Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-06-26

One Nearly Escapes from Jail through
the Efforts Of His sWeetheart-An
other Attempts SuicIde-The Third
Dies Protesting His Innocence.
BOSTON, June 25.-The execution o
Jas. Henry COstley took place in the yard
of the Dedham jail, at 9:43 O'Clock this
morning, the body being cut down at I0:16
The murderer bore himself with much
GOODNESS, and ate an early breakfast as usu.
al, having slept sOundly during the night
At o'clock Rev. VIM. II. Brooks, Episco-
paliau, held private religious services with
the doomed man, who at $40 took his stand
upon the drop. He made no statement,
merely shaking hands with his execution
ers. Yesterday he was busily engaged in
writing a statement, which has not yet been
given to the public, but it is thought to be
a full confession.
IA few days ago, a Miss Sarah z. Cush-
ing, who was affianced to the doomed man,
secretly conveyed to him vitriol, English
files, a small brush, and other tools, after
ward found by Isaac Porter in COstley's
cell. Isaac Porter was COstley's keeper,
and the latter disclosed the plantO him, Of
feTing him handsome fortune for his as
sistance. Porter pretended to assent, but
after the tools were brought in and in bis
possession, diyulged the plan to the turn
key and resigned his position. 1t is said
that a gang of men had been hired 10 at
tempt a fOrcible rescue, $4,000 having
been subscribed by Miss Gushing and 9TH
ers Of Costley's friends for this purpose
A Charm that Was Broken.
THOMAsT0N, ME., June 25.-Wagner
= 4 l.. - l.
day, kept up a bold front till this morning,
when Wagner appeared much excited. He
has believed in the saving power Of "a charm
which be wore next to his heart, but at last
realizing its impotence, ne broke down.
Both men protest their innocence. Gordon
requested that the inscription "COme unto
Me all ye that are weary and heavy laden
aud 1 will give you rest, be placed on his
tombstone; also that hymn "Jesus, lover of
my sOul' be sung at his funeral. Neither
Of the men eat any breakfast. At l0:45
announcement was made that Gordon had
attempted suicide by
stabbing Himself
with the blade Of ashOe knife. He had been
previously searched and his getting posses
sion of the knife is a mystery. The wound
was in the region Of the heart, and he was
found lying on the floor Of his cell by a
deputy warden, who went TO prepare him
for tie gallOWs. At 1l:30 the Sheriff and
his deputies entered Wagner's cell and
pinioned his arms, and at 11:45 Wagner
marched to the gallows, walking resOlutely
and mounting the scafold with a firm step.
When the rope was adjusted about his neck
his countenance bore a placid expression.
Gordon was brought down by four men.
He was unconscious and had been so since
he was discovered after his attempt at sui
eide. He was placed in sitting position on
a box on the drop, and supported by two
deputies. His face was as pallid as a corpse.
Wagner cast his eyes towards him and
turning to the spectators said,
1StandinE Here 20 Die,
1 proclaim my innocence before God"
Gordon made no sign of life save a faint
moaning. Wagner bade adieu 20 several
prison friends, and said he hoped that at
some future day the real truth of his case
would come to light. At 11:49 the spring
was touched, and the two bodies were
hanging in mid air. Neither moved a
muscle, their necks being broken by the
shock. At 1920 the bodies were cut down
and placed in cOffins. A strong impression
seems to be gaining ground Of the possible
innocence of Wagner.