The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-08-30
Execution OF Mulylerers I'm Maines
From the Portland Argus.l


AUBURN, August ~, 1858.
Long before dark yesterday 1t was apparent to
disinterested lockers on that something of more
than ordinary importance was about to occur. By
dark oil the public and many Of the private houses
were filled to OVERLOOKING. The crowd was further
augmented by the arrival in the morning of multi
tudes, who ayaed themselves Of foot tickets stages
and cars, and at eleven o'clock there was estimated
to be ut least 10000 persons assembled to witness
the sad spectacle.
A detachment of the Auburn Artillery, under
Capt. James s. NASH was detailed as special police,
and appeared early on the ground, fully armed and
AT precisely eleven o'clock the two prisoners
dressed in white clothes, with white stockings
and black pumps) were led from the jail and
placed in their proper positions on the drop.
They were attended by Marshal Kimball and his
depNties, Frederick A. Quimby, of Portland; G.
ID. Stanley, of Augusta N. c. Woodland. of Rockland,
and A. b. Goodwin, of Rumford: The prisoners
were supported by Rev. Messrs. Balkan and Abbott.
their spiritual advisers. We noticed, also, Sheriff
Clark on the platform, under whose directions the
arrangements tor the accommodation OF the popu-
lace were perfected.
On reaching their place on the stage, Williams
dropped his knees and offered fervent prayer to
heaven in his own behalf. Marshal Kimball then
announced that it was his painful but imperative
duty to read the warrant Of execution which had
been entrusted to him. and under the authority of
which he was about to do execution upon the bodies
of Abraham Cox Of Portland, and Peter Williams
alias William Harvey, for murder upon the high
seas of which crime they had been convicted After
the reading of the warrant the marshal called upon
marks. Rev. Mr.. Balkan approached the
front Of the stand and read the last confession of
the criminal, in which he reiterated the story con-
tanned in his confession already published. Viii
liams then dropped upon his knees and offered
second petition to the Throne of Grace adapting to
his use most Of the 5lst Psalm.
Mr. Kimbal then asked Williams if he desired to
say any last words. He availed himself of the priv
and A horQ at
place (pointiDg to the ropes and scsold) deserved
long ago. | deserve the place. | never killed any
one before. / killed most of them-four of them. l
have to answer TO that ] have killed them the
Lord God knows that The Lord Jesus Christ ia in
all things in all parts of the earth, this day and
everywhere. Be with me now and forever, Amen"
Rev. Mr.. Balkan then offered an earnest and elo-
quent prayer in behalf of the condemned, and Rev.
liams broke out with the ejaculation" God is in
me, Christ is in me. Bless God now and forever
more"
Ropes were then passed around their elbows,
drawing them back as far as possible, the wrists
and ankles firmly secured by straps, the black caps
drawn over their faces, and the ropes adjusted
around their necks While these things were being
DONE the prisoners were engaged in audible prayer
The prisoners then shook hands with all around
thanked them for their Kindness and bade them all
an afectionate farewell. They seemed much agi-
tated and il required effort the part OF the
clergymen to soothe them.
drawn and at twenty-five minutes before twelve
o'clock Marshal Kimball placed his foot on the
spring, and Abraham Cox and Peter Williams were
launched into eternity.
The bodies hung perfectly lifeless, no movement
being visible slight twitching Of a finger and
one Of the feet OF the negro.
DR.. Tewksbury, Of the Marine Hospital, assisted
by Drs Garcelon Fessenden and others OF this place
made an examination of the bodies. as they hung,
and reported the decrease of pulsation which we do
not deem il necessary to give.
At five minutes past twelve the bodies were pro-
nounced dead by the physicians. They were lower
ed and placed in the collins prepared for them and
deposited in the basement Of the court house. whence
they win be taken by the half past five o'clock train
to Portland and inferred in the grounds belonging
to the Marine Hospital at Martins Point.
The physicians, after examination declared that
Abraham Cox died by disocation or fracture of the
second vertebrae; and that Peer Williams death
was caused by strangulation
The condition Of the prisoners the night before the
execution very quiet. Both slept well and
seemed in the morning better than could have been
expected. Cox ate hearty breakfast, but Williams
desired no food, but asked for segars, which were
furnished him.
The whole thing passed OF very quietly. The
immense crowd stood in breathless silence before
and during the ceremony. then quietly separated.
each with a saddened, gloomy countenauce.