Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1855-08-08
From Harper Magaznel
THE EXECUTION OF MAI. ANDRE

THE following account Of Andres exc
cution is one Of the most minute and in
teresting that we have ever read. 1t was
furnished to Mr. VIM G. Haeselbarth. of
Rockland County, the history of which he
is engaged in writing 1t was taken down
from the lips of soldcier in Col. Jcduthan
Baldwin's regiment, part of which was
stationed a short distance from whore
poor Andre suffered.
'One of our men whose name was Arm
strong, being one of the oldest and best
workmen at his trade in the regiment, was
selected to make his coffin, which he did,
and painted it black, as was the custom
at that period.
C At this timo Andre was confined in
what was called the Old Dutch Church.
small stone building with but only one
door, and closely guarded by six scnt;-
nels.s
When the hour appointed for his exc
cution arrived, which was at two o'clock
in the afternoon, a guard of three hundred
men were paraded at the place Of his con
fnement A kind of procession was
formed By placing the guard in single file
on each side of tho road. In front were
large number of American officers of
high rank on horseback. These were fol
lowed by the wagon containing Andres
coffin, then large number of officers on
foot, with Andre in their midst.
"The procession wound slowly up
moderately rising ground about a quarter
of mile to the Nest On the top was
field wittout any inclosure and on this
was very high gallows, made by setting
up two poles or crocLets, and laying pole
on the top.
"The wagon that contained the coffin
was drawn directly under the gallows.-
In short time Andre stepped into the
hind end of the wagon, then on his coffin,
took off his hat, and laid it down; then
placed his hands upon his hips. and walked
very uprightly back and forth as far rs
the length of the wagon would permit, at
the same time casting his eyes up to the
pole over his head and the whole scenery
by which he was surrounded.
=" He was dressed in a complete British
uniform. His coat was Of the brightest
scarlet. faced and trimmed with the most
beautiful green. His undcr-clothes, vest,
and breeches we're bright buff he had a
long and beautiful head of hnir, which,
agrceably to the fashion, was wound With
black ribbon and hung down his back.
| Not nanv minutes after he took his
stand upon tho coffin, the executioner
stepped into the wagon with a halter in
| his hand, on one end Of which was what
the soldiers in those days called a hang
mans knot which he attempted to put
over tho head and around the neck of
| Andre; but by sudden movement Of his
hand this was prevented.
Andre took off tho handkerchief from
his neck, unpinned his shirt COLLAR, and
deliberately took tho cord of the halter,
pu. it over his head, and placed the knot
directly under his right ear, and drew it
very snugly to his neck. He then took
from his coat pocket a handkerchief, and
tied it before his eyes. This done, the
officer who commanded spoke in rs.hor o
loud voice, and said
"' Has arms must be ticl'
Andrs ut once pulled down the hand
kerchief which he had JUST tied over his
eyes, and drew from his pocket second
one, which he gavo to the executioner, and
then replaced his handkerchief.
c" His arms at this time wero tied just
above the elbow, aud behind the back.
"The ropo was then made fast to the
nole overhead The wagon was very sud
denly drawn from under the gallows
, which. together with the length of rope
gave him most tremendous swing bach
and forth :, few moments he hung
/. entirely still.
:. During the whole transact on he seem
. ed as little daunted as John Rogers wher
{ he was about to be burnt at the stake, al
though his countenaucs YES retler Pala