Star.
London, England, 1827-09-03 00:00:00

EXECUTION OF SLADE.

HUNTINGDON, Seer. 1.
Joshua Slade, the confessed" murderer of the Ref.
Joshua kraterhonse, of Little Stakeley, in this county.
'underwent 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 people
from the adioing counties were assembled. It is sup-
posed there were upwards of five thousand persons pre-
sent; others rate the number as high as seven thousand,
the greater part of whom were of the agricultural class.
The place appointed for the execution was at the
foot of a little hill, at the base of which ran an inlet of
the river Ouse ; from this declivity, which formed a sort
ofamphitheatie, the whole of the assembled multitude
could see the exit of this unhappy young man.
,•
From the time of the respite to- the day of ewe.
don, he conducted himself in a manner becoMing
his situation. A few days ago on being asked what was
his state of mind, as be said he had no desire tocontinue,
any longer in this world; be bad made his peace with
his MAX kit. and was prepared to meet the sentence
which the justice of the laws of his country imposed
upon him. He spoke tut little, but answered any
question with proper feeling.
About eleven o'clock, the bell of St. Mary's Church
announced his departure from the jail; 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; b
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 op the ladder by the executioner.--. 1
Taking his situation between the ladder and the Chaplain.
everything appeared totally disregarded by him, and be
ccntinuedlrembling, with his eyes still cast downwards.,
The Chaplain prayed with him in the most feeling
and impressive manner, frequently placing his hands
spew Slide's shoulders, himself much moved. After
'swag for some time, he affectionately shook Jtaads
with the criminal, and slowly retired.
The executioner now put a cap on the criminal's
bead, and adjusted his neck for the fatal rope. At this
awful moment his agitation forsook him, he erected his
body, and appeared firm, calm, and collected, at the
same time casting 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 ad-
dressed the multitude in the fqllowing words, in a clear,
audible voice—" My friends, take warning; • the wages
of sin is death—the gift of God is eternal He.' Farewell,
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 vi-
bration became less, be struggled, then moved no more.
After hanging the usual time, he was cut down, put into
a coffin, and tido back to the jail, whence he will be
removed to-night, for dissection on Monday next.
blade was dfissed in a fustian jacket and trowsers,
tech as are worn by our agricultural labourers, striped
waistcoat, black hat, blue neckerchief, which latter was
put into his hands, and which he continued to bold till
Le was cut down.
Jo hit person he was about five feet five inches bids.
of a moderate size, with black hair and eye-brows. His
eyes deep stink for so young a man; his nose short and
turned up t his mouth protruding. and rather unpleasant.

COCoa-NVI• DAY.—This festival occurs about the
taiddle of August. Tents and booths are erected in great number ;
and nothing can be more curious and picturesque than the appear-
-I'og the assembled multitude at this annual peens of joy and
lenity. The numerous collection of gay paLankeens, and koiden
hoods, the shrill native trumpet, the cheerful horn, the deep-,
Issilom:sontsditig tons Ins, the banners and strmmas of every form
aid hue, and the thousand varieties of costume, astonish and de-
ll& Ike European stranger. The chief ceremony a the day h.
utirtmely simple. It consists in throwing a cocoa out isnolho
os, at I period which is considered by the Modem as the opening
W the season. This is done, we believe, as a propitiation to that
ehment. The gotrous dresses of the female population are es•
treacly striking. The soft silks of China and Bengal, the rustling
hinkob of Puona and Ahmedabad, the shawls of Cashmere, and
Otruisteful dresses of the European fair, who throng to Witiltia the
"etude, all smiling sad glittering beneath an Indian sun, form a
team seem of enchantment tag rennanter-Lonilest Weekly Bev.