USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 27
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When young Langston came to my house the second time, he and I walked out on Main Street to see what was going on, and to make what observations we could. I still held out to young Langston that if his father had any hand in it that I was not aware of it, still affecting an innocence on my part. We walked down Main Street to Robidoux' corner ; paused there awhile, and then went on to the Public Square. There were a good many people on the Public Square at the time, and there had been more excitement about Willard's murder than I was aware of at the time. The people were somewhat scattered and scattering at the time. They were collecting and had collected in little groups in differ-
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ent parts of the Square, and were in low, under-toned conversation. There was evidently quite an indignant feeling in the public towards the perpetrators of the deed. Young Langston and I mixed not with any of these little squads of folks, but passed through -- made but a short walk, and returned. I saw and recognized several persons during this walk. Dr. Crane particularly I recollect passing, and spoke to him, and I think he returned the salutation, "Good evening," or something like that. Young Langston and I soon separated. He went on and I returned to my own house, not later than ten at night, I should think, and went to bed. My wife in the meantime had heard of the murder of Willard- that Langston, Anderson and Jones had been arrested, and that rumor and suspicion connected me with them. She was uneasy and mentioned it to me. I denied knowing anything about it, and quieted her as best I could, and then went to sleep. I was not very stout, being unwell, as I have before stated ; had been on my feet all day, and the part I had borne in Willard's death was taxing my powers pretty heavily. In my mind I was not apprehending any danger. I knew that there would be a trial the next day of Langston, Anderson and Jones, and supposed that I should be called on as a witness only. I had no dread of being apprehended myself. Under all these circumstances I slept very quietly during the night.
I remained in doors next morning, with the exception of doing what we call "chores," till after breakfast. I then went round to my shop, intending to work a little. I made some start at work-brought in a few plank ; made some directions in relation to business with one or two persons, and began perhaps to use the saw on some of the plank, when friends began to come in. One and another and another stepped in. The conversation was almost entirely about the murder of Willard. There was an intense feeling about it. Several persons told me that sus- picion strongly rested on me as being engaged in the affair. Mr. Hoag- land, I recollect, told me that I was strongly suspected, and asked me : "Jennings, are you guilty or not guilty?" I denied it. Others told me the same. At length some person came into the shop and took me out to one side and told me that a warrant was out for me, and that I would soon be apprehended, and said : "Jennings, the excitement is very high, and I would advise you to leave for a few days, till the excitement is over, and then return. Others soon advised the same thing. And I reflected on the matter-thought perhaps I had better leave for awhile. There was no Judge then in this district. I did not know how long I might have to be in jail. The public feeling ran very high, and I thought best to absent myself at least for a few days.
I made it convenient to see a few friends with whom I had business, obtained a little money, went to a store and purchased a pair of shoes, and went round home. There I met my sister, Mrs. Hebron. She had heard of all these things, and had come round to see about them. She and my wife were both much alarmed, and wept bitterly. I told them not to be alarmed ; that all things would come round right. I told them that I would withdraw for a few days, till the excitement was over, etc. I put on clean linen, and immediately left. I took the road out by the rope- walk. . At the forks of the road I took the Savannah road ; then again took the Rochester road till out a mile or two; I left the main road and took the prairie, brush, woods and by-paths. Without taxing the patience
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of the reader with an uninteresting narrative of this adventure, in which in fact nothing remarkable or that would be interesting to the public occurred. I worked my way into DeKalb County. From Maysville, on Friday morning, I wrote back to my brother-in-law, Mr. Hebron. This letter was soon at hand, and by it my whereabouts was soon known. On Saturday morning I was arrested, some six or seven miles north of Mays- ville, by Officers Heed and Finney, and brought back to St. Joseph the same day. We arrived in town about sunset. On our arrival in town I was put in prison. In prison I found already Langston, Anderson and Jones. They had been apprehended and put in prison on Tuesday night, and had been brought before Justices Wash and Lewis, and their trial before this examing court begun. The next Monday being election, the further proceeding in their trial was postponed till Thursday, there being three days of election. I now was placed with them for trial, and the trial set for Thursday.
