Indiana American, Volume 7, Number 30, Brookville, Franklin County, 26 July 1839 — Page 1

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EIMlDilAEr A

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1113

D C. F. CL

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DKOOKVIME, FRANKLIN COtJtfTY, INDIANA, FRIDAY JVLY CO, 1 8 S3.

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A TALE.

THR RIFLE. BY THK LITE WII.LtlM LECOETT. f ONCI.CDED.) CRAPTEIt IV. .-II ! 1- 1 at .

T ie lime vuiasre m iiicii uie sessions ol

j it i ,k

i inrougn the crowd, and took a seat beside thelawyers within the bar. From the high and exemplary character which he had sustained invariably, from his first settling in the place, until the present black suspicion rested cn him, a. degree of intuitive respect was accorded bv all. that muaf l.o.-o k u:t.i

gratifying to his feelings. A plea of not Lilly was entered and the examination of witnesses commenced. George Carlock was the nephew of the deceased. On the night of the sitmh rrw

cember, he was surprised to see the horse of

ms uncic arrive, with saddle and bridle on, but without a rider. He thought that the deceased had stopped for a while, perhaps, at Buckhorn's, who lived a mile or so farther dowu the timber; but. as the night pased away without his relurnin? home, he startpd

r early rn the morning with the intention of

the circuit court was held, and which, for lhellra',mS lne horse. lie called for Buckhorn,

sake of a name, we will call Clarville, con-'a.nd u,eJ 5l upon the trail, and followed it tained about fifty or sixty houses, most of them they found the dead body. Two young

wicii iii.ii. ii,tu luinuu mem at nticitnorn s re

turned with the body, they continuing on the

constructea oi logs, i nere was an open pace in the midst of it termed "the public square," in which stood a building answering the double purpose of court-house during the sessions, and of meeting-house, when an occasional missionary passed through that part of the country. It fronted on the public road. The jail occupied a corner of the same place. It was a small, one story edifice, about twelve

trail. It led them to Mr. Wentworth's. They inquired if any person had been there, that crossed over from the other side nf the

stream. TIrey were answered that Dr. Rivinglon had crossed the stream, and remained the night with them. That Mr. Ruadev, the

deputy-sheriff, had also remained the night,

feet squaie, and, like the court-house, built ofi',ul that he had come from further up on the

large hewn logs, fastened together with iron

bolts at the corners. Its single -apartment contained but one door and window, both secured by strong bolts and bars. A large .rick house, the only one in the town, was titunted oa the rear of the square, and was occupied as a hotel, as the traveller was infamed by a huge sign suspended from a post at the road side, where was conspicuously written in great yellow letters, under a burlesque likeness of General Washington, "entertainment for man and horse." A little fur

ther up the road, or main street as it was cat

same side. They followed on the trail, and

found that there was a track from further up, most likely Mr. Rnmley's. They continued on the track till they arrived in town. Being informed by Mr. Drill, that Doctor Rivinglon had taken Buckhorn's rifle with him, they immediately procured a warrant for his apprehension. They found him employed in cnunting the identical money which had been taken from the unfortunate Silversight. J;,mes Buckhorn's testimony was in full corroboration of the preceding. He mentioned, in addition that he examined the lock and

ted, though there was but one in the village, barrel or his ntle, on boding it lying near the on the opposite side, was another tavern odmurdered man and discovered that it had mnrphumhle annraranrp than th first. It. certainly been discharged, but a short time

much on the fact that his unfortunate client

naa wisbed his route to be trailed from the village, and that Buckhorn had started for the purpose, when the disastrous snow-storm occurred, and took away the only hope he had ot proving his innocence. He cited many cases to the jury in which circumstances, even stronger than these, had been falsified, when their victim, murdered by their laws, was slumbering in his grate. He appealed to

tnem as parents, to know if they would be

lieve, that a son, who had been so filial, whose character had previously been without stain or blemish, could suddenly turn aside from the path of rectitude and honor, to commit

1 such an atrocious crime t But it would be

useless to recapitulate the arguments that

were made use of on this interesting occasion they were ineffectual.

