The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1828-02-21
THE SIX MILITIA MEN.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE EXE-
CUTlON OF THE SIX MILITIA MEN.

FfCrAL documents IN relntlon 10 the SIX
MILITIA MEN, arrested, tried. and put tn
death, under the orders of General An
drew Jackson, this may not be an impro-
per time TO give to the public some Of tho
particulars Of their execution, as wo have
them from IAN EYE WITNESS" who
appeals TO Col. Russell. for the truth of
every word he relates. tPhilad. ID. Press.
Harris was a Baptist prcncher, with
large family. He had been hired as
substitute for three months. THIS was the
case with most Of them. They were igno-
rant men, but obstinate in what they be-
lieved right, and what they had been told
by their officers as right. They were all
sure they coald not be kept beyond three
months, and they gave up their muskets,
and had provisions dealt out To them from
the public stores, before they left tho
camp. This confirmed their convictions
that they were right, and doing what was
lawful.
Col. Russell commanded at the execn.
tion. The Militia hen were brougb, to
the place in large Wagon. The militia
ry dispositions being made, Col. Russell
rode up to the Wagon and ordered tho
men to descend. Harris was the only ono
who betrayed feminine weakness. The
awfulness Of the occasions; his wife and
nine children; the parting with his son;
and the fear Oft quickly approaching ig-
nominious death, quite overcame him, and
he sunk in unmanly grief No feeling of
military pride could brace him up.
Col Russell, doubtless, felt as man,but
he felt also for the pride Of the army, and
desired 10 animate the men with foriitudc.
'You are about to die, said he, by tho
sentence Of a Court Martial-die like men;
like soldiers. You have been brave in
the .feld-you have fought wcl! do ho
discredlt to your country. or dishonor tn
the army, or yourselves, by any unmanly
fears. Meet your fate with courage"
Harris attempted 10 make some apology
for his conduct, but while he spoke, he
wept bitterly. The fear of death, the idea
that he should never again behold his wife
and little ones, and his son weeping near
him, had taken such entire possession Of
his mind, that i was impossible he should
rally.
add manlytone, Colonel. hdv6 served
my country well. love Il dearly, and
would, u could, serve II longer and bet
ter. have fought brovely-you kno,e r
haze, and HERE have right TO say go
MrsELy.S woufd not wish to die in this
way"-here his voice faltersd, md hc pass-
cd the back Of his right hand bvcr his eyes
~ did not expect it. But, am now as
firm as have been In battle, and you sboll
see that will die as becomes a soldier.
You know I am brave man" ayes,
Lewis, said the Colonel, you have always
behaved like brave man" Oth,r SEN
teDces were uttered, other declarations
were made, and other words Of comfort
spoken, but they were lost on me; my az
tention, says An Eye Witness, being
chiefly directed TO Lewis.
Six cofiins were ranged as directed, g. on
each Of them knelt one Of our condemned
American Militia Men. Such sight WIS
never seen before trust in God Il never
will be seen again Six soldiers werc dc.
tailed and drawn up TO fro at each mar
What an awful duty Their white caps
were drawn over the faces Of the unhappy
men. Harris evidently trembled. and ]
could a lmost persuade myself that the heart
Of Lewis was enlarged, and that bis bosoui
rose with manly courage to meet death.
The fatal word was given and they all fell.
As we approached the scene Of blood
and carnage. Lewis gave signs oflife--,bc
rest we're all dead--be crawlcd upon HE
coffin. After the lapse Of a few minute
he said-I give his very words" Colonel"
the Colonel wns close To him" Colonel,
] am not killed, but I am sadly cut and
mangled." His body was now examined
and II was found that but four balls had
wounded him. Colonel, said he, did be-
havo we'll" Yes, Lewis"--said the Co.
lionel inthe kindest tone Of voice" like
man." "Well sir, said he, have no, n.
toned for this offence Shall NOT Hpe?"
The Colonel was much sgitated, and gave
orders that the Surgeon should, IL possible,
preserve his life. They did all that skill
and buinsnity conld do--it was all Of no n
vail. Poor Lewis expressed great desire
to live" noi," said he at one time, "ibat
fear death, would repent me Of some
sins, and desire to live yet little longer
in the world" lie suffered inconceivabIc
agony from hrs wounds, and died on the
fourth day.
Many soldier has wcpt over his grave.
He was brave man and much beloved.
lie suffered twenty deaths.--I have seen
the big drops cbese each other down his
forehead with pain and anguish. There
was much sensibli,y and sympathy through
out tie camp. would not have, uniustly
and unnecessarily, signed this death war.
rent for all the wenlth Of all the Indies.
The soldiers detailed to shoot Lewis had
from strong feelings Of sympathy, or mis-.
taken humanity, failed to shoot him--bu:
four balls had entered his body.
"An Eye Witness" appeals to Col. Rus
sell, who he thinks now lives in Alabama.
for the perfect truth Of this sketcb.--Iie
does not fear the Colonel will keenly re-
collect and faithfully depict The horrors of
the day on which six Americans were shot
to death under his command but not by