When I was introduced into prison I found Langston, Anderson and Jones. They appeared tolerably cheerful-were disappointed at seeing me-said they supposed that I was entirely gone, and seemed rather to regret that I had been apprehended.
Thirteen long months have these poor fellows, Langston, Anderson, Jones and myself lain in prison together. Always, except when separated by the officers for a few hours, or days at furtherest, during my trial, in the same room. These thirteen months have been to me an age! Nor has the time dragged less heavily with them. During this wearisome time we have lived in peace with one another. There has been no recrimina- tion, no censuring each other, no bickering, and but very seldom has the matter been spoken of at all. We all understand ourselves-know the part each acted in that tragedy, and have generally been silent about it. To-morrow I shall separate from them-my companions in guilt-my companions in suffering, and from my very soul I pity them! I pity their families! I wish I could help them ! But I cannot. I bear against them no bad feelings in the world. Myself, and myself only, do I blame for this that now hangs over me-there never has been a hard word passed between us in prison.
I know not what disposition, of course, that the court will make of Langston, Anderson and Jones. It would meet my hearty approbation, and I wish I knew such were the case, that they might be acquitted and restored to their families. Willard is dead-was most inhumanly mur- dered ; his family is ruined. I have laid in jail thirteen long months and suffered more than a thousand deaths. They, too, have suffered equally as much ; our families are all crushed down to rise no more-ruined forever. I have to die. The blood of a thousand men would not make atonement for Willard's. If the divine claims of "Eye for an eye, tooth for tooth," be just, my death ought to satisfy the claims of justice, how- ever others may have bore a conspicuous and even leading part in the crime. I say then, if it could be compatible with the claims of the law, and the ends of justice could be satisfied without their blood, I would rather Langston, Anderson and Jones could be spared.
Thursday came and we were all four arraigned before the examining court-Wash and Lewis presiding. Gen. Gardenhire, assisted by Vories, appeared for the State and Hughes, Leonard and Loan appeared for Langston and Jones, and Jones for Anderson, and Johnson for me.
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The examination before the court lasted several days. Excitement was high, feelings intense, and of course a great many things said all round that would not have been said under less exciting circumstances. The prosecution was conducted with ability and firmness. And I can now reflect back and believe that it was as impartially conducted as it could have been done under the circumstances.
The attorneys for the defense were and are men of talents, profes- sional ability and zeal and were true and faithful to their clients. I believe that they have done their duty. At the end of the examination we all stood committed to the next term of the Circuit Court, which would have come off in September, but their being no judge in this dis- trict our trials remained over to the spring term. However, in the meantime, the judge was elected and a called term of court held in November on our cases. Before the grand jury our cases were brought, true bills found and our trials set for spring.
At the March term, Judge Norton presiding, our cases came up. Langston took a change of venue to Clinton County. Langston stood before the Clinton term, but the State was not ready and his case was continued till the fall term, and he remanded back to this prison for safe keeping. Jones put his trial off till the fall term. Anderson's case was brought before an adjourned term in June and put over to the fall term, and my friends thought my trial had better come off then. My lawyers obtained the aid of Judge Wyatt and my friends employed Mr. Wilson of Platte City. Craig, assisted by Vories, appeared for the state. A day or two was spent in settling the preliminaries of my trial. Nearly a day was occupied in empannelling a jury. Morris and Smith were the only men on the jury I knew. To the others I was an entire stranger. The jury, I thought, was composed of honorable, intelligent men. My lawyers were satisfied with them and so was I. The prosecution also was satis- fied. Several days were occupied in the trial. The witnesses were numerous and the examination and cross-examination close and rigid.
During the trial, many questions, purely legal, came up before the court that had a bearing on the case. My attorneys took exceptions to some of Judge Norton's decisions ; whereupon I afterwards appealed to the Supreme Court, which, however, availed me nothing, only the post- ponement of the time of execution.
The testimony on my trial gave as little grounds for animadversion on my part, now that death is before me, I believe, as I could have expected.
