Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1853-07-09
1atSreuameoms 5Hatter.
rnE EXECUTION OF MAJOR ANDRE

THE EXECUTION OF MAJOR ANDRE.
The principal guard.ofIicer, who was con-
stnnily in the room with the prisoner, relates
that when the hour OF his execution was an
nounced 10 him in the morning, he received
II without emotion, and while all piesen, were
affected with silent gloom, he retained firm
countenance, with calmness and composure OF
mind. Observing bis servant enter the room
in tears, he exclaimed, '.Leave me, till you
can show yourself more manly" His break
fast being sent TO him from the table o.. Gen.
eral Washington, which had been done every
day of his confinement, he parlook OF it as
uslial, and, having shaved aud dressed him
self, he placed his hat on the table, and cheer
fully said 10 the guard-officer 81 am ready
at any moment, gentlemen, TO wait on you''
The fatal hour having arrived, large detach-
men, of troops we're paraded, and an immense
concourse of people assembled almost all our
general and field officers, excepting his excel
lency and his staff, were present on horseback;
melancholy and gloom prevaded all ranks
The scene was affecting and awful.
was so near during the solemn march 10
ihe fatal spot, as TO observe every movement
and participate in every emotion which the
melancholy scene was calculated 10 produce.
Major Andre walked from the stone-house in
which he had been confined, between two Of
our subaltern officers, arm in arm; the eyes
Of the immence multitude were fixed on him,
who rising superior to the fear OF death, ap.
peared as if conscious of the dignified deport
ment which he displayed. He betrayed no
want Of fortitude bu, retained a complacen,
smile on his countenance, and politely bow:
ed 10 several gentlemen whom he knew,
which was respectfully returned. it was his
earnest desire TO be shot, as being the mode
of death most comfortable 10 his feelings OF a
military man, and he had INDUCED the hope
that his request would be granted. At The
moment, therefore, when he came suddenly
in view Of the gaIows, he involuntary star.
ted back, and made a pause "Why this
emotion, cir 2" said an officer by his side
Instantly recovering his composure, he said
oI am reconcled TO my death bu, detes
the mode.n
While waiting and standing near the gal
lows, observed some degree oftrepidation-
placing his foot on stone, and rolling it over
and chokeing in his'lhroai, as il attempting tc
swallow. So soon, however, as he preceivet
that things were in readiness, he stepped
quickly inio the wagon and at This momen
he appeared 10 shrink bu, instantly elevaiins
his head with firnness, he said, at will bt
bu momen,ary pang;' and, taking from
his pocket two white handkerchefs, the pro
vos,-marshal with one loosely pinioned hi
arms and with The other the victim, afte
t4king off his hal and stocks, bandaged hi
own ewes with perfect frmness, which
meGel the hearts and moisiened The cheekes
nat only of his servants, but Of the ihrong o
spectators. The rope being appended 10 tn,
PalIows, he slipped the moose over his head
and adjusted it TO his neck without the assis
iance OF The eXecuiioner. Colonel Scamme
now informed him that he had an oppor:unit,
10 speak, if he desired il. He raised tn
handkerchief from his eyes and said, ~ pra
you TO bear me witness that meet my fat
like brave man !" The wagon being nov
removed fIom under him, he was suspended
and Instantly expired Chambers Reposi
tory.