Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1858-01-23

l he interview between tue condemned
and his fellow prisoners was very affect
ing indeed. To the latter lie spoke in
language touching and beautiful. To a
young man on the second tier Of cells he
made lengthy address, warning the
prisoner Of the fate Of those who engage
in crime. Nv hen you get out of prison,
as YOU will in few days said DOnneIly,
lead a reformed life be honest and
truthful, and above all beware of bad
company. Take warning by my fate ,and
beware Of evil communications.
One by one be entered the cells Of the
prisoners, and addressed them in terms so
full of feeling that not dry eye was OBJ
serrable ,hroIghou; the entire prison
wher he had completed the mOurnful
task. He then continued to walk up and
down the corridor for the space of half an
hour perhaps, when he proceeded 10 wash
himself and comb his hair TO a nicely al
most. lie seemed very particular about
his toilet, and did not desist unlll he hai
completed it to his entire satisfaction.
Taking icare Of his friends.-Abour
| l O'Clock, at the special request of the
condemned, the sheriff admitted about
eighteen or twenty persons to The prison,
friends Of the prisoner. who were waiting
10 take their farewell Of the miserable
man.
The interview between DonneIIy and
his friends was so affecting that none
could witness it without shielding tears.
None could hear the parting words of the
unhappy man without feelings of deep
sympathy. Rev. Mr.. Jacobus spent witt
him The last half hour of his incarCera-
ton in prayer.
The Procession 10 The Scg60W.-A,
ten minutes before twelve O'Clock, Sheriff
Conover repaired TO the 7eII of the con-
demned and asked him if lie was ready 10
take his place at the foot Of the scaGoId.
Donnely replied that he was, end with
out delay prepared himself for the process
sion, which left the prison.
Slowly and silently they moved until
they came beneath the scafold, when the
culprt mounted the platform underneath
the galows, apparently firm, and deter
mined to die like a brave man. A deep
pause followed, which was soon broken
by prayer from the Rev. Mr.. Jacobus.
The Scene at The GalO,Os was one
which no one who ever witnessed it will
forget. Everything in the vicinity com
manding a view of the scafo!d was black
with men and boys.
Prayer having been concluded in un-
broken silence, the culprit kneeled TO re-
ceive the benedicion at the hands OF the
reverend gentlemen who were in allen-
dance upon him. lie then rose slowly,
but firmly, brushed off his clothing. anu
looking around him beckoned 10 such Of
his friends who were near him, to come
forward and shake his hand for ihe last
! time.
DonneNy's Speech.-!Iavipg bade all
his friends adipu, the culprit proceeded to
address the spectators in a clear voice, as
| follows -
To my friends around me, TO my
friends in New Jersey, 10 nv friends IN
New York. 10 my friends in Buffalo, and
to my friends in my much beloved home,
Washington, | address these last words.
Wv friends extend over vas, country,
but my dying words shall reach them
when Donneiy has hrealhel his last. |
feel that here. surrounded by the minis
ters Of justice, by my friends, by soch
military display, that the inevitable de-
rrees Of justice are abcutto be carried
out, and that | am standing on consecra-
ted gruuud. When | look back, and
when reflect upon the life have spent,
and when look above me, beyond The
darkness of the future, feel that | stand
upon the throne Of conSecrated ground.
When | look back, and when reflect up
on the life | have spent, and when loNk
above me, bevond the darkness Of the
future, feel lhat stand upon the throne
Of consecraled ground--ground consecra-
ted to Justice. 50 called, TO marlyr--lo a
man innocent in the sight o. God. When
reflect upon my youth. when l reflect
upon those who are gathered around me
nv old schoolmates among The number
why should not he impressed with The
sanclity of this hour
Anything that may say now will be
said in The fear of death. God is my Wit
ness lha, | would not bring desolailon to
any mans nearlhslone; but believe me in
my dying hour, when say that there are
persons yet living-there are those iIv-
ing--who perjured themselves in the sight
of God. | have no animosity-no H.
feeling--no revenge to saiaie at this mo-
ment If my past life has been spent IN
sin, have this day received The holy sa-
crament: have placed my trust in Chns'
/ feel that there is happiness IN store ior
Cl -. 49, c.tior the con-