The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-05-17

THE EXECUTION OF MAJOR ANDRE.-lhe
priIcipal guard officer who was constantly
in the room with the prisoner, relates that
to him in the morning, he received it with emo.
ton, and while all present were affected with
silent gloom, he retained a firm countenance,
with calmness and composure of mind. Observ
ing his servant enter the room IN tears, he cX.
claimed, Leave me till you can show yourself
more manly" His breakfast being sent to him
from the table of General Washington, which
had been done every day of his confinement, he
partook it as usual and, having shaved and
dressed himself, he placed his hat on the table
and chcerfully said to the guard officers, "l am
ready at any moment, gentlemen, to wait on
you" The fatal hour having arrived, large
detachment Of troops were paraded and an i'm
mense concourse of people assembled almost
all our general and field officers. excepting his
excellency and his staff were present on horse
back melancholy and gloom pervaded all ranks
the scene was affecting and awful.
was so near during the solemn march to the
fatal spot, as to observe every movement and
participate in every emotion which the melan.
choly scene was calculated to produce. Major
Andre walked from the house in which he
officers, arm in arm; the eyes Of the immense
multitude were fixed on him, who, rising supe
rior to the fear of death, appeared as if concous
ofthe dignifed department which he displayed.
He betrayed no want offortitude but retained
Il complacent smile on his countenance, and pc
itely bowed to several gentlemen whom he
knew, which was respectfully returned. 1t
was his earnest desire to be shot; as being the
mode of death most conformable to the feel.
ings OLA military man, ard he had indulged a
hope that his request would be granted. At
the moment, therefore, when he came suddenly
in view of the gallows, he involuntarily started
back, and made apause. Why this emotion,
sir 2" saidan officer by his side. Instantly recov-
erng his compoSure, he said, 81 am reconciled
TO my DEATH but dctest the mode"
While waiting and standing near the gallows
lobserved some degree of trepidation placing
his foot on a stone, and rolling it over, and
choking in bis throat, as ifattempting to swal.
low So soon, however, as he perceived that
things were in readiness, he stepped quickly
into The wagon; and at this moment he appear
ed to SHRINK; but instantly elevatlng his head
pwith frmness, he said, at will be but mo
mentary paug;" and taking from his pocket
two white handkerchefs, the provost marshal
with one loosely pinioned his arm, and with
The other victim, after taking off his hat and
stock, bandaged his own eyes with perfect firm
ness, which melted the hearts and mostened
the checks, not only of his servants, but of the
tllrong of spectators. The rope being appen-
ded to The glIOWs he slipped the noose over
head, and adjusted it to his neck without the
assistance OF the execulioner. Colonel Scam
mel now iniormedalim that he had an opportu
nifty to speak, it he desired it. He raised the
handkerchief from his eyes and said, IL pray
you to bear me witness that meet my fate
like a brave mani" The wagon being now re.
moved from under him, he was suspended, and
Instantly expired Chambers Repository.