The Van Buren press., 1860-05-04
Execution of Col Hayne.

Among the distinguished men that fell
victims during the war Of the American
Revolution, was Colonel Isaac Hayne, Of
South Carolina a man, who, by aniabili-
ty of character, and high sentiments of hon
or and uprightness, had secured the good
will and affection of all who knew him.
lie had wife and six small children, the
eldest boy thirteen years of age. His wife
to whom he was tenderly attached, fell a
victim to disease an event hastened, prob
ably by the inconveniencies and sufferings
incident to a state of war, in which the
whole family largely participated. Colonel
Hayne, himself, was taken prisoner by the
British forces, and, in a short time was ex-
ecuted on the gallows, under circumstances
calculated to excite the deepest commisera-
tion. A great number of persons both En-
glish and American, interceied for his life
The ladies of Charleston signed a petition
in his behalf his motherless children were
presented on their bended knees as suitors
for their beloved father but all in vain.
During the imprisonment of the father,
the eldest son was permitted to stay with
him in prison. Beholding his only survi-
wing parent, for whom he felt the deepest
affection, loaded with irons, and condemned
10 die, he was overwhelmed with consterna-
tion and sorrow. The wretched father en-
deavored to cons Die him by reminding him
that the unavailing grief of the son tended
only to increase his own misery that we
came into this world merely to die, and he
could even rejoice that his troubles were SO
near at an end. Tomorrow, said he,
Il set out for Immortality. You will ac-
company me to the place Of execution and
when l am dead, take my body and bury it
by the side of your mother The youth
fell here on his fathers neck, crying "Oh
my father! my father l will die without
you" Colonel Hayne, as he was loaded
with chains, could not return the embrace
of his son, and merely said to him in reply
Live, my son-live to honor God by
good life-live to serve your country, live
to take care of your brother and sisters"
The next morning Colonel Hayne was
conducted to the place of execution. His
son accompanied him. Soon as they came
in sight of the gallows, the father strength
ed himself and said 4" Now, my boy, show
yourself man That tree is the bounda-
ry of my life, and all my life's sorrows.-
Beyond that the wicked cease from troub-
ling, and the weary are at rest. Don't lay
too much at heart our separation it will
be but short, To-day 1 die, and you, my
son. though young. must shortly follow
me-" "Yes, my father" replied the bro
ken hearted youth. " shall shortly follow
You. For, indeed, 1 feel that can't live
long" And his melancholy anticipation
was fulfilled in q manner more dreadful than
is implied in the mere extinction of life -
On seeing his father in the hands Of the ex
ecutioner. and then struggling in the halter
he stood like one transfxed and motionless
with horror. Till then he wept incessant-
ly; but soon as he saw that sight, the foun
tain of his tears were stanched, and he new
er wept more. He died insane, and in his
last moments often called upon his father
in terms thst brought tears IRON the hard
est heart.