Richmond planet., 1903-10-10
Boydton, Va, Oct. 3rd, 1908.

DNyNNotA' o.t OSJ. OINl, 1915.
This quiet town was the scene Of q
judicial murder to-day and hundreds.
who stood around in doubt, now shruC
thelr shoulders uneasily when any ref
erance is made to the unfortunate hap
pemng which has resulted in the launch
ing OF two souls into eternity, one of
whom is now admittedly innocent. Doc
Bacon was hanged at 1885 upon the
charge of having attempted TO criminal
ly assault white lady, Mr.. Geoghegan.
at Chase City, Mecklenburg county.
Va, about two months and a half ago.
TBE CRIME CHARGED.
1t seems that two colored men went
to the lady's residence at about eleven
o'clock at night and after throwing
meal IN her face, attempted TO drag her
into dark corner OF the porch. Ander-
son Finch was arrested and he implicat-
ed Bacon as being the man who was
with him at the time.
He subsequently, admitted that he had
made false statement in connection
with Doc Bacon and reiterated this
statement from the gallows September
End. This declaration caused pro-
found sensation and the Common
weaith's s Attorney was deeply affected
thereby. He asked for a reprieve and
three days We're granted which was fol-
lowed by further reprieve of thirty
days. When the stay came Doc Bacon
was preparing to march to the gallows.
CENSURED THE GOVERNOR.
The scene here was well described
last week in the columns of the PLANET
by Rev. j. B. Ferrell. Judge Homes.
who presided ut the trial was immoy-
able and the resolutions passed by a
committee of white citizens censuring
the Governor for reprieving Bacon had
their effect. AS the matter now stands.
many white people here are regrettiny
the occurrence and express their opinion
that an innocent man has been hanged
A REMARKABLE SCENE.
The scene in the Jail here before the
execution was distressing. Doc Bacon
did not talter, although the light of
hope had gone out forever from his
eyes. He ascended the gallows with a
firm step and showed his abiding faith
IN the Saviour by declaring that he had
nothing against those who had brought
about his destruction. He had told the
story OF his whereabouts and at no time
had he wayered IN his statement or CON
tradicted himself.
DECLARED HIS INNOCENCE.
Standing up before the audience. who
were there to see him executed, he de-
clared that there in the presence of the
Almighty God in whom he trusted. he
had been made the victim of circum
stances and was innocent of the crime for
which he was to suffer. He hoped that
HaU - tha 4
who bad been guilty of the offense. but
that he was not the man. His state
ment made most profound impression
upon his hearers.
THE FEARFUL PLUNGE.
a moment later, the black cap was
adjusted and he had seen the last of
earth. A creaking sound followed as
the body shot through the trap-door.
Inc body swayed to and fro. There
followed a silence, then a convulsive
motion and all was over. Doc Bacon
had been sacrificed at the behest of q
mob. Two lives had been sacrificed for
an attempted crime, one of whom was
innocent, and the bloodthirsty crowd on
the outside retired with the satisfaction
OF knowing that, whether guilty or in.
nocent, there was one less Negro on this
side of the river.
The most distressing part of the affair
was the sending of the remains to the
Medical Department of the Universitv
OF Virginia to be used by the doctors for
dlssecting purposes.
GOV. MoNTAGUE's EXPLANATION.
The Times-Dispatch quoted Governor
Montague as follows:
Governor Montague when seen yes-
terday in regard to the case of Doc Ra-
con, was averse to going into print on
the subject, but finally stated that he
had interviewed no further in the matter
for the reason, that while there was
considerable doubt in the minds of some
Of those interested in the case as to the
guilt of the man, yet none of them were
able to sustain this belief with any facts