The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1859-12-22

with which they succeeded in removing
plaster from the wall, and then brick af.
ter brick until a space sufficient for them
to pass through was opened, except the
removal Of the outer brick. The part of
the wall on which they operated was in
the rear of the beds on which they slept,
and the bed being pushed against the
wall completely hid their view. The
bricks they took GU were concealed in
the drum Of a stove, and the dirt and
plaster removed in the course of their
work was placed between the bed clothes.
They acknowledged that they had been
at work a whole week in making the
aperture in the wall. Their cell being
on the first floor, the aperture was not
more than five feet above the pavement
ofthe yard, and when freed of their shack
les their access to the yard was very
easy. This gained, there was a smooth
brick wall about fifteen feet high to scale.
This difficulty, however, was soon over
come, with the aid of the timbers on
which Brown was hung, and which was
intended for the execution on the sue
ceeding day. They placed these against
the wall and soon succeeded in reaching
the top, from which they could have ca
silly dropped to the other side had not the
vigilance of the sentinel on duty SO quick
ly checked their movements.
They were arrested in the Jail yard by
Gen. Taliaferro and an officer of the day,
who rushed to the Jail the moment the
alarm was given. Sheriff Campbell and
Captain Davis are much chagrined at this
narrow escape oftheir prisoners. especial
ly as they had resisted all interference Of
the military with the interior dicipline
of the Jail.
The prisoners were shrewd and cum
ming fellows, and they were undoubtedly
without any accomplices in their under
taking. The friends who were still here
were also fearful that they might be sus-
pected of having knowledge Of the at
tempt.
AT about half past eleven this morning
notice was given to Cook and Coppic
that their time was approaching, only
one hour more being allowed them. The
military movements, similar to those at
the first execution, were repeated, and a
wagon with two more collins was stand
ing at the door Of the Jail.
At half past twelve O'Clock the same
military escort was in readiness. Mean
time the closing religious ceremonies
were progressing in the cell. Since the
failure of the attempt of Cook and Cop
pic to escape, their assumed composure
and apparent resignation had given way,
and they now look at the reality of their
fate with full conviction Of its awful GER
tainty. They were reconciled and rath-
err quiet, out joined with fervor in the re-
ligious ceremonies. When called upon
by the Sheriff, they stood calm and quiet
whilst their arms were being pinioned.
and after bidding fare well to the guards
of the Jail were helped into the wagon
and took seats on the collins. Their ap-
pearance was rather that of hopeless de-
spair than of resignation.
The wagon reached the scafold at 10
minutes before | o'clock, and the prison
ers assembled with determined flmness
scarcely surpassed by that of Brown. A
brief prayer was offered up by one OF the
clergymen. The ropes were adjusted.
the caps drawn over their heads, and
both were launched into eternity in seven
minutes after ascending the scafold.
They both exhibited unhinching firm
ness, saying nothing with the exception
of bidding farewell to the minister and
sheriff. After the rope was adjusted
about Cooks neck. he exclaimed, I" be
quick as possible" which was repeated
by Coppic. After hanging about thirty
minutes both bodies were taken down and
placed in black walnut collins prepared
for them. That of Cook was then placed
in a poplar box. labeled and directed,
"Ashbell P. Willard & Robt. Crowley,
lO4 William street, N. Y" The coffin
Of Coppic was placed in a similar box to
be forwarded to his mother in Iowa.
The bodies of the negroes after being
cut down, were placed in poplar collins
and carried back to Jail. They will be
inferred tomorrow on the spot where the
gallows stands, though there is a party OF
Medical students here from Winchester,
who will doubtless not allow them to re-
main there long.
Jea