American History & Genealogy Project

School Days Project

A MORAL TO BE LEARNED

The Fayette Watch Tower

June 13, 1856

The following letter is sent to us, with request for its publication. It is from the hand of Franklin B. Hunt who committed suicide in Franklin county jail a few days since, where he was confined on a charge of assaulting his father with intent to kill. It is a melancholy story of the effects of liquor and passion. The letter is in the hand writing of the unfortunate man, and was unquestionably written, but a few hours, perhaps minutes, before he committed this fatal act. May his history and fate be a warning.

– Nat Courier. (publisher)

Gentlemen and good friends of Meadville

            I now make my confession; I stabbed my father but not with intent to kill; I did it in a drunken spree – I am sorry for it; and hope the good friends of Meadville will forgive me. I feel that I hastily did very wrong in a great, many things. I have had no trial before a court, but tried myself, and think it a hanging matter, on account of its being my father. He has been kind to me. The gallows is at this time hanging over me. I suppose my trial will come off in town to-morrow, but I cannot stay to hear it, and to be sentenced to the Penitentiary – I cannot bear it. My weak mind will not allow it; I have been unfortunate and have few friends. I hope to go to a better world, where I can be happy.

            I am fatigued from fixing the gallows, and cannot write, though my mind is not much confused. You all appear like good friends to me, though you think me in error. I wish this piece published for example to others.

            Farewell my dear friends.

            May 25^th, 1856.

                                Franklin B. Hunt