The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-08
TIE SCAFFOLD.
Hanging Of Sturtevant, the
Halifax Murderer.
DETAILS OF THE TRAGEDY.
An Unrepentant, Disappearing
Criminal.
PLYMOUTH, Mass. May I, 1875.

The terrors OF the scatiold were realized here to-
day by the young man, William II. Sturtevant.
who murdered an old woman and couple OF his
uncles in the neignboring town OF Halifax year
ago last February. Inasmuch as an execution 10
an extraordinary event in this Pilgrim locality,
the circumstance was regarded almost In the light
OF gala OCCASION ana the very best citizens from
the surrounding country were cordially IN
vited TO participate. The ceremonies were
also graced ana dignined by the presence OF
a commissioner from the Legislature, and there
was also present an array OF distinguished law
yers, judges OF the smaller courts, the District
Attorney, sherifrs from other counties and an
abundance OF politicians Indeed, the occasion
was quite entertaining to all save the unfortunate
wretch who had richly earned the penalty
which he so bravey suffered.
THE LAST HOURS.
There was nothing very remarkable in the con-
duct or the condemned as the final hour APP
preached. He maintained his usual Indifference
and slept as sound last night as ne did any nigat
during his eighteen months OF connne-
ment in JAIL Yesterday afternoon he re-
ceived a visit from his wife, who had
not seen him before for several months. Mrs.
Sturtevant, on ner arrival, proceeded to the cell
room, but was not allowed to approach nearer
than within four feet OF the cell door, nor to
shake hands with her husband. ON her nrst APP
he controlled his emotion with visible effort. It
was some minutes before either spoke and 1t
seemed almost impossible TO commence a CONVEX
sation. He spoke first and said, Don't cry Abby.n
she replied, asking him If he had drawn any pic
lures lately; that she was very mnch pleased with
those he had recently sent ner abiding to some he
had drawn, framed and sent to her about ten days
ago. One OF them was bust, copied from maya
zine. One, sent to his boy about two and hair
year old baby was a representation OF children
blowing bubbles. she asked nm what she should
40 with the children. He did not know, but
would ike her keep them together if she could.
He made general inquiries about certain friends
and relations, but the conversation was very
commonplace. The interview terminated in
about half an hour, and was abruptly brought
to a close, as Mrs. Sturteyant was seized with
nervous spasms upon winch 1t was found neces-
sary to remove her. Mr. and Mrs. Dow, with their
TWO little girls, accompanied Mrs. Sturtevant in
this interview. Mrs Dow Is sister to the pris-
oner,s father. william made some remarks TO
the little girls ana to his own baby. who was also
with them. After the attack OF illness Mr.. Dow
led Mrs. Sturtevant toward the entrance hall and
the others retired. As she drew near the door
she said, "3oodby, Willie,n ana with repetition
OF these adieus TINS interview was ended. Mr..
Dow having placed Mrs. Sturtevant in
care OF sympathetic parties returned ana
asked sturtevant II he had any messages
TO send to friends. mot q word" he re-
Piled "Anythng for your sick father 2"
was asked The prisoner replied that ne neither
asked 10 see him nor TO send to him. During the
whole OF the interview Mrs. Sturtevant snet tears
freely and her husband mad hard WORK to control
his feelings. At all their interviews they have
shown affection and extreme sympathy, and,
though evidently at a loss to express their feel
ings, have impressed all with a sense or their
pleasant relations.
THE PRELIMTSARIEs.
II was dark and stormy morning and all ma
ture seemed TO add gloom 10 the mournful occa
sion. There was a large crowd outside the
jail In spite OF the storm; but only those pro-
vlaed win tickets were admitted within the yard.
Half an hour or 50 before the execution the
prisoner was conducted from his cell 10 the cor
rfaor where tie chaplain Of the jail was IN
waiting. Sturtevant seated himself IN chair,
where ne tipped Dac> and surveyed the lew
spectators wItD entire indifference aud apparently
felt little concerned ABOUT MS approaching end.
advanced towards StuTtevant and sp0ked words
OF consolation, assuring him that the zeal ne had
manifested In his beaalf was for ms good, aud
with the hope that II might have helped him 10
prepare Tor tue mat change that awaited
him. Appropriate selections OF scripture
we're then read. a. ter wnIca Mr.. Hatnlwas made
some very impressive remarks. In which ne endeav-
ored 10 arouse the feelings OF sturtevant, but ne
renamed unmOved and was The most unconcerned
Of those present The allusion to the situation or
tue conde mned as one wac nad neen unfortunate
in the batye Of lie was beautifully expressed and
enlisted the sympathy of us nearer, anu ~ con.
cluslon the speaker reminded them that whatever
to lsn unless the blessing OF God at
tended him. ieryent PRAYER was taegg
for Tue great charge that awaited nim and that
whatever uninendly feelings ne bad toward MS
meet MS end without bitter thoughts toward any
one. During all these exercises the condemned
man seemed wholly Indifferent as 70 what was
going on or the terrible late which awaited him.
NO CONFESSION.
Just before leaving tne jail Sturtevant informed
the Sherin that he should nor have anything 20
say at the gallows, and desired that the mony
be as short as possible. lie had no confession 10
make NJ informed a friend on Thursday, and ore
ferred that MS children should have tne benefit OF
the DOUBT OF MS quit rather than acknowledge
that he committed the crime. In striking contrast
to ma statement was one made 70 the CHAPLAIN
today lust before leaving bis cell LOT the scaHOld,
when sturteyant said. II am as innocent Of this
crime as was nve years ago. Just as the clock
was striking ten the jail door opened, and SherIn
Bates. followed by Sturtevant aud Deputy sherins
Wheeler and TOrrey upon eacn SIDE OF the COZ
demned, walked quietly down the concrete walk
10 the galows and Sturtevant stepped upon the
platform without q trem0r and took MS place
beneath the fatal rope, wuich was oosenea from
above ana let down TO his neck. Tue black cap
had been placed upon his mead before leaving the
Iai ana the straps fastened aDOnt his ankles aud
Just above tile knees, while both hands we're
pinioned. lie shook hands with the chaplain,
Deputies wheeler and Turrey, and with MS at
tendants but ala not manifest the least particle OF
feeling. he nad previously thanked the onlcers
for the Kindness they mad shown MIN, and mad
babe the Snerfr and others farewell.
Al three minutes past ten Snerin Bates COM
menced 10 read the death warrant, ana the cool
ness he exhibited was only equalled Dy the won
derful nerve displayed by Sturtevant. During the
reauing OF the warrant ne surveyed the spectators
az coolly az thou h he was ABOUT to deliver
stump speech, and did not ninca in the least. lie
occasionally glanced at the Sherin 70 see how
much more was 20 be read and seemed TO be re-
neved when IL was finished.
THE FINAL SCENE.
Danufv sheriff WncpteF then ulaced the rome
around Sturtevan Is neck, VITA tue Knot about
midway between the ears, on the back par Of the
neck. the Dla cap drawn down over tue
face, the straps were frightened aud everything
being Ia readiness, sherin Bates, IN a very GEAR
voice, said william T.. Sturtevant, IN ODedience
10 this warrant / now proceed to execute tue
same, aud my prayer Tor you Is the promise Of our
saviour when on the cross. lie sald 4 MS day
snait thCu be with me IN Paradise.iN As ne
ceased speaking the sheriff. at elgnt minutes past