, 1841-07-24
Ex ECUTIoN OF THE NEGROES

Before 8 o'clock this morning, The people
began 10 throng the city. Some directed
their course towards the gallows which had
been erected on an island just south Of Dun
cans Island, below the city; and some cen
tired in about the Jail. until Chestnut. Market
md fifth streets, in the immediate ~neighbor-
heod, were completely thronged.
The st Louis Greys and City Guards para
ded between 9 and 10 at their armory on
Chestnut ST., and at about ten o'clock, march
ed through several streets TO the rear of the
Jail TO guard the prisoners to the place of
execution.
The prisoners were soon brought in the
custody Of the sheriff and several other Of
ficers, deputies and constables, accompanied
by the clergyman who waited on the con.
demned 10 administer the last warnings and
consultations of religion. At about eleven
they took up their line of march. attended
before. behind and on all sides by an i'm.
mense %concourse OF people.
Thousands had already assembled on the
Island, but about Fourth and fifth streets now
seemed nearly filled with a solid, moving
mass of people. from the Jail wall nearly TO
the Island.
They arrived at the gallows at about half
past twelve: the Military took their posi-
lion in the circular area as a guard; and the
Officers and Ciereymen with the prisoners
assembled the platform. The prisoners were
now placed in their several positions under
the gallows, dressed in white.
The gallows was constructed with four
sweeps on the same axle, made TO swing up
at the same time, by a heavy weight on the
end opposite 10 those TO which the several
ropes were attached.
Prayers were nov offered up by the re-
verend clergymen, and also by the prisoners.
Upon being asked if they had any thing 10
say to the people assembled, they severaily
addressed the crowd. Warrick spoke but a
few minutes, and in rather 4 low voice. lie
was followed by Brown and Seward, and
then Madison. Seward seemed most affect
ed, and spoke with more earnestness and in
alouder voice than the others.
The tone of their remarks seemed 10 indi-
cate a sincere penitence, and, they were
earnest in their warnings 10 their WI race.
and even to white persons, TO avoid the aw-
ful fate TO which their crimes had brought
themselves.
White caps were now drawn over their
heads and faces. and the nooses placed about
their necks, when the sheriff proceeded to
read to each Of them his several death-war-
rant. This being done the block was knock
ed out, and in an instan, they were swing
ing in mid air. There was a c%onvulsive
struggle for a moment, and after a few minu-
ties, they hung still in death. Warrick Dev-
er moved after the swing motion was over,
but hung with his hands closely clasPed be-
fore him.
Seward struggled violently for the first
few minutes, and Brown gave indications Of
life for nearly ten minutes, but Madison SEEM
ed to die without a pang.
The block wa struck out at about a quar-
ter before one o'clock, and in a about half an
hour they were cut down, and their bodies
placed in their collins.
Thus ended the last of this awful tragedy.
Thus may the guilty ever suffer the penalty
of their crimes.
The surrounding mass Of human heads,
numbering at least ten thousand, on foot, on
horseback and in carriages, and many on
board the steamers Detroit and Eagle, which
were up very near to the gallows, now be-
gan to disperse. thronging the streets in eve
~ disadvantages.