The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-08-29
OLD SOLDIER
 IS PARDONED Jesse James Shot His
 Brother -in-1aw. INVALID FOR REST OF LIFE Declares He Shot Into Mob That Aroused Him at Night. Veteran Claims His wife's UnfaithfuI- ness Was at Bottom of Trouble --Three Other convicts Par-
 doned.

Three murderers and one forger were pardoned and paroled by Governor B. B. Conner yesterday afternoon prior to his leave taking of the captiol for a two weeks vacation
 The case of Jesse James, veteran of the war between the States, is one of the most pathetic that has been brought to the attention of the Cover nor in long while. His age, his in- firm condition and the peculiar cir cumstances of the murder of which he was convicted made his pardon one of almost necessity under the circum- stances.
 county in April, 1903, for fifteen years for murder. He was convicted of murder in the second degree, his vic- tim being his own brother in law, Sam Sauis.
 Among the numerous appeals made to the Governor for executive clemency for James was one written by the con vtct himself, and 1t was one of the most touching documents of the kind ever received at the capitol. James recited that he was 72 years of age, and a veteran of the war, through which he went as a bearer of the colors of the Confectionery. He received many wounds during the war, and has suf- fered from these since the surrender.
 
 tentiary, James submitted to an opera ton which has incapitated him from labor, and he will be an invalid for the rest of his days.
 The crime for wh, h he was convict ed was an unusual one, and. If the statement he made in his appeal to the Governor is to be believed, he should never have ben convicted. In his petition James recites the de- tails of the murder. He charges that his wife was untrue to him, and that on one occasion he returned home and found a man a compromising position. He tried to kill him, but the interloper made his escape.
 Several night later, while he was in bed. his home wal invaded by a num- Der of men, and he was told to get up and get out. He recites that he does and get out. He recites that he deas not remember how many there were in the gang. but that his answer was to spring from the bed and get his gun. He snapped this once at one of the party, but the piece failed to fire. The second barrel however. went off and he killed Sam Paul
 He then left the house. and afterp send ing the night in the pods, Sgave him. self up to the authorities.
 James alleges that his wife poured water into the barrels of his gun. in- dicatfng that she was aware that an assault was be made on her hus- band.
 Petition for clemency were signed by the trial judge and a large number Of f~citizens of Shelby county. and 1t was recited that the sentence of fff- teen years was equal to a life sentence to man of James age. and 1t was asserted that a charge of murder In the second degree does not warrant such a sentence.
 c.anr.ra rIannars A ,,ouor. ..yht4. x,.a,, convicted of the murder of Thomas waIthrop at Bells store. Clay county. in 1902. was paroled subject to his future good behavior. Hammers was sent up for ten years, but the facts, as presented in the petitions in his be- half, indicated that the killing with which he was charged. was in self de- fense.
 Witnesses testified on oath that Waldrop was the aggressor through out The father of the young man was at the capitol yesterday and was over joyed when he learned that the Cover nor had signed a parole.
 George H. Bonnet, young white man convicted of forgery in the second degree from Barbour county. was par doned and his rights of citizenship were restored. Bennetts time would have been out In thirty days. and as his conduct hos been most exemplary, his pathetic apeal was granted by the Gov Jrnor, Bonnet was sent up from Barbour county two years
 Washington Pugh, a negro, who was sent up rom Barbour county for ten years on conviction of murder. was paroled The evidence in tihs case was that Pugh had an altercation with another negro at a church.
 The negro he was convicted of mur- dering followed Pugh to his home, &C., cording to the evidence. and attempt ed to shoot him and did shoot him. Pugh ran. while running fired a shot over his shoulder. which took effect in his pursuer, killing him instantly Every citizen in the second beat of Barbour county signed the petition for a pardon.