The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-04-15
Execution of an Ex-Mtnfst er I'm N CIV
Orleans.

The execution of George ". StovalI, formerly of
Virginia. aud oAce Baptist minister, for the muir
der of Mary Kay Durand, with whom he was liv-
ing at the time, took place in New Orleans on FRI
day, the 18th inst. The Picaynne gives the follow
ing account of the execution:
At quite an early hour all those who had the
omen sesdme to the Parish Prison began to assem-
bic, there being general anxiety manifested to
see how man of education and good intellectual
powers weuld approach such doom as that which
had been assigned to Stoyall by the laws of his
country.
When we entered the prison yard. our ears were
first greeted by the sounds of sacred music which
came from the doomed mans cell, aud Stovalls
own strong and peculiar voice could easily be dis
tinguished by its earnest energy. In the cell with
him were the Rev. DR.. Palmer and other pas tors
of Protestant churches, and after the hymn was
over prayers were in succession offered to the
Throne Of the Mosk High. The occasion was a
solemn and impressive one, and all present seemed
to sympathze with the position of the unfortu-
nate culprit
Mingling freely among those who had assem-.
bled, We ascertained that the general wish WAS
that the Governor would yield to the prayer of
those who were endeavoring to procure a commu-
tatiou of the prisoners sentence, and hopes to
that effect appeared the more sanguine as the
Governor arrived in town last night, and could be
the more readily appealed to.
In the expectation that the appeal to Executive
clemency would not be in vain, the sheriff delayed
the execution of that sentence till after ii o'clock
but at that hour it was definitely ascertained that
the sentence would not be committed, and prepare
tons were at once commenced for indicating the
laws sternest vengeance
Shortly after H. the prisoner. dressed in white.
and attended by his religious advisers, was led to
the spot where the fatal trap had been prepared.
His step was firm, and his appearance venerable
aud imposing. Directed by motion, he took his
seat and tho executoner adjusted the fatal moose
The prisoner then, after making some remarks
thanking the officers of the prison for their kind
ness to him, said:
Snow gentlemen, must tell YOU that have
not been brought to this end because | didn't
know better. l was raised in - county, Va,
| by respectable parents, and received pious edu-
cation. Indeed, may say | occupied respecta-
BILE position in society But [ fell aud for the
| last fifteen years have been led captive by the
devil, at his will, and now, by iguoble death
am about to receive the wages of sin | have
held the position of minister of the gospel.
and beloved and respected such, but this only
| shows the height from which I have fallen, and
from which all liable to fall, if they yield to
| their baser feelings.
| "For ten years past have followed the path
| of ruin in New Orleans, aud here a misfort une
| happened me which darkened all my future life,
| but TO which do not wish more particularly to
| refer. ! intend to cast blame no one but my
| self. Afterwards, ! went to Nicaragua, but, be-
ing fore ID to again, gave loose rein to my
| vile propensities, and in due of time be-
| came the murderer that am to-day.
"Fhough late have returned from my wander.
| ings to my Sayiour-to the merciful Jesus who to
the dying thief said This day shalt thou be with
me in Paradise feel that my spirit is like a
Gagged bird anxious to escape from its prison and
| seek for refuge in the Paradise of God Oh, that
may have the happiness of meeting you all there !,
Lord sancify this death to the salvation of these
| spectators. Let my prayer and my words go forth
to the uttermost parts Of the earth o, gracious
| God, make US penitent in thy presence"
| These remarks we're madewit q firm and IN
wavering voice. aud after the prisoner closed, the
Rev. Dr. Palmer offered up an impressive prayer
for the culprit.
When the prayer was ended, the prisoner babe
| a last farewell to DIR. Delery, Dr. Palmer and the
officers of the prison He then, after the cap was
pulled down over his eyes, exclaimed in a loud
voice. "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" As he ut
tered the words the trap fell, and his spirit took
its flight to the realms of thu Hereafter.