Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-07-09
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
SPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE GAzETrE.]
Execution.

HARRISBURG, Pa, July 80 day al -: SO
p w. Lewis Rosentine aud John Moody paid
the highest penalty Of the law for the murder of
Abram Benin, an old farmer living short
distance from Middletowu, Dauphiu county, On
the evening Of November A. 1873. Both ot
the condemned men made confessions short
time after the seuteuce of death had been pro-
uounced upon them. They differed slightly 10
a few puuts but showed that both We're guilty
of the horrible crime, which had been premed-
itated Roscntine had for some time past ex-
pressed himself as being prepared and ready to
die, while Moody acted sull4n and seemed to
hope for Executive cleweucy up to withio a
few days of the time set Tor The execution,
when meeting OF the condemned was brought
about at which Moody also expressed his read-
ness to die. Rev DR.. Steltiug, Of the First
English Lutheran Church of Harrisburg aud
Rev. Mr. Baker, coiOred, have been very
attentive to the prisoners and given them
all the religious aid that lay In their power
R1scntine slept from to 6 clock this morn
ing Moody did not, but walked his cell all
hight This morpiog Moody had cooversa-
ton with his father aud wife through the win
dow Of his CELL Rosentine has no relatives aud
very few visitors but his spiritual advisers.
From to IL 80 this a. H. divine service was
held iu the cell of the doomed men. They
manifested great interest and appeared much
impressed. Fervent prayers for the salvation
Of their souls were offered by the clergy in at
tendance. At last 20O persons were prescott 10
the Jail yard. The scaffod which had been
used several times. was erected as close to the
southwestern wall of the yard as possible 10 or
der to prevent outsiders from viewing the ex-
ecution from house tops, trees, nc, overlook
ing the yard At II u. H. Moody and Rosen-
tine we're brought together for religious exer-
cises. The meeting was very friendly A
luuch was served them, of which they partook
with relish Rvseutiue made the remark that
it was the last meal on earth aud hoped the
next would be u Heaven. Moody seemed re-
concilcd to his fate. Wilkins Grey aud Joho
Preston, both witnesses against the condemned,
were brought from their cells to those OF the
prisoners where a reconciliation took place be-.
tween them. At l2:27 the prisoners were
brought into the Jail yard accompanied by the
clergy aud Moudys wife aud father Moody
and Roseutine assembled to the scatfoid with
very firm steps. hymn was sung, the prlso-
ners joining 10 with great animation. Rev. Mr.
Baker read an appropriate chapter from the
Bible. y tervcnt prayer Was then offered by
the same clergyman. R.v DR.. Steug follow
cu III prayer AZ l-.fD tHC spiritual SAClSisS7
being closed, Roscutlne made a short address.
He hoped every man would forgive him, as be
knew God had forgiven him. He hoped to
meet all in Heaven. bless all who pray for
me. I hope to meet you all again. | thank
God | can die now have done wrong
and am sorry for it. | have no bad feelings
against any one. | murdered Abram Benin.
| bid you all goodbye May God have ,morcy
On my soul, amen Moody made a longer
speech, but it was very incohcrcn:, the sub,
stance of which was that he was along with
RoSeniue and deserved to die. He hoped for
forgiveness, thanked his attendants for kind
treatmenr, prayed God to bless all friends,
aud hoped TO meet his mother 10 lleav-
Gu White bags were placed over their
heads aud their feet were pinioned and at
l2:5O the drop fell with loud thud. Ro.
sentiuc died aim st instantly. No movement
was noticeable with the exception of slight
h.aving of the chest, Moody struggled consid-
craby, for three or four minutes. After hang
lug about thirty miuulcs life was pronounced
extinct, Moody remains will be handed to
his family and Roscntiue to the county.
The only eligible spot FROM where the execu-
ton was to be seen was from the rooi OF the
Court House where about 100 persons were