Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-01-25

:, TRE EXECUTION To DAY-1he Prisoner -
To-day Patrick NcHugh will suffer the ex-
treme penalty of the law as an expiatiou
for the murder of his wife some time last
spring. The circumstances Of the case are
already well known, and it is unnecessary
TO report them; the efforts to establish his
insanity, the granting of the writ of error,
the confirmation of the verdict in the Court
below, the issuing Of the death, warrant,
were all laid before our readers, at the tims
1t is certain that, from the moment McHugh
was first convicted he had little hope, either
for pardon or a commutation, and it is
somewhat doubtful, whether he desired
either. ~ .-.
To the casual observer, he has shown a
remarkable Indifference for his fate and to
such as, forgetful of the feelings which
should always predominant in humanity,
have violated the courtesy extended to them
by the officers Of the Jail, and asked him
insulting questions, and spoken in heart
less manner, he has given responses which
would indicate that he had lost every attri-
butte OF his race and the impression has
gone abroad that such is the case. But to
those who have extended to him their SYM
pathy, he has exhibited himself in an en-
tirely different light.
He acknowledges the dreadful nature of
the crime he has committed, and complains
not at the no less dreadful penalty he is to
suffer. He protests, however, that at the
time the deed was committed he bore ne
malice toward his victim and he appears
unable 10 account for the strange iufatuation
that prompted him to commit crime which
sent the wife he should have cherished to
the spirit world, and hurried himself forward
TO an untimely and ignominious-death He
says that so terrible does the act weigh upon
his mind, that death is welcome, to snatch,,him
from the tortures of an awakened Conscience
He has learned of the impression, which is
almost general, that he is coldly Indifferent
to his past life, and requested some of his
friends TO do all in their power to contradict
the statement. He avows his willingness,
even anxiety, to meet his wife in heaven, of
which he has not the remotest doubt.
Yesterday morning, gentleman who had
visited him frequently, took his wife with
him, and on entering the cell introduced her.
wife wife my wife p said McHugh, half
interrogatively, at the same time looking
around, as if greatly bewildered. 'No,p re-
piled the gentleman, mot your wife" +"
"OhP said the prisoner, still excited, 81
thought it was nly wife, come TO visit me
from the spirit land A moment after,
however, his wonted self control resumed
its dominion, and he oonversed cheerfully.
He stated that thirty years ago, a voice
which he never could explain told him of a
terrible event which would occur in 1860 I;
of its nature, il was needless now to speak,
he said, and Immediately afJerWard com.
menced a conversation on another subject.
Early yesterday morning, he was consid-
erably indisposed, and complained of cramp-
ing pains; medicine was administered, and
he was soon relieved.
He was visited by a number of persons
yesterday, among whom was Archbishop
Purcell and Rev. NJ. ID. Conway, and his
coDfessor. ola
The meeting with the Archbishop was
very affecting. As the reverend gentleman
entered the cell the prisoner fell upon his
knees and commenced feryent prayer 10
which he was assisted by that venerable
| functionary of the church. Having con-
cluded, the doomed man arose. and in a
most cheerful manner conversed of his APP
preaching end, and Of his faith In the reli-
gion in which he had been educated.
While the erection of the scaffold was pro.
| crossing, the gates of the jail-yard were
thronged with people, begging TO gain ad.
mittanee; only few, however, were al
lowed TO 60 inside.
McHueh was born in the western part oi
Ireland, In the year l6l4-and is eonse.
| quenty forty-six years Of age. He immi
grated TO this country abeut twenty year
| ago, and since that time has served one Of
two terms in the PenitentiAry. Last nigh
he expressed desire that the execution
should take place at twelve clock precisely
and the officers have complied with his re
| quest.