The weekly Anglo-African. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1859-1861, 1860-03-24
EXECUTION OF OF STEVENS AND
HAZLETT

The Charlestown "Jeffersonian," fur
nishes the following account of the execu-
ton of these noble men:
''The near approach of the day of exc
cution seemed to have but little effect on
the prisoners, 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 Ste
vens, was with him up to yesterday morn
ing, and made fine impression on all
with whom she was thrown, by her lady
like department and conduct On Thurs
day Miss Dunbar, of 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 cores
pended with him since his Imprisonment
in this town. She is lady of much in
telligence and beauty.
A brother of Hazlett, who resides in
Armstrong 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
counselled 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 eter-
nifty, 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 partaken
of, the friends of the criminals babe them
long farewell and took a carriage for
Harper's Ferry, where they remained I'M
til the bodies of the executed reached
that place.
At eleven o'clock the field on which the
scaffold was erected was occupied by a
large number of spectators, still larger
number, however, remaining in town to
accompany the sad procession. Col. John
Il. Gibson was in command of the military,
which made magnificent display. The
following companies were posted around
the scaffold before the arrival of the pris-
oners Clarke Guards, Captain Bowen !;
Berkeley Border Guards, Captain MAIDEN
bousch Floyd Guards, Captain G. w.
Chambers Floyd Rihemen, Captain t.
S. Duke; Armory Guard, Captain Der
rick Letcher Cadets, Captain Campbell !;
Continental Morgan Guards, Captain
Haines, and Letcher Rifemen, Lieutenant
Link
At ten minutes to II o'clock, the prison
ers made their appearance on the field, es-
corted by the Hamtramck Guards, Capt.
Butler, Jefferson Guards, Captain Rowan
and Bolts Greys, Captain Lawson Bolts.
The prisoners walked to the scafold
Hazlett was in advance, and assembled the
steps with an easy, unconcerned air, follow
ed by Stevens. Both seemed to survey
with perfect indifference 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 affec-
tomato 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 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