The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-02-20
POLITICAL.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE EXECU-
TON OF THE SIX MILITIA MEN

TON OF THE SIX MILITIA MEN.
| As we soon expect TO have official documents
in relation to the SIX MILITIA Men, arrested,
! tried, and put to death, under the orders Of
| General Andrew Jackson, this may not be an
improper time to give the public some of the
particulars of the examination, as we have
them from " an eye witness, who appeals to
Col Russell for the truth of every word he re-
lates.-DemOeratic Press.
Harris was Baptist preacher, with a
large family. He had hired as substitute
for three months. This was the case with
most of them. They were ignorant men,
but obstinate in what they believed right,
and what they had been told by their Off
GERS was right. They were all sure they
nanld not no kent haynnd three months. and
they gave up their 1nuskets, and had pro-
visions dealt out to them from public stores,
before they left the camp. This confirmed
their convictions that they were right, and
doing what was lawful.
Col. Russell commanded at the execu-
ton. The militia men were brought to the
place in a large wagon. The military dis
positions being made, Col. Russell rode up
to the wagon and ordered the men to de-
scend. Harris was the only one that be-
ness of the occasion; his wife and nine
children; the parting with his son; and
the fear of quickly approaching ignomini-
GUS death quite overcame him, and he
sunk in unmanly grief. No feeling of mil
itary pride could brace him up.
Col. Russell, doubtless, felt as a man,
and fe:t also for the pride of the army, and
desired to animate the men with fortitude.
You are about to die said he, by the
sentence of Court Martial-die like men,
like soldiers. You have been brave in the
feld-you have fought well, do no discredit
to your country or dishonor to the army. or
yourselves, by any unmanly fears. Meet
your fate with courage"
Harris attempted to make some apology
for his conduct, but while he spoke he wept
bitterly The fear of death, the idea that
he should never behold his wife and little
ones again, and his son weeping near him,
had taken such entire possession of his
mind, that it was impossible he should rally,
Lewis, the gallant Lewis, said in clear
and manly tone, Colonel, | have served
my country well. / love it dearly, and.
would, if | could, serve it longer and bet
ter. / have fought bravely-yo1t kno,c
have, and HERE | have right to say so
MYSELF. | would not wish to die in this
way"-herc his voice filtered, and he pass
ed the back of his hand over his eyes-"F
did not expect it; but am now as firm as
thar T wifi NE as rjtettomes IA -softrt1hell sea
know / am brave man." "Yes, Lewis"
said the Colonel, "you have always behav-
ed like brave man." Other sentences
were uttered, other declarations were
40 anI ofbor xuordc Of cona+orf cuoEon
but they were lost on me ; my attention,
says an Eye Witness, being chiefly direct
ed to Lewis.
Six collins were ranged as directed, and
on each of them knelt one of our American
Militia Men. Such sight was never seen
before Six soldiers were detailed and
drawn up to each man. What an awful
duty! Their white caps were drawn over
the faces of the unhappy men. Harris evil
IDENTIFY trembled, and could almost per-
suade myself that the heart of Lewis was
enlarged, and that his bosom rose with
manly courage to meet death. The fatal
word was given, and they fell.
As we approached the scene of blood
and carnage, Lewis gave signs of life-the
rest were all dead-he crawled upon his
coffin. After the lapse of few minutes
he said-I give. his very words" Colo
ne, THE Colonel was close to him.
Colonel, am not killed, but / am sadly
cut and mangled." His body was now ex-
amined, and it was found that but four balls
had wounded him. "Colonel," said he,
did | behave WELL" Yes, Lewis" said
the Colonel in the kindest tone of voice,
I" like man." "Well, sir" said he, I" have
not atoned for this offence ?-ShaH l NOT
Hue?" The Colonel was much agitated,
and gave orders that the surgeon should,
if possible, preserve his life. They did all
that skill and humanity could dot was no
avail. Poor Lewis expressed q great de-
sire to live" not" said he at one time,
"that fear death, but would repent me
of some sins, and desire to live yet little
longer in the world" He suffered incon-
ceivable agony from his wounds, and died
on the fourth day.
Many soldier has wept over his grave.
He was brave man and much beloved,
He suffered twenty deaths. / have seen
the big drops chase each other down His
forehead with pain and anguish. There
was much sensibility and sympathy through
out the camp. would not have uniustly
and unnecessarily signed this death war
rant for all the wealth of the Indies. The
soldiers, detailed to shoot Lewis, had, from
strong feelings OF sympathy, OF mistaken
humanity, failed to shoot him-but four
balls had entered his body.
The order bears date the very day after
Gen. jackson returned in triumph to New
Orleans, and the day before he joyfully
went, under triumphal arches, tc the temple
of the living God-where, says the histo-
rian, they croscned their adored General
with lanrels." The order for the execu-
ton of these sin unhappy men bears date
January %, 1915. His crown of laurels
had not yet witnessed, when blood, the
life's blood, of his countrymen, of his fell