The attorney for the prosecution summed

up very bnefly. He assured the jury that the

evidence was so clear in its nature, so conca

tenaieu, so incontrovertible, as to amount to

moral certainty. Near the bod? of the tnur

dered man, a powder-flask, such as the eastern people principally use, had been found, with

the initials ol the prisoner s name and medi

cal degree engraved upon it C. R. M. D. Charles Rivington, Doctor of Medicine. The

trail is pursued,and it leads them to the house

of Mr. Wentworth, where the prisoner arrived

on tne evening ot Ihe bloody deed, and re inained all night. They continue on the trail

till at last they find him, with greedy eyes,

oenaing over the plunder that he had torn

from his grey-haired victim. 'Such,' conclu

ded he, "is a rapid outline of the facts: and

deeply as I deplore the wretched young man's guilt, yet, believing him guilty, it is my sa

cred amy to display his enormity but fur-

'her than the imperious call of lustice re

quires, I will not I cannot go."

The charge of the judge, who was eviJent

ly very much eflVcted, occupied but a few

minutes; and the jury retired to make up Ihcii a.. eta w w .

verdict. I have already told Ihe rca

the prisoner was pale,iu tonsequenc

produced by his exposed situation

was around these two places of public entertainment, that a numerous assemblage of persons collected on the morning when the important trial was to take place, all eagerly conveistngon the crime of which the pris

oner was supposed to be guilty; and many of

them uttering no very moderate anathemas against the yankce?,whom they pretended to

consider, m masse, as rogues and cheats, and who at least, were coming into the country ts break up their old manners and customs. The women, who were plentifully sprinkled

among them seemed very willing to join in Ike general clamor. ''They're a monstrous fidgety people, say the least of them," observed the large fat wife of a farmer, and her sleepy eyes and unmeaning face assumed something like angry viva

city as she spoke. "They want a heap of

waitin on: and you don t git no thanks after

all. Now there was old Wentworth he tarried with us, you know, Carlock, on account

of his da tar, when be hrst came out here.

Good coffee wasn't good enough for 'em; they

must hare a little tea to be sure. So I sent

Johnny down to the Settlement to git some; and I took a heap of pains to cook the truck

and what do you think I they wouldn't eat

a bit on't after all. I don't much wonder neither; for 'twas bitter, nasty trash, ns ever I'd wish to taste. But It's always the way with 'em; they make trouble just for nothing." The remarks of the indignant woman were

fully concurred in by most of her simple and unsophisticated hearers: but there was one

bfor

The gunsmith deposed to his having given

the rifle to the prisoner, on his offering to carry it to Buckhorn, and that it had been discharged since. Mr. Drill," said Lawver Blandly, who was

counsel for our hero, "you mention having

... .... I .

vepi, aia inert yes. and the tudce. and her own hoardings, tore t her with ih

Mr. Wentworth could scarce give his evl- which Buckhorn had been accumulating, ever dence for crying and they all cried, except since he became a suitor for her hand. Mr. Charles himself. He looked pale nnd "You are a kind and excellent girl," ansorrowful, but there was no blubbering about swered Rivlngton, sensibly affected by the him. I never see'd him look so ilegant afore, heroism and attachment of his domestic, "and

Duii jisinn nere to mi ye now things was jou are a noble lellow, Buckhorn; but too . going on: I'll go back, and find what them forget that by flying 1 should only confirm f

junessays. I hope they may niver be able I those in the belief of my guilt, who are waver - ;

to open their ugly mouths, till it's jist to spake ing now; besides, I could hardly expect to es . the word innocent.'" cape; for my life being forfeit to the laws, h' f uStop, Judy," said Mrs. Rivinglon, feeling proclamation would be immediately issued unable to endure the horrors of another peri- and apprenension and death, then as no-; od of suspense, WI will go w ith you; I trust would be my doom. No. no, my good friends :

that heaven will give me strength to bear the you mean me well, but I cnnnot consent to issue, even should it be the worst that can le, unless I caii live with an unusuUicd

befall." nnme.r'

uYe had bitter not. mr dear mistress." re-1 Ah, dear doctor." sobbed out noor Judr.'

