Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-11-04

How MAJOR ANDRE NET HIS FATR.-Although
Andres request as to the mode of his death was
not to be granted, it was though best to let him
remain in uncertainty on the subject; no answer
therefore, was returned to his note. On the
morning of the End he maintained calm de-
meanor, though all around him were gloomy
and silent. He even rebuked his servant for
shedding tears. Having breakfasted, he dressed
himself with care in the full uniform OF British
officer. which he had sent for to New York,
placed his hat upon the table, and accosting the
officers on guard-'I am ready" said ne, "at a.
nv moment, gentlemen, to wait upon you." he
walked to the place of execution between two
officers, arm in arm, bowling to several gen.
tlemen whom he knew. Colonel Talmadge &C.
companed him and we quote bis own words
"When he came within sight OF the glb6et he
appeared to be startled, and inquired with some
emotion, whether he was not to be shotY Be-
inc informed that the mode first appointed for
his death could not be consistently altered, he
exclaimed How hard is my fate y but immedi-
ately added, twill soon be over then shook
hands with him under the gallOws, and retired"
While waiting near the gallows, until prepara
tions were being made, says another authority,
who was present, he evinced some nervousness,
putting his foot on stone and rolling it; and
IL
bysterical affection of the throat. All things
being ready. he stepped into the wagon appear
ed to shrink for an instant, but recovered him.
self Immediately, exclaimiDg ut will be but q
momentary pang." Taking off his hat and stock
and opening his shirt collar, he deliberately ad-
iusted the moose to his neck, after which he
took out another handkerchief and tied over his
eyes. Being told by the officer in command
III ho opt
ond handkerchief, with which they were pin
ioned. Colonel Scanned now told him that he
had on opportunity to speak, if he desired it.
His only reply was, II pray you to bear witness
that meet my fate like a brave man." The
wagon moved from under him and left him sus-
pended He died almost without a struggle
He remained suspended for about half an hour,
during which time deathlike stiffness prevail
ed over the surrounding multitude. His re-
mains were inferred within few yards Of the
place of his execution; whence they were trans
ferred to England, in 1921, by the British Con-
sui then resident in New York, and were buried
in Westminster Abbey, near the mural monu-
ment which had been erected to his memory.
-Arrings Life Of Washington.
STUDYING HUMAN NATUnE.-The Buffalo Re-
public tells story which we Cont believe, but
it is so good that it is worth repeating simply
a joke:
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, dressed in very
common Clothes was studying human nature as
exhibited in the highways and bye-ways of New
York. In the course of his philosophic peregri-
nations he went into mock auction shop. He
stood awhile on entering, and reflected, doubt
less how any one could be so lost to all sense OF
truth and honesty as the auctioneer in question,
endeavoring to palm off his worthless trash to
the inexperienced in city ways, as good and val
liable, aud finally the auctioneer called out: "Mr.
Beecher, why don't you bid9" He was greatly
astonished, as we can well imagine, at fading
himself known in this place, and as he had sup.
posed in purposely careless dress. He immedi.
ately left, and started for the residence of one oi
the members of the church in the neighborhood
and requested him, as an act of kindness, to &c
down and enquire of that person who had sold
himself to Satan for the love of gain, how it was
that he knew him in bis disguise. The neigh.
Dor kindly consented, AID on entering the "Pe
ter Funk" shop he addressed the auctioneer
"How is it that you know Henry Ward Beech
er so well as to be able to recognize him in hii
dsguise?"
@How do know him2 Why, hare 6een &
member of his congregation for the last ire gears
and oson the ftth pew from the 'front.'"
AN UNSAFE SAFE.-"Uncle SAM" having o
mitted to construct vault in the new custom
house in this city, sent on large iron safe from
Baltimore to supply the deficiency. 1t had I
patent burglar and fire-proof lock, similar, WI
suppose to that which has lately been broken il
Richmond. After it had been placed in the Gus
tom house the workmen locked the door, ant
were wholly unable to unlock it. One of tn,
men had previously been inside of the safe, ant
the door had been locked and unlocked Will
he was inside After he stepped out it wa
locked second time, and all efforts to unlocl
it were unavailing. The maker of the safe ha'
to come on to unlock it, which he did by alter
ing the key. Had the difficulty occurred il
locking it the first time, while the workma
was inside, it must have proved fatal to him, a
he would have suffocated before it could hav
been opened-Portland Adrertissr.