Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-09-01
THE EXECUTION or ANDRE.


On "lndependence Day we took steamer for
the County Of Rockland, determined 10 pass the
Fourth in peace and cuietness. and desirous Of
refreshing our patriotism amidst scenes hallow-
ed by the sacred memories Of the Revolution.
We visited Washing,on's Head quarters at the
little village Of Tappan; the "Seveniy-six
House," where Andre was confined, the place
where he was executed, the grave where he was
buried, and whence he was exhnmed. We
conyersed with venerable lady who gave him
four beautiful peaches on the morning in which
he went forth to die. "IIe Thanked me with
a sweet smile" she said. But somehow or
mother he didn'i seem to have no appetite. Ho
only Bit into one Of en-"
Standing by his grave, we could see across
the broad Hudson, the very place where he was
arrested by Van Wart, Williams, and Paulding,
and the eleaming Of the white monument erect
ed TO their memory; the place where Washing
ton stood when Andre went forth TO die. and
the stone house where he was taken to die upon
a gallows.
The following accounts OF Andres execution
is one of the most minute and interesting that
we have ever read. 1t was furnished TO Mr..
William G. Haeselbarth, Of Rookland County,
the history Of which he is engaged in writing.
Il was taken down from the lips Of a soldier in
Colonel Jeduthan Bsldwins regiment, part Of
which was stationed short distance from where
poor Andre suffered
Gone Of our men, whose name was Arm
strong, being one of the oldes, and best work
men at his trade in the regiment. was selected
to make his coffin, which he did and painted il
black, as was the custom at that period.
AT this time Andre was confined in what
was called the Old Dutch Church, small ston,
building with only one door, and closely guard
by six sentinels.
"When the hour appointed for his execution
arrived, which was at 2 o'clock in the afternoon
guard Of three hundred men were paraded a
the place of his confinement. kind Of pro
cession was formed by placing the guard il
: single file on each side Of the road. In from
were large. number of American officers Of hiel
rank on horseback These were followed BY
thu wagon containing Andres cnfIin. then
large number Of officers on foot with Andre il
their midst.
''1he procession wound slowly up moder
: atey rising ground about quarter Of mile Il
the west. On the top was field without any
encloseurc and on this was a very high gal
: lows, made by setting up two poles or crotch
cts, and laying pole on the top.
"The wagon that contained the coffin wa
drawn directly nnder the gallows. In shur
f time Andre stepped into the hind end of the
wagon, then on his coffin, took Off his hat, AM
l laid it down then placed his hands upon hi
) hips, and walked very uprghtly back and fort
as far as the length Of the wagon would permit
. at the same time casting his eyes up to the pol
over his head and the whole scenery by whic
! he was surrounded.
E "IIe was dressed in a complete British uni
Q form. His coat was Of the brightest scarlet
: faced and trimmed with the most beautiful green
= His under clothes, vest, breeches wern brigh
: buff; he had a long and beautiful head of hail
0 which agreeably to the fashion, was wound wit
4 black ribbon and hung down his back.
a ''Not many minutes ailer he took his stan
S upon the coffin, the executioner stepped into III
wagon with a halter in his hand, on one end O
/ which was what the soldiers in those days cal
2 ed "a hangman's knot which he attempted
put over the head and around the neck of Andre
9 but by sudden movement of his hand, this wa
+ prevented.
c "Andre now took of the handkerchief froI
Il his neck, unpinned his shirt collar and delibrat
}, ly took the cord Of the halter, put it over b
e head, and placed the kno. directly under h
right ear, and drew it very snugly to his necI
J. He then took from bis coat pocket handke
e chief, and tied it before his eyes. This done
1t the officer who commanded spoke rather lou
/. voice, and said
if ''Kfis arms must be tied.
h "Andre at once pulled down the handke
IN chief which he had Just tied over his eyes, al
Is drew from his pocket a second one, which
IN gave to the exeeutioner, and then replaced h
r handkerchief
" ellis arms at this time were tied just abo
in the elbow, and behind the back.
ne ''The rope was then made fast to the po
10 overhead The wagon was very sudden