Smyrna times., 1860-02-16

At at early hour strangers began to arrive in
t'wn, and by the time set for the exec.ton the
Sherif's Office, Court House and Jail Building
were surrounded by anxious and noisy crowds,
all elamorous for admission to the scene OF
death. Few, comparatively, found entrance,
and many resorted to other means for the graft.
fcation of their curiosity.
Just after the drop fell, persons were observ.
ed appearing upon the high stone walls sur.
rounding the jail yard, and very soon it was
nearly strewu with spectators The roofs of
the surrounding houses afforded good view OF
the scene q d were dutted with curious lockers
on. The windows of the cells adjoining the
yard also presented many faces, and nearly
every accessIbI4 place was fiji ed with specla-
tors.
Since his trial and sentence, Bowen has be-
haved in The most exemplary manner, as the
Sheriff athrms. aud has gained the good opinion
OF every one connected with the prison. He
was kept ia iruns until the day before his exc.
eution. lie has preserved cheerful mind. and
given his altentlon to religious matters and the
readiag ot the Bible. lie protessed to have an
abiding faith IN Saving Grace, and stated that
be was prepared for his fate. About 2 O'Clock
on Thursday evening he took his dinner and
supper together, and asked for some meat
broth. He ate with good relish.
lie retired about the usual hour and slept
well. On the morning OF his execution he rose
as usual, dressed himself and made prepara-
alons for his final hour.
A few minutes before II o'clock, NJ, Rev.
DR.. Franklin, of the Episcopal church at New
Castle, entered his cell, administered the Sac.
rsment OF the Lords Supper to the prisoner,
rod for hiS 6,o
ately afterwards the Sheriff entered pinoned
his arms, and placed over his clothing long
white gown, fastened with a drawing string
about his neck.
A little before II o'clock, NJ, the prisoner
was conducted from his cell by Sheriff Cannon
and Deputy Gemmlll, accompa MED by the cler.
gy, and proceeded with firm step to the gal
lows, and mounted the platform without finch
ing. Short prayers were then made by Reys.
franklin and Pearson they then shook hands
with the Condemned man aud bsde hun fare
well. Bowen said to the ministers, " Farewell!
nope To meet you in heaven, My trust is in
Gad"
The Sheriff then adjusted The moose upoE his
necN. drew the black cap over his head--BOwen
paying silently all The tIme-and at 20 min
u'fs pas, IL o'clock severed the rope that held
t1e tag Wlih blow of his hatchet the drop
Tell auJ Bowen was launced into eternity.
He till about three feet. and died almost
without struggle; the twrtch,ng of bis feet
was ali the movement that was observed He
huug bout halt an hour, when The physicians
pronounced him dead.
THE POST MORTEM APPEARANCES.
He was then taken from the gallows and
placed IN his coffin, which was ready To receive
his body, and taken back to his cell. Doctors
Couper, White and Stradlcy, were again in
attendance 10 observe the post mortem appear
ances, and ascertain the exact cause of death /
Upon examining the body, The face was found
OF dark swarthy color. with much capillary
injection; the extremIIles cold and rIgId, and
Inc eyes much supken, with dark circles under.
meath The upper vertebrae ot-lhe neck were /
widely separated, and The spinal cord So much /
ruPtufed as 10 cause lmmediate death. There /
Is no doubt but the vital spar& fled Immediately
upon the fall, thou the body subsequently un-
uef enl seEero spasmodc ctwltches.-Common-
70 Gith.
On Thursday, the day before his enecution,
ne wrote out the following: