EL PASO. 
165 
in confinement, well chained and guarded. During 
the night, he was visited in jail. It was observed that 
the careless, dogged look had left his eye, and was 
replaced by a supplicating glance that told plainly of 
a change within. He was anxious to know if either of 
the three who had been executed had made a confes- 
sion, and said he had given up all hopes of life. Being 
asked if he wished to write to any one, he answered 
that he would like to have a letter written to his 
mother, who had not heard from him for six years past. 
The letter was written, and the prisoner appeared much 
affected. He confessed the truth of the charges against 
him, criminating clearly, and to a still greater extent, 
the three who were hung first, besides many others. 
At 10 o’clock the following morning, February 
12th, the court again met, and a jury was empanelled. 
At the opening of the court, a letter of the prisoner, 
containing his confession, was read publicly, then 
signed by himself, and witnessed by certain members 
of the court and other individuals present. 
With the testimony already before the court, the 
jury could have brought in an immediate verdict : but 
it was deemed advisable to present other evidence, to 
show still further the unmistakable guilt of every one 
who had been punished; especially as one or two 
persons, who passed for honest and honorable men, 
were interested in upholding the character of their 
associates. The prisoner was found guilty, and sen- 
tenced to be hanged. At 4 o’clock, p. m., of the same 
day, he was taken to the church ; where, with penitent 
lips, and on bended knees, he made his final confession, 
received the blessing of the priest, and from thence 
