The Nevada journal., 1853-02-18
Military ExccutiOn at San
Diego. -~n

We find in tho S. +. Herald fun ac-
count Of the execution Of the murderers
Of Col. Craig, in San Diego on the 3lst
ult. The ceremonies were conducted
by the military, and everything passed
off with quiet and perfect order. We
copy the concluding sceno in the lives of
the unfortunate culprits
The battalion Of troops wero formed in
line Of battle facing the gallows, which
was largo wooden structure, painted
black. The citizens were in line per-
pendicular to the troops and opposite to
them the chiefs and head men Of the
principal tribes of Indians belonging to
the county. At ten minutes before 10
O'clock the prisoners were brought out
of their cells, habitod in their grave
clothes, and seated on their black cof-
fms in a cart drawn by white horse.
The guard formed in the rear. When
the procession reached the gallows the
prisoners knelt at the foot of the ladder
and prayed. The Padre here took leave
Of them with blessing, and the Post adj
.jutant advanced and read to them the
warrant of the President fer their exc
cution The prisoners were then direct
ed to mount the scaffold, from the plat
form Of which they successiveiy address,
ed the multitude.
Hayes spoke first, as follows -
IelfoW Soldiers Is is the will of God
that | should suffer death therefore, for
the love of God, forgive all my ene-
mics, and ask Their forgiveness in re-
turn hope God will forgive my hav-
ing denied in the Court that was a
soldier. | am, and was duly enlisted as
such, but drew no pay. shot Col.
Craig | should not have done it-l
should have obeyed his orders. Let no
man pattern after me. Obey your or
ders and let my melancholy example
be warning to you all. Ireturn thanks
for all the kindness shown me, and thank
God for having had SO much time to do
penance in, ana being permitted the
consultations Of Catholic priest hope
we will all maes before God. My love
to all. Boys, goodbye
Condor then said -
= Gentlemen and Soldiers M:--I have
never wronged any body in my life, and
never injured anything till | acciden-
tally Shot Sergeant Blaes. l never Of
fered word Of inso!ence to Col Craig,
my superior officer. l wish you all, boys,
goodb bye
The Sergeant of the Guard then di-
rectcd them to take their places upon
the trap. Hayes assumed a position on
the left Of Condor, and the latter in
sisted upon his taking the right hand;
probably feeling that as it was by his
advice he had acted part in the MUIR
dc~. he must OF necessity continue his
prominence throughout. The ropes were
then adjusted about their Ilecks, and
white caps were drawn over their eyes.
Hayes then drew from his bosom
prayer book, and letting it fall upon the
scafold, remarked" Give that to the
priest, and tell him to give it to Kelley"
The officer Of the day gave the signal
for their execution by dropping white
handkerchief in an instant the axe of
the exocutioner descended, severing the
rope that sustained the trap and both
prisoners passed from time 10 eternity,
with scarcely q struggle. After hang
ing half hour tho bodies were cut
down and inferred under the direeti
of their father confossor. The officers
under whose direction and orders all
things were conducted, are entitled to
great praise for the order and solemn
decorum that characterized the entire
proceedings. The entire absence ofall
noiso, confusion, and sometimes error Of
some Of the details Of the execution, as
witnessed by the writer in various parts
Of the country was remarked by many |
who were present A proper solemnity
of feeling was observable on the part Of
all whese duty it was 10 be present and !
assist in the execution OF a most just and
righteous sentence inflicted as mel
ancholy example, and in vindication Of
the rules and articles of War.