Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-08-21
PRINTED AID PUBLIsHED,
From the Richmond Compiler, .8ug 10.
r EXFCUrION OF THE PIRATE

Federal Court The public are already IN pos
session Of the history Of the atrocious crimes u
which they have been gully. They were taken
forom the Jail Of Htnrico county about eleven
O'Clock, and, un,lerthe escort OF the Blues and
the Artillery Companies and the Public Guard,
they were conducted 10 the gallows. multi
tude of our citizens, and others from the coun-
try, attended them through the streets. The
procession, for such it NAV be termed, was i'm
posing in its appearance. The three uniform
ed companies, the throug OF crizens, both on
foot and horseback, the open carriage or wag-
or, In which were stated the criminals, clad in
purple robes, with hoods covering their heads
and faces, all contributed 10 make the scene So
lemn and impressive. Business seemed 10 be
suspended, and universal Interest vas felt in the
sOlemnities Of the occasion. The procession
having arrived al the gallows, which had been
for some time crowded by anxious spectators,
the prisoners were conducted TO the platform
on the gallows. They were attended by the
Roman Catholic Priest, Mr.. Hore, and two O.
Their citizens who spoke the Spanish language,
and were disposed 10 offer their services and
sympath;es on the occasion. The conduct Of
these individuals in thus kindly mnistering 10
the consolation of the unhappy and wretched
sufferers, was not confined TO the SOLEMN cere-
monies Of their execution. They had visited
them in Jail, and being among he few who could
converse with them in the Spanish language,
they had not been unmindful Of what the pre-
cepts OF humanity and religion enjoined.
HE prisoners appeared 10 BE- deeply affected
at the awful fate that awaited them. They,
however, appeared to be resigned, and mounted
the platform Of the gaows with firm and de-
termined step. If either Of The three appeared
at this time more unnamed than the rest, ii
was Pepe. But his excitement appeared to be
more the result or his conscious guilt and of
the ipaomiuions end 20 -,Eich il had brought
him. than the fear of death. Ihey-~ers all
sensibly alive to the situation in which they
were placed. They prayed with great iervour
20 The throne Of grace, first standing and then
on their knees In this situation, attended by
the Minister of their religion, and three gentle
men who spoke the Spanish language, they
continued about three quarters OF an hour
Haviug ended their dcvotions, they desired
Doctor LemoSY 10 announce ~ The assembled
multitude, that they were guilty OF The crimes
against them and OF many; that they
deserved the fa;e tho awaited them; that they
asked The forgiveness @, the people, and begg-
ed 'ha ,aey would Join lii prayer FOR their sal
y-aon.
The officers of Justice were then informed
that they were ready. Several of the Clergy Of
this city then assembled the platform. MIR.
Kerr, of the Baptist Church delivered an elo.
quent address 70 the surrounding multitude;
and. was followed by an appropriate PRAYER
from Mr.. Taylor of the Presbyterian Church.
The Ministers Of the Gospel, and those who
had had any intercourse with the prisoners, then
took their leave of them. They seemed TO be
resigned; and parted with those who had off
siated on the occasion, with evident marks Of
grateful feeling, The officers then proceeded
10 the execution Of their unpleasant duty. The
eallows was so Constructed that all three were
u be fastened to as many staples in the hori-
zontal bar above, at once; and the platform, by
means of hinges, was to be suddenly removed
from under them. The ropes had been fasten.
ed about their necks before their remov al
from the Jail, and only required 10 be fastened
ITO the staples. This was soon done By the De-
tuSy Marsbals, who descended 10 withdraw the
support, and allow the platform to sink, ard
leave tfAem suspended. During the whole of
this opehstion, (which required several minutes,
as all third had 10 be fastened to the cross bar
at the same time, the prisoners continued to
pray aloudf When the prop was Withdrawn,
they fell scA suddenly, that the ropes by which
Pepe and Ciouro were suspended, broke, and
they fell to phe ground. Felix, being not so
heavy, remakaed suspended. The others were
considerably injured by the fall, and the pres
sure Of the Shrds around their neeks. They
struggled upon the ground for al ew seconds,
apparently in{ great pam. Repe soon rose up.
on his feet, and threw himsslssn the attitude of
suppliea,ior, TO Heaven Couro renamed, on
the ground. As soon as possible, the Deputy
Marshals bad the platform again raised, placing
the legs 81 Felix (who, by this time was dead)
upon the top of it, his body remaining still sus>
pended. Pope was then again conducted up,
and assembled the steps with apparent strength
and resolution. Couro had only the appear
ance of life, and was carried up. The ropes
were again fixed. Couro was able TO stand az
ter being upon his feet. Neither spoke, and
Pope remained in supplicating attitude The
prop being again removed, they were left sus.
pended and soon breathed their last.
Fake the whole scene together, we have ne
yer Witnessed one moie solemn and heart rend-
iug. The mere recollection of the cold blood