The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-03-18

miles from this city. A large crowd of spectators
assembled to witness the dreadful spectacle. Two
thirds OF the male population of the city were on the
ground: and mary hundreds, we might almost say,
some thousands, from the country. Different COM
putations vary the number from six to nine thou
sand. The smaller number, is doubtless nearer the
rutt-but the concourse was really immense, con-
siderng the size of the town. The public mind
had been so intensely excited by the circumstances
of the crime, the place open and freauented the
time, the broad sunshine so audacously chosen for
the deed,-the mode so savage and cold blooded,-
the victim coniidng and pless invalid, the
tive so base and sOrdd,-by the flight and pursuit
OF the accused, his extraordinary GOODNESS and self
possession on his apprehenson and at the trial. and
the rumors that have prevailed SINCE of his hardi-
mood IN all respects, relating the crime and the
punishment, to life, death, judgment, and eternity
that case never was presented, combining more of
the elements of fearful interest of curiosity deepen
ed by wonder and horror. The expectation
univ ersal, that he would address the public, either
in confession denial of the offence and as it was
known that he had been engaged in prison, in draw
ING up long document, many, who in general
VOID executions were induced to swell the number
of spectators.
The demeanor of Ike prisoner on his way to the
scatfold, cOrresponded with these intimations. De-
Ginning assistance and refusing ride, he walked
with step as firm and unwavering, and a mcin
erect and undaunted as any one among the escort.
Not a muscle seemed to shake, or a feature to be
moved; and it was remarked that his foot kept time
perfectly to the dirge that followed him.
The procession marched so slowly, as to be more
than an hour in reaching the place of execution
during ali of which time Boyington seemed, by his
department., more like the chief parsonage in
grand mourning procession for another than 4
demned criminal, carried to a certain and ignomin-
ious death. Indeed, lhis subsequent conduct leaves
Il general impression that he did not believe himself
going surely to his death; but expecting, without
the slightest ground for such a deiuson,-but nev-
erhcIess expecting reprievc, other chance
for safety and had prepared himseIfto 90 through
the ceremonies without shrinking, so as produce
a public. impression of his innocence, and pop,l-
lar sympathy for his suflerings. This is the only
rational Interpretation of his whole conduct His
hope was the heated and fervent conclusion of an
over sangnc disposition, persuading itself irraon-
ally of what was impossible, or among the most
improbable of possibilities yet upon such delusiye
speculations did he rely to the last minute of his
existence; ; dlscarding for it, every atonement for
earth, every thought of eternity.
When the scaflold was reached, he was permitted
matter of course, to address the multitude and
commenced the expected address,
It's particular character we cannot speak of except
by report not having heard any portion of it, or
seen it,
1t is described as an ingenious and elaborate conn
ment upon the testimony which convicted him. de-
signed less to show that he was innocent than that
he was not legally convicted But the true purpose
of preparing it, to produce delay. Among his
calculations for delay, one formed on the notion
that II by any chance the execution of the sentence
should be protracted beyond the hour appointed
by the Court his life would be safe Nohwith-
standing the warnings he received that this would
not avail him, he seems to have cIung to it to the
last, eagerly repeating the inquiry while standing on
The scattod and still pcrseverug to believe it least
chance for postponement.
lie was permitted to proceed, until the hour of
four had nearly arrived He was then informed of
the necessity of closing and directed to prepare for
the final scene. The shroud and cap had not been
put upon him, and in this annunciation appears to
have been the first circumstance that wakened him
to the reality of his iae.-Standng under the gal
lows, with the instruments of death around and
above him, his preernatura resolution and sanguine
hope OF PARDON reprieye, or delay, never gave way
until the minister of the law commenced robine him
for death. and fixing the moose about his neck His
whole soul stceed and ncryed as il had beer up to
that minute, covered and sunk at once into abiect
desperation.
\ more sudden and fearful transition. according
to all accounts, cannot we'll be imagined. When
ms abrupt and eager inquiries ofthe attending min
ls'er OF rcIgou-is there no hope must die!
were answered sulcmny in the negative, the dread
iui certainty overwhelmed him. His nerves wee
apparently shattered: the blood forsook his cheeks.
AMI despair was written in awful marks upon his
ashy features. As Wild chance for the life which
he covctted now that death was close hiln, he
dashed from the foot of the scatiold in the frantic
hope otescapc among the crowd. This futile effort
was easily defeated, aud it is remarked proofof
the universal detesaiion of the foul crime fF which
he suffered, that there was no movement Of symna-
thy with his desperation among The crowd. Ifa4
there been a doubt of his guilt-had it been less Al;
irocious-lCss sordid-loss cowardly in its unpro-
yok,d morccnary blood. outlines, there would lave
been an expression ut least of commisseration for
his aguuy.-But the thousand that surrounded tl,e
pole passive, aud the fugitive, who, in his be
wiljorment rushed among the military escort rather
than among the multitude. was easily secured and
rcconducted 10 The spot of execution