The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1854-05-03
Execution Of Major Andre.

We find in Chambers Repository, the fol-
lowing concise and touching account of the ex-
ecution of this noble hearted Englishman.
The principal guard-oficer, who autly ia
the room with the prisoner, relates that, when the
hour Of his execution was announced to him in the
morning, he received it without emotion, and while
all present affected with silent gloom, he re-
tanned firm countenance, with cainness and com
posture of mind Observing his servant enter the
room in tears, he exclaimed, 'Leave me until you
show yourself more MANLY His breakfast
being sent to him from the table Of Cen Washing.
ton which had been done every day Of his coniine-
ment, he partook of it usual; and having shaved
aud dressed himself, he placed his hat on the table
and cheerfuIly said to the guardolccrs, al ready
at any moment, gentlemen, 10 wait you" The
fatal hour having arrived, large detachment o
troops were paraded, and immense concoutsc o
people assembled; almost all our general and fe!t
officers, excepting his exceilency and his staff were
present on horseback melancholy and gloom perva
ded all ranks--the scene was affecting and awful.
was so near during he solemn march to the lata
spot, as to observe every movement and participate
in every emotion which the melancholy scene WAS
calculated to produce. Major Andre walked from
The stone house in which he had been confined, be
tween two Of subaitern officers, in arm; the
eyes Of the immense multitude were fixed on him
who, rising superior the fear of death, appeared
as il conscious of the dignGed department which he
displayed.
He betrayed no want of iortitude, but retained 4
compacent SMILE on his couutenance, and politcl,
bowed to several gentlemen whom he knew which
was respectfully returned. II his desire
10 be shot, as being the mode Of death comfort
able TO the feelings Of military man, and he had in
du'ged the hope that his request would be granted
view Of the gallows, he invountariIy started back
and ma lie pause. "Why this emotion, si,?'' RAID
an officer at his side. Instantly recovering his com
posure, he said, 81 am reconced to my DEATH but
dctcst The mode"
While waiting and standing The galuws,
observed some degree Ct trcpidatoo-piac his loot
upon stone and rolling it over and choking in his
throat, if attempting to swallow. So soon, how
ever, as he perceived that things in readiness
he stepped quickly into the wagon; and at this mo-
ment he appeared to shrink but, instantly clevatins
his head with frmness, he said, Sc Ii will be a mo
menary pans;" and, taking from his pocket two
white handkerchicfs, the provos- marshal with one
loosely pinioned his arms, and with the other. the
victim, after taking of his hat and stock, baudaged
his own eyes With perfect 6rmness which melted the
hearts and moistened the checks, no, only Of tht
servants, but Of the throng of spectators.
The rope being appended to the galows, he slip.
,otfl l,,l
neck without the assistance Of The executioner.-
COL Scanned now informed him that he had an Cd.
portunity to speak, If he desired it, He raised the
handkerchief from his eyes, anil said, 81 pray YOU &c
bear me witness ,ha, meet my fate like brave
mani" The wagon being removed from under
him, he was suspended, and instantly expired.