Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-08-20

MAJOR ANDRE.

n
history, the execution OF Major Andre
will ever have deep interest for the pub
lie. Under this consciousness we insert
the following evidently authentic narrative
from the Jeifersonian. Often as Andres
fate has been described, we approach
each new relation of it with fresh feelings
and were any individual who witnessed the
scene, to write down his impressions. the
story would lose nothing of its touching
s. melancholy solemnity in the recital
Metropolitan.
| We have been favored through the pc.
liteLess of Col Van Dyke, who was pres.
ent at the execution Of Major Andre. with
the following accurate particulars Of that
event, and although some time has elaps.
| ed since it occurred, it is no doubt fresh
in the minds Of every lover Of this country
and will be read with interest
:-Agreeably to the request you
made some time since, herewith com.
municafe to you in writing according
to the best of my recollection, what |
knew and what had seen and heard, res
pecting Major Andre, from the time he
left the house where he was confined, 10
the time of bis execution.
|
MED him to the fatal spot. and was so near
him that could see and hear all that oc !.
Cured during the time. A strong guard
paraded before the dwelling house where
Major Andre was confined. He was at.
tended in his room night and day by two
| American officers, and sentinels were pla-
ced around the house there were about
| six steps which led into the stoop Of the
house, on the right Of these, one Ameri-
can officer with myself were standing,
when Major Andre came out Of the front
door of the house in regimentals, hooking
his arms with the two American officers,
This attendants one on his right and one
| on his left. He ran down the steps OF the
stoop as quick and lively as though no ex-
ecution was to take place, and lmmedl.
ately fell into the centre of the guard,
! place assigned to him.
In this 81 tuation, the commanding Off
Ger gave the word forward march" The
whole marched off. drums beating and
| flies playing lively tunes; Major Andre
and the officers keeping time. Major An
DIRE said. Il am surprised to find your
troops under so good discipline, and your
music is excellent"
had taken my station close on the
left of Major Andres left hand officer, and
continued in that station the whole march.
The guard marched short distance, when
they wheeled to the left in order TO pass
through fence. Having entered field
thew marched forward short distance,
wheeled to the right and halted. The
ground here was level /; little distance
in front was moderate ascending hill, on
the top Of which the gallows was erected.
! In the position where they halted, Major
Andre was for the first time in view OF The
gallows. Major Andre here said, Gen.
| tlemen am disappointed. expected my
request (which wa. to be shoD would have
been granted" No answer was gwen, 4
| he continued with his arms locked with
those of the two officers.
In a few minutes the guard marched off,
assembled the hill and halted. At this time
Major Andre was about twenty feet from
the galIows when he put his hands upon
! his bins, looked up 10 the gallows, then
bowed bis head little down, viewed his
feet, and so up, until his head rose to its
natural position, biting his under lip. and
shaking his head, at which time disco
| vered small flush moving over bis left
| cheek. supposed at the time he looked
I'D to the gallows and viewed himself from
| the feet upwards, that he was rejecting on
the untimely end he had come to. In a
few minutes the hangman led the wagon
under the gallows, and the commanding
officer then said. Major Andre you viii
please get on the wagon" Major Andre
advanced to the hinder part of the wagon,
putting his hands upon it, made motion
as though intending to jump on, but faltcr
ing, he put bis right knee on. and then
raised himself up into the wagon. turned
himself to the guard, placing his hands up
on his hips.
The commanding officer who was on
horseback, then said. Major Andre, il
you have anything TO say, you can now
speak, for you have but short time long
er to live" Major Andre standing with
| his hands on hips, said, j have nothing
more to say, gentlemen, but this-you all
bear me witness that meet my fate as a
brave man." The hangman then ascend
ed into the wagon and stood on Maj. An
dre,s right hand when in the act OF open
inc the moose of the halter. Major Andre,
) with his right hand made moderate
snatch, took the nailtr out VI uNo na"o
mans hand, took off bis hat, put IT down.
then took off his white neckcloth and put
il in his right hand coat pocket; at!ei
which, with his fore finger of his right
hand, he pushed down the collar Of hl'
shirt. and opening the knot of the halter
|, he nut il over his head and drew the kno
| close on the right side Of bis neck he theI
:. tied white handkerchief over his eyes
with much apparent composure Of mind
The haneman having secured the end o
of The halter to the top OF the gallows, de
scended from the wagon. The command
ing officer then directed the hangman t
tie his arms slack behind him. MaJo
, Andre then taking white handkerch'e
out Of his right hand coat pocket gave
to the hangman. who tied his arms a. o.
- l. ahaf hn I,aluhi no