The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-12-13
WHIPPING THE BANK ROBBERS.

WHIPPING THE BANK ROBBERS.
Wednesday was day of unusual excite
ment at New Castle, Del. On that day the
Wilmington Bank Robbers were to be
whipped and thousands gathered to wit
HISS the spectacle. The following account
Of the affair was telegraphed to 1hc
american:
The prisoners were pilloried i'll pairs,
Carter big Frank and Hope being the
first TO mount TIE platform. Carter, being
tall, admitted Of the fastening ii the stocks
in the usual manner, by hooks, resting his
throat upon his long sandy beard. Hope
was suffering from phthisic, and also being
of short stature, the stocks were not COM
pietely closed, but were fastened with
strings. They were each wrapped up in a
blanket or overcoat, and their hats were
placed upon their heads, the day being raw
and cold. They both walked firmly to the
pillory, but there was an unusual pallor
upon the face of Carter. Hope manifest
ed but little concern, but beneath the out
ward calm exterior it was evident he was
suffering mental anguish within. The
pillorying began at 1920, and at 11.25.-
The two other prisoners were brought
out, the first ones having served out
their hour. Hurlburt looked contemplat-
ingly upon the instrument of punish
ment before him, as he came in full view
of it, while Lawler evidently felt that
disgrace was far more q matter of concern
than the bodily pain which he would be
called upon to endure, and his eyes were
downcast. The necks of neither of the
prisoners would fit the stocks, and they
were brought as near together as possible,
and fastened with strings, one being adj
iusted at time. Hurburt INDUCED a
hearty laugh as LAWYERS neck was being
fitted. Both wore overcoats and gloves,
the former kids.
After they were released from the stocks,
the hope was expressed that Delaware law
had been so far appeased. Carter remark
ed that his greatest difficulty was in the
lower part of the chest, he being tall and
much bent over. Hope complained more
of pain in his wrists than anywhere else.
Lawler and Hurlburt were seemingly very
comfortable, and very cheerfully under
went this part of their sentence.
Immediately after the release of the two
last prisoners from the pilory the whip
pings began, and were concluded within
half an hour. Carter, or g Big Frank"
us he is more Familiarity known because of
his size, was the first of the prisoners led
to the whipping post He wore his dress
coat about his body which was removed as
soon as he was ready to be fastened to the
post. and physique of only ordinary
mould and strength was revealed. He
bowed his head between his arms and. took
the castigation without shrinking or finch
ing under the stiugs of the thongs. His
back was considerably Redeemed and slight
IL \
Hope was the second to receive the
penalty. He stood erect, and there was a
slight yielding under the weight of the
thrown somewhat upward, as if in an at
titude of prayer, and several times he
shook his head as though he were under
going much bodily pain. His anguish of
mind was evidently intense. No blood was
drawn, although rcd wells were drawn all
across his back.
When Lawler was brought ont to tho
post his face wore IN expression of sadness,
and he seemingly was COMPRISING his lips
as he walked along. His body swelled
with emotion, and although he boro up
well under the lash his flesh quivered with
the cold. He was apparently more severe
ly punished than any of the rest, for wells
were raised which blackened, and under a
few more blows would have opened and
sent the blood streaming down his back.
No blood was drawn. LAWYER is evidently
more keenly sensitive 10 his situation than
any of the rest. He is man we'll cul-
tured, polished in his manner and very at
tractivo in his person. | understand that
he is a graduate Of Yale College.
IIurlbuTt's couDtenauce was very com
posed as he walked along the avenue which
was opened through the crowd, but when
he reached the post and was fastened to it
he dropped his head between his arms, and
his face was hid from view. He is mau
Of strong physical organization, and did
not finch under the lash. Large red welts
were made across his back, but nc blood
was drawn.
1t seems TO be tine universal opinion that
the whipping post in this instance was the
right thing in the right place. The oppo-
nents of the post have nothing to say in
condemnation of the punishment these
genteel rascals received in little Delaware.
They have de.cd law, and lived by pilage
III Philadelphia. Delaware criminal law
evidently means something.