Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1886-08-17
The Execution Of John Brown.

"Shortly before II o'clock the pris-
oncr was taken from Jail, and the flu
neral cortege was put in motion. First
came three companies, then the Grim
inal's wagon drawn by two large
white horses. John Brown was scat
cd on his coffin, accompanied by the
sheriff and two other persons. The
wagon drove to the foot of the gal
lows and Brown descended with alac-
rity and without assistance and as
cended the steep steps TO the platform.
His demcanor was intrepid, without
being braggart. lie made no speech /;
whether he desired TO make one or
not do not know even if he had de-
sired it, it would not have been per-
mitted. Any speech Of his must Of
necessity have been unlawful as be-
ing directed against the peace and
dignity of the Commonwealth, and
as such could not be allowed by those
who were then engaged in the most
solemn and extreme vindication Of
law.
John Browns manner gave no cv-
idence of timidity, but his counte-
nance was not free from concern, and
it seemed TO me to have little cast
of wildness. lie stood upon the scat
fold but short time, giving brief
adieus TO those around him, when he
was properly pinioned, the white cap
drawn over his face, the moose adjust
ed and attached TO the hook above
and lie was moved, blindfOlded, a
few steps forward. 1t was curious
to note how the instincts of nature
operated TO make him careful in put
ting out his feet, as if afraid he would
walk Off the scaflold. The man who
stood unblanched on the brink of
eternity was afraid of falling few
feet to the ground.
Everything was now in readiness.
The sheriff asked the prisoner if he
should give him private signal be-
fore the fatal moment. He replied,
in voice that sounded unnaturally
naturalist composed was lis tone
and so distinct its articulation-,that
lit did not matter TO him, if only they
would not keep him too long waiting.
lie was kept waiting, however; the
troops that had formed his escort had
to be put in their proper position and
while this was going OH he stood for
some 10 or Is minutes blindfOlded,
the rope around his neck and his feet
Oh the treacherous platform, expect
ing instantly the fatal act; but he
stood for this comparatively long
time upright as a soldier in position
and mOtiOnless. | was close to him
and watched him narrowly to see if
could see any sign of shrinking or
trembling in his person, but there
was none. Once | thought | saw his
knees tremble, but it was only the
wind Blowing his loose trousers. Ills
iirmmess was subjected TO still iurth-
er trial by hearing Col. Smith an
nounce TO the sheriff, I'VE are ready
Mr.. Campbell The sheriff did moi
hear or comprehend and in louder
tone the same announcement wa;
made. But the culprit still stood
steady, until the sheriff, descending
the flight of steps, with a wcll-direct.
ed blow of a sharp Ratchet, severed
the rope that held up the trap door
which instantly sank sheer beneath
him. lie fell about three feet, ant
the man of strong and bloody hand
of fierce passions, ofiron will, of won
derful vicissitudes, the terrible partl
san of Kansas, the capturer of th,
United States arsenal at Harper
Ferry, the would-be Catillne of tn
South, the demigod of the abolition
lists, the man cXecrated and Landed
damned and prayed for; the ma
who, in his motives, his means, hi
plans and his successes, must ever b
a wonder, a puzzle and mystery
John Brown, was hanging betwee
heaven and earth.
There was profoundest silence dur
ing the time his struggles continued
growing feebler and feebler at eac
abOrtivc attempt to breathe. Iii
knees were scarcely bent, his arm
were drawn up at a right angle a
the elbow, with the hands clenched
but there was no writhing of til
body, 10 violent heaving of the ches
, AT each feebler effort at respiratio
y his arms sank lower and his legs hun
. more relaxed, until at last, lank All
straight, he dangled, swayed slight
u to and fro by the wind.-J. Il. L. Pre-