The Shadow of the Gallows in Early Seattle

The trial of William Jarman, charged with the murder of James Farmer at Bellingham Bay, resulted in a verdict of not guilty, which seems to give general satisfaction to our citizens. Charles Watts, who was tried and found guilty for the second time, for the murder of Hibbard on San Juan Island, about two years ago, was brought into Court on Monday, the 12th, at 2 o'clock, P. M., for sentence. The Court House was crowded long before the Judge arrived. The prisoner looked pale but not downcast and was apparently indifferent to the terrible sentence about to be pronounced. His Honor Judge Jacobs, before he pronounced the sentence, was evidently affected, and although he tried to smother his feelings, his every look and act showed that he was much more moved than the man upon whom he was about to pronounce the sentence of the law. After some delay, the Judge ordered the prisoner to arise and said: 'Mr. Watts, you have been indicted by the grand jury, found guilty of murder in the first degree by a jury of your peers. The law has compassion in all such cases, and although I believe you guilty, the law gives you the privilege, and I should be only glad to hear you give some good reason why the sentence of the law should not be passed upon you.' Watts said: 'I have little to say. I am not guilty, and know I was justified in doing what I did, and that the law will justify me in it.' His Honor Judge Jacobs then pronounced the sentence, that he be taken to the place of execution and hanged by the neck until dead; and may God have mercy on your soul. When these solemn words were pronounced, Watts never moved a muscle, and left the court room apparently as unconcerned as any man in the house. The verdict of the jury meets the hearty approval of this community.