Litchfield enquirer., 1849-03-01
A HoRRIELE SCENE.

We would have all friends Of the death
penalty read the annexed account VI an sK-
ecuiion which took place on the 26th Jan.
in Bryan, Williams Co., Ohio. 1t is sui
iciently horrible 10 crafty the most brutal
and blood. thirsty. - Therefor.
The Spirit efthe .4ge, published q; Bryan
says:
About o'clock, r. ~, The prisoner vas
conducted on to the scaffOld, accompanied
BY Rev. K. r. Walters, who, af er he pri-
soner had taken his seat, delivered some We
~ appropriate remarks from Acts chal' ota.
verses I'd and 3d-a text selected ny The
prisoner. A hymn was sung ana prayer
offered by Rev. MIR. Walters. The pr'Soner
then made brief address 90 the asSeuihly
He asserted his innocence ia the S!rouEess
,ermS-deelaiel that he had nothing 10 do
with the preparation Of the 'rine, for
which he was 10 be executed. lie said he
had no anxiety TO live-bot felt PIepa. Ell
and desired 10 depart and dwell with his
Saviour Al the close of his remarks, h.
knell down and spent few nomenlS ia
audible prayer. He prayed for support in
the terrible scene upon which he was I'M
mediately To enter-for the forgiveness Of
all who had sought his hurt, and thar he
and they might meet in a happier world.
Alta quarter pas, two, the Sheriff adjust
ell the rope, which was already around the
prisoners neck, drew the cap over his face,
and bid him adieu. He then descended the
stairs, and as he went down looched the
spring with his foot and the drop fell. Here
r., b;oh Ia al
beholders-almosl beyond description. 10
set the matter in its true light, il should he
mentioned that Tyler had at ala times i'm
sisted that he should be executed without
any slack rope.
Willing to CRAFTY him 50 far as duty
would permit and in accordance with This
oft repeated and urgent request, the Sheriff
gave him at first only about one foot OF
Slack. The instant the drop was sprung,
the prisoner slightly crouched his body, by
this means the moose slipped around, 6ring.
lug the knot Immediately under his chin in
such position that with his short fall 1t
did NOT tighten at all, consequently he was
merely suspended by the neck. Probably
his first slight fall suspended sensation and
respiration temporarily, for he hung quietly
for time; bat this suspension was only
temporary, aud it is certain that nothing
like strangulalion was produced. He soon
recovered his breath, and C Commenced groan>
ins and struggling as if suffering excrucia>
ting torture. The spectacle at this moment
was TOO revolving 10 witness we noticed
many who had though, and said that they
could look on his expiring asonies with
hearty good will, who turned away from the
sight with blanched cheeks and looks of
commisefation. The Sheriff probably some
what overcome by the fearful duty he had
attempted 10 discharge, did not Immediate
ly after springiug the drop go around to see
the true condition of affairs. On learning
the situation of the prisoner, he promptly
ordered the scafold raised, and no sooner
was this doue than he was upon il, and ia
king Tyler by the hand directed him to
stand on his feet, which he was able 10 do
Without assistance.
Aided by Gen. ellison, the Sheriff then
proceeded to lengthen the rope, giving it
about lonr feet additional slack. Tyler still
fervently begged them TO shorten instead of
lenglhen it, put he was told that his wishes
could NO longer be regarded. During this
time, Ex-Sherif CunAingham passed up the
stairs, and taking Tyier's band, inquired il
he still asserted his innocence: he replied,
VI am innocent" Having adjusted the moose
and all Others having left the scaffold. the
Sheriff took his hand, and again bade him
farewell. His last words to the Sheriff
were" For Gods sake shorten the rope"
Again the drop was sprung, and Andrew
F Tyler was launched into eternity. He
scarcely struggled after the second fall-af-
ter about thirty minutes, his body was ta>
ken down, placed in coffin and carried
back TO All upper room Of the jail.