The New York herald., 1874-09-27
EXECUTION IN TENNESSEE.
Bascom, tho Murderer OF Nolan
Hanged at Bolivar-Stolid Indinor-
ence Of tho CulPrit.

Bascom, tho Murderer or Nolan
Hanged at Bolivar-Stolid IndifYer-
ence Of tho Culprit.
MEMPHIS, Sept. 90, 1874.
Robert Bascom. negro. sentenced to death for
the murder OF JoBn NARROW, q white man, IN
Hardeman county, year ago, was executed at
Bolivar Tenn, to-day For several weeks through
lear that the negroes OF Hardeman county would
attempt his rescue the prisoner was confined in
this city and was not removed to the place OF exc
cution until yesterday Up to that time he seemed
uncoDcerned as to his impending fate. Inter
viewed as to his situation and the crime for which
ne was convicted he said -
year ago the 7th OF last August was walking
along the r. al near Pocanontas, when Mr.. jim
Moan came riding back and asked me II had
seen anything OF spelling book. He had been
to town and had bought some books, and was
on mis- way nome when he dropped one or
said that he did. said hadn't. He called me a
liar, and got OF his horse to search me- saying that
l was the only one that had passed along the road
since he had lost the book. We got INTO a scufie,
when | broke loose from MIN, and, pulling
my revolver, shot him twice, both bullets
entering just over the right eye and Killing him.
That was Friday afternoon. l got on his horse
aud struck out IN the woods and went to Tafe.a,
MISS, where they arrested me the next Sunday
and TOOK me back to Bolivar. had my trial last
July and was sentenced to be hanged next Satur-
day and suppose they VIII do It. 1 have not
thought anything about 1t one way or the other;
1t don't trouble me any, for II ] have to be,
THERE IS NO USE TALKING.
At Bolivar to-day the weather opened dark and
lowering, with lgnt showers. Crowds OF people OF
both colors. the whites predomnating largely,
came ia from the country in the forenoon. Rev. MIR.
Gray, the spiritual adviser OF the condemned man.
visited the all early, when at the request OF the
prisoner the ordinance OF pap tlsm was admin.
istered. Bascomb made full concession OF his
that he elt that he had made the necessary
preparations Tor death. The rain came
continued until three p NJ At e'e, one o'clocS aeH
the >nerln and posse appeared at the jail and
received the prisoner, whom they placed IN
wagon, with mis- cOffp, ana the clergy yman and IN
dertaker accompanied the prisoner TO the gaIlOws.
The crowd, whicn seemed ANXIOUS to witness
the spectace-made even more horrid by the
neavy ran-began to move rapidly along the
muddy streets toward the galiows. strong
guard which had been provided by the Sheriff Ioi
lowed the wagon and formed a no low square
by the SherIn and the Rev. Mr.. Gray, ailghted
from the wagon and mounted
THE SLIPPERY SCAFFOLD
as best he could with stacked feet. The
decree OF the Court under which he was
read By the sherli alter winch the clergyman
by the Episcopal Church. During the preimlnaries
the prisoner appeared nnmoved and perfectly IN.
ulHeffht TO MS fate. Tue tal11nR RAIN saturated
the wnOle gown which HAD been put upon him,
The rope was placed about his neck and he was
asked h he had anything to say TO those around
him. lie hesitated slightly, but began by saying:-
"DOn't let the devil work with you. II had
worked lor God as | have worked Tor the devil
would not be here in this fix to-day. That Is all
have to 4y."
He seemed to be ar loss for words to express
himself Iur her, though the same stOlid indiffer-
cnce clung to him un the black cap was placed
over his head. l he Of1cer novel him slightly to
the front, where he stood without the moving OF
muscle.
'But You have only three minutes to llve." said
the sherh. Stih no movement The rain fairly
poured down and the multitude remained fixed IN
suspense as breathless az the miserable cuiprlt,
whose span Of life was being measured by minutes,
unmndul OF the peltlng rain their interest
becoming intensified as the fatal moment ap-
proacned When the three minutes had expired
THE SHERIFF REMOVED THE PROP
suddenly the drop fei; aud the body OF Roo Bascom
was dangling IN the air. To ali appearance his
death Was an easy and speedy one There was a
slight drawing up OF the shoulders and a
convulsive quiverinR OF the lower ex-
tremlties. Alter remaining suspended Tor
few minutes an examination OF the bouy
was made and lie declared extinct The body
was then taken down ana delivered TO the
proper persons for burial, and the now
satisfied spectators separated to indulge in
the comments incident to such occasions.
There was not the least disturbance during
the day, aud the people OF the community
express themselves as being relieved that the
execution Is over. At this time the people have
quiet as usual Very many negroes have this even
ing expressed themselves satisfied as to the JUS
tce or the execution. and bow submiSsivey to the
stern decree OF the law.