Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1856-07-10
.Lnnss p. Ca,eu and Charlie, Cora.

James II, casey ana CA0TteS COTdI
Were hung by the Vigilance Committee at
precisely twenty minutes after one O'clOck-the
former for the murder Of James King. Of VIM,
and the latter for the murder Of Gen. William
Richardson. Both persons had been tried be,
fore the Committee, and found guilty. prom.
ise had been made to Casey that he should
have fair trial, and be permitted speak ten
minutes. These conditions had doubtlessly
been observed Casey was informed on Wed
nesday afternoon that he had been condemned d
to be hung. While under the charge Of the
Vigilance COpmittee his spirit appeared to be
unbroken. When awakened, after sleep, he
would frequently strike the floor with his hand
cuffs. and swear 6ercely a: his fate. During
the evening previous to his execution, the Rt.
Rev. Bishop Allemany attended Casey, who
had been educated in the Roman Catholic rel.
gion. During the night he was restless, and
passed portion of the time in pacing bis room.
Cora attracted less attention, and conducted
himself more quietly.
At eight o'clock, on Thursday morning. the
General Committee was notified that Casey and
Cora would be executed at half past one, and
ordered to appear under arms. During the
morning, preparations were made for the exc
cution. Beams were run out over two Of the
windows Of the Committee Room, and plat.
forms about three feet square, extending Out
under each beam. These platforms were sup
ported next the house by hinges, and outside
by ropes, extending'up to the beams. Along
the ptreets, for a considerable distance on each
side of the place ofexecution, were ranged the
Committee--more that three thousandin in num-
ber--some on foot with muskets, and Others
gu horse back with sabres. No outsiders were
permitted to approach within hundred yards,
Beneath the place of execution were several
CannOns and caissons, ready for use II neCessa
ry. The houses 10 the vicinity were covered
with spectators and in The streets we're col
lectsd. probably, not less than eight or ten shOa
sand persons.
At quarter past one, Casey and Cora were
brought out upon the platforms. The former
was attended by the Rev. father Gallagher
The arms of both were piniOned at the elbows
The moose was placed around Coras neck
when he stepped upon the platform and stood
irm as a statue, white handkerchief being
wrapped around his head. The moose was plA
ced around CaSey's neck, but at bis request re-
moved, while he had some three or four minutes
conversation with his priest. He then came
forward and addressed the people as follows
"OENrLEMEN. FELLow CITIZENS II am moi
guilty Of any crimes. When am dead, when
am laid in my grave, let no one dare traduce
my character or asperse my memory. Let nc
man exult over me. or point to my grave as
that OF an assassin. am guilty Of no crime
; only acted as was taught--acCordiug to my
early educatiOn--tO avenge an insult. Let moi
the Ala, III, ChroRicls and the Globe, persecuts
: my memory let them no more proclaim me
: murderer to the world. Let them not insult
ms after death. Ihave an aged mother in the
Atlantic States. and l hope that she will nevtl
hear how died. thrust she will never know
am executed on charge of murder, I an
not guilty Of any such crime"
About tsis time Father Gallagher touchet
Casey. and said; "Pray TO God to pardon yOl
for your crime; pray God TO save Jour soul,
Casey. after moments hesitation spoke q
gain:
"Oh. GOd, pardon aud forgive me. Oh, N.
mother my mother I hope she will neve