Another in our series of new transcriptions of contemporary articles on the Leo Frank case.
Atlanta Journal
August 2nd, 1913
And Newt Lee gets the hat.
The darky who has been the stanchest witness yet examined at the Frank trial has but little more to wish for.
First it was watermelon Newt wanted. With his very life in danger as he droned away the long hot days in the Fulton county Tower, Newt lifted up his voice and prayed for “dat juicy watermillion.” And they gave him one.
Then it was a “chaw of ‘bacca,” his first request as he came down from the witness stand. Somebody gave him a plug and immediately there were a score who pressed forward with all varieties of cut and twist. Newt had enough ‘bacca to keep his teeth in a state of perpetual motion.
“Now ef I only had’r hat,” declared Newt. “Dis nigger’ud be happy.”
When they took Newt back to the Tower he got the hat. A lady who would not give her name called up the jailer Friday and asked about Lee. Could she send him a hat? she asked. It was all right with the jailer.
The hat came, a monstrous felt creation that delighted Newt to the soul. He put it on his woolly head and his white teeth flashed. Then the smile faded. There was a far-away look in Newt’s eyes.
He was thinking of what he wanted next.