plied the devoted servant; "for they are hard- whose heart seemed almost breaking, "what's hearted people about the place, that b'lieve the use of speaking about it t If you star.

he s guilty, enze he's a lankee oddsrot their you ve but a few days to live, and if you tak' saucy tongues and they mout jeer at ye, be- your chance now, who knows but the rail murcause ye're his mother." dercr may be found out, and then you might

"1 hey cannot at any rate, I will go forth," come back, Mister Charles, and all w ould go

said the ami ted woman, "he's mr own. trne. well again."

pious, noble-hearted boy; and his mother will That is a powcrfull argument, Judy; but be by to whisper consolation in his ear, tho' my ttustisinllim who beholds all our actions," every tongue were loud in mockery and re- returned our hero, and I trust confess that I vilings." cannot divest myself of the hope, that the "And I will go with you, mother," said truth will yet bo "brought to light, before I die Catharine, rising from her chair, nnd drvlne the death of a felon."

her tears, "I know he is innocent and sboulJ "Doctor Rivinglon," said Buckhorn, going

the worst come, it is better to hear it at once, "p to him nnd taking him warmly by the

hand, 4I ve been wavering all along about you; but I am inrtin new. The man that murdered Silversight in cold blood, wouldn't ; ' be a-going to stand shilly-shally, and the jail door wide open. I always was dub'ousas bout it, though the proof seemed so sure. Itytd.

nag is down in in the hollow, wilh saddlc-b -very

than linger here in such protracted anguish."

I he assembled crowd was still anxiously-

awaiting the relurn of the vedict, when the

mother of Chimes Rivington, leaning on the

arm of Cathaune Wentworth, entered the the court-house of Clairville. A passage was

instantly opened for them, wilh that intuitive

respect which almost all men are ready n him nnd Judy tilled 'cm lull or your cloth -but

lo yield to misfortune, even when accom- you may lake him, Uoctor, ilyou will; .dint panied by guilt. They had not been long may take the money in welcome but I, c.me, seated, ia the part of the room where they come here to set you cl'ar, advise you to staiosts rould be most screened from observation, and if 1 dont find out somelhin' to turn ' was

cader that when the jury returned; nnd handing a sealed tables before hanging day, it sha'nt be bee igcr. ice of sick- verdict lo the ilcrk, resumed their places. I don't try. ,c up ituation in The clerk arose, and rend in a faltering voice, Our hero exchanged with the honest hulc's

nes.

' . . . r . ., . ? ' i f l f L. J

prison; but the appalling events ol the trial "we nna tne prisoner, manes mvingion, ier one wm. Vl hpi nna had caused no alteration in his appearance, guilty.". The words had scarcely left his lips, which may be termed the language ofa rricd He sat firm and collected; and there was a when a pierceing shriek ran through the apart- souls, and conveyed to him, by the elcjd p, I melancholy sweetness in the expression of ment, and Catherine Wentworth fell lifeless octionmore than he could readily have-, people his countenance,which told that all was calm to the floor. Not so with that Christian moth- words to express. 1 hey were now .

within. Indeed, the awful coincidence of the er with unwonted strength she darted

circumstances had been made fully known I o through the assembly, until she reached

him, before he came into court; he was con- child ;"M) boy !" she cried, "my boyl be ol i ne snauow . "".." 'fciiig ofmy

given the gun to Dr. Rivington; did you also vinccd unless ihe interposing arm or heaven gooa cneer. a our .eavemy ruer .m,w. "''"l"-;" , n Ux,? '? R live him a bullet that would fit the bore?" should prevent the blow that death and ig- your inmost soul, and sees that you arc guilt- door ol the jh J. m ljVJJ&flL l did not " nominy must fall upon him, nnd, after a se- Us?. We shall he down together for think "the pnroner hat broke out. tne pn-wgj. 1 uiu noi. j , ,t : 1: j i kmlrn niilr tliir friends. Judv audi. .

