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[by I.BQUEBT ]CONFESSION OF JOHN SWEAT.change, ie Pub-Who was executed at Lancastervilie, S., C., July 2, 1841.art.iiAs I am about to suffer the sentence of the law the murder ot Thomas P. Pickett, it is, perhaps, expectcu, and in accordance with that expectation, Idesire to make a statement of the facts which led onto, and ended in his death—as well that I may putmy country in possession of the true state of the i f.s. as that, by so doing, I may do all m my power atone for the violated justice of my country by atrue and open confession of my guilt, so far as animpartial country, after hearing this my confessionshall judge me guilty—and as that, by it I may hearthis, my last dying testimony to the soul-destroying•and accursed consequences of Drunkenness andSareatii-Breaking—hero I am constrained to bear this, my eying testi-momr, to the trutn of Christianity, the power of God’s }grace, the cheering and consoling graces of His Holy Spirit, and the sure hope which can be derived by the chiefest of sinners, from faith in Christ,and partaking, by true faith, of the Sacraments of His Holy Catholic Church.ffi( the two great crying sins ofthe day. And in making this, I do it as in presenceAltughty God—before whom I know 1 am nowshortiy to appear._ _, I hope, therefore, my fellow-citi-zeus i receive it, as indeed it is, the truth, and nodi ig f at the truth. And I wi here observe that f lough it may appear in making this statement, I am rather advocating my cause, and maintainingFrom my infancy until a few weeks since, I wasa miserable, ignorant and blind sinner, and would.in all probability, have gone down into everlasting burnings, had it not been for the great mercy of God, who, through the instruments lily of my very dear and ever to be remembered spiritual father, pointed my wretched soul to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins ofthe world. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift, and for His grace, conveyed tr my soul through the channels of His Holy Catholic Church.aiCftcVvViHill’sinnocence, nothing is farther from my object. No! I am gmlty-^tre y guilty, before my God. 1than•ffate.New of hisft that I deserve infinitely more than 1 can con-. But T hether 1 am guilty of murder in a legal point of view, is not lor me to say—an impartialAnd oh, my dear friends, 1 sincerely exhort you to beware how you abuse,an i is awfully to be feared, blaspheme, what through prejudice, many do not understand. Forthe last, six days my dear teacher and guide has spent at least six hours each day shut up in the noxious atmosphere of my miserable cell pointin me tQ the only hope of poor sinners—-the blessed Redeemer—praying with and for me, and affording me the soul-consoling and cheering comforts of theChurch.13gar-ng toOuthour.in anp be-mindfromear-„ say—an imparti. .jury ol my country, on the evidence before them,have once* said, and I shall suffer most cheerful!v. IIns occasion to say, that what 1 shall saynot saiu fa a spirit of unkindness. No—so farisjrom there being any spirit of unkindness in my breast towards any person, I can say, in view ofeternity, and in the sincerity of my soul, that I am t charity with the whole world—nor is thereh is labor has not been in vain in the Lord, and I confidently trust ana hope, that I—even I—a irqserable and unworthy sinner, will he a star of rejoicing in his crown of glory, forever.In lt;osing these, my last words on earth, I musttender my sincere thanks to those who had charge of me while m ja-il-—b^t especially those dear friendsw 10 have disinterestedly entertained and extendedt tr c arities to aiy dear, disconsolate wife and child. I pray God to shower down his choicest bles-1anysmir.tr* i - ------ —9 \ finSs upon them and theirs, both for time and ctcrni-spint or malice, revenge, or any other unholy pas- 1 ty—and to all, grace, mercy and peace.