The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-11-24
EXECUTION IN CANADA.
SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO the NEW YORK HERALD

Hanging of James Mack, Driver In the
Regal Artillery, for the Murder Of Alfred
Smith, Corporal i'm the British Army
Solemn Rites Of the Catholic Church. &c.
MONTREAL, Nov 90, 1866.
This morning James Mack, driver in the Royal artil-
lery underwent the extreme penalty Of the law the
murder Of Corporal Alfred Smith, Of the corps
the evening Of the I'd Of July last. The murder was
cod-blooded deliberate Mack having taken umbrage
at supposed strctness the part Of the
unfortunate victim Of his crime, determined to have
vengeance.
On the evening in question: in q large room in the
barracks, and In the presence OF large number Of
soldiers Mack watched his opportunity aud deliberately
cut the throat of Corporal Smith from with
Smith only lived for Ave minutes afterwards
At the trial the defence Of insanity set up. but
Macks counsel failed establish plea the salts
faction OF the Judge the jury the government, which
afterwards pettioned in vain for a Communication Of
the sentence.
Mack was twenty-five years old and was born In Eng.
land although his mother still living in Ireland He
a Roman Catholic. Since his conviction he has
evinced cheerful mind and sense OF the justice Of
and resignation his sentence He has been constantly
attended by Father villeneuve and the OF the
gregation During the las, few days he has been
stanty attended by the nuns Of La Providence. Last
evening at nine O'Clock he was visited by the Rev
Father Toupn, who remained with him during the
night, considerable portion OF which was spent
by the prisoner In receiving the consultations OF religion
The reverend father ie him about quarter 70 nvs this
some time. Al hafpast seven O'Clock three OF the
nuns Of La Providence visited him. remaining until the
arrival OF Father Nileneuve, who commenced mass at
eight ocok in the next TO She prisoners CELL and
which had been fitted up temporary chapel After
mass he received the plenary indulgence in the name of
A, half-psst eight strong body OF police ar.
those admitted by ticket including a large number
OF medical students and representatives OF the
raj af IA Pm mis- iva6
and at the time tho crowd began TO gather outside
OF the walls of the jail yard Soon afterward the
bep Of tho press and few others admitted TO the
room thus occupied temporary chapel The prisoner
stood up before them Just within The door Of the cell
dressed In suit OF black which had been furnished him
by the nuns He was perfectly coectsd aud in answer
to questions put By Father vleneuve stated he was
sorry for having committed his terrible CRIT and vii.
hands with thcm and II remarked that his grip had
the strength and nrmness Of man in perfect health, and
with nerves quite mistaken. Nevertheless he wore
wistful look and tear In his eye he received this
last mark Of human sympathy.
The prayers for the dying had been read 10 him
In his cell SO that there might be delay caused
thereby ON the gsows He walked about during some
o'clock be was brought down to the and stood
by the side OF the table while the executoner made the
s necessary ssy I m he va, sui perfectly collected
oy his SIDE again expressed himself resigned TO his
sentence and willing 70 die, and added that he was mot
afraid OF death. He from time TO time drew deep
breath but exhibited nothing Ike repds,ion his bear
Ing nigh, DO described as being anxious and solemn.
hhh hnythtnk else. Iue pintontnBs Delnk com
pleted, he asked whether he would then have the
rived on the eallowsn He repeated that he quite
happy, and said he forgave every one.
The melancholy procession then quickly formed,
and the prisoner followed by those In the prcssroom
and Others walked rapidly Jail yard between
Father Vllcneuve and DR. Besubep surgeon 10 tho jail
Without any pause he ascended to tho scanold
being allowed to accompany him except the above
named gentlemen, the sheriff and two odcss He stood
erect and motonlsss unde the Drop and the rope was
quickly fixed to the beam, the cap was drawn over bis
face and IN few moments the bolt was drawn. In the
descent the cap or and exposed his oouncnanos
but was not in the least convulsed the tongue pro-
truded ana the face and neck began 20 grow vid and
swell. Not muscle OF bis face moved, there
the least motion OF the limbs body TO show that the
dying criminal sl retained feeling consc In
three and half minutes he was dead.