The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-07

surrounding fences were filed with negroes eager
70 witness the tragedy. SO great was the throng
on the lower fence around the jail yard that az
tatng the mass OF African humanity 10 the gronnd-
from which they arose with scratched and hrused
limbs, torn clothes, lost hats and innumerabIe
THE CONDEMNED IN A WHITE STROUD.
when the hour OF fifteen minutes past one had
arrived the Sheriff called George from his cell into
the lobby OF the jail up stairs. He was neatly and
tasteiully dressed In suit ofback with new boors
The SHERIFF then placed q white shroud
over his body which gave him ghasty appear
and his HANDS in front. His neck was next
barred and the moose was placed around 1t, and in
this terrible plight he was led down the stairs Of
the JAIL out into the yard and around corner OF
the building to
He mounted the steps to the drop with firm ana
steady tread and, being asked by the Sheriff II he
had anything to say, he addressed the crowd,
warning them particularly against whiskey. which,
with the promptings OF the devil, he alleged, had
brought him there to-day. He admitted his crime;
stated he had made his peace. with his Maker
through the Intercession of Jesus Christ.
and earnestly eXhorted all present to lead
good lives and meet him in heaven. He said, II
met with bad fortune The crime Yves wrong, but
the law is right. I have nothing against this man
that is gong to kill me. love him. and love
everybody. Goodbv to you ALL" The fatal mo-
ment now approaching, the Sheriff proceeded to-
pinion him at the ankles, when in broken and
trernulons voice he called loudly, "Marsa iomf
to diel on, marsa Tom, love you Forgive me,
and meet me in heavenr' A white can was then
drawn over the features OF the condemned man.
For u moment he stood
AN AWFUL LOOKING SPECTACLE
on the drop. At twenty minutes OF two r. M. the
drop eil with loud crash an exclamation OF
horror came from the crowd; the rope had broken
and the body OF George Lea was dashed to the
ground. quivering in the agonies of death: The
rope was promptly looseued and the neck, though
not broken. was turned stiff TO one side as he
writhed In the greatest torture, He was asked II
hurt.n
NEW ROPE
was soon brought, the moose was quickly made and
placed again the condemned mans neck, and
once more he was standing living spectre on the
drop He cried out "Good byl" again to the
was Hs' another crash; the boo body fell fully fully
five feet seven inches. But this time
it remained suspended swinging round
rome en e a hody e was awn un
three times convulsiveiy, and after some slight
twitchings Of the hands and lower limbs, the body,
at twenty-three minutes past two. was cut down.
Pulsation lasted fifteen minutes. There was motion
OF the heart for twenty minutes, and the soul of
George Lea was in eternity. The great tirmness
aud courage with which he walked on the scatiod
the second time elected the admiration OF every
body.
ANOTHER NEGRO OUTRAGE.
While the execution OF George Lea was in pro-
gress n negro nSimed Addison Richmond arrived IN!
town to procure warrant for the arrest OF
another negro named Matt Stevens, whom he
charges with having committed an outrage upon the
Matt stayed at his cabin on Thursday night last.
and on the following morning went with him TO
The stable to feed the horses. While he was en-.
gagged In this duty his false friend left him, and re-
turning to his cabin brutay outraged his wife,
whose injuries are now as serious as to imper her
life. The negroes are terribly indignant at thiS
great deal Of sympathy for the poor aged white
woman who was the victim OF Lea.