Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-02-25
Execution of Beall, the Lake Erie Pirate.

Execution OF Beall, the Lake Erie Pirate.
John Y. Beall, the Lake Erie pirate and spy,
was hung upon Governors Island, New York,
yesterday. The execution took place at quar-
ter to one o'clock. It was to have taken place
on Saturday last but owing to some informaIi-
ty In the sentence 1t was postponed until yes
terday. The cause of the postponement was
because the sentence was appointed to be exe-
cuted on Saturday, contrary to the usual GUS
otom of making Friday the day for carrying out
the order for capital punishment.
After sound nights sleep and a hearty
breakfast, he was engaged in writing for some
visited by Rev. DR.. Weston OF the Epis opal
church. The prisoner was in excellent .,irits
and seemed very little affected by the prospect
before MN At half. past ten o'clock he express =
ed desire to have his photograph taken. This
request was granted, and he was accompanied
by the officer OF the day to a photograph galle-
ry, where ne sat for his picture with as much
GOODNESS as IL he were having it taken On an
ordinary occasion. At half past twelve o'clock
Captain Talman, Provost Marshal of Fort Co.
lumbus, and United States Marshal Murray,
waited upon the prisoner and told him to pre-
pare for marching to the gallows. He received
the officers, as they entered his cell, with
smile, and said to Marshal Murray, "I want
the matter to be done quickly as possible,
after ALL
The appearance of the prisoner as he pro-
ceeded to the gallows was characterized by
"4st y9psaisfFrtgi saifFrtg ! self possession.
and Immediately took the regular ehorf step IN
keep time. Asrhe procession reached the brow
OF e, tne ed nh overlooking the galows it halted
prisoner conversed with Dr. Weston "Thls is
beautiful day." he said. ~ suppose this is
the last time shall ever look upon the SUM-"
The procession marched to the galloWs, and
as the prisoner stepped ppon the platform he
looked up at the structure, and rested his eve,
1or moment, upon the rope. There was no
was oyershadowed with that palIor which al
ways precedes death. As soon as he took his
position under the cross beam, an officer read
the charges and sentence, and also Gen. Dix's
order approving OF the findings Of the Court
Martial
While the first portion of the document was
being read, Beall stood looking around him, as
If taking in the magnificent prospect of the bay
and Its surroundings, till he soon seated him.
self In chair, and listened attentively to the
readings OF the sentence. Whenever the word
"spy" or ''guerrilla" was used, he smiled, and
In one or two instances. shook his head, as if
to deny the allegations.
The reading having been finished, The pris-
oner sprang to his feet as soon as The last word
was uttered, and said he was ready, and the
rope was then adjusted. DR.. Weston then read
the Commendatory Prayer OF the Episcopal
liturgy, the prisoner reveIently bowing his
head during the service. AS soon as this was
over, he turned to the officer OF the day and
spoke as follows.
Il protest against the execution OF this
der. die in the service and defence Of nv
country. have nothing more to say
AT the conclusion of these remarks the black
cap was drawn over his face. The officer of
the day then swung his sword, and In an in
stant the weights fell, and the prisoner was
hoisted into the air, about six feet above the
platform. He died almost without struggle.
shock.
The execution was witnessed by not more
than one hundred and fifty spectators, besides
occurring to mar the solemnities of the oc-
casion.