When the witnesses were all examined, the counsel, both for the state and for me, made able, learned, eloquent and powerful addresses to the jury. Late on Friday evening the jury took the case and retired. They were out not exceeding thirty minutes when they returned with a verdict of "Guilty of murder in the first degree, as charged in the indict- ment." Saturday I received sentence of the court, and the third day of June set for my execution ; while I was remanded back to prison.
Some of my friends have thought that my feelings, during my trial. were not suitable, and did not comport with a correct taste and a noble mind. That I was indifferent, &c. These things, I now presume, were so. I was not then able to appreciate my true condition. I had passed the most severe ordeal the last eight or ten months that man could pos- sibly pass. All carth seemed to be against me. The scorn and con-
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tempt of public sentiment poured in on my crushed soul like the flood- tide. My wife and family I knew were ruined. My intimate companions in prison were not able to help me-all these things threw my whole feelings into the defensive-they were bad. Now that the storm has somewhat passed over, and I crushed to the very earth-prostrated low, humbled to the dust, I can look back and see my own errors ; and oh, will the reader spare me the mentioning them !
I had not proper feelings, and consequently did not act myself. I was advised that the Supreme Court would order me a new trial, and looked forward to the new trial in hope, for the chance of being released. Thus held up I did not take the correct view of my true and proper con- dition. I had all the time, however, misgivings about the issue-somc- thing terribly haunted me the whole time.
In July the Supreme Court set in Jefferson City, and the case came up. On hearing the case the court affirmed the decision of the Circuit Court and fixed the 2nd day of September (to-morrow) for my execution. This decision of the Supreme Court somewhat disappointed me and greatly crushed my feelings. No one can realize what my feelings were that never had the trial of it. A black cloud now began to gather over my horizon and hang over my pathway. Only one ray of hope now pen- etrated this dark cloud. That was an appeal to the Governor-to beg for executive interference. Here was my last hope.
My friends went to work ; petitions were drawn up and numerously signed by good and worthy citizens in my behalf. Among a host of others who generously came to my assistance on this occasion, I must mention the name of the Rev. William Prottsman, of Dover, Mo. He generously gave me all the assistance that a noble mind could have given. In the success of an application for executive interference (the petition set forth a desire for a change of punishment to imprisonment for life in the penitentiary,) I had hope-desire ; but my hopes were not very sanguine. Many friends advised me not to look forward with much reliance to that source, particularly the Rev. Mr. Boyakin, whose sympathy for me has been worthy of the man and his high calling, and whose views and judgment were always right on this matter. He told me from the beginning that the Governor would not interfere. The petitions were, however, laid at his feet and a condemned man asked the poor boon which could have been constitutionally given, to be allowed to live his lifetime at hard service in the penitentiary. But to live, after I have thought the whole matter dispassionately over, and my mind made up to die, and have become almost willing to die, I hardly know whether I would now accept the boon if offered. Perhaps I might.
Anyhow, when the telegraph brought word from my friends at the court of Governor Price, that the Governor, after examining my papers, said he could "see no reason for the interference of executive clemency," that last ray of hope was cut off.
At first I was disposed to give way to bad feelings towards the Governor, and said things about him and others I am now sorry for. A paroxysm of disappointed hope, despair and crushed feelings drove me nearly to desperation. At this time Christian friends came to my relief. They gave good counsel, sympathized with me and prayed for me. Among a great many others I will mention Rev. Mr. Vandeventer, and Boyakin ; I believe that they have done their whole duty to me. Their
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counsel, attention, visits and sympathy have been well timed and wise. Under God, to them I am indebted for what I think to be a proper frame of mind to die in. They have pointed to the Lamb of God. They have gone there with me. Honestly I have tried to confess my sins ; I deplore them, from my very heart I abhor them. I hope for divine mercy ; I believe that I shall have it. I shall die a penitent, trusting only on the blood of Christ for salvation. And I have in my bosom a consciousness that my suit to him has not been in vain. These gentlemen I have invited to attend with me to-morrow at my execution, and painful as it may be and will be to them, they have consented to be present.
