The weekly sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1851-1869, 1862-01-04
EHOM FREDERICK, Md.
The Execution of Lanaghan.

IydDic' ne. 23.-The approvl of Tie
Court Marshal Ia the case Of lsnl,ban, for
murder, the order for his execution ami tho date
hereof was forwarded by Gen. Mcclellan on
lhursday, requiring Gen. Banks only to name
he place and tine hour Tho gallows was
planned and erected by man from Baltimore,
Nho has had experience in such matters.
Tho tltuuustsnccs Of tho murder were as fol-
,ows:-Tho 10 h Pennsylvania was on it, way
rom Washington 10 Pleasant Hill. At Rock.
vile, several Of the soldiers procured liquor aud
became intoxicated. At Muddy Branch, Lana
iahap, being under the influence Of liquor, had
Iquafr,l, and Major LOWS ordered him to bo
tied to tho rear OF wagon. Daring the pro-
sress oi III, march Lana gahln got united, AMI
'aking loaded muskoi from one of his com.
AIDES, swore he would shoot he Major. The
latter long la au, auce, heard OF his release
me- rode to TIE rear Where he met LAua; ihau
aid ordered Inn to give up the gun. l-.naEa-
han took aim and shot Mai. Lewis through the
heart AS lac was In the act Of dismountng.
Says a corr, sdondtni
IN'sited him an hour before his execution.
His coriessor was with him. ON my entering,
he advanced with cheerful smile upon his face,
and reached out hi, mana,led right hand.
lauaghan (1millnglO.-My hour has como.
Correspond, nt-So, am sorry to hear, John.
J wish II could be otherwise. Are you all right
here (placing my hand on ms hearth.
lanaghan--By the love of God, am. am
not sorry To die now, ! owe II TO God, and
man cannot ho better prepared. Death is only
Charge hom one state to another, aud takes
but a moment.
Corespondent-IS there anything you wish to
say to the world through the press o
lanaghan-But very little | committed tho
murder, and am willing to die for il. Say 10
the people pray Tor peace. Tell the soldiers 10
Ils'au from liquor. lpmy CO.. them, as ! hop
they do for me, die in peace.
After requesting me 20 be present ut the exc
cution, babe him a final adieu. During the
whole interview he spoke In a firm hut subdued
tone. Not nerve or muscle quivered, hut a
cheerful smile at times lii up his countenance.
The beauties Of religion ANA true religion never
we're more beautifully developed than on this
occasion.
AZ noon, Ianagahan was placed in a covered
wagon with hi spiritual adviser and his coffin.
lie walked out with a firm step and took his
seat with but slight assistance. The procession
Waa formed.
The Third brigade, Gen. Williams, to which
agalian $ regiment is Alta he'd, was upon tho
ground. LAnagahan viewed tho preparations
without the slightest apparent emotion, and
he assembled the scaiiold with an unlaltering
step.
The Assistant Provost Marshal inquired If
he had anythng to say. He replied, NO,
have nothing TO say. | am ready to cie.' Tho
cap was drawn over his face, the rope was adj
jus'ed ON his neck, aud the drop fell.
From eaIly in the forenoon until an hour
after the execution, and particularly at the
solemn moment the heavens seemed waging
war upon the earth. A freezing wind, with
snow and hail, chilled the bodies and almost
blinded the eyes of all present.
Lansgahau's body was taken charge Of by his
Catholic friends, to await the arrival Of his
rGlatiOns.