Litchfield enquirer., 1842-11-24
INQUEST ON THE BODY or JOHN c. COLT.

This wretched man having been found dead in his cot in his cell in the City Prison, five minutes before the period allotted for his execution, with a knife sticking in his left breast, and his body and hands covered with blood, Dr. Archer, the coroner, at seven o'clock, summoned jury of p men, which convened in the Court of Sessions Chamber, into which hundreds ofspectators, anxious to see the self-immolated man, and to heAy the testimony, in explanation of the cause and manner of his tragic death, were admitted, in order to gratify, as far as possible, ihe in- tense sOlicitOde that existed on the subject, as also to allay the unreasonable outdoor excitement consequent upon the rumor that Colt was not dead, but had been suffered to effect his escape.
 Among the number of those assembled were the Mayor, Register, Sheriff. many of | tho Aldermen, Justices, and other public functionaries of the city, besides several members of the bar and numerous repre- sentatives of the press.
 After being sworn. the Jurors proceeded l to the cell of the prison, where the body 1 was, to view the same, after which they re- turned to the Sessions Chamber and the 1 following witnesses were examined. Monmouth B. Han, Sheriff, sworn-I had | a warrant for the execution of John c. Colt, who was to have been executed to-day-l
 
 execution was to take place at o'clock, or at sunset at his request-I had seen him about one hour prior 10 the time fixed for his execution in his cell-I did not go in he was then aIone-I know what persons have been in his cell, viz his attorneys, David Graham, Dudley Selden, Samuel Colt, Robert Emmett, Caroline Henshaw, Mir. Vultee, deputy sheriff, and Dr. Anthon, ana number of other gentlemen whom did not know, who came in at his request, number of physicians and the officers of the prison. 1 went to his cell door about 5 minutes before 4, 10 admit the Rev. Dr. An thon-had the cell door opened, MT. Anthon attempted to go in and stepped back when he saw the body on the cot
 Then passed him, went in myself, and saw MT. Colt lying on the cot, with knife 1 sticking in the left side. attempted to put my hand on his face, but having gloves on, did not; saw blood on him and thought he was dead. The execution did not take place. The coroner then took charge of the body and relieved me. had him in charge since .he sentence. l had not exa- mined the cell, hut was informed by Col. Jones, that he had. Never saw any knife there, except penknife. The knife found on him had four inch bladc-have no knowledge of any person carrying any
 
 mend his pen. When saw him, about an hour before his death, he Was on his feet apparently making prayer. All things then appeared to be right.
 John /. V Wesierren, Deputy Sheriff, l sworn-l visited the prison very seldom du- l ring Colts confinement. was not in his cell to-day, but saw him at his cell door looking out and shaking hands; saw him the last time at 2 or 2 l-2 o'clock; have seen his body since he is dead, and recog- Dizcd it as the body of John c. Colt; :he body was in the cell on the bed, with a knife in it. Have no knowledge of aLy person conveying knife into the cell 10 him.
 Frederick L. Vuhee, Deputy Sheriff. sworn. '-I have had charge nf John C. Colt, com. mencing with Tuesday morning, 3 o'clock, md watched him alternately every hours. l was released by David H. Green, deputy sheriff. Have seen Colt often since he was in my charge, two or three times every watch. have conversed with him. Never saw any dangerous instrument in his cell, except the knife and fork he ate with. Dirk knife shown) never saw an instrument in his cell. First saw one like it sticking in his body since death. have no knowledge of the means by which he procured that in. strument. Saw him last alone about 2 o'clock. The first person wko visited him was Samuel Colt, about 6 1-2 o'clock this morning. At about 20 minutes to o'clock William Dobson, barber, was sent for to shave him.
 Samuel Colt was in the cell with the prisoner alone awhile this morning. When the number of persons was there the marriage ceremony of Colt with Caroline Henshaw took place. During the whole time had charge since Tuesday morning, no one was alone with the prisoner except Samuel Colt After they were married. Caroline, his wife,, in the cell awhile with Colt. have no nowledge how the knife came into his possession.
 Reu. Henry Author. D. D. sworn-i, as A clergy. man, attended upon John c. Coit-,ny relations com. 10 the prisoner; these, which he rsad were very vo lnmin0us-they relate to the conversations he had with Colt religion subjects, the helefof the lat:er ms apparent penience. hls assertion that he prayed instruction the Rev. gentleman gave, the advice he he imparted to him, &c. &c.-the remark of Colt that the Sheriff had taken his knife, &c from him, which he said was heedless persecation-Colts Op- doctrinal pcn.s-hs svowa cf bei'e in the Christian creed the divinity of Christ, his power save, &c., al,ogether tending 10 induce the Rev. gentleman fO believe that Colt was penitent man, having just about his eterne! welfare. He declared mos. solemn y Ina. he killed Adams in selEeefence and said he would cavrv that declaration 0 the bar ot Gnd-tho man would not vEeve him. He complained m;;:c. m;;1: of the newspapers, Of their m,s- atne and abusing him. &c..--gavs history of his acquaintance with CarohGe Henshaw expressed bis regard tor her, and fse disavowed: T1srsdny all intention af taking hes Ossn fe, 10 Mr Anshon aRd stated his etern,na.
 ton to die in the faith of the Gospel and was melted !S s; !s15s. To-day Cot expressed great snxey for $500 'o put in the Savings Bank for his wife and chitd, directing him to pay her $2O . men,h from it while it lasted. He wished the child releiously bro't