The New York herald., 1875-12-17
THR TOMBS MURDERTRS.
10y
Dolan Granted a Stay Of
Proceedings,
A VERY NARROW ESCAPE.
What Legal Push and Per
sistency Achieved.
THE NEGROES TO DIE.
Interior Of the Tombs the Day Be
fore Execution.

Yesterday eventful day in the Tombs People
we're constantly coming and going and the narrow
space between the cells in that portion OF the prison
where those condemned death confined was
made alive with visitors, deputy sherGs and keepers
moving to and FRO. In the afternoon, when the prison.
confined the upper tiers OF cells permitted
make tho Of their respective balconies for
exercise the great OF Gathering feet busy
tongues and eispeled the thoughts death that many
visitors were apt 20 suppose should prevail at such
lime and IN such a place. In fact, for awhile
ihe scene partook OF holiday character Two
n the condemned to death walked
about the space outside their cells smoking
rigars, and gave 10 stranger the impression
that they some Official capacity with
ihe prison In the morning Doan, Weston and
Thompson were visited by Catholic clergymen among
whom were Fathers Duranquet, Barry and zgler -Four
Sisters Of Mercy, two Of whom we're sisters OF the
prisoner called on Dolan who bad previously partaken
Of the Catholic communion AT hafpast eleven his
wife and mother called and with tears IN their eyes
told him that they had Just heard the Governor de-
clined to interfere and the execution must go Do
Ian but little dscomposed at this announcement
lie took both females aside and assured them he still
had hope told them to cheer up He related what
he had read il the papers regarding Judge Donohues
doubt or bis guilt and the likelihood Of Mr. Beach
Feeding n securing him trial Mother and wife
Ihcn len him 60 Judge Donohue's and watch
lhe course OF proceedings
Ii the meantime, between ten in the morning and
two in the afternoon numerous visitors mostly news
paper people, clergymen and relatives OF the con-
demned called. At noon there was much hustle link
ing together large batch Of prisoners for Sing Sing
This part Of the Tombs which occupies the rear wing
Of the building, curiousy constructed. 1t is
row obong space 200 feet long only about twelve feet
wide and open from floor 10 ceiling on either side
rising above the other four tiers Of cells with
balconies in front, united by bridge and galleries
The whole is heated by large old fashioned on
ihe ground floor and in the immediate vicinity OF the
condemned cells The aoor is Of black and white
bic tiles and there ample supply Of light and
heai the general air OF the place is uncomfortable
THE coLoRED MuRDERERs
Weston, one OF the colored youths sentenced 10
death for the the peder was seated for
time the end OF the corridor with poor woe
BECOME withered-up little white woman clad IN black
Her eyes were red with weeping, and her thin small
hands played nervousy with each other Weston is
OF mulstto complexion, with large OK eyes, one OF
which s blind His manner and voice betokened
The rufan and though he claimed he should have been
lot on on verdict OF murder in the second degree
clear be the inspiring genius Of the into
which be led the other two.
Es the other colored cuprt was standing up,
talking TO Rev. II. H. Garnett when the HERALD
reporter entered He looked boy OF about
twenty years, somewhat understood and very dark.
There was intelligence and some degree Of hrmness
bis looks He said to the reporter:-"My father is
dead but my mother Is living down in Wilmington ~
c. have relatives in this city, but a good many
friends has to | here
There's use, spose in looking for any pardon, but
Use resigned ! trust in the Lord, who never disap-
points one" On seat behind him sat colored
girl Of about his age and appearance thus
spoke TO the reporter she began cry wnereupon
turned round TO console her, eIcusing himself from
further with his visitor This girl was his
betrothed, and it really touching sight see the
last interchanges Of affection between them
Thompson, the other colored culprit, after spending
some time with his confessor, permitted 70 come
out Of his cell and walk about He old suit OF
clothes and with a red handkerchief around his neck
q battered hat on his head and long cigar in his
mouth, made, despite the circumstances, an amusing
appearance All this, united to his very black skin
Ethiopian features and simple looks banlshed all ordi-
nary conceptions OF murderer from the minds Of his
visitors he said to the HERALD reporter:-"I was
born the eastern Of Maryland and cook on
board man-ofwar for several years. | drove cart
in this city and did odd jobs here and there
gagged in the murder Of the Jew pedler but was led
astray and think have repented before God
DoLAS's DEMRASoR
John Doan who mistaken By the reporter for
Somebody connected with the prison. took matters
with the coolest indifference. He wore a cardigan
Jacket black cloth pants and a cap II was hard TO
believe, looking into his clear brown eyes that he
could be the hardened he BY the
police he spoke with cheerfuness and hope and in
varably proclaimed his innocence Of the murder He
showed neither trepidaton oravado and certainly
for who had just been Informed or the Governors
absolute decision ard with the gaows 50 near al hand
he made remarkable exhibition OF nerve He SAID
his appearance, however gave little indication Of his
wretehed state
In the meantime the condemned negroes we're de.
prIved Of further useless hope.
THB LAW MUST TAKE ITs COURSE
At ten o'clock A. NJ the Rev. Thomas A. Davis 4
negro Methodist preacher who has bcen in constant
attendance upon Ellis, handed Counsellor W. r. Howe
the following letter from Mr. Charles Steobins Gov
ernor Tden's private secretary, announcing TO Wes-
ton that the Governor could interfere hs behalf
and that the law must take its
The preacher asked Mr.. Howe II he would appeal 10
Judge Barrett for stay OF proceedings.
Mr. Howe replied that be would willingly do 30 II he
thought that there was the fanest chance Of il doing
any good but he felt certain that 1t would not The
reverend gentleman then withdrew.
The following ts the Official document
ExEcurrvE CHlHExn. ALsASY. Dec. is. 1875
cHAHlgs WESTON city Prison New York = ,
o your Ii would s nees
be sOsa % = @ Win his dqty n however
must therefore prepare i0r the the law
lAEicts for your crime
CHARLES sTEBBrNs. Private Secretary
The envelope bore the following inscription from
weston, written y penci! n a distinct and bold
hand -
thins How that you could see the Judge Barrett
asking ~ benefit commteng 'or Ute auoh sht doae
LAST FAREWELL rsE NEGROES
~ half past I've O'Clock n NJ. tho last partrn on
earth TOOK place between the negroes and their coun
sci, william '. kntzlng and John q. Mott The Tombs
was closed TO outsiders and the order 81 warden Quinn
delivered 70 the turnkey n attendance In the stern
voice Of authority was he prison closed 10 night
% all except deputy sheras /" The counsel or coufse
were excepted, and ~ the HBRALD reporter Who
accompanied them.
inside in Murderers' Row tho lamps we're liz and
threw their htfu uncertain glare on The 8Usky objects
below The small army of deputies was there, With
Father Barry two Sisters Of Charity and the regular
attaches Of the prison. Tho counsel With the re-
porter, entered soemny AMI Erst approaches Ellis
who smoking . cigar while waking 10 and iro
along the pavement