The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-03-16

their execution by dropping white handkerchief,
in an instant the axe Of the executonef descended
seyernu the rope that sustained the trap and both
prisoners passed nom time 70 eternity WIN scarce
dies were cut down and inferred under the direction
Of their father confesor. The officers under whose
direction and orders all things were conducted are
entitled to great praise for the order and solemn de-
corum that characterized the entire proceeding The
absence of all noise, confusion and sometimes error
Of of the details of the execution witnessed
by the writer in various parts of the country, was
remarked by many who were present A proper 80.
emnity of feeling was observable on the part OF all
whose duty it was to be present and assist in the
execution of most just and righteous sentence-in-
ficted as melancholy example, and in vindication
OF the rules and articles OF war.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE EXECUTION.
MISSION OF SAN DIEGO, (Cal.,)
February l, 1858.
SlR-The prisoners, Acting Corporal Hayes and
Private Condor, I'd Infantry, were executed on the
parade ground of this post at IL o'clock NJ. yester
day, the last day of the period allowed me to carry
the sentence into effect. l had personally commu-
ncated to them four days BEFORE the result Of their
trial, and the day and hour when the execution
would take place. and at their request, had notified
the Roman Catholic priest whose services they de-
sired The Indians of the surrounding country
having been ordered, in June last, to apprehend
these men, which was accomplished by one of their
chiefs, thought proper to summon the alcaldes and
captains to be present at their execution as an ex
ample to themselves Of the efficacy Of our laws, and
an indncement to the prompt obedience, on their
part, of any orders they might receive in future from
the properly authorized officers OF the government
Almost every tribe was Representatives, being
present nearly one hundred chiefs, captains, and
plying them with beef and bread, which ordered
the A. c. s. of this post to issue to them. also
titled the civil authorities of the county, and in
vited their attendance. The gallows being erected
Tho Ia tha fpW, ,,a1
in line, tanked on either side by section of
light artillery in battery facing the place Of execu-
ton. On the left of this line, and perpendicular to
it were arranged the Indian chiefs and captains.
On the right, in like manner the civil officers and
citizens OF San Diego. The forms Of dress parade
having been gone through, the proceedings of the
Court Martial and orders in these cases, were read
After which, cart, in which were the prisoners,
seated on their cofins, and clad in white shrouds,
approached with the priest and guard of twelve
men in the rear under the immediate command of
the officer of the day. Having reached the place of
execution with the guard in line opposite the gal
lows, and facing the battalion, they dismounted, and
received their knees, the last eXhortations of the
priest. The proceedings OF the court by which they
were tried, the order OF the President Of the United
States confirming the same, the letter OF instruc-
tons from the headquarters of the Pacific division,
and my own order of the day, were then read to
them by the adjutant Having assembled the scat
fold, and been informed that the time had arrived
when they might address those present, if they
thought proper, they made short addresses -
confessing their crimes with penitence-warn.
ing all against their example, and taking a
touching farewell of their comrades The ropes were
then adjusted, and the caps placed over their eyes
by the corporal of the guard when, upon a signal
from the officer of the day the rope which supported
the trap severed at blow by the sergeant of the
guard and they were launched into eternity without
struggle-dyng with spirit worthy Of better
cause. Their bodies were subsequently, inferred in
consecrated ground by the police-the funeral ser.
vices having been performed by Roman Catholic
clergyman. The command exhibited on this occa.
sion, as indeed it has done throughout the whole
of this transaction, the utmost steadiness and high
state of discipline. have been thus particular in
my description, as this is believe, the first case of
military execution, by hanging, in time of peace,
which has occurred in the army, and desired to fulfil,
to the letter, my instructions-that the sentences
should be carried into effect with all due solemn.
ty. Later in the afternoon, caused some shot and
shell to be thrown at target, prepared for the pur-
pose in order to show the Indians the effect of artl
lery. The Smelling was very accurate, and they
seemed much surprised and impressed with the re.
suit. To-day the remains of the late Bvt. It. Col.
Craig arrived from the desert, and will be buried TO-
morrow with the honors of war; by the side Of those
of the gallant officers who fell at San Pasqual.
am, sir, very respectfully yonr obedient servant,
(Signed) j. B. MAGRUDER,
Bvt. 1t. COL U. S. A. Comdg. Post.
To Maj. E. D. TOWNSEND, Ass. Adjt. Gen. U. S. A.,
San Francisco.