Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-01-26
EXECUTION of NEoHuEh.
HIS BEARING IN THB MORNING.
sPRRoH ON THE eALIOws.

in accordance with the sentence OF the
Court and il is the first instance in which the
death penalty has been inflicted in this
county since 1852. Notwithstanding the
great aversion in this community, as repre-
,ented by our iuries, to the taking of life by |
legal means, the most intense anxiety was
exhibited on the part of thousands to wit
ness the execution Of McHugh. This de-
sire, no doubt, arose partly from the recent
excitement in reference 70 the murder of
Hallam and Long. By eight or nine o'clock
in the morning the crowd began TO assem-
BILE around the l-yard, and although it was
well known that spectators would not be |
admitted within, the throDg increased until
it numbered several thousand, and they |
continued 10 block up the streets till after it |
was announced that the unfortunate pris
oner was in eternity. In order that the |
execution might be as private as possible, |
policemen were stationed on the various |
houses in the vicinity Of the Jail yard to |
prevent the crowd from mounting the roofs,
which they would have done, but for that |
| pIecaution.
The prisoner states that for a number Of
years, when under the Influence OF ardent
| spirits, be had baibored doubts Of his wile's
| fidelity, though in his sober moments be
| knew that all his suspicious were ground
| less. Some years ago, when inebriated, he
committed brutal assault upon her, and
was sentenced, notwithstanding her re-
|
years term in the Penitentiary. While in
prison, she supported the family, and fre-
| quently visited him; and by her interces-
sion with the Governor, be was released
something over year ago; and soon after
ward deliberately cut her throat with o
razor, causing almost instant death.
When sober, he was genial, lively and
kind hearted; and as he was allowed no
liquor while in the Penitentiary, he uni
foimly demeaned himself with propriety,
which greatly contributed toward obtaining
pardon from the Governor
A number of visitors remained with the
prisoner till twelve o'clock night before last,
when be retired and slept souDdly till late
hour yesterday morning He then arose, at
| tired his person with great camness, ex-
pressed himself refreshed and ate heartily.
He then had an interview with father
0'Driseell, his confessor, after which bis at
toIneys, his eldest daughter, Jailer Shockley
and Others visited hia. During the entire
time he joked freely, and when asked why
he desired to be hanged at twelve o'clock,
said, so that he might be in the next world
for dinner"
A suit of black cloth was provided for him.
and when he had attired himself he asked If
there was any money in the pockets and on
being answered in the negative, he said, jo-
cosely, then you might put a pass in it."
He desired that piece of green silk, as o
sign of his nativity, might be attached to his
neckclotb, and it was attached accordingly.
Whenth cravst was arranged he inquired
if it would not be in the way of the rope, but
was told that it would not; he then said that
. if the Sheriff could not fix the cord he
would assist him. Some one remarked to
| him, that he was extremely facetious, to
D which be replied: ut is not levity. l am
, convinced that my sins are forgiven, and il
makes me happy. l am glad that my houI
is approachingW
He then made a request to see his coffin
4 He was informed that he should have tina
. privilege before the execution, and expressed
. bimselt satisfied. The coffin is of blacl
T. walnut silver mounted, having a larg'
), plated cruci6x on the lid. At half-past tel
y be had another interview with his coDfessor
. and afterward with Major Burke and DR.
: Burke, natives of the town from which h
had emigrated, Burns, the murderer, and hi
q two little daughters, He thanked the presen
y and fermer jaiers for their many kindnesse
4 be had received. His interview with hi
a was suggested that the execution should b
st deferred an hour or two, to see if any par
ii don arrived, he protested, saying that II on
"a come he would not accept it. Fathe
a O'Driscoll, however, requested delay, a
# prayers were to be offered for him at moo
precisely, and he finally consented.
At twelve o'clock the Sheriff and hi
8. deputies again entered the cell. Those pre-
\ viously there shook hands with the prisone
a and bid him farewell. His son came II
a. The old man wanted to kiss him, but he rt
So fused and talked very roughly, asking on
G. of the Deputy-Sherlffs if "it wasn't tim
g. for the hanging" and also telling his fathe
v, that he "didn't want to see him fall" II
er conduct was much condemned, and th
he Sheriff finally ordered his removal. NJ
no Gaines the Prosecuting Attorney, and M
81, Kerr, his assistant, then approache,
D. McHugh grasped their hands, and said
at 81 am rejoiced to see you, gentleme
You know me. You done your duty, o'
want to speak few words to you. %
NO especially, Mr.. Kerr, used your ability al
he craft to impress on the jury that premed
tated the murder of my wife. Allow n
90 kindly to say you worked upon a false basi
60 From the 21st of July, 1853, when l "
60 sent to the State Prison, up to the tiu
GO of Tegaining my liberty, did not harb
&C alone and friendless then. All the distur
g. ance between her and me, justly lay
~ | myself and drink. She was q good woma
90 as good as any man might wish for wi
s. s. and though poor like myself, was go
! 70 woman. Drink induced me to impeach
g integrity by charges which now decls
~ ~ proundless. harbored it for sixteen yea
% " and it kindled into flame. But wher
47S was in prison, it died away. Do you KIN
why? Because total abstinence settled
We brain, and allowed it to play in my lit
,es- Irish skull.p
'w- He then related some particulars Of
- early life, speaking of the boys of Irelal
U. &c. He then advised the two gentlem
NAT whenever they were to prosecute man,
'ast "allow him fair shake" and to substit
ety the law of Jesus Christ for that of Mos
the He spoke of the numerous religious cree
tne but said all must acknowledge that CHI
the died to forgive sinners. Believing that
jlty was forgiven, he forgave everybody,
asked God TO bless them all.
81 After some further conversation he as
iud- for spirits. He was furnished with glas
80, whisky and water, by Mr.. John Bunker.
nth, "Thank you" said he. "Now, '
give you the Scotchman's toast: rem'
Tour Der YOU when far awa'."
The Deputy-Sherif then commenced ty
rom his arms behind him. He made sew
NJ OF ioyial remarks while they were doing it,
IT OF finally said "Gentlemen, did you ever 8
the man hung, who took it so pleasantly as
Well, thank my God that I've lived as
iOr as this"
At ten minutes past twelve he was led
ran of his cell, accompanied as follows;
the Men bearing the Coffin.
eiO .....H Priest
u to gherif Armstrong.
The Prisoner, supported BY Deputy'sherihs L
N and Bunker.
nah Deputy. sheriff GLASS; with the hatal Oora
'i" Az he annroaehed the scaffold, he