The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-12-13 00:00:00

THE LAST AMERICAN STORY.

The New York papers received by the last advices contain
the following singular particulars connected with the mur-
derer Colt, who was to have been executed on the 15th ult.
The preparations for the execution were all made at an
early hour. At nine o'clock the outer door of his cell was
opened, and the usual breakfast of the prisoners served up
in their different cells. Dr. Anthou visited the cell of Colt
at about eleven o'clock, in company with Colt's brother, for
the purpose of making preparation for his marriage with Ca-
roline Ilensbaw.

At about half-past eleven o'clock Messrs. Graham and
Emmett, his counsel, visited his cell and remained for about
half an hour. A little before twelve o'clock Caroline Ren-
shaw made her appearance, in company with the brother of
Colt and John Howard Payne, who entered the cell with her.
They were then married by the Rev. Dr. Anthon, in presence
of David Graham, Robert Emmett, Justice Merritt, the
sheriff, John Howard Payne, and Colt's brother. She was
dressed in a straw bonnet, green shawl, a claret-coloured.
cloak, trimmed with red cord, and a muff. Her appearance
denoted much anxiety, and she was much thinner than when
a witness,on the trial. After their marriage Dr. Anthon re-
mained in the cell with them a few minutes and then left
them alone, she remaining for nearly an hour.
There was considerable excitement among the prisoners in
the various cells, and Sears, who is confined for the murder
of M`Donough, was exceedingly inquisitive as to all the.pre-
parations for the execution. The prisoners in the upper cells,
the windows of which overlook the rear courtyard, where the
gallows was erected, contrived to get a view of the scaffold
by holding a piece of looking-glass from the small apertures
in the side of the cell, the reflection of which brought it to
their sight. From every cell an arm could be seen with a
piece of glass in the fingers, evincing that the holder was
anxiously waiting for the hour of execution.
At this period of the eventful day the scene was exciting
and thrilling in the extreme. Within that narrow cell were
the husband and wife, but just married, yet bidding each
other farewell for the last time on earth, with the awful cer-
tainty that one would be a lifeless corpse, and the other a
widow, before the setting of the sun that was then throwing
its rays into the otherwise cheerless place. At the door stood
Vultee, the deputy-sheriff, one hand on the sliding bolt of
the cell-door, and the other holding the padlock and key.
On the corridor connected with the cell was the sheriff, pac-
ing up and down on one side, evidently deeply affected with
the contemplation of the shocking ceremony he was about to
perform. Close by the little bridge which united the two
corridors stood two friends of the prisoner; in the corridor
below were about thirty persons, principally those connected
in some way or other with the administration of justice ; and
on the faces of the whole there was a most extraordinary as-
pect of solemnity, altogether different from what has usually,
been seen in that building, even just previous to an execu-
tion. It appeared as if a terrible event was about to happen
they could not avert, and that would plunge them all in pro-
found regret. At last, about one o'clock, Colt's brother.
Samuel, again arrived, and entered his cell ; he was still en-
gaged in conversation with his wife, who was sitting on the
foot of the bed, convulsed with tears. Colt's brother,
Samuel, and his wife remained in the cell about ten mi-
nutes longer, when both left. His brother was deeply
affected, and looked more ghastly than even Colt him-
self. His wife could scarcely support herself, so violent
were her feelings and acute her sufferings. She stood at the
door of the cell for a minute, Colt kissed her passionately,'
strained her to his bosom. and watched her receding form
as she passed into the corridor. Here she stood and sobbed
convulsively as though her heart would break, for five
minutes. At last she was led away by Colt's brother, and
his friends followed. Colt then desired to see the sheriff,
who went into his cell. Colt then told him emphatically that
he was innocent of the murder of Adams, and that be never
intended to kill him ; he also told him that he still had hopes
that something would intervene to save him from being hung,
and begged him not to execute the sentence of the law upon
him. The sheriff told him to banish all hope of that kind,
for that lie must die at four o'clock. He then requested to
see the sheriff's watch, and set his own by it to a minute.
He then asked to see Dr. Anthon, and the latter went into
his cell, and remained in prayer with him for about ten
minutes. At the close of this, Colt again sent for the sheriff,
and said to him, " If there are any gentlemen present who
, wish to see me and take their leave of me, I shall be happy
I to see them."

