The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1860-03-21
THE DAY BOOK.
The Execution of stevens and
HaZlett-- Further Particulars.

The Charlestown, (Virginia) Spirit brings
US further particulars of the execution of
Stevens and Hazlett, at that place,on Friday
last. There were eleven military compani.s
on the field of execution. 1t says:
The near approach Of the day Of execu-
ton seemed to have little effect on the pris-
oners, and for the past few days they were
unusually cheerful, Stevens declaring it 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 yesterday morning, and made fine
impression on all with whom she was thrown
by her lady-like department and conduct
On Thursday, a Miss Dunbar, from Ohio,
arrived in town. 1t is said she was engaged
to be married to Stevens at the time OF the
Harper's Ferry invasion, and has correspon.
ded with him since his Imprisonment in this
town. She is a lady of much intelligence
and beauty.
brother of Hazlett, who resides in ARM
strong county, Pa, also arrived q few days
ago, and was present with his brother until
yesterday morning. He advised Hazlett to
make a tull confession of his connection with
the Brown party, land counselcd him to aban-
don all hope of a reprieve or Communication of
punishment. Yesterday morning the table
eat, and seated around were the TWO men
who, in few hours, were 10 be launched in
to eternity, sister, and the betrothed of enc
and the brother of the other. A solemn
feast, and one which was seemingly enjoyed
by but two-the condemned. After the
breakfast had been partaken OF, the friends
of the criminals babe them long farewell,
and took carriage for Harper's Ferry,
where they remained until the bodies OF the
executed reached that place.
At eleven o'clock, the field on which the
scaffold was erected was occupied by large
number Of spectators, still larger number,
however, remaining in town to accompany
the sadpr0cesson. Col. John Gibson was
in command of the military, which made
magnificent display. The following compa-
mics were posted around the scatfold before
the arrival of the prisoners: Clarke Guards,
Capt. Bowen; Berkeley Border Guards, Capt
Nadenbousch; Floyd Guards, Captain &. W.
Chambers; Floyd Rif1emen, Capt. 4 Duke;
Armory Guard, Capr. Derrick; Letcher Ca
diets, Capt. Campbell; Continental Morgan
Guards, Capt. Haines, and Letcher Rifle
men, Lieut.. Link.
At 10 minutes to II o'clock the prisoners
made their appearance ON the field, escorted
by the Ham.ramck Guards, Capt Butler;
Jefferson Guards, Capt Rowan, and Bolts
Greys, Capt Lawson Bolts. The prisoners
walked to the scatfold. Hazett was in ad.
vance, and assembled 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. short
time was spent in adjusting the ropes pro-
perly around the necks of the prisoners,
which was improved by them in taking an
atfectionate farewell OF the sheriff, jalor and
jail-guard, after which the caps were placed
oyer their heads, and Aaron d. Stevens and
Albert Hazlett were launched into eternity,
to be dealt withly Judge ''who doeth ali
things right" There was no religious ex-
ercise with the prisoners; as they declined
all offers from the clergy.
just before the caps were drawn over their
heads, Stevens and Hazlett embraced each
other and kissed. The fall broke the neck |
of Hazlett, and he died without struggle,
whilst the knot slipped on Stevens neck,
and he writhed in contortions ior several |
minutes. They were permitted to hang
about an hour, when they were examined |
and pronounced dead. The bodies were
placed in neat walnut collins, ana forwarded
to Mr.. Marcus Spring, South Amboy, N. j. |
1t is understood Mrs Spring sent money here |
for the purpose of paving portion of the
funeral expenses.