vere internal connici, lie had become ena- noi innsmeju-we unn iu- ---- ...Ihcswcct

bled to say, "Thy will be done." gelhcr to awake with the Ird-my boy my horn, were e..u,u i KWu u. . u

His molher,by the assistance or that never- boy : mue aiu i ininn io see mis onier uny ; Mo.,--.v - -- - -

exnnusica nature couia enaure no more, A the mother fainted in the arms of her child, tended delivered It was not many minuets , I shall not attempt to describe the situation before ft considerable number of the idle and .

. i . . i i l 'r j j i I IK. rnnniii wrt collected bv inn t kimr

ity. In compliance with the earnest request oimy unnappy nero,ior worusare iiinucqua ... y . jTf " 1 ' , of her son, wL wa, fearful that the feeling, tothetask. The insensible form, of hi. moth- JBdt ofnaturemightbecometoostrongforconlro'l, er and beloved Catharine were conveye -Jf'Tf

nnd who wished to behave wilh manliness and rom the scene; ana wnen lorn aegree- o. ... i,-"" " " " "-.v -. ; , "J, li.

in our hero s heart by t.ie last words ot

horn, and the confident manner in which

"Did he exhibit any anxiety to obtain the weapon Y again asked the lawyer.

"By no means, replied the gunsmith; "I

considered nt the time thai the Doctor's offer

was one of mere kindness; and he had previously mentioned he was going out that way

to visit his patients."

"The bore or this rifle, Mr. Drill," con

tinued the sagacious lawyer, "is very small.

I presume that you are familiar wilh the size

and qualities of all that are owned on the

road out to Mr. Buckhorn's. is there any

house nt which Dr. Rivington could have

slopped and procured a ball of sufficient smnll nesst"

MJohn Guntry's rifle," answered Mr. Drill, "carries eighty-seven or eight, to the pound,

and one of his bullets with a thick paicn

would suit Buckhorn's prelly well. That Is

Jie onlv one any where near the siee."

The attorney for the people hero asked the

witness another question. "For what purpose, sir, did Jie prUorr ga

into your shop, on the morning of the sixteenth

of December? '

of

failing comfort in sorrow, religion. had hither

to supported, with something like resignation

to me aivine niu, luisgicnicoi chiuiij cimhiii-

and who wished to behave wilh manliness nnd from the scene; and when some degree ol si- J equanimity through the trying period,she re- lence was restored among the sympathising " framed from going to court, on the day that multitude, the judge proceeded to pronounce duP was to decidet in a great measure, her mortal sentence upon him. He had nothing to say Buckt

to avert it, except a reiterated declaration of they were uttered, graauauy oeciineu.a.aay his innocence; and he besought the court, that after day rolled by, and no trace could be dis-

destiny. . t L I;.. I- I e J I

the spot, nna awauing wun intense anxiety utn"' r,c," "" . " c . j i - . ...n r.... n h.r k.. nt ilmi E! tL.I r ih- lnaJA hnr. mnih continual death, while he survived. It was fined by a wasting fever, to her.bed; and that

the issue oi ine inggara nour, was me momer suiun' ucn, .u.-k .t,. .i;ii k.;. nn nA nt. kr..mH,.l,hkll.ec1.Kment.eemedl.ile!i It near midnight .f lli.t lmp.rl.(.Dl P' "

.. . i i .

. - ... . .1. i t.s.i wa. emDioieu rrumuiiK " vn"

i i k- t .T J i.i H. inVrp pocket pi.t.l. for hin,,nd Bltin8 a' bullet

. a aaai aiiniiiri" 11 met nizic uiiisiigu.

was the merchants clerk, ana naa nearu meri - - ... r

. Uf T. r . . noi-or In V.I "I'lCBSe IO note llllll nusnci, geiiircurei. ui

wt.,c. . ; ii,-t..r.M lhpnrn.Rcut npattornev. "Mr.

ing used the article of tea in her lite, the poor A-l j -.s j-

(romanhad caused a pound of it to 92t?-?tMn. it....

cnatca, ana boiling u an in a large aeiue, ---- . , . a . rolllrn., wilh

erred it an to her guests as greens for din- ir V. '"Tl'i. i.r. w-Vl.W.

