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JACOB HODGES.
11
and shot, and instructed as to the mode of
executing their purpose. He was first
advised to proceed by night to the house
of the old man, and fire through the win¬
dow. To this Jacob objected, as he might
in that case injure other members of his
family: yet he was fully prepared to meet
their wishes whenever a favourable mo¬
ment should arrive.
Early on the morning of the 21st of
December, 1819, Mr. Jennings, the aged
and unsuspecting victim of this conspiracy,
left his family to visit some grounds which
had been the subject of litigation, and on
which the opposite party, who still held
possession, were committing depredations.
In his way, he passed the dwelling where
the conspirators were met. Jacob was at
breakfast, in the room of his miserable
adviser, Mrs. T. On being informed
that the old man was passing, he rose
from the table, and took his gun from
behind the door, while Mrs. T. brought
him the powder and shot, giving him, at
the same time, more ardent spirits, that