, 1866-11-07
THE GALLOWS,
Four Negroes Hung Confession Of
Gullt-Sccnes mud Incidents.

Ssu1l1-SceneA mud Incidents.
From the Washington lnselllgencer, Nov. 81
William Platter, Henry Lnckett, William
Jones aud Henry Davis yesterday suffered
Maryand fhey we're as a. statea tat d itoia IL the IL.
tsHi3tnetr Of yesterday morning, convicted Of
the murder Of Mr.. William Lylcs, near .Pis-
Getaway The execution excited much in
tercst, and even bclore daylight yesterday
the oadsleading to Marlboro were throngcd
with people who were desirous Of witnessing
the hanging.
William Henry Jones, who was charged
With rape, aud who, it was expected, would
also be hung, WIS zespitcd by Governor
doubtful, and some evidence existing Of his
Innocence. The courier arrived at A{arl-
borough, with respite for Jones, on Thurs.
day:, the respite being for six weeks.
AIR. Brooke, the clerk of the court, imme-
diately proceeded to the room and read the
document to Jones. lie did not seem 10 m.
dsfstahd 1t ut first, AID Mr. B. explained to
him that he was not to be hung until De-
cember 18th. Jones responded, remarkinr
with smile, "Weu, I'll have good time
Tie warrant for execution was read to
them On Thursday by Sheriff Turton, who
was accompanied by the clerk, Mr.. Sasscer,
and at first they appeared to be very indif-
ie1ent, but shortly after Mr. kcrshaw
y havc, lad much control over the
his advice to say nothins-and con.
seQuently, up to yesterday there has been no
confession made except as to the Lyles mur.
deF, winch was made during the trial, and
an intimation from one that the party were
engaged ln the robbery of the Misses Palmer.
last spring. near Broad Creek.
Platter, although he confessed several weeks
ago that Nc WIS in Lyles' house and took the
clock, afterwards strcnuously denied that he
entered the house, md said that the sen
tence was unjust, as he never saw the de-
ceased, and but two Of the party. Davis and
Luskett, were engaged In tie murder.
Shortly after his conviction the sheriff dis
covered that llc was planning an escape. He
lad procured some glass and piece OF hard
brick (Which were found sccretcd In his
shoes, with which he proposed to cut away
the rivcts of his irons, and Aftcr looscuIuu
them to await the entrance Of the guard al
meal time, oyeFpower him, seize the keys,
TO be quite debi]itatcd but 1t is believed be
Tas feigning weakness. He recently stated
to some of the othersAhat as soon rs he was
loosencd from the lrous lie intended to make
q desperate attempt TO escape, pzcierring to
be shot rather than hung. A few days ago
ciled to meet hla God, but that he expected
to be by the time he was called on to 70
to the scadold. He said tliat 1t was very un-
just to charge nil the robhcrics committed
4CH AlOHku5 iv10E ~ luis O1 UIl0. anu AS~
serted TINT this was the first crime In which
he ever engaged, and that in this he was en-
trnppcd. lie, however, about two months
previous to his arrcst, was fred at In Alsxan-
drla Us 1se was attempting to break Into
store, and received then ball In Ills back.
William Jones said that he was fully recon.
ciel. and that he, with tle others, being
guilty Of the crime, must take tho cpnso-
qncuces. Jones, 1t will be rccollected, was
formerly Colonel Lylcs' coaslman, md was
ft+7En 1uf* At-.. n..
masters house. Davis seemed to avail. the
approach Of the day With but little concern.
Luckctt was tic most hopeful Of the lot,
aud sald that he was fully prepared to meet
his God. It Is stated that Willie confined In
the Alexandria jail he made profession Of
On Monday last the undertaken took the
measures for their collins. Platter seemed
somewhat moved, and his eyes moistencd for
an}oe the othc5s howsseF ,h9ms 20
oncrs were dug in the Jail yard, where the
new jnil is being erected.
. On Thursday night, as we'll as 70. several
nights past, there was ! large guard on duty
at thu Court House. During the early part
Of the night the prisoners engaged in singing
hymns, but after ten O'Clock they were all iIls
deep slumbcr.
Mcssrs. Jones and Collins, of Washington,
are engaged In erecting q handsome aud SUBJ
stant!al , new building for the purposes Of
thlrty-six feet square, entirely drc-proof the
tlpors being Of brick on iron gtrdcrs. The
building has iron window frames, across
which are heavy iron bars.
About niue o'clock On Friday, Rev. Mr.
Kershaw, the Episcopal Minister, visited
them and engaged In devotional exercises
With them. About this thine Sheriff Tur-
tor, Deputy Wedding, and the Jailor, Mr..
Mcdd)y, in an adjoirlng room, gathered the
special guard-two to each prisoner. For
two hours the minister engaged with them
in devotional exercises, interrupted for a
short time BY conversation with Mayor
Latham, Of Alexandria.
At exactly eleven o'clock the prisoners
lowing order: Platter, Jones, Davis and
Luckett, and took seats on the chairs under
the drops, Platter seemed. very weak, but
the others bore up we'll under it. Platter
closed his eyes and commenced to pray i'm
medlately on being seated, Us also Jones, but
the other two Appeared perfectly calm and
unconcerred. While seated their legs were
tied and tho black caps placed on their
heads.
Luckett ut this time signifcd that he had
something to say, and, rising, spoke ina toll
crably firm voice. saying that he wished all
to take warning By his fate, and he prayed
God to look down on him and all assembled
and blees them: He closed By bidding Sher-
if Tuftbn goodbye, rs also Ar. G. G. Ma
gruder, his counsel, and General Bowie.
Platter said that he felt relieved as he sat
there, and that Jesus WAS with him and be
was satisfied all would be Joy in few hours,
and he thanked all for their little acts OF
kindness. He had had Ill feeling to some,
but he trusted God wonld forgive him for It,
Rev. 3Ir. kershaw hcrc read the service Of
the Church, during which tears we're seen In
the eyes Of Platter and Jones, but the others
| showed no emotion. At the conclusion Of
| the service, Mr.. Kershaw bid each 4 farewell,
! and Platter took this opportunity to make a
| fcTycnt prayer, and continued after the
chairs were removed, as did Luckett also.
Just before the trap was sprung, Jones and
Luckctt sang q portion OF the hymn,
| Should earth against my soul engage"
At tie conclusion Of this hymn, the scaf.
| fold was cleared, and at q concerted signal
| the trigger was pulled ard the drop ieIl.
| leaving the four bodies dangltngin the air.
After they had hung about fifteen minutes
| they we've lowered and examined by Dr.. John
q. Mundcll, physician to the jail ; Dre r. K.
| life extinct. They we're then lowered into
| their collins, which had been previously
| placed directly under the scatIo,a. tSubse-
| quently they were inferred uear the jail now
\ in course Of construction.
Catherine sehestx. Jswess, Is creating e.eak
sensation In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a. =