Mr. LYNCH, Lynched--
A man named LYNCH, who had for some months past been the terror of the whole neighborhood of San Felipe, was hung
without judge or jury, a few days ago. He had killed one or two
citizens, and threatened the lives of several others, and had eluded
the strictest search of the civil officers of the county.--He would
lurk about in the woods, and feed, at times, for weeks, merely on wild
game which he killed with his rifle. He had been accused of theft
about a year ago, and a party of citizens of Austin County took him
and publicly whipped him. He became so indignant at this, that he
made an oath that he would kill every man who had aided in whipping
him. He followed one into Louisiana, and killed him there. He also
shot at several others, on different occasions, and wounded them. A
week or two since, he shot a Mr. GREER through the arm--Those whose
lives were thus threatened, offered a reward of $500 to any one who
should catch him and deliver him to the Sheriff of Austin County. He
was taken and put into county jail, and soon after, a party of about a
dozen citizens, armed, came to San Felipe, took him out, and carried
him about two miles down the river, and hung him to a tree. The poor
wretch, when he found escape impossible, cried like a child, and
begged, in the most suppliant manner, for his life. So true it is,
that those who are regarded as the most desperate and brazen, are the
most cowardly when placed in real danger. Perhaps there never was a
case of Lynching more excusable than this; but, excusable as it is,
the laws of God and man pronounce it MURDER, and sooner or later a
fearful retribution will undoubtedly befall those who have, in
violation of law, imbrued their hands with his blood. 6/2/1842:2
Ironic, or what?
Hamp
