The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1860-11-17

ance to preservs order, the line moved on
TO the place Of execution. On the way the
prisoner wore a smiling cou d tena ace, respond
ing pleasantly 10 passag ges In the Bible READ by
his Minister, and occasionally casting his eyes
over the multitude OF people who folio we'd.
him, bowling TO such as he recognized.
the GALL0ws
Wss situated In the valley, q short distance
northwest OF Vsctor's old Mill, and was con.
structed In the most approved manner Of strap
and fall."' When the procession reached The
place of execution, hundreds Of persons of all
colors had assembled around the spot, while
the hill sides TO the west and north were lit
orally covered with spectators, anxious 10
witness the launching of a human soul from
time into eternity. When the wagon halted
within thirty feet OF the fatal DROP" aud
Sergeant Bray announced his readiness TO
proceed with his duty, the prisoner, looking
pleasantly around him, jumped out OF the ve-
hicle, and, passway having been cleared by
the soldiers, walked hnrriedly TO the gallows,
ran lightly mp the steps, and taking a stand
upon The platform, quietly surveyed the
crowd, the familiar old hills, and the In nviting
scenes which TO him Were soon to be forever
shut from view. Once or twice we thought
we saw a shade Of sadness pas, over his face,
as he looked upon the cross beam, the rope,
and the trap, that were TO end his existence
bat they were soon dispelled, and the same
confident smile was restored. The detail OF
the Public Guard then formed around the
gailows, to keep back the crowd.
THE DEATH WARRANT.
Sergeant Dudley, as soon as circumstances
would allow, ascended the platform to where
the prisoner was standing, and after reading
to him the sentence Of the Court for his execu-
ton, told him the duty he had to perform was
very painful one, and shaking him by the
hand, said TO him, May the Lord have msr-
cy Gu your soul" Totiy at once gras ped the
hand OF the Sergeant, and giving IL a cordial
shake, thanked him for his kindaess and
begged him 10 meet him in Heaven.
RELIGIOUS SERVICE.
Rev. Mr.. Boggs, as soon the Sergeant left
the platform, opened bis Blbte, and in loud
N.aIoa Aad hA pza aiOn p..1 d.
from the l4Ih chapter of John, to the sentI-
meats in which Totty responded, as the min
lster read, declaring that his nope was In
Jesus. Mr.. Boggs then read at the req uest of
the prisoner, his favorite bymn, commencing,
Jesus, to thee now cln fly,
On whom my help Is lald." etc.,
which seemed TO assure him Of a happy fu-
ture
Rev. MIR. Boggs ut xt offered mp fervent and
eloquent prayer, the prisoner kneeIiBg by him
and composedly joining him In his devotions.
At the conclusion, he arose, and looking
around him, requested Mr.. Boggs to say a few
words tor him.
Mr.. Boggs stated, that at the earnest solici-
tation of The prisoner, he would make a state
ment. Mr.. Totty felt that his time earth
was short. He confessed the crime With which
he was charged, and acknO W lodged the Justice
of his entence. To intemperance was to be
attributed his present situation, Intemper-
ance had brought him to the gallows, aud he
warned those AROUND him 10 shun that vice
to seek the Lord while he may be found, and
TO strive to meet him in Heaven. For his i'm
mediate relatives he felt great concern, aud
had prayed deyOutly that they might turn
from the error of their ways. To all he
bade an affectionate farewell, and prayed that
Heaven would bless each one
Mr. Boggs then shook hands with the pris-
oneI, and urging him TO put his trust In Christ,
bid him good bye. Totty grasped the minis-
ters hand warmly, and saying In loud voice,
God bless you, Mr.. Boggs, for your kindness
to me-God bless you. Meet me in Heaven
fuca
receive the rope.
THE EXECUTION.
At 25 minutes 10 O'Clock Jailor Hall pro-
ceedsd 10 pinion the prisoners hands behind
him, and to tie his feet together, he being
on the drop. The rope was then adjusted TO
the cross beam, and while it was being fixed
arousd the neck of the condemned man, Mr..
BogGs read aloud to him from the Bible. and
hs responded, saying his trust was in the
Lord-he believed in Jesus. He then said to
the crowd, "Let us ali meet In Heaven" He
requested MT. Hall To Tx the rope tight, that
he might die easy.
All being ready, the black cap was pulled
over the face of the prisoner. After he had bid
adieu to those around him, and while waiting
for the fall, his last words were, 'God bless
you all-meet me in Heaven"
At precisely 30 minutes to O'Clock, the drop
fell, and William ID. Totty was launched into
eternity. The "fall'' of three and halt feet
ins tantiy disIocated his me- *, and with the ex-
ception of three or four slight muscular con-
vuIsions, he died without n struggle. After
hanging ~ minutes the corpse was cut down
and gwen to the friends of the deceased, who
will have il aecently buried To-day.
CONCLUSION.
We never saw a more orderly, well behaved
crowd than that which witnessed the execu-
ton yesterday. No noise was to be heard, and
nc confusion witnessed. Our only regret was,
that some few females were In the midst, and
that children of tender years were permitted
to see sight SO shocking, and, we fear, ,demor-
aiiziDg.
Circuit tCourt.-Yesterday, before Judge Mer-
edith, VIM. Martin, charged with breaking
into the storehouse of Porter, Horner x Har-
rs James Baker and Thomas Wilkinson,
charged with breaking and entering Henry
Milier's shoe shop and John Lipscomo and
Thomas Wilkinson, charged with breaking
into c. T.. Word Il Bros store, were arraigned
for trial, and remandtd to the Mayor TO bs
/ sent to Judge Lyons for trial.
Mayors Cour..-Thers were but three cases
| before the Mayor yesterday morning John
L. *. Frances, for being drunk in the street,
was discharged David SchoLfield, suspected
of stealing S25 in money from George Friday.
was examined and honorably acq uitted. Mich
| ael Shanahan, for Threatening vioience to VIM.