The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1840-10-20
From the Quthec Gnsetto

Execution Of Seaman for Nh, der.-A molan-
choly event took place yesterday in The Harbour Of
Qnehec, the seaman who was convicted for murder
ing a SERGEANT OF marines on board II. NJ. s. Cleo
patra, having undergone the extreme penalty Of
martial law. This, we believe. is tho first time
that such an occurrence has come to pass IN lliis
port, and painful interes, was excited. in tho
minds Of the Inhabitants Of Quebec. We are una
BILE If I'VE willing TO crafty no cnfios.
ty of those who Ell tertained morbid desire TO
learn minute particulars of the last moments Of a
fellow being who has deserved the awful sentence
incurred by fragrant breach Of Divine and human
law, and therefore confine ourselves TO a record
Of the following facts.
Sometime before the hour appointed for the exc
cuion two boats from each of tie other four Of her
Majesiy's Ships now in port proceeded within n
short distance Of the Cleopatra, which had hoisted
the signal for punishment, and took up their sever
al stations, two also furnished by the Cleopa-
ira, thus making the whole number Of boats ten
which by stemming the tide with their remain
cd stationary opposite the bow Of tho latter vessel.
A large number of the inhabitants had assembled
on the wharves, the ramparts, and other places
commanding a view of the ships Of war, 81
the dread hour, eight O'Clock approached, the
most intense anxiety depicted on every coun
tenance. At about minutes before eight, the
crews of the Winchester, so (hag ship of Admiral
Sir Thomas Harvey;) Vestal 26; Crocodile, 20; &
| Pilot, 60, assembled The rigging of their respective
| vessels, in order to witness of the terrible exam
| pie about be made Of one who, bv his crimes
| had rendered himself unworthy of being any lon
ger entitled to be Of their fellow seamon Pre-
! cisely eight bells struck gun was fired from
the star board bow Of the Cleopatra, and the
clearing away of the smoke the unfortunate cui prit
was discovered above, in the agonies of death sur
penn Jed from the fore yard arm. His srilerings
were Of short duration, the absence Of all motion
soon told .hat all was over, and his spirit had de
parted for that world where, II has been sincerely
prayed he may meet with mercy We learn that
on Saturday night last the deceased attempted sui
eide by putting the string his drawers round his
neck and pulling it tight in slip knot, and had
very nigh succeeded in his purpose ere he was dis
covored 81 deferred from adding the crime ofseI
murder to those already on his head-The name
of the cuiprlt was Robert Collins, and f any
thing further than the sentence Of the court were
required to conynce that lie deserved his doom
il would he found in the following remarkable cir
lcumsance:--when the court inquired If there was
any one who could speak in favor the prisoner
charat ter, and general conduct, not an ot"er--no
a ship mate-not even a mess-,nato was found t.
offer word in his behalf This, are informed
is very unusual if not unprecedented occurrence
at a Court martial; for II sailor, even if he knows
that-hc cannot save him. will stop out before thu
Court and give an old sh pmnto fair word at part
ing that he may not leave the world without ont
white spot in his character. This it is said is The
third execution that has taken place since the A