Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-27
From the Frankfort (Ky) Yeoman, Aug is.
The Execution Of Veigart In Kentucky.


The Execution Of Weigart In Kentucky.
Saturday last, as our readers will recolect,
was the day appointed for the execution OF
William Weigart, who was convicted OF the
murder Of Charles Gushing, in Lexington,
last winter. 1t was announced that the exc
cution would take place, contrary TO general
expectation, between nine and ten o'clock in
the morning At an early hour crowds could
be seen coming into the city from every direc-
ton. and by nine o'clock the street in front of
the Jail was crowded to such an excess that it
was impossible for vehicles or horsemen to
pass The sheriff, with an armed guard, was
stationed around the door to keep the crowd
from pressing too closely upon the the car,
which was standing in readiness.
At about halfpast nine the prisoner, escort
ed by the jaler, the sheriff, and the Rev. Messrs.
Berkley and Pratt, made his appearance with
quick, agitated step, and, waving his prayer
book, assembled the car. Several of his friends
got in with him, and the mournful cortege
drove slowly off to the spot at which he was to
take his departure from earthly affairs. A
very large crowd followed and preceded the
car, while the windows and doors along the
route were filled with anxious, eager faces, de-
sirous of catching glimpse of the unfortunate
man. Soon the dreadful implement Of death
was seen rearing its gloomy head in the dis
lance, and as the prisoner noticed 1t percepti-
BILE shudder went over his whole frame. An
immense multitude were gathered there, and
all heads were turned to the advancing car
which was bearing fellow-human to his death.
Arriving at the foot of the gallows, the car
stopped. Rev. Messrs Pratt and Berkeley then
sung hymn, in which the prisoner joined, and
then the first named gentleman addressed the
e IL e. IL =,
young man. Weigart himself then kneeled
then rising from his feet, Mr. Berkeley com
mended the poor prisoner to the kind mercies
of just and forgiving God. During each OF
the prayers Weigart's voice could be heard as
if in supplication to Heaven. The devotional
exercises being concluded, the officers Of the
law stepped forward, and commenced the dread
ful preparation for death, by tying his hands.
Up to this time the prisoner seemed to have
been supported by some vague hope of rescue
or pardon, bat when the fatal white cap was
drawn over his eyes, he seemed to realize, and
not fully until then, the dreadful fate that
awaited him. While the rope was being tied,
his acquaintance came around, and babe him
farewell Having thanked his clerical friends
for their kindness, and unremitting attention
to him during his incarceration, he com
menced an inaudible murmuring as if 10
prayer, and as that was concluded, the
knot was arranged around his neck, and
the rope fastened to the beam above. All
was ready now, and the period for him to ex-
plate the crime he had committed against his
God and the laws of the land had arrived-the
word was given TO drive of, when the prisoner
attempted to anticipate it by jumping off. He
failed in this, and the word was repeated the
car started, and in another moment the unfor-
tunate criminal was writhing in the death ago
MES between heaven and earth. He was very
light, and the fall did not break his neck, and
his sufferings were intense; several times he
drew himself up some distance, and let his
whole weight fall quickly, with the intention,
we suppose, of putting an end to his pain. Oh,
it was horrid sight to see human being
writhing and twisting in all the torture of dis
graceful strangulation and God grant that no
necessity may ever again arise which will de-
mand the interpositon Of the strong arm of the
law to secure such horrid vengeance. BUTT
was right; and retributiye justice has overtaken
the wicked.
He died penitent and with full confidence in
the promises held out by the scriptures. His
remains were attended to the cemetery on Sun
day evening by good concourse of people.
Aection, yet in all that vast crowd we could per
ceive not a single cheek that was moisteped
eSuGtehanee wore ITS every day business-like
aspect. After the first shock the momentary
horror was dispelled, and the careless Jest and
idle laugh we're heard in strange discord to the
death rattle and gurgling groans of the expir-
ing victim.
We have remarked that the crowd was large:
that we expected, yet we felt inexpressibly
shocked and almost Disguised, as we saw the
number of females on the ground. 1t is scarcely
credible, yet it is true. Who would have ex-
pected that woman-sweet synonym for mercy
and gentlemess, she whose delicate hands are
ever ready TO minister to the wants of the dis.
tressed, and to soothe the troubled and care
laden mihd-could have gazed upon scene
which was enough 20 harrow the sensibiities
Of strong man. We are gratifed to think
that the larger portion Of females in the city
repudiated the very thought Of going TO the ex
ecution for this we commend them, as it dis
plays that kindness Of heart and commisera.
ton for the misfortunes of others, which have
ever been the GROWING ornaments oftheir char
acter.