Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1858-09-09

a drawn sword, cleared the multitude and
opened the way. An open area of one
hundred feet in diameter was formed about
the scafold, around which the horsemeu
ranged themselves, forming complete bull
wark against the crowd; in the center Of
this, near the platform, drove the carriage
containing the prisoner.
The prisoner leaving the carriage with a
firm but deliberate step, ascended the plat
form unmanacled, still supported on either
side by the sheriff and deputy. He took
his seat between them, facing his coffin.-
His dress was, shoes, panlaloons, shirt,
and for collar the fatal rope, already ad.
justed about his neck. He covered his
ewes with his handkerchief removing il
occasionally when speaking to some one
on the platform, but never once looked up
on the vast sea of "upturned faces" gazing
upon him. The tears occasionally stole
down his cheeks, but there was no tremer;
his manner was calm, composed, submis-
sive. His height was about five feet ten
inches; handsome figure; his complexion
dark; his features dark; his features ex-
ceedingly well formed; a well proportion
ed neck and chin; lips rather compressed,
indicating frmness and yet good nature
an aquiline nose; eyes dark, expressive,
melancholy; high expressive forehead, par
tally concealed by beautiful dark flowing
black hair Hooked upon that vast null
titude; l looked upon the prisoner; saw
no firmer figure than his. His bearing
throughout was firm, calm, gentle, sub
missive; apparently with quiet resignation
yielding himself to his inexorable doom.
Upon the platform besides the officers
and the prisoner, was his spiritual adviser
Rev. Mr.. Smith, of the New School Pres
byterian Church, Scotchman. When all
were properly seated, the Sheriff arose
and read to the audience the last commu-
ncation of the condemned to the world
1t was written by him and is as follows:
81 solemnly declare before God and those
TO witness my death, that am innocent
of the death of my wife. 1 never poisoned
her, l knew nothing of it. die an inno-
cent man, my life is sworn away falsely
which declae before all men. ap
peal to the judgment seat of Almighty
God, who shall bring to light all hidden
things. now repent of all the sins | am
guilty of before God. l appeal to Jesus
Christ my Saviour for the remission of
my sins. God so loved the world that he
gave his only begotten son, that whosoev-
er believed on hiD, might perish but have
everlasting life. die in peace with my
God, commit my spirit" Here the sher-
if asked the prisoner if the following
should be read, and when the prisoner sig
niffed affirmatively, the Sheriff read on
81 know Ed. Grintled is the cause of my
death, he swore lies wilfully and knowing
ly agqinst me-"
(Signcd,) WIN. HINKLE.
During the reading of this the condemn
ed man sat in silence, covering bis eyes
with his handkerchief. When the Sheriff
closed, Rev. Mr.. Smith arose and said that
he appeared at the request of Mr.. Hinkle,
and at his request had intended to preach
sermon, but the circumstances of the oc-
casion prevented this probably referring to
the excessive heat he would, however,
state, that he had spent much time with
the prisoner, and said, l think if l under
stand him, may at least say, that through
the tender mercies of Christ he has hope
beyond the grave" Mr.. Smith then read
to the assembly the well known hymn,
commencing
There is fountain filled with blood.
Drawn from Immanuel's veins, De-
And ask them to sing it, observing that
this hymn had been instrumental in the
conversion of the prisoner. The hymn
was then sung.
After few more remarks, Mr.. Smith
said that the bible which he then held in
his hand the prisoner had used in his cell,
and added, "I intend to place it it upon his
coffin here, that it may go to his father
less and motherless Children" then turning
tc the unfortunate man he said, "Wiliam
Hinkle--I present this bible to you; ac-
cept it as testimonial that you look thro'
it to Christ for your salvation" The pris-
oner arose and received in silence the book
After this Mr. Smith read from the bible
tho record of the dying moments of oul
Saviour, and exhorted the prisoner to look
only to Christ. The religious exercises
we're then closed by a solemn prayer in be-
half Of the unfortunate man, during which
he and all on the platform knelt down.
| The sheriff then read the death warrant,
when the prisoner shook hands with and
bade adieu to Mr.. Smith and all on the
platform except the Sheriff He then stood
up firmly and calmly placed his hands, un
der the direction of the Sheriff upon hi:
breast, and they and his arms were fasten
ed. With the Sheriff he walked forward
and stood upon the trap door, manifestins
no trepidation or. emotion-he appeared
tranquil and resigned. The rope was fas
tened to the beam, white cloth was tiet
over his face all is now adjusted. Tn
Sheriff bids him final farewell. There
not a sound in the vast assemblage. Slow
" the Sheriff retired 10 the back end c
the platform. The prisoner stands wlthou
a motion. The Sheriff strikes the fats
blow, cuts the rope, the trap door falls bu
as for the unfortunate man, the rope break
and he is precipitated forward on his face
: One terrific shrek of horror went up fror
the vast throng, many tainted, one of tn
guard fell in fainting fit from bis hors'
The unhappy man lay for few moment
motionless and senseless, the blood stream
ing from his mouth and nostrils. He the
groaned and struggled and was soon resto
| to consciousness. Again he was carrie
; upon the platform and upon the trap doc