Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-09-06

EXECUTION OF FRANKLIN SMITH, FOR THE CRIME
RAPE.-Friday 3Oth ut. the Sheriff of the county,
in pursuance with the sentence Of the Judge of the
Criminal Court, proceeded to execute the SEN
tence of death upon Franklin Smith. the prisoner
convicted of the crime of rape at the April term
of that Court The sentence of the Court, when
first issued, directed that it be carried into effect
on Friday, the 30th day of May, but the pris-
oner subsequently craved an appeal to the Su-
preme Court, which was granted. At the June
term Of the Supreme Court the case WAS brought
before that body, when it was decided that there
was no error in the findings of the Court below,
and the case sent back to the Criminal Court, in
order that the prisoner might be re-sentenceG.-
At the August term of the latter Court sentence
of death was again passed, and the execution Or
dcred for yesterday, the 3Oth day of August
A few minutes after 10 o'clock on that day the
prisoner was taken from the Jail, and the process
sion passed through the streets on the way to the
place of execution. An accident which occurred
to the vehicle containing the condemned, howev-
er, prevented The arrival at the place Of execu-
ton until nearly II O'Clock. On arriving a large
concourse of people were found assembled, thus
evincing that love of the horrible which pervades
the public mind even in this day of civilization
and enlightenment.
At the foot of the gallows prayer offered
up to the Throne of the Most High, by Rev. J. Il.
Daily, the attendant clergyman, in behalf of the
prisoner, suppllcating pardon and redemption for
him who was about to expatiate his crime by
death the gallows, during which the con-
demned was visibly affected. The Rev. Mr.. Daily
then proceeded to read, by request, to the assem-
bled multitude the confession of Smith, written in
1oUs tn
his execution, and subsequently translated by a
gentleman of this city. This confession we forbear
publishing in Difference to the refined sense of the
community. Suffice it to say, he confessed to the
attempt, though denied the accomplishment of
to the acts of kindness he had experienced at the
hands Of Mr.. Biddle, the Jailor, and the Counsel
who defended him. The Sheriff then read the
warrant for his execution.
few minutes after II O'Clock the condemned
assembled the scaffold, and from there addressed d
few brief remarks to the assembly. He declal ed
the truth of nis written confession, and acknowl-
edged the justice of his sentence ; said that he
did not complain OF the Courts-they did that
which was but just and proper in his case. He
declared his penltence, and said that he had
sought the forgiveness of the Almighty and trust
years ago, he remarked, he had witnessed all ex-
ecution, and little he thought at that time, he
would eyer have SO far forgotten himself as to be
placed in the present melancholy situation. Now
he reproacbed himself with not sinking then upon
his knees to the earth and praying God to change
his heart and mako him better man. But he
had deferred it from day to day, and from month
to month, until he was now placed as they saw
him. In a few minutes, he said, he would suffer
death, and with intense earnestnees, he exhorted
the multitude to turn from theic evil ways and re-
pent. With prayer for Gods blessing upon him
self and them, the condemned 'osed his remarks.
Throughout the whole proct .dings he was as
calm and collected as possib.>, yet showed him
self somewhat affected during his remarks.
The fatal moose was then adjusted and the cap
drawn down, and after bidding him farewell the
Sheriff and Tailor descended from the scaffold.
At sixteen minutes past eleven o'clock the trap
fell, and ere three minutes elapsed the soul of
Franklin Smith had departed from his body and
was ushered into eternity. His struggles were
but few and short, and although the tral, fell
somewhat awkardly, it was apparent that his
neck was broken. which was afterwards pro-
nounced to be the case by the surgeon in attend
ance.
The body hung suspended in the air for nineteen
(having made an examination) reported him
dead. What remained of Franklin Smith was
lowered into the coffin prepared to receive him.
The crowd then turned to depart, and we trust
not without being benefited by the sad example
of the vndcation of the law, and retributive JUS
tice, which they had witnessed.