He then requested the keeper, Mr. Greene, to let him be
left alone until the last moment. This was about 2 p.m.
His cell was closed and he was left alone till twenty minutes
to three, when some friends of the sheriff apprehending that
he might attempt to commit suicide, one of the deputy-
sheriffs, Hillyer, went to his cell door, and requested to wish
him " good bye." Colt was then walking up and down his
cell, but turned round on the door opening, smiled, shook
him by the hand, and kissed him, as did several of those who
had just previously bid him farewell in this life. He said to
Hillyer—" God bless you, and may you prosper in this life,
which is soon to close on me." From this time to three
o'clock, the excitement around the prison increased tre-
mendously; and the feelings of those in the prison were also
worked up to a pitch of great intensity.
We had written the whole of the above at a quarter to three
o'clock this afternoon. At that time Colt was alive. No one
entered his cell till precisely five minutes to four o'clock, at
which time sheriffs Hart and Westervelt, dressed in uniform,
with Dr. Anthon, proceeded, to the cell. On the keeper
opening the door, Dr. Anthon, who was first, drew back,
threw up his hands and eyes to heaven, and uttering a faint
ejaculation, turned pale as death and retired. " As I thought,"
said the keeper. "As I thought," said we. And going into
the cell, there lay Colt on his back, stretched out at full
length on the bed, quite dead, but not cold. A clasp-knife,
like a small dirk knife, with a broken handle, was sticking in
his heart. He had stabbed himself about the fifth rib on the
left side. We felt his temples, and they were warm. His
vest was open, the blood had flown freely, and his hands which
were placed across his belly, were very bloody ; and he had
evidently worked and turned the knife round and round in
his heart, after he had stabbed himself, until he made a large
gash. His body was laid out quite straight on the bed as if
laid out for a funeral by others. His mouth and his eyes
were partly open. Dr. Hosack and several others went into
his cell, and pronounced him dead.
The coroner was ready at hand, took charge of the body,
and locked the cell. _ _

Most strange to say, just at this moment, the large cupola
of the tombs was discovered to be on fire, and burned furi-
ously ; so that if he had not killed himself, in consequence
of the execution being postponed to the last moment, it is
very probable; that in the confusion arising from the fire, and
the mob breaking into the Tombs, Colt would either have
made his escape or he would not have been hung: It caught
accidentally from a stove that was in the cupola, the whole
outside work of which was consumed.
The conduct of those concerned need no comment. The
public will pass judgment on them.
At the hour of seven o'clock coroner Archer, with a jury
selected by his deputy, Mr. Abner Milliken, assembled in the
court-room, of the General Session, in order to investigate
the cause of death, when the jury returned a verdict, " that
John C. Colt came to his death by a wound inflicted by him-
self in his left breast with a knife, but the jury are unable to
say by what means he became possessed of the knife."

GOOD EFFECTS OF THE NEW TARIFF.—Since the new
tariff came into operation, all sorts of butchers' meat have
been so much reduced in price in Exeter market, that many
a poor labourer and artisan has had the advantage of enjoying
the taste of animal food, of which numbers of those useful
classes have been too long debarred, and who, from their
hearts,*can thank Sir Robert Peel for his new tariff. And
while a few are abusing the Premier, tens of thousands are
pouring on him their heartfelt blessings.—Western Lumi-
nary.

