While on the stand, one of the men asked Carter to confess his share in the murder of the Dutchman; but he burst forth with a volley of oaths, saying, “If I had my hands free, you ——, I’d make you take that back.” As Skinner was talking by his side, Aleck was ordered to keep quiet. “Well then, let’s have a smoke,” said he. His request being granted, he became more pacific in demeanor. The criminals faces being covered with handkerchiefs, they were launched into eternity, with the pass-word of the gang on their lips, “I am innocent.” Both died easily and at once. The people had, of their own accord, made all the preparations for their burial.
Immediately after the execution, the parties were detailed and dispatched after Zachary, Graves and Shears. The death of the last two has been recorded.
The squad that arrested Zachary returned between seven and eight o’clock, that morning. He was at once tried, found guilty, and sentenced to death. By his direction, a letter was written to his mother, in which he warned his brothers and sisters to avoid drinking whiskey, card playing and bad company, which, he said, had brought him to the gallows. Zachary once laid in wait for Pete Daly, and snapped two caps at him; but, fortunately, the weapon would not go off.
Being brought to the same spot as that on which Skinner and Carter were hanged, he commenced praying to God to forgive the Vigilantes for what they were doing, for it was a pretty good way to clear the country of Road Agents. He died at once, without any apparent fear or pain.
Johnny Cooper was hauled down on a sleigh, by hand, owing to his leg being wounded, and was placed on the same box that Skinner had stood upon. He asked for his pipe, saying he wanted a good smoke, and he enjoyed it very much. A letter had been written to his parents, in York State. Cooper dodged the noose for a time, but being told to keep his head straight, he submitted. He died without a struggle.
During the trial of the men, the people had made Cooper’s coffin, and dug his grave, Zachary was buried by the Vigilantes. The other malefactor, the citizens knew better, and hated worse.
Skinner left all his property to Higgins, the store-keeper, from whom he had received all his stock, on credit. Aleck had nothing but his horse, his accoutrements and his appointments.
Their dread mission of retribution being accomplished, the captain ordered everything to be made ready for their long homeward march, and in due time they arrived at Cottonwood, where they found that X had settled everything relating to Bunton’s affairs. At Big Hole, they made search for Irwin; but he had fled, and has never been taken. Tired and worn, the command reached Nevada, and received the congratulations and thanks of all good men. Like Joshua’s army, though they had been rewarded with success, yet often in that journey over their cold and trackless waste, the setting sun had seen them
“Faint, yet pursuing.”