I inf. U1H1 Ul OIITCIBICHU w.. " "J ,

1 i i . I i I ..-..I. fmrn Ika nlart

e. ana bdoui ihu uuhuicu ;mu . f---

ben he was

the body of Silversight. On his way back,

Thev tell." said a farmer, who had the re- "u , , J. m;nj k.

pulationof beinga wit among Hi. fellows, and JMJ r oowder-flask, (which was

7'?TAJrMr?7h! collar of hown to him, and he Identified it,) the letter, lywitha pnnted calico shirt, the collar of R M. D. beinir cut apon one ef its sides,

winch was ostentatiously displayed, -inejr wilh nfe. There was but one tell that old Silversight had a power of money "PJJ r lhe neoD,e. Mr.

lea. It's kill or cure with F- h. -hom the un-

i uawon, in H.gian - --

ised be-

acknowledgment

compa-

may

a specimen oi the idle " " t.m.t.nra. a. the. n

rhichthe crowd amused themselves, until P otm "

the court, at lenirth. assembled, when, alter . ku AoCnro t

the usual preliminaries, the Important "RM fji ulent and ingenuity could devise, commenced. The prisoner had been roM"0"!

plied by his anxious and affectionate parent ; -";mllied. & recross-examioed ;

srith all the little comforts which we narrow rr'"- mtm

i . a .a i a a it a i i. iibi nn w w 1 1 . i a wm lu a a-1 ill i ac a i sat .ni lint v a

.ilh Ihe.wful .enlence of the lw sgRinst ooy the wjiDroafmicn "T l-oMh.rri.ed, hot broucht no cheer,,.r , on. And jet th., noble ,..n,th.gh B..hr

torn hv the aeco ana awiui soiiciiuue wnicn in --":, , - . , . K..kiJ t,;m..ir kiV. ihn

only a mother'.' heart can know, strove to through the clouds ofa wintry sky, when --. Wd gi Jpeak word, of comfort to the lovely being Charles Rivington, started from q unquiet d no onerVope for of, beside her, whose affeclionate bosom seemed slumbe, sby fane ed no.se at the door of h, he J g

burning with anncuon. pnauu, " o;.B ";- -B - ... kiiirU".l,o .oS.I wr-iha. I more intently listen, heard his own name

rine X I child Valasl I soon may hve no whispered from the out side. It wa. on th e e?ng in a ht.le mea XrAlId than you. But no: the Searcher -Willyou wake Mr. Charles!" wassofilv looking cabin, called -Brown s je outer f.iin j ..itMit i ih iwppI tirront of our 1 tile Irish D.ace which we have before had occasioa lo

of hearts ttnow. m v,naries guimew, ana - y- .u" - i ' -t, f . ih Nw Settlmn.that two oer-

t;ll vet nut forth his arm to save. What acquaintance, uut. ---- . , - ILlnJ iE TthatT-I am wrong lo distrust his like!" cbniinued she, "and he a sleeping at sons were sitting at a table, with a bottle-of have knelt, Catharine, at the bedside of three door ror him. suii.i '"K . ... PRT . .. .L i. Li n- .,: Judv" ronnnnded a masculine place on the morrow, when a third one cn-

i .hiiinwn. I nrpp nine iiumnn uiusnunii. w m w it . ... . . ,. r . 1. - A . .

lutcij i -- i 'i . ...- tAnj. M.ni I tmrett. ftno canine mr n arm. iuqk

kill

I linen ,,.)... ikulnM Btit hnfr hilt that WBS

...jnuB.KC v. icrinnftt nrtsoncr had neen examine thequerest pill to give a patient, Pveever for P Lts which were de

beard of; and he took We troua e ou you h,, wi,h Ue

nanas,yar ock, and paid tne oiii mmse.. uu. - he UA been ln

oi tne dead man s poct, ney t - wh Mr. Silversight, &c. But we

ouch is

... nnlimalr crnn(1.nnct irn tnnhlc-d I VOICe.

