Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-07-07

doors Of this kind, one always locked whilst the
other is opened. In an instant we were in Pan
| demonium.
The buildings, which surrounded and formed
the courts, evidently the oldest and strongest Of
Bicetre, harmonised in dinglness with the scene.
At every barred window, aud these were numer,
Gus, about dozen rutfianlv heads were thrust
together, TO regard the chains of their compa-
mons. What study of physiognomy. The
murderer's scowl was there, by the side of the
laughing countenance Of the vagabond, whose
shouts and Jokes formed kind Of tenor to the
muttered imprecations Of the other. Here and
there was protruded the fine, open, hish-fronted
head,-pale, striking. features, and dark looks,
Of some felon of intellect and natural superiority;
whilst b. his side, ignominy looked stupidity and
nalciously on. A handsome little fellow at one
of the CRATES, was dressing his hair unconscious
y with most agtated fingers, evidently affected
by the scene. Our question Of {" What are you
in for?" aroused him. 'sFalse signing billet
of twenty thousand irancs,' replied he, with a
a shrug and smile. "And he. your neighbour"
asked we cautiously. concerning one Of a fine,
thoughtful, philiosophic, and passionate counte-
nance:-s' Hah! you may ask-he gave his mis-
tress potion, for the purpose Of merely seducing
her, and It turned out to be poson-a ca"abia
like yourselves" But these made no part Of the
chdinc.
The convicts destined for this operation were
kept in movement round post IN an adjoiains
court, and were shouting, rarely in ineligible
language. to their companions. was the uni
versal tone, and sniviller ran into imminent
danger. One poor fellow | remarked holding
down his head, when he was sauted with kick
from him who followed, and the objurgation, Tu
&. be,,o Xnu
be sad These men were all unmanacled.-
Methought general rush on their-part. both
practicable and formidable. One half must have
persisted, and the other half might have escaped.
They were now marched out from the inner
court in patches Of thirty at time, drawn up in
rank, stripped and examined with such reid
scrutiny as dare not precise. They were then
mar cheG and placed along une of tine extended
chains, and made to sit down. resting it in their
laps A square fetter was then fitted and placed
around the neck of each. In this, before, some
detached links from the chain were placed, whist
a huge smith proceeded to rivet each from be-
hind. Fixing a kind of movable anvil behind
the conyict's back. the fetter that encircled his
neck was brought with its joint upon 1t, and hall
dozen blows Of the sledge rivetted the captive
inextrically to the main chain and to his twenty
nine comrades. The smith must be adroit at his
task, and the convict steady in his position; for
as the fetter is tight round the neck, the hammer,
! IN its blow. must pass within quarter OF an
inch of his skull, and vince on his part might
prove fatal. This. indeed, is the trying moment,
when the stoutest cheek is bianched. The stur-
diest frame, shaken by the blows of the sledge,
then betrays emotion, and tears OF penitence are
at that moment almost always seen to fall. On
sitting down, each had in general an air of bra
vado. produced in great measure BY the regards
of the seemingly more hardened ruffians from the
windows. Under the. rivetting there was no
smile; whilst after it, apathy was affected or re-
sumed. each endeavoring to make his iron collar
as supportable and comfortable as possible, by
enveloping it in handkerchief. aud guarantee.
ING the neck from its chill or CALLING.
RIO be concluded tn our neat.