Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1892-05-20
Stonewall Jackson's Description Of the Exc
Gution Of John Brown.
From The Life and Letters of Gen. Tnos j. Jack
nv wi

From The Life and Letters of Gen. Tnos. j. Jack
son by his wife.l
''CHARLEsTowN, Nov. 2Sth, 1853,
81 reached here last night in good health
and spirits. Seven of us slept in the same
room. am much more pleased than ex-
pected to be; the people appear to be very
kind, There are about one thousand troops
here, and everything is quiet SO far. We don't
expect any trouble. The excitement is con-
fined to more distant points. Do not give
yourself any concern about me- l am COM
Portable, for temporary military post
day at about half-past eleven A. Nj. He
behaved with unfinching firmnesS, The
arrangements were we'll made and we'll exc
cuted under the direction of Colonel Smith
Inc glhhet was erected III large field, south
east of the town. Brown rode on the head of
his coffin from his prison to the place of exc
cution., The coffin was of black walnut, en-
closed In box of poplar of the same shape
as the cotfin. He was dressed in black frock
coat, black pantaloons, black vest, black
dominating red. There was nothing around
his neck but his shirt cellar. The open wagon
in which he rode was strongly guarded on all
sides. Captain Williams Formerly assistant
professor at the lnstitute) marched immedi-
ately in front of the wagon. The jailer. high
sheriff and several Others rode in the same
wagon with the prisoner. Brown had his
arms tied behind him, and assembled the scat
told with apparent cheerfulness. After reach
Ing the top OF the platform, he shook hands
with several who were standing around him.
The sheriff placed the rope around his neck.
then threw a white cap over his head, and
asked him if he wished q signal when all
should be ready. He replied that it made no
dlHerenee provided he was not kept waiting
too long. Lin this condition he stood for about
ten minutes on the trap-door, which was sup
ported on one side by hinges and on the other
lIhe south slde) ny q rope, Colonel Smith
then announced TO the sheriff all ready
which apparently was not comprehended by
him, and the colonel had to repeat the order.
when the rope was cut by single blow, and
Brown fell through about five inches. his
knees falling on level with the position oc-
cnpied by his feet before the rope was cut.
W.T., the fall his arms, below The elbows,
his arms gradually fell, but by spasmodic
motions. There was very little motion of
his person for several moments, and soon the
wind blew his lifeless body to and fro. His
lace race upon 1 the scaffold, was turned little
cadets, commanded by Major Gilman. NV
command was still in front Of the cadets. ali
facing south. One hOwitaer assigned to MI.
irueheart on the left OF the cadets, and with
troons occupied different positions around the
scafold, and altogether it was an imposing
but very solemn scene. | was much impress,
ed with the thought that before me stood
man IN Inc 1till vlg0l OF health, who must in
few moments enter eternity, sent up the |
petition that no MIGHT ha saved. Awful was
Epe thought that he might in few minutes
receive the sentence. depart. We wicked, into
everlasting fire + Ihope that he was prepared .,
o die, but am doubtful. He refused to have
J minister with him. His wife visited him
asst evening. His body was taken back to
ne JAZZ, and at six clock P. NJ. was sent to |
us wife at Harper's Ferry. When it arrived. J
he coffin was opened. and his wife saw the |!
emains. after which it was AGAIN opened at /
ne depot before leaving for Baltimore lest |
here should be an imposition. We leave for I
loMe via Richmond tomorrow"