Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1905-02-10

CnarlotJeSVllle, a.. eD. ~
McCue's last day on earth dawne(
bright and clear. As if to mock b in
the storm clouds of snow and rain had
, vanished with the night: leaving a
LAY of exceptional. warmth and beau
ty. 1t was appointed that he should
| die between SUI rise and sun set, but
It McCue's own req uest the agony was
TO be over as soon as possible, after
sun rise. The hour therefore arrang
ed was 80 o'clock. At that time as the
sun was just peeplDg, over the eastern
hills-the iron door of the Jail swung
open and emerging from it came the
condemned man; walking on either
side of him were City Sergeant Rogers
and Rev. G. L Petrie d. ID. following
these came Rev H. B. Lee and Rev
John b. Turpin, Deputy Sergeant s.
| e. Lushbaugh and two assistants.
| Marching araund to the rear jail yard
the small procession halted in front
| of the scaffold nom ent, just long
| enough for the ministers to say last
| good bye. then turning they walked
away. Outwardly though pale and
| calm aud with steady Step McCue as
cended the steps of the scaffold and
stood SO uarely no the trap; there his feet
were strapped and his hands cuffed
behind him, a leather strap piniOued
his arms snugly to his sides. There was
thrown over him a long black robe
which was buttoned down the back
and then was rdjusted the black cap.
There was DO scaffOld scene and no
words from the condemned, save few
uDdertone remarks to those who were
adjusting him for the drop. All was
quickly and quietly made ready and
then bis last words in quiet fervent
whisper to deputy Lushbaugh Good
bye and God bless you" Mr.. Lush
baugh left the scaffolG and at a signal
the rope pulled. the post under the
trap fell and the body of McCue fell
with a thud and jerk that sent a
thrill of horror through every soul
that witnessed it, After few turns
the body quieted and the official ply.
slcians stepped forward and folding
back the robe, pressed the speculum
to his heart For some minutes it
beat, and there we're fiutterings which
Kept up for 10 minutes and then all
was over. Soon after, the body was
taken down and placed in a coffin
where it rested at the jail lodge till
he hearse called for it. The fall of
feet failed to break the neck and
Heath must have been caused by |
though it was stated
" the physicians that McCue was I'M
conscious in a second from the shock
If the drop, and there were only mus
,ular contractions. When he appear
ID on the scaffold McCue was attired
n steel gray trousers, and white shirt,
leld at the waist by leather belt-he
wore neither coat or vest, but when
dressed for burial these articles to
match the pants were put on.
There was au ugly indentation IN
Ter his throat, caused by the rope, and
here was slight abrasion of the skin,
lut even this scar was hidden by the
high collar that came we'll up Oh the
leck. Traces of blood stained the
lose and mouth, In death his face
vas calm, with natural expression.
Prison confinement had bleached his
Usually healthy ont of door complex
on, but his features were full and bis
odY as plump and healthfu as usual,
howing none of the nerve wasting
'ower that one would expect from the
errible and long ordeal through which
e had passed.
Last night by request, two of his
Minister friends, Revs. H. B. Lee and
ohm B. Turpin, spent the entire plight
With him. With these he conversed
nd prayed till early morning when he
I'll into restless sleep.
At half past o'clock tempting
reakfast was sent up from town
estaurant for McCue and his two
reacher friends. But it was not
1uched. Not a one of the trio had
by taste for the savory meal.
Vhen saw it by the cell door it was
touching reminder of the last act in