The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-01-27
A New Years Hanging.
THE EXECUTION OF THE NEGRO HOLMES IN
NORTH CAROLINA.

AS"A" Sa"SAoSns
Augustus Holmes, a mnlatto. was hanged
at Turbora, North Carolina, on Janunry
for the murder of Matthew King. A cor.
respondent Of thc New York Herald thus
describes the scene at tho executions: ~
New Years day being from time imme.
mortal u holiday with the negroes, large
numbers had througed the town, as well
as to enjoy themselves and make purcha-
ses as to see tho changing" These began
to collect in the vicinity of the scaffold at
an early hour, and by IL A. NJ, a large
crowd were wsasssed on the side from which
the condemned was most exposed to the
public view. The enard were stationed in
regular order round the scaffold, and be-
sides these large number of persons had
been admitteafNiAhin the Jail yard inclos-
ure. Shortly after he was seated Holmes
req rested that somebody would pray for
him, and at the suggestion of party near
tho scaffold, as the condemned had en-.
braced the tenets Of tho Catholic faith, Mr..
James Meheean, venerable and respected
Irish gentleman residing hero. was asked
to make the desired prayer. This he did
though professional Baptist clergyman
was present, and as he repeated with un-
covered head, his gray locks shaken by the
wind, the Lords prayer in all its simple
beauty and purity, followed by tho Belief
and another short prayer, the scene was ex-
ceedingly solemn and impressive. But
this was not long to roman so. Tho con-
DENIED then asked that somebody would
sing hymn, and asked that billiard
Chapman and bis wife, negroes, be sent
for, This request was also complied with,
but while the messenger was absent
number Of other negroes volunteered to sing
Accordingly they came, men and women,
climbing over the fences, splashing through
the mud and ascending the scaiold, until
at one time-there being ten people upon
tho drop besides the condemned
were entertained that the rope by which
it was suspended might give way. Oae
negro woman, who at frst spoke calmly
enough, became tearfully excited, and
broke forth into an uncomfortable fit Of
religious enthusiasm, which for a while
created quite commotion. Then another
religious enthusiast, male negro, "gave
out" hymn and invited all, whether in
side or outside the Enclosure, to come for
ward and zine in do siDgin," which invita-
ton many accepted, and the hymn was
chanted with all tho wildness and fervor
peculiar to negroes. Another negro, a
preacher, who was ambitious, and did not
wish to be eclipsed then made semi-pray-
er and speech, which, for richness of dia-
lect and absurdity Of English pronuncia-
ton, has no equal. Nearly dozen negro
women had by this time assembled the
scafFold, and were engaged speaking to tho
shaking hands with him., and
taking last farewell. Next followed an
other hymn, differing little from the one
sung, and while this was in
progress Mary King, wife Of the murdered
man, with her child in her arms, came
splashing through the mud toward the
scaffold. She climbed the steps. and e15-
tending her hand, shook that Of the con-
demned warmly. and told him she forgaye
him. The scene was quite affecting. Again
and again Holmes, evidently unnervcd
asked if he was forgiven being assured in
the affirmative each time. lie shook hands
with the child. lite girl about six years
of age, said that lle had killed it,. father,
for which he was sorry, and hoped God and
everybody else would forgive him. These
curious though somewhat solemn scenes
ended at the request ofthe condemned, Mr..
Phillips, his counsel read from the scaffold
the confession, which was heard by the
entire crowd. Thus. instead Of q private.
this was one Of the most public executions
ever witnessed notwithstanding tho law to
the contrary. II was made on actual cxhi-
bitiOn. s.r..... ...s. ~
The scafold being cleared. the Sheriff
informed the condemned that his hour had
arrived, but from the continued excitement
Of the hour previous he was unable TO rise
to his feet without quite an effort. The
cap was then PLACED over his head, but lie
asked that it be removed for an instant to
gain another glimpse of the light of heaven
This was done, md it was again replaced
forever darkening the earthly vision of
Gus Holmes. The rope was then adjusted
and when the knot was placed the con-
demned fairly give way at the knees and
would have sank upon the drop but that
he was caught. At this juncture the Sher-
id, who was much excited, as might be ex-
pected under tho circumstances, said,
Hold on Gus you won't be hurt" A ne
gro had to be called to tho platform to sup
port the sinking man, and as he had to
stand clear Of the drop, Holmes became in
q position leaning against him, entirely
helpless, his feet being toward the front
of tile drop. Tie Consequence Of this was
that when the drop fell the CONDEMNED slid