New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-03-23
THE GALLONS s.
EXECUTION OF TWO NEGROES.

SAMUEL CHAMBERS AND GEORGE COLLINS HANGED
AT WILMINGTON, DBL, BOTH DECLARING THEIR
IyNOCENCE.To the LAST.
NEWCASTLE, Del, March 22.-Samuc Cham
bers and George Collins, the two negroes convicted OF
assault upon Kate Smith, alias OToole near Middle
town. August ) last, hanged to day. The woman
was tramp. and in company with James Smith, alias
Ccgg her alleged husband, tramp!ng through the
state Since the trial and conviction Cegg has
made n declaration that his testimony false
aud that the woman not his wife; and that the
acts for which the men were convicted were com
miitcd with her cOncen On the strength OF this ana
other evidence tending To weaken the testimony al the
trial. petitions for PARDON and others for rcpreyc have
been presented to the Governor and so late yester
pay and The day before delegations Of citizens and law
yers called him on behalf Of the condemned men,
but without avail
Chambers IL thirty -fvc and Collins about nineteen
wears of age Last night they rested better than any
time they have been in prison. and felt better
this morning. They brcakfastcd lightly and at
$50 VISITED by two colorcd ministers. the
Rev. Isaac Young and the Rev. Thos. NJ. Herbert.
Soon after a. m the prisoners were visited by the
Rev H. M'Makn, OF Newcastle, and by delegation Of
the Yonng Mems Christian Association, whom Chambers
thanked for their efforts IN his ana Cons's behalf The
three ministers remained, aud the prisoners were
greatly affected. At 1880, Warden lerlman pinOncd
the prisoners. and at 1887 they led out Sheriff
Young and MMakln and Warden Hcrdman
assembled the scalold IN the order named. About 200
persons were present TO witness the execution. At IL
the Rev. M M'Makin made pra yer OF i've minutes
DURATION the prisoners frequently making responses of
amen, A hymn was tLen given out by the Rev. Mr..
Young, and sung by the prisoners whose voices were
weak and trembling. Chambers then said he wi for
given Governor Cochran and those who had injured
him. and called on God TO bless his friends and enemies
ankle He then declared his innocence OF the
crime for which he was to suffer, and
hoped that Delaware would never hang
another innocent lie then said, hnskily Let me
90 now | am ready. LIES work IL done" Collins
spoke so low that he was nearly lnaulbe lie made y
short PRAYER asking God 10 forgive him The scahod
was then deserted by all except Sheriff Grub,
Warden IIerdman. and the Rev. Mr.. Young. The
nooscs were adjusted upon the mems necks, ana
the black caps drawn over their heads.
Ar Ills sheriff Gmbb. with two blows Of hatchet,
severed the ropes and the bodies fell straight down with
a heavy tiud Collins made cOnyusiye movement
and stlll. Chambers drew himself up several times
and then made movement except that 0ccasl0ned by
breathing which lasted about i've minutes. Chambers
died IN eleven minutes, aud Collins hall minute later.
Hob died easily The bodies cut down and placed
IN pine collins Application Will be- made Tor their burial
I'm The Am>hOusc Cemetery ut Wilmington. AT the exc
cution little or no excitement was manifested.