The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-08-31
force, found it almost impossible to re-

minute Increased In numbers. No at
tention was paid by the multitude to the
orders from the officials, and the clubs
of the police being found unavailing,
the military we're called upon, who, with
their bayonets presented, succeeded in
partially keeping back the excited crowd.
Alderman Wilder was on the ground,
and, fearful that blood might be spilled,
directed Captain Jackson to order the
militia back into tho enclosure, aud
place the entire police force in and
around the gateway. Quiet was soon
restored, and the only damage done was
severe rnpping of the knuckles of O
few sight-seers, who persisted in push
ing forward.
Sheriff Frazee- Justly, too. we think
decided that the jail-yard was the proper
place for the execution, and managed
everything capitally. A call was made
upon the Colonel of the militia regiment
in this County, which was responded to
by detail of the Stevens Light In
fantry. Capt. Ballad; Randolph Rifles,
Capt Augustus Cooper; and the Neagle
Rifles, Lieut.. Brown commanding.
About II o'clock, the militia, in full uni.
form. appeared upon the ground, and
took up e position around the gallows.
This implement of destruction was
erected in the centre of the yard on the
South side. 1t was the ordinary but
very simple and effective trap.doors,
| xr{f ho IS
an expended rope, causes the doors to
fall.
The Rev. Mr.. Berkley. (colored,) OF
the Methodist Episcopal Church North,
has administered spiritual consolation to
the condemned men for several weeks,
and remained with them to the last mo-
ment
at twenty minutes to 2-the ropes
having been properly adjusted-the pri-
soners. bound. were brought down and
placed upon the platform. Sheriff Fra
zee then read the sentence of the court,
when the unfortunate men were notified
that if they wished to make any remarks,
the opportunity would be afforded them.
admitted the justice of his sentence. but
said he had faith in the Redeemer, and
believed he would be saved. Harris de-
clared he was innocent of the crime for
which he was to suffer, but believed that
the Lord would be merciful to him. BY
the particular request Of che condemned
men, the beautiful old Methodist hymn,
triumphant Grace" was then given
out, the tune was raised by o female rela-
tive, the condemned joined in, and
portion of the assemblage assisted.
The Rev. A1r. Berkley offered up q
fervent prayer, bade the unfortunates
farewell. the black caps were drawn over
their faces, the ropes were adjusted
around THEN necks, the signal given, the
trap-door sprung, and at twenty minutes
past Q, the condemned were swinging
between heaven and earth. Lucas strug-
| gled for five or more minutes, while
Harris writhsd and twisted for more
than ten minutes. After fifteen minutes
had elapsed, DR.. A. N. Talley made an
examination, and pronounced life ex-
tinct The bodies were allowed to re-
main suspended ten minutes longer.
when they we're taken down. placed in
coffins, and turned over to the relatives.
Upon examination by DR.. Moore, the
neck of each victim was found to be
broken.
1t is estimated that fully 5000 persons
were in attendance-many of them fe-
males and children. Sheriff Frazee per-
formed his unpleasant duties efficiently
and with proper consideration for the
feelings of all.
It is stated that Harris was convicted
of the murder of NJ. Hopkins, in Mis-
sissippi, in 1859. but was pardoned under
the gallows. Lucas, it is also stated.
committed more than one murder before
justice was mated out to him.
Wrong is but falsehood