American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-11-09

| On the l6th the day previous to the eXecu-
ton, preparations for the event progressed
the condemned was measured for his collin,
which was made. HIS grave, also, was dug
on the Island of Lizardo. The fatal whip was
rove at the larboard fore yard arm, and the trap
or fall put up on the side Of the ship. Still, IN
spite of all these melancholy preparations, hope
was still cherished. For myself, felt assured
that the ceremony would extend to the affixing
even of the cap and rope, and then will come
the repreve. These were my thoughts. Our
chaplain F. W, Taylor, man much esteemed
and respected by the crew of the whole squad
ron, but more so by US, who have the oPportu-
nifty of seeing him so much, and knowing the
kindness of his feelings and urbsnity of dispo-
sition-attended on the prisoner night and day
faithful and constant
The morning of the 18th dawned upon US,
and a more beautiful day have not behold,
since being on this station. Clear, bright and
pleasant, with a cool breeze from the north
ward and westward. All work. as by order,
was suspended. No boats passed and repassed,
as usual between the vessels. melancholy
stiffness reigned over the scene. The crews OF
each ship dressed in clean white frocks and
pants, awaited the call to muster. From the
larboard yard arm of the st. Mary's, hung the
rope destined to carry human being into eter-
nifty. To the starboard end of the yard ARM
to which the rope was extended, was suspend
ed a canvass bag, containing shot, TO about
three hundred pounds weight. On the larboard
side, under the moose, was placed the trap or
fall At 10 80, all hands by the shrill whistle
and hoarse voice Of the boatswain, were called
to muster. | looked out of port-the yellow
! flag huttered at the mast head of the st. Ma
ry's. All hands were speedily on deck, and the
offers of each vessel mustered in uniform Oh
the poop Of their ships. At II A. NJ, signal
to ''prepGre for ereCution," was made from this
ship, and movement was seen on board the
st, Mary's. Presently after, the marines as
cended the poop Of that ship, and were per-
ceived to load their muskets, and in few mo-
ments after, the prisoner stood Oil the trap and
under the rope. Now it was, that each man
in the squadron could almost hear his neighbours
heart beat. He was dressed in white, and &C
companied by our Chaplain. The bag contain
! ing the shot was hosted to the yard-ar and
after short space of time the rope and cap
were affixed, and the condemned's arms PIN
toned. Thus he stood. Again the signal arose
| from US. SIRE you prepared" The answering
pendant arose from the 81. Mary's, it implied,
eve .4re!" 1t was now, that with throbbing
heart, and strained gaze, my eyes were direct
!
eternity, but step interviewed, to our poop
Again signals arose. a reprieve could al
most have shouted in my excitement. Ora
cious God! the roar Of a cannon from the St.
! Marys and at the yard-arm the body of poor
| Jackson! Our last signal had been "ETecuie
the Senenceh'
Gentlemen there is no use in my endeavoring
to express my feelings. | cannot find words to
do so. Indeed, language oud be impossible to
portray them. A suppressed and stfed groan
arose to each mans lips as he surveyed the
corpse swinging in the wind. Like the light
nng's flash, he was launched into eternity
! The gun which was fred contained ball-ths
! knocked away the trap-severed the stop Of
the weight suspended at the yard-down it
came-and he he assembled with such velocity,
that his body swung over the yard and back "a
gain. No struggle marked his exit from life;
and before the smoke Of the gun assembled he
was dead. Since then | have heard that his
head UGS crushed by coming in contact with
the block-hiS neck, back, and one Of his legs
broken!
He remained hanging until half past twelve
o'clock-some difficulty being experienced in
getting the body down, in consequence of the
rope being jammed.
At IL, the yellow flag was lowered, and the
crew piped to dinner. Not much food was
consumed. The sight we had just witnessed
had taken away all appetite, and engrossed
each mans thoughts. | tried to read-s!cep
write 1t was no use-l could do neither
His BODY was taken down, and during the af-
ternoon conveyed in boat to the Island, and
there buried.
Many were the endeavors | am told, made
by different officers, to procure Communication
+ oT GrnD1 ho ntnn1n1nTa Rnt II
to no purpose-he was inhexible-and now has
that on his mind which | would not have for
the wealth Of kingdoms unmerited and cruel
punishment ola foul(y provoked and high spiI-
tied man.
am not in a place or situation to express
nv mind, as long to do. | contend that, a.
mongst the variety composing the crew Of a
nan-of war, formed Of all classes of society,"
from the highest TO the lowest grade, (for a sal
loI's Jacket sometimes covers the back of those
nurtured in 0ifluence and luxury, rs well as the
degraded outcast )-amongst so many, admit
that severe examples are necessary; but also
say, that nine cases out of ten OF lnsubordna-
ton and crime on ship board, are caused by bad
treatment by the officers towards the men un-
der their command. brute creature even
and on no higher scale do some officers consd-
er their crew-can distinguish good from bad
treatment The laws and regulations Of the
navy are good, and if enforced as rgidly in re-
gard TO officers misdemeanors as to the men, it
would tend greatly to improve the condition Of
our naval force, For instance, a man is caught
intoxicated, and q dozen lashes with the cats on
the bare back, in presence Of the whole ships
company, is sure to be the consequence most
T degrading punishment-to me, death would be
preferable. AT the same time, an officer with
the charge of the safety of a ship and crow can
: indulge in his 'bibbng" propensites, roll, tum-
BILE, and wallow about decks with impunity
; sleep on duty, and commit various other excess
J ses, and naught is said about it, provided 1t
| does not reach the commanding officers ears,
; and if 1t does, he is suspended from duty Jor