The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1883-05-26 00:00:00

THE
PHCENIX PARK MURDERS.

EXECUTION OF DANIEL CURLEY,

The execution of Daniel Curley, the second man
convicted of the murder of Mr. Burke, took place on
Friday morning in last week in Kilmainhsm Gaol.
The number of people who assembled in front of the
gaol was by no means so large as at Brady's execution
on the previous Monday.
The time fixed for the execution was eight o'clock,
and at a quarter to seven o'clock the Rev. Canon
Kennedy and the Rev. Mr. Findlater, who admin-
istered the consolations of religion to the condemned
man, arrived at the prison. He attended mass at
their request and manifested a resigned and earnest
spirit.
At a quarter to eight the dismal bell tolled, and its
tones gave notice of his approaching end. The people
outside then began to recite the Rosary and the Litany
for the dying. Before the last moment Ourley's
father and father-in-law, and Hanlon, father of two
of the prisoners, were allowed into a field apart from
the crowd, which at that time numbered about 2,000
persons, and they joined with great apparent fervour
in the devotions of the people.
In the procession to the scaffold, which was formed
of the chaplains, the Sheriff, the surgeon, and the
prison officers, he answered the responses audibly as
toe Litany was reited, and until pinioned held the
crucifix which he wore around his neck. The process
of pinioning was done within ten paces of the scaffold,
and he submitted to it quietly. Before his right arm
was strapped to his side he stretched out his hand,
bade good-bye to the Governor, and thanked him. He
cast a look of gratitude to the clergymen, and ascendei
the scaffold with a light and steady step. The execu-
tion took place punctually at eight o'clock, and Curley
died instantaneously. The people outside the gaol re-
mained on their knees making their prayers for nearly
half an hour.

An inquest was held, and formal evidence of the
cause of death was given by Dr. W. A. Carte, who
was present. The remains were then interred, and
the funeral service was read by the two reverend gen-
tlemen who attended the deceased.

During the day a crowd collected about the shop in
which Mrs. Curley carried on the business of a con-
fectioner since her husband's arrest, but it was closed
and guarded by police. On the door was a card with
the inscription "Daniel Curley, died the 18th of May,
1883, aged 31 years. Rest in peace."

One of Curley's last acts was to write the following
Letter :

"My dear and most ever beloved Wife and Chit.
dren,—l take this opportunity, the last on this
deceitful earth, of saying a few words to you, hoping
you will forgive me for the step I took with regard to
my trial. I mean, for not trying to save myself, as
others did, but I could not stoop so low' or bring my-
self to do so. My dear wife, I will die as I have
lived, faithful to my country's cause. I will do as all
honest men do, bring my secrets to the grave with
me, and leave them that is at freedom to enjoy it.
Dear wife, I will say no more on this subject, as I
have domestic business to speak on—as this, that
I will request of you to keep a vigilant watch over
our dear children. Keep them to their schoo2 and
religion, and off the street, as you yourself know that
I dread to see children getting the run of the street.
Dear Jane, do not think that because I say this
that I have not confidence) in you, I have the greatest
confidence in you. Yes, dear wife, I will die at rest,
for I know that you will do what is just to them. I
will also request of you not to let them out of your
sight or care to any one as long as you can help it.
My dear and faithful wife, now about yourself. As I
have told you before, I will not restrict you in any
manner. If you think it well to change your widowed
life you can do so with all my wish and blessing, and
I never like to see any one tied I love. I love liberty.
But, my dear wife, if ever you change your life be very
careful, in your choice, in a companion, of deceitful men.
Oh my dear and faithful wife, I love you. Excuse me if
I cannot speak of this matter, as it was very hard to tear
my truthful heart from you and offer it to God. And
what a trial ! Yes; the base and brutal deceiver shonld
be the cause of separating two loving and truthful
hearts. But God's will be done. That is my only con.
solation. My dear wife, I will ask of you to be atten-
tive to your religious duties ; no matter how much
you are engaged in the business of the world, never
neglect them. My reason for saying so is that I shall
die with the hope that we shall meet in the Kingdom
of Heaven, never to be parted by the power of man.
Dear wife, I am sure you will be glad to hear that I
die in peace with all men, forgiving enemies. May
God forgive them for the injury they have done me.
lam happy and at peace with God. Oh! may God
protect you and dear children in this deceitful world.
Remember me to your dear father and mother, Frank,
Peter, Nelly, Mr. and Mrs. Hiland, Granny, Misey,
and all friends. Believe me to be your faithful and
loving husband, "DANIEL CURLY.

"To his affectionate and faithful wife and dear
children, Mary, Jane, Michael, Peter, and Daniel.
Pray for the soul of your dear husband. May the
Lord have mercy on my soul."

COMMUTATION OF SENTENCE.

The Lord Lieutenant has commuted the capital
sentence upon Patrick Delaney, who was sentenced to
be hanged on the 2nd June as one of the Phcenix Park
murderers, to penal servitude for life. Delaney is at
present in bad health.