Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-01-03
FROM THE PETERSBURG REPUBLICAN,.
Execution OF William cambridge Epes.

On Friday last, 22d December, in pursuance Of
sentence passed by the Hon. Judge Nash, William
DaUdridge Epes suffered the penalty of the law for
the crime ot murder, perpetrated on the body of
Francis Adolphus Muir, Esq, on the I'd day of Feb
ruary, 1865
At about twenty minutes 10 O'Clock, the prison.
or, accompanied by the Rev. Messrs Hargrave and
Withers, left the Jail. The prisoner was dressed
in his grave clothes, Gall whiie and, with the ex
.ceplion OF paleness produced by confinement look
ed remarkably well. His carriage was erect and
his step firm. Arrived a, the spot, the Rev. Mr..
Witheis addressed the multitude collected, closing
with prayer appropriate to the OCCASION
The prisoner then mounted the. cart and in
clear, audible voice. indicating no signs of emotion,
made the following remarks:
EpES' SPEECH.
"Gent,emen 1T not my object to have any
thing To say ON the present OCCASION but i; may
do good, | have determined 10 say something.
have been charged with many crimes. have been
charged with the murder of hog drover-l have
been charged with the murder of my mother in-law
i have been charged with the murder of my son
and ! have been charged with the murder OF my
own servant but gentlemen, all these charges
fa,Sc-all false. Would 10 God | could say as
much Of that other charge. But of that am gull
v murdered Francis Adolphus Muir. mar
dercd him. lie fell by my hand. | have regret
ted the act ever since it was commited-it has
been before my eyes ever since. have the graft
Gcation TO state that believe he is in heaven, and
trust NAV meet him there In his dying mo
menis he said he hoped 10 meet me there hope
shall meet him there, and believe will meet
him there for trust in Gods promises
''Gentlemen-l have seen better days, and many
of you know it. But when the teinpter is aroused
we know not what may do | hope that my
fate may be 4 warning for you 10 shun my exam
pie. leave this world at peace with all mankind
feel that am at peace with my God. trust TO
meet you all in heaven"
The Rev. Mr. Wiihers then gave out the hymn
commencing,
GLOW firm foundation we saints Of the Lord"
which was sung by the vast assembly in admirable
harmony. The benedicIiun pronounced, and
the tarewells were spoken by the Rev. gentlemen,
and many others collected around, 10 all of whom
the criminal gave an audible good bye.' He hen
turned The crowd, saying, goodbye TO you all
l hope TO meet you ali in heaven"
The sheriff proceeded in the performance Of The
duties of his office. While the preliminares were
arranging. the criminal displayed the same fbrt-
tude that he had shown throughout the trial, and at
the pronunciation of the sentence. While the band
age was being tied over his eyes, he multered,
''Ashcs TO ashes, dust TO dust.''
and all things being ready the cart was moved
and immediately the soul Of William cambridge
Epes was in the presence of its creator and It's
Judge.
lie died without scarcely struggle
After the expiration of an hour, the body was cut
down, when the neck was found 10 have been bro
ken. The body was laid in a coffin, furnished by
the relatives Of the deceased, and deposited in The
jail of Diuwidde, 10 be on the next day Saturday
removed TO the residence of his brother in Motto
way county.