The Sun. — 1827-09-03 (London, England)

EXECUTION OF SLADE.  HUNTINGDON, SEPT. I.—Joshua Slade, the confessed murderer of the Rev. Joshua Waterhouse, of Little Stukeley, 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 of the adjoining counties, were assembled ; it is supposed there were upwards of 5,000 persons present ; others rate the number as high as 7,000, the greater part of which were of the agricultural class. _ _  The —place appointed for the execution was at the foot of a little hill, the base of which is watered by an inlet of the river Ouse. From this declivity, which formed a sort of amphitheatre, the whole of the assembled multitude could see the exit of this unhappy young man, who, from being neglected in his boyhood, and encouraged by his mother in committing crime, rather than being punished for doing it, was easily misled in his youth, and has thus paid with his life the penalty of his crimes. From the time of the respite to the day of execution, he conducted himself in a manner becoming his situation. A few days ago, on being asked what was his state of mind, he said " he had no desire to continue any longer in this world ; he had made his peace with his Maker, and was prepared to meet the sentence which the justice of the laws of his country imposed upon him." He naturally spoke but . little, but answered any question with proper feeling. About 11 o'clock the bet' of St. Mary's church announced his departure from the gaol ; 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 ; but 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 up the ladder by the executioner. Taking his situation between the ladder and the Chaplain, every thing was totally disregarded by him, and he continued trembling, with his , eyes still cast downwards. The Chaplain prayed with him in the most feeling and impressive manner, frequently placing his hands upon Slade's shoulders, himself much moved. After praying for some time, he affectionately shook hands with the criminal, and slowly retired. _ _  The executioner now stepped forth, put a cap on his head, 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 cast' ing 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 spoke the following- words My friends, take warning—, the wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life:=Farewello 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, b* struggled,—then gng, eadn,d7-ctahrreilei dbackmoved n too tmh e gaol, o re. Whence ea ginthe usual titne,i..---mos 4,ut down, put into A will be removed this evening for dissection. Slade was dressed in a fustian jacket and trousers, such as are worn by agricultural labourers, striped waistcoat, black hat, blue neckerchief, which latter was put into his hands, and which he continued to hold till he was cut down. In his person he was about five feet five inches high, of a moderate size, with black hair and eyebrows ; his eyes deep sunk for so young s man ; his nose short and turned up ; his mouth protruding, and rather unpleasant.