The Yazoo Democrat., 1853-06-29

inst. an interview took place between the faith
er and son, which is described as the most affec-
ting scene that ever occurred in the prison. The
son begged, implored, entreated and prayed that
his father would only declare his (the son's) in
nocence; but the father evaded direct answers,
and only answered that he forgave him Tor the
hand he took in his conviction. The parting
was still more affecting. The father clasping
his son to his breast, kissed him repeatedly upon
his lips telling him to transfer them to his daugh-
ters, when he next saw them, and finally giving
him one fond kiss for himself. In leaving the
the prison, after getting to the door. the son re-
turned to his father several times to give him an
other and another fond embrace. During the
two or three days that elapsed between the time
of this interview between himself and son, and
his execution Spring changed his tone several
times in reference to his sons Innocence; at one
time declaring that he was the murderer, and al
others that he was innocent. La this state Of
mind the prisoner continued to pass the last few
hours OF his existence. At times grave and Sc
rous, at others lively and even simply indifer-
ent to his fate.
Below we give the details of his execution, as
found in the Ledger:
PREPARATIONS FOR THE EXECUTION.
The spectators within the prison numbered al
least fou1nlundred. Without the walls there
were about two hdndrei scattered around, IN
clu ling large body of police.
The preparat lions for proceeding to the prison
ward were complete within few minutes oi | 1
O'clock and The various official bodies lormed Ia
line aud awaited the coming of the prisoner in
the court-yard within the nor hern gate. A
1 ba
processIoa coufmenced its solemn march
THE EXECUTION.
The condemned man was seen TO trembe when
he gazed upou the large plumber assembled. aud
on catching the first glimpse of the g4iiows d
hnervous trembling apparent, but still he
wa kel firmly aud ascenled ;he steps boldly.
| The revemed gentlemen. and the Sheriff, and
| Marshall, assembled with him. and the religious
exercises commenced By singing hymn. Fhe
prisoner kept his eyes closed most of the time.
Upon the conclusion of the hymn, the Rev.
Mr.. Street, thus addressed him.
Author Spring, YOU have been convicted and
sentenced To death for the murder of HOnora
Shaw and Ellen Lynch. and the execution OF
that sentence is now about 10 take place. We
have not ceased to warn you OF your fate and to
iniuce you TO repent and make your peace with
God. | now ask you. in the presence of Almighty
God, before whom you will shortly stand, are
you guilty or not guilty of the murder of these
women?
Prisoner-No sir no sir!
! Mr. Street.-The Grand Jury have also, by their
presrntment, charged you with the murder of
Mr.. Rink. Are you guilty or not guilty Of that
crime
life.
Mr.. Street, have still another and last ques-
tion to ask you. Before God, is your son.
Arthur Spring entirely clear of the murder Of
Mrs Shaw and Mrs. LyRch.
Prisoner-I believe he is. lie had no more
to do with il than had.
At this response there general groan
from the spectators. which was however, but
momentary.
Mr.. Street then said. '' MAY God have mercy
upon your soul -
All upon the scaffold then kneeled, and the
Rev. Mr.. Kensil prayed in the most fervent
manner.
AT the conclusion, the prisoner spoke few
words to Mr. Street, and that gentleman was
about 10 repeat it, when the sheriff interposed
and told the prisoner to speak himself
He then said that he went TO bed on the night
of the murier at z o'clock and never Knew any
/ thing of ii until told by the officers
The question was again asked him, sis your
son innocent 2" and he replied:
MY SON is entirely innocent of blood! J"
{" Mr.. Alexander here exclaimed Let this go
throughout the land p
The reverned gentlemen then left the gallows,
after shaking hands with the prisoner.
The executioner arranged he knot and drew
the zap over his face and the Sheriff having left
him the props were removed from beneath the
! platform and at quarter after Ii o'clock the
drop fell 4nl the victim of offended justice hung
between Heaven aud earth.
! He fell about-two feet aud a half and it was
thought dislncated his neck, as with the excep
ton of slishl contraction of the extremsiles
the body remained perfectly motionless. Thus
has ended this bloody tragedy.