The Sun. — 1856-07-14 (London, England)

EXECUTION AT SAN FRANCISCO.  James P. Casey and Charles Cora were hung on the 22d of May, by the Vigilance Committee, at half-past 1 o'clock, at the head-quarters of the Executive Committee, in Sacramento-street, near Davis. Both prisoners bad been tried before the committee, or a portion of it, and had been found guilty. These trials were in secret, and the reporters of the press were re,used admittance, and were usable to acquire information from thee) present, who, as it appears, were sworn to secrecy. A promise had been made to Casey, before he was taken, that he should have a fair trial, and be permitted to speak ten minutes. These conditions were doubtless oblerved. Casey was informed, on Wednesday afternoon, that he had been condemned to be hung. While under charge of the Vigilance Committee his spirit appeared to be unbroken. When awakening after a sleep, he would frequently strike the floor with his handcuffs and swear fiercely at his fate. On Wednesday afternoon, a young married woman, his cousin, was permitted to visit him. They had some conversation together. He told her that he was to be executed, and she swooned on hearing it. During the evening, the Right Rev. Bishop Allemany attended Casey, who had been educated in the CathColic religion. During the night he was restless, and passed a portion of the night pacing up and down. He was heard to excla;m° "00, my God ! has it come to this I Must Ibe hung like a dog'?" During the first two or three days I might as well have escaped from the jail as not, and I only stayed there for Scannell's sake." Casey made a will, the particulars of which are unknown to us. He had considerable property to dispose of, estimated by rumour to be worth $30,000. Casey was thin and pale, and his expression was haggard. His face appeared coarse for the want of shaving, no razor having been allowed him for shaving. Cora attracted loss attention, and conducted himself more quietly. "Report says he was married to his former mistress, Belle Cora, but the rumour obtains but little credence. At 8 o'clock, the General Committee was notified that Casey would be executed at half-past 1, and ordered to appear under arms. During the morning preparations were made for the execution. Beams were run out over two of the windows of the committee-room and platforms about three feet square extending out under each beam. Thee platforms were supported next the house by binges, and outside by ropes extending up to the beams. Along the streets, for a considerable dietacce on each side of the place of execution, were ranged the committee, more than 3,000 in number, some on foot with muskets and others on horseback with sabres. No outsiders were permitted to approach within 100 yards. Beneath the place of execution were several cannon and caissons ready for use if necessary. The houses in the vicinity were covered with spectators, and in the streets were collected probably not less than 8,000 or 10,400 persans. At a quarter-past one Casey and Cora were brought out upon the platforms. The former was attended by the Rev. Father Gallagher. The arms of both were pinioned at the elbows, and both wore white caps, intended to be drawn over the eyes before the drop fell. Cora walked composedly, and stood stiffly, while his companion addressed the crowd. Casey exclaimed, "Oh, God, pardon and forgive me. Oh, my mother! my mother ! I hope she will never hear of this. Oh, God, have mercy on ley mother ; comfort her in her affliction. Oh, God, have mercy on my soul, Ob, my God ! my Gad !I am not guilty of murder—l did not intend to commit murder." Some one here said, "It is not necessary to repeat that again." Casey was confused at this, and, mentioning the name of his mother again in a low tone of voice, he drew back. As be did so, the drop beneath Cora was withdrawn, and his body fella dietance of about five feet. He did not move—his neck was ne doubt broken by the shock, and there was orte soul less in the land of the living. The rope was adjusted around Casey's neck, and ho weakened in tilts knees so that a committeeman had to support him. He was placed on the platform • a moment afterwards it fell beneath him. He struggled a little, but at the end of about three minutes he ceased to move, and he too was dead.—California Chronicle, May 24.