The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — 1833-04-12 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

EXECUTION OF WILLIAM CLAYTON, -FOR  M URDER.  (From the Nottingham Journal.) On Tuesday last, the execution of William Clayton the younger, for the murder of Mr. Samuel Kay, aged 41, of Sotton, in the parish of Sutton-cum-Lound, near East Retford, took place upon the new drop in front of the Shire Hall. Clayton was born at Bulwell, near this town, about eighteen years ago, where his father carried on the business of a tailor. During the latter part of last week, Clayton looked forward to his fast approaching ignominious fate with comparative fortitude and composure. On Sunday morning, in consectuence of a letter received from the office of the Secretary of State, the melancholy tidings were communicated to the prisoner, that his execution must positively take place on the following Tuesday morning. The announcement effected little or no change in his demeanour; he had evidently anticipated the worst, and seemed desirous to prepare for the last scene of his mortal agony. In the afternoon of Sunday, divine service was performed in the chapel of the gaol, by the chaplain. When the preacher, in his discourse, alluded, in the most feeling terms, to his approaching death, the unhappy man was deeply affected; and the dreadful anguish of his soul was evidently depicted in his countenance, notwithstanding the efforts by which his wonted firmness strove to suppress the manifestation of his mental sorrow. Several of the prisoners and attendants were much affected during the service.  On Monday evening, Clayton took an affecting leave-,tf his father, aunt, and youngest sister; and up to two o'dock on Tuesday morning, he employed himself in attending to his religious duties, and in writing letters. He said Monday had been the happiest day he had spent since his condemnation. He slept between three and four hours, and at six oclock was visited by Dr. Wood and the Rev. J. Brookes, who continued with him nearly an hour. At half,-past seven the culprit was removed into the-turnkey's lodge, where he was pinioned, and a few minutes were spent in prayer. On reaching the body of the hall, and coming in sight of the drop, he stood and looked upon it, as though he was perfectly willing to proceed to it; a seat, however, waspointed out to him, which he took for a few minutes, and on bearing the threequarters strike by St. Mary's church clock, supposing it was eight, he rose to go upon the scaffold. He was told he had fifteen minutes longer to remain, which were occupied in conversation, but in a tone little higher than a whisper. During this period he gave Mr. Brookes a letter, which he had written.  On being asked if he had any further confession to make, or anything more to express, or that he wished to be done, he said " No ; " and in answer to questions put by Dr. Wood, he declared that he expected pardon only through the merits of Christ—that he died without malice or to any person in the world—and that he placed his confidence in Jesus Christ, because he had promised him support in the Holy Scriptures. As the church clock struck eight the procession moved; and on reaching the scaffold, Mr. Brookes came forward, and said that he had been desired by the prisoner to say a few words to the people, and to read the following address, which he had written and given himself the night before to Mr. Brookes. We give a literal copy :  " I whish all to attend to my last words I am guilty of the offence I have had no hapiness since all sin is bitter I hope I am sorry for my sin before God he has given me peace such as I never had before 0 take warning from me and avoid Sabbath breakeing drinking swaring whoring & all sins for thes has brought me A untimely end "William Clayton." During this period, and while the rope was adjusting, Clayton stood composed, and apparently engaged in silent prayer. All being ready, the signal was given, and at ten minutes past eight the drop fell—his neck was instantly broken, and he died almost without a struggle. After hanging the usual time, his body was removed for interment in the upper felon's yard. On the wall at the foot of the grave are cut the following letters and figures—" W. C., 1833."  The concourse of people assembled on this occasion was not so numerous by several thousands, as at the execution last year after the Special Assizes; and little or no sympathy appeared to be excited by the young man's fate.