Washington telegraph., 1855-12-19

gar 10 witness the execution OF crane and
Free. Some 5000 or 5000 persons as
sembled before the appointed time
At l o'clock P. NJ. accompanied by
Sheriff Carson and his assistants, the pris-
oners came forth and took their seats quite
gaily in a wagon.
Crane was elegantly dressed in full sum-
mer suit of white-pants trimmed with blue,
blue sash. with rosette or star upon bis
breast, and looked and acted the perfec.
Kentucky gentleman.
Free was also we'll dressed; light coat.
trimmed with red; red sash; black pants,
trimmed with red; an elegant low-crowned
black rowdy hat which he wore little to
one side, and appeared like an unconcerned
jolly sailor.
Arriving at the foot of the gallows, both
assembled with firm step to the platform
Free was quite gaily (both being entirely
uncon6ned) skipped upon the drop and
round the platform. smiling upon the ar
rangement. They were now permitted to
address the assemblage Crane in very
gentlemanly manner. and apparently with
out the slightest hesitation. read in a loud
firm voice his address. He seemed to re-
gret nothing. except that he had not been
permitted to take his own life; that he was
soon to be with his beloved bride, but who
the world called his murdered victim; and
continued to speak for nearly twenty min
utes
Free said he had concluded not to make
any remarks. as it would only excite the
people present, and stepped back from the
edge of the scaffold Calls from the crowd
to go on let us have it brought him for
ward. He then said ''I'll give you Micky
Frees scaffold song" Commenced, but after
singing three lines, stopped. saying, Gen
tlemen. l can't 60 through with it; you must
excuse me-
Crane came forward and commenced sing
ing hymn from manuscript, probably of his
own composition, in which Free heartily
joined
They we're attended on the scafTold by
the Rev. James Rogers, and the Rev j.
Petit.
The last words of Free were Now,
boys. see this is done up right Cranes
last words were Susan receive NE !; | viii
soon be with you
The above is the sequel to two of the
bloodiest tragedies ever enacted within the
borders Of this State. the particulars OF
which were published in this paper at the
periods of their occurrence.
Crane was tried and found guilty of the
murder Of Miss Susan NJ Newnham near
Ringgold. Ell Dorado county. on August 10.
but she survived till the 18th. lie shot her
with Colts revolver.
In bis confession, he stated that he had
formed an attachment for her some fifteen
months previously that they had been mar
ried, but only by God himself; that anotl-
er, who was suitor to her hand. and who
was favored. moreover, by her parents. had
caused ali the difficulty. He confessed that
a bar existed to his marrying Susan openly,
viz : that he had sife living in the East
ern States.
Crane was over thirty years of age, and
has four children living near Lexington,
Ky. He was an enthusiastic spirituali<t, and
on this subject was regarded as a monoma-
MAC.
Free had, according to his profession and
the evidence adduced on his trial, led long
career of crime He married a good, true
and virtuous woman. whose precepts and ex-
red him from vice. He. however robbed
her of all her money, and left Cor California
some years ago Here he has been known
as thief, highway robber. and finally. it is
demonstrated that he was en-
gagged in several murders before justice
overlook him. The crime for which he has
just suffered the extreme penalty Of the law
was committed some months ago. He was
then in the region of Lake Valley. El Do
RADIO, liz company with one Kelly. Wilson,
ard others, where they encountered two
traders, and decided to kill them
A1rest Of Harry Meiggs in Chill
We are informed by Governor BIgler that
some time since be addressed a letter to
the American Minister in Chill, certify
ing with the proper vouchers, that Henry
Meiggs had been indicted in San Francisco
for committing great crimes; that he had
fled before his crimes were discovered that
he was known to be residing in Chill that
his arrest and delivery to the hands Of the
law in California would be great benefit
to the cause of justice. and that although
there is no treat of international extradition
between the United States and Chill. and if
there were. formal application could ouly be
made by the Administration at Washington,
yet the Chilian authorities might possibly,
as matter of courtesy. make the arrest and
deliver the accused to the American au-
thorities
Minister Starkweather placed his letters
and documents before the administration Of
Chill. and President Montt Immediately gave
directions that measures should be taken for
the arrest of Meiggs, and he was according
ly arrested He will probably be brought
to this port by the FIRST American man-of-
var coming this way and possibly by mer-