The New York herald., 1872-12-04
THE DOOMED MURDERER.
The Approaching Execution Of Henry Rogers in
Brooklyn-A Final Appeal for Life Governor
Hoffman the Last Hopo Of the Condemned.

The horrible murder OF Onicer John D0nahue, OF
the Fifth precinct, by Henry Rogers, is probably
still fresh in the minds OF the readers OF the
HERALD. Rogers confessed to having struck the
deceased upon the head with club, and was con-
victed OF the crime OF murder in the first degree.
Judge Gilbert sentenced him to be hanged ON the
9th OF December, and he will, In all probability,
suffer the extreme penalty OF the law ON that day.
His counsel, Mr.. Charles Spencer, win beseech
Governor Holman to-day to grant the prisoner q
respite, but neither the prisoner nor his friends
have any great hope OF an 0ficial clemency
In his behalf. Some Of the Sisters Of Mercy spent
considerable time with him yesterday, and urged
him to prepare himself for another world. The
prisoner does not appear to be any more prepared
for his transition into eternity at the present time
than when he stole up to his victim from behind
and crushed in his skull.
AT THE JAIL.
representative OF the HERALD visited the jail
yesterday afternoon, but was unable to see Rogers.
He has all along perempt0rily declined to see any
members of the press, and yesterday would not de-
viate from this rule. To all outward appearances
the doomed man appears comparatively Indifferent.
and maintains remarkable cOMposure when In
the presence OF the jail oficials. AS soon as the
latter retire. however, and ne Is left alone his pen-
up feelings give way and he
wEEPS LIKE CHILLI.
the adjoining cells M It's evident that Rogers has
almost abandoned hope OF escaping the gall0ws.
Even after the decision Of Judge Gilbert denying
q writ OF error and stay OF proceedings, he was not
discouraged, but made the remark that he had ex-
pected as much. But when Judge Fancher, OF the
decision and "opinion" equally as strong as that
of Judge Gilbert, the man was unmOved. As before
stated, he maintains bold 'front.' IN the presence Of
people, but in the privacy of his cell he is overcome
BY his feelings. he is regularly attended by his
spiritual adviser the good Father Mcdonald, Of the
Spencer, OF New York. also frequently visits him.
ROGERS LAST HOPE
lies with Governor HOFFMAN, to whom an appeal
newed at General Term. The Governor will be at
the Clarendon Hotel, New York. at halfpaSt eight
O'Clock this morning to hear the fnal appeal for
the prisoner by Mr.. spencer. and the argument in
opposition to the granting OF any respite. which Will
be made by District Attorney Winchester Britton,
Of Brooklyn.
No visible preparations for the execution have
yet been made at the Jail. Sheriff Walter don't
ike the job. and would be intensely gratiaed were
takes charge OF affairs in the Sherifrs office.
Sheriff Walters term of office expires on the 3lst
inst, and he is naturally desirous OF avoiding
THIS LITTLE MATTER
at the time when he is just about to retire from
public life for the present, at least. He narrowly
escaped the duty Of hanging the red-handed muir
derer owen Hand when he entered upon the duties
OF the office. Hand had been sentenced TO be hanged
during the last month OF Sheriff Campbells term,
but Mr.. Campbell felt then Mr.. Walter feels now.
strong effort had been made to save Hand and
resulted In the communication OF the sentence to i'm
prisonment for life.
1t is understood that
THE GALLOWS
on which the Spanish murderers Gonzalez and
Pellicer expiated their crime several years ago
will be cast aside and new instrument Of death
imported from New York, II it be decided that the
execution must take place. The passes to witness
@ sas 5ssn ase s nsy R but
OF should the Governor decide against the prison
er's application.
quent occurrence; there has been none since that
OF Gonzalez and Pellicer, about four We ars ago.