The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1838-06-16
Number 8.

Fort Amsterdam having directed the Rein
Deer, by signal, to cruize to windward of
the island.
THE EXECUTION.
So many years have elapsed that memo
ry's log does not enable me to describe pre-
cisely the person of the Hon. John Murray,
(whoso sister, Lady Augusta, was married
TO his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex,)
but remember well, that on entering the
cabin of La Franchise, tall slender gentle
man, much emaciated in person, and look
ing in extreme i'll health, rose from his easy
chair, in which he was reclining in his dres-
singgown, and with courtly address answer
ed my bow, saying, "You are the officer,
presume, who commanded last nights party
on shore
again bowed (afirmatively;) he resumed
his seat, and motioned me to take one near
him.
81 am far from WELL" said he, ''and very
weak, which must be my apology for only
seeming rudeness."
This was unnecessary, for more finish
ed gentlemen, with polished urbanity and
suavity Of manner, it had never been my
good fortune to meet,
"From Horsicas report, judged your
feelings were too susceptible for the irk-
some duty imposed on YOU"
81 hope, Captain Murray" I rejoined,
''that carried your intentions into execution
in the most lenient manner that circumstan-
ces would permit. Horsica's advice appear
ed to me to spring from the disposition Of
demon, and feel assured, not only from
your appearance, but from the high charac-
! ter for humanity you bear, that were you,
1 sir, in my place, you would have acted in a
e similar manner" ~.
He replied, sat your age should, MY
, remarks are far from intending to convey
, any censure; on the contrary, l highly ap,
} prove of the feelings you evinced, and have
! liberated the youngest Of your prisoners, on
= his promise to put the burgomaster's and
= other letters in possession of the governor
: in two hours. have also addressed him,
n with official information, that those, whom
S the fortune of war, has placed in my power,
shall be hanged in sight of Fort Amstedam
n at the hour of noon, that is, should but one
d English prisoner suffer death in accor-
d dance with the proclamation the governor
J. had communicated to me-"
J. so sir! would that you had been pleased
d to have made the youthful burgomaster the
d messenger, perhaps it might have saveC
+ from madness lovely and most interesting
Q female.-Had you Witnessed the agony o
r this picture of innocence and youthful beau
If tv, as with clasped hands and streamin!
:. eyes she knelt at my feet, and with all th'
f. devoted and intense affection Of woman
d heart, implored for the safety of her youth
l. ful husband. Capt. Murray" l pursued
h chad the worlds welfare depended on hi
s death, you would have liberated him." d,
If The commodore here leaned his face OF
IS his hand, which prevented me from reading
A. his mild and benignant countenance; but
3 saw, from the excited state Of his nerves
S displayed by his agitation, that he wa'
= strongly affected; and being warmed, | wen
IS on to state Che unuttelable misery and agony
r of grief that she was now suffering, concln
If ding with the following appeal
j, "Captain Murry,I have portrayed what
;. have seen; but for your future peace of mind
and for your souls sake, harm not tha
IS young mans life"
The commodore raised his head with
Il slight look of surprise, sighed very heavily
+ and motioned me to ring the bell. He seem
!, ed near fainting, and his servant presented
o a restorative draught. He again bowed tc
S me, which constituting into dismissal
!, rose, and with low obeisance retired
heartily glad that was not loaded with th'
s,,,a hao,,,, rosnonsihiljtv that preVed Sc