The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-08-13
IN ADVANCE
N u M B Err &c.
EXECUTION OF MAJ. ANDRE.


The following interesting account ofthe
execution of Major Andre, October 2,
1880, as given by an eye witness, has
been extracted from the Historical Collec-
tions Of New Jersey:
was at that time an artfcer in Colo
mel Jeduthan Baldwn's regiment, part
of which was stationed within a short dis
tance Of the spot where Andre suffered
One of our men q believe his name was
Armstrong; being one of the oldest, and
best workmen at his trade in the regiment
was selected TO make his coffin, winch ho
performed, and painted black, agreeably
to the custom In those times. At this
time Andre was confined in whu, was
called n Dutch Church, "a smal! S.one buil-
ding with only one door, and closely guar
ded by six senine!s. When The hour ap-
pointed for his execution arrived, which
believe WAS two o'clock, p. NJ, guard Of
| three hundred men Wee paraded at tho
place of bis confinement. A kind of pro.
! cession was formed, by placing a guard
in single file on each side of the road. In
front were n large number of American
| officers of high rank on horseback. These
were followed by wagon containing An
dre's cotfin; then large number OF Off
GERS on loot, with Andre in their midst.
The procession moved slowly up mode.
rately rising hill, should think about n
fourth of a mile to the west. On the ton
was field without any enclosure. In
this was very high gallows, made by
setting up two poles, or crotchcs, and lay
ing pole on the top. The wagon that
contained the coffin was drawn directly
under the gaows. In a short time An
DIRE stepped into tie hind end Of The wag-
on then on his coflin-took off his hat,
and laid it down-then placed his hands,
upon his hips, and walked very uprish,ly
back and forth, rs far as the length Of his
! coffin would permit; at the same time
casting his eyes dpon the pole over his
head, and the whole scenery by which he
was surrounded. lie was dressed in what
| should call a complete British uniform
his coat was Of the brightest scarlet, faced
or trimmed with the most beautiful green.
Ills under clothes, or vest and brcechcs,
we're bright buff, very similar to those
worn by military officers in Connecticut
al the present day. He had long aud
beautiful head of ha,r; which agreeablv
| TO the fashion, was wound with a black
rbhaud, and hung down his back. All
eyes were upon him and it is not beiev-
ed that any officer of tie British army,
| placed IN his situation, would nave appear
ed better than this unfortunate man.
Not many minutes after he took his stand
upon the coffin, the execulioner stepred
into the wagon, with halter in his hand
which lie attempted TO put over the head
and around the neck Of Andre; but hy q
sudden movement Of his hand this was
prevented. Andre took off the bandker-
chief from his neck, umpinned his shirt
collar, and deliberately took tile end of
the halter, put it over his head, and plac-
ed the knot directly under his right ear,
and drew livery snugly to his neck. He
then took from his coat pocket n hand.
kerchief, and tied it over his eyes. This
done the officer that commanIel This
name have forgtton) spoke in rather q
loud voice, and said that his arms must
be tied. Andre Mt once pulled down the
handkerchief he bad just tied over his
eyes, and drew from his pocket a second
one, and gave II 10 the eXecutioner; and
then replaced his handkerchief. Ills arms
were tied just above the elbows, and be-
hind the back. The rope was then made
fast TO the pole over head. The wagon
was very suddenly drawn from under the
gallows, which together with the length
of the rope, gave hun most tremendous
swing back and forth tut in few min
utes he hung entirely still. During the
whole transaction, he appeared as little
daunted as Mr.. John Rogers is said to
have been, when he was about TO be burnt
at the stake; but his countenance was
rather pale. He remained hanging. J
| should think, from twenty to thirty miu.
utes; and during that time the chambers
Of death were never stilcr than the multi.
tude by which he was surrounded. Orr
ders were given 10 c.. the rope, and take
him down, without letting him fall. This
was done and his body carefully laid on
the ground. Shortly after, the guard was
Withdrawn, and spectators were permitted
to come forward and view the corpse |; but
the crowd was so great, thar il was some
Tune before could get an opportunity
When | was able TO do this, his coat, vest
and breeches, were taken of, and his bod,
laid in the coffin, covered by some un.
der.clothcs. The top Of the coffin was
not put on. viewed the corpse more
carefully, than had ever done chat Of
any human being before. His head was
very much on one side, in consequence of
the manner 10 which the halter drew upon
his neck. His face appeared to be great
" swollen, and very black, much resem.
biing abigli degree OF modification. Il
was indeed shocking sight TO behold.
There were al this time standing al tie
loot OF the coffiD, two young men. Of un.
common short stature. | should think
not more than four feet high. Their
dress was the most gaudy that ever be.
held. One Of them had The clothes, just
taken from Andre, hanging en- bis arm.
| took particular pains 10 learn who they
we're; and wns informed that they va