The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-04-24
THE GALLOwS.

TOOK place yesterday morning at an early hour
In the yard OF the county jail. With the excep-
tion of the police, the sheriff, and his baillfTs
there we're but few persons present, as none but
those having written permission were allowed
10 enter. The galoWs was built in the southern
mart of the yard, and at sucn distance from
the wall that it could not be seen from the out
side. For very proper reasons, the execution
was not made public, though ITS occurrence will
doubtless be not without effect upon some OF the
IaVless members of our generally peaceful com.
munity, great number of the criminals con-
fined In the jail, however, were permitted 10
ascend upon the roof, and endeavor, il possible,
10 obtain, through the dim twilight and hazy
gloom a look at the sad consequences of crime.
EVERY posslble opportunity and kindness we're
shown TO the prisoners previous to their exc
cution, by the worthy jallor, Captain Russell,
and the efficient county sheTlni Mr.. Benlamn
aid an in their power to add to their prepara
tion for the dark mysterious journey. That
nothing might be la,king, they even prolonged
the appointed time for execution, that the con-
demned might receive all the consultations of
religion. On the evening previous to the exc
Cution the prisoners were attended by the Rev.
Father Prendergast who was relieved OF his
spiritual duty by the Rev. rather victor at
nntil the remains were hid from sight forever.
These reverend gentlemen, assisted by the Revs.
Eberbart. Cox, and Campbell, the TWO latter
beng colored ministers, worked hard aud per-
seyeTingly in assisting them by prayer and ad-
vice to prepare Tor the last debt of nature.
BAYFIELD, has always, since his confinement,
shown undoubted signs of repentance, and eX
pressed his willingness and desire to die.
JeWett, on the contrary, continued stubborn,
and by his conversation and actions evinced
anything but a repenting mind. This per-
yerseness was due in great measure to the
illusion entertained by him that he would
not be hung, but would be eventually par
doned or liberated. These views were soon dis
PEELED by Sheriff Cole, who, on Thursday,
visited his cell, informing him of his mission,
as an officer of the law, and requesting him,
for the love of all he held most dear, to pre-
pare for DEATH as there was no possibility of
evadlng the strict injunctious OF the law. He
treated the advice coolly and with apparent In
difference, and could scarcely be convinced
that he must die. The Sheriff finally succeeded
in awakening his better feelings, for he burst
into tears and humbly thanked him. Then it
was that the endeavOrs OF the priest began to
manifest themselves. He embraced the Catho-
lie religion, and devoted his remaining time to
religious exercises his usual profanity entirely
deserting him,
The father of Bayfield, remained with him
until late hour, eXhorting him 10 penance. AS
the dread hour which would close his mortal
career was near at hand his fathers presence
seemed 10 give HIM great uneasiness, and he
departed. unwilling to be witness of MS sous
death. The parting wa e. short one, no scenes
OF emotion occurring until after he left the cell.
Selling his sons hand, he bestowed parents
blessing, Moses kneeling to receive ii. A warm
shake OF the hand, parting look aud he bid
MN an earlDly dUleu. upon IedCuiuS luS OUT
side of the cell the father staggered against the
wall, and, covering his face with his hands,
wept like child.
About halfpast O'Clock, after having been
attlred in white clothes. Bayhelu's hands We're
first tied behind his back, and he was led into
the corridor, and seated upon bench to
await the arrival of Jewett. He conversed
freely and Without reserve with all, more espe.
cially the clergy, to whom he frequently asserted
his readiaess to die, and his peace with man and
God Like JeWett, he made no allusion TO his
completely in the murder. About a quarter
past A O'Clock, every thing being in readiness,
Jewett was led forth from his narrow cell-his
earthly cofhn-and with a firm step and
CountenanCe which indicated no emotion, he
walked down the passage-Way and joined his
companion In crime. The criminals were then
surrounded by the batfs, aud policemen were
placed in front and rear, and moved to wards the
door, which led from the inside of the jail INTO
the yard. The solemn silence and awe OF the
jail was broken by the sharp, heavy grating OF
the double doors, which sounded like the last
solemn warning OF earthly hope. A more
solemn or impressive scene we nave never WIT
messed as when the procession moved through
the yard to the gallows. The iickerng rays
of a lantern cast feeble glare through the
heavy mist and drzzling rain, Illuminating
the white garments OF the prisoners with
ghOstly tinge The silence of the procession
was only broken by penltent expression, too
tervent to be Mistaken or the holy words OF
divine consolation uttered by the clergy and
doomed. few moments brought them to the
foot of the gallows, where the party halted, to
await the completion of the dread instrument
Of justice. The prisoners eyed it with apparent
complacenCy, not muscle of their counte.
nances changing. The trap-door having been
propped, they ascended the steps, leaving the
earth, as living beings, forever.
They were accompanied by the Rev. Father
PTendeIgast, Rev. Father Victor and the Rev,
Messrs. Cox and Eberhart, who still continued
urging them 10 Divine favor. While the rope
was thrown over the beam and adjusted around
their necks, the prisoners remained unmoyed
and with loud voices repeatedly declared their
desire to die.
The Rev. Father Victor, in behalf of Jewett
uttered few remarks TO the assemblage warn.
ing them of the sad consequences of Welding +,
their passions. The Rev. MIR. Eberhart. in behaIl
of Bayfield,, followed, stating that they (tne pris
OneTs) were about to suffer the penalties OF in
jured Divine justice, consummated through thu
wisdom of man. "He who takes the lite a
man, the same shall have his life taken h
man." But there was hope and pardon for sin
ners, even the prince of sinners. He exhorte
the assemblage to join him in PRAYER for tn
condemned, which he then offered with grea
force and effect.
Jewett then exclaimed, after bidding pood
bye to the clergy, ~ hope to meet Won !
heaven, father; tor | am going to rest at last
perhaps the sooner the better. feel am goIn
at last. / hope to meet you ALL gentlemen.
heaven. / am willing to die, for l am goiu
home at last"
bayfield, then turned his head around,
though addressing some one without the wall
and said, Farewell brothers and sisters, ar
all I am going TO Jesus to sleep. | loI
looked for the daY, and thank God, | am pr
pared Farewell Goodbye TO all.n Sher
Cole then placed the white caps over their hea
and faces, and the gallows was cleared. Aga
did the prisoners speak, commencing the
souls 10 God. The parties having descende
and everything being ready for the last territ
scene, the Sheriff asked them if they we're reaC
Had hot how