Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-07-11


the arrival of the Lord Mayor, Sherifis,
&c. that place was cleared of all per-
sons, except the special constables,
about 700 in number. The multitude
then occupied all the space in front OF
St. Sepulchre's Church and Giltspur-
street. A party Of the Life Guards
were also drawn up between Skinner
street and Newgate.street there were
upwards of 10000 persons assembled.
At a quarter past seven o'clock,
block and FIVE collins were placed upon
a scaffold, covered with black, erected
for that purpose, and adjoining the scat
fold used on all other occasions in front
ofthe debtors door. Some saw-dust for
the purpose of receiving the blood, was
strewed on the new scaffold. The win
dows and roofs of the houses in the Old
Bailey, in front of the place Of execution,
were filled with people DESTROYS to sec
the execution; the prices of admission
for each person varied from IL. to rs.
About quarter before 8, Mr.. Sheriff
Rothell, Mr. Sheriff Parkins, and their
under sheriffs, accompanied by Mr.. Al
derman Wood, Sir A. Macdonald, Sir
Charles Flower, Sir G. Anderson, Mr..
Brown, the keeper of the prison, and two
or three other gentlemen, whose names
we could not learn, proceeded to the
inner yard of Newgate, communicating
with the cells in which the prisoners had
been confined since sentence was passed
on them. There, we understand, their
irons were struck off, as usual on such
occasions, and, after the time necessary
for doing so had elapsed, they were
brought, pinioned, accompanied by the
keepers who had charge Of them since
Friday, through the several passages
leading to the drop in front of the prison.
Thistlewood walked first, and then Tidd,
Ings, Brunt and Davidson. When ar
rived at the Locking-room, as it is called,
which Immediately communicates with
the drop-the four prisoners last named
were detained there, while Thistlewood
mounted the platform, which he did with
firm step, holding an orange between
his hands, and preceded by Mr.. Cotton,
the Ordinary of Newgate. Mr. Cotton
appeared to be exhorting him, but he
only said " No, No." Some persons
from the windows, ON Thistlcwood's ap-
pearance, cried out, GOOD Almighty
bless you" Thistlewood bowed.
Tidd next came forward with an
agitated step, and had an orange between
his hands. He bowed to the people
around and sometimes nodded TO par
ticular persons whom he recognized
He conversed with Thistlewood.
Ings next came up the steps, and gave
three cheers, and sung, " OH give me
Death or Liberty % He requested the
handkerchief which he had on his neck
to be tied over his eyes, which was &C
cordingly done; but he Immediately
took it off, and said, "I'll see as long as
can: here we goes, my lads; see the
last remains of James Ings!''
Thistlewood-" We shall soon know
the last grand secret"
Davidson next came up with firm
step, and bowed to the multitude; he
alone seemed to listen to Mr.. Cotton,
and requested handkerchief to be tied
over his eyes.
Thistlewood-"I have but few
minutes to live, and hope you will tell
the world am sincere friend of Liber-
ty."
Ings addressing himselfto some per-
son who was taking notes near the scat
fold,) 81 die an enemy to all Tyrants,
rccollect put that down."
Brunt was the last who came on the
scaffold; he evinced the same firmness
as on his trial. His neck handkerchief
being taken off, he kicked the stiffener of
his handkerchief off the scafold, and
said, 81 shall want that no more" He
also kicked off his shoes.
Mr.. Cotton again exhorted the prison
ers, and reminded them of their awful
situation, but Ings said, 81 am not
afraid to go before God or man. / be-
lieve there is God, and hope he will
be merciful." Then addressing himself
to the executioner, Now, old gentle
man, finish me tidy, that will do, put the
halter little tighter, it may slip. hope
MIR. Cotton you will give me good
character" He continued to wave his
handkerchief until the drop fell.
Brunt took pinch Of snuff.
lngs appeared to pray.
AT six minutes past 8 the signal was
given, and the drop fell.
After hanging half an hour, they were
cut down and placed in their collins.
A man who wore mask then cut off
their heads with knife, and the execu-
toner holding up the head of Thistle
IL Ia. i