The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-11-19
From our Extra Of yesterday afternoon
Colts Suicide and Burning OF the CITY

The preparations for the execution of John Q. Colt
were all made at an early hour this morning
The messenger sent toAlbany returned at an early
hour with the information that the Chancellor had
peremptory refused to grant Writ of Error on the
second application of the counsel of Colt Senator
Verplanck has also replied to letter of Colts coun
sci in which he agrees with the position taken by
Benjamin F. Butler, Esq. and Joseph c. Hart, Esq.
counsel OF the Sheriff, who backed the last appli-
cation to the Chancellor, for the purpose of having
the question of Aldermen acting as Judges of the
Court of Oyer and Teminer, constituhonally de-
cid, d.
Colt was engaged in writing nearly all night, pre-
pairing as we understand, full statement of all ap-
pertaining to the murder of Adams He was under
the charge of Deputy Sheriff vultee and Green du
ring the night. And upon being asked in the
evening lfhe wanted anything, he desired cup of
coffee, and then told the Deputy that he wished to
see all the keepers of the prison between IL and
o'clock this day, when he would bid them adieu
forever. He also stated that the Sheriff had com
Piled with his request, and postponed the hour of
execution until the last of the day, as published in
the Herald.
Colts brother at the prison door as soon as it
was opened in the morning, and remained with him
about quarter of an hour.
He afterward dressed himself and was shaved by
Bill Dolsens, of Centre street, commonly called Deaf
Bill
At early dawn PERSONS began to assemble around
the City Prison, and at about o'clock, the avenues
and entrances were blocked up with anxious enqu.
rers who were asking" Will he be hung %
=" Can't you let us in ?"&c. The gates to the en-
trance of the prison closed about eight O'clock
and officers stationed under The charge of A. M. c.
Smith, to prevent the ingress Of any except those
who mad tickets of admission.
The position of the gallows was in the rear court
yard of the prison, and the noise of the workmen in
its erection could be distinctly heard through the
massive walls of the prison.
The gallows was erected early in the morn
ing 1t consisted merely of two upright posts,
and one transversey placed. Through the centre of
the transverse piece, over pully wheel, the rope
passed, and to the opposite end weights of about
230 pounds were suspended by additional blocks
and tackle twas pla ced in the centre Of the yard
and Immediately opposite the rear window of the
cell in which Colt was confined.
AT nine o'clock the outer door of his cell was
opened and the usual breakfast of the prisoners
served up in their different cells The sliding of
locks bolts and bars, and the chit chat and excite
ment among the inmates of the prison as well as the
spectators that had been admitted all tended to add
peculiarly to the scene within the walls of the
Tombs that must be ever remembered by all who
were present. Nothing was talked of, limited at or
thought about but the execution, the execution,
which to the ears of Coli, if he could catch the
sound, must have been aught but agreeable.
The excitement about the prison was intense at
about IL o'clock, and the doors Of the Police Office
closed in order to prevent the intrusion of the
crowd
Franklin street was filled with the multitude
as well as the vestibue of the city prison on Centre
street land the street in front.
DR.. Anthem visited the cell of Colt at about IL
o'clock, in company with Colts brother, for the
purpose of making preparation for his marriage with
Caroline Henshaw.
At about half past IL o'clock Messrs. Graham and
Emmett, his counsel visited his cell and remained
about half an hour. little before IL o'clock, Caro-
line Henshaw made her appearance in company
with the brother of Colt and John Howard Payne,
who entered the cell with her. They were then
married by the Rev. DR.. Anthem, in presence of Da-
vid Graham, Robert Emmett, Justice Merritt, the
Sheriff ohm Howard Payne and Colts brother. She
was dressed with straw bonnet, green shawl
claret colored cloak trimmed with red cord, and
aluff. Her appearance denoted much anxiety, and
she was much thinner than when witness on the
trial.
After their marriage, DR.. Anthem remained in the
cell with them few minutes and then left them
alone, she remaining for nearly an hour.
There considerable excitement among the
prisoners in the various cells, and Sears, who is
confined for the murder OF McDonough, was ex-
ceedingy inquistive as to all the preparations for
the execution. 1t may be his turn next The pr-
soners in the upper cells, the windows of which
overlook the rea- court yard. where the gallows
erected, contrved to get view of the scaffold
by holding piece of looking glass from the small
aperures in the side OF the cell, the reflection of
which brought it to heir sight From every cell an
could be with piece glass in the fingers,
evncing that the holder was anxiously waiting for
the hour of execution.
At this period OF the eventfu day, the scene was
exciting and thrng in the extreme Within that
cell were the husband and wife, but just
ried, yet bidding each other farewell for the last
time on earth with the awful certainty that one
would be lifeless corpse, and the other widow,
before the setting of the sun that was then throw
ing its rays into the otherwise cherries place. AT
the door stood Vultee, the deputy sheriff, hand
on the sliding bolt of the cell door, and the other
holding the paddock and key. On the corridor, con-
nected with his cell, was the sheriff, pacing up and
down on one side, evidently deeply affected with
the contemplation Of the shocking ceremony he
WIS about to perform. Pacing up and down on the
oth,sr side of the corridor, might be seen small
made man, with highly intellectual countenance,
the natural brilliancy Of which was overshadowed
by deep solemnity, his hands behind him, and his
whole mental energies MISUNDERSTANDING profound
reflection on the things of another world this was
Dr. Anthem the spiritual adviser of the prisoner.
Close by the little bridge which united the two
ridors stood two friends of the prisoner in CONVEX