The New York herald., 1870-04-09
n A N Q e D..
Execution Of Jack Reynolds at
the Tombs.
Retributive Justice---The Dying Wretch
Writhing in Agony.
Scenes Inside and Outside
the Prison.
THE EARLY MASS FOR THE DEAD.

THE EARLY MASS FOR THE DEAD.
Yesterday was the brightest, sunniest day OF this
year, and in the sunny hours OF the morning Jack
Reynolds, in the yard OF the Tombs Prison. was
brutally and blunderngly strangled for the murder
Of old Mr.. Townsend. .--.s
THE MURDER.
The murder was so wilful and so utterly without
prOvOcatlon that, not unnaturay at the time Of its
c0mmtta II aroused the Indignation OF the public,
and 1t became amooted;questi0n whether SO cause
less murder could have been committed by a sane
man. On the evening Of Saturday, the 29tn OF Janu
uary, Reynolds, who had been for days wandering
beggar In the streets, begging drink when he could
not have substantial food bestowed upon him, wan
dered into small grocery store in Hudson street
kept by q man named William Townsend. He
begged for nights lodging, and urged as claim
to this hospitality that he the brother Of Town
sends wife. Townsend, knowing this claim to be
false, told him that he had not room enough for
himself and family, and desired him to leave the
store. AS Reynolds did not take the denial for an
answer and seated himself by the fire Townsend
placed his hand on Reynolds shoulder to urge MIN
TO 90 out. Reynolds from his seat, but only to
kill Townsend, for with q knife he had stolen from
neighborng store he stabbed Townsend to the
heart This Is q sketchy outline OF as unprovoked
and heartless murder as it Is possible TO imagine,
and for its punishment deserved the fun penalty OF
the law.
THE TRIAL.
Unlike other murderers, whose crimes have
startled society recently, Reynolds was speedily
brought to trial, and on the morning OF Monday
the 2lst Of February, his trial commenced before
Judge Daniel p. lngraham III the Supreme Court
Mr.. w. Howe was assigned by the Court to defend
the accused. His defence was that Reynolds was
insane when he committed the deed, but 1t was not
established either the satisfaction OF the Jury the
higher court the Governor Of the State and yes
terday morning Reynolds expiated his terrible and
awful crime by dea h.. Hr +F
THE DAY AND NIGHT BEFORE THE EXECUTION.
The most notable event of the day previous to the
execution was the arrival from Cherry Valley Mass
OF Joseph Breen and wife, the brother ana sistern
law Of Reynolds, to bid a last egoodbyu to their
unhappy relative. The meeting was In Miss Fosters
room and was witnessed by Messrs. Howe ana
Hummell. 1t was very affecting interview and it
was satisfactory to find that Reynolds expressed
his preparedness to meet his God and his grat-
tude to Mr.. Howe for his unwearied and un.
paid exertions in his behalf The greater
part Of the day was spent IN deyoton In this he
assisted by the unwear!ed watchfuness and zeal OF
Fathers Daily, Quinn and OReily and four Sisters of
Charity. photograph OF him was taken In the
afternoon and about narafter four his brother and
sister-inaw bade him last and fearful farewell in
the presence OF the genial and kind-heared Father
DAILY This was deemed favorable opportunity for
presenting to him q new suit Of clothes which the
Sheriff had sent for him; he looked at
them carefully and gave directions for a
part Of his old clothing to be given
TO O fellow prisoner. Towards ntghtfalI he was
more restless and talked rather gibly OF his peace
with God. Miss Foster brought him q little supper
OF boiled eggs, tea and toast and Mr.. Mark Finley
whose natural Kindness OF heart has been In full ex-
erctse towards Reynolds urged him to eat, put ne
part0Ok only Of part OF the supper. Earnestly did
he continue to pray for mercy, ana about ten
O'Clock he undressed and retired to bed. There
was little gllmmerlng light In the cell
thar showed up the grimness and heaviness Of
the small apartment. At the extreme end, near the
foot OF the bed, was small table, having upon 1t
several prayer books and flowers, over which was
suspended crucifx and picture Of the crucldxon
Wearied with excitement though the terrible re al
hty Of death was SO inevitably near to him. ne was
asleep. slumbering with ali the unconscousnes
Of his own innocent infant slumbers. He did not
wake up in the night with the effects of feverish
ntful dream upon him he slumbered and slept
with repose so complete that 1t exactly pretgured
the sleep OF death that was soon to be upon him.
THE MORNING OF THE EXECUTION.
About five O'Clock ia the cold gray twilight Of the
cary dawn. Deputy Warden Finley aw0ke Reynolds
IRON mis- siumber. In words Of Kindness Mr.. Finley
urged him TO rise at olce and about hve O'Clock
Reynolds was dressing himself with carefuiness
late, he had craving for food and asked Tor some
breakfast. Mr.. Finley explained to him that 1t
would be improper for him to partake OF anything
toOd was not without little rebelllous sign even
afLer tins explanation but Reynolds submitted with
out a spoken murnur. Father Da,y arrived at the
were lett alone together, when Reynolds made con.
1esslon and received absOution.
THE MASS FOR THE DEAD.
It had been inIimated to Real, wno is under SEN
tence OF death for very deliberate murder COM
this SERVICE and he very Willingly avalled himself OF
the opportunity. Descending from the second tier
o @ sorvc 20 sne moor ne Gned tne mournn m
prison ir was needlnl that the procession should
under the Cross beam that in q few hours was as to
take away the lite Of one In that procession. Rey-
seemed unmoved by the neighb0rhood Of the instru-
mem that was TO take away bis earthly life. The
washed walis. On these ais were ora % Scr,Dtura;
notices, "Christ IL kisen," "Christ Our SAVIOUR
The hymn AE9 #G4
just az I am, without one plea, ,t
with its striking line, on this occasion SO applicable
to tne principal wOrshipper,
TO wash my soul from that blot,
was printed in large characters on white Calico and
occupied prominent place at the side OF the room.
Opposite the altar Reynolds Kneeed alone, with hrs
hands clasped and his head bowed In devout devo.
ton II Twas small congregations there were only
persons present. but two OF them were murderers The
little chapel was lit with one ntckering candle, and
the morning rose Its slanttng rays found their
way on to the bended neads OF the worshippers ike
halo Of glory. The most affecting part Of this mass
the singing Of the "Dies Iae." When the follow
ing verse Of the hymn was sung Reynolds joined in IL
well as he could ne was evidently touched with ts
prayer, ana 1t had too deep personal meaning for
MIN even not TO appreciate Its signifcance:-
King OF dreadful majesty,
Who dost freely justify
tt Fount OF pity save thon me-
! When the wondrous passage from Job in the last
Gospel which closes the mass, II know that my
Redeemer liveth," &c, was read with marked EN-
phass by the priest, dead silence prevailed. and
there seemed TO be an unconscious but unspoken
wish tnat to one at least OF congregation this
faithful saying might be speedily fulfilled prophecy.
THE RETURN TO THE CELL.
The noise and rumble OF hfe's busy day ana the
hum Of shouting crowd outside the prison walls
began to make themselves heard within. Reynolds
did not need It, aud on his return to the cell en-
gagged Ia silent prayer with Mrs. Johnson
and Mrs Riley for abOuC twenty minufee