The Sun. — 1856-12-22 (London, England)

EXECUTION OF JACKSON FOR THE MURDER OF HIS TWO CHILDREN AT CHESTER.  The execution of William Jackson, for the murder of his two children in A ugust last, at Chester, took place this morning at eight o'clock in front of the city gaol. The attendance was not so numerous as was expected, hut still there was a great number of spectators present. The preparations for the execution commenced yesterday afternoon, and by six!o'clock all the preliminaries for carrying out the dreadful sentence of the law had been completed. The final interview between the unhappy culprit and his wife and children, which commenced at halt-past two o'clock, did not terminate until five yesterday afternoon. The chaplain and the Rev. Mr. Dicken, who were present, represented to our reporter that the, separation was inexpressibly distressing on the part of the wife, but that the culprit maintained a calm composure. After the interview the prisoner prayed with the Rev. Mr. Dicken for some time, along with the chaplain, and until eleven o'clock he was left alone, with the exception of occasional visits from the turnkeys. The chaplain returned at eleven o'clock, and remained with the culprit from that hour up to the time of his execution. At half-past twelve o'clock this morning the city sheriff, Mr. J. Jones, who was represented by Mr. P. Bordessa, went to the Castle, and, presenting the warrant for the prisoner's execution, which had been directed to him, demanded the body of the culprit. The warrants given to the county and city gaolers having been exchanged, Mr. Dunstan, the governor of the county gaol, gave up the prisoner, and he then left the Castle in a cab in charge of Mr. Steel, the governor of the city gaol, and Mr. Bordessa, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Kilner, the chaplain of the county prison. Before leaving the county prison, the culprit was formally asked it he had had proper spiritual assistance ; he replied, " I have had all the assistance that I could have expected." On arriving at the city gaol, and being shown to his room, he was supplied with some port wine, and afterwards smoked.for a time. The chaplain then waited upon him, and prayed with him for some time, and subsequently he had a second short sleep. At five o'clock the chaplain again visited him, and remained with him up to seven o'clock, when, in company with the governor and the officers of the gaol, he attended service in the chapel. About five minutes to eight o'clock the city sheriff announced that the hour for the execution was approaching, and a procession from the chapel was then formed, headed by the Rev. Mr. Kilner. the chaplain of the county gaol, and the Rev. Mr. Ilewson, chaplain of the city gaol, and followed by the culprit in charge of the two gaolers. On arriving at the pinioning-room the services of Calcraft were called, and in a few moments this process was completed, and, with a firm step, the wretched man ascended the steps leading to the drop. On appearing on the platform the audience manifested rather a feeling of compassion than indignation towards the unhappy criminal. There were evidently many who sympathised with the domestic miseries which are believed to have led him into the commission of the horrible crime of which be bad so justly been found guilty. Immediately before the execution the chaplain asked him if he admitted the justice of his sentence, when he replied, " I do ; the Lord Jesus receive my spirit. Lord have mercy on me ; Lord have mercy on me." As he was repeating this ejaculation the bolt was drawn, and, without even a momentary struggle, he died, and the lifeless body of Win, Jackson was dangling in the air. We have ornitted::to state that from the time of his con•  damnation his appetite never failed him, and this morning he partook of a hearty breakfast.—Liverpool Chronicle of Saturday..