The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-09-04


tionate utterances of the two relatiyeswho
had clung to him and his cause with that
fidelity which it seems is vouchsafed
alone to the gentler sex, however debased,
were too much even for Covert, reared, as
he had been, IN the haunts Of vice and
infamy, and for the first time his feelings
oYercame him, and he wept-wept freely.
HIS REMAINING MOMENTS.
From the close of this interview up to
the time of execution his time was occu-
pied in deep and earnest prayer with
Messrs. Snowden and jenkins, in which
he expressed his extreme contrition for
his hayward career-never once, however,
admitting any completely in the awful
crime for which he was so soon to suffer.
During this time he was visited by Judge
Smith, with whom be conyersed freely,
again reiterating his innocence.
THE EXECUTION.
At precisely 12 oclock the Sheriff and
his deputies, followed by Covert, his coun-
sci and his spiritual advisers, entered the
frame building in which the scaffold
stood. As he stepped upon the platform,
he cast one quick, nervous glance at the
group of twenty or twenty-five persons
around the room, and then quietly walked
to the center, where he stood, gazing
steadfastly at those present until the
Sheriff handed him chair.
He sat down for a moment, composed,
and upon being asked by Sheriff Butler
if he had anything to say, quietly replied
that he had, and spoke materially as fol-
lows: Sc
~ am about to leave this world. |
have passed through great trials. So far
as the officers have been concerned I have
been treated fairly; but not by the wit
nesses who swore against me. The wit
pesses who said I told of the murder on
Tuesday swore falsely. I hope 1 may
never see my God if knew of the mur-
der until the Thursday after it occurred.
/ can lay my hand on my heart and call
God to witness that I am innocent of the
murder Of the Roosa family. ] hope to
meet you all in the next world"
The first few words Of his remarks
we're delivered in somewhat nervous
manner, but the remainder were enuncia-
ted in singularly calm and clear tone Of
voice.
The Rev, Mr. Snowden then addressed
him number of interrogatories, to which
he replied affrmatively. Mr.. s. then Of
fered up brief and touching appeal to
the Throne Of Grace-a few simple, ear
nest words, which sunk deep into the
hearts of his audience, and which seemed
to affect Covert. But not a tear fell
across his wan and sallow cheek. The
officers of the prison, with voices choked
with emotion, then bade him last fare
well, to which he responded with much
apparent cordiality. The death warrant
was then solemnly read to him by Sheriff
Butler, to which Covert paid but little at
tention. The fatal moose was placed about
his neck, and the black cap was being
adjusted, when Covert, addressing Mr.,
David Hicks, of this city, against whom
he had sworn falsely, said:
sDayid, Hicks, / hope you'll forgive
me for what / did against you y -
Mr.. Hicks replied instantly. "Ill free
ly forgive you-I have no malice in the
world against you"
Again stepping back, and almost while
reiterating his innocence at.twelveo' clock
and FIVE minutes, the trap was sprung and
the soul of Samuel Mand Covert was ush
cred before the Great Rulers to be judged