The New York herald., 1869-09-14
THE GaLlOWS.

Execution of Negro at Savannah-The
Crime and Punishment.
Jesse watkins, negro, was hung in the jail yard
at Savannah Ga, at nine O'Clock on the morning of
Friday, the 10th INST. The following are the par.
ticulars Of the crime and the scenes at the exc
cution:-
About the lst Of September 1ses Charlie Wilson.
little white boy, went out hunting, and when
about two miles from Savannah came suddenly
upon Jesse and another negro. who had gone out to
XIII COW. Jesse, without any provOcatiOn what
ever, shot Charlie dead with musket he had, then
hid the body IN the bushes and carried OF the de-
ceased's gun and accOutrements. Charlie not
coming home at the usual hour his mother became
uneasy and search was commenced. Hts body was
were out searching for him. About two months
after the murder Jesse's companion turned States
the ohsr evidence Was
which fully established the guilt OF the accused and
IN May last Judge schley. OF the Superior Court,
Freedmens Bureau In Savannah interested himself
very much In collecting testimony to prove the in
induced Governor Bullock to twice respite Jesse;
but on last Thursday the Governor. by telegraph,
The scaffod was in the jail yard to which only the
clergy and the reporters were at first admtted bnt
and Laugaree oniclated. When the eross-the sacred
emblem OF the religion he had professed-was held
MP to him, he pressed his lips upon 1t with ZEAL
for tue moment obivlous OF oil other circum.
stances or surroundings. Father Hamilton then
HIM goodby, to which Jesse responded with
much feeling, descended few steps and addressed
the spectators saying.-"The unfortunate man who
Is now about to meet his God desires me to say that
he dies truly sorry for all his sns that he has prayed
Tor you all, ana a5 his soul goes into eternity he
desires each OF you to say short prayer for its
repose." While Father Hamilton was speaking
every hat was raised In solemn and respectful
Just before adjusting the cap Sheriff Doouer
asked:-"JeSse, have you nything you wish to say
to those present9' After moments hesitation the
condemned man stepped forward few inches and
replied:-"fes sir, Will say few words:' then to
the crowd: "Gentlemen, this Is solemn occasion,
feel that 1t is Gods Will for me to die. leave ali
wish you would all pray for me, as have prayed
for you all: am sorry for all the sins may have
committed. forgive every one. The man who
swore against me, freely forgive even him, and
have prayed for him."
After the speech the cap and moose were adjusted.
the steps taken away, and the sheriff asked Jesse
are you ready ~ to which he replied, In loud, firm
voice. "Yes. srl" The fatal hatchet fell seyerinr
with one blow the cord that held up the trap. With
quick, sharp fall and dull thug the body hung
suspended IN mid air, while the terrible struggle
with death began Though the fall was fully seven
feet 1t failed TO break the Victims neck and death
ensued from stranguation. Fos few seconds not
drew up, tightening the rope upon them almost 10
breaking the skin; two or three violent efforts to
expand The lungs were followed by drawing up OF
the lower limbs then oil still, and In two min
utes, 10 external appearance, the spirit OF Jesse
Watkins had left the body forever The heart still
beat, however full and strong. At the expiration
OF ten minutes The heart still beating at the rate
more passed and the surgeons pronounced ifo ex.
tinCt.