Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1813-12-02
MILITARY EXECUTION.

On the 18th inst the whole army, tex
cept those detailed on duty and the ma
rsnes from the Navy Yard, and fFigate Con
sseilation, were drawn up IN the rear OF
Fort Norfolk, to attend the execution of
FYilsiaus Proctor, of the 35th u. States
Regiment. tpitlough6y Msggs, and 10
seph Poole. of the 9Th u. States Regiment,
and Lemuet Jackson, Of Morgan's Rifle
Regiment These men had severally been
sentenced to death by Courts Martial, for
the crime of desertion The first named
only was executed. After the execution of
this unhappy man was over, and while eve
~ eve was directed Ia the TIRES survivors
whose fate was considered as fixed, the Aids
of the General arrived, with an order
which suspended the execution of their sen
tence.
The following is the substance, if not the
words of the general order issued upon this
occasion:
"The army has heard with generous in
dignation of the assertions which have ta
ken pace, and which threaten, by their
frequency, to impair it's vigor and tarnsh
its fame A spirit of clemeney has hither
to directed every measure adopted to cor
rect the mischief Il was believed that pat
riotism, military pride, and a sense of per-
sonal honor, were sufficient pledges Of the
fidelity Of an American soldier. II was
hoped, too, that the mildest punishment
would restrain the thoughtless few, who,
fusion, might think of abandoning the stan
dard of their country.
This hope has proved illusory. The
crime has grown under impunity, till the
cheek of every honorable soldier has been
flushed with shame, at the frequent repe-
tition. !.
The unhappy man who lies corpse
before you has thrice deserted, and twice
been convicted of the crime A stern but
i'm perious duty forbade the interpostion of
the commanding General to arrest his
doom: The public service, the honor of
the army, required that he should die, and
that it should no longer be doubtful, whe-
Their this offence would hereafter pass I'M
punished, May bis blood expiate his offence
and purify the army of the contamination
g Anxious to avert all suffering not re-
CURED by the public good, and under the
persuasion that the affecting scene which is
now passing will attain all the just objects
of example, the General directs that the
sentence against Willoughby Meggs, Lem
uel jackson, and Joseph Poole, be suspend
ed. .f as
g To the President of the u States alone
belongs the power to pardon, In the con
fidence of their future good conduct, the
Gen. will intercede in their behalf, and
supplicate the President for forgiveness.
g Many persons are now undergoing pun
ishment for similar and different offences.
The commanding Gen. INDUCES the hope
that they are convinced of the improperly
of their past conduct, and will gladly avail
themselves of any opportunity to manifest
their reformation, by their future deport-
ment This opportunity he is willing to af-
ford them. He therefore RENTS all punish
ments not extending to death, cashiering
or reduction, heretofore inflicted by general
courts-martial and not yet completely exc
cuted. Saving only the stoppages of pay.
to reimburse the expenses incurred by the
United States" Ledger.
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