Lynching of Grifford

INGLES, GRIFFORD

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 2/10/2008 at 09:25:03

The Dubuque Express & Herald, re-printed in the Maquoketa Weekly Sentinel, April 23, 1857:

We think we understand and appreciate the feelings of the people of Jackson county that induced many who are law abiding and law upholding men, to look with indifference and perhaps approval upon this exercise of power by citizens without the countenance and in violation of the law. The murder of John Ingles is said to be the sixteenth crime of its kind perpetrated within the county, and in whole, only one legal conviction has taken place. The people have come to believe that no murderer could be convicted in their courts, and that consequently there was no terror in the law to those who have murder in their hearts, and that life is only safe by showing them that punishment is certain. We say this is the view taken of the matter, and, although wrong, yet we have no hesitancy in saying they are honest and sincere in their convictions, and this act does not show on their part so much a desire to take the execution of justice out of the hands of the officers as to see that the laws are executed and justice done to those who offend the law.

It is unfortunate we admit, and deplorable, that criminals of such crimson hue should escape, but people ought to search for the remedy in the proper place and not themselves set example of disobedience to law. If the fault is in the laws, let them be amended- if in the officers, let them be replaced by more faithful ones-if in erring humanity, let them labor to create and establish a higher standard of morals.

But let them remember as from a friend that more powerful than all written law in restraining men from crime and in protecting society is that almost universal respect for law which distinguishes the American people from all others, and that in no way can this all-powerful sentiment be so efficiently weakened as by the people taking its execution into their own hands.

We all therefore deeply regret the late occurrence, and trust that the punishment of guilty parties can be carried no further. Let the laws have their course and be maintained in all their sanctity and strength.