Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-12-20
executions at CharIestown.

pOndeDt OF the Baltimore hueTican "o eAcioo'
the following account of the executions at the
former place on Friday last:
THE ATTEMPTED ESCAPE.
For some days beforehand the prisoners had
protested perfect resignation to their fate, and al
apprehensions of an intended rescue had disap-
peared. At quarter past o'clock, however
Thursday night, the whole town was thrown into
connection by the report Of rifle under the jai
wall, followed by several other shots from the
vicinity of the guard house, in close proximity t
the jail. The military were called to arms, ant
the excitement was intense beyond anything tina
has yet occurred.
The sentinel, stationed near the Jail wall re-
ported that at quarter past o'clock he observed
man on the jail wall, whom he challenged, and
receiving no answer, fred at him. Another
head was also seen above the wall, but he re
treated as soon as the first one had been fired at
The man on top of the wall seemed at first de-
termined to persist, and was about making al
attempt to jump down when the sentinel de-
clared his intention of impaling him on his bay
onet. The man turned out to be the prisoner
Cook, who then retreated into the Jail yard with
Coppio, and both gave themselves up without
further resistance.
They had succeeded, after two weeks labor
whenever alone, and at night, when the bee
clothing muffed the sound of the saw which
they had made out of an old barlow knife, (bor
rowed from one of the guard to cut lemon,) II
cutting through their iron shackles, so that they
could pry them off at any moment they should
have their ether work completed. They hat
also made a sort of chisel out of an old bee
screw, with which they succeeded in removing
the plaster from the wall, and then brick attel
brick, until space sufficient for them to pas:
through was opened, all to the removal of the
outer bricks. The bricks and plaster had beer
concealed in the stove and bedding. The Sheriff
snd Jsilor were much chagrined at the narrow
escape of the prisoners, especially as they haf
resisted all interference OF the military with the
interior discipline OF the Jail.
They had set Tuesday night for the attempt
but had deferred it on account OF not wishing K
compromise Gov. Willard, who was ia town OIL
that night. Cooks sisters, Mrs. Willard ant
Mrs. Crowley, had recently visited him.
- THE EXECUTIONS.
Ats o'clock Friday morning the entire militia
nv force in attendance were formed on the mail
street. and the officers reported ready for duty O.
headquarters The companies detailed for field
duty around the gailoys immediately took up tue
line Of march, and at half past o'clock were il
the position assigned them on the field. Capt
Bushong's company composed part of the guart
to the prisoners from the Jail.
During the morning Cook and Qoppic were
visited by Rev. Messrs. Waugh, North ant
Leech. The prisoners made great efforts to ap-
pear calm. Cook said he had nothing to regret
so far as principle was concerned. Ooppic sale
he feared the affair was not yet ended-tha
their friends at the North would not rest til
they were avenged
At q quarter before II O'Clock the two negro
prisoners Green and Copeland, accompanied BY
the Sheriff and Rev. Mr.. North, appeared at the
Jail door, and, with their arms pinioned, moved
SLOWLY forward towards the vehicle in waiting
for them They seemed downcast, and wore
none of that calm and cheerful spirit eyinced By
Brown under similar circumstances. They were
helped into the wagon and took their seats OF
the coffin without scarcely looking to the RICH
or the left.
The prisoners mounted the scaffold with firm
step, and were Immediately joined by Sheriff
Campbell aud Rev. Mr.. North. After brie
prayer by the clergyman, the caps were drawn
over the heads of the prisoners and the ropes
affixed around their necks. During the few mo
ments they thus stood Copeland remained quiet
but Green was engaged in earnest prayer up tt
the moment the trap was drawn, and they Wer'
launched into eternity. Green died very easy
his neck being broken by the fall, and the mo
ton of the body was very slight. Copeland
seemed to suffer very much, and his body with
ed in violent contortions tor several minutes.
| The negroes did not say much in regard t
their fate. aud devoted all their time to prayer
Copeland would have spoken on the scatfold hat
he been permitted.
The bodies of the two negro prisoners having
been brought back to the jail at about quarter o
| 70 O'clock, notice was given to Cook and Ooppit
that their time was approaching, only one hou
more being allowed them. Since the failure o
their attempt to escape their assumed composurt
and apparent resignation had given way, ant
thew now looked at the reality of their fate witt
a full conviction of its awful certainty. They
were reserved and rather quiet, but Joined Will
fervor in the religious ceremonies.
When called upon by the Sheriff they stood
calm and quietly whilst their arms were belnt
pinioned; aud after bidding farewell to tn
guards of the Jail moved through the corridor t
the door, and were helped into the wagon ant
took their seats on their collins. Their appear
ance was rather of hopeless despair, than OF res
EQUATION, aud they seemed to take but little no
tice of anything as the procession slowly moye'
on to the field of death.
They assembled the scatfold with determines
firmness that was scarcely surpassed by that
Capt. Brown. . ~
! a brief prayer was offered up by one of tn
clergymen, the rope adjusted, the cap drawn, ant
both were launched into eternity in seven min
utes after they assembled the scatfold. They botl
exhibited the most unflnching trmness, saying
nothing, with the exception of bidding farewell
to the ministers and the sheriff. After the rop
was adjusted Cook exclaimed, "Be quiok-a
quick as possible" which was also repeated b.
Ooppio.
After hanging about thirty minutes both bo
dies were taken down and placed in the 6lacl
walnut collins prepared for them. That OF Cool
was placed in poplar box, labeled and directed
as follows-"Ashbsll P. Willard aud Rober
Crowley. 104 William street, New York, car
Adams Express Coppic's body was placed il
similar box, to be forwarded to his mother IL
Iowa.
On the gallows they shook hands and bid eacl
other good bye After the caps were draw
Cook said, 'Stop minute, where Is Edwin
hand 2a Cook said, "God bless you" and Cop
pic said in a loud tone, "Be quick as possible"
Coppic's genteel appearance was the subject 0
general remark. The calm aud collected man
ner of both was very remarkable.
On approaching the scatfold, Cook SHOOT
hands with large number OF persons, aud bow
ed politely to Mayor Green.
| Cook would have spoken from the scattold !
permitted. On their way to the scatfold the oni.
remarks made by Cook and Coppic were in re
lation to the attempt to escape. They made al
apology for any reflection that might attach t.
through their conduct
| One of the ministers who attended On the pris
oners informs me that neither Cook or Ooppi
ever made any direct profession OF religion