AERIAL CARRIAGES, OR TRAVELLING THROUGH THE
AIR.—We stated, some weeks ago, on the anthority of The
Atlas, that a machine had been invented for travelling
through the air at the rate of a hundred miles an hour, and
that a company had been formed for establishing a line be-
tween London and Calcutta. A notice appeared in the
London Gazette of Tuesday, in relation, we suppose, to the
invention and the company, which says, that " application is
intended to be made to parliament, in the next session, for
leave to bring in a bill to authorise the assignment to, and
purchase by, a company of certain letters patent, granted to
William Samuel Henson, engineer, for certain improvements
for locomotive apparatus, and machinery in conveying letters,
goods, and passengers through the air, part of which im-
provements are applicable to locomotive and other machinery
to be used on water or on land."
ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE.—About seven
o'clock on Thursday evening last, a mason, named James
Marshall, who resided for some time in Kilwinning, called
upon a woman living at Corsehill, of the name of Margaret
Gardner, with whom he formerly lodged. After shaking
hands, he stated that he had just returned from Ireland,
and requested Miss Gardner to speak with him at the back
door. As some intimacy had previously existed between
them, she at once consented. They had not been together
above five minutes, when he gave her a severe stab in the
abdomen with a large knife. Her cries immediately brought
several persons to her assistance, and, in the mean time,
Marshall made his escape. On being removed into the
house, a surgeon was speedily sent for, who dressed and
sewed up the wound ; and we are glad to say that the young
woman is now in a fair way of recovery. About an hour
after the perpetration of the inhuman deed, Marshall was
taken into custody, and lodged in the lock-up. Next
morning it transpired that Marshall had taken poison, and
was then lying dangerously ill. Although every possible
method was resorted to, Marshall died in great agony about
twelve o'clock. It is reported that Marshall, prior to his
death, avowed that he had come all the way from Ireland to
commit the wicked act, and the most generally received
opinion is that it arose from jealousy.—Ayr Observer.
FEARS OF THE FARMERS.—We have so frequently pointed
out the wickedness—the suicidal wickedness—of despair,
that it is hardly necessary for us to repeat our argummts
here • reason for regret at the stringent measures lately
passed affecting agriculture, there is—reason for belief that
in the approaching parliamentary session they will be ameli-
orated, we are confident there is • but reason for the hope-
lessness of despondency, expressed by Mr. Handley at Oak-
ham last week, there is none, unless the farmers by yielding
to the weakness he preaches, would make it. It has been
seen, by figures which are unalterable, that the corn-growers,
terrified by the recent legislative alterations, and influenced
by the wicked suggestions of a venal press, have hurried their
produce into the market : 51,652 quarters of corn were sold
in one week this year more than last. Is it for us to repeat
that where there is a superabundance of commodity, the
value of money is raised ? Let us illustrate our position by
a dialogue in which, we fear, too many of our farmers have
borne a part :—" Well, neighbour, how's the market ?"
Oh, wheat's at 345." " Then I sha'n't sell to day."
"Ay, but I read in the and the —, that it will be
much lower next week : Sir Robert Peel has quite ruined us."
" D'ye think so ? Then I'll sell." Our friend hurries on
to the hill—the sample-bag in his hand. " Are you a buyer
to-day ?" he asks of a factor. " What's the price ?" " The
market is at 548., I believe." " Oh," rejoins the buyer,
" there is so much in the market, it as fallen 2s. ; I can only
give 525. to-day, and it will be lower still next week." So,
to the end of the chapter—the price falling to 465. or lower--
not through foreign competition, but owing to the credulity
of the grower himself.—Lincoln paper:
HOMICIDE AT NORWICH.—On Friday night week James
Rushmere, who for some time has been living upon women
of bad character, at Norwich, went to the house of Charlotte
Hambling, his last companion. He was in a state of intoxi-
cation, and the woman refused to let him in. He, however,
continued kicking, and as he was disturbing the neighbour-
hood, she came down and opened the door, when he seized a
knife off the table and threatened to kill her. The woman
snatched up the carving knife to defend herself, and, in the
scuffle which ensued, stabbed him in the abdomen. Mr.
Humphrey, a surgeon, (with whom Rushmere's wife is
living,) was called in, and found the deceased lying on a sofa,
with a large portion of his intestines protruding from a wound
on the left side of the abdomen ; and on examining them he
found that the knife had penetrated one of the smaller bowels.
Dr. Lubbock was then sent for, at his request, and the bowel
having been sewn up, the wound in the integuments was
enlarged so as to allow of the return of the intestines, after
which the patient was removed up stairs ; but though warned
that he was in great danger, he refused to believe it, and
almost abused the medical gentleman for saying so. Being
asked how it happened, he said it was done in a scuffle with
" Charley." The woman stated that she had opened the
door for him, wheti he knocked her down, took her by the
throat, and seized a knife, as she believed, to kill her; upon
which she laid hold of the carving knife to defend herself,
and stabbed him in the body. She stated that they were
both in liquor. She was in her night-dress at the time. She
appeared to be very sorry for what she had done. Although
the utmost attention was paid to the wretched man, inflam-
mation came on, and he died about three o'clock on Monday
morning.

