The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1863-05-22
[Telsgraphic Correspondence of the cihCinn at
Commercial.
The Execution Of Spies on John.
. sons Island.

ITelegraphlo Correspondence OF the Clnolnn ~
Commercial.
The Execution Of Spies on John.
e sons Island.
SANDURF, o., May 15e
This afternoon, the sentence passed
upon William Oorbin and T. B, Nc.
Graw, convicted by court-martial, at
Cincinnati. was executed on Johnson's
Island, the depot for prisoners of war,
near this city The execution was
strictly military, none being allowed on
the island except the soldiery, officers of
the Government, and reporters Of the
press.
In the morning the prisoners in the
yard were restricted to close quarters,
and the island strongly picketed. At L
p M. the battalion was formed by Cap
tain Linnell, and marched to- the place
OF execution, on the south side Of the
island, fronting the bay. At twenty
minutes past one the prisoners, securely
bound, guarded by the execution party.
accompanied by their escort and chaps
lain, left the prison, aud were placed in
q two horse wagon, seated on coffin,
the spiritual adviser, Rev. R. McO6ne,
Chaplain of the post, sitting between
them, and proceeded to the beach, the
band playing the Dead March. y sue
The battalion formed in hollow square,
the execution party in the center, front
facing the prisoners, Maj. Pierson and
staff on thefight. The proceedings of
the court.martial, finding and sentence
were then read by Adjutant Bailey, af-
ter which the Chaplain stepped forward
beside the condemned, and said p.
II am desired by these unfortunate
men to return their thanks to the COM
mander Of this post, and to all the men
with whom they have had intercourse,
for the kindness and sympathy they
have received since their arrival here.-
I am also charged by them to say to all
in attendance that they die forgiving all
enemies and accusers, and in love and
charity with all men, believing in the
gospel Of Jesus Christ, and that they
have thus far been concerned and gained
by its truths, that trusting in the mercy
of God, through Christ, they have good
hope of eternal life." tfi
After an eloquent and fervent prayer
by the Rev. Mr.. McCune, the condemn
ed were blindfolded, the necessary orders
were given by the Provost Marshal, and
at forty minutes past one Corbon and
McGraw paid the penalty of their acts.
The execution party consisted of thir-
ty-two men, divided into Squads-half
being reserve. The firing was excel
lent the sixteen shots fred being as
that of one man. The criminals fell
back upon their collins, each pierced
through the breast, within q circle of a
few inches, by twenty-five balls and
buckshot,, and died without a struggle.
Corbin did not move muscle, McGraw
gasping but once. The bodies were
then examined by surgeons, and life
found extinct. The troops were then
marched past the bodies, the band play
ing the Dead Mercb, thence to the pa.
rade ground and were dismissed. Z
| The whole proceedings attending the
execution we're very solemn and impress
sive, and the manner in which they were
conducted reflects credit upon the off.
GERS and men having it in charge.
| just previous to the execution, the
prisoners handed the Chaplain.the fol.
lowing:
II, W. F. Corbin, was born March s.
1868, in Campbell county, KY; Joined
the Masonic Order at twenty-one years
of age; joined the Christian Church in
my 22d year, at California, in the same
county; was baptized by Elder f. Sal.
+ lie, of Bracken county, KY; Joined the
rebel army in October, 1884, came tc
Kentucky in February, 1863; was taken
prisoner on the night Of the 9th Of
April" aaa
II, T. P.,McGraw, was born in Har.
{ risou county, KY, June 4, 1926; my
father died in December, 1858, when
removed to Falmouth, where l lived till
1860, and then came to Campbell 90.
KY, where remained till April, 1862
I then went to the Confederate army
and was attached to the 5th Kentucky
Volunteers; was o Lieutenant in Co.
G until February, 1868, when 1 was SEN
by Gen. Marshall to recruit company
for his command; was taken prisoner OIL
the 9th of April, 1868; was not tried BY
court martial, and supposed would b,
, treated as prisoner; Joined the Chris
tian Church at California, KY, in 1856
I leave mother and two sisters and {
brother and friends to mourn my loss
but their loss is my gain. Prepare tc
meet me ia heaven. " I freely forgive al
men as God, for Christ's sake, has for
+ given me-" 81
By order Of Gen. Burnside, the bodie
were delivered to friends from Ken
lucky who were in attendance to receiv
, them. 4z 5H '#6'7
THE WAR In CIRCASSIA.
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