The National Register.
London, England, 1812-08-16 00:00:00

EXECUTION.

It is to be lamented that, probably through inattention, J. Wool.
man Thompson, anti Catherine Forster, sentenced to die, the one for
forgery, and the other for taking a false oath in administering to a
seaman's will, should have been ordered for execution on the m'.rning
which ushered in the Prince Regent's birth-day. It was doubly un-
fortunate, not only because such a day should have been one of public
rejoicing, not of death, but because it created a lively and too conti•
dent hope in the bosoms of the wretched culprits. that a ray of mercy
would beam from the throne upon them, and that if their offences did
not admit of pardon, they should nut at least have to mix their ex-
piring groans with ter.- pealing notes which proclaimed the returned
anniversary of their Prince's birth. Many exertions were made to
procure a respite, and as late as eight o'clock on Tuesday right.
Thompson and his Family, (for he hts left a wife and three children,)
still confidently expected it. He had therefore but little time to
prepare for the awful hour of dissolution, but he improved it by
prayer with the worthy Ordinary, the Rev. Mr. Ford, and on Wei.
nesday morning appeared full of resignation and faith. Catherine
Foster, whose hopes had expired more early, on finding her liu-band's
petition rejected, had more time for preparation, and was still more
composed than her unfortunate companion. A little after eight she
ascended the scaffold, attended by a Roman Catholic clergyman, who
bad at last convinced her of her guilt, for it was long ere she could be
made to understand that she had committed a capital offei:ce. Contri-
tion and perfect resignation were now impressed on her interesting and
rather handsome countenance, and the fervency with which her eyes
were raised in prayer to Heaven, apparently totally unconscious of the
crowd below, bespoke the sincerity of her repentance, and the
abandonment of all earthly hope. She continued to pray for a few
minutes, until Thompson arrived, who ascended the scaffold with
rather an hurried step, and on reaching the platform, cast round a
wild melancholy look, but soon recovered all his firmness, and walk-
ing up to his miserable companion, shook hands with her, as far as
their pinioned state would allow. when a glance passed between
them of more than mortal intelligence; a glance which, more power-
ful than words, seemed to say, " departing spirit, that plungest with
Me into eternity,blessed be thou - and may we meet again in the realms
of everlasting happiness !" He then tesumed his place, and the 0 rdi.
nary placed the cap over his eyes, and adjusted the rope on his
neck, whilst the executioner performed the same office on Catherine
Poster. Meantime the Birthday bells pealed merrily at a distance, w hilst
that of Newgate alone tolled the deep and awful knell of death. This
contrast affected the spectators ; but not visibly, at least, the culprits,
who, it the midst of their prayers, were suddenly launched into
eternity. Forster seemed to die instantly ; but Thompson clasped his
hand: together, and pressed them to his breast, heaving convulsively
for about fifteen minutes in apparent agony. He was in the strength
of lift, of a gentlemanly appearance and pleasing countenance. Both
culprits were about 94 or 35 years old, and genteely dressed in
'mourning.
When it was ascertained that they were dead. the bands that
pinioned their arms were loosened, and a disgusting scere presented
Itself several men and women hastened to seize the cold dewy hands
of death, and apply them to their necks or knees to cure various dis.
olden. Why should such an indecent and useless custom be allovie I
to prevail among the people ? It' its suppression should curtail Jack
Ketch's prides, and he should require a compensation, would it not
be preferable to increase his regular salary, than to wink at or encou.
rage such a superstitious practice ?