Vicksburg weekly herald. (Vicksburg, Miss.) 1868-1883, 1878-06-14

fervOr. Contrary TO general expecta.
ton, Dixon made no speech on the
scsfOld. Although Arm and composed
10 an extraordinary degree, bis thoughts
seemed to be upon his prayers and
preparation for death, aud not upon
anything Of q sensational order. He
exhibited great fortitude while the
moose vas being adjusted and his hands
and feet piniOned, seemingly not trem.
bling or moving q muscle. His face
bore q sorroWful look, but not q fright.
ened one--he had no fear OF his terrible
death, but was perfectly resigned and
willing to die. II is said that be 70.
quested 10 be hung with the iron man.
acles on HE legs which he had worn
while In jail, but they were removed
before be was led out to execution.
This idea was prompted by q feeling Of
humility, and q desire to expiate his
crime 90 as to make &c much atonement
as possible for II. The black cap
was put over Dlxon's face, and at
3:l2 the Sheriff pulled the handle
which freed the heavy iron weight, aud
as It dropped with great force Dixon
was suddenly jerked up by the neck
about three feet ABOVE the platform.
lie remained motionless for several
seconds, and then his fingers and hands
began moving, q movement of bis feet
followed, which increased, until he re.
peatedly drew up his legs, which i'm.
parted a swinging motion to his body,
In the meantime he made a desperate
effort 10 free his hands, and drew one
Of his arms partially upwards. AT
:l6k his struggles ceased (; at $40 he
was examined by the physicians, Drs.
O'Leary aud Birchett at 3 :52 his body
was taken down, put in the coffin
which had been placed in front OF the
scatfOld, aud as the clock struck 4, his
body vas carried out Of the Jail yard.
The fainting Of young negro man
was the only incident that occurred
durilg the execution.
THE sI,TERs OF MERCY
were with Dixon till 3 o'clock, and TO
their gentle minislrations and excellent
instructions, was no doubt due a great
deal Of the fortitude he displayed.
DIxoN's LAST LETTER.
The following 10 copied from Dixon's
own handwriting, and is a letter adj
dressed to his mother. I's perusal may
be of benefit 10 some who should
change their curse of life, and avoid
his sad fate, The letter is evidently a
truthful ouIpobring Of bis feelings, and
his good.by to the several members OF
his family will touch the 81 mpathy OF
ali:
Vicksburg. Mes june the I 1878
Ny Dieing Request
My Dear Mother these arc my last
Words to you and my Dear Sisters
have Been go bad you my not under.
stand II | hardly understand II myself
only know that lod ia merciful an / thai
It Is Best for me to die have repented
my sins | have confessed them | hope
that lod has forgiven them | belive thai
/ though a great sinner shall be saved
and now my last request my Mother
aud sisters please forgive me aud pray
for me aud n last request 60 to your
duties live the life of q Catholic chris.
ton and We Will soon meet again Ia
live 10 gether happy for all eternity
Dear Mother don't grive rejoice Be
glad think II Is all for the best | had
Rather die now and save my soul than
live many years aud lose II II my soul Ii
saved oil is saved II It is lost all is losl
So my Dear Mother forgive me ell
the trouble i have given you | hope "a
Be able by the grace Of God to die like
} q Christian / have all things most
need. good Mother you will not for.
get my dying request. so / bid fare
we'll 10 ell aud may God bless you ell
WILLIAM NOLAN.
remember me your poor son and
brother. WILLIAM NOLAN.
good By Mother
good BY Kate
good By sarah
> good By little sarah
good BY Mike
good By Quo
good By 10 all
I god Bless you all
, WILLIAM NOLAN.
Mississippi Press Association.
THIRD DAYS PROCEEDINGS.