Connecticut western news., 1871-10-20

him but failed. Meantime word was got through the hall tender, to MT. Fenn. w then tore open Wilson's shirt, and con tinued shaking him, and he still remained to all appearances unconscious. MT. Fenn before he came into the jail, had sent fol the sheriff. and the prison physician, Dr George B. Hawley. While we were shak ing him and examining him, we discovered a small puncture through the skin directly over the heart. When we first discovered his condition he was perspiring so as to bt as wet as if he had been in the river-anC it was cold, clammy sweat hls pulls. was low, and he appeared to be in very great distress. By almost superhuman ex ertions we succeeded in getting his body into a more natural condition, yet his ap parent inconsistencies continued"
 Mir. Finch adds this to the above state ment taken down by the Courant repor ter:- ....
 'sA short time befo re he was led out tt be hanged, asked him if he was uncon scious during the time that we were at work on him, and he replied No, was not any of the time; Iknew perfectly well ALI that was going on, but at first could no distinguish who was by me. Directly aftel I bid you goodbye, pushed tie wire into my heart The first attempt did mt drive the iron, but left out about three-quaa-. -.ers of an inch. / pusAed st soith c testament! / could plainly mooe nay heart soSth tAe qcsre up and doson, soitA the end sticking oat. I then made second attempt and buried the wire. The pain was dreadful and I suf- fered greatly" ,-....
 All the arrangements'were we'll conduc- ted by the sheriff and his associates.
 The murderer was dressed in his cell, and though in considerable pain, undoubt- edly, he made no special complaint, but in putting on his clothing. While this was going on he passed both hands over his breast with all the force he could bring, hoping, probably, to drive the wire in far enough to be its fatal work. He was not allowed to repeat the operation. When in order for the scaffold, he walked out of the cell, and to all appearances to be as strong as ever, though he was very pale. One of the physicians gave him little brandy and water, and he drank it eagerly. The next scene was from the stand of the reporters on the upper corridor, almost directly over the gallows. "'
 OM the ScnRfOld.
 At twenty minutes past one o'clock Will son was brought upon the scaffold, SUD- ported on either side by Sheriff Russell and Deputy Finch. He walked up the stairs firmly, and as he stepped into the middle of the platform took hold of the moose at the end of the rope which was hanging from the beam above. As he handled it for few seconds he smiled sarcastically, and then seating himself in chair looked up to it significantly. Sheriff Russell then read the death warrant, and when the words Chang till you be dead' were spoken, Will son smiled feebly, and then soon after bowed to one or two acquaintances among the spectatators. In reply to the question of the sheriff, if he had anything to say said :-
 'sI don't suppose it would amount to much if l did say anything; but if you'll promise not to put the sentence into execu- ton can say good deal"
 Sheriff Russell-"1 can't do that you know"
 Wilson-"YesI know that"
 Wilson here rose from his chair and walked to the front of the platform, and there supporting himself by the railing, spoke as follows:-
 ''1 suppose most people know why can. not say much now. have three inches of steel in my heart, and man with that in him is not in a condition to say much. l did not intend to appear here. I intended to take my own life to avoid it. Not be- cause was afraid to die, but because it is an unworthy death-the death of dog and murderer. Acting in defense of my own life, and for no other reason, I killed and I did just right, and I hope other tyrants will have the same done by them."
 Taking the moose in his hand he con- tinued:-
 ''When man puts this over his head in the cause of humanity it is not disgraceful to die. l put it oyer my head in that cause Here he slipped the moose around his neck]. Tighten it up Sheriff Russell, if you please.
 Chaplain Wooding-"Wilson, would you ike me to pray"
 Wilson-'If you will make a short prayer. I am in such weak condition that l can't be delayed"
 MT. Wooding-'O God, we come to Thy throne to ask Thy grace and blessing on this dying man. Give him all strength to support him in this trying hour. Take him in Thy special care, and may we all be impressed by this scene to act wisely and lead better lives, and finally come to God and reap glorious fruits in the better land. Amen" ..s."
 Wilson here took the hand of the chap. lain and said :-
 If you have an opportunity I hope you will say good word to the people of Weth- ersfield, so that it won't be necessary to kill any more wardens ln self-defense."
 He then shook the hands of the sheriff, Jallor Fenn, and the deputies, who were on the platform, and thanked them all for the kindness thev had ah0un hin,
 All here left the scaffold except the sheriff, who placed the black cap over the eyes of the doomed man, and said, as he was about leaving, "Good-bye, Wilson, and may God have mercy on your soul"
 HIS DEATH.
 Wilson stood firmly erect as the sheriff descended the stairs of the scaffold. When the last step was reached, the block SUD- porting one end having been removed. the bolt holding the platform-which was con- nected by stout cord with the bottom step
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