The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-03-30

From the Charlestown (va.) Jefersonian.
Another, and it is hoped to be the final,
act in the Harper's Ferry tragedy has been
enacted, and Aaron D. Stevens and Albert
Hazlett have been sent to "that bourne
from which no traveller returns"
The approach of the day of execution
seemed to have no effect on the prisoners,
and for the past few days they were unusual
~ cheerful Stevens declaring that it was his
wish to be free, and therefore desired the
day OF his execution to arrive. Mrs. Pearce,
the sister OF Stevens, was with him up to
yesterday morning, and made fine impress.
sion on all with whom she was thrown by
her lady-llke department and conduct. On
Thursday, a Miss Dunbar, of Ohio, arrived
in town. 1t is said she was engaged to be
married to Stevens at the time of the Har-
per's Ferry invasion, and has correspondent
with him since his Imprisonment 10 this
town. She is q lady Of much intelligence
and beauty. ''3 93
A brother of Hazlett, who resides in
Armstrong county, Pa, also arrived few
days ago, and was present with bis brother
until yesterday morning. He advised Haz-
lett to make full confession of his connec-
tion with the Brown party, and counseled
him to abandon all hope of a reprieve or
communication 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 launched into eternity,
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 condemned.
After the breakfast had been par taken of,
the friends of the criminals bade them a
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 sad procession. Col. John T. Gibson
was in command of the military, which made
magnificent display. The following COM
panies were posted around the scaffold be-
fore the arrival of the prisoners Clarke
Guards, Berkeley Border Guards, Floyd
Guards, Floyd Rifemen, Armory Guards,
Letcher. Guards, Continental Morgan Guards
and Letcher Rifemen.
| At ten minutes to twelve o'clock, the
prisoners made their appearance on the
field, escorted by the Hamtramck Guards
Jefferson Guards and Bolts Greys. The
prisoners walked to the scaffod. Hazlett
was in advance and assembled the steps with
an easy, unconcerned air, followed by Ste,
vens. Both seemed to survey with perfect
| ind no lorn ~ Ia IN ~.
tendance, 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,
jailer and Jail guard, after which the caps
were placed over their heads, and Aaron d.
Stevens and Albert Hazett were launched
into eternity, to be dealt with by Judge
"who doeth all things right"
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 embraced
each other and kissed.
The fall broke the neck of Hazlett, and
he died without struggle, while the knot
slipped on Stevens neck, and he writhed in
| contortiOns for several minutes. They were
permitted to hang about half an hour, when
they were examined and pronounced dead.
The bodies were placed in neat walnut
collins, and forwarded to Mr.. Marcus Spring,
South Amboy, New Jersey. 1t is UNDER
stood that Mrs. Spring sent money here for
the purpose of paying portion of the
funeral expenses.