The Sun.
London, England, 1827-09-03 00:00:00

EXECUTION OF SLADE.

HUNTINGDON, SEPT. I.—Joshua Slade, the
confessed murderer of the Rev. Joshua Water-
house, of Little Stukeley, in this county, under-
went the sentence of the law this morning at a
little distance from hence. The concourse to
witness this awful spectacle was immense ; men,
women, and children, from all parts of this
county and many of the adjoining counties, were
assembled ; it is supposed there were upwards of
5,000 persons present ; others rate the number
as high as 7,000, the greater part of which were
of the agricultural class.
_ _

The —place appointed for the execution was at
the foot of a little hill, the base of which is wa-
tered by an inlet of the river Ouse. From this
declivity, which formed a sort of amphitheatre,
the whole of the assembled multitude could see
the exit of this unhappy young man, who, from
being neglected in his boyhood, and encouraged
by his mother in committing crime, rather than
being punished for doing it, was easily misled in
his youth, and has thus paid with his life the
penalty of his crimes.
From the time of the respite to the day of
execution, he conducted himself in a manner
becoming his situation. A few days ago, on
being asked what was his state of mind, he said
" he had no desire to continue any longer in this
world ; he had made his peace with his Maker,
and was prepared to meet the sentence which the
justice of the laws of his country imposed upon
him." He naturally spoke but . little, but an-
swered any question with proper feeling.
About 11 o'clock the bet' of St. Mary's church
announced his departure from the gaol ; and,
such was The curiosity to have a glimpse of the
culprit, that the street for a considerable distance
was completely thronged, and the windows on
each side were crowded with spectators. The
prisoner was drawn in the usual way to the place
of execution, attended by the Under-Sheriff, and
the necessary officers. On his way thither,
he looked neither to the right hand nor to the
left ; but with a wan countenance, downcast eye,
and inclined body, accompanied with frequent
tremblings, indicated what was passing within.
Having reached the place of execution, he found
the Chaplain had preceded him, and was assisted
up the ladder by the executioner. Taking his
situation between the ladder and the Chaplain,
every thing was totally disregarded by him, and
he continued trembling, with his , eyes still cast
downwards. The Chaplain prayed with him in
the most feeling and impressive manner, fre-
quently placing his hands upon Slade's shoulders,
himself much moved. After praying for some
time, he affectionately shook hands with the cri-
minal, and slowly retired. _ _

The executioner now stepped forth, put a cap
on his head, and adjusted his neck for the fatal
rope. At this awful moment his agitation for-
sook him ; he erected his body, and appeared
firm, calm, and collected, at the same time cast'
ing his eyes on the thousands assembled ;;—this
was the only glimpse he took. The cap was
now drawn over his face ; immediately after
which he spoke the following- words My
friends, take warning—, the wages of sin is
death, the gift of God is eternal life:=Farewello
my friends, adieu !" A minute elapsed ere the
drop fell, when an involuntary sob issued from
the crowd. The fall caused him to vibrate A
few moments; as the vibration became less, b*
struggled,—then gng, eadn,d7-ctahrreilei
dbackmoved n
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will be removed this evening for dissection.
Slade was dressed in a fustian jacket and
trousers, such as are worn by agricultural la-
bourers, striped waistcoat, black hat, blue necker-
chief, which latter was put into his hands, and
which he continued to hold till he was cut down.
In his person he was about five feet five inches
high, of a moderate size, with black hair and
eyebrows ; his eyes deep sunk for so young s
man ; his nose short and turned up ; his mouth
protruding, and rather unpleasant.