Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-05-01
The Han giing of Shields at the Libby
Prison for Murder The Soeno..at. the
SoafoId, Etn. .4

Ea 80 60 ~ ~ .a-.- a:Tig g. ~
= Y Yesterday, shortly after noon, Thomas
Shields, a soldier of the United States service,
washung at the Libby Prison, for the murder of
Taylor, in conjunction with a man named
Clarke, on the Williamsburg road.
Sergeant Clacker, of the Eleventh infantry,
entered the cell of-the condemned man at
twenty-five minutes past twelve o'clock Fa-
thers Andrews and Becker were with the ac-
cused. Shields occupied No. IA of the Lib
by cells. Richard Turner and deserter
named Hartley, and garroter, had an inter-
view with Shields. They were each conduct
ed out Of their cells. Shields wept freely in
these interviews, but was very uncommunica-
tive. lie was perfectly composed ; carried
his handkerchief in his bosom, and kept con-
tinually remarking that he had done his best.
When Sergeant Checker took the key and.
unlocked the cell door. Shields was enjoying
a SieStG. He arose to his feet at once, and
asked them if they were ready; if they want
cd to carry him to the scatfold. This remark.
was accompanied by most horrid oath Fa~
theirs Andrews and Becker put up the cruifx,
and asked him to recognize Jesus Christ as
the Saviour of mankind. Shields, with ter
rible oath said he defied Jesus Christ and all
of them. The sanity priest put up the cruci-
fix, and Shields spit upon it; This occurred
moval to the scaffold. At last, at twenty min
utes to one o'clock, Sergeant Clacker notified
Shields that his time was at up. In the mean
time the time guard had supplied Shields with
whiskcy, and athis last mouents he was drunk
in his cell. The sergeant, at one o'clock, en-
tered his cell and opened the door, throwing
down the pondcrous bolt. As soon as the
door ofthe cell was opened Shields was discov.
cred to be weeping. The sergeant told him
everything was ready. Shields hung back
with the energy Of man on the Threshold of
eternity, and said, ''Let me wait awhile"
Richard Turner was brought in, and shook
hands with Shields. "Good-bye, Dick; I've
known you a good WHILE" is all that Shields
said. "Iakc care ofyoursclf, Dick they are
going to hang me-" ~ g,- ...r
Il \. young man named Hartley, deserter
burglar, was also taken into Shields CELL
Shield tellupon his neck and wept Sergeant
CHECKER grew impatient; the time was ap-
preaching, and he said "Shields, come out
with me- A large number of officials and
spectators admitted upon the special pass of
General Turner, filled the lobby. Shields
hung back, and those admitted by tickets
crowded around the door Of the cell Of Shields
Shields was reluctant to leave his cell the
Sergeant ordered up his guard and the cons
mand "gulrd, order, stand firm, -" rang through
the Libby. IL WAS an awful moment. Ser
geant Clackerdgain entered the cell. Shields
it is time to 90 now" Shields fell on his
knees and, though exhibiting not the slightest
fear, seemed to desire the postponement Of the
tragedy, and the priests were with him, pass
iES holy words of consolation. NH.
At last Shields said he was ready to leave
his cell, and, c0hducted between cordan of
soldiers, he was marched rapidly through the
corridor, up the stairway into the third story,
from. which the trap was arranged As
Shields passed rapidly by, he exclaimed,
Goodbye gents; tie s-n Of b-h who
knocks the trap on me will die in Richmond
Fathers Andrews and Becker accompanied
Shields to the scafold. Father Andrews put
up the prayer of the Catholic Liturgy. 81
have mercy on my SOUL" but he Immediately
branched off into the greatest blasphemy, and
cursed all theprelates Of the Church in attends
ance. The black cap was drawn and the legs
Of the accused bandaged.
BY stupid arrangement the reporters of
the press were excluded from the floor from
which the accused was swung.
At ten minutes past one o'clock the trap
fell, and Shields descended through the hatch
way with the rapidity Of lightning The ex>
ecution was quickly performed the knot was
fully behind THO ear, and death was instaneous.
There was no spasmodic motion of the body.
Richmond EraDliner.