delayed until he had been tried
In our courts. The governor feels the
public welfare and MS duty as execu.
ttlL,yesss'sfasssfitires ~, the publication Of the
7acts ana correspondence IN the case.
On June % Governor Fleming sent
requisitlon to the executive office for
one Sam Jenkins. who was under indict-
ment in Hampton county for the crime
of murder. The requisition was duly
honored, and Sheriff McTeer ordered to
surrender the fugitive. In reply the
governor received the following letter
from Sheriff McTeer:
HAMPTON. June 90, 1891.
His Excellency, ETC.:
DEAR SIR-YOur authority to deliver
Sam jenkins to Mr.. T.. II. Williams,
under reQuisition from the Governor of
Florida, is just received, and in reply,
will state that Sam jenkins is now in
my custody for very grave offenSe
against the laws of the state of South
Carolina. The offense is assault and
battery with intent to kill, he having
shot and seriously injured one J. A.
YoumanS, Of this county, on the 9Th OF
the present month at Hampton G. ii.
sam jenkins was also desperately
wounded in the encounter, and is still
in a very critical condition. Should he
survive, must turn him over to T.. II.
Williams or wait until he and YOumans
have answered to the state of South
Carolina for the serious charges against
them? jenkins is under guard, but is
not able to be taken to jail. Please i'll
form me how l shall act In the prem
lses. Some are impressed with the con-
viction that Jenkins should be surren-
dered that he may be taken to Florida
us soon as he IS able to be moved; 9TH
ers think that l should retain him in
custody to be delivered to the authori-
ties Of the state of Florida, after he has
answered to the state Of South Carroll
na. | deairc to do my full duty in the
matter, and only beg to be informed of
that duty under existing circumstances.
Very respectfully,
w. W. MCTEEE, Sheriff Hampton Co.
COLUMBIA, June 30.
W. w. McTecr, Hampton, :. G..
DEAR SIR -GOu will keep Sam .Jen-
kins tOanswer to our laws for tho crime
committed in this State, first, and If he
is convicted you willlforward the record
or his crime in Florida to the Superin-
nf No
ter he has served out his sentence here
he may be delivered to the Florida
authorities. In the meantime notify.
Governor Fleming of this, SO he can be
ready to send for him when we get
through with him. Yours respectfully,
IS. *. TILLMAN.
The governor also informed Cover
nor Fleming of his action as thus set
forth. On July 10. while at SPARTAN
burg, Governor Tillman received in
formation from a gentleman who lives
In Hampton county that is was feared
Jenkins would try to give bail for his
oHense committed here, and then give
leg pail TO the Florida reQuisition for
felting his bond. or that failing, that he
would certainly manasc to escape by
some means or other. The governor
ut once telegraphcd the Sheriff Of IIamp-
ton not to permit Jenkins to give bail,
and keep close watch over him. After
this the following correspondence took
place
HAMrI ON, S. G., July "a.
His EXcellency, Etc.
DEAR SIR-ln full reply to your tcle-
gram received yesterday, will state.
That placed Jenkins and Noumans
both under guards immediately after
the occurrence in accordance with in
structlons of Solicitor w. Il. Murphy.
me l'hysiclans attending jenkins in
form me that in his present condition
it would be impossible to move him
without great risk. What Shall | do
under the circumstances | have
furnished the guard, and footed the bill
ever since the occurrence. The county
commissioners refuse to audit claim.
ana / expect to have trouble with them.
Ihe difficulty between Youmans and
jenkins has created considerable excite
ment and no little i'll feeling on both
SIDES. Thus l am exposed to fire from
both parties, but l care nothing for it
ana VIII perform my duty in the prem
lses, and all l ask is to be informed
"iiat tnat duty Is. | have never sup
posed that Jenkins could give bail, ex-
GepC 1or the oumans difficulty. The
'oANa" elldii "oulu Bull DO AGAINST
nm, Tor which | should certainly hold
nm In custody until tho matter was
decided by judicial authority. 1t is
seven miles to Brunson, where Jenkins
Is confined to his room. have, as
stated, guard over him; don't think |
can move him against the protest of
ms physicians, and am at a loss to un-
derstand in what way your informant
(who is personally interested, though he
may deny iO would have ME multiply
precautions.
jenkins shall not ESCAPE if can
AVOID. But l see no way to make the
matter more safe except perhaps to in.
crease the guard, and if this must be
dono at my own expense, | must be
satisfied Of its necessity. If you will
kindly inform me what to do | will
1e very greatly obliged. Very respect
w. w. McTEER,
Sheriff.
w ~ CoLUNDIA, July 25, 1891.
w; w. McTeer, Esq, Hampton, sc.
DEAR SIR: Your letter of Yesterday
was received. l have reason to fear
Inv I'LL