The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22
THE EXECUTIONS AT CHARLESTOwN
VIRGINIA.

VIRGINIA.
The execution of Cook and Coppic, white men
Copeland and Green. colored, took place a
Charlestown on Friday last. The Associated
Press furnishes the following particulars:
GENERAL ORDERS, ETC.
The general orders of the day were read a
the parade yesterday afternoon, for the station
of the military at and during the execution.
The Wythe Guards, Captain Kennedy, were
stationed on the left of the gallows, and Cap
tain Deems's battalion on the right.
Colonel Wersenger had command of the
guard to the prisoners from the jail, which was
composed Of the Mountain Guards, Captain
Bushong, the Richardson Guards, Capt. Welsh,
and the Petersburg City Guard, Captain Mayo.
The Tenth Legion Artillery, Captain Seibert,
were stationed on the left of the jail, and re-
manned as a guard at that post until after the
first execution, when they were relieved, and
formed part Of the guard to the field with the
remaining prisoners.
The Washington Guards, Captain Leener,
were stationed in front of the courthouse until
after the first execution, when they we're re-
ieyed, and formed part of the guard to the
field with the remaining prisoners. The Peters
burg Grays, Captain Scott, were detailed to
guard the Jail during the day. The Clarke
Rifles, Captain Anthony, were posted as Skin
misbers on the opposite side of the gallows-
the Clarke Guard on the right, and the Fincas-
lie Rifles on the left. The Executive Guards,
Captain Hunter, were posted at the main gate
to the field of death, supported by piece of
artillery, commanded by Lieut.. Evans, of the
Alexandria Artillery.
Tee Ranger Cavalry, Captain Ashby, coop
Grated with the special guard in preventing the
admission of persons within the area designated
by the line of sentinels.
The Black Horse Rangers, Captain Scott,
detached platoon to act as advance and rear
guard TO the procession from the jail to field of
execution, whilst the remainder of his company
were directed to patrol the street of the town
during the time of the executions.
Captain Carriers company of cavalry were
detailed TO scout the outskirts of the town.
The troops on the field not attached to the
prisoners guard were under command Of Col.
Stuart.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE EXECUTION.
At daybreak this morning the revelle was
sounded from the various barracks, announcing
the dawn Of the day of execution, and soon the
whole community was astir. The anxiety to
ascertain true version of the exciting events
of last night caused the streets to be thronged
with people at an early hour. The military,
most of whom had been on duty all night, or
sleeping on their arms, looked less fit for the
active duties of the day than was anticipated at
the time of the parade yesterday afternoon.
The weather, however, was bright and beauti-
ful, and much milder than for several prece-
ding days, though the thaw of the snow render
cd walking very unpleasant.
At nine o'clock, the entire military force in
attendance was formed on the main street, and
the officers reported ready for duty at head
quarters. The companies detailed for field
Guty around the gallows Immediately took up
the line of march, and at half past nine o'clock
were in the positions assigned them on the
field. The companies detailed for escort duty
took up their position In front Of the Jail, and
remained In full possession, awaiting orders.
EXECUTION OF GREEN AND COPELAND.
At half past ten o'clock, Gen. Taliaferro,
with his staff, numbering about twenty-five off
GERS, having given orders to prepare the two
negro prisoners, Shields Green and John Cope
land, for execution, took their departure to join
the main body of the troops on the field The
military then formed hollow square around
the jail, and the open wagon, containing the
collins Of the prisoners, drew up In front of the
door, with carriage to convey Sheriff Camp
bell and his deputies
The crowd Of citizens and strangers was very
great, at least FIVE times as numerous as on the
occasion of Browns execution, most of whom
were already on the field, whilst others waited
to see the prisoners come out
The religious ceremonies in the cell of the
PRISONERS were very impressive, and were con-
Quoted by Rev. Mr.. North, Presbyterian, and
Rev. Beverly Waugh, of the NJ. E. church.
AT a quarter before eleven O'Clock, the pris-
oners, accompanied by the sheriff and Rev. Mr..
North, appeared at the jail door, and. with
their-arms pinioned, moved slowly forward to-
wards the vehicle in waiting for them. They
seemed downcast, and wore none of that calm
and cheerful spirit evinced BY Brown under
similar circumstances. They were helped into
the wagon, and took their seats ON the collins
without looking to the right or left The escort
now commented to move, and the wagon was
closely thanked on either side by company of
rlhemen, marching double file, in lock step.
AT seven minutes before eleven o'clock, the
procession entered the field, occupied by the
military, and the prisoners cast a sbuddering
glance towards the gallows erected on the rising
ground in its centre. In two minutes more,
the wagon stopped at the foot of the galows,
ana whilst the prisoners were alighting the |
companies forming the escort moved off to the |
positions assigned them on the field.
The prisoners mounted the scaffold with firm
steps, and were Immediately Joined by Sheriff
Campbell and Rev. Mr.. North. After brief |
prayer by the clergyman, the caps were drawn |
Nsei 'ne heaos OF the prisoners, and the ropes |
a1hxed around their necks. During the few |
moments they thus stood, Copeland remained |
quiet but Green was engaged in earnest prayer
up 10 the moment the trap was drawn. and thew
were launched into eternity.
Green died very easy, his neck being broken |
by the tall, and the motion of the body was very
slight. Copeland seemed to suffer very mucb. |
and ms body writhed in violent contortions for |
several minutes ~
1hey were accompanied on the gallows by
new MesSrs. Waugh, North, and Lehr 70
wnom they bld an afiectionate farewell. and ex.
pressed the hope of meeting them in heaven.
The bodies were placed in the poplar coffns
provided for them, and carried back to the Jail
iney Will be inferred tomorrow on the spot
where the gallows stands, though there is n |
party ot medical students here from Wincbes- |
yer, WHO VIII doubtless not allow them to re- |
main here long.
The negroes did not say much in regard IN |
their fate, and devoted all their time IN nraver
copeland would have spoken on the scaffold |
lad he been permitted.
EXECUTION OF COOK AND CoPPIc.
The bodies of the two negro prisoners HAVING
been brought back to the iail at about a ouar,e1
TO twelve O'Clock, notice was given to Cook and
Copplc that their time was approaching. only
one hour Elose being allowed them. The mil.
tary movement similar to those at the first ex
ecuhon, were repeated, and the wagon with
two more collins was standing at the door at
hall past twelve o'clock. The same military
escort was IN readiness whilst the closing relig-
lous ceremonies were progressing in the cell 0f
the prisoners. Since the failure of their Of.
tempt to escape last night, their assumed com.
posure and apparent resignation had given wav.
and they now looked at the reality of their fate
with a full conviction of its awfnl certo;rtv