Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-05-26
Fran The Balt;,no,,s .1,,,r;c,,,.

tr0m the BattiznnTe american,
FeEhaps no situation in which a man can be placed
IS more trying to the feelings or requires greater
eXertlon OF fortitude and designations than that of
person under the sentence of DEATH and on the eve of
execution, when he reflects that though he Is now
being, enjoying health, strength and the full exercise
OF his faculties, he must, IN few hours minutes
become a senseless and naniInate lump of clay
his reputation assaed and prehaps blasted, whether
he die criminal or the martyr ofl,is opinions Tire
world ceases to have any room or interest in his
thoughts, and he now reflects with intenseness OH
eternity All the actions Of his past life rush in IN ck
succession before his mind, and he would give worlds
If many of his deeds had been left undone and THOUGH
his feelings are depressed, and lis spirit torn and
agonZcd, ne endeaVours 20 MAINTAIN hissel possession
and oTtude to the last moment, and generally sue
ceeds, fhe be person who forfcts his life by actinp
according to his own opinion Of political iDatters
which is often termed by the more powerful party
'f'eGSOa"
The writer ofthis was led to these reflections or,
witnessing the execution of Col. Mesa, who was sho
III the public Plaza of Buenos Ayres on the 10th Feb
uary, 1922 having been taken in arms against tic
present government. He made prisoner in the
country and arrived ia town OIL Friday was tried and
condemned on Saturday, and executed on Monday
On the morning OF the execution, a double row Of
troops surrounded part Of the Plaza, which was
rOngcd with people, and in the midst Of which SCAT
i0d had been previously erected. when the c,ocl,
OF the CGJiLda struck ten, (the hour appointed for
the execution the roll of drum was heard from
the opposite sides OF the troops, and in few min
ues AFTER tue prisoner in his shirt sleeves and bare
headed entered the square and mounted the scafold
attended By TWO three of the military confessor
The cXccutioner and adrumIner lie was a man ap-
parcny about 10 years of age, Of robust figure and
good countcnancc, soldier in appearance, and stood
the scrutiny Of the bubble gaze without shrinking
or APPEARING ofaIter in single nerve TIey went
through the ceremony ofdisgracing him, By putting
on his Jacket and hat, buckimg on his sword, and
again dcpriyng him ofthem, telling him that he was
no longer worthy of Them that he had acted the part
OF traitor, &c. which he must cxpiate with
his life. His hat was then placed on his head to
protect him from the rays ofthe sun, which he adj
lusted to his own liking and essayed to speak, but
his voice was drowned by roll otthc drum on the
scaffod. He descended the steps with perfect firm
ness attended by the confcssor, was placed on lat
attached TO one OF the posts OF the Plaza for the pur
pose, adjusted the handkerchief 10 ms eyes and was
secured to The post; when, on a sigma, from the ex-
ecu.ioncr, he received the fire Of four muskcts.
placed within yard Of us breast. a gush Of blood
7as sent forth 10 stain the clothes ST the SOL
dlc5s who fred and not appearing perfectly dead
DC vas again Gred into by four oilers, ben every