The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-08-03 00:00:00

EXECUTIOA%

This morning the sentence of the law was carried into effect upon
Charles Coßison, tried and convicted of sheep.etealing, by the
name of Butcher, at the last June Sessions. Previous to, and a
short time after. the arrival of the death-warrant, the prisoner lin-
pugned the verdict of the Jury, by a declaration of his innocence;
but as the hour of death approached, he manifested a more proper
feeling, and in the end refrained from exculpating himself.
Yesterday morning he was attended by the Ordinary and Mr.
Baker; also by Mr. Isitt, • butcher residing at Bedford, in whose
service the prisoher had lived for three years, and maintained an ex-
cellent character. After the prisoner had engaged in prayer and
religious conversation, he partook of the Sacrament, the nature of
which, from a religious education, ha appeared to he ac'ivainted
with.
lie arose early in the morning, and wrote several letters, and an
inscription in a prayer book, given him by Mr. Shetiff Kelly, I
which book he presented to his late master.
At eight o'clock the officers arrived. and pinioned his arms, dur-
ing which time the prisoner was engaged in fervent prayer, in which
exercise he continued until his voice was lost in death by the handl
of the executioner.
The following letter was written on Saturday last, by the pri-
armee, and addressed to Mr. Isitt, his late master, which was read
on Sunday evening, in the Methodist chapel, at Bedford, and
produced considerable effect,al the unfortunate writer was formerly
known and respected in that town :
" Cells of Newgate.Satorday, July '29, 1824.
" Dear Friends,—l am sorry indeed, very sorry to relate to you
my unfortunate situation ; but hope that God has ordered irfor the
best, and no doubt for the wisest purpose, for God above is a better
judge than I ant; for myself, I pitt my whole trust in him, as I well
know that I ant a vile sinner; but( hope fot forgtvene.s far all the
sins I have eommitted. lam ordered for execution on Wednesday
morning next, and I ant well fissured that you a ill pray for me,
and I particularly wish your friends and congregation at the
chapel will offer your prayers to God, to assist me in my trouble.
I wish it to be publicly made known as a caution to all young
people, and particularly as some, no doubt, know and remember
me. If I had taken die advice you and sour late dear vile gave
me, I should not base brought myself nrri my friends into so much
disgrace; but I see my error now it is too late. lam not unaware
that yott acted toward me ass father and dear friend, as well as a
master, and directed me in the path into which I should have
went ; hut alas I was blind., totally blind. If I had now the op.
portunity of kneeling down whit you in that comfortable home
which you provlded for me, I would give the world for the privi-
lege, were it possible. If you have any young man living with
you in the situation I once enjoyed (tilled), let him read this, and
read it viciously. and tlten I trust to God that he will think that he
has a home—such a home as I have never bad since I left you ; and
try dying prayers will be. that Gnd will make you aritmds. This
unfortunate news (alluding to the lIICOHICT'a report) came on
Thursday evening, nod I should have written before, but here been
otherwise employed. as we have threw religious persons attending us
(referring to Fonlharn, his fellow convict). I could till a Ore of
paw; but I hope you wall excuse my writing more, in expressing
my sincere thanks to you. Pray remember me to all your family—
I dare say Elizabeth, rod perhaps June*, tray remember me. I
wish to bear from you by return of post, and beg you to state my
real character during the time I was in your service, as the letter
(your answer) will be mind by the persons who attend me. I .one
you will reply with my request to-morrow morning ; and home that
the chapel may be tilled wish young people, as it may be a warniog
to them, not to run in the smy of destruction, and thereby bring
themselves and families into disgrace as I have done. Please to
write so that I may have the letter on Vonday.
" VOWS and unfortunate.
" CHARLES COLLISOSI.
" P.S. Direct to Chalks Butche N
r. Condemned Cells, ewgate.
s'To Mr. Isitt, butcher, Bedford."