The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-02-16
han the familiar old Methodist hymns sung
" broken voices in that dungeon Of the


than the familiar old Methodist hymns sung
by broken voices in that dungeon Of the
doomed.
The gallows was erected about two hun.
,lrel wards above the mouth of the Little
sandy, and was simply formed by placing
two locust posts firmly in the ground, and
Joining them by a cross piece, whish was
about ten feet long and twelve feet high
The hour for the +" hanging " was between
twelve and one. but some delay took place
at the mil. That institution was so con-
strrcted that the prisoners had to make
their exit from the second story, and de.
,cend 10 the wagon which wal" backed up /"
for their reception. by an outside railway.
This afrrded the surrounding crowd n
GOOD look at the wretches, who, with ropes
about their necks, tho hanSman's knot
nicely soaped and adjusted under their leit
earsj and their arms fastened tightly behind
by the elbows, took seats on their own col.
Ems, in Stacking old wood.wagon, hauled
by dirty bay and a dingy gray horse, teach
animal with hurs in his untutored tail and
mane) and driven by an old man, whose
shirt collar ION one side) hung ut least foot
over the corresponding part OF his coat,
while the other side was almost minus
One hundred guards, in citizens dress, and
without weapons, surround the vehicle. and
tho dismal array moved towards the scaffold.
Short appeared cheerful, and spoke in hearty
tones % his old acquaintance. Hannlng
was trembling with fear, and silent, while
his eye was unsteady, and glared here and
there like frightened animals.
Tho gallows was 30 placed that on one
side was a hill, affording thousands OF per-
sOns n fair view Of the doplorable spectacle
When the wagon reached the spot, Q
minister beside the prisoner, commenced 8
hymn, but only two or three voices joined
him, and the singing was feeble, broken
but unexpectedly sorrowful When the last
stanza had been sobbed forth, the condemned
kneeled and bent over their collins, and the
minister offered n prayer. During these
ceremonies the great multitude collected
around, (the number estimated) was awed
into stiffness profound rs breezeless sum
mar wilderness.
When the prayer was over, Short spoke
rs follows -
a want all OF you to take warning by
me. See what whiskey and bad women
have brought me to. have been to good
many hanging scrapes myself, and thought
il was great fun, but never thought ID be
hung myself. This is the work of Captain
Whiskey. am willing to die for the life OF
the man took. Talk of pleasure II have
tried all kinds of il, about shantics drunk,
and everywhere else, but have had more
real pleasure up in that old Jail than ever
before in my life; and chains on my leg,
big heavy chains at that. Just took OF
this old coat, and whipped Satan clean out,
fair. | we made my election sure, | think.
Yes, sir, think my election Is sure. Some
one in the crowd called out, If you arc
safe, do Mt think there is much danger for
the rest OF US am perfectly willing to
die. The man you have got in Jail for aid.
ing me is perfectly innocent. and ought to
be let 20; but that Blair deserves all we
got. Blair was the man who told him to
shoot; lie was as much to blame as I
was.n
Some one inquired -" Are you willing to
die, Steve - Said he-"Yes: | hate
this world and my own life :" and he con.
tinued with an air that was nearly exulting
=" IN going to leave it II be in
Paradise before unknown. Now, farewell.
farewell meet me in the other world. I
want to see you all in Heaven" An old
nan, somewhat drunk, pressed upon him
Short said -" Whiskey brought me TO this
Il expect you along in few days"
tanning then, quaking in every limb. got
up and said -" have ut GOT anything
against any man in the world, and | hope
nobody s got anything against me now"
Short repeated this remark. Large mum.
bcrs of his acquaintance crowded about,
shaking hands with him and asking ques
tions, until the last moment. lie knew all
his old friends, and exchanged smiles and
words of good will with them until the white
cap was tied down over his face. He stood
mp firmly as tho wagon was driven away and
said at that instant, very distinctly" Fare.
well all my friends - when the fatal moose
checked his utterance.
- s=H-