The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-07-01
Exeeatien OF Palmer, the Peissser.

Execution or Palmer, the Poisoner.
The English papers have long accounts Of the
execution at Stafford, on the l3th Of Palmer, the
poisoner Of l. persons. The evening before Rev
Thomas Palmer, Mr. George Palmer, solicitor,
and Miss Palmer, arrived At the Jail to take their
fiual leave of their brother. Each of them, scpa-
rstely, spent considerable time with the prison.
er. and, well may be imagined, was greatly
affected, tie sister particularly 80. The prsoner
no longer maintained the extraordinary selfpos-
session which has characterized him both before,
during and after his trial He was occasionally
moved to tears. but he quickly recovered himself.
Rev. Thomas Palmer earnestly entreated the prs-
oner to confess, II he were guilty; but he firmly
and distinctly replied Il have nothing to say. and
nothing shall say" The interview between the
parties, occupied upwards of two hours, and the
last of the visitors finally took leave of the prison
er At about 81 O'Clock, Though they did not leave
the JAN for some time after.
The correspondent of the Liverpool Times wri'
ting on Friday. says:
Notwithstanding that the ain fell most heavily
during Friday, Friday night. and this morning. ev.
cry place where the least glimpse of the sad and
narrowing spectacle could be witnessed was occu-
pied-fabulous sums having been given for tickets
for the platform, and fol seat at the windows from
whence q view could be obtained
The gaows vas erected outside OF. the iail inn
medately in front of the entrance and opposite
the County Court. The available space for the
immense lumber cOpgregated on the occasion, " "a
not title to accommodate the immense masses
who were in the town, and who up to the very
minute of the fatal bolt being drawn continued to
arrive
The streets were one mass of puddle, and all the
visitors were drenched through to the skin by the
deuge of rain that fell about o'clock this morn
ing. The crowd in front of the fatal instrument
of death was most terrific; bnt the able and effi-
cient arrangements made by Capt. Hatton. the
chief of the county cdnstabulary, who had large
force at his command, prevented any very serious
accidents. At this tiIne number of devoted men,
from various parts of the crowd, were addressing
the multitude in suitable terms, exhortng them to
take warning by the sad sight of a fellow being
about to be launched into eternity, and amend
their ways, while great number of Sunday school
scholars were engaged in delivering religious tracts
among the people.
AS near O'Clock possible, the sound of the
bell of the church commenced tolling and soon
after the prison doors were thrown open and the
mournful procession was seen approaching the
fatal drop Rev. j. H. Goodacre led the way, rea-
ding the funeral service, and was followed by the
miserable culprit, William Palmer who was then
III few moments about to suffer the extreme pen
atty of the law. He was not much altered in his
appearance since his trial. Major Fulford the
governor, and the keepers who have had the
charge of the condemned. with the executioner,
filled up the rear. The chaplain took his place on
the right OF Palmer, and proceeded with the read
ing of the service, while the executioner was nd.
justing the rope and placing the cap over his es
he then for moment stepped back, the fatal
bolt was withdrawn and William Palmer, the sur
geon of hugely, was launched into eternity. to
meet bis Maker for the murder of John Parsons
Cook
The culprit was dressed in the prison costume
lie mounted the scatfold with great frmness, and
died without scarcely struggle. During the night
nor up to the time of his death, had he ever con.
fessed to the awful crime for which he has suffer
ed. n