Delaware gazette and state journal., 1897-06-17

coming over from Princess Anne, where
| tne negro Andrews was lJnched on
wednesday,, and that they proposed to
TAKE MIN from the Jail and lynch him.
| But neither story was believed, as
uordys brothers are not the kind OF
men that would get up such scheme,
and the people in Princess Anne are
not sufficiently interested to come over
ana participate in lynching here.
iet willis there was no fear that there
would be any trouble, Sheriff johnson
swore in 16 deputies, nearly all of
whom were stationed on the outskirts
OF the town TO watch for intruders
Ihe remainder guarded the jail
DEPUTY Sheriff Charles Jester was
placed on the death watch early in the
evening, and he closely guarded Gordy's
cell, in the southwest corner of the iail
corridor. until he was relieved at 6
O'CLOCK this n 1rning by Deputy Rotert
). johnson, who also watched during
yesterday.
Yesterday afternoon Sheriff johnson 8
family, with the exception Of one son,
went to Milford to remain until after
the execution.
The sheriff did not appear last night
to be at all agitated, although be was
on the eve Of performing his first
execution. In conversation with a
representative OF The Gazette, he
stated that Gordy bad been a good
prisoner and he had no complaint to
make. lie asserted that, as far as he
knew, Gordy had not. since his incar-
oeration, attempted to taks his own
life He also secuted the opinion that
the condemned man was feigning in.
sanity, as many had supposed.
coRDY's DYING STATEMENT.
Gordy. before going to bis execution,
made the following statement: a@.
Well, gentlemen, I'll explain some
things about the trial. The sister of
the murdered lady testified to the
furniture belonging to her sister. When
arrested, the defective took from me
bill of lading, which explains SO fully
that one would suspect she cnuld make
such clear statement after the bill OF
lading had been carefully studied by
her. l don't say positively the de-
tective showed it to her. 1t looks that
way to me. 81.
The furniture bought ON Twenty
sncond street, New York. Of an old
gentleman about 55 years old, who said
he was selling out to go West. gave
600 for it and $40 more to have it
packed and shipped.
The colored boy testified | left New
York at a. m. left Hartford, Conn.,,
at 6. 20 a. m. The detective took my
shoes to Broadkiln creek. SO hs said.
1t was the ouly time they we're ever
there. The ring 10 my possession I
bought last fall in pittsburg, Pa.
The night OF the murder reached
Harvey Messick's about half. past 10.
After entering the house something
was said about the time. Then |
looked ut my watch and told them that
it was 10. 30 p, m. 1t is not true that /
told him | bought the horse in Balti-
more. The trousers referred to had
not worn since January.
When the detective arrested me I
did not say Il did not hurt that
woman The hand satcnel with other
articles that Mr.. White claimed be.
longed to the murdered woman were
the property Of my wife, who died two
years ago.
"Mr. White said bis 1o.years- old
child could row boat up and down
Bruadkiln creek. don't bslieve it.
In my judgment this is sample of
the whole trial.
'.Why did get off at Milford rather
than Georgetown? Because supposed
there waa writ in Georgetown for my
arrest. Ii / got of at Milford could
drive to my place and escape the sheriff.
In regard to the writ. i wish to ex-
plain. Another man and l we're en-
gagged in business in Washington, d.
G. was dissatisfied and advertised
to sell out MY interest. Among those
who answered the advertisement was a
lady, who bought my interest. The
whoie transaction was honestly done as
far as / understand. Then l came
home.
Soon afterward / was advised that
the sheriff at Georgetown held writ
issued by this woman for my arrest
consulted lawyer, showed the con-
tract and acted as he advised. That
is why | got off at Milford.
That night Harvey Messick told me
the writ was no longer in Georgetown,
SO the next day came down from Mil
ford to Georgetown.
1.-The night got of at Milford and
drove from there to my place stopped
twice on the way, first at Cedar Greek
mills, to see If | could sell some corn.
Found no one there. Second stop at a
school house three miles further on, to
get drink of water.
1.-The hammer found at my place
know was never used by me to kill any
one.
In regard to the newspapers, I'm
sorry people believe all they say. They
are the greatest falsifiers that | ever
heard OF and are lartsy responsible for
people thinking so i'll of me to- day. I
thank God, though, that day will
come when newspaper men will have to
give an account for the deeds done in
the body.
"They say l killed my dear father.
My people know that is false. was
not at fathers house at the time it is |
alleged that l gave him something that |
killed him. l was miles away at my
own home.
Pm also charged>with killing my
dear wife, who died about two years ago
I'm said to have caused the death of |
my sweet little child. 1t is hard TO |
bear these things i thank God that
my conscience is clear OF all these
and that God and l know that |
l never directly or indirectly killed any
one.
at don't burt my soul what you say
about my body. In spite of all Tan
still put my trust in the Lord. who
will never leave or fursake. He Is
greater than man.
Considering the world, it is a place
of trouble and trial. Thank God He
pardoned me IA years ago, and although
IN weakness / have followed Him, but