The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-07-29

the ministers OF the Gospel James Clements Cesped BY
the PresdenD is not deserving OF death"
Turning 10 Benson, the marshal inquired II he mao
anything TO say, 10 which he replied
"The aei OF murder. shooting, or thrusng, was MOI
done by me or by Clements This say before God and
man la acal n and composed manner he added You
see in me what Christianity Is, and what u may ehaoi'
you TO do. will sing one verse OF hymn"
hymn-book was ihereupon placed in his hand aho
IN loud aud clear voice The verse beginning AND lei
The feeble body fall, was sung Dr. Hodge and Others
uniting Douglass sang one line, but, apparently no
knowing the tune, attempted 10 sing further Bot
appeared resigned 10 their fate The latter manifested
very little emotion, while Benson seemed confident O.
speedily entering upon heavenly inheritance Previous
10 leaving his cell lac said he was " satisfied that h,
would 90 10 Heaven and only waiting for the eharo
10 come and take Kim in" He was formerly CON
sisen member OF Congregational Church IN Connect
cut.
On the conclusion of the hymn the Rev. Mr., Hodge,
the officiating clergyman made short but appropriate
prayer, 10 which The prisoners added tervent Amen
Tie sha and assistants then shook hands WIN the
condemned and bid them farewell Alter this they shook
hands with the cergymen Douglass seemet much al
ieeted at parting with Mr. Hodge. and sad 10 HIM,
l.. Farewell, Mr. Hodge You have been true friend To
me You la We heen TO me a dear, Kind father; and
thank you kindly for The interest you have taken ~ me
May God bless you and yours and bless your mihistra
lions 10 others as he has TO me-"
To Rev. Mr. Lockwood, Benson said Farewell,
brother; keep the faith and may meet you IN Heaven
God bless you"
The guard of marines were then drawn up in line al
the 1901 oil Inc BalIOWs ana UEueIeu ~
caps drawn down the prisoners faces, and the
attached 10 the hooks the cords Marshai Tall.
madge drew white handkerchief from bis pocket,
which being the signal agreed upon, Deputy Marshal
Bakelewiiz win blow OF the axe, cut the rope,
and the souls of the condemned stood before their
Maker
The rope cut at precisely five minutes past eleven
Douglass died perfectly easy only lew quiverngs Of
The muscles being peceptbe. Benson, however, sttug
ged probably for three minutes, when all was over.
Alter the bodies had been suspended for forty minutes,
Coroner (Ieer and DIR w Mefcalf examined them, and
pronounced life extinct. They then cut down, and
laid beds in the prison, preparatory to being inter
red
II will be recolleced that Douglass insisted frequently
that Clements guilty, and that he innocent For
the last few days he made different declarations and
both DOUG lass aud Benson, the galows, with their
collins before Them reiterated il. He has been esplted
10 The 22d Of next month. Dousass's poor mother y
entitled public sympathy She attended him night and
day from the time of his arrival IN irons until the hour
of bis death. and has been interchangeable in her alen
tons 10 him. The manged remains OF her son viii be
her only company in her solitary dwelling in Brooklyn
God comfort her