Union County star and Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1859-1864, 1859-12-23

CLOCK tul5 eVepinS, i"o VI wv W.
demned prisoners, Cook and COppic, had
mounted the Jail wall, when they were
discovered by the sentinel on the outside,
who Immediately gave the alarm and fired
upon them. They had sawed their mana
cles asunder with the blade of a Barlow
knife which they had concealed, and made
into a fine saw. 1t is ascertained from
their confession that they have been en-
gagged in preparing for their escape during
the last ten days. They made hole in
the wall near the window, which they con-
cealed with paper, having the bricks they
removed under the bed. Upon the alarm
being given, they made no resistance, but
surrendered as soon as they discovered by
the shot of the sentinel that they were de-
teeted. The event has produced the ut
most excitement here, and all are on the
alert. The prisoners are now heavily
ironed, and a special guard is standing
over them, the streets in front, around
the jail, are also kept clear. A misun-
derstanding occurred several days ago be-
tween Gen. Talaiferro and the Jailor, in
regard to placing sentinels inside the
Jail, the Jailor claiming the right to have
his own men. The General gave way to
him, but placed a guard on the outside,
which has thus prevented the escape Of
the prisoners. Cook says be could have
made his escape, had he jumped down
and throttled the sentinel, and that he had
the passuord-so that, if he had once got
beyond the Jail yard, his knowledge Of
the country would have enabled him to
escape to the Shenandoah Mountains and
b. safe. If they bad waited little later,
they might have eluded the faithful and
watchful sentinel.
The day previous, Cook had been visit
ed by two sisters and others of his friends,
and the interview was most agonizng.
Gov Willard's groans could be heard out
side the room. Mr. Copies Qlnker
friends, from Iowa, also visited him. Both
exhibited much scnsibility in prospect
of dea,h-trust they are prepared-but
insist upon the justice of the cause in
which they lose their lives
Execution of Copeland and Green. Cook and CoppIe.
The negroes, Shields Green and John
Copeland reached the scatfold at l ocloek,
firm and steady. The caps were placed
on their heads. Prayer by Mr.. North Of
the Presbyterian church. Green was
heard to pray, as the ropo was cut ; his
neck was broken, aud be died at once,
while Copeland wri,hed terribly for sever
al moments. Both babe the officers and
three preachers in attendance, an affec-
touate farewell, expressing hope to meet
them in heaven. No friends appeared to
claim their remains, which are to be in
TERED on Saturday There were about
1000 troops, and more spectators, in atten-
dance, but no interruption or signs Of any.
About l o'clock, p NJ, the whites,
John Z. Cook and Edwin Coppic, were
executed, bearing up almost as firmly as
Brown. They thanked the officers and
the preachers for their interest in their
welfare. The absolute certainty Of death,
when clothing for the scaffold, and ma
king some requests of last mrtters to rela-
tives, somewhat appalled, them. "Life is
sweet, and you must not blame US for try
ing to escape. 1t is the parting from
friends that moves US"
Cook said tha; be fully believed slavery
to be a sin, ard that it would be abolished
in Virginia in less than ten years, and
that by the people of Virginia. He was
prepared to die in such cause, aud thought
he had nothing to regret, SO far as priuci-
pie was concerned.
Coppic said be feared that the affair
was not ended yet-,hat they had friends
in the North who would not rest satisfied
until their lives had been avenged He
hoped, however, the affair would end here
for ever.
On the way down stairs, they were al
lowed to advance to the cell of Stevens
and Hazlett, and bid them farewell. They
shook hands cordially, and Cook said to
Stevens: "My friend, goodbye" Ste
vans replied, "Good-bye. Cheer up
Give my love to my friends in the other
world" Coppic also made a remark to
Stevens which was unheard by the crowd,
bu. Stevens replied, "Never mind Both
then shook hands with Hazlett, and babe
him good bye, but did not call him by name
After the caps had been placed on their
heads, Coppic turned towards Cook and
stretched forth his hand as far as possible
At the same time Cook said, "Stop a
minute-where is Edwin's hand 2" They
then shook hands cordially, and Cook
said, "God bless you"'
After the rope was adjusted about