Star. — 1827-09-03 (London, England)

EXECUTION OF SLADE.  HUNTINGDON, Seer. 1. Joshua Slade, the confessed" murderer of the Ref. Joshua kraterhonse, of Little Stakeley, in this county. 'underwent the sentence of the law this morning, at a little distance from hence. The concourse to witness this awful spectacle was immense ; men, women, and children, from all parts of this county, and many people from the adioing counties were assembled. It is supposed there were upwards of five thousand persons present; others rate the number as high as seven thousand, the greater part of whom were of the agricultural class. The place appointed for the execution was at the foot of a little hill, at the base of which ran an inlet of the river Ouse ; from this declivity, which formed a sort ofamphitheatie, the whole of the assembled multitude could see the exit of this unhappy young man. ,• From the time of the respite to- the day of ewe. don, he conducted himself in a manner becoMing his situation. A few days ago on being asked what was his state of mind, as be said he had no desire tocontinue, any longer in this world; be bad made his peace with his MAX kit. and was prepared to meet the sentence which the justice of the laws of his country imposed upon him. He spoke tut little, but answered any question with proper feeling. About eleven o'clock, the bell of St. Mary's Church announced his departure from the jail; and such was the curiosity to have a glimpse of the culprit, that the street for a considerable distance was completely thronged, and the windows on each side were crowded with spectators. The prisoner was drawn in the usual way to the place of execution, attended by the Under Sheriff, and the necessary officers. On his way thither, he looked neither to the right hand nor to the left; b with a wan countenance, downcast eye, and inclined body, accompanied with frequent tremblings, indicated what was passing within. Having reached the place of, execution, he found the Chaplain had preceded him,' and was assisted op the ladder by the executioner.--. 1 Taking his situation between the ladder and the Chaplain. everything appeared totally disregarded by him, and be ccntinuedlrembling, with his eyes still cast downwards., The Chaplain prayed with him in the most feeling and impressive manner, frequently placing his hands spew Slide's shoulders, himself much moved. After 'swag for some time, he affectionately shook Jtaads with the criminal, and slowly retired. The executioner now put a cap on the criminal's bead, and adjusted his neck for the fatal rope. At this awful moment his agitation forsook him, he erected his body, and appeared firm, calm, and collected, at the same time casting his eyes on the thousands assembled. This was the only glimpse he took ! The cap was now drawn over his face, immediately after which he addressed the multitude in the fqllowing words, in a clear, audible voice—" My friends, take warning; • the wages of sin is death—the gift of God is eternal He.' Farewell, My friends! Adieu !" A minute elapsed ere the drop fell, when an involuntary sob issued from the crowd. The fall caused him to vibrate a few moments : as the vibration became less, be struggled, then moved no more. After hanging the usual time, he was cut down, put into a coffin, and tido back to the jail, whence he will be removed to-night, for dissection on Monday next. blade was dfissed in a fustian jacket and trowsers, tech as are worn by our agricultural labourers, striped waistcoat, black hat, blue neckerchief, which latter was put into his hands, and which he continued to bold till Le was cut down. Jo hit person he was about five feet five inches bids. of a moderate size, with black hair and eye-brows. His eyes deep stink for so young a man; his nose short and turned up t his mouth protruding. and rather unpleasant.  COCoa-