MEETINGS OF CREDITORS FOR LIVERPOOL.
DECEMBER. noun
13, Thomas Jones, (Ist). District Conrt of Bankruptcy, II
15, William Ryland, (Ist)
3113, Joseph Hall, (2nd)
16, James Archer, (Ist)
• 16, Robert Cheshire Janion. (Ist) Ditto,
4.19, Thomas Hartley, (Ist). Ditto. 1
19, Seddon and Jordan, (audit) Ditto,

golOpping Intelligence.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9.—Wind S.E. calm,
ARRIVED.—HeraId, Jones, from Callao, at this port ; sailed 20th
August. The Sir Charles Napier sailed forValparaiso—Hottinguer,
Burslcy, from New York ; sailed 20th ultimo—Georgina, Toole,
from New Orleans—Allerton, Chatterton, from Calcutta—and
Britton, Mason, from Messina.
SA I LED.—Birmingham, Hatch, for Boston—Shenandoah, West,
for Philadelphia—Brigand, D'Auvergne, for Honduras—and Im-
maculata San Guiseppe, Maresca, for Naples.

Dart. Grey, hence at St. Michael's
Martha, Williams, hence at Algiers
George Anson, Oakley, and Adama, hence at Genoa
Queen Victoria, contract mail.boat, on shore on the Main, close
to Rbyl, and the mail arrived at this port
Commercio, Arregaton, hence for Havana, put into Ferral 24th
ultimo, with damage, and making two feet of water per hour, and
would have to discharge

Forrester, hence for -Monte Video, was spoken 30th Nov. in lat,
35, long. 11 .

Killermont, hence for Africa, was spoken 29th Nov. in lat. 49,
long. 9.

TRIESTN, Nov. 28.—The X L, Williamson, from Liverpool for
this port, got on shore near Grado during a thick fog, and is now
lying on a soft bottom in only four feet water, about four miles
from land. Assistance has been sent, and she is expected to be
got off without serious damage, after discharging her cargo.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10.—Wind S.S.E. moderate.
SAlLED.—Tartar, Smith, for Mobile—and Adeona, Jammoneau
for Malta.

Sea, -, hence for Messina, was spoken 4th December, in
lat. 49, long. 10.
Ann Grant, Lester, from Honduras, and Larch, Le Bong, from
Gaspie, at Cove
Catherine, Whiteway, from Monte Video, off Cove
Exeter, Sobbete, hence at Civita Vecchia
Will o'the Wisp, Stevens, from Venice, at Gibraltar
Magellan, Bouch, hence at Lima in 91 days
Jane and Jessie, Campbell, from Gallipoli, at Corfu, and sailed
28th October for this port
Parsee Merchant, from Aden for Calcutta, off Point de Galle
Competitor, sailed from Madras for Calcutta 20th October
Liverpool, of this port, in proceeding from Wasing to Nankin,
with Government stores, on the 6th August struck on a sand bank
in the River Yang.tse.Kiang, and became a total wreck : crew and
stores saved.