--Amen. ion in ray heart—God is wiino«a Ttni f +i... , - P , „ - _ is witness. But I ferventlylove the whole family of mankind, and humbly ini-iPP. tHO mn l J\\•* »N theplore the divine blessing on my most bitter enemies.On Saturday, the Kith of March,the day previ-istodi hastwohope; our de toou.i to the day on which the deplorable event occur-re cl, I yvs taken sick, and remained m bed all day:f n r w X ■ f'j i \ -J 'NOTICE.tne \ved a2 so*Jay,thenext .oriung ( Sunday) I sent lor a neighbor, o came and bled me; after which, feeling better,1 * unpanled hum to Mrs. Moore’s; after remaining there a short time, I went to Mr. Crenshaw’s, and took some dinner; thence, in company with Chapman Moore, I went to the river for the unhallowed purpose ol assisting him in repairing his bat-(eau—which done, we wont to the fishery or fishhouse, the scene of the murder. This was abouttwo hours by sun.any tilingTTAVlMx removed their stock of Goods to the 1 1 country, and decline d business m Charlotte.£t££Lp to this time, I had not drankand my only inducement in going there was drink and idle company. After we had beenthere-some short time, Pickett, the deceased, came, a. compaqied by Abner D. Johnson, Asa Crenshaw. UnZ ?i1Ui1 some one else, not now recollected.'of athe undersigned earnestly request all persons ovvintrwji, either by note or account, immediately to calland make settlement. WILLIAM ALEXANDERwill remain in (’harlotf.e to close the business of the late concern, and it is hoped those indebted will no* disregard this notice;—at any rate, all are requested to call and see him on the subject, and suchas owe accounts, and cannot now pay, can close them by note.Thelargei subscribers will keep constantly on hand and well selected stock ofbetoan\vath*wimeSaeriiateh- aad been drinking but not much seat- a sbort time before he offered me rego-saidis. I5asnot-was there but, , , repeated and unprovoked insults, both by words and acts—ca’liiio me a negro a d-d negro, c. striking the house ( -.ainst which I was leaning lor support, being weak,) near my head with a lrow with whkftlt to-getner witu a pistol, he was armed—pushed the pis-against my ear, took my sore arm. which was ina sling, while I was leaning against tin* hmisn. on,?tAnd c\ cry other article ii the mercantiie line, at their stand at CLEAR CREEK inthis County,v here they will be pleased to see and accommodatead who may favor them with a calf.ALEXANDER BROTHERS!to 1Charlotte, March 23, 1811.3-y:iluEx-* •an,i?h.ob~uc-i is words I uttered or the most offensive I usedorlilemefar. inm-ildtherw-as-icy. ofoc-hehe:eder.ad.ednobyby)leorn50 unst the house, and cashed it violently and repeatedly against the house.J tuning a this time, which lasted perhaps an hour.1 am not conscious of saying or doing any thing to provoke his insults. On the contrary I did hope to appease him by silence and submission—and thismy disposition was induced by the fact that I wassick, weak, had a sore arm in a sling, drunk, and felt therefore perfectly indisposed to fight. The onlyon theoccasion, were, « Tora. put up your pistol—there isno use for it among your friends.” These words I used when he pushed his pistol, cocked it and let it down repeatedly, in my lace. After this, he repeatedly presented his pistol in my face, levelled it witli my ears, and shoved me in my breast with its muz-zie, hia thumb at the same time on the cock.I his c nfinucd until about, or a little alter sunset, when James Moore took me out and confidentiallytold me that he heard Picket say he would shoot me bclore I left the place: 1 replied, “ if lie intends do-in? so, he must make a sure shot., or then