This is exactly right.

This story contains adult content and language.

Listener discretion is advised. By the spring of 1871, the gallows had been built, the hood had been sewn, and the people

of upstate New York were anxious to see Edward Ruloff with a noose around his neck.

The Civil War had just ended six years earlier, but the nation was still in mourning.

Historian Gerald Smith says that many people in Binghamton were angry at the war, at the

South, and at the man in their jail who had murdered at least five people, at least.

They just are beginning to acclimate back

until a peaceful coexistence with life

and Ruloff comes along and breaks it.

And I think to them, it's sort of like they couldn't go and

kill all the Confederates that killed their young, but they could get Ruloff.

Edward's execution day was two months away, but he just seemed oblivious that he would

soon die. Instead, he spent every moment in that jail cell writing his

manuscript. He was determined to finish it before his death.

It was the only thing that mattered at this point. The noose didn't unerve him, but he was terrified of dying before cementing his academic legacy, and he knew

he didn't have much time left.

Just days earlier, a jury had convicted Edward of murdering Frederick Merrick, and his defense attorney immediately appealed.

Journalist Hamilton Freeman even helped. He was becoming more attached to Edward each day. The

journalist Hamilton Freeman even helped. He was becoming more attached to Edward each day. Ham was actually advocating for him now.

The attorney argued that the two clerks had attacked Edward, Jarvis, and Dexter as they tried to escape.

They filed one appeal after another.

...