I wish my amanuensis, who is better acquainted with my motives and heart than any man living, who has been with me the last three or four days constantly ; into whose bosom I have poured the whole secret treasury of my own heart, to gather such materials of a biographical character as may be furnished him by my wife and brother, concerning me, and append it to this, my confession, and to give such assistance as may be needed in correcting the proof-sheet of the same for publication. And I furthermore wish that he will see that after the expenses of the publication of this, my confession, shall be defrayed, if anything is fur- ther realized by the sale of the same, that it go to the benefit of my wife. I also request of those gentlemen who were present the other evening, and heard from my own lips the details of Willard's murder, and who are now present and hear this confession read and acknowledged,. to assist in carrying out these my wishes on this subject. I trust in them ; I know they will do so.
As the last day that I am to live wears away, and I am endeavoring to prepare for all the awful realities of to-morrow, I must do myself the justice and give my friends the satisfaction to know that I am in peace with all mankind! Towards the Governor, and the attorneys who have plead against me, and the court, judge, jury and witnesses, one and all, 1 have no ill feelings whatever. My mind is casier on this subject than I thought possible for it to be. I have had my enemies and this affair has of course made me many, and they have been very virulent in their lan- guage and bitter in their feelings against me ; I heartily forgive them.
To my friends what shall I say ? I have not language to express my wishes. They have been everything that friends could be, said every- thing that friends could have said, and have done everything that friends could have done. From the first hour of my incarceration in prison, I have enjoyed the attention of friends, many, very many! Oh, that I could reward them. In the officers I have found sympathizing friends. Sheriff Smith has been to me like a brother. While he has faithfully performed the duties of his office, he has done everything in his power to make my circumstances as comfortable as possible. I deeply sympathize with him in his late heavy affliction. I hope he will not let his feelings be mortified at that painful duty devolving on him to-morrow. I shall have no unkind feelings towards him for it. I believe Smith to be a Christian man, and I hope to meet him in heaven. Mr. Creal, the jailer, and his family, have brought me under infinite obli- gations to them. A man condemned to be hung, perhaps never had the kind attention paid to him in jail as Creal and his family have paid to me and to my family, my wife in her deep affliction, and at the same
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time he has been faithful as an officer. Creal is a man of unbounded sympathy. He is one of the best men in the world.
My lawyers, Johnson, Wyatt and Wilson, have done all that talents and faithfulness could have done for me. They are now suffering in feel- ings for me. Adieu, gentlemen. I regret that your affections could not have found a worthier object ! I know your feelings, you cannot come to see me ; I appreciate them. Adieu! Adieu !
My brother and sister Hebron are prostrated I know in feeling. What shall I say to them! They have my kindest feelings. May God bless you.
My brother, Wesley Jennings, in all this affair, has shown himself to be more than an ordinary man for his age, and such I am advised is the estimate that the public puts on his conduct before this community. He came to my assistance early in last March, and from that time to the present he has been more than a brother to me. He has stuck close to me, administered to all my wants; constantly sympathized with me. He has nobly braved the storm of public indignation ; stood up solitary and alone for his brother, yet he has, so far as I have heard, acted pru- dent. I am happy that he enjoys the public confidence. His noble. innocent, manly young heart is now bleeding at every pore. From my very soul I pity him. I can only say to him look up my brother ! go on, act manly, form no bad habits, keep no evil company, and a bright sun will yet light up your pathway. You are worthy of a better brother than I am.
