The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-07-31
THE EXECUTION OF THE
MURDERER CLOUGU.
Prom the Providence JOurr

we gamer tDe IolOWlnH particulars
of the execution of lough, on Friday
last, from the correspondence of the
New-York Journal of Commerce, dated
Mount Holly, New Jersey, Friday af-
tornoon: Since the apprehension of
Joel Clough, after his late desperate at
tempt TO escape, his mind had been np-
parently softenedto religious imp essions
and full knowledge ofthe hopelessress
of his situation. The RI. Rev. Bishop
Doane Of the Episcopal Church, and
clergvmen of other denominations, have
united Ia rendering him their assistance
in preparing his mind for The doom
which SO speedily awni,ed him. He had
given them such evidence of contrition
aud repentance, ,ha, Bishop Doane, on
Thursday, administered the rites Of hap
tism, confirmation, and the sacrament,
to the peni,cnt murderer. Clough ey-
pressed degree of happiness IN the
calm that came over his mind.
In- ttre--r -rr,,rrirr : asusl
gathered from all parts of the surroun-
ding country aud from great distances
to see his end. His sentence doomed
him to he hung between the hours of ell
even and three. The military were ont
nj twelve. They proceeded along with
ont martial music. At one, Clough was
led from the prison, md placed in n car
riage between the Sheriff aud anoiher
officer. J he clergymen were also in the
cnrriage with him. In this manner he
was removed TO the place of execution,
about two miles from the village of
Mount Holly. The surrounding crowd
was estimated at from six to ten thou.
sand persons. A close inspection of
the connienance of Clongh detected the
traces Of "A mighty convulsion, which lnd
indeed subsidized. but had left the deep
imprint of agony. His eyes were pecu-
Iinrly expressive Of fnnguisll. yet his reg
ular features were calm and subdued in
their expression He walked erect
His dress was Of white, with black
hat.
Having reached the scaffold, ii hymn
lated in strong voice, read the COATES
sion of Joel Clomgh in which he enter
cd fully into the history,-motive and
minute circumstances of his crime --ac-
knowledged that he had had "a fair trial
aud IA righteous sentence. tie, howev-
er, gave n shade to his statements in re-
gard to Mrs. Hamilton, that obscured
her fidelity to her engagements with bum.
Yet he did not seek to justify his deed
of mu. der on that account.
His confession was quite long and oc-
cuped nearly halfa hour in reading
A part Of letter written by him to one
of his relations was also read. The re-
mining services were singing aud those
prayers of the Church appointed for the
occ aston.
During the space of time, Cloueh
seemed ~ he weak and faint; sat down
in II chair and leaned Mt times on the at-
tending clergymen. About half past
two, the gentlemen on the scaffald took
leave Of him. When the Sheriff advan-
ced to adjns. the rope. Clnugh fell on his
neck and kissed him. Ills voice wns so
low that few heard his last farewells aud
thanks to those who had attended him.
He deliberately took hold Of the rope
and measured the distance ho would
choose for the fall. Taking basty aud
somewhat anxious glance around, he
stood erect and awaited the drop. lie
struggled but for moment. drawing up
his knees two 70: three times in u spas
modic manner.
Thus has perished, the correspondents
adds, one of the most iron hearted but
cowardly fiends that ever fell into the
hands of justice. There comes along
with despair n stupid npopleciic calm,
which is not unfreqnently mistaken for
better feeling, but which. if tho despair
is removed, goes with it and lenves tho
man no better than before. Clouyh's