The Sun. — 1859-07-04 (London, England)

EXECUTION OF SAMUEL ADAMS FOE MURDER.  This morning Samuel Adams, aged 36, a shoemaker, underwent the extreme penalty of the law in front of Newgate for the murder of Martha Christina Page, in the parish of ilornsey. The deceased was sister to the convict's wife, who had separated from him on account of his intemperate habits, and on the sth of May, while she was proceeding to Abney Park Cemetery with a relative, ho came up and demanded to know where his wife was, and on the deceased refusing to tell him, he drew a knife from his breast and stabbed her three times, from the injuries of which she died. Since the trial, which took place at the last Central Criminal Court Sessions, and sentence of death passed, the wretched man became sullen and morose, and although the Sheriffs, in naming the day of his execution, held out no hope of mercy, he refused to listen to the ministrations of Mr. Davis, the Ordinary of Newgato. An application was made to the Secretary of State, who refused to interfere, and said the law must take its course, and after that was communicated to the wretched man, by degrees he became less sullen and morose, and requested to have the ministration of Mr. Jukes, an Independent minister, which was granted, but that gentleman being out of town he requested the attendance of a Mr. Smith, of Philip. street, Hoxton, a City missionary, who attended bins during the week, and to whose admonitions be appeared to pay great attention, but declined those of the Rev. Mr. Davis. , On Saturday he had an interview with his wretched wife, and at first it was feared he might attempt to do her some bodily harm, but by the judicious reasoning and presence of Mr. Weatherhead, the governor, he became so calm and resigned as to express his sincere sorrow for the crime he had committed, freely admitting the justice of the sentence he was to undergo ; ho freely forgave and pardoned his wife, and begged her forgiveness and pardon, which she readily accorded him, and, after an affectionate farewell, they parted to meet no more. Yesterday (Sunday) Mr. Smith continued in attendance upon the wretched man, who refused to attend the service in the chapel of the gaol ; he was, however, visited by the Rev. Mr. Davis. He retired at an early hour, and slept soundly, but awoke at six this morning, and was soon after joined by Mr. Smith, who remained with Ifra to the last, and he frequently admitted the justness of his sentence, and joined in prayer for forgiveness. As early as five o'clock, the workmen completed the preparations for the fatal scene that was to be enacted, the scaffold being brought out and placed in front of the gaol ; and from this time crowds gradually assembled, until, at the fatal hour, many thousands were present. The crowd was not so numerous, but more orderly than usual, although some of them were of the worst description. At half-past seven the sheriffs, Alderman Hale and Mr. Deputy Condor, and Mr. Under-sheriff Surr, arrived at the • gaol, and at a quarter to eight they proceeded to the condemned convict's cell. The wretched man was standing up in a subdued, calm, resigned state, lie had previously requested of Mr. Davis, the Ordinary, that no communication should be made to him, he merely whispered to Mr. Smith, and then went on his knees, covering his faco with his hands, and for some time appeared to be engaged in earnest prayer. He rose more calmly, and shook hands with the chaplain, Mr. Weatherbead, the governor, and surgeon, thanking them for their kindness, he then turned to his spiritual adviser, Mr. Smith, and, shaking hands with him, begged him to convey his last remembrance and forgiveness to his wife. Mr. UnderSheriff Surr asked him, if he wished to make any other communication. Hereplied, "No." Calcraftwas then introduced ; the ceremony of pinioning havingbeen completed, the chapel bell tolled forth the fatal death knell, the procession was then formed to the scaffold, the wretched man, although club-footed, walking firmly. The fatal noose having been adjusted the signal was given, and he was launched into eternity. Ho appeared to struggle much. The body, after hanging the usual time was cut down, and will be interred within the gaol.