Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-03-23

The Last Act Of the Harpcr's Ferry Tras-
edy---PRrticulars of the Execution Of
Stevens mud Hazlctt. 1
The Charlestown (va.) Spirit Of Jefferson
gives these interesting particulars of the last
act of the Harper's Ferry affair:
The near approach of the day of execution
seemed to have little effect upon the prison
ers und for the past few days they were un-
usually cheerful, Stevens declaring that il was
his wish to be free, and therefore desired the
day for his execution to arrive. Mrs. Pearce,
the sister of Stevens, was with him up to yes
terday morning, and made fine impression
on oil with whom she was thrown, by her
lady-like department and conduct On Thurs
day n Miss Dunbar, of Ohio, arrived in town.
| IL was said she was engaged to be married to
Stevens at the time of the Harpers Ferry in
! vasion, and has corresponded with him since
his imprisonmentin in this town. She is lady
of much intelligence and beauty.
A brother of Hazlett, who resides in ARM
strong County, Penn, also arrived few days
ago, and was present with his brother until
yesterday morning. He advised Hazlett to
make full confession of his connection with
the Brown party and counSelled him to
abandon all hope of a Teprieve or commuta-
tion of punishment. '
Yesterday morning the table was set in the
passage for the criminals to eat, and seated
around were the two men who in few hours
were to be lanched into eternity, a sister,
and the betrothed of one and~the brother of
the other. A solemn feast, and one which
was seemingly enjoyed by but two--the con-
demned. After the breakfast had been par
| taken of the friends of the criminals bade them
a long farewell and took carriage for
Harpers Ferry where they remained until
the bodies of the executed reached that
place. -. r...r ... .ri l..."
AT eleven O'Clock, the field on which the
scaffold was erected was occupied by Il large
number of spectators. A still larger num-
Der, however, remained in town to accom-
pany the sad procession. AT ten minutes to
twelve o'clock the prisoners made their ap-
pearanee. on the field, escorted by the Ham
tramck Guards Jefferson Guards and Bolts
Greys. The prisoners walked to the scaffold.
Hazlett was in advance, and ascended the
steps with an easy, unconcerned air, followed
by Stevens. Both seemed to survey with
perfect indifference the'large mass of persons
in attendance, and neither gave the least sign
of fear. A short time was spent in adjusting
the ropes properly around the necks of the
prisoners which was improved by them in
taking an affectionate farewell of the sheriff,
jailOr and jail-guard, after which the caps
were placed over their heads, and Aaron b.
Stevens and Albert Hqzlett we've launched
into eternity, to be dealt with by Judge
who doeth all things rightly
There was no religious exercise with the
prisoners as they declined all offers from the
clergy. Just before the caps were drawn
over their heads, Stevens and Hazlett en-
braced each other and kissed. The fall broke
the neck of Hazlett, and he died without a
struggle, while the knot slipped on Stevens's
neck, and he writhed in contortiOns for sew
eral minutes.