The New York herald., 1870-07-23

O'Clock. when the divine took his leave and the
prison guards entered the cell. The OF the
Iatter seemed rksome 10 him. as he continue to cad
his Bibe and ne showed frequent thar the iron
shacsles by Will he was bound were Irritating and
annoying In this way he cont nued TIL about two
O'Clock this morning. scarcely speaking 10 his
guards, when he undfessed and land on n be !, but
not to Sleep Again he paced his cell the chain to his
ankle making deous noise In the Stiffness Of the
night At length, ~ II exhausted both In mind
ana body, he again retTed and for about two hours
nc slept soundly awaking ut i've O'Clock. With the
most scrupulons care he made his last toilet. aud
was remarkably fastdious IN the arran cement OF
his curly hair lie then took up his Bible, in the
perusal OF which ne appeared deeply engaged the
entire morning until breakfast time. when he par
look OF sleht meal, conye sing In cheerful man
nci. lie meanwhile asked after several acguaint-
ances, making an apology for not sending an invita-
tion TO The former chaplain OF his regiment to call
and see him.
Eight O'Clock now arrived ana by direction OF a
huAane sherlr she Iron slackes were stricken from
nis eSS anu feeling more at ease as wei a. being
perfectly calm ana collected lie resumed hs
spiritual deyotionS In these he WAS interrupted by
ssitors including members OF the press 10 some of
whom ne made verbal confession, expressing
great contrition and pentence and hope ,hat he
would be pardoned by the Almighty for his terrible
crime.
HIS CONFESSION
AZ he related H. the theory Of the murder was fully
explained, though not liz narrative form, by tue
evidence ON the trial. He took his connding wife,
Joyous al the thought OF being brought to her hns
bands home, on that Sabbath evening, to the mys-
terlous depths OF Drinkers WOOD where none but an
Omnpresent Eye could see them. She spoke cheer
lully and happily TO hiin the entire way while he
~nvn wns naorSsc s ana snen WIN the murderers foul
evening had set IN, his wife was weary with watch
s nsol ana and seas sna an opportunity ne drew his
shiieSing for help but the nurderer's clutches were
upon her throat and her death cry was stined.
lie then dragged the body into lonely nook in the
woods, and, returning to this city, stoppei at the
ST. Charles Hotel. where he slept the night after the
murder OF his wife.
PREPARING FOR THE TRAGEDY
By midday the outer jail yard was thronged with
dense mass of men and boys eager 20 witness the
ilra rha hauf fns tna
sun was Intense, but nothing could drive the swell
tering throng from the position they had
which the scaffold was erected aud the noise
hustle and confusion OF voices greatly impeded the
tops In the vicinity we're lined with boys ard ladies'
were seen on hill to the north OF the Jail endcayor-
ing TO got glimpse OF the horrible scene through
opera glasses strong police force, however, par
ITALY succeeded ia maintaining order About seven
minutes 10 one there was cry OF Here he comes.n
and all eyes were turned IN the direction of Inc door
through which Philips, accompanied by .wo clergy.
men, the sheriff aud his deputies then walked. lie
viewed the ghasuy instrument OF death, now known
as "Jcter Phillips Scalold," and firmly ascended
The steps 10 the platform, where he took scat on
chair. Not muscle quivered, nor did his eye pale
III The terrible sight There was solemn silence In
the heated, perspirng crowd. packed within the four
walls OF the contracted little yard. The condemned
was clean shaved, wearing a light mustache and
imperial His cheeks were slightly flushed, MS
countenancc efeminae and his appearance WAS
generally handsome. lie WAS attired In butt
coored linen coat, black panaOons, black slouched
hat, and hs hands were manacled. In demeanor
ne was singularly calm. and he deported himself
throughout with wonderful frmness and decorum.
ON THE BRINK.
| At the request of Sherin Smith the condemned
stood up 10 hear hls sentence read after which the
various respltcs granted were enumerated. the
Sheriff closing by saying that the last application 10
thetiovernor for further clemency was sterniy re-
terrible decree OF the law. The Rev. DR.. Dickinson
then, by request Of Phillips read written confess
above, in which he said that he was alone i'm his
guilt; no suggested the crime none knew OF hls
purDose or gave him the slightest counienance IN
hs deed. He died in peace but with q deep sense OF
his unworthiness
In addition to the confession the following, in Phil
lips own handwriting, was read
As TO the Judge and Commonwealth Alto rney have no
nkind feelings nor have towards any ohe human being
20 Ss 1ss % % S the ,S ~, they have been KIND
JAMES JErER PHILLIPS.
Following this very impressive prayer was
onered by another clergyman, In the course OF
which he alluded feelingly to the sorrows and sui.
heaviest blow fell, which greatly affected Philips
lie covered hs face with his hands, tears fell from
his eyes and his frame shuddcred visbly; but IL was
only Tor moment sad he resaincd his wonted
brmness.
TAKING THE LEAP
All being ready, the clergYnen took an affection
ate farewell Philips embraced them, leaning upon
the shoulder OF each and whispering In Their ears.
A deputy sheriff then. at twenty minutes past one
O'Clock, placed the black cap over his head
ing the vision. His hands then released from
the bandcuilS and pinoned behind him and nt the
drop. Tne Sherin became greatly affected and
almost overcome win emotion. Philips legs
were then pnoned, the rope was adjusted
over the black cap and at signal from the Sherin
precisely NJ twenty 1ve minutes past one O'clock the
iron bolt was Withdrawn the drop fell with heavy
thug, ana the body OF James Jeter Phillips was
dangling In the AIR
DEAD
For fifteen or twenty seconds no movement was
Visible, but soon there was the violent coptor
tions Of the legs and arms. With the right arm he
pulled the pinioned left round to the front OF
his body. After this the struggle ceased for few
seconds, when they were renewed though not wIth
so much violence as before. The rope was not pro-
perry adjusted The knot rested at the angie the left
Jaw. The fall was not more than five ieet and the
neck nor being broken, the unfortunate wretch was
strangulated. Life was pronounced extinct in tweD-
~ minutes and after hanging thirty minutes the
body was cut down.
None more than the counsel or Phillips were so
astonlshed at the acknowledgment OF his guilt and
50 great was the doubt OF it In the community that
many favored commuration of his sentence 20 i'm.
prsoninenb FOR lie. The Governor is CONNER nded
lor so nrny resisting the numerous appeals 10 hin
flr r.fl Int l.f.1