The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1823-03-21

ExECUTIoN.

ion hursday1norning, the 2d.insiant,
Robert Harticywas executed on pe,en.
don heath, near Maids,onc, Tor wiIfulIy
stsbbng captain Oven, Of the Bellcro.
phon convict ship. From the time OF
his condemnation to w ednesday evening.
the unhappy man behaved in the most
hardened and impeDitent manner, stating
his disbelief OF a future state. He wa.
wont to speak of his many heinous offen-
ces, with emulation, and since his trial,
has confessed 10 Mr.. Winter, chaplain
OF the Jail, upwards of 200 burglaries
and robberies committed by him from
the age OF ten years. On SUNDAY, one
OF the turkeys asked him il he was not
cold !, he said "No; but shall be a id
sight colderthis night week, or else hot
teri don't know which yet, but will
come back and let you know" On Mon.
day he said, "if was TO be set at liberty
tonight, | should do something before
morning to get in again." On w ednes-
day his time wIs chiefly employed in ma
king observations which proved the de-
pravity oil his heart; he requested one
of the turnkeys to go frs the surgeon of
! the jail, saying he wished to sell his bo-
| dy, tor he was sure The resurrection men
would stick a knife into him; and he
might as well sell himself as for them to
take him; tina. he knew girl ut Chat
| ham that he should like to give the mo.
ney to. ~ another lims, he said to one
OF the prisoners guarding him, 81 wish
you were going out tomorrow, for then
would give you my carcass,i, would fetch
two guIneas and that would be of service
TO you he also said, he should like Ia
! stop at some public house on the road
and have hall pint OF rum, before he
| got on the heath the next day. In the
evening, MIR. Winter was with him from
| SIX I'LL half past eight o'clock, when he,
| for the first Time, joinec in prayer. On
Thursday morning he received the sacra-
menti and appeared much affected but
upon being asked by MIR. Winter,
whether, ifhe were discharged, hc should
lead an homes, life, he replied, 4" No, |
should go OH in the same way again" -
Al 10 minutes after IL the massive gates
at the entrance Of the Jail were thrown
oPens and the wretched culprit appear
cd seated in a wagon, guarded by the
usual attendants. Upon arriving in the
midst OF the crowd, he looked around
him, and bowed and smiled TO several tina,
he recognized. He was eating an o.
range, and held in bis hand a prayer
book. On coming TO the brow on the
Heath, where the eallows FIRST appeared
to view, he looked towards it and smil-
ed; on arriving at the fatal spot, the
worthy chaplain read very impressive
and appropriate prayer, TO which the un.
happy man appeared to pay great atten-
! lion at the conclusion of their deyotions
he assembled the scaifoid, and in a
frm voice said, s'l beg you will excuse
all i'npertections in my speech.
hope you will take warning by my fate
there are many persons in this assembled
multitude whose faces very we'll know
and whn, am afraid, if they do not alter
their wicked course Of life, will be sum-
moned TO appear before God with all
their slEs upon them, IN whose presence
| shall shortly be. Many of you may not
perhaps be guilty OF all crimes--you
may not lie nor swear, but you have been
guilty of many offences, for which you
deserve 10 die in the manner ! am about
to do now" He stopped, his feelings
over came him, and after pause he said,
81 must beg pardon. cannot go any fur
Their" He turned to the execu,ioner,and
whilst he was putting the rope round the
be 'm,said, "Do not be long about it-Iet
me feel what drop you have given me"
He then leant forward to try the length
ofthe rope, and said, "That will no, do
the krot is too much under my Jaw"
The executioner moved it towards his
chin, when he said, 'it is now too much
under my chin" When the rope was
adjusted, he said "put on the cap now"
When drawn over his face, he said "let
me draw it off my iaoutb.' When he
had removed the cap, he said. with
loud voice-"Lord jesus, into thy hands
commit my spirit-pray let this be
Waiting TO you ALL wish you all
happy new year" He was launched in
TO eternity he was much convuIsed and
struggled for ten minutes aftert he drop
FELL Late london hafer.
Dis PRESSING ACCIDENT.