Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1853-02-10
Execution 0f Nicholas Hewlett and
William Saul for the Murder Of

ship Watson in August last, underwent
the extreme penaly of the law in the yard
of the City Prison. The wretched Gull
prits took a final and affectionate leave
of the female portion of their families on
Thursday evening, and Hewlett saw his
brother for the last-time in this world, at
10 o'clock Friday morning. When they
left the cell, they appeared deeply dejec-
ted as though fully realizing the awful
situation of their unhappy brother. The
wretched men rose at 7 o'clock, after a
good nights rest, when Hewlett inquired
of Saul, will you take breakfast He
replied 'What the His the reason [
shouldn't After partaking hearty
breakfast the Ministers Of their respec-
tive faiths were admitted into their cells,
and they Immediately joined them in fer
vent prayer, when having been brought
to full conviction of the fate awaiting
them, and their minds being somewhat
soothed by the religious exercise they
were permitted to leave their cell and for
short time mix again with their fellow
creatures in the corridor, where they took
a farewell leave of the officers of the pri-
son, their friends and the visitors present;
when Mr.. James johnson exhorted Saul
to make full confession, now that he
was so shortly to appear in the presence
of his Maker, and that his penitent words
might 60 forth to the world and tend to
reform those unhappy youths whose de-
praved lives might eventually lead to a
like unhappy fate. Saul replied-If
anybody wants to say anything to me a.
bout the crime of murder, let them ask
me any questions at the scafiold and l
will answer and in more elevated voice
he continued, 4 am then going before my
God, and | trust in him, through Jesus
Christ, there will be no false swearing
there The doomed men were then con-
Quoted back to their cells, where they
were visited by Recorder Tillou, Aid.
Oakley, Justice Stuart and the Jury who
convicted them, with all of whom he
took an affectionate leave. Shortly after
johnson their companion in crime also
visited them and took brief and final
farewell. They were then engaged in
prayer until deputy Sheriff (who officia-
ted at the scaffold) went and pinioned
their arms, adjusted the fatal cord around
their necks. Shortly after, a short and
solemn procession formed to conduct
them to the fatal spot, headed by Sheriff
Oser and Deputy Sheriff Willot, followed
by Hewlett, supported on either side by
Roman Catholic Priests, and Saul, at
tended by Rev. Messrs. Spear, Camp and
Evans-the procession closing with the
Mayor, Jury and uty-Sheriff. I'M
mediately upon their arrival at the scat
fold, short rope around their necks was
fastened to those hanging from the fatal
beam. The ministers then commenced
their last prayers. Both the unhappy
men seemed absorbed in their devotions,
and utterly regardless of everything a
round them, save the words of consola-
tion so fervently uttered by their spiritu-
al advisers. Service having been con-
cluded, Saul asked to see Deputy Keep
ers Wood and Crosby, with whom they
both shook hands ard kissed. They were
then given some water, when Hewlett
asked for chew of Tobacco, but being
Immediately engaged in prayer again
with his priests, was not given him. Saul
then commenced praying in loud and
earnest voice:
ooh Lord Jesus, have mercy on my
soul, and pardon all my sins. know
that | shall deserve to be cast into hell,
but l pray the Lord will have mercy on
me. Oh, Lord God, look down with
compassion on my mother; and, oh Lord
look down upon my sister. Oh, Jesus,
look with mercy on poor Hewlett. Oh,
Lord give me strength; strengthen me,
oh God, for I am weak; yet there are
many men worse off than myself, for, oh
Lord Jesus l have faith in you. l am
happy-yes, Jesus I am happy, and oh
Lord receive me, Oh God [ am innocent,
for | didn't commit no murder Oh
Jesus Christ, thou knowest my heart if
the world does not. Oh yes God, I am
innocent. Oh Lord Jesus Christ forgive
me all my sins for am penitent.'
Here the Deputy Sheriff advanced and
tightened the cord around their necks,
when Saul complained of its being too
tight. The black caps we're then drawn
over the faces, when the Deputy retired
Saul then continued % Jesus receive
m, when at this moment-precisely at
fifteen minutes past twelve o'clock-the
Sheriff gave the sign, the fatal cord was
cut, and the wretched beings were launch
ed into eternity. The Catholic priests
Immediately knelt and prayed in a sub
dued voice, until the unhappy wretches
had ceased to exist, which was in about
twelve minutes. They remained suspen-
ded, however, twenty-five minutes when
they werepronounced dead by the medical
men in attendance, according to the Gus
tomary form. The bodies were then low
cred. nlacei In mahogany cofins and de.