Alston Herald, and East Cumberland Advertiser. — 1875-12-25 (Alston, Cumbria, England)

THE DINNINGTON MURDER. EXECUTION OF CHARLTON AT MORPETH.  lioarsru, Thursday, 9 I. sr,  This (Thursday) morning, the last dread sentence of the law was carried out in Morpeth Gaol on Charlton, the Dinnington murderer. The morning was dark, and the cold was most intense for the spectators, who numbered about 200 in front of the gaol. Supt. Cox, with a force of men, paraded the front part of the gaol; but their services were not required, as the crowd, which consisted principally of working men who were too intent upon looking for the black flag to be hoisted to indulge in any noisy demonstration of sympathy for the convict. One of the first officials to put in appearance at the gaol was Mr Leadbitter, the Under-Sheriff for Northumberland, who left Newcastle by the early train, and on arriving at Morpeth Station proceeded direct to fulfil the duty of demanding the body of Charlton for execution. The chaplain, the Rev. Thomas Finch, directly afterwards put in an appearance, and about a quarter to eight, Drs. Bramwell and Skrimshaw were the last to enter. As to the unfortunate man, he spent—as might naturally be expected—a somewhat restless night; he rose at half-past five, and, after partaking of a light breakfast, went to chapel, where he was received by the chaplain. This was at twenty minutes past seven, and, at his special request, he partook of the communion. He then engaged in prayer until a quarter to eight, when the formal notice was given to him to follow his warders to the pinioning room, which adjoins the chapel. On arriving there Marwood lost no time in fastening his arms, and then at ten minutes to eight the mournful procession was formed, and consisted of the Under-Sheriff and his bailiff, the Governor and deputy-governor, the chaplain, followed by Charlton, two prison warders, followed by the medical gentlemen already referred to. As they had only a distance of about 150 yards to the scaffold they arrived at the fatal spot in about two minutes. The culprit walked without assistance, and quietly allowed the executioner to perform the necessary arrangements before the bolt was drawn, as he appeared to be fervently engaged in prayer. Not the slightest manifestation of fear or timidity was shown, either by his face or body. As the prison clock, which was at three minutes before the regular time, struck eight, the usual signal was given, the bolt was drawn, and almost simultaneously the black flag was run up, announcing that Charlton had paid the last penalty of the law. He appeared to die in. stantaneously, as only two twitches of the shoulders were ebserved, and then all was still.  The volcanic condition of the crater of Vesuvius is increasing in intensity, and the instruments at the Observatory are agitated.  In consequence of the unparalleled success attending the administration of Todd's Quinine Wine in C 118438 of nervousness, debility, indigestion, and all stomach corn. plaints, some unprincipled tradesmen for the sake of greater profit are endeavouring to deceive the public by offering spurious imitations at a low price. It is there fore absolutely neoessary to ask for and have only Todd's Quinine Wine, and see that the name of "Joe Todd" is upon tbe Government stamp pastod over the cork of each bottle. Manufactured only by Joe Todd, Cb mist, Carlialo.