lie willnever make another.” We then went into the house where Picket was, but without noticing him. I wentto the board and took a drink. Picket immediately ppc 1 up, took the tumbler, and Washed ir. took Ins f pistol and laid it from behind me, over inv shoulder on a level with, and very near inv ear, and at thesame time observed in an overbearing and insulting way, that when he drank he did so with white folksI pushed himi trom me, observing, »hft me aloneT orn—go and sat down,” he replied, you are not fit to t a Ik with me, G-d Di-n you, shut up your javv. He then turned round, and walked off but immediately returned with tlie frow in his right hand m a threatening maimer. I told him to let mealone, after which I left the house. This was about nignt tall. \\ hen out, I threw up, being sick withthe hquor on an. empty stomach • as I returned intoae house I picked up a stone in the yard, with thesole view of repelling any more insults. J. Moore being in theMARTIN ROOD/protraoffeiiG3CORNER OF QUEEN $ STA TE STS.pajpulsen;CHARLESTON. S. lt;» 'r Piinger nUnHas constantly on liand an extensive aaaorfmontsties Liquors, lt;'hoice \\ Fresh leas, Cordials,c. Ac. vtc.mesconsisting orFine old Cognac A Cham- jpagne if the most favo- f-rite brand Si *-3ed, enc lami a te-1 tun iom; tersj thised 1givlt; to oHour Glass, Grape, Pine iApple, and Swan, (Imported direct.) ' )Choice old Madeira. Sherry, Port, Teneriffe. C'.a- f ret, Marseilles, Sicih and M ilagaj Hyson. S ouugl lyson. I:n- )peiiul.Gunpowder.Pow- chong, We.—t—-w sjpad the the ] for t I ceivI- J; bani1 Wei comr*\i pnclt;frierLondon and Philadelphia Porter and Ale; Scoteli and Irish Whiskey; Cordials; Syrup?; Coffee*Sugars, e. c., which he offers for* sale on accommodating terms.Charleston. June It, 1841,S'*iwcriftron.I Extr! Aj)pto lorcostfOllXC.I some ! underT^DE Subscriber respectfully announces to the citizens of Concord and the sur■rouncliniy coun-; try, that he has oponed a GROCER Y Sft'ORE idthe town oi Concord, where he wifi keep constantly on hand a large and carefully selectedysorillinsulted me any more that niffht, Iwould use it, or strike him with it. As I went intoS’apply of!/ •'N. • ■''O' ‘•’’V •*irrratiny,the 1mintim o c r whei tritlntrhm!Shich- as—Wine - and Liquors, importcitic; Sugar: Coffee ; Bread : Crackers ;tne house, 1 met Picket with the Frow and Pistol: g heard my remarks to Moor*. HCS TofV;V *erIdidmIVcrohaving near a my remarks to Moore as I suppose', for he advanced on me with the Frow raised in the act of strnung I then struck him, or intended to strike him with the stone, he almost simultaneously knocked me down with the Frow, jumped on me,■t7ii- heating and gouging me, I put my hand in my pocket, took out my knife, and after callino-several times to part us, m the act of parting and while yet on the ground, under the excitemen* of the moment. I stabbed him, and thus deprived ar 0t hl? against who,u’ 1 most solemnly protest, I have not nor ever had Hie least malice •and cone an a*-t which under any other circurmd.aurpressted and domes- 1irions; French Prunes ; (Jakes; 1 all kinds, f oys; prime chewing ICheese ; Le- forigRaisins; Candies of Xftthmakicontateen. L _ and smoking Tclac-ro; Spanish Cigars of tb.e best quality*; Garden ►Seeds ol every kind; Indigo; Copperas; Madder Ginger ; Spice ; Pepper, Almonds : ( loves ; Cinna- politimoFi; English Walnuts; Maccaroni ; VfnnasaMi ill of thlt;bardmes; Herrings; Essence of Cinnamon; do. Peppermint and a \ariet\ of other articles too tedious to mention1-t.ces, I would not have committed for ten thousandworlds—-which I immediately, on learning his situu-. undersignc 1 hopes, bv strict attention to business, and by keeping a complete stock, to merit and r* cei've a liberal share of public patronage^t , F* R