The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1849-01-12
JOHN M. SHARP,
HENRY VA UGHAN,
STEPHEN LUsE,
~. s. HOLT,
B. R. WILKINSON,


Execution Of William Dandridge Epes.
On Friday last ed December, in pursuance
Of sentence passed BY the Hon. Judge Nash,
William cambridge Epes suffered the penalty
Of the law for the crime of murder, perpetta-
ted on the body Of Francis Adsll hus Muir,
Esq on the I'd day Of February, 1896.
About 20 minutes 10 ! O'Clock, the prison
er, accompanied BY the Rev. MesserS, Har-
graves and Withers, lef. the Jail. The pris-
oner was dressed in his grave clothes (all
whiteD and with the exception Of palenssS
produced by confinement, looked remarkably
we'll. His carriage was erect and his step firm.
Arrived at the spot, the Rev. Mr.. WhheTs ad-
dressed the multitude collected, closing with,
a payer appropriate to the occasion.
The prisoner then mounted the cart, and
with a clear, audible voice, indicating no signs
Of emotion, made the following remarks;
EPEs' SPEECH.
"Gentlemen:-lt was not my object to have
any thing to say on the present occasion, but
as it may DO good, ! have determined to say
something. have been charged with many
crimes. Ihave been charged with the muir
der Of hog droyer-I have been charged with
the murder Of my mOlher-in-law-- have been
charged with the murder Of my son-and
have been charged with the murder Of my
own servant; but gentlemen, all these char
geS are false--all false. Would to God | could
say as much for that other charge. But Of
that am guilty. murdered Francis Adolf
Phus Muir. murdered him, He fell by my
hand. lhave Tegrstiad the act ever since il
was commitled-it has been before my ewes
ever since. have the qualification to state
that believe he sin heaven, and | trust
may meet him thera. In his dying'mOmentl
he said he hoped 10 NEE. me there.
hope | shall meet him there, and l believe ]
will meet him there, for l trust in Gods prom.
ices. Z 1fa ii larI5 7aaa To HH
"Gentlemen--I have seen better days, and
many Of you know it. But when the lsmpsl
is arouped we know not what we may do. ]
hope that my fate may be- warning for, you
to shun my example. l leave this world al
peace with all mankind. feel that 1 am al
peace with my God. / trust may meet you
oil in heaven. h Fro
The Rev. Mr.. Wealhers then gave out tn,
hymn commencing, ~
: How firm a foundation 80 saints Of tn,
Lord" ea
which was sung BY the vast assembly in admi
rable harmony. The benSdiction was pro
n%Cunced, and the larewells we're spoken b,
the Rev. gentleman, and many others cOIlec
! ed, 70 all Of whom the criminal gave an audi
: bic" goodbye" He then turned to the crowd
saying" goodbye TO you all; I hope to NEE
: you Sill in heaven.D e agtoA roY
The sheriff proceeded IN the psrFOrmanc,
Of the duFies Of his office. While the pre-
! liininsries were being arranged, the crimina
y displayed the same fortitude that ho had show,
throughout the trial, and at pronunciation
Of his sentence. While the bandage was be-
ing tied over HE eyes, he muttsred,
I "ASheS 10 ashes, dust to dust,n
and all ihings beingready, the car. was moved
ID and Immediately the soul pf William Dan
ii drige EPes was in the presence Of lie create
ls and itsjudgo,