The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1825-12-01
From the Mep York Commercial, Nor. IL.
EXECUTION OF JAMES REYNOLDS.

ENECU ZION OF JAMEo hEANOLD''
This being the day appointed for the exc
cution of James Reyne.d, conv'2Sd OF the
murder OF Captain West, the sad though
busy note of preparation, was early inaica-
ted at the Bridewell. Crowds OF people be-
gan to collect by 9 O'Clock, both IN front and
rear of the prison, and in still larger NUM-
bers in Broadway-At 10 O'CLOCK pat
TALON of infantry. from the brigade OF ar
tilery, and Capt. keyser's company OF
dragons, came upon the ground, and hait-
ed in Broadway, under the command OF Col
onelP. M. Wetmorc.1 The clergymen who
have attended the unfortunate young man,
were with him until 10 O'Clock last evening,
and repaired to his celi' early this morn
ing. On both occasions Reynolds joined
audibly and apparently with much fervor,
in prayer. and we are assured by the re-
verend gentlemen, that they have great con-
fidence in his deep and sincere penitence.
We mentioned to one of the clergymen last
evening, the contradictory stories which he
had told on some recent occasions to one
of the Police Magistrates. He was conse-
quenty questioned upon the subject TINS
morning, and confessed that he had told him
some falsehoods. But he said they had
caused him bitter anguish, and a million OF
worlds would not now induce him to sWeryc
from the TRUTH
AT half past 10 his irons were knocked eft,
and he was conducted from the condemned
cell to a small stage in the yard in the rear
of the prison. The Marshas under the
High Constable, were here in waiting Key
nolds was clad in white trowsers, with
white frock, and cap of the same material,
trimed with black. The weather being
cold. he was allowed cravat over the rope
and cloak was thrown over him as he was
seated in chair upon the platform. Inc
last Offices of religion devolving upon the
venerable DR.. Stanford, who has tor so many
years, and so faithfully ministered to the
spirits in prison, were here performed. ms
address to the assembled multitude, and to
the dying criminal, was very solemn and
affecting, and caused the tear to How from
many an eve. The address was followed by
short prayer by the venerable divine,
which was concluded by commencing the
criminal in his last moments to the support
of the Almighty, and his soul to that Saw
Jour "whose blood cleanseth from all sin. y
The Young man listened attentively, but
during the whole time his body was convul-
sed with emotions which he evidently, bur in
vain, struggled TO suppress. He wept but
little. His father, a respectable looking
man, was near him. He wept not: but il
was easy to perceive that his aged bosom
was prey to .that silent grief which cats
into the SOUL" At 5 minutes after IL, every
thing being ready, the criminal shook hands
with numbers of those with whom he had
become acquainted in prison, and was assist
ed into barouche--accompanied by the
Rev. Mr.. Somers, the Rev. Mr.. Rey, ant
DR.. Walker The crowd behaved very
peaceably and did not press upon the gates
At 10 minutes past II, the gates OF the pri-
son yard were opened, and the procession
headed by the Sheriff, and one OF two dep
uties mounted, moved into the street, ant
were received in hollow square by The
military. The b .Iouche in which the Grim.
inal rode, was precededby wagon in which
was placed the coffin, and followed by
body of marshals. The line of march tt
the place of excution was then taken up.
We stated sorc timc ago that Reynolds
had made full confession to one of the cler
gymen who attended him. That gentle
man having favoured us with sketch of til,
life of the unfortunate man, together will
the confession, which VIC find is signed b,
Reynolds, we hasten to give it to our read
ers. ~
''James Reynolds, was born in the stat
Of Massachusetts, in the year 1908 Hi
mother died about 5 years since: his father
two brothers and two sisters, are still living
Reynolds was brought up to the business c
a baker, but did not follow it long. Abou
March lasthe came to this city, and shortl
after married wife, who is left to mour
his unhappy fate.--It having been state
that he was not married TO the person VIII
passed for his wife, ] am authorized to say
chat the marriage ceremony was perferme
by the late Rev. John Williams. He was
young man Of fair complexion, about fv
feet four inches high, full faced, robust ccun
tenance, dark brown hair, and beautifr
brown eyes, and of a very innocent appear
ance, seemingly incapable of committing
crime SO horrid as that for which he has sui
fered. The first day visited him, h
would neither acknowledge his innocenc
nor his guilt. ] proved to him from th
word OF God, that if he concealed his gull
died impenitent, and more especially with
lie in his mouth, he could never enter TIL
kingdom of heaven. This believe he wa
in some measures convinced of. He wa
very desirous that should visit him, an
the second time called to see him, | rea
and expounded the scriptures to him, an
he appeared to be deeply affected with tn
last chapter which read; (John 3, 81 II
told me, when parting from him, that if
would come and see him the next day, h
would confess the whole truth to me. Ac
cerdingly went.
son Friday, Oct. 21st, which was ii
next day, I called to see him, when he mnt
n full confession of the whole. | never sa