The Sun. — 1860-11-01 (London, England)

RESUSCITATED MURDERER.  The following strange story appears in an American paper :—" There is now no use in concealing the fact that Albert W. Hicks, who was ostensibly executed for piracy on Bedloe's Island on the 12th. of last July is still living, though in a dangerous state, but likely to recover the full use of his faculties and limbs. The sight of his left eye is gone, and his left leg continues paralysed ; but, apart from these injuries, he would appear to have suffered nothing, and his residence at his sister's house in Poughkeepsie has proved every way beneficial. It will be remembered that much comment was excited by the utterly fearless manner in which Ricks conducted himself previous to his execution. He laughed at the idea of the gallows, and was only anxious, as he repeatedly said, to have 'things conducted according to agreement.' In this agreement it is now believed that a prominent Federal officer had a part, and it is on record, in the daily papers, that he was present at the execution, wearing his deputy-marshal's badge, although no longer in the marshal's force. It was also remarked at the time that Hicks was only pulled up a distance of 24- feet —utterly insufficient to break his neck—and that he was only allowed to remain 13 minutes hanging. He was then cut down and pronounced dead, after which his body was immediately handed over to the care of Drs. J. T. Bell and H. D. O'Reilly, of Brooklyn. These gentlenien are responsible for his resuscitation, and the electro-chemical bath, inventedby Professor Vergues, was the immediate instrument. The body of the pirate was wrapped in warm blankets, and removed at once to the house of Dr. O'Reilly,in Brooklyn, Where Drs. O'Reilly and Mellery, of this city, were in attendance. The pulse was found to be wholly quiet, but after various experiments the medical men came to the conclusion that it was only a case of suspended animation. The body was therefore placed in the electro-chemical bath, and while subjected to the charges of the battery and the action of the acids Dr. Crane commenced a series of experiments for the inflation of the lungs. In the course of about two hours these were pirtially successful, the pirate beginning to give faint indications a respiration • and these cheering signs animated the medical menin attendance to redoubled exertions. A cautery was applied to the right foot, .and received answer in an immediate contraction of the leg ; the same expel-talent Tv n 3 rapcatod undor tho right ear, taking care not to injure the jugular vein, and the head at one commenced rolling in a manner indicating acute feeling. Very slowly, but steadily, Albert W. Hicks regained consciousness, though for several days unable to speak, his throat being too severely injured. It was then found that his left eye—the side on which the noose had: been— had lost all power of sight, and that his left arm and leg were utterly paralysed. In this condition he was conveyed to Poughkeepsie, where his sister, Mrs. Gavan, lives; and under her roof he is now sheltered, though the friends of the family do not desire to give too much publicity to the fact."— Express.