Illiti uww rl 1 - , t . ..i .: ui I ml mnM in the shadow.

lo now who reawaiiun iu u.iM.isWH..u- ... . . w. .hi. holl dark man. dr

But this, oh my l ather," groaned the wa ... c ;r . ' ir "7 . . .

lis bitterest cup to sawea out, ou. . j 8. r- --"r

cree

tortured

parent,

Msuffer this

The Doc (or 'II I some dislance from them, lie was a tali,

dressed in a hunting kock, ana

ings; and held in his hand one

io I . .n; .... : -1 r il ... mnnfrroBl wf.nnni. which, nartnkui?

pas, from me. yatharlne.ary your tears: tie o8 y hU rc or" of the character both of rifle and mu.ket.are

Whose powerru. hand ed tor n inrmea w ".- J jV:" re.Ponded called smooth-bore, by the hunter, of our wes-

from the fiery furnace the three that would ! "n r r - '"fi" . frontier. who. -enerallv .peaking, hold

not renounce hi. name, will yetdehver 7 H"JI ln grekt contempt, f be apartment of

w m m a w l k I'll wov - - - - w r u m a

and the little grocery, or tavern, where these three

knv from the foils that are around him

wwv - - . mm iLi. wi at iru ir ina r w

w . -..a InJts saat aaan fmifl IM inK' 11113 Ull VI . ava f-J

At una mu ucuv -y : lUtk.-t vour 80rt." continued she, adding person, were assembled, was iigmeo, .u uwindow running rapidly Awards he house, " ofnlog to dition to the blaxe of It large wood fire, by a and directly after, pale and breathless, enter- .V1 single long-dipped tallow candle, held in an ed the apartment. IhlCfti .K "Judy!" faintly cried the agonized parent, nmfMV SJdof the aforementioned table, wilh the trembling in every nerve, but unable to utter ' Ju'de benche. on which the euest. were seatmore. . .il a. A.in. .d. The conversation had been interrupted

a

tbeoccuDantoftbat dreary abode: and the people mtowhus . , .

bodrte.ofc.l. .lto-Eorch KrriS .SSiT.AI

exercise, a sickness laileneu upon niwiiiw :r -. Br"P,ion!r -nd distressed ai

though not daneerous In its nature, had ten- -""J ."J ,andiT discontinued hi. etdere5 him thifad pale. He came Into the r re.u! .BWIrJ B

court, arm in arm with the attorney who .wa.vm--.j - 'fill one ofl

employed to plead his cause; aud iebtly oena o. bv master of the

bowing lo those whose friendly salute ndica- Wf-V: uVerVn vain. He dwelt

c mai tney oeuvreu iiiui iuiiw.i-

.k a & . aiponaiii. wm iiMn at. sun uwa mm i iubi i ... .

ik m.H.m " re.nonded the servant, i r-. . - . K . ..ni-- nfihe third ne.-son. but was now

know whatlouM be asking me-tak' comfort, open Buckhorn and Judy .tooa oe.ore -v it'. no decided yit; the juries has jist gone up Poner- clHirleBi M. Bothlng at all, Tor my part, as I was saying," observed stair to talk it over among theeand ft'U&'S, nag, one of the persons, in continu.lion of jotne

bless their iwau ou.., nr t.r,cu - . y M ;h.ho,.ow -nd nit clear a. weU remark, ne naa previou.maoc-.

1 did .timer when nt. r; " 7" ,r ; e team boatf Jimmy thing's been too hasty. The doctor . cn-

Jv" . . . , .i t I k rk .rw kMlf rrlMCUO. UO.IU Wic

dyfinqw

i w.,vv w the Bffectionnte girl, tear, .t.naing in m. xwmn, ...

if it wasn't so; and

.V.

4 i'" v .V, i