The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-06-22

Lewis Davis. who heretofore has
been one OF the most exemplary priso-
ners in New Castle jail, is now In Irons
and solitary confinement, for miscon
duct. On account OF the fact that lie
is life prisoner. and that he has
proved very useful around the jail, he
was allowed privileges not accorded
to other prisoners, among Thorn being
that Of keeping q store In his cell
where he supplied the other prisoners,
who had money, with tobacco, segars.
writing paper and other notions. He
has not been locked In q cell for years
and was also allowed TO go out and
replenish his stock at the neighboring
stores.
Yesterday morning he was permitted
to go out as usual, for the purpose OF
purchasing stock, but instead of SO
doing got gloriously drunk. While
he was reelipg around the streets a
young man named Walter Ferguson
said something about his clothing.
when Davis knocked him down, and
was about to continue the punishment
when he was thken in charge and re-
turned to the jail. AS coon as Sheriff
Gould was informed OF the matter he
ordered him placed in irons confined
in q solitary cell and given nothing to
eat except bread aud water for several
days. Davis will be deprived of all
privileges hereafter, and instead OF
being allowed to run around the cor
ridore will be locked in cell.
He is spending his life In this living
tomb. for tho murder of Officer Peter
son some seven yoale ago. At the
time Davis, who was employed by the
Diamond State Iron Company, had
been married but II short time. On
that fatal Saturday there was picnic
at Excelsior Park. which twas attend
ed by Davis and his wife. During the
afternoon she excited his jealousy by
dancing and frolieing with other men,
and he drank freely. On the way home
they quarreled, when he drew O re-
voiser and threatened to shoot her.
The quarrel occurred on Front near
BroUme, and some ono who saw 1t in
formed Officer Peterson, who resided
at Front and Searles streets, and he
hurried to the place.
He had barely spoken to Davis when
be pressed the muzzle OF the pistol
against Peterson's breast and fired.
The ball struck the lower part of his
heart, and he fell dead. Davis then
ran. but was finally captured and TAX.
en- TO police station, where he feigned
death until he found the scheme would
not work, when he commenced bias
phemy and cursing every one around.
The murdered officer was q general
favorite. and that night crowd gath
cred around the City Hall, who only
wanted a leader to give the word, and
Davis would have been taken out and
hung on the nearest tree. In fact the
crowd became SO demonstrative to
ward 10 O'Clock. that 1t was deemed
advisable to remove the prisoner.
A carriage was procured, and while
the crowd was gathered Ground the
door at police station he was spirited
out the front door at City Hall. and
waF rapidly driven to New Castle. At
tho time of his trial the jury disagreed,
and when his case was again called ne
was allowed to plead guilty to muir
der of the second degree, and received
a life sentence.
His good conduct during his imprIs-
onment had made him many friends,
and excited so much sympathy in his
behalf, that for several months thore
has been considerable talk about max
ing an effort to have him pardOned.
All sympathy Is now forfeited by his
action yesterday. which clearly showed
that his belligerent, murderous dis
position Is unchanged, and only noeds
the stimulation of rum, to be again
put in practice. Thus with his one
act he has deprived himself OF all
privileges In the jail, and not only de
stroyed every yestlge of sympathy
that has existed for him outside, but
also shown that he Ia not a safe man
to lie trusted with his liberty, and
miDgle with his fellow men.