Buncombe County NcArchives News.....West Execution Suspended  May 26, 1808
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Carolyn Shank Carolynshank@msn.com November 7, 2008, 10:03 am

Thurs., May 26, 1808, Raleigh Minerva May 26, 1808
  The person who bore the suspension of the execution of WEST for the murder 
of JAMES CRAIG, did not reach Buncombe Court House until the hour fixed on for 
the execution, and it was unknown that a respite had been granted or even 
solicited until after WEST had protested his innocence under the gallows, when 
it was read… The pleasure expressed by the spectators was evident from their 
countenances. It was even feared that a rescue would have been attempted, so 
fully impressed were the people of the innocence of West.
   Since the suspension of execution, petition from most of the respectable 
men of that County, including the whole of the Petit Jury, but one who was 
absent, have been present to GOVERNOR WILLIAMS, praying a pardon of West, 
which we are happy to state has been granted.
   The petitioners express their belief, from what has transpired since the 
trial of WEST, of his innocence. Indeed it would appear unlikely that he 
should have perpetuated the murder, as he was at the time engaged to be 
married to the daughter of the deceased, and to whom it is yet believed will 
be married.
   The person now suspected of the murder and who is since been taken up, has 
been heard, as it is said, to use  threatening expressions against the 
deceased before his death, and with whom he had been at law. But of these 
reports the people of Buncombe, particularly should suspend their opinions 
under the trial of the accused.



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