My wife, Nancy, is here with me, and from the day that my hands were stained with Willard's blood, to this day, she has been faithful in her attention to my wants ; her attachment and love has been as con- stant and as true as a magnet. Her troubles have been overwhelming. poor, broken-up, without friends, husband in jail, charged with a high crime, public contempt sweeping in on us like a mighty flood. Her
infant she buried in November, in April she became a mother again. Exposed without a home, friendless, from first one boarding-house to another, she finally, propelled by the present motives that ever swelled a woman's heart, by the permission of the Sheriff and Jailer, she come to to the jail, and has been with me constantly, and has said and done everything under the heavens that a wife could do, for my welfare ; through the hot sun and driving winds, and pelting storms, with a sick child at home, and a broken heart, pale, wan, emaciated, trembling limbs and a worn down constitution, has that woman gone all over this town in my behalf, and when the last only hope remained, woman-like. with the crisis, she rose above it, and held me up in her affections, and in every part of this town did she canvas with a petition, and begged the names of the citizens in my behalf, through the whole storm of pub- lic contempt did she, by the majesty of true devotion to her husband .. press her way to their affections. Public sentiment can never do her justice, she is worthy of a better husband than she has had. Her last and only child fell a victim to her devotion to me. Noble woman !. Three years ago this day (the Ist of September), she pledged herself to. me ; hand and heart she gave before the marriage altar to me, and most faithful has she been to this present hour.
By an arrangement, and an understanding between my wife and her brother, Mr. Oliver Beall, who is now present with me-has lately come
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to see me, and be with me and pay his last tribute of respect-she will go home with him to live. He will henceforth become her adviser and protector. To him she will look for advice and protection, and I beg of her to live so in the future as to merit the esteem of the good ; to give her heart to God ; to make Him her friend, and though your troubles are overwhelming, He will sustain you. I pray you to forgive me all my want of kindness to you. All that I can do is to beg forgiveness for it ; I know that your noble heart will and has already forgiven me. Let us prepare to meet together in Heaven. Farewell, Nancy! farewell, till we meet in a better world than this!
In Mr. Beall I have the utmost confidence ; he is a prudent, safe man, and will be kind to my wife.
AUGUSTUS OTIS JENNINGS.
The following is a copy of a note, dictated and written by himself an hour and a half before he left the prison for the scaffold :
Being possessed of nothing more valuable, and being desirous, from the numerous acts of kindness and benevolence, of which I have been the happy recipient, from the Rev. W. F. Boyakin, I herewith present him with my portemonie, in order that he may kindly bear in remem- brance the grateful thanks of an unfortunate man, in whose present and future welfare he has taken such deep and lively interest.
And may the God of mercy abundantly reward and bless the con- demned man's friend.
AUGUSTUS OTIS JENNINGS. September 2, 1853.
Immediately after penning the above touching lines, he wrote with his own hand the following, to Mrs. Beall, wife of O. E. Beall, brother to Mrs. Jennings :
ST. JOSEPH, Mo., September 2, 1853.
DEAR SISTER : In a few hours I shall exclaim, "This is the last of earth !" It is painful to be thus rudely torn from dearly cherished friends and relations. But it is a blissful consolation to reflect that in a few days, or a few short years at most, we shall again be united in that happy world, where heart-rending separations are never known-nor cannot come. I cannot write any more. Be kind to Nancy. She has been a guardian angel to me through all my trials and difficulties. Her heart is broken-her spirit is crushed. Oh, Cornelia, comfort and con- sole her in her affliction.
I know your kind heart and generous nature will afford her all the consolation in your power. Adieu! Adieu! Adieu! May your kind and affectionate husband share a better fate than mine-is the prayer of your affectionate brother.
AUGUSTUS OTIS JENNINGS.
MARY C. BEALL ..
The Rev. W. F. Boyakin was with him in his cell, from eight till ten o'clock of the morning of his execution. The prisoner was then left
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for an hour to enjoy a private interview with his brother and brother-in- law, his wife having taken leave of him at seven in the morning. At cleven, Rev. Mr. Boyakin returned to his cell, and remained with him till they went to the place of execution.
At nine in the morning, the Robidoux Grays, commanded by Cap- tain Hughes, being summoned by Sheriff Smith to keep order and assist in the execution of the laws, filed into the prison yard, with martial music, in military dress and arms, and took a position in front and round the prison. At this time the prisoner was dictating the address that he subsequently delivered on the scaffold, and remarked to his amanuensis, "martial music excites me-it brings to my mind the Mexican war. I wish they would have no more of it." His wish was immediately com- municated to Captain Hughes, and kindly complied with.
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