The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-12-31


piM hand l then dressed myself in full
uniform, and prepared myself for the discharge
OF the most painful duty performed by an Ame-
rican naval commander. ! addressed Spencer, and
told HIM that II had been his Intention TO remove
from the world in the darkness of night, without
a moments preparation, without an opportunity of
offering one prayer TO God, or murmurng one syl
liable OF affection for my wife and children. ! re-
and that was compelled to take it, but that in do
ing so would not initiate his example. informed
him that If he wished to transmit any message TO his
parents or friends that il would be dOne and for that
purpose ordered MidshipmanR ogers to receive any
statement which Spencer desired TO make. Spen-
Ger hensank on his knees and said he was not fit
to die. said he should set the example to his asso
clates of dying with decorum. repeated to him
portion of his catechism, and he then engaged in
prayer. While so occupied made the same con-
versaton to Small and Cromwell Cromwell fell
on his knees and protested his innocence. Spencer
at this moment said that Cromwell was innocent
| was staggered at this. / sent for Lieut.. Ganse-
WORT, and returned toaSpencer. / explained to him
that Cromwell had made of him-that remarks
had been made respecting him and Small by Crom-
well, that were not very crediable TO either Spen-
then expressed great anxiety to hear what those
remarks had been-and then informed him that
Cromwell had said TO the LIST Lieut.-"In my opinion
villain on the starboard' Cromwell had also stated
that he would probably allow Spencer to be his Sc
cretary. This information effectually aroused Spen
Ger. His countenance Immediately assumed de-
fully unloded the guilt of Cromwell. Probably
Spencer had protested Cromwell's Innocence in ac-
cordance with some previous arrangement between
them; or il may have been that Spencer trusted to
Cromwell tor an attempt al rescue. He had In the
programme made out an alias for Cromwell Small
alone, whom we had set down as poltroon,
received his sentence with cOmpOsure. When
asked if he had any message to his friends He said
he had one but his poor mother to care for him,
and he would rather she would not hear OF his
death at all then turned to Spencer, and again
asked him II he had any message to his friends
He replied he had none, but that he died wishing
them every happiness. 81 deserve DEATH" he add
ed, "for this as well as for other crimes My only
fear Is that my repentance may be too late" When
whom he had particularly injured, and whom he
some time, but at last said he chad injured chiefly
his parents, and that his death would kill his poor
mother" was not till then aware that he had a
mother. | then asked him if he would not have
been more guilty had he succeeded in his designs
He replied that g! do not know what would have
become of me if | had succeeded. fear it may yet
injure my father" replied that it was then too late
to think of that, and told him that if he had sue
ceeded it would have injured his father much more
that it would not have been in nature for his ia
ther not to interpose to him and that for those
,cto had money and friends m america. there ,cas no
punishment for the ocorst OF crimes: Perhaps
this is an erroneous opinion, which / could not
Justify; but must now record faithfully what, was
said on this melancholy occasion. | continued that
although felt the decacy of my position, yet the
to his country, and his, father, was to die
He then said that he had entertained the same
project on board the John Adams and the Potomac
he addtd that he thought 1t toas toih him mania
asked him then II it was not mania that should be
discouraged, and he answered "yes." He asked
the conspiracy" Ireplied that had not, and that
dldnot know its full extent detailed the arts he
had used He was startled by my telling him that
he had made the wardroom steward steal the BRAN
l,x IL l.. 81, - IL 100
quest and that which added to his criminalty, that
it had been obtained for the purpose of seduclng
othersinto crime. He then said, But are you not
goingtoo far and too fast p replied that he had
that has opinion Of the proriety and Legality Of my
conduct could not be garded unprI udced one
added that my course was approved oil by the other
Officers; He then R sad That he deserved to die
ton which had resolved He ,cisted, he said, to
be shot, and asked for hour to prepare for death
In'ade no ans'oer ont ne ,oas not hurried and indeed
requested that his face might be covered,
which was readily granted He was asked
what he wished 1t covered with, and his locker
searched, when black handkerchief, the only
one found was preserved, and with II his face
covered. FrocAs taken from the bags of Cromwell
and Small were used to cover their faces Spencer
then asked the irons to be taken Off but this request
could not be granted of course. He asked for BIZ
bic and prayer-book which were given him. He then
asked me II repentance at that late hour could be
genuine, and referred him to the touching story of
the tibet on the cross. Again he kneeled down and
read In his bible Again he asked me If his late re-
pentance could be real and acceptable, and said
that God alone, who was not only all.mercful, but
all-wse, could decide that question. He then beg
ged nv forgiveness, and / gave him my hand, as
If he had had any cause to cherish haired against
me, and he replied mo, no, though there may have
been something In your manner which did not
please me-" He again mentioned that he had en-
faYf
board the John Adams and Potomac. / asked him
II he wished that to be stated excuse for his
conduct, and he replied No, he wished it only to
be recorded as fact" The petty officers were
IDENTIFY in going to take their places fer execution.
There was now no protestation from Spencer to
the Innocence of Cromwell, nor any appeal from
giyeness Of Mr.. Wales, who waslalmost overcome
with emotion whilst Spencer was wholly unmoved
Mr. Wales said he had his forgiveness from the bot
tom of his heart: Farewell said Mr.. Spencer, and
Mr. Wales sobbing, and causingjothers to weep, re-
sponded farewell" Spencer then passed on. He
asked at this time for Midshlpman Rogers, but he
had no orders to leave his station, and was only
Spencer met Small, placed himself in front of him
and extended his hand. Forgive me, Small"
said he, 'for bringing you into this trouble" "No.
by God!'' replied Small, 81 cannot forgive you"
searching voice "Ah that is hard thing to ask
me, Mr. Spencer. We will soon be before the
view of God and all will soon be known about it.'
Spencer again implored his forgiveness then
spoke to Small, who then said with great frankness
and emotion, 81" do forgive you, Mr.. Spencer-may
God Almighty forgive you also.' Small then offered
me his hand, and asked my forgiveness. ] asked
him what tempted him TO seek my life i felt it ne
cessary to my future comfort 10 have every assu-
rance from his own lips, whether any words had
escaped from me in the Impotence and excitement
OF duty, as in that case was equally ready to ask
forgiveness. ! had hardly done speaking, when
Snro claim nod Nhotk H.. L.
You have done nothing but treated me as man"
told him that had high responsibilities to the Co
vernment and the service, that the safety of the
sell the security OF the crew, and the honor of our
" God bless that flag and prosperit. New, brother
messmates, give me quick and easy death ~
Spencer about this time sent for Lieut. Ganesvoort,
and said ne might have heard his courage doubted,