ROUECllE.May 25. IS 11sessu ceedi he, IkThPEN1° Viie; 7Type and Stereotype’ Foundry,iti-(1am most deeply deplored, and for which 1 now. andover have most sincerely grieved.thrs stalelt;1 ,the tuaI h oae of the witnesses, ithat I expressed threats, that I stated that I hadcame mere to kill Picket, and that I would do so before I left the ground To say the least, I must say, rnm? q i uwith due respect for the witness, he was mistak n fl • ► ,rr,^^r.s taJ*« tins method of announc-My exprrs ions to him, as I have'before stated wew • ,» .1Pfr to Mr, and the public generally.rp...wv:------ . . . , ; that, having-purchased Uie extensive and well krnnvn3 1 Fulton. Cornerof (add Street, Neiu-York(I icket) intended to shoot me, he must malal sUi- s.:o or then lie would never mub fmnti.or.gross,next,The (iiistorgrosses onas wriTheyi wo Htain tlt lie resued ir, , never make another.1. was alsf stated by another witness thatuhecimduiiCOp KM.and s](‘ ■ * n l’next morning, when I was tied’and in custody, Icon- e, i , , ,-t0 ;iini, intenlt;Ied to kill the deceased*. This i!“f'^ 3 ^ ssrs. Conner and Cooke, theydenr- As \ wa* sobcr in tliisj 1 cannotbe mitaKC-n, nnd am omy astonished how he could have been, ii these witnesses made wilful misren-13eiirrc stations m order to prejudice my cause. 1 prayGod to grant them repentance. It .will he recollee*'ed too, tnat according to the te tunonv hrte,,.bffye reninved the same to their present central position. Haying made extensive revisions, additions.and alterations, they arc now prepared to execute orders ol any* magnitude they* may* be favored withr, . , —t ~ v..^, .v^tunonv before PieCourt, and on the trial, I stabbed the deceased somem all c e* fl T H CrC !arted- lshowiaff cold, deliberate malice , tms I deny being the case, and have o-iven**All articles inanufactnred by* them shall be of a _____. . niatnrraf equal, n not superior to any* manufacturednd material iacts of the case aycdldlnir'to^the bes» ? ®9u9tr’ -and- undergo a thorougii cxamina-of my recollection. * L“ • fm as to appearance, ranging, dressing, and proner-ly assorting. All articles exhibited in the Specimena !.m,e statement of the principalin.bind in indeci: stales]extren the poSubhere b Guobfall ther ho foregoing statement, as I promised, is not for I imm I g' i ortielcs exhibited m the Spec: non the purpose ol exciting the eommisserafeioa ol mv* » ’ T™ ? by Conner and Cooke, togc-low-citizens or easingpv' conscience oft.be m-.i. i \ I onts sold by them, can now beFor(i 12aG25which 1 most justly and righteomf y1 1! 1U9lled lr0‘?1 tllisJ Foundry v. '.thout delay, withguilt can neve,- m m,* v.....^... ™. , ,inaT manv since added.And^ nt can never; be erased, but by a Saviour’s blood‘faulty ofthe blood of my brot.be.*. andin the hglit oi Him ot whose judgment alone, noh mv ‘rle P°c ° ’ I shonId alone Periled. on, my dear friendsfAndFor 1 c“ 6 t:*1 J**it •' -■iDwo-ald I 0ofZZJm; L’^?,SreSVVi!lI ^ CS#N. Bthat 1-ive tod t —y°k see causesat L ne led to this awful tragedy 1 By indulgingin o i Ti .v ; inuuiffinjrad *4tonder^ n (t ■ in ,he P^nie of life, from a more fcft eJ^JISd f'V,ho “down by a shameful and ignomitiiou'^01 ' a“nowthis Foundry.maCh’nC °aS‘ T}'Plt;! manufac‘”ed atAndrcPay;paid. Olfice frank 1New-York, February 25 18IK3~3mh°atiksbe to^d^S »nd shame.'tnanks be to God, throoofi oup Lm-H| death, liavinsr- - 4 oButffo has batten me * t^e1/wC1^A Large Supply of BlanknewspThecountrby usH arrants. Casas, and C asa BondsSthe tnogoodpapr an * for safe a*iWa*
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Charlotte Mecklenburg Jeffersonian
Charlotte, North Carolina, US
Tue, Jul 27, 1841
Page 4
Full Page
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CT, USA 04 Aug 2022
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