The National Register.
London, England, 1823-02-10 00:00:00

RI A SLAVA.
On Saturday, the Y lit of September last, the
trial of Mr. J. We 1.. Gebhard, son of the Rev. Mr.
Gebhard, Clergyman at the Pearl, at the instance
of the Landdrust of Stellenbosch, ration officii, pro-
secutor, came on before the full Court at this place,
the property of his father, by excessive and unlawful
punishment. He was found guilty and sentencirl
to death ; but having noted an appeal front the sen-
tence, it was brought before the Honourable the
Court of Appeals, ua Wednesday, the 13th instant,
and the opinion of the Court was delivered by the
Secretary in the following words
The Court having read, and duly considered the
appellant's memorial, and other documents produced
I, by him, setting forth Isis reasons for appealing, sal
praying a reversal of the said sentence, and to
award such other punishments as this Court shall
ism equitable and just, according w the merits of
the ease ; and the miaow qfficii prosecutor'. replies
thereto: and having also read and duly considered
the whole of the proceedings had before the Wye-
' shipful the Court of Justice, and the cause Laving
been duly assessed ;—doth dismiss this appeal,—cloth
affirm the sentence appealed from, and cloth direct
the cause hick to the Worshipful the Court of
Justice, to forthwith carry into execution their
aforesaid sentence."
After the Court had given its decision so this me-
lancholy case, the Secretary of the Court of Appeals,
by the command of his Excellency the Governor,
observed, that " the Court having confirmed the
sentence of the Court below, Le was directed to
state, that it is the intention of his Excellency the
Governor to call the particular attention of the
Landdrost of the district of Stellenbosch to the fu-
ture welfare of the slaves who have given evidence
in this care; and also, that it is his Excellency's
intention to take into immediate consideration the
limitation of domestic correction of slaves, both in
its nature and extent, as well as every other subject
connected with their welfare and treatment.
The awful sentence of the Court of Justice was
enforced yesterday. At about hall past eight, the
prisoner, attended by Dr. Philip, who, from the
moment of the affirmation of the sentence, had ad-
ministered spiritual comfort, ascended the waggon,
at the prison door, and repaired to the hall of jus-
tice ; from which, accompanied by the Rev. Dr.
Philip and the Rev. Mr. Wright, he was conveyed
to the place of execution; on entering the waggon
his step was firm, and his countenance animated by
the furvour of religion. Byres in Dutch and Eng-
lish were sung until they arrived, about 10 o'clock,
at the fatal spot. Soon after 10, the members of
the Court of Justice arrived—the singing of hymns
continued, in which the prisoner joined. Just be-
fore he ascended the platform, which he did without

the least embarnuisuients he mquested leave to sing
one other hymn alone, which he did, in the English
language, with an undisma3ed voice, and with a
glowing countenance : h.: then addressed those who
were present: " I have but a few moments to live;
I wish you may all receive the full benefit of my
example. I acknowledge the justice of my sentence;
may its example not be lost upon you!—l see you
are much affected ; but I call upon you, in the lan-
guage of our blessed Saviour, " Weep not for me,
but weep fbr yourselves.' We are all weak and
sinful creatures. 6 Let him that standeth take heed
lest he fall I' I forgive all my prosecutors, and
'thole.that bore witness against we. I die in peace
with ail mankind, and hope for salvation, only
through the merits of Christ ! May he wash you