The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1858-04-14
ing of winters morning presented most

Place de la Roquette. In few minutes seven
squadrons of cavalry were heard advancing, the
men wrapped in their blue or white cloaks, and
the Dragons helmets cleaning in the lamplight.
/ The whole of the Sd hussars, two squadron oil
heavy horse, two squadron of mounted gendar-
merie issued from the side streets on the square.
They then wheeled round, and, separating into
several detachments, swept the Place and the
streets close to it, and quietly, but firmly, com
PEELED the multitude to fall back to the corth
side ofthe Rue St. Maur, and the south side Of
the Rues Popincourt and Basfroid, where they
were keptat respectful distance by two bat
talions ofinantry supported by divers sections
orcavalry and squads Of sergens-de-ville. The
place Of execution was occupied by cavalry, as
we'll as the space which runs round both pris-
ons. In less than half an hour numerous de-
tachments Of infantry, preceded by squads of
sergens-de-ville to clear the way, took posses
sion of all the points Of Faubourg St. Antoine,
issuing on the Roquette, and whoever Glanced
to pass in that direction was obliged to show
s.tisfactorily that he was going on his lawful oc-
cupation. The armed force called into requisi
tion on this occasion was calculated at over
1000 men, they were under the immediate COM
mand Of general of brigade.
Precisely at 6 o'clock Orsini and Pierri were
awoke from their sleep by the governor of the
prison, who announced that their last hour was
como The Abbe Hugon, chaplain Of the Ro-
quette, and the chaplain OF the Conciergere,
were present. do not profess to give particu-
lars Of what passed within the walls of the cell,
but may observe that the wretched men ap-
pcarcd calm when the news, which could not
have taken them by surprise, was announced to
them. I am assured that they heard mass and
received communion with respect. Soon after
they were taken to the room called dc la toilette,
for change Of dress. 1t is not large. On the
present. occasion it contained besides the chap
llin5 and the governor ofthe prison, about thr
ty persons, the principal among whom was tie
grefiier, or clerk representing the Court OF AS
size, and the husser, or usher, who was charged
with reading the sentence on the scaifold. The
remainder We're apparently police agents.
When the convicts entered the chan,5fe de la
toilette they were placed at different extremities
Of it, with their backs turned to each other
There were two assistant cxccutioners--one
Paris. These lost no time in preparing the con-
victs for the soaffold. During the dreadful op-
Grafton Orsini remained calm and though he
was not so loud or contradictory as during his
trial, Pierri was somewhat excited The straight
waiscoat interfered with his gcs tilations, but he
hardly ceased speaking fora moment When
the executioner was pinioning him he asked that
the Gstenings shoald not be drawn too tight as
he had no intention of escaping. The cold
touch of the steel on his neck when the scls-
sors cut off his hair, so as not to interfere with
the gmllotine, for an instant appeared to thrill
through him; but he recovered himself when he
found that his beard was left untouched. He
thanked the executioner for letting him die with
his face as became man. When the hood to
which the vail which covers the features of the
parricde is suspended was put over his head,
he is said to have laughed and attempted to
joke about the figure he must cut. At this mo
ment he turned his head and perceived Orsini;
he saluted him gaily, and asked how he was
getting on. He was interrupted by Orsini, who
was himself undergoing the same operation,
with the same sang ,froid as if he were under
he hands of a valet dressing fora party with
the words, "Be calm, be calm, my friend."--
Pierris tongue ran on, however. The assistant
proceeded to strip him of his shoes, for in pur-
, suance Of the sentence they were to proceed to
the scaffold bareiooted. The man appeared to
hesitate but Pierri encouraged him to proceed
and resisted him as much as he could, still talk
ing. The operation being over, and the toilette
complete, he turned towards the turnkey and
asked to be allowed to embrace him. This re-
quest was complied with. The moment of mo-
wing now came, aud the Able Hugon cried out
"Courage!" "Oh! / am not afraid am not
afraid" he said, I'VE are going to Calvary" and
in sort of feverish excitement he repeated to
himself Calvary, Calvary"
0rsini was on the other hand as calm and
tranquil as his Gellow-convict was excited. He
spoke little; but when the governor Of the pris-
on and some of the officers approached him he
bade them in low tone of voice farewell. The
turnkey OF his cell announced to him in tone
Of regret thot his last moments was come. Or
sini thanked him for his sympathy. His hair
was cut away from his neck, but he un-
derwent the operation without finching At
the moment when the hood was put on his head,
his face which up to that time was calm and
impassable became flushed for moment, and
his eye lighted up.
The prison clock struck seven; before the
last sound died away the door leading to the
scaffold opened as Of itself The Able Hugon
entreated Pierri to profit by the few moments
still left to collect his thoughts, and assume
calmer attitude. He promised to be calm, and
said he should chant o patriotic, hymn; and it
is said that he actually began to sing the we'll
known Mourn pour Il Patrie." Leaning on
the Able Hugon, he mounted fifteen steps OF
the scafold, still repeating the verses of the
song. - 84
Orsini was supported by the chaplain Of the
Conciergerie, and his calmness never abandoned
him for . moment. When he appeared on the
platform, it could be seen from the movement Of
his body and ofhis head--though covered with
the veil,-that he was looking out for the crowd,
and probably addressing them. But they were
100 far of. The grefier then directed the usher
"a read the sentence Of the court. condamninp