The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-13
Execution OF Michael jennings ut New Ha-
ven, for the Murder OF Mrs. Esther Brad
ley OF North Haven.

from the New Haven Courier Juyl2l
Michael John Jennings, the murderer Of Mrs,
penalty of the law at the jail yard in this city, yes
1erjay forenoon July IL, 1854. He made nd public
confession OF guilt, and we understand persisted to
the last in declaring his innocence. Jennings was
a mere youth, being in his 10th year; yet he mani
tested by his behavior during confinement the feel
iDgs OF hardened criminal, and at times appeared
more like brute than human being. We trust,
however, that he inwardly fei. more soflness OF
heart than his outward conduct would seem to in
dictate. But he has expiated his crime, the de-
mands Of human justice have been cancelled, and
We leave him with his God.
THE PRISONERS LAST HOURS on EARTH.
Mr.. Goodwin. who sat up with Jennings on Mon
day night, furnishes us with the following incidents
which occurred
busily engaged in reading the Golden Manual"
the contents Of which seemed to impress him deep
ly. While he was converting about the book, and
expatiating on its beauties, (about oclock) Fa-
linn for an hour. A Mr.. Pendegras: aud his son
also came in about this time, and continued in
prayer until half past ten. Father 0Brien and the
elder Mr.. Perdegrast then left, leaving the son. who
remained during the night. Young Pendegrast and
the prisoner remained on their Bonded knees until
midnight.
After they arose from their deyotons l asked
Jennings IL he had not better he down and repo,e
lis body. lie replied that :. he guessed not, mas
much as in few hours his body would sweetly re-
pose forever"
lew minutes after lie asked Mr.. Bishop n hand
letter TO me, remarking that could make such
IT II rs pleased. (The letter was written in June
lat, Is directed to his father, at Brooklyn, Y. "
and "a il undoubtedly speaks the feelings OF his
heart at the time, We give IL entirc.)
LETTER.
COUNTY Jan, NEw HAyYx. June a. 1884
In this Of the most Holy aud Adorable Trinity.
Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Michael John Jennin.
do most freely forgive all who have injured AT the
time return my sincere thanks 20 all who have
been Lind 70 ne and interested themselves In nv behalf
j desire most sincere affection and love 10 M a.
cted father and sisters entrcatnc them TO bear With
resignation the viii Of God, the Affections and diseases
my death may cause
desire that my mortal remains may be inferred Ia the
Catholic cemetery at New Haven.
viii my immortal soul 10 God my Creator hoping for
mercy through the merits of Jesus Christ, my lord,
God and Kcdeenasr.
Task the prayers Of my Catholic brethren for the re.
pose OF my soul
do not dread death AZ am going from, death 10 rc
ind what, would inquire, are my suferinyS 1, those
which Jesus Christ suffered for me- :
MICHAEL JOHN JENNINGS.
Witnessed by r.. W. l3EYAy.
To which followed the Apostles Creed
bciieve IN God the Father Almighty &c.
Az Two O'Clock he appeared somewhat restless,
Nhen, aitef some little persuasion, he lay on his
cot, ana IN q few minutes was sleeping with a.
much composure as any one could who had never
committed crime A haEpast we awoke him.
and on his rising inquired how he had slept aud
how he felt lie answered, FIRST rate" Soon after
he and bis friend went to prayers, aud continued
Their deyotons until the arrival Of Father o Brcn
who came for the purpose Of performing hirh masa'
The exercises were truly Of an imposing ana solemn
olaraeitf, aAd Jennings bore q conspicuous part,