Texian Macabre: A Melancholy Tale of a Hanging in Early Houston by Stephen L. Hardin

Author:Stephen L. Hardin [Hardin, Stephen L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: State House Press
Published: 2007-12-11T06:00:00+00:00

Grave Robbers

Houston, March 28, 1838

Some of Houston’s most esteemed gentlemen inspect their gristly handiwork. All are physicians except for John Hunter Herndon and Mr. Cavanaugh. Consequently, they draw the grubby assignment of disinterment.

Herndon is the dandy of the group. Not wishing to soil his clothing, Herndon has removed his top coat and rolled up his sleeves. Being a gentleman, he retains his “Wellington” top hat. His task successfully completed, he savors a cheroot.

Mr. Cavanaugh stands by, wary of his surroundings. The physicians have done this before. This is his first grave robbing, and apprehension reveals itself in his face. Despite his anxiety, he manages to illuminate the proceedings with a shaky candle lantern.

Dr. Watson makes a phrenological observation, employing his capital knife as a pointer. He and Dr. Snow have removed their tailcoats and donned leather surgical aprons. Leather did not allow blood to soak through to mar clothing, as a cloth apron would have done. While pondering the contours of Jones’s head, Dr. Snow holds a capital saw, the better to cut through bone and ligament.

Dr. Price holds a sack open to receive Jones’s head. Quick’s head is already “in the bag.” Careful observers might notice traces of blood seeping through the thin cotton fabric.

During the surgery, Drs. Watson and Price have removed the nooses and nonchalantly tossed them on the ground. The remnant of the ropes dangles from the gallows. Jones’s arm lolls out from his open grave, while bats flutter overhead.

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