TRIESTE, Nov. 29.—The X L, Williamson, which was on shore
near Grado 28th instant, has been got off and towed into port,
after discharging part of her cargo into lighters, and is reported
to have received but little damage, being free from water.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11.—Wind E.N.E. fresh breeze.
ARRlVED.—Lancashire, Lyon, from Savannah—Amelia, from
Palermo—David Carugie, Helman, from Pina Blanca, near Valpa-
raiso—Robert Benu, from Bombay—Hope. Saule, and Georgina,
Toole, from New Orleans—lsabella, Thorpe. from Demerara—
Amity, Little, from Honduras—Rover, Taylor,. from Gergenti—
Stewart, Chignall, from Havre—and George IV, Brownless, from
Sydney and Bahia.
SAlLED.—Cantab, Rae, for Laguira, Rte.—Amelia, Alexander,
for Trinidad—and Gunga, Mackinney, for Sincapore.

Lord Ravensworth, Newham, from Honduras, at Cove
Saint Patrick, Webster, from Quebec, ditto
Peruvian, Pitkethly, sailed from Hong Kong for Liverpool 25th
August
Elisha, Fee, sailed from Marseilles for Liverpool 3rd December
Boykett, Reid, and Gipsey, Dempsey, sailed from Bourdeaux for
Liverpool Ist December
John O'Gaunt, Robertson, hence for China, at Anjer in ninety
two days
Brenda. hence for Beirout, of Bardsey
Neptune, Campbell, hence for Calcutta, ditto
Lady Lilford, hence for Bombay, ditto
Gleneira, Newby, hence at Sincapore
Souris, hence at Goree
H.M.S. Locust, (3) from Malta, at Plymouth, with despatches
from China
Gazelle, from China, at Manilla

Royal Saxon, Crawford, from Hong Kong, at Sincapore, and
sailed 30th September for London. Mem.—The Royal Saxon is
the first vessel loaded at Hong Kong for England
Samuel Harrocks, from Penang, at Sincapore, and sailed 29th
September for Malacca.
Ann Lockerby, Whiteman, from Calcutta, at Sincapore, and
sailed 27th September for China
John Brightman, Viall, from China, at Sincapore
John Laird, Lonsdale, sailed from Milford for China 9th Dec.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12.—Wind S.S.E. to S.W. fresh.
ARRIVED.—Zeno. from Jamaica—Reliance, Dunley, from Ceara
—Deucalion. Allen, and United States, Seaton, from New Orleans
—Swatara, Davenport, and Eliza Warwick, Davies, from Charles-
ton—Douro, Gowland, from Gergenti—Gossypium, from New Or-
leans—Frances Depau, and Caledonia, from Savannah—Post Boy,
Lovering, from St. Michael's—and Patriot Minin, Tidemati, from
St. Petersburg.
SA i Lap . Severn, Driscoll, for Savannah.

Gulnare, from Manilla, at Sydney
Ilebe. Thompson, hence at Gibraltar
Mischief, Downes, hence off Lisbon
Mount Charles, Frost, sailed from Lisbon for Liverpool 2nd Dec.
Laura Ann, Richmond, ditto, ditto
Glory, from Miramichi, at Crookhavcn
Elizabeth, Price, from Quebec, off ditto
Carlotta, Lagana, from Palermo, at Cove
Mentor, Bennett, from Leghorn, ditto. On 7th Dec. 40 miles
west of Scilly, spoke the Mincarlo, for St. Michaels.
Wm. Prowse, hence for Valparaio, off Cove 7th instant
Royal Mint, hence for Jamaica, off Dungeness 7th instant
Murray, hence for Jamaica, off Tuskar 7th instant
Immaculate, hence for Naples, at Beaumaris.