Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-05-05
SHOCKING SCENES AT AN EXECU
TON.

From the Richmond Examiner. April 2l.l
Yesterday, shortly after noon, Thomas
Shields, a soldier of the United States SER
vice, was hung at the Libby prison, for the
murder Of Taylor, in conjunction with a
man named Clarke, on the Williamsburg
road
When Sergeant Clacker took the key and
unlocked the cell door, Shields was enjoy
ing Sicstd. He arose 10 his feet at once,
and asked them if they were ready; if they
wanted TO carry him to the scaflold. This
remark was accompanied by most horrible
oath. Fathers Andrews and Becker put up
the crucifx, and asked him to recognize
Jesus Christ as the Savior Of mankind.
Shields, with a terrible OATH said he dctied
Jesus Christ and all of them. The sanity
priest put up the cruciiix, and Shields spit
upon IT, At last, at twenty minutes 10 one
o'clock, Sergeant Clackcr notified Shields
that his time was up.
In the meantime the guard had supplied
Shields with whisky, and at his last mo-
ments he was drunk in his cell The Ser
geant at one o'clock, entered his cell and
opened the door, throwing down the pom
derous bolts. As soon as the door of the
cell was opened, Shields was discovered TO
be weeping. The Sergeant told him every
thing was ready; Shields hung back with
the energy of man OF 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. Take care of yourself, Dick, they
are going to hang me-"
A young man named Hartley, deserter
and burglar was also taken into Shields
cell Shields fell upon his rcck and wcpt.
Sergeant Clackcr grew impatient; the time
was approaching, and he said, Shields,
come out with me-" 4 large number of Of
fcials and spectators, admitted upon the
special pass of Gen. 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 command guard order stand
firm" rang through the Libby. Ii was an
awful moment Sergeant Clacker again en-
tered the cell shields, it is time to 60
now Shields fell upon his knees, and
though exhibiting not the slightest fear,
seemed to desire the postponement Of the
tragedy, and the priests were with him, pass
ING holy words OF consolation,
AZ last Shields said he was ready 10 leave
his cell, and, conducted between a Gordon 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,
"GoOd bye, gents; the s-n of b-h who
knocks the trap ON me will die in Rich
mond." Fathers Andrews and Becker ac-
companied Shields to the scafold. Father
Andrew put up the prayer of the Catholic
liturgy, "Jesus have mercy on my soul :
but Shields Immediately hranched into the
greatest blasphemy, and cursed all the pre-
lates of the church in attendance. The
black cap was drawn, and the legs Of the ac-
cused bandaged
Al 10 minutes past o'clock the trap fell,
and Shields descended through the hatchway
with the rapidity Of lightning. The execu-
ton was quickly performed; the knot was
fully behind the ear, and death was instan-
taneous. There was no spasmodic motion
Of the body.
Shields left several mementoes behind
him. When he was swung off he was dress
ed in blue pants and a citizens coat He
never moved muscle after thedrop fell, and
his last exclamation was Jesus, have mcr-
cy on my soul-drop" Such hardened
exhibition has never before been witnessed
in Richmond.