The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-08-22

x1o S14cWu1Om u N6eDk0Iy In IA1mxOURyo
Pre- he Frsnissrt txyy Woman, AUG. IL
Saturday last, as our readers viii recolIeCt, was
the dsy appointed for the execution Of william
WeigaTt, who was convicted Of the murder sf Chas.
Cushing, IN Lexinston, lsst winter: y WIS an
trary to general expectation, between nine and ten
In the morning. At an early hour, crowds could
be seen coming into the city from every direction,
and by nine O'Clock the street in front Of the jail
was crowded to such an excess that it was impossl
bic 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
car, which was standing in readiness. II
Az about halfp nine the prisoner, escorted by
the jsilor, the sheriff, end the Rv Messrs. Bsrkey
and Pratt, made hs appearance With quick, agi.
tated step, and, waving his prayer book, ascended
the car Several Of his friends got ia With him. and
me noIniul cortege owe slowly on 70 the spot ct
which be was TO take bis departure from earthly
atsiTs. A very large crowd followed and preceded
the ear, while the windows and doors along the
route wcre flet with anxious, eager f. 90, DESTROYS
Of cat hing glimpse Of the unfortunate man. Soon
the Dreadful Implement of death was seen rearing
its eoomy head In the distance and a. the prisoner
noticed II perceptible shudder went over his
whole frame. An immense multitut were gather
ed there, and all heads were turned TO the advanc
DEG death. "n''A was 0sA''ns 'sl'0"nom'n 70 MS
Arriving at the foot Of the galows, the car stop
ped. Rev. Mesns. Pratt and Berkeley then sung
hymn, in which the prisoner joined, and then the
uIrs 0amCu BCULAc4du dQUTQ6S6O tho luIOu0 VI
Grace In behalf Of the unfortunate young man.
Weigart himself then AneeIed own, and In silence
prayed for few moments, then, rising from his
feet, MI. Rerkley commended the poor prisoner to
the kind nsr. &c. II just and fergiving Cod Dur
heard, - II In supplication to heaven. The devo-
ti0nsl exercises being concluded the cc< rs Of the
Law stepped forward and commenced the dreadful
preparation for death, by tying his hands.
Up to this time the prisoner seemed to have been
supported by SONG vague nope Of rescue or pardon,
but when the fatal white cap was drawn over his
eyes, he seemed TO realize ard not fully until then
the dreadful fate that awaited him. While the rope
was being tied, bis acquaiDtances came around, and
bid him farewell. Having thanked his clerical
friends for their kindness and uniemitting attention
to Rim during bis incarceration, he commenced an
insudibie mufmuring as II in prayer, and as tnat
vac conejuded, the Knot was arranged around his
reck, and the rope fastened - the bsam above All
was ready now, andt period for him TO plate the
crime be bad conmsedaRainst bis God aud the In We
OF the land had arrved-tbc wore given to drive
on. when the prisoner attempted to anticipate by
jumping on. He failed in this, and the word was
repested; the car started, and In another moment
the M fo tunate criminal was writhng in the death
agopies between heaven and earth. He was very
light, and the fall did not break his ne *, and his
Euferipgs were intense; several times he drew him.
self up some distance, and let his whole weight fall
quickly, with tie intention, we suppose OF putting
an end to his pain. Oh, it was horrid sight to
see human being wri.hing and twisting in all the
VI tAFSIdCtlul struuyuiu1lOn; ana UOu xfant
that no necessity may ever again rise which will
demand tie interpostion Of the strong arm Of the
law TO secure snch ho)d vepge ance. But lit was
right, and retributive justice has overtaken the
wicked.
He died penitent and with full confidence in the
pr, Dises held out by the Scriptures. His remains
were attended to the GENE cry on Sunday evening
by good concourse Of people.
II was moment for serious and solemn reflection
yet In all that vast crowd we could perceive not
single cheek that was moistcned with the tear Of
sympathy, aud almost every countenance wore its
every day business like aspect. After the first
shock tie momentsry horror was dispelled, and tue
careless jest ana idle laugh were heard in strange
disco,d 10 the death rattle and gurglng groa,s Of
tie expiring victim.
We lave rema ks that the crowd was large: tina,
ne expected, yet we felt inexpressibly shocked and
almost Disguised, as We saw the number of females
the ground. II il scarcely credible, yet it is
tue. Who would have ex pected that woman, sweet
synoDy m for mercy and gen,lepess she whose deli
cate bands are ever reacy to minister to the wants
of the distressed and to sooth the troubled an care
ls6en mini, could have gazed upon scene which
enough to barrow the ssnsibilIties OF a strong
man. We are gratiIed TO thihk tnat the larger por
ton OF females IN the city repudiatcd the very
thought OF going to the execution; for this we
csnmt nd them, as 1t displays that kindness 0
heart and ccmmiserauon for the misfortunes o
Others, which have ever been the browning orna
meLts Of their character.