Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1828-02-23
Tbe Constitutional aathta.

mat extraordinary event. (extraordinary in American
history has filed, aud still ils large space pub
hc contemplation, il m,y be unin teresng TO our
readers The partizans of Gen jackson may gloss
over this transaction they please but il must forever
remain deep and Incurabe stain upon his name Il
paitook more of Turkish massacre in the name o.
the laws, than OF an American execution Even gran.
Tag what by clear, that the six militamep
were drafted for six MONTHS aed not for tLree-that
tirey had right to return home weo they did, and
that for the offence they deserved punshme6t--yet ~
punish such offence capitay, and to extend il 10
six when would have answered the end of ali
punishment-exa mp,e-dspiays recklessness of hu-
man blood and of human suffering, incompatible with
the character of Christian Hero and most assuredy
discordantwith the character of Washington TO whom
tue faulty of Jackson's friends has compared the lat
ter, and whom they have come at last TO assert
his superiority Every consideration claimed mercy for
three unfortunate men, instead of that stern and mex
oIabe sentence TO Which they were doomed Most or
all of them, had fought bravey at different periods and
points of the war-they consccntiously deemed them
selves three months men, and such entitled TO their
discharge-they told SO by their oficers-w hen
TREY found out their mistake they returned 20 treir du
iy--hey did not desert 10 the eneWy-that enemy had
before their execution, been defeated at New Orleans
aud expelled from the American sliores--the army
in critical position, render bloody example
necessary TO keep the soldier his coors Under these
circumstances, siugy, sufficient soften their sentence
bot United pleading rresstby for mercy forgiveness
Gen. jackson rejected all inercessjon for thef lives
and ordered them instant execution! 1t was bloo-
dy and ruthless ceed! Before Heaven, we woald not
have that single act OF unreientin cruelty answ
for all his glory, it ten times greater than il is and
fur all his greatness, did it tines exceed the meas
ure of Washngton's, IN truth it is ten times less
Whether the following narrative is true, we have nc
means of Judging. We have the pleasure of knowing
Col Russell! If it is not true it is susceptible of easy
disproof The only fear is, that or false will be
made to appear false under the magical uluence of
the Nashville Committee. We have not NOW TO learn
that that Committee anly prove what it pIcases
but disprove what it Pleases 1t has evidence al will
Harris Baptist preacher with large family
He had hired as substitute for three months This
the case with most of them. They were ignorant
men, but obstinate in what they beev ed right They
all sure they could not be kept beyond three
Months, and they gave their nusIceis, and had pro-
visions dealt out TO than, from the pubc stores be
fore they left the camp. This confirmed their convic
tfons that they were right aud doing what was lawful
Col. Russell. doubtless, felt man, but he felt
also the pride of the army, and desired ANIMATE the
with fortitude. 'You are about TO die, )" said he
hy the sen eDce of court martial--de like rneIr--
IKE soldiers. You have been brave in the feld--you
lave fought well-do no dcreiit 10 your country or
dishouor TO tue army yourselves, by any unnlan,
fears. Meet your fate with csurage.u
Harris attempted TO make apology for his con-
duct, but while he spoke, he wept bitterly The ea
O: death, the i4ea that he shoid never again behold
hts wife and little ones, aud his weeping near him.
had taken such entire possession of bis mind dat II
vas impossible he should rally.
Lewis the gallant Lewis, said in clear and manly
Core, Colonel, have served my country well.
would if I ii
and better. | have fought braveIy-you know have
and HERE have right TO say MYSELF. | would
not wrsh 10 die III this way"here his voice faItered
and be passed the back of his right hand over his ey es
III did expect it: But an now as firm as ]
have been in battle, aud you shall sec that will die
becomes Il soldier. You usw arm brave man y
Yes, LIE" IS, said the Colonel you have behaved like
n brave Tran" Other sentences ere uttered, Other
declarations made and other words Of comfort
spoken, but they were lost on me; my attention, says
an Eye Witness, being chiefly directed lie Lewis
Col. Russell commanded at the execution The
HlaneD were brought to the place in a large wac
eon, The military dispositions being made Col RGs-
Sell rode up to the Wagon and ordered the to de-
BGehd. Harris the ouiy who BETRAYED feminine
weakness The awulness the OCCASION; his wife and
nine oldrcd the parting with his SON; aud the fear of
quickly approaching ignominous death! quite over
came bm, and he sunk in unmanly gEief No feeling
OF military pride could brace him up.
SIX collins ranged as directed and on each of
ifrem kDelt one Of our condemned American Militia
mon. Sucb sight was never before! I trust i'm
500 VII never DC seen again! DIX soldiers de-
railed and drawn UP TO Ere at each ran What an
q full duty! Their white caps were drawn over the
frees ofte unhappy Harris evidently trembled
and could almost persuade myself that the heart of
Lewis enlarged, and that iis bUyprn rose with
manly courage TO meet death. The fatal word vas
gwen, and they all fell.
As approached fhe scene of blood and carnage
Lewis gave signs OF fc--tbe rest were all dead-ht
CTaylcd upon his coffin Her The LAPSE ola few min
u.es, he said give his very word,-sC uIoner'-|
the Colonel close 10 him Colonel ain not
killed, but am sadly cut and mangied.n Ills BODY
was now examined, and it was found hat bn four
balls had wounded hin. 'Cuoncl, said he did be-
have weF:p eyes, Lewis SAID tic Colonel 10 The
kndest tone of vocc--''liIlc n ndu.D 'Well sir, said
ne, have not atonej for tbs oGe"Ue; Ft THot icc2n
The Colonel way much agifated, and gave order. that
tie surg, "a should il possible preserve his life.
They did all that skin and humanity cduiG dot
ali Of no avail. Poor Lewis expressed great lie.
sire TO live-"uot," said he al time, that fear
death, but would repent Of some sins, and