Grass Valley telegraph., 1854-08-03
Execution Of VIM. II. Sheppard.


This unfortunate man. executed on Friday
last. has created somewhat of an interest in
the mountain towns. A difference of opin-
ion exists concerning his guilt, and with re-
gard to this we have nothing to say howev-
er, we will add, that if we esteemed his con-
fession as afOrdlng any material proof of his
Innocence. we would publish it, long as it is.
But so we cannot regard it. and therefore
publish only some of the principal incidents
Eof his execution, which we gather from the
reports:
The place selected for the execution was
| little valley somewhat to the south of the
Preside, and formed by nature into regu
lar amphitheatre. From an early hour in
the morning all the avenues leading to the
spot were black with crowds of pedestrians.
impelled by morbid curiosity to witness the
groanings and writings Of the doomed
wretch. Women too, were on the ground, :. I'd
mothers with children in their arms. hasten
ed through clouds of dust to feast their eyes
on the gallows and the fell apparatus OF
death and ladies, in fine attire, in coaches
and bu9ges. viewed the sckening scene
! through their iorgnettesi
! Sheppard was very cheerful and addressing
/ the clergyman who sat by them SAID - | l. Ike
you very well. You don't put on the long
| face others do; and then inquired IF he had
ever converted feller so quick as h;m?' to
which the clergyman replied. that he had not
done as much as he might" Acting Mar
shall North, who was sitting by bin in the
! carriage at one time felt himself somewhat
affected and bowed his head on his stick.
which Sheppard no sooner perceived. than he
slapped him smartly on the leg, saying -
Come. Cap, none of ths!'
The hills which enc;rcled the gallows were
black with spectators. and as in theatres.
! those occupying front seats, were obliged to
uncover. Before the arrival of Sheppard
| the patience Of the multitude had become
well nigh exhausted the popular heart beat
wildly for excitement, and an amateur hang
man in the crowd seizing an unoffending dog.
whose curiosity had alsc got the better of his
discretion. held him suspended in mid air;
and the screaming of the brute as the hand
| frightened on his throat, gave practical de-
monstratiOn of the effects of strangulation,
which elected much applause
The Execution.
The Lancers, and a troop OF the California
| Guards first arrived on the ground. and form
ed hollow square around the gallows. They
we're shortly afterwards followed by the CITY
Guards. who with fife and drum marched
across the hills and took up position on the
west side OF the gallows. Shortly after the
military had formed. the sad cortege came
IN sight, winding around the base of one of
the hills which formed the amphitheatre. The
carriage in which Sheppard was. pulled mn
in front of the steps leading to the gallows.
and ne stepped out. and attended by CAPTAIN
North. Sheriff Gorham. and his spiritual adj
wiser, Rev. Mr.. Ingoldshy. ascended the plat
form He was dressed in black. and tbouoh
ms countenance bore somewhat livid bne
there was nothing in his manner VIII ch be-
trayed the least emotion He coollv tool, o
quid of tobacco. which he had been chew;no o.
out OF his mouth. flung it away. and asked
for drink of water. He then shook hands
with those on the stand, with whom he was
acquainted, and requested that his thanks
should be publicly conveyed to his tailor
Mr. Bennett. to Capt. North and Messrs CIR.
bett Davis. Creighton and Sharp. Sheriff
Gorham read the writ for his execution to
which he appeared to listen with the greatest
attention. and after it was concluded Rev
Mr. lngoldsby handed him a paper. which
was we believe his will and which he careful
ly read through. and then went forward To
the front of the gallows and called aloud for
MI. creighton, VINO aScended the ladder and
STOPPING down he whispered something in his
ear. He then asked for some soda. bnt as
there was none to be found, a bottle of bran.
dy was handed to him. He poured on. some
in a glass, and adding some water. raised Il
to bis lips and drank it. Not the slightest
tremor could be perceived in his hand and
throughout the whole of the awful scene his his
presence of mind never forsook hin, IL n
then went forward to the front of the oallows We
again and supported by Capt North addres.
sed the assemblage as follows: 0S
GENTLEMEN have been tried and con
vlcted Tor the murder of Henry c. Dav nv
best and only friend which am innocent l1y ~
and which you will all know, and ali ask
Is: Is :"G your prayers. ! am innocent as | expect
forgiveness from God-and 1 truly expeet # #
and know have it, 0-'t''0' ~
AT this moment themost profound stiffness
relgned throughout the crowd. Every tonrne
was nushed and every eye was fixed on the
miserable wretch who was so soon to annear
IN the presence of his Maker. The last ofi-
ces OF religion were then performed and