The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1873-03-27
Execution Of Foster.


New YORK, March 81, 1873.
The final act IN the ''Carhook tragedy
is closed William Foster who muir
dered Avery D. Putnam two years ago,
has at last suffered the extreme penalty of
the law. He was hanged in the prison
yard of the Tombs at precisely 9 :15 O'Clock
this forenoon, in the presence of about
three hundred witnesses. There was an
immense crowd Of people in the streets
around the gloomy walls of the Tombs,
| all anxious to hear the first tidings from
within, and when it was announced that
Foster had met his fate, a murmur of re-
lief ran through the assembled thousands
Within the Tombs walls, previous to
the execution, the scene was exceedingly
solemn and impressive. The men who
had been commissioned as special deputy
sheritfs TO witness the hanging stood with
uncovered heads waiting the appearance
of the sad little procession, composed of
the prisoner, the officers in charge, and
the faithful spiritual adviser. Overhead
was a lar'e canvas awning, stretching
from the south wall OF the prison to the
main prison, completely hiding the scat
fold from the view of the people who
thronged the roofs of the adjacent build
ings. A brisk March breeze lifted this
huge canvass in undulating waves and
threatened to break il loose from its faster
ings.
The gallows was the same which has
done duty IN eleven previous executions
The last time 1t was used before to-day
was on the occasion of the execution of
of the negro Thomas, in 1871
The police arrangements for preserv-
ing order in and around the Tombs were
admirable. Two hundred policemen, de-
tailed from the various precincts, were on
hand, under the immediate command OF
superintendent Kelso.
Although Foster was in terribly nerv-
Gus and weak condition last night, he met
his death to-day with great deal more
fortitude than was expected. He was al
most calm, and seemed resigned.
Previous to the execution, Rev Dr.
Tying, Fosters spiritual adviser. made a
very lengthy prayer. Daring the prayer
Foster showed considerable uneasiness.
Then the death warrant was read amid
brcathless Stiffness
Foster lay down on his bed about two
o'clock this morning. At six he arose
from his bed and with remarkable self
possession prepared to make his last toilet
Breakfast was provided Tor him by the
matr0n, but he refused to eat
Soon after the Rev Messrs Tying and
Schoomakcr arrived, and administered
spiritual consolation to the unfortunate
man during his last two hours in this
world
AT the appointed hour, eight o'clock
this morning, the Deputy Sherffs met at
the Sheritf's office, and having received
their black slaves of office. marched in
solemn procession 10 the Tombs
THE PRISONERS BEHAVIOR
Foster, after the departure of his rela,
tives last night, returned to his accustomed
seat in the corridor near the stove, and
engaged at intervals in conversation with
his keepers, Deputy Sheritfs Hamburg and
Seebacher. He said but little, however,
and seemed to be engaged in deep medi-
tation. His cell door was opened near
him. but he maifested no desire to sleep.
Hours passed in this way At u o'clock.
midnight, the verge Of the day on which
he was to die, Warden Johnston visited
the prison and spoke to the doomed man.
About what time do You 90 to bed ?"
asked the Warden. ''WelI, about 10 or
II o'clock generally" replied Foster ''that
is, when get sleepy, but am not sleepy
tonight" No wonder he was not sleepy.
Twenty feet from him the gaunt scaffold
reared its outlines dimly in the inky black
ness of the night, and would be invisible
We're it not for the cleaning of the lamps
on the walls in the prison yard At one
o'clock this morning he still sat in his
chair silent save at rare Intervals but
with no signs OF fear about him, and
thing whatever OF bravadO-a quiet and
resolute man. He finally retired to rest
a little after , o'clocS and slept soundly
till awakened this morning by the sheriff.
Warden Johnson remained in the prison
all night prepared for any emergency, and
ready for the sad work of to-day.
FOSTERS Personal APPEARANCE
When Foster first appeared in the
Coroner's office, two years ago, he was
decidedly repnlsive looking man; his
face was red and swollen from excessive
drinking, and he looked thoroughly dis
sipated, Long imprisonment had some
what refined his skin and features, and in
his last days he was a fine specimen of
humanity, almost handsome He was
little taller than the medium hight, round
shonldered, small, closely drawn mouth,
thin lips, and had a well shaped aquiline
nose. Altogether his countenance was
strongly and intelligently marked, and
once seen not easily forgotten. He dressed
through his confinement with unusual
neatness, and was most clearly in his
habits and appearance. Even during his
last days he was most exact in his toilet
and dress
HIS RELATIONS.
His uncle, Mr.. Kemp, the druggist of