The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-06-15
From the anderson Is. C) Adrocate.
The Execution of Allen Hutchine.

ed with people from all parts of the Dis
trict, the object Of whose visit was to
witness the execution Of Allen Hutchins,
convicted Of the murder of William Tip
pen. So large crowd, we suppose, has
neve been assembled, at one time, in this
place, from the time whereof the memory
OF man runneth not to the contrary, This
great anxiety to witness so horritying
scene, may at first sight seem to argue the
prevalence of depraved taste among our
people. But when it is considered that
such occurrences are rare, that curiosity
naturally leads all to entertain desire of
seeing the criminal-of hearing his confess
sion If indeed he make any-.that our stay
ing at home will not stay his doom. we
will be disposed to excuse what, under
different circumstances, would look like a
thirst for blood or revenge.
At about 8 o'clock, Hutchins was ta-
ken from prison, and with stately step,
happy, pleasant expression on his coun-
tenance, mounted into the wagon which
was to convey him to the scene of death.
After havidg seated himself, he graceful
ly beckoncd the Ministers present his
spiritual advisers to a scat near him. The
scene here presented passes description.
The wagon was surrouaIeG by the AN
derson troop" and Light Infantry" Of
which latter company we were so unfor-
tunate as to be member, and therefore
compelled, much against our inclination,
to act as one of the guard. 1t was with
much ado that the large crowd could be
kept out of the way. AS the wagon
moved slowy Y on, the noise and confusion
around and before was not an index of
that feeling which should characterize an
occasion OF such deep solemnity, and
would not have betokened to the stranger
that we were marching on to witness the
launching of fellow mortal into eternity,
Two miles through tho dust-thc rush
ing of men on horseback-the pushing
and elbowing of pedestrians broush Int us to
the place of execution. Having been
placed very near the wagon, we had q
fine opportunity Of observing the demean-
or of llutchins during his passage thithcr
ward. lie was perfectly calm and com.
posed. He appeared to DO inscnsiblc to
the movements of the gaping multitude
around him. His mind was, no doubt,
engaged in the contemplation of higher,
nobler, purer subjects. The wagon has
halted! silence at length prevails among
that ocean Of people. lIutchins arises!
clothed rs he was in the habiliments Of
the grave, his appearance Was noble,
commanding, majestic! In a full loud
voice he proceeded to say in substance,
as follows: my Dear friends; let mo
warn you against the use ofliquor; hope
there is no one here who will suffer H.
quor to bring upon him troubles like to nv
OWN! am conscious that shall leave
this world in few moments, but thank
God! He has implanted in Z e hope of
blessed Immortality beyond the grave.
believe that He will take me homo to
himself and happineess!''' AS he concu.
ded these teg!cbipg fem h1hiseI sprad to a
distant and giant land" Never did an
orator make more appropriate gesture,or
one more eloquent and expressive. Ma.
ny we're disappointed in that he did not
make full and free confession ofthe crime
alleged against him. Hepresited to the last
we understand, in saying that if he "killed
Iippen he was so drunk as not to be con-
scious oft, and that he had no recollec-
ton whatever Of having done the deed"
Prayers were offered up by the Rev.
Messrs. King Murray, and Simmons
Hutchins assembled with bold step from
the wagon to the platform. With tile same
calmness and composure that attended
him throughout the whole proceedings,
ne underwent the adjusting Of the rope
the binding together of his feet, and
arms. A solemn, significant silence reign
ell throughout the assembled throne. By
his composed, and resigned manner,
Hutchins had evidently succeeded in
arousing the sympathes of all present
lie shook the Ministers cordially and af |
fectontely by the hand. took final adieu
of the Sheriff, in such a manner as to
b ing floods Of tears from that efficient Of
ticer, and at about a quarter to 4 o'clock |
died almost without struggle-died "as
sinners never dic~ Such was the i'll
fated end Of Allen Hutchins. No one |
could wish that their end might be in ev-
cry respect like unto his, but there are
many who could crave that
when they come olay themselves down
in death, that they may be able to meet
the grim monster with the same peace Of
mind, composurr, and resignation--"peace
be to his ashes"
Having been compelled to witness this
execution and the effect produced by it
on the vast number present, we heartily
concur with our ncighbor in saying that |
public executions ought not to be tolerated,
hut should be abolished by our Legislature.
Such exhibitions, we are persuaded, have
the effect Of hardening the hearts, and
the seusibilities Of tho specta.
tors. The Object Of all punishment AS we
understand il, is to bring about reforma.
ton in the criminal himself, or to deter
others from the committal of crime. This
method so far from preventing, seems to
instisMe crimes Of all kinds. On the
very day on which Hutchins was execu
ted, number Of persons were to be seen
rocking to and fro under the influence Of
liquor, and giving utteranee TO the most
oaths- L,t the criminal