The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1821-06-13
NORFOLK, June 4.
THE EXECUTION.

THE EXECUTION.
On Friday last, the lst inst. pursuant
to their sentence, Manuel Philip Garcia
and 1Oseth Demas Garcia Casdllano
were executed for rhc murder Of Peter
LagoaTdettc.
At III O'Clock they were conducted
from the Jail to the place of execution
in the middle of a large field in the rear
ofthe town of Portsmouth, guarded by
the Portsmouth Rife Company, and at
tended by the Rey'd Bishop KELLEY
and Mr.. WALsH Of the Roman Catho-
lie Church, and DIR. GRIFFITK of the
Methods, Church, whose pious Offices
were charitably proErred to prepare their
minds Tor the awful fate which awaited
them--but there was 10 seeming desire
on The part OF the prisoners to profit by
the prayers SO iervently offered UP in their
behalf "A request made by the prison.
ers. that they might be allowed to walk
to the place of execution, was readily
complied with, and the cart prepared to
convey them drove before. Arrived at
tie fatal spot the prisoners mounted the
cart and final preparations were made for
their exit. pr. Griffith then arose and
addressed the assembled multitude with
an appropriate and impressive exhortation
concluding with prayer to the Throne OF
Grace, for mercy on the unhappy men
about TO suffer. AT Is minutes past IL
the cart drove OFF and they were launched
into eternity. The crowd assembled to
witness this awful spectacle amounted to
several thousands.
The Indifference and inscnsibility man.
ifcsted BIZ these men while awaiting the
moment of their execution, and the levi
ty with which they treated the proffers OF
spiritual aid in their perishing condition.
were in strict accordance with their de-
meanor on the day of their execution.
Whatever migh, have been the inward
workings of their souls and consciences
at this trying period, itis certain that they
met their fate with GOODNESS and fort,-
ude worthy of better occasion--as All
instance OF this, while tte officer was adj
iusting Garcia's knot, his feelings caused
him to perform the ungrateful task ra'h-
er awkwardly, Castillano directed him in
what manner to fix it SO rs TO take effect,
and then pointing to his own neck, gave
the same direction for himself!
Expectation was somewhat disappolnt-
cd by the taciturnity of the prisoners on
the day of execution. 1t was thought
they would have made some confessiona
public declaration, respecting the murder
before they were turned off. Castillano
spoke few words. which however, in
consequence of the crowd, could only be
heard by very few, and but imperfect
ly understood by those who did hear.
A gentleman who stood near him took
minute Of this short address, the intention
IN delivering which seems TO have been
to imress the spectators with bellei OF
his being innocent Of the murder OF La
goardct,e-,he following is the substance
Of it:
81 wish to make declaration for the
public-.I know that am now to die
| know that cannot he pardoned here
know that although am now alive,
am dead die innocent OF this mans
death put my trust in God who can
pardon we. l forgive every body
die in peace! Good bye, all !! J!
Garcia. during the period of his con.
fnegert drew up volumnjous state