Monongalia mirror. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1855, 1854-04-01
From the pittsburgh Evening Mail, March "a.
EXECUTION OF DAVID JEWELL.

at an early hour this morning, the en-
trance to tho jail on Ross street was sur
rounded by an immense crowd, anxious t.
obtain admittancc. At0 o'clock, the Du
quesnc Greys snl the Independent Blues,
arrived, and were admitted to tho Court
grounds.
So disordOrly aud riotous did the crowd
become at tho time that both of tho mill
tary companies were obliged to charge up
on them with their bayonets.
About half past 0 o'clock the reporter:
of the news, and the physicians were ad'
mit.od. Others holding tickets were moi
admitted until II o'clock. .---
During list night, several ministers re.
manned With the unfortunate condemned
in company with Messrs. Wray and Frost
The night was spcnt..in uncesing prayer
At an early hour this morning, the Min.
listers we're again with him, and the prison
or Joined most fervertly in prayer with
them.
About ono o'clock Sheriff Magill enter
ed the prisoners cell, and informed him
tina. tho time had arrived for his execution,
The executor, most hideous wretch, SO
disguised that it was impossible to distin-
guish the features Of bis countenance,
Knocked off his irons and pinioned his
arms.
TIE prisoner leaning on thearms Of sher,
if Magill and Dr. Glenn then passed thIo
the avenue in the yard to the steps Of the
gullows, and mounted them, he preceding
them. The Jail yard was denssly crowd
ed.
Stepping forward, he stated thai, he was
under so many obligations for kindness to
Sheriff Magill, that he begged him not to
be his executioner.
He then read the dying declaration
which follows.in loud voice. Atits con-
clusion he addressed bis young friends,
whom he recognized. lie begged them to
take him for an example, and avoid the
cup to which he attributed his present sit
u.tion. He mos. cordially forgaye every
person who had injured him, as he hoped
to DO forgiven. He felt confident of the
mercy and forgiveness Of God.
Rev. Mr.. Douglass made fervent pray
or to the Most High, for the unfortunate
man. Jewell bore himself heroically. He
joined audibly in the prayer.
The lhaugman then adjusted the ropo
round his neck, tied his legs, and placed
the cap over his head. AT this moment,
the condemned requested Sheriff Magill to
pray, which he did most fervently. The
prisoner then uttered prayer, and babe
farewell to his numerous friends.
He then cmmenccd prayer again, and in
the midst fit, tho Sheriff gave the signal,
and the hangman touched the fatal lever,
the weights fell, the supporters drawn a.
way, the trap let down, and Jewel swung
in air. 3D.,
His neck wa, broken Immediately. His
body was convulsed for some minutes
The lever was touched at four minutes to
9 o'clock, and he was suspended in the all
until twenty-five minutes to three.
DR.. Tirdle and DR.. Brooks then made
an examination of tho body and pronoun,
ced him dead. Tho body vas then cut
down and placed in the coffin. The coffin
had silver plate with the inscription,
"DAy1D JEWELL, JR.,
Born, May "a, 1924,
Died, March "a, 1854,
Aged 20 years and 10 months"
The corpse was followed to the residence
of his parents by the clergy, physicians
and others, who had been in attendance
upon him.
He will be buried on Sunday, We IN
derstand. @ .
Altogether the sight was most horrible
To see a young man full of life and health
talking to the crowd around, and pres
emily to see him dangling between HEAVIER
and earth, boreft of life is most painful.
Thousands surrounded tho Jail, and kep
up a constant clamor, almost drowning tn
words of the unfortunate man. 'r
! After the execution, the yard was clear
cd by the military, and the friends of tn
condemned and the reporters only remain
ed.
It is due to Sheriff Magill to say tina
everything was conducted with the mos
perfect propriety, and regard to the feel
ings of tho condemned.
The haugman, imported from the East
was really the most hideous person w
have ever seen, great long matted red hair
fell around his shoulders. A cap of tn
same color and shape as that worn BY Jew
ell, surmountsd his head. Immensel.
long and fierce whiskers (false,) coyeree
his lower face, while the upper was daub
cd with darkish red paint.
His pants were white, and held up by
red bandanna handkerchief. He proceed
cd to his business with tho most perfec
heartlessress, and sang froia-a feeling o
disgust and horror filled every breast.