THE DRINKER'S FARM TRAGEDY. TRIAL AND CONVICTION OF JAMES JETER PHILLIPS, FOR THE MURDER OF HIS WIFE. WITH PORTRAITS.
Richmond: J. Wall Turner, 1868. Original printed wrappers [spine wear], stitched, port. frontis of James Jeter Phillips. 96pp. Text clean. Portrait of Mrs. Mary Emma Phillips, "taken after her death" at page [45]. Very Good.
One of a small number of Southern McDade entries. "Phillips, scion of a 'good' Virginia family, twenty-four years old, murdered his wife Emily, who was ten years older, on a Henrico County, Virginia, roadside near Drinker's farm. He shot her with a small pistol, and her body was unidentified for three months." McDade. This pamphlet tells the story of the murder, the discovery of the body, the investigation, the two trials [the first jury having failed to reach a verdict], the finding of guilty and sentence of death, and the so-far-successful efforts to stay the execution.
"Thus, by a politico-legal hocus-pocus a capital felon, convicted of a most atrocious deed, was remitted to life and the hope of ultimate liberty."
FIRST EDITION. McDade 747. Haynes 5243. Cappon 2452 [2]. Item #35940
Price: $750.00