Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-03-23
Execution Of stevens & I1azlett.

] The 'Charle.town (Va.) Spirit furnishe.
the following particulars Of the execution o
Stevens and Hazlett, at that place, on Fri
day last There were eleven military com
panies on the field Of execution 1t says: /.
The near approach Of the day ofexecutior
seemed to have little effect on the prisoners
and for the past few days they we're unusu
ally cheerful, Stevens declaring it was hi
wish 10 be free, and therefore desired the
day fcrkis execution to arrive. Mrs. Pearce
the sister of Stevens, was with hin up tt
yesterday morning, and made fine impress
sion on all with whom she was thrown, by
her. lady like department. and conduct. On
Thursday, Miss Dunbar, from Ohio, ar.
rived in town. It is said she was engaged
to be married to Stevens at the time of the
Harper's Ferry invasion, and has correspond
I'd with him since his imprisonment in this
town. She is lady of much intelligence
and beauty. . ~
| A brother Of Hazlett, who resides in Arm
strong county, Pa, also arrived few days
ago, and was present with his brother until
Yesterday morning He advised Hazlett to
make full confession Of his connection with
the Brown party, and counseled him to a.
bandon all hope Of a reprieye or Communication
of punishment. Yesterday morning the ia
bic 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 betroth ed Of
one and the brother Of the other. A solemn
feast, and one which was seemingly enjoyed
but by 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 TREY 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, a. still larger number,
however, remaining in town to accompany
the sad procession Col. John 7. Gibson
was in command of the military, which
made magnificent display. The following
companies were posted around the, scaAold
before the arrival of the prisoners: Clarke
Guards, Capt. Bowen; Berkeley Border
Guards, Capt. Nadenbousch Floyd Guards
Capt. G. W. Chambers; Floyd Rifemen,
Capt. T. S. Duke; Armory Guard, Capt.
Derrick; Letcher Cadets. Capt. Campbell
Continental Morgan Guards, Capt Haipes,
and Letcher RiAemen, Lieut.. Link.
At 10 minutes to IL o'clock the prisoners
made their appearance on the field, escorted
by the Hamtramick Guards, Capt Butler
Jefferson Guards, Capt. Rowan, and Bolts
Greys, Captain Lawson Bolts. The prison.
ers walked to the scafold. Hazlett waz
in advance, and assembled the steps with an
easy, -uncohcerned air, followed by Stevens
Both seemed to survey with perfect indifor-
ence the large mass Of persons in attendance
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. jailor and
jail guard, after which the caps were placed
over their heads, and Aaron D. Stevens and
Albert Hazlett were launched into eternity,
to be dealt with by Judge who doeth all
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 Haziett embraced each
other and kissed. The fall broke the neck
of Hazlett, and he died without a struggle,
whilst the knot slipped on Stevens neck:
and he writhed in contortions for several
minutes. They were permitted to hang a.
bout 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, N. j. i
is understood Mrs. Spring sent money here
for the purpose Of paying portion Of the
funeral expenses.