Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-12-02
EXECUTION OF CHARLES YOUNG.

We subiOin an extract Of letter from TREND.
dated BowLING GREEN. Nov. o.. 1880.
yesterday, the awful sentence of death was
carried into effect on Charles Io,mg. convicted.
at the October term of our Superior Court. of the
murder of Thomas Griffin Thornton. Esq A
large concourse of persons. from this and some
of the adjoining counties, assembled to witness the
dreadful scene. Some were here before day. break,
and thew were coming in from eight O'Clock until
twelve. The number. including black persons,
was estimated at from COCO to 5000S There
having been previousappointment for a sermon,
on the occasion. by Doct. Dorsey. OF your place,
many ladies were drawn out to listen to his dis
course-he having obtained celebrity in this coun-
ty as pulpit Orator. Our Court House was Sc
ected for him to preach in; it very som
crowded TO overlooking. and the yard filled, for
some 90 or so steps around, with persons, mani
Testing eagerness to listen to the sermon. About
quarter before twelve. the prisoner, attended
by guard of eight or ten persons. was brought
ont of Jail, and conducted into the prisoners
box in the Courthouse, to listen to the sermon.
As he walked from the Jail TO the Courthouse.
the press of the crowd was very great, each one
manifesting considerable eaeerness to get look
at him. His step was firm. and his countenance
undaunted. There was nothing like contriton
in his countenance, but the same composure
which you witnessed during the whole progress
of his trial. The crowd was so great, that
could not get near enough to hear the text. nor
indeed much of the sermon. except its conclusion.
Wen the Doctor addressed the prisoner, and al
luded TO his awful situation. standing on the mar
row isthmus. which connects time with eternity;
when he reminded him that. in one hour more.
his ewes would be closed forever, upon this world.
and that he would be consigned TO endless happi-
ness or misery-he drew, from the prisoner. ma
nv signs and tears, and from several of the te-
males. not only tears. but loud shrleks. Such
was the effect produced by this scene, that
was very much afraid, an unmerited sympa-
thy would be excited towards the convict
The preachers voice was lost amid the cries and
shreks Of the females, and in a very short time
after. he closed his remarks. He then announc-
ed to the Sheriff. that he was ready to accompany
the criminal 10 the gailows. There was then a
general rush Of the multitude, on foot. on horse
back, in gigs, carriages and notwithstanding
to vie with each other. who should first get to the
place of execution. in order to secure the most
favorable position for behoding the awful specta-
Gle.
The remarks. in your paper of Tuesday up
ON the subject of public executions. had not cir
culated to sufficient extent-for certainly. there
were present many females. some If whom. |
were iadirS. | walked leisurely with
a friend to the ground. arrived in time
to hear the prayer delivered TO- ti'c poor wretch
ed being. whose heart then Appeared to be NOV
eel at the awfuiness of his SITUATION. before
the clergyman concluded. he began 10 CRY aloud
and pray to God for mercy. & continued 20 do 50
Tor some time after Doctor Dorsey closed his SER
vices. after, he became more conposed-'here vas
a solemn pause for some moments. Expectation
wss on tip-loe. to hear from him. a contessi0a Of
ne btoody tragedy!-BW no cooiess,oa cume!-
A gentleman stepped up and sad 10 him, that
he watch. which was taken from the pucket of
he unfortunate Thornton, WIS a faVori'e time
piece. and that the family would be ratified bv
my information, which would lead TO its recovs-