Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-06-28


Ilton returned about nine O'Clock to the
Castle, and remained with the prisoner
until quarter of an hour past eleven
o o'clock, when he left his cell until the un-
der Tailor had made some preparations for |
his approaching fate, too painful for this |
gentleman to witness. At 90 minutes be- !
fore twelve O'Clock, the under Sheriff pro- |
ceeded TO the cell of the prisoner, aud in
the awful LANGUAGE of the law, demanded
his body for execution, in pursuance of his
sentence: he was fuliyprepared tor the aw-
full summons and Immediately followed the
messenger of death. Mr. Hamilton took
him by the arm, and the melancholy pro-
cession moved on to the fatal platform.
Mr.. Blackburn walked with firm, unhe
stating step. and perfectly erect, and we
have the authority of Mir. Hamilton to
state, that he supported himself, and did
not in the least press upon his arm. 1t
was quarter of an hour before twelve
o'clock when they arrived upon the plat
form. The prisoner immediately kneeled
down upon stool provided for the occa-
sion, with his face turned from the hume
rous spectators who were assembled to
witness this sad and melancholy spectacle.
He kept his eyes closed during the whole
of the awful ceremony. Mr.. Hamilton made
a solemn and impressive prayer suited
equally to the former character and pre-
sent situation of the prisoner. Mr.. Black
burn appeared deeply TO feel and feryently
to Join in this last act Of devotion, and
when the Minister came to repeat the
Lords PRAYER, he accompanied him in an
audible voice.--When Mr.. Hamilton rose
up from prayer, he took Mr.. Blackburn by
the hand, and having commended him to
the mercy and protection OF the Almighty,
took sad adieu Of him. The poor suf-
ferer grasped his hand and appeared re-
luctant to part, and in voice rendered
tremulous BY emotion, said,' May God
Almighty bless and protect you" 1t now
only remained for the executtoner to per-
form his part in this heart-rending cere-
mony. Mr.. Blackburn was assisted to
rise, and it was evident that the powerful
emotion of his mind had impaired his
strength, and the under jailer supported
him in his arms until the fatal cord was
placed round his neck and properly ADJUST
ed At this awful moment be ejaculat-
ed,.: o Lord God Almighty, have mercy
upon me, and preserve my soul alive"
These were thelast words he was heard to
utter, as the drop almost instantly fell,
1t with great pain we have to add,
that the moose of the cord had by
somemeans or another, slipped from its
proper situation, and he appeared much
convulsed. After he had been suspended
about two minutes, the eXecutioner en-
deavored to replace the cord in its original
situation in this attempt we believe he
succeeded, but it appeared to harrowupthe
feelings of everyperson present, and po-
duce stronger sensation Of distress tl2n
any part of this lnournful ceremony In
about six or seven minutes FROM ne TALL
ing ofthe drop, he appeared inse1sioic OF
further suffering. The body afte' remain
inc suspended the usual time. vas put into
= coffin and delivered to bis frinds. The
remains of this unfortunat victim to
TIE offended laws ofhis county, were IN
tered at an early hour on Monday, at
Rockwell, near, Leeds. hr. B!ackburn
has left widow and two aughters, the
eldest not more than nine